Stumbling through Godhood

by freeraynman

If you could travel through alternate realities what would you do? Become a God and rule or chillback and go with the flow? Inspired heavily by 'Cruel To be Kind', '12 Steps To Omnipotence', 'Rise of an Empire' and a million and one other fanfics. If you see stuff and think that it's similar to another fanfic. it's probably because we read the same story and I liked that idea.

22. Chapter 22

Hi Everyone!

I know everyone is excited to get to Stargate so I expedited this chapter and condensed as much as I could so we could get to it.

Thank you for all the great ideas in the reviews. Keep them coming. NZT and a certain green ring will definitely play a part of the story.

Thank you for reading!

Enjoy

Chapter 22

Year 7, Day 330: Harry Potter Universe, July 1996

Sunken into his chair, his chest moved with quiet, heavy breaths while bile was building up in his throat, as if to physically embody the felling of disgust surging through his being, Voldemort watched with sharp eyes the scene unfolding before him.

At first the sound of their measly, pathetic voices was muted but as the meeting progressed it rose into a pounding screech grating his brain, dreadfully enhanced by cavernous dining hall of Malfoy Manor.

It took active control not to snap and separate the souls from their bodies.

He watched as his Deatheaters, 'the cream of the crop' of magical Britain, he almost snorted at that thought, argued and blamed each other for their ineptitude and imbecility like insolent children.

Voldemort's eyes settled on the spitting and shouting form of Avery, a shameless bootlicker like no other. Ever since he came back the Deatheater had been trying to get into his good graces every way possible. Not that Voldemort minded the efforts it's just that it would help if he wasn't such an imbecile.

"How could you let that happen?" Avery asked with a drizzle of saliva escaping his lips.

The victim of his progressively more spit laden verbal attack was none other than Voldemort's supposedly competent right hand man Lucius Malfoy.

"As if I had any input into that decision! Fudge and Bones gave the go ahead to install the 'Goblin Clear Waterfall' before anyone else knew!" he responded heatedly.

'Lucius, Lucius, Lucius…what am I to do with you?' The aristocratic blond wizard had proven to be a competent and skillful ally in the war before the untimely accident with baby Potter.

"You should have blocked it in the Wizengamot!" Avery spit.

Now though that competence and ruthlessness was…lacking.

"Even if it had come to a vote we couldn't have blocked it. The Chamber is split three-way and Dumbledore's faction and the guilds would have supported it." He spit out in barely contained anger.

Malfoy's beautiful Black wife Narcissa was sitting to his right, all doled up, not a hair out of place, no emotions showing on her face while his whelp of a son was doing his best not to be noticed on the left.

"Then you should have used the Imperio curse to get the votes!" Avery responded in ignorance.

"Ah, what a brilliant idea! Should I have pulled my wand out in the middle of the session and start throwing curses right in front of everyone including the head of the DMLE? What a brilliant, brilliant idea!" The sarcasm oozing off of him. "You also work there Avery and I don't recall you barging in and Imperiing the minister or the other members. Why is that? Please go ahead and enlighten us!"

'Family…that's what has changed. A potent weakness and … tool for control' The Dark Lord thought.

Voldemort saw Avery flush and try to bluster a response only to be interrupted by the calm and concise voice of Pius Thicknesse.

"The point is moot. No funds from budget were required to install the 'Clear Waterfall' therefore it would have never gotten to The Chamber. It was all done within the purview of the Minister as the executive head of the Ministry." The goatee sporting man said, he would of course know since he was in charge of the Treasury.

'A slimy and ambitious one…vying for Lucius's seat.' Voldemort thought with interest.

"Perhaps we need a new Minister of Magic." One of the voices of the gathered spittle said.

"How many times do I have to repeat myself! We do not have the votes for it. If we push Fudge out it's either Bones or Scrimgeour and both are hardliners!" Malfoy yelled out in almost a growl.

"Kill Bones and place Scrimgeor under the Imperio Curse!" Selwyn blustered out, another 'genius' among his chosen Deatheaters.

"Only to be undone the moment he steps through the Waterfall!" Yaxley responded shaking his head. 'At least this one understands the consequences of the Waterfall'.

"Then we kill them both and put forth our own candidate." Voldemort saw Bellatrix finally speak up. She never had an interested unless it involved a brute force solution and her stay in Azkaban only exasperated that trait.

'Not subtle but a good tool to keep the others in line.' Voldemort thought, that and the ultimate devotion she had for him.

The Dark Lord saw Pius ever so briefly twitch the corners of his mouth.

'Yes, Bellatrix's plan would work in his favor. He would be the only viable candidate. Lucius is too much of a partisan and the rest…' Voldemort's hand almost twitched in anger, his wand was ready to take a few lives.

"Even so there's no guarantee Black or Longbottom or another one of them wouldn't run. It works in our favor to keep Fudge in power." Malfoy skillfully shut down that plan.

The meeting came to a pause with everyone unsure where to go from here that and they were too cowardly to ask the Dark Lord lest he focuses his anger on them.

"Then where did they get the funds? How did they convince the Goblins to part with their secrets?" Travers asked breaking the silent veil.

Voldemort was of course curious to know the answer as well.

"Once again it was through a donation to the ministry by Michael Miercuri." Pius responded smoothly while Voldemort felt anger build up. "He has the ear of the Minister and enjoys very friendly relations with the Goblins all of course on account of his abundant and charitable wealth."

All quieted down again at that revelation which ironically stoked Voldemort's anger even further.

'Miercuri!' Voldemort growled inwardly.

First that boy catches him off-guard in his duel with Potter, all due to the ineptitude of what was supposed to be his most loyal and powerful servants, then his father sticks his American nose in matters that do not concern him.

If it's not Dumbledore and Black ruining one of his plans then its Michael Miercuri coming out of left field with a bribe so large it's impossible to say no.

It didn't help that unlike Dumbledore and his lackeys 'House Miercuri' had no problem playing 'dirty'.

"That mudblood Yankee has to go!" one of the Deatheaters grumbled and the others nodded or mumbled in agreement.

Though none offered a solution for how to do it.

Attacks on the American Werewolf lover had resulted in mixed results. Miercuri manor's wards were practically impenetrable even to his most able servants while the security apparatus around the businesses were competent enough.

They responded in kind and with unprecedented public brutality.

The crucifixions and dark curses used in tit for tat attacks had frightened the lower ranks and even some of his Deatheaters.

Even he had been startled at first.

He'd fought Dumbledore and his 'light' side for so long he had forgotten what a proper wizard could do. Part of him couldn't help but admire the elusive Mr. Miercuri and part of him wanted nothing more than to Crucio that upstart until his brain melted.

Especially since House Miercuri's competence seemed so much more proficient than his own Deatheaters.

"We would have had the prophecy by now had it not been for that son of his." Avery started again looking at Lucius. "How could you not know him and Potter were friends?" he continued, tone dripping with accusation, gaze switching to Lucius's son.

'Another one of Lucius's half-baked schemed that ended in failure.' Thought the Dark Lord though he couldn't help but wonder how much of Avery's words were actually Pius's.

Voldemort saw young Draco shift uncomfortably while the elder Malfoy looked as if he was about to reach across the wide table and sock Avery in the face.

For a moment even the stoic Narcissa let an expression of hate color her face though she composed herself quickly.

"There was no indication from either students or Snape that they were more than just acquaintances." Lucius responded barely containing his fury at being attacked.

"You should have known! Your son goes to school with him, does he not have eyes or is he willfully blind?"

Voldemort saw that the elder Malfoy's were just about to draw wands. He decided it was time to put an end to this farce.

"Enough!" he shouted.

Instantly all those gathered at the table cowered back into their seats with only Bellatrix sporting a wicked smile and a sparkle in her eyes.

Voldemort stood from his seat at head of the table and walked around the table, relishing in the fear that oozed of his Deatheaters as he slowly passed behind them.

He let the silence sit with only his purposefully loud steps filling the spacious dining hall.

"You are the best and brightest of what Britannia has to offer." He said slowly. "The purest and noblest of blood, the proper rulers of the realm." Some of them at least, werewolf presence at his table not included.

"Yet all you have achieved is failure after failure, blaming each other acting like screeching muggle children." All the Deatheaters gathered seemed to shrink a few inches as they bowed their heads in shame.

None dared meet the Dark Lord's gaze as he stopped behind the Malfoy family.

"And you Lucius have failed me the most. You assured me Potter would take the bait and that you would be able to direct the Wizengamot and the Ministry to our needs yet…the opposite has happened."

"M…my Lord, Potter did take the bait, he's as impulsive and brash as described! We couldn't have foreseen that boy's interference, all from Slytherin including Snape indicated they were nothing more than acquaintances." Lucius started his stuttering defense. "As for the Chamber we're in a stalemate with Black's faction, it's the neutrals that swing the votes…"

"Often times directed by Miercuri through bribes?" Voldemort cut him off. "Something you should be countering?"

"Y..yes my Lord." Lucius said defeated.

"Another failure then." The Dark Lord affirmed.

Lucius stayed quiet.

"Black, Dumbledore and Miercuri." Voldemort started again. "At every turn one of them is an obstacle."

He paused again and looked around the room thinking who best to assign to carry out his plans.

"Avery, Yaxley you two will track Black and his entourage. I want to know when, where and how he gets to the Ministry, who he meets, for how long, what they talk about, who accompanies him and where he goes after." He said to the two Deatheaters now looking at him.

"I want to know everything and anything. You will look for an opportunity to ambush him. Him and the 'Order' will slip up at some point." He finished then turned to his most loyal follower.

"In the meantime, Bellatrix you will take Fenrir and his boys and step up the attacks on the outspoken members of the Wizengamot and Ministry officials. Black and Dumbledore can't protect everyone all the time." He said as Bellatrix's smile widened in to crazed one while the Werewolf growled in agreement. "I also want you to take out businesses supplying the Ministry. It's time we start depriving the government apparatus of resources."

"Gladly My Lord!" The crazed woman said with gleeful anticipation as Voldemort acknowledged her.

"As for you Lucius…" he started slowly "since your methods and conviction has been…lacking maybe it is time we let the new generation try their hand." He said and stepped behind Draco.

He could feel the anxiety from both the boy and his parents no matter how hard they tried to control it.

"I know young Draco here has been eager to join our ranks…" he said as a smile appeared on his snake like face "… to bring honor to his noble lineage…a requests I am willing to grant…after all have I not rewarded those loyal to me?" he asked letting the question sit his hard gaze daring anyone to answer.

"But to receive the mark and be a part of this esteemed council means to have responsibilities and dedication to our cause." He said and put his hands on Draco's shoulder surprising the boy.

"And you Draco will have the greatest responsibility of all." He could feel the boy tremble in his grasp which brought him joy.

"You will find a way to Kill Dumbledore!" he finished with a snarl as the eyes of most of the gathered went wide and some even let out gasps of surprise.

Draco's parents were shocked into place for a moment then Lucius finally gathered his wits.

"M…My Lord…Dumbledore is a very…" he started saying unsure.

"He is a very powerful wizard. Yes. I know." Voldemort released his grasp on Draco and started his walk around the table again. "The only one I could call my equal." The Dark Lord continued. "None of you here could match up to him. That I know."

"But fear not my friends." He continued in an upbeat tone. "That is why Draco is perfect for the job. As we increase the pressure on the ministry and Black, Dumbledore will be expecting an attack from us." He said.

"From outside." He paused with a smile.

"But an attack from inside Hogwarts, from one of the students? That he will not be prepared for. Hogwarts is his greatest asset, the wards practically impenetrable, he reigns supreme there. But it is also his greatest weakness." He paused once more to let his words sink into the brains of those gathered.

"Dumbledore will try his best not to harm the students he will be at his weakest when attacked from within." He paused once more as he completed his circle and was back behind the Malfoy's.

"Find a way to kill him or find a way to get us inside Hogwarts so that we may attack him when he least expects it. What say you Draco? Will you take on the mark and this responsibility? Will you bring back honor to your lineage and succeed where your father failed?"

With trembling words and a shocked stricken face Draco answered.

"Y..yes My Lord!"

"Excellent! See Lucius your son is already trembling with excitement." Lucius dared not respond but only nodded while looking at Draco.

"Now with Black and Dumbledore taken care of all that remains is the very elusive Michael Miercuri." He said and paused to look at his gathered Deatheaters. "Extreme wealth, more werewolves to his side than Greyback, wards to rival Hogwarts, competent security and willing to use the Dark Arts." He said listing off House Miercuri's advantages they would have to overcome.

"Any advice on how to handle him my friends?" He asked not expecting them to actually answer so he was surprised when on voice cut through the silence.

"My Lord" All eyes moved to the form of Pius sitting at the opposite side head of the table. "Perhaps our approach to House Miercuri has been wrong." He said somewhat silently though he did not waver in his smooth tone.

'Pius, let's see what scheme you could come up with.' He thought intrigued.

"Speak your thoughts Pius, you have my attention."

"My Lord so far we have been in an adversarial position to the Miercuri's while not knowing anything about their goals or what they are trying to achieve. Perhaps…" Voldemort saw Pius doubt himself for a split second before he continued. "…that need not be so. Perhaps our goals can be complementary."

The Dark Lord could see confusion, realization and then shock on the faces of the rest of the Deatheaters.

"You want to recruit him? Work with that Mudblood?" Selwyn responded in disgust. Voldemort allowed his outburst only because he was curious where it was going.

Pius didn't flinch instead he responded calmly. "We assume he is a mudblood because his son was supposedly raised with muggles and we assume that is where his wealth is coming from though nothing else about him indicates that is correct." he paused for a split second to gaze upon the Dark Lord who indicated with a slight nod to continue.

"From what we have gathered he was well versed in our world, customs and ways though all that have met him can confirm only one thing which is that his manners are vulgarly American. Being a brash Yankee wizard does not necessarily make him a mudblood though it does not exclude it either. Truth is we know very little about him outside of his charitable donations and public businesses. All done in a manner to which he hopes to endear himself to the society and government here."

"Are you mad?" Travers asked. "He paid to have the bloody Goblin Waterfall install. That is a clear attack on us!"

"That maybe so though not necessarily." he said turning his gaze to the Dark Lord.

"Explain." Voldemort said.

"The actual attacks on our associates have always been in retaliation for some perceived or real attack on his own house. The brutality of the retaliations while sending a message have of course not escaped the public discourse and imagination. I believe it is only the continued favour of minister Fudge himself that has kept Madam Bones mostly off his back. This Waterfall could be constructed as just another attempt to gain their favour."

"Just last month he stole two Floo Supervisor positions from us! Is that not acting against us?"

"Mr. Hedgeford is cousins with director Hedgeford of the The Three Cauldrons guild while Mr. Dunstly is the brother in law of that same director. While their lineages are not nearly as old or noble as some of us gathered here they are nonetheless from respectable families and more so my sources say that just last week House Miercuri has negotiated a very favourable potions deal with the guild with Director Hedgeford leading the negotiations." Pius affirmed.

"There were other incidents!" Another Deatheater said. "Bribes, votes in the Wizaengamot!"

"Enough!" Voldemort finally said silencing them all.

"Pius you say we should find out more about Mr. Miercuri so why have you not done that yet?"

Here the Dark Lord saw Thickness express some frustration and slunk a bit into his chair.

"All my attempts to meet with Mr. Miercuri have unfortunately been rebuffed by his infamous werewolf manager. Mr. Miercuri…" Pius hesitated "seems to never have time for me…no matter when I propose we meet."

'Essentially you're not important enough.' Voldemort and the rest of the death eaters couldn't help but think.

"Then what do you propose Pius?" The Dark Lord asked hoping he would get to his plan already.

"My Lord I propose that we try to set up a meeting between the two of you."

'How bold of you Pius.'

"If he accepts then at the very least we will be able to get him out in the open and ambush him and at best perhaps we can agree to stay out of each other's way."

The hall was silent as they all watch the Dark Lord contemplate the surprising suggestion.

"Your idea has some merit." He finally said is pose relaxing. "I will personally take the measure of this American and decide on his fate."

Though he didn't show it, all could feel Pius sigh in relief.

Voldemort turned to head back to his corner of the table.

"I believe that is all the business we have for today yes?" he asked as he reached the head of the table.

All seemed to nod in agreement.

"Very well then before we conclude our meeting I would like to remind you all of just one thing."

He said as his wand flashed in his hand faster than any of them could react.

"Failure is NOT Acceptable! CRUCIO!"

Lucius Malfoy's screams filled the cavernous dining hall.

Scene Break

Year 7, Day 340: Harry Potter Universe, August 1996

"AAArGH!"

I scream as I unleash the red coloured blast out of my right hand at my massive target hitting him squarely in the chest. The silver werewolf is launched back off his feet landing hard on his side and tumbling on the floor to a stop.

I watch as he looks disoriented for a few moments breathing heavy then shakes his head to bring back clarity to his mind and stands.

'Fuck!'

I'm pretty sure I put enough power into that Stupefy blast to down a blue whale. A muggle or wizard hit by that would have probably exploded from it but for my Silver Furred friend it just causes him to be angrier.

'The silver fur is acting as a shield.'

ROOOAAAWWR!

His screams fills the dueling arena in my Manor and I can feel him gather power.

His right hand…or is it paw now…swings back, thick sharp claws out as if ready to slice me from a distance, then swings forward and downwards towards me.

For a split instant I feel his magic surge and his claws flash white. In less than a blink I see five silver sharp scythe energy forms racing forwards intending to slice me to pieces.

I instantly cross my arms defensively in front of me as my Ultimate Shield activates.

Nick's aim is off and my shield only takes the brunt of three of the claws.

'Strong!'

From the corner of my eyes I see a white light flicker around the walls of my basement as the ward shields dispel the energy.

Yea this will make Swiss cheese of any run of the mill Protego.

Seeing his attack fail the werewolf wastes no time and rushes me at terrifying speed. Unlike me he's using all pure muscles. Each footstep thunders strongly on the floor from the force exerted.

He aims to swipe me with his claws once more though this time with the real deal instead of energy constructs. My years of practice pay off, my perception is already sped up and I'm able to react in time to block his right with my left.

'God dam he's strong!' Had I not had my sting in training with the Norse gods cough *Thor* cough I for sure would have buckled under the strength of his swing.

We stand in deadlock for a few seconds as we test pushing against each other. He is strong, probably stronger than any werewolf in this reality but in the end he is no God.

As I gain confidence from remembering the punishing hits I took from Thor I gain the strength of will and arms to slowly push him back.

'Self Actualization is a hell of a thing'

In a moment of distraction as Nick watches me push back his massive werewolf arm with mine, admittedly jacked arm for a human, I shift slightly, bring back my right hand, step in his guard and deliver a powerful open palm hit right in his chest.

Once again he flies backwards tumbling on the floor.

Truthfully that took a lot more effort that I would have liked. I can't really say I dominated that bout, mostly took advantage of his distraction.

Plus I have a lot more experience fighting at this type of 'power level'. I doubt Nick has ever been coherent enough as a werewolf before to purposefully fight someone.

Nick recovers once again but before we could start again I hear the door open and Cato's voice stalls us.

"Are you two finished for the day? You have received a very interesting letter Darrow."

It seems Nick is also glad for the interruption as with a growly snarl he starts the process of changing back into 'human' form.

"Yea all done Cato. What's this letter you are talking about?"

He hands me a white envelope with green snakes ornate around the edges as a frame and a dark mark complete with a slithering snake from the skulls mouth.

"Hand delivered by one of his minions." He says as I take the envelope. "The goat looking one in the ministry." Cato adds with amusement.

"Pius Thicknesse? The Treasurer." Nick states more than he asks. "He's been trying to get a meeting with Michael for ages now."

"Really?" Cato asks intrigued.

"Yea, Nick doesn't like him and I've just been too busy to take a meeting with him." I add looking over the envelope.

Cato looks at Nick waiting for him to elaborate.

"Too much of a bootlicker and way to smooth for my tastes. Seemed like the type of guy that would sell his own mother to advance himself. Like he'd put money in your pocket with one hand and rob you for double with the other hand." Nick said and shrugged. "Something about him irked me the wrong way."

Cato looks at the werewolf with a slightly raise eyebrow and slowly nods his head. "Fair enough. It's always good to trust your instincts."

Nick just shrugs back in response. "You should check that for curses."

"Nothing I could detect." Cato affirms. "Nor the wards."

I stare at the envelope for a moment trying to get a feel of any malignant magic.

"Can't detect anything either." I confirm to the group. "Let's see what Voldemort has to say."

It doesn't take long to read the simple and straight forward contents which actually surprise me.

"Well this is interesting. He wants to meet to discuss a cease of hostilities." I say handing out the letter to Nick who quickly reads it.

"This is obviously a trap." He says handing out the letter to Cato. "He probably wants to get Michael out in the open to ambush you."

"Yea it's pretty obvious a trap. I'm kind of confused why he would think this would work?" I ask.

"We have been hitting back pretty hard in the last few months." Nick says then hesitates for a moment. "Both the targets you gave us…and some others."

I look at him curiously as I didn't know about these extra unsanctioned activities.

Nick sighs. "The brothers…and a few others might have been going around and settling a few scores…maybe thought some extra retaliation was needed in a few cases…you know to send a message."

'Great now I had a bunch of emboldened Werewolves getting revenge on company dime.'

"And you didn't think it was wise to tell me? Does Andreas know?"

Nick gave me a bit of a scowl. "You said I had operational control and it didn't interfere with their responsibilities."

I sighed. "Fine, what about Andreas?"

"He knows about some, even helped plan a few but… some were strictly werewolf business."

I wanted to shake my head but didn't. No need to go into it now. This was technically what I had wanted from Nick in the first place and he was filling in the shoes of leader of the pack more and more.

"Very well, you'll have to update me later. Now what to do about this?" I ask the two men.

"Well this is obviously a trap." The tall mind master said breaking the silence. "However it is also an opportunity." he continued finally taking his eyes off the letter.

We both looked at him interested.

"For the last few months you have been trying to raise Darrow's profile both internally and to the public. This is a great opportunity to do just that."

"You want me to spring the trap and kill Voldemort?" I asked with a hint of annoyance. "We talked about this. It's not time yet and I still need him to cause more …" Cato interrupted met before I could get back into the well worn argument.

"Oh, no, not that. You will very much want Voldemort alive. I'm thinking about something else, something more primal something more personal." He said a hint of a mischievous smile growing on his lips.

Honestly, he was scaring me a bit.

"You see there is a saying that the boy only truly becomes a man when he fully steps into his father's shoes." He finished with a full grin.

I looked at him confused until the wheels in my brain finally turned and it clicked.

"Oh…oh! …I guess we are approaching that time." I confirmed still thinking about it.

Nick still looked confused and turned his gaze to me waiting to explain.

I sigh once more and turn to the baffled werewolf.

"Michael Miercuri must die."

Scene Break

Year 7, Day 350: Harry Potter Universe, August 1996

"This is stupid." James whispered to Miles as they watched the skull masked, dark robed wizard approach their group.

Miles silently nodded in agreement.

"Where is your master beast?" the ridiculous pointy hatted envoy asked.

James saw Craig want to step up with a growl on his lips but stopped by Greg putting his arm in front of his brother.

"On the way. Sent us here first to make sure no funny business." The elder brother said.

Their group of four was sent to set up a perimeter in this god forsaken graveyard and avert any surprises. Once they made sure there was no trap on arrival they were to signal the others through the enchanted mirrors to apparate in.

"Besides I don't see your dickless lord either." Greg continued. James saw both Craig and Miles snicker.

The envoy made to raise his wand but was stopped by another masked freak.

"Enough!" he said and turned to the group. "You! Signal your master, there is no deceit here. Our master honours the terms of the meeting."

"Hard to trust a wizard that's too scared to show his face." Greg retorted.

James saw that to his credit the second masked wizard didn't hesitate to remove his hood and mask revealing a man in his late forties with dark brown and greying hair.

'I have no idea who that is.' James thought.

"Happy? Now I'll signal Lord Voldemort." Greg nodded and gave the go ahead to Miles who took out a mirror and spoke a few words.

Instantly pops were herd on both sides.

Only ten wizards on each side were allowed to participate with their contingent being filled by Andreas, Connor, Cato, Nick, Darrow and of course Michael.

What possessed Michael to agree to this farce he didn't know but Nick had asked for volunteers from the security team so he felt obliged to go when the rest stepped up.

He wasn't going to let his friends face this danger alone and maybe, maybe something good would come out of this.

Michael went to speak with Greg as the rest fell in line behind him.

"All good?" He asked the elder wolf.

James could see the pretender and his lackeys also popped in. Of the few who were not covering their faces he only recognized the infamous Bellatrix Black and of course the main man himself since his appearance was so distinctly unnatural from everyone else.

"As far as we can tell." Greg responded and Michael nodded.

He had to admit the flowing dark robes added a certain mystique to him however he couldn't help but wonder what the hell happened to his nose.

"Alright then lets see what his snakiness wants!" Michael said with a smirk and turned to walk towards the Deatheaters.

Their two groups were different yet similar.

While the others were mostly hooded with masked skulls and dark robes theirs were bare headed wearing mid length dark overcoats, so as not to impede movement, which held some resistance to curses.

As much as treated dragon hide could resist. 'At least Michael doesn't pull any stops.' James thought.

The only exception were the father son clone duo who in their matching suits look as if they were going to some high-class muggle party than a parley with a Dark Lord.

Voldemort and Bellatrix stepped up as the leaders of their group while the others fell behind.

As they were reaching proximity both followers stopped as if choreographed and let the two leaders meet in the middle.

The two stopped to take a measure of each other. Neither saying a word just eying the other. Michael was wider in frame and taller due to the inches added by his shoes compared to the Dark Lord's bare feet.

"No robes but a suit…how very muggle of you." Voldemort said breaking the silence, his robes ever gently flowing around him.

"Custom made the best that money could buy." Michael responded. "I could set you up with my tailor if you would like. He's booked from now until next year but he'll make an exception for me." he finished with a small grin.

"Ah…" James saw the Dark Lord rise his head chin out in a cold snake like grin. "There is that American charm I've heard so much about."

"Didn't know people were talking about me." He responded.

"Really now? You've been quite the topic lately. The American cowboy, the business man, the philanthropist you've endeared yourself to quite a few people." Voldemort added.

"Ah well, what can I say, I've always been a generous man. To do good is its own reward after all." Michael said and paused.

The two let the silence sit for a moment then Miercuri continued.

"You seem to know a lot about me but I don't even know who you are." A smirk planted fully on Michael's face. "Perhaps introductions are in order. I am Michael Miercuri." he finished with a shallow bow.

The noseless Dark Lord almost snarled his response. "And there is that brash Yankee cheek. But very well we shall observe the niceties."

"I am Lord Voldemort." he finished with a shallow bow as well.

"Are you now? I read he was dead, killed by a baby of all things." Michael asked.

This time James actually heard the Dark Lord snarl but he quickly composed himself. "An unexpected setback that has been resolved."

"Very unexpected I would say. Then again I guess nobody puts baby Potter in a corner."

Voldemort didn't respond right away but let the silence sit once more while sizing Michael up again.

"Tell me Miercuri, why are you here in Britain? What do you want? You don't subscribe to the blood purity cause nor are you allied with Dumbledore. So what do you want?" He finally asked.

James saw Michael pause for a moment and start to slowly pace around Voldemort, encircling him, posture relaxed like a lazy predator. Or like a fat cat assured of having the upper hand over the unsuspecting mouse.

James knew Darrow was an absolute monster in a duel but having never heard about the prowess of Michael he could only hope the father was at least half as good as the son.

"As to why I'm here it's a bit complicated but overall my son needed a magical education and Hogwarts is the finest institution in the world. I think on that we can both agree." James saw not only the self-proclaimed Dark Lord but others in both groups agree with that statement.

"Can't say I understand the blood nonsense. I am American and we are all mixed up there. Competence is a much more desirable attribute in my opinion." he continued now he was facing the Deatheaters behind the Dark Lord.

James could swear he almost saw Voldemort nod his head in agreement.

"As for what I want…well I guess it's just what everyone wants happiness, a thriving business, a future for my children, world domination…you know the usual things." Michael said with slight amusement.

"Ah is that why you have been interfering in my plans, at first it was amusing but now your constant interference with the ministry is … meddling."

"Well, what kind of man would I be if I let others walk all over me. Force will be met with overwhelming force and violence is to be met with overwhelming violence. As for the ministry now that is just good business sense as a matter of fact we even have a word for it in my native land…lobbying." James heard his employer say with cheek once more.

Despite his cold outward appearance James could feel Voldemort's magic reacting to the Michael's words, that was something only powerful wizards could do, a feeling of anger and annoyance tingling at the back of his spine.

"If it is power and recognition you want then join me." The Dark Lord finally said. "Our conflict is a waste of resources on both sides. Like you I offer a voice to those dark creatures spurred by society." James heard the noseless one say in an ever higher crescendo.

"I offer untold knowledge and training for your son so that he may reach his full potential. Together we can mold Britannia into a proper magical kingdom where the strong and worthy rule." He finished saying.

James saw Michael look as if he was contemplating the idea.

"An enticing offer, this little conflict has taken up more of my time than I would have liked." he said slowly. "however while I don't mind some nepotism happening I don't think I care much about your blood purity nonsense nor do I feel like playing second fiddle to one of your masked cronies. I've almost always subscribed to the might is right policy." he said looking at the Dark Lord coldly.

James saw the other man seem as if he was considering his next words.

"Exceptions can be made for those who prove competence." he finally said. "Your proven experience means that you will have my ear among my Deatheaters…some have recently proven to be less worthy…" he trailed off loud enough for his group to hear him.

Michael looked considerate again.

"So I join you, we work together. You get my power, my wealth, my organization, my son and in exchange I supposedly get a slice of the big pie, a trusted place in your ranks and what is admittedly an impressive Halloween costume." He said with sarcasm lacing his tone.

"I think I will pass."

James could now feel the malovence rolling off the Dark Lord however before the Dark Lord could act Michael interrupted him.

"However I do owe it to my people to put an end to these hostilities. So I propose an alternate solution. We are both present along with honourable witnesses why don't we settle our differences the Old Way." That got the Dark Lord's attention.

"A duel to the death….how honourable." Voldemort said with a grin. "Very well, none shall interfere, honor demands it." he continued, then turned to his group. "Step back all of you!"

"I agree to the terms." Michael said and gave Connor a subtle signal.

Voldemort immediately looked around perplexed then smiled. "An anti apparition ward. How cautious of you."

"Wouldn't want anyone else to pop in and disturb us now would we." He said as he motion for them to step back.

They had been warned before that it would likely come down to a duel between the two of them so they were all prepared in raising their shields so as not to get caught in the cross fires. Andreas and the old mind master had raised two earth walls as barriers for protection as well.

James saw Michael remove his jacked, showing he had no armour under, unbuttoned the top of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves while taking his place across a few yards from the Dark Lord, wand in hand.

The noseless Voldemort made no changes to his appearance but James doubted there was any armour under those flowing robes or any clothes at all.

He saw the two men observe the niceties and do a shallow bow to each other. Normally as soon as the bows were complete the fireworks would start but James saw the two men gaze at each other silently.

It felt as if everyone was holding their breath, not a sound in the cemetery was heard that evening.

One second…two….three and then the world exploded in green and purple.

The Dark Lord launched what was unmistakably the Death Curse in a powerful jagged electric stream of green energy only for Michael to block it with an unknown curse in a stream of spiky purple energy.

The collision of the light stream right in the middle created a small shockwave with a strong gale of wind storming out from the middle pushing everyone back.

James could feel the power off the two curses raising the hair on his skin, tingling his spine telling him to get out there. This was no good vs evil, light vs dark fight.

This was the darks arts fully on display.

One touch of those spells and it would be either death or a fate worse than death.

"AAARRHH" he heard the Dark Lord scream as he deflected the purple energy to the side and brought his free hand up to his mouth a glowing orb in it. He blew on it releasing a stream of fire shaped like a giant snake slithering itself directly at Michael.

James saw his leader bring the tip of his wand to his lips releasing a stream of fire that took shape of what could only be a giant eagle launching itself at the snake.

The two constructs fought each other as if made of solid fire and even at the distance they were they could all feel the radiating heat.

Things picked up from there.

Michael and the pretender started moving exchanging rapid fire coloured spells blocking and dodging at speeds he'd only seen Darrow move.

"Shields! Shields up!" He heard Greg shout as a colourful bolt hit the barricade exploding part of it. James saw their counterparts had wizened up and raised their own barricades.

At least now he knew where Darrow got his prowess from. The father was also a monster.

In between their exchanges their environment became like putty bending to the two wizards will.

A flick of Voldemort's free hand while his wand was blocking a lightly coloured spell and the grave stones all around them broke into sharp shards launching themselves at Michael.

A twirl from Michael's wand the stones bunched up in a streaming river circling around him, ironically absorbing some of the Dark Lord's spells. Another poke and a giant hand formed out of the rocky river trying to engulf Voldemort.

With an UNGH! And a strong swing of his wand the Dark Lord vanquishes the hand in a shower of sand away from him.

In the blink of an eye another furious exchange of coloured spells, sparks and flashes with each block and hit.

James was barely able to keep up with the two wizards. Always on attention for wayward spells lest it accidentally ends on of them.

'Michael is faster, stronger.' James remarks as he feels his employer is slowly dictating the rhythm of the bout.

THUNK!

The reverberating sound indicating a last minute literal shield put up by Voldemort absorbing a spell that bursts in a splash of red blobs.

James sees his blond employer stop for a split second then with a growl he steps forward and swings both arms up with his right holding wand and free left meeting in a meaty slap above his head.

The ground between him and Voldemort growls in an unnatural ripping motion sending shaking tremors all around. A rift caves in the middle growing in two large rectangles fully encircling Voldemort.

For another split moment he, the Dark Lord and everyone else waits to see what happens until the ground starts rotating inwards to the middle.

James see the giant rectangles close in the solid dirt walls forming a long V to squish the noseless Voldemort in the middle.

With a voracious growl Voldemort bursts into motion the earth forming a direct tunnel to Michael and launches a stream of green energy only to be met by another stream of green energy in a shower of blinding sparks.

To his surprise James see Michael jump in the closing tunnel both him and Voldemort now running almost sideways defying gravity, sending spells at one another.

Walls of spikes burst from one side intending to stab Michael, roots rom the other side try to strangle the Dark Lord.

All obliterated by a flicks and pokes of the other's wands.

James had never seen anything like it before.

The two wizards met at almost the middle of the tunnel with powerful streams of magical energy creating another shower of flashing sparks.

"AHHHRRRGH!" He heard the two duelists. With a mighty heave Voldemort deflects the stream into the other side of the tunnel wall exploding it into a shower of dirt.

The Dark Lord launches himself through it in a wispy dark smoke over the hole caused by the upheaval of the rising of the earth.

Michael was quick on the take and followed battering him with spells.

Both groups had to reposition themselves to follow their respective masters.

James saw the Dark Lord's flowing robes twirl into a vortex of foul dark energy absorbing Michel's spells then launch itself like a molten river of tar at Michael.

To everyone's surprise in another display of acrobatics Michael twirled around it dodging it completely and within another pirouette he closed the distance between them to only a few feet glowing wand pointed at the face of the dark vortex encased Voldemort.

Jame's eyes flashed white as all around them the dark evening was flooded with bright sunshine, at the same time the loudest BANG! he ever heard threw him of his feet.

He wasn't the only one as a whole tree seconds later, regaining some of his sight, in a muted dizziness he saw both groups stumbling about disoriented.

It took him another few seconds to realize what was happening as his employer seemed to be laughing at something on the floor.

"EAAAARRGH! ..AAHH!" he finally heard.

The wanna-be Voldemort was squirming on the ground his wand hand a few feet from the rest of his body still clutching the wood, while Michael was laughing.

Both groups were in shock as they slowly approached the duelists.

"AHAHAHa! Is this it?" He saw his employer use his left leg to kick the squirming form of Voldemort to the right closer to the group of Deatheaters.

"Is this your Dark Lord? Is this all the fight you can put up?" Michael's voice carried out louder.

James could see that while Michael stood tall he was breathing heavy. He'd won but it seemed that it was purely adrenaline that was keeping him going.

"To think you asked ME to join YOU!" Another kick eliciting a grunting response from the ragdoll Voldemort.

A few of the Deatheaters made to turn to smoke and run away but a swing from Michael's wand interrupted their sorcery lunging them down to earth.

A second swing brought a crumbling wall of dirt to block the paths of the Death Eaters.

Michael stumbled and fell to one knee. James could see the rest of Voldemort's group becoming increasingly agitated especially Black herself.

"Dad!"

"Michael"

Nick and Darrow made to move to him but the blond man interrupted them.

"NO!" he shouted. "This duel is NOT OVER! NONE SHALL INTERFERE!" he said getting back up with rage in his voice.

"LET THEM SEE THEIR PATHETIC MASTER!" He said and gave a weak kick to the panting form of the Dark Lord placing him ever closer to the group of Dark Wizards.

"SEE WHAT HIS HUBRIS HIS SHEER FUCKING ARROGANCE BRINGS HIM!" He said and spat on the form of their Lord.

'Finish this!' James desperately thought anxiously as Belatrix Black looked as if she was about to foam at the mouth.

"I FOUGHT THE GODS!" Michael shouted. "And you have the arrogance to ask me to join you! A dickless homunculi! THE FUCKING AUDACITY!"

"You will stay alive and be punished until I deem it so!" he said slower as the tip of his wand glowed yellow in a spell James recognized.

He was going to brand Voldemort with the Cursed M.

But as James and the rest were concentrating on Michael taking the few shaky steps towards the slithering form of Voldemort a blur of black moved in from Michael's left side unleashing a hateful green stream of energy.

A half-baked wall sprung up from a surprised flick of Michael's wand then a shower of dirt and dust covered the field blocking everyone's view.

Shock as everyone held their breath.

The dust was quickly blown away with a swing of Nick's wand.

"Dad!" Darrow burst into motion.

"To Michael! NOW!" Nick yelled.

They all burst into action but it was too late. The form of Michael Miercuri was lying lifeless on the ground.

"My Lord!" Black yelled as she grabbed the squirming form of Voldemort. "Attack you fools!" and the Deatheaters sprung out of their shock and started swinging spells.

It happened fast, too fast to react properly. Michael was too close. 'We were winning! It shouldn't have gone this way!' James thought.

"Get away from him!" Darrow shouted and a giant stream of water burst out of his bare hands towards the hugging form of the dark wizards.

True to her reputation Bellatrix burst into a form of wispy smoke and rolled out of the way with the bleeding form of her Dark Lord.

"My..Wand Bellatrix!" the panting form of Voldemort shouted.

Darrow reached his father and immediately a giant wall of water encircled them both.

"Dad! Please! DAD!" James heard the desperate please of Darrow as he blocked an egregious spell from his chosen hooded opponent.

The fight had dwelled into chaos as spells and curses were exchanged by both sides.

Then he felt a pulse of energy echo out of the torrent of water encircling father and son.

"AAAHHH! YOU FUCKING BASTARDS!" Darrow screamed from the top of his lungs as the wall of water dropped to be below his shoulders.

All the duels stopped for a brief second to look at the malovent pulsing energy rolling of the blond clone. Then a jet a water shot towards Bellatrix and Voldemort.

Once more Bellatrix rolled them out of the way, the jet hitting an unfortunate Deatheater. To James and everyone's surprise instead of punching him back or through him the jet engulfed the masked wizard and grabbed him like a tentacle lifting him high up in the air.

"STAND AND FIGHT YOU FUCKING COWARDS!"

The water tentacle brought down the masked wizard unto the location where the Dark Lord and Bellatrix were, once again she whisked them out of the way to safety.

The force was so great the tentacle wizard exploded in blood and guts upon impact with the ground.

Everyone couldn't help but stop and stare for a moment at the sheer brutality of it.

"AAHHH!" Darrow yelled gathering power for another attempt, the water a raging whirlpool around him.

Then spells started flying again.

"My Lord, I have your wand! We have to leave!" Bellatrix urged the Dark Lord.

"The chest then!" he coughed up and as if remembering Bellatrix barked her orders. "TRAVERS! THE CHEST NOW! NOW!"

James blocked a spell and threw a boiling curse at his opponent then his world tilted.

An icy tremor surged through his being, a strong feeling of despair and hopelessness permeated his mind, a weakness eating at his soul.

It wasn't just him everyone on both sides seemed to have stopped their dueling and for good reason.

Dementors were pouring into the field from a chest held open by one death eater, dozens were coming out.

"We leave NOW!" Bellatrix yelled during the distraction and turned into whisky dark smoke rushing out of the range of the anti-apparition ward.

The others did the same and left the werewolves to battle the Dementors.

"COWARDS!" Darrow yelled shooting jets of water at the fleeing wizards.

"Fuck!" James said out loud. Getting in the right state of mind for a patrons charm was no easy thing in the middle of a battle.

"Drop the ward!" He heard Nick shout at Connor. "We portkey out!"

James saw Andreas give Connor some breathing room with an incomplete Patronus cowing away the Dementors.

"Done! Portkey out NOW!" he heard Connor say as he disappeared.

Then one by one they all activated their portkeys escaping the emotional soul sucking battlefield.

Scene Break

"Whooo! God Daaam!" I said as we appeared in my office, the adrenaline slowly wearing off.

The whole fight with Voldemort was actually thrilling. The man knew his magic and he hit hard and I had to play just the right amount of difficulty to put on a good show.

It isn't easy to balance between showing a challenge and also dominating the fight.

"I deserve a god dam Oscar!"

Cato rolled his eyes and sighed as he stepped over the lifeless body of Michael Miercuri, a perfect transfiguration by ours truly, to the mini bar in the corner next to my desk and poured three glasses of golden caramel goodness.

"You went off script but in the end recovered." He said handing the glasses to me and Nick.

We both took a sip…well I did Nick took giant gulp.

"Fucking Dementors." He said.

"Yea, I did not expect that." I said taking another sip as I felt the refreshing burning sensation. "I thought the anti-apparition ward would prevent any outside interference….but a fucking chest full of Dementors, fucker still has some brains left." I responded.

"Just goes to show you shouldn't underestimate your opponents no matter how much you outclass them." Cato said coolly.

We both nodded and Nick took another big gulp.

A gentle pop preceded the appearance Binny, except she wasn't Binny but an exact clone of myself.

"The others have appeared on the grounds and are coming inside." she said, he voice still matching mine.

"Thank you Binny!"

I snap my fingers and blue light engulfs her changing her back to her five foot two blond and slender self. Out of all my elves she has been the most affected by her bonding with me. Her features were sharp and proportional and I swear she didn't look a day over 40.

'Pinky Promises are a hell of a thing.'

"You did well today!" I praised her.

"Thank you Darrow." she said with a small smile. "Thought I hope this will not become a habit. I much prefer my own body."

She was starting to look more and more like a classical elf and I don't know if it is purely because of my godliness and it would have happened anyway or if it's because of my perception of what elves should be like.

"I hope so as well. Please ensure all the snacks and first aid is received as needed." I said to her and she popped away.

"I'll go." Nick said finishing his glass. "I need to reassure the troops and take count of any injured. Claire's probably worried sick." he finished putting his glass down.

"I didn't sense any deaths so that is good." I said with a smile. "We did good today. The team was strong, the training paid off." I said reassuring the werewolf.

"Darrow will follow in a few moments." Cato interrupted.

"As soon as he is able to change his emotions from 'I'm god's gift to performance art' to 'My father just died, cheated in an honourable duel.'"

Cato said sarcastically.

I grimaced in annoyance.

'Fucking old man never lets me enjoy anything!'

…

"I heard that."

Scene Break

Year 7, Day 356: Harry Potter Universe, August 1996

Crack!

Moody Apparated a dozen or so feet to the right of the main gate leading to Miercuri manor and was immediately greeted with three wands in his face.

"Shacklebolt, Dawlish, Tonks good to see you are tip top on your toes. Constant vigilant…"

"Constant Vigilance!" Shacklebolt said singling for the others to put their wands away. "We know Moody."

"You two back to the gate, there's more folks coming. I need to have a few words with Mad Eye here." Shacklebolt told the two.

Moody saw another group of people being greeted by two others at the gate.

"Miercuri's security is a bit jumpy today." he continued.

"That why Amelia has half the department working this funeral?" Moody asked with crazy eye snapping at the walls and gates.

'Impressive wards.'

Shacklebolt snorted.

"The Minister, half the Wizengamot and business community are attending. Didn't want to leave anything to chance." Kingsley added looking back at the two werewolves running their wands up and down the new group.

"Prickly bunch. Think of us as the enemy."

"I'm surprised they let you lot in." Mooney replied.

"Only a few of us and we have to follow their orders." Kingsley replied with a tone of annoyance. "The rest are guarding the perimeter."

Crack!

"Bloody hell Mad Eye! I told you to wait for me!"

Both the current and ex auror sighed in resigned annoyance.

"Mundungus." Kingsley said in recognition of the short man.

"Shacklebolt." he replied.

"You were taking too long." the ex auror said.

"When a man has to drop a package he has to drop a package you can't rush that." the short man said in a grubby voice.

"What are you doing here Mundungus? Don't tell me you ran in Miercuri's circles." Shacklebolt asked.

"I'll have you know I was a key figure in procuring several antique and important items for the Miercuris."

The auror raised an eyebrow in questioning disbelief.

"Ok maybe not the key figure but I connected buyers to various suppliers." The short man said. "Besides I try my best to attend all events hosted by the Miercuris. Top of the line food and top of the line booze!" he remarked with a greedy smile.

Shacklebolt sighed while Moody said nothing but continued staring at the walls with his eye.

"Look I was just telling Moody, the security team is very jumpy today. Everyone going in gets the warning you behave or else. You brandish a wand you become dog food and there ain't nothing we can do about it." He paused briefly. "They have an understanding with Fudge."

"Aye, I'll make sure he behaves." Mad Eye confirmed.

"You as well Moody. There will be people here that you might have a bone or two to pick. Don't let them bait you. I've seen the aftermath of what his son did when angry."

The ex auror snorted in agreement. "I've heard. I told Dumbledore we should have recruited him after the damned tournament. Bah! Could have won the bloody war by now if we took a page out of Miercuri's book." He finished as he limped towards the main gate.

There they were scanned and received the warnings from the two prickly wolves, though in much more polite words than expected.

The viewing was held in the back yard in a large tent that was as enormous as it was extravagant on the inside.

"Bloody Merlin." Moody said eyeing the mingling crowd "He wasn't kidding half of Diagon Alley is here." he said taking in the crowd. "You'd think this was a party not a funeral."

"What did I tell you! Finest food money can buy." Mundungus said appearing with a snack tray.

Moody shook his head.

"There's Fudge and Bones, talking with … I think they are from the Three Cauldrons." Fletcher said between bites. "Ms. Zinger with the cultural centre board on the far left side." He added, fleshy loud chewing noises muffling the sound.

"I see Scrimgeour on the other side with some of the lads. He's talking with 'The Manager'." Mad Eye continued.

"Now where's our boy?"

"There!" the short wizard said stuffing down a smoked salmon delicatess. "At the front with the two blondes standing next to him."

Moody's eye spun to take a better look. It was unmistakable that was Darrow Miercuri, the son might have been a clone of the dead body on display to which half-baked acquaintances were slowly shuffling to pay their 'respects'.

'Respects for his money.' Moody thought sourly.

"The short one's Lovegood's girl." He said. "I don't recognize the tall one. She's a Ravenclaw in his year but I don't recall her name."

"Brocklehurst, Mandy." Fletcher said slurping on a glass of red wine. "Half-blood family, goes back three or four generations depends how you want to count them." he said and took another gulp. "Live in a wealthy suburb outside London. Even though he's magical the father works as some big shot in a muggle insurance company. Mother's muggleborn and works for the Golden Tongue enchanter's guild as a clerk. Got a younger brother by four years, should have just started Hogwarts."

Moody looked at him hard with his crazy eye and Mundungus shrugged.

"Dumbledore asked me to look into all of them." He replied to the unasked question and took another sip of the wine.

Moody gave a slow nod of approval.

The two observed the flow of 'guests' as they slowly mixed, mingled and made their way to the son to impart a few kind and hollow words in an attempt to curry favour with the one boy now supposedly in control of his father's fortune.

Moody could tell that there was a certain uncertainty and curiosity permeating the crowd as the public had not yet been informed of the details of Miercuri's passing and if Moody was a betting man he would wager a hundred galleons the reason for having a public viewing had something to do with the secrecy.

The murmured mutterings of the guest died down as he saw Darrow take the podium, neatly placed to the side of the dark brown mahogany coffin at the front.

"Thank you everyone for coming." The boy started.

"It would gladden my father's heart to know so many of you offered your support in these trying times." he said with a level headed cool yet thoughtful tone.

'Kid is good.'

"There are many things I could say about my father."

"He loved me dearly and he loved life itself. He would do anything for his family…for me." Moody saw Darrow dip accordingly in sadness.

"After my mother passed away he moved his whole life for me. So we could get a fresh start here…so I could attend the finest institution of magical education in the world." He paused.

Most of the crowd murmured quietly in agreement.

"My father was a man of action."

"When faced with a problem he would try to solve it, with a challenge he would give his best to overcome it and when he saw an opportunity he would grasp it with all his might. He never waited for others to do the work for him." He paused slightly.

"He believed we were the masters of our lives! That it was up to us to forge our destiny…to make our dreams reality!" The boy briefly scanned the crowd. "And that is the kind of man I want to be."

"A man of action. A man that will forge his own path. A man that will fight for his dream and for his people! That is how I will honour the memory and love of my father!" The boy said strongly.

Moody clapped his hands in tandem with the crowd. 'Simple but effective.'

As the respectful applause died down he saw Darrow look towards the crowd again with intense eyes.

"I know there are rumors about how my father has died." He started. "So I would like to clear the air and explain what happened."

"A few days ago my father was contacted by the terrorist known as the Voldemort pretender and his cult." Moody could feel the crowd still in silence and dread.

"This self-proclaimed Dark Lord wanted to meet and discuss a cease of hostility between our House and his cult." He paused and watched the crowd. None interrupted.

"My father agreed. We scouted ahead and took precautions to prevent ambushes. We met ten wizards on each side."

"This Voldemort tried to convince my father to join him, promising him wealth, power, a seat at the table for when he would take over Britannia." He paused briefly.

Moody could sense the boy had the crowd hanging by every word.

"Of course my father saw this for the farce that is was and refused."

"The pretender seeing no way to lure my father into his grasp challenged him to a duel. He invoked the Old Ways. An honourable duel to the death to settle their dispute with the might of their magic."

"Our family respects the sacred traditions of our ancestors. We know the Old Blood and the Old Ways. My father also felt it was his duty to prevent further bloodshed upon our people. He accepted this one on one duel."Once more Darrow stopped to scan the crowd.

The crowd was now murmuring in speculation.

"I know what you are all thinking." He started slowly and sorrowfully. "That my father died in the duel at the wand of this Voldemort." he continued more forcefully with vitriol and hate coating his words. "Just another fool dead challenging this Dark Lord." His tone dropped and filled with sorrow followed by a sad silence.

"That is NOT what happened!" he said loudly to the surprise of everyone.

"My father dominated the duel. This Voldemort pretender couldn't hold up to the might of Miercuri magic." Moody heard pride in the boy's tone. "My father cut off this Dark Lord's arm and left him wandeless scurrying on the floor like the pathetic worm that he was."

That raised another round of murmurs from the crowd.

"And just as he was about to deliver the finishing blow to the pathetic homunculi styling themselves a Dark Lord my father was betrayed!" Once more a split second pause as he scanned the crowd with intense eyes.

"The sanctity of our most Oldest and Purest traditions was violated by those who style themselves as defenders of Our traditions, Our way of life and Our Blood!"

"These Voldemort cult members acted more like muggle thugs than proper wizards!" he said with fire and paused.

Moody could feel a tenseness sin the air, a pressure that wasn't there before, a malevolence raising the hairs on his arms that and the chill that suddenly permeated the tent.

"Just as he was about to claim his victory my father was shot in the back by the one called Bellatrix Lestrange born of the supposedly ancient and noble house of Black…defender of the pure blood." The sarcasm was palatal.

The crowd once more broke into murmurs.

"We were all in shock." He started again. "Where was the honour? Where was the respect for our traditions? For our ways?"

"There wasn't any!"

"My father made a mistake in believing they would control themselves that they would have respect but these Cultists were nothing more than Thugs. They are not proper wizards and should not be treated as such!"

"We immediately ran to my father's side but before I could get my hands on Bellatrix and strangle the life out of her with my own two hands she whisked the simpering broken shell of a Dark Lord away and released a hoard of Dementors hidden in a chest."

The crowd gasped collectively in horror.

"At that point all we could do was retreat we weren't prepared to fight over a hundred of those foul creatures." He said with sorrow letting the crowd absorb his words and feelings.

"Bloody hell" Mundungus said.

Moody had noticed that the shorter wizard had stopped eating while listening to the story.

The guests were murmuring furiously.

"With that clearing the record I would like to announce the following." Darrow suddenly said getting the crowd's attention.

"House Miercuri will reward anyone that captures and brings to me the following people alive:

10,000 galleons for any confirmed Death Eater bearing the Dark Mark -

20,000 galleons for any Dementor -

100,000 galleons for the Voldemort pretender -

A whistle coming from the Mundungus distracted Moody as the crowd erupted in noise.

"And lastly," Darrow said loudly getting back their attention. "For the MUDBLOOD Bellatrix Lestrange One Million Galleons!"

"Bloody…." Moody started but was interrupted by the clinging clatter of Mundungus plate breaking into pieces on the floor.

The crowd exploded.

Scene Break

Year 7, Day 363: Harry Potter Universe, August 1996

Thump

Thump

Thump

Thump

The sound of Voldemort's metallic finger hitting the impressive dining table at Malfoy manner reverberated loudly in the silence of his council as the Deatheaters waited for his judgment.

Miercuri's magic was cursed. An impressive use of the Dark Arts. Try as he might he hadn't been able to attach or grow a new arm.

Instead this metallic construct was the best he could do for now.

Functionally it performed as a well as the old arm…in form at least. Magically it wasn't the same. It was impeding the flow of his magic, he was expending energy to maintain it, the connection to his wand was… weakened.

'Not that any of the imbeciles here would tell the difference.' He thought with smug satisfaction.

But he could tell, he could feel it, he was…less.

Thump

The motion of his finger stopped resting on the table.

"Let the boy screech and howl in the wind." he paused looking at the assembled thinking who to give this next task.

"Selwyn, find suitable candidates and feed them to him. Let him drain his coffers and energies on the rags of our society."

"It shall be done my Lord." Selwyn confirmed eager to please.

"My Lord, what about the bounty on Bellatrix." Rodolphus asked. The man ever upholding the veneer of a dutiful husband for the sham marriage between him and Bellatrix.

'All to be in line with pureblood beliefs.'

"You have my permission to bring any and all who are foolish enough to raise wands against us to an immediate and violent end. Show no mercy, pureblood or otherwise."

The Deatheaters gathered mumbled their agreements with Bellatrix smiling wildly.

"Now enough of this boy." he said firmly. "Dumbledore and Black are our next obstacles."

'Yes, Dumbledore….he will be able to tell right away I am weakened.'

"Lucius, your son must prevail. I will not accept failure again." his tone was calm but his right hand man understood the consequences well enough. "He must succeed within the year."

Dumbledore was now his greatest obstacle in more ways than one. Not only as a powerful wizard but also as the key for him to become whole once more.

Miercuri's curse was simply too strong.

'I need the Elder Wand'

Scene Break

Year 8, Day 5: Harry Potter Universe, September 1996

I took a breath in and exhaled slowly as practiced to steady my nerves and shore up my mental defenses.

I was a bit anxious because I finally received the summons to meet with the Headmaster in his office…on the very first day of school.

The gargoyles didn't bother to ask me for a password, they simply and smoothly motioned for me to go in. I couldn't help but admire the transfiguration and animation enchantments on them.

'This is some top notch work.' The stone moved as if it was flesh and blood.

I enter the office to see The Headmaster furiously writing a letter.

"Darrow please come in! Have a seat!" he said looking up. "I'll just be one moment. At my age I need to finish my thoughts lest they decide to leave me." he said brightly.

I sat and looked around the stuffy yet cozy office. All the little knickknacks chirped, whistled or moved softly on book and parchment covered shelves.

Even though it all looked cluttered at the same time everything looked as if it was in the correct place for whatever function it was performing.

The portraits pretended not to look at me though they stared intently when I pretended not to notice them.

"And done." he said letting go the long feathered quill to float gently back in its place on a shelf.

That was when I noticed he used his left hand to write.

'Curious his right hand seems ok…'

He should have tried to get the ring this summer and gotten himself cursed but instead his right hand seemed fine. No putrid blackness indicating the curse was slowly eating him from the inside.

There really wasn't anything that I could tell…

'Mother fucker!' as soon as it clicked I saw it for what it was. The layers of magic peeled away and my eyes and senses saw and felt the putrid rot eating him alive.

'A glamor, a fucking glamor.' I accidentally let my astonishment show.

A glamor strong enough to fool my godly eyes, more than that he was able to conceal the foul magic itself using his own emotional aura.

I understood now why Voldemort was afraid of Dumbledore, why some considered him the second coming of Merlin.

"Ah, you have very keen eyes Darrow." he said bringing my attention away from his hand. "An unfortunate accident dealing with some dark artifacts though it is nothing to worry. Experts at St. Mungo assure me if I follow the potion's treatment they prescribed I will recover." He finished with a glint in his eye.

'Bullshit but ok.' The waves of reassurance I was feeling rolling of him were dam convincing.

"I'm glad to hear that Headmaster. Though I guess that is not why you have called me here is it?"

"I have called you here to discuss the path you are on right now." He said slowly and cautiously.

I waited for him to elaborate.

"I know that you are hurt and are grieving. Losing a loved one especially when it is your family is never easy."

I couldn't help but look at the Headmasters eyes as he spoke. They were sad, wistful and full of compassion.

I felt no legillimency probe.

"However vengeance is not the rightful path to take. Vengeance will only bring you more sorrow. It will consume you and eat at your soul leaving you empty inside."

I wasn't surprised I knew this is what he wanted to talk about though I thought he might try to recruit me instead.

"Are you speaking from experience sir?" My tone was calm and neutral. "Grindelwald?"

The old man leaned back in a relaxed but still grandfatherly pose.

"Yes, Grindelwald and others. I was once young." he said with a sly smile. "I know, hard to believe. But the flame of youthful fury burned brightly inside of me as well." He continued eyes looking distantly far away, remembering a time long past.

"I brought fiery retribution to those who crossed me for slights real or perceived."

"I felt righteous and powerful….yet as time passed I realized the path I was on would only leave me alone in the world, feared and hateful." he paused ever briefly. "It was not justice Darrow. I was becoming the monsters I swore to get rid of." He finished looking intently at me.

"Is that why you didn't kill Grindelwald in your famous battle?"

"Part of the reason yes. Though that story is much too long to get into it now."

"And Voldemort? I'm sure you've had chances to do it?" Here I saw the old man hesitate a bit.

"That story is in many ways a lot more complicated but yet it would still be part of the reason." he ultimately said.

"Then Headmaster, are you saying one should never use deadly force even if the other side is trying to kill you?" I pressed on.

"No my boy, that is not what I am saying. Deadly force has its use, no doubt, however it should only be used in self-defense…as a last resort and not in the pursuit of vengeance. Not to hunt people down like animals." He said resolutely.

We let silence cover us for a brief moment. I was tempted to attempt legillimency but I knew that would only open the flood gates and invite him in.

"Darrow, won't you cancel your bounties?" he finally said. "They will cause chaos in our society. Hard headed men and women will lose their lives in pursuit of them. Those types of sums will attract the attention of all kinds of wizards from across the globe." his tone pleading now. "Don't you see that you might be creating a bigger problem than already exists?"

'You mean I'm going to fuck up your carefully laid plans to deal with Voldemort.'

I will concede he has a point.

I haven't really thought about the international aspect of it. I mean sure maybe some hard hitting voodoo crafting African wizards will come up ambush Voldemort and destroy his body or capture him or something, then yes without destroying the hocruxes Dumbledore will be back at square one.

Assuming they don't find the hocruxes.

But like what are the chances of that? Probably minimal.

"No." I said firmly.

"No?" he repeated.

I nodded.

"And do you not care for collateral damage you could cause. The danger you are putting everyone in, your friends?"

Oh, I cared. Only as much as it affected me and mine but the random deaths that will happen I simply couldn't afford to care about that.

Considering the things…the choices I might have to make to build my empire this was going to be chump change.

"I care professor. But everyone in Britain is already in danger. I cannot trust the cultist or their leader to uphold any rules of engagement. Therefore I see the swift and immediate removal of the threat as the best possible course of action."

I paused briefly.

"Yet even so I would like to remind you that I did ask for them to be captured and delivered to me alive."

"And once they are delivered to you?" He asked his tone cold.

"To be determined but eventually they will be handed over to the authorities." I responded neutrally.

"Alive?"

"Depends, if they cooperate."

"I see." the veil of silence fell once again upon us.

"Are you going to stop me Headmaster…from taking my vengeance?" I broke the silence, my tone cold.

I was curious what he was planning on doing. I was ready for action though I seriously doubted he would try something here but hey you never know.

Dumbledore looked at me and I could see hardness briefly flash in his eyes.

"We both know there is nothing I could do to stop you."

I almost raised an eyebrow. Did he mean that metaphorically or magically?

"However, if you put the students at this school in danger I will do everything in my power to protect them." His tone was level though his eyes were softer than I would have expected.

They felt almost tired.

'I guess he doesn't want students to be in danger from anyone else's scheme's but his.'

I nodded in resigned acknowledgement.

Truthfully I didn't plan on doing anything on school grounds. If anything I was hoping events would go the same as cannon for this year.

Really my only plan for the school year was to shore up the skills of my 'friends' and to devour as much of the restricted section as I possibly could.

"Is that all Headmaster?"

"Yes." he said with a resigned voice. "Though if you would be so kind as to do this old man a favour." he said slowly and I waited for him to elaborate. "I know you gave a statement to the Aurors but I would like to ascertain with my own eyes if this is indeed Voldemort." he looked at me kindly. "Would you consider sharing the memory of the duel with me? I would like to see it through your eyes."

'Oh you sly dog!' Luckily Cato had prepared me for this possibility. I was actually surprised that the Aurors didn't ask for the memory for them to investigate. Cato thought they would for sure.

'Maybe they were just too overwhelmed to think about it then?' Honestly it should be standard police procedure.

"Gladly sir. Do you have a vial ready?"

The Headmaster smiled.

"Ah…yes, I do, it is…." he looked around deep in thought as if trying to sort through all the shelves and cupboards and all the items they must have contained.

"Second drawer from the bottom on the Wilnitz cabinet in the back." one of the Portraits, an old lady with an imperious look finished his thought.

"Ah…yes…yes of course" he snapped his fingers on his left hand twice.

Once for the cabinet to open and once for the vial to fly directly into his hand. He hadn't even turned around to look at its fly path, just looked at me with a giddy old man smile.

"And for the enchantment Darrow it's…"

"Memory Tear" I finish for him as I use the tip of my wand to remove the sticky 'substance' out of the temple on the right side of my head.

I could see the Headmaster's eyes sharpen as he observed me.

"With the word 'Tear' referring to the noun not the verb. Purely a coincidence in the English language as in Latin it is 'Lacrima Memoria'." I added as I finished the process of adding the memory to the vial.

The Old man's eyes were smiling now.

"And why is this spell not taught to students?" he asked.

"While the spell is not restricted per se, it is recommended that only those who are fully in control of their magic, that are emotionally stable and preferably with some Occlumency training are taught how to use this spell. And it should always be done under supervision." I paused briefly. "The Danger lies in permanently removing a memory or more." I finished.

"10 points for Ravenclaw!" He said excitedly. "I see the countless hours in the restricted section have been very fruitful for you."

'Well it's not like I was sleeping in there!' Honestly these kids took it for granted, Hogwarts was the highest concentration of magical knowledge on the planet and they didn't nearly take advantage of it as they should.

There's going to be a lot of regret for once they are no longer in school and have to do research on their own. Hell just having someone like Madam Pince that knows how things are ordered and what is contained is a humongous help.

Doing that without her help would be a huge pain in the ass. And doing research outside of school with zero help and zero references is a double, triple pain in the ass.

It's no wonder the vast majority of wizards don't really advance in magic past what they learn at Hogwarts.

"It is very hard indeed to fix a mind once something has been permanently removed. Students usually reach the required magical and emotional maturity in their final years but even then many do not. The spell is mostly taught when students enter the work force for the departments of the Ministry that might need it.' He added as context.

The professor in him seemed to be relishing this exchange of information.

"Another 10 points for using the English incantation. Often times we stick to the tried and true traditional wordings we learn in dusty old books forgetting that it is the Intent and not the Words that make the magic." he said cheerfully.

"Thank you Headmaster. I will keep that in mind. Is that all for tonight?"

"Yes Darrow that would be all. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me."

I couldn't help but smile warmly at him.

"It was my pleasure Headmaster."

Scene Break

'That went better than expected.' I thought to myself as I made my way to the Ravenclaw tower at a leisurely pace.

I didn't feel any probes on my mind nor did he try to recruit me.

It honestly felt like he was just worried about his students not wanting them to end up like him or Voldemo…

I stumbled.

'Intent and not Words…' the phrase played back in my mind.

'Did he just read my…' I shook my head in denial. I was overthinking it. I felt no intrusions. My practice with Cato was solid.

I continued my walk taking in the starry clear sky, footsteps gently echoing against the castle stone. Most of the students were in their dorm rooms by now so the hallways were empty.

'The danger you are putting everyone in…YOUR Friends!'

The Headmaster's words popped into my head and I frowned.

My 'friends', my little ravens were going to be in danger regardless of what I did.

I knew that.

It's why we've been training together. Sure once or twice a month for the last few years might not be a lot but it does compound and it's a heck of a lot more than they would have gotten in the original timeline.

Even with the increased danger of them being targeted due to my meddling they should be now more prepared than ever to face whatever is thrown at them.

And if they can't cut it well than it just wasn't meant to be. I can't and don't want to waste time saving everyone everywhere.

Plus they should mostly be safe this year and by next year I will be in Stargate dealing with much more important things like building my own empire.

They will have to stand on their own.

As I made my way up the stairs I felt a little knot of anxiety form in my chest and I stopped in the middle of the stairway looking straight ahead blankly into space.

'Unless he knows of an imminent attack on them this year? Via Snape?'

I shook my head once more. No. That didn't make sense. There's really only one thing that should be happening this year and it doesn't involve the rest of the students.

I made to climb the stair but found myself hesitating. Doubt was creeping up my spine into my brain.

The ravens would have to stand on their own. I knew that. I was preparing them for that.

So why was I feeling this way now?

'YOUR Friends' his words echoed into my mind.

'Oh… Fuck YOU Old Man!'

They were MY Ravens!

MINE!

Scene Break

Welcome to the slug club!

I was looking around the table observing the bored and awkward students.

Marcus Belby was stuffing his face, McCormack was giving 'fuck me' eyes to Hermione who was telling her dentist story.

The Carrow twins were listening intently as the youngest ones there.

Potter was as well and I have to say Harry looked dam spiffy. Ever since he started to live with Sirius he'd filled out and gained a different sort of confidence. All his clothes were fitted and I'm pretty sure the dinner jacket he was wearing was custom made for him.

I would even say he was almost exhuming a slight air of arrogance as well. He was really growing into the 'pureblood' look his father probably gave off.

'Ha! Snape must be resenting it so much!'

Aside from me all the usual suspects were at the slug club dinner along with of course Draco Malfoy Courtesy of daddy Malfoy not being a disgraced public Death Eater in Azkaban like in cannon at this point.

Draco was also doing his best not to lose his shit from having to attend this snooze fest. I get it he was under a lot of pressure to find a way to kill Dumbledore.

"So what about you Darrow?" Slughorn asked after Hermione finished with her awkward story. "What did your late father do?" He asked as politely as he could.

Of course he was dying to know and so was everyone else. It was well known House Miercuri was wealthy beyond comparison.

"Oh, he was into various businesses. We own quite a few farms to supply potion ingredients on the magical side." I paused a half second. "And on the muggle side he played the stock market quite a bit… investing in emerging markets." I said with a polite smile. "Did a lot of import/export."

"Oh really?" Slughorn asked in his over exaggerated way. "And what kind of things did he deal in?" he poked further.

"Various things." I said looking around the room. "Did a lot of work with Mexico and Columbia." I paused slightly. "I think mostly importing chemicals from there."

Out of everyone around the table I could see they were all thinking hard though only Hermione and Harry had a sense of recognition to what I was alluding at.

"I don't really know much about it. Our managers are taking care of the companies now. I'm still learning the ropes." I finish with a sly smile.

"Oh well, glad to hear it's all in good hands. Terrible thing that happened. Terrible I say." Slughorn affirmed.

"Yes, quite." My tone turning cold. "My people have had no luck now in finding the woman responsible." I said turning to Draco.

"Draco you wouldn't happen to know where your blood traitor of an aunt is, do you?" I asked flooding the room with my icy aura instantly dropping the temperature a few degrees.

That seemed to rattle the boy though to my surprise he quickly collected himself.

"No I do not."

"Really now?" I said further cooling down the room holding my stare.

Even with the cooler temperature I could feel everyone was almost sweating from the pressure.

"That's unfortunate." I suddenly say. "I would very much like to have a word with her." as I release the icy pressure.

"Now then professor where were we?"

Slughorn bumbled his way back into making conversation with the table deciding to completely ignore my attempts at intimidation.

Admittedly I was impressed with Draco. He collected himself quicker than I thought and he didn't burst into sputtering threats against me or anyone else at the table.

Also note to self I should try to eventually recruit Slughorn. He seems like he could be bullied into working for me as long as I give him status and don't make him do evil things.

That and he is a master potioner, can't have enough of those.

How many people can successfully bottle liquid luck?

I doubt there's more than two dozen worldwide.

Scene Break

Year 8, Day 60: Harry Potter Universe, October 1996

"BUGG…" Michael tried to say as Ash ambushed him.

His limp body hit the forest floor with a muted Thump.

I sighed heavily.

"Guys! This is why I keep saying you have to go all out when facing multiple opponents! No Holding Back! You target the weakest members first with all your might. If you leave them standing they will hit you in the back!" I yelled loudly and frustrated.

"Wake him up! We go again!"

"Darrow mate! That's enough!" Terry said from the side where he and the others were resting. "We're doing three on one and we're all buggered. It's been almost three hours!"

"I'm done as well!" Mandy said. She, Andrew and Ash were Michael's attackers. "I need a shower."

The rest of the sweaty, dirty and tired ravens grumbled in agreement as Andrew woke Michael up.

Even Luna's cheerful disposition was gone.

'Shit' I may have been too hard on them this session.

Ever since my conversation with Dumbledore I've been doing what I can to prepare the Ravens for the upcoming battles against Voldemort's forces.

One way or another they will encounter Deatheaters.

Now the group was coming into their own not only because they practice during the summer but also because they were deep into their transformative years now.

The girls were blossoming and the boys were broadening and squaring up. They were still somewhat lanky and awkward, especially the boys, as sheltered teenagers could be at this age but overall their magic prowess was growing by leaps and bounds.

Even so, looking at their annoyed faces, I could tell I had pushed too hard the last couple of sessions.

"No, you're right. Sorry guys." I said in acknowledgement. "I'm being a bit of hard-ass aren't I?"

"Bit of an understatement Darrow." Larry said. "Almost broke me arm with that last shot." He rubbed his upper arm.

Fair point, that might have been a harder stupefy than needed when I faced his group, but I had wanted to drive a point to them.

"More like a full ass." Padma said.

"Perhaps Darrow got confounded to think he was a Donkey?" Luna asked. "Shall I try to confound him back?"

Ok, I get it.

There's only so much I can beat them into the ground. They weren't soldiers. They were my friends and this was supposed to be practice to advance our skills not to get beaten up into a pulp.

"Fine, fine. I get it. I'm sorry."

I sighed. I needed to find another way to make sure my ravens were well equipped for the battles ahead.

"That's alright Darrow just take it eas…" Michael started saying but was interrupted by Mandy.

"No, not good enough." The blond girl said forcefully. "I think Darrow owes us more than just an apology." she said with a sly yet confident tone.

Mandy had gained an aura of confidence over the summer and a tinge of aggressiveness in her demeanor.

It was all for a good reason as in a late burst of blooming she was almost done shedding the awkward lankiness of childhood and emerging as the beautiful butterfly she was meant to be. At approximately five ten she had filled out in all the right places to give her a shapely athletic figure which was turning the head of every boy that saw her.

She was hot and liked her new found attention.

"Oh? And what do you have in mind?" I asked. I couldn't help but be intrigued and so were the others.

"You should take us all out to dinner to make up." She said firmly.

"Hogsmead then?" I looked at the rest of the group to get their input.

"Bollocks that!" Mandy interrupted again. "We've had enough of Hogsmead, plus we aren't children anymore."

I raised my eyebrow at her.

"Ok most of us aren't." She said looking at Ash and Larry.

"Hey!" Larry said offended. "We're only two years younger!" Ash nodded.

"If not Hogsmead then where do you want to go?" Andrew asked cutting the two younger men from their offended rant.

Mandy paused and smiled slyly again. She held the silence for a moment to drive up the anticipation.

"London."

"London?" Came the yelped response from everyone.

'So the little raven wants to go play in the big city.'

"How will we even get there?"

"We won't be able to use magic!"

"We can take the carpet?"

"That will take too long! We'll be spotted!"

The questions and comments were coming rapid fire from everyone.

"I'M SURE" Mandy cut through the chatter loudly "DARROW can figure it out!" Her eyes looked at mine defiantly.

They all paused to look at me, realizing that I hadn't agreed yet to the little trip.

I stared back at the blond waiting to see if she would back down form her demand.

I could feel the anxiety of the group rising but surprisingly none of them said anything.

"Fine, I'll figure it out!" I said finally.

"Yes!"

"Wicked mate!"

The mood and happiness was contagious.

Now if only I could find a way to better protect them while I'm away.

Scene Break

If there was one thing that I could rely on it was that this universe really liked to stick to plot.

I was in God Mode watching a very frustrated Draco try to fix the vanishing cabinet in the Room of Lost Things version of the RoR.

I had assigned an elf to watch Draco at school and inform of any developments. I had Binny talk to Patkey to get some cover for the elf in case the other elves would snitch as insurance even though it didn't seem like any of the elves informed Dumbledore when Dobby was popping around in second year.

Truthfully I was happy since Draco was still choosing the same path meant I didn't have to engineer some high level shenanigans to get what I wanted.

Hopefully Snape will fall in line as well.

Scene Break

Year 8, Day 73: Harry Potter Universe, November 1996

It didn't take long to find his 'friends' as he scanned the spacious old muggle pub.

"Over there Gully." Pox said to his mate pointing at where their companions were nursing beers in a secluded corner.

They quickly made their way to the rough looking three at the table ignoring the a few looks from the muggles.

Pox had to agree with Shane the oldest of their group that this was a good meeting spot. The rough muggle pub in this rough old mining town in South Yorkshire attracted the same sort of muggles they would blend in with easily.

"Did you get it?" Shivers asked as they joined the table.

Pox looked at the skinny man whose drooping eyes and hanging clothes gave him a haunting appearance.

Gully reached into his coat and pulled out a bag he threw on the table.

"Three thousand." He said.

"Bollocks!" Nails said instantly. Out of all of them the wolf curse was the most pronounced in 'Nails'. He was sporting permanent claws he couldn't retract.

Good for fighting shit for blending in.

"You two trying to gyp us? Keep the rest?" He added.

"I told you they'd know it was a new recruit!" Gully said firmly. He was always able to keep a cool head. "Wasn't one they were looking for. We're lucky they gave us this much!"

"You should have made them give you the full amount! A dark mark is a dark mark!"

"You fucked mate? We're in their wards with wands up our assess. We're lucky we came out at all." Gully pressed.

Nails looked like he wanted to say something else but Shane interrupted him.

"Oy, that's enough. We knew it's the upper fucks Miercuri wants. We should be going after them." he said examining the bag.

"You know Greyback won't allow that!" Shivers said in a hurried hushed tone.

"Fuck Greyback!" Shane retorted. He never did like being under the savage wolf's thumb. "Why do we even throw our lot in with those pureblood cunts?" he asked frustrated. "To do their bidding for a fucking bone?"

The table fell in silence as the older wolf stared them down.

"If we didn't have the curse you think they'd give a shit about us? Me grand mum was muggle born." He said. "And your Da's muggleborn as well innit?" He said pointing to Fingernails.

The man just nodded.

"Do you think things will improve once those cunts are in charge? We're mudbloods and mongrels the lot of us. They don't give a shit about us. At least the Miercuris pay."

"Then what do you think we should do?" Shivers asked. "Go after the inner circle? Malfoy? The Lestrange brothers? Black maybe? We'll get knocked off before we can blink. Two of us don't even have wands!"

The table once more fell into silence as Shane looked to be thinking hard.

"We bide our time." He finally said. "We knock off a few more and get us some wands. We pick one of the fuckers learn his schedule and hit him when he least expects it." He said firmly.

Pox saw Gully agree with Shane so he followed through a well nodding his head. Nails and Shivers looked to think it over but then agreed as well.

"We should go after Black." Nails said. "Can you imagine a million galleons?" His tone wistful. "We'd be rich rich. Like muggle rich! We can fuck off to South America! Live like kings! We'd be able to hunt there all we like!"

"I'd rather take my chance taking on Greyback." Shivers said dismissively. "That bitch is crazy. Heard she ate her puff husband's cock! "

The table laughed.

"Someone gonna knock her head out soon. That's a whole lot of money." Gully said.

"That's why we need to keep our eyes sharp." Shane said. "Been seeing some new faces around the usual spots. I asked Winnie the Whore and she said it's some hard cunts from 'The Block'."

"Bulgarians?" Gully.

Shane nodded. "Bulgarians, Russians doesn't matter their just the first to smell the money. Once it spreads that House Mercuri is actually paying more will come."

"Fuck." Shivers said.

The rest acknowledge his feeling.

"That's why we get our wands. We keep our eyes sharp and when the time comes we go get ours and fuck everyone else!" Shane said resolutely.

Pox nodded along with the rest though he felt a strong knotted weight growing in his stomach.

Scene Break

Year 8, Day 109: Resource Universe 5, November 1987

With Draco fixing the vanishing cabinet and with all signs indicating the things would go according to plan I knew that my time was slowly approaching where I would need to finally take that step and move into the Stargate world.

Ashley has kept me, well Nick and Michael then just Nick, updated on the progress of the city design and Mr. Fairfield and team were making good headway. I didn't need the whole thing finished at once since I wouldn't be able to start building all of it the moment I take over the Goa'uld world in the first place.

I'm sure there will be a million and one things that i need to solve once I'm in charge and one of the problems that I know I will encounter is resource availability. The world I had my eye on was mainly an agricultural world at around medieval level technology with light mining to meet the needs of agricultural output.

From my observations the Goa'uld in charge Esu'at was decently competent but there was only so much one could do with a population of around one hundred thousand when the focus was on feeding the population and paying the yearly tributes.

Whatever was left over was used for trade mission with various other minor Goa'uld in an effort to secure the parts needed to repair the Molecular Fabricator that was part of his Palace.

Said Palace was a crashed Cheops class ship that was half buried into the ground. It had probably been several thousands of years since it crashed.

I had to give it to Esu'at he was ballsy.

The reason he chose that planet as his reward for uncovering a plot in Ra's court was because the old Cheops had a Fabricator that no-one knew about and because it was on the outskirts of Ra's territory in the middle of nowhere.

On one hand he effectively removed himself from any chance at power by being away from life at court on a backwater planet in the middle of nowhere with no naquadah resources on it. On the other hand he now had a Molecular Fabricator, albeit a broken one, on a planet literally on no-one's radar.

He had the leeway to do whatever he wanted and build up his forces and fleet using the Fabricator, once it was repaired of course.

And after a hundred years of skillful dealing, wheeling and trading Esu'at managed to repair the fabricator, all he needed now were resources.

Now when I took over while I didn't have naquadah I could supplement all my other material needs from my resource earths.

And that is why I was here in the big conference room at Umbra headquarters with Haley, Raj the head of legal and Jacob head of finance sporting shocked expressions after my demonstrations and explanation of who I was and what I wanted from them.

"Haley, gentlemen." I said to the trio with a bright smile. "You have one hour to decide." I paused and held the silence for half a second.

"Do not disappoint me."

Scene Break

"This is crazy we should go to the police, the FBI or something. I can't believe we are even considering this!" Haley heard Jacob say with desperation and disbelief.

"We've been over this! What in the hell do you think is going to happen to us? Huh? He took us to the fucking future! He made a fucking Dinosaur! Created Life Out of Air! WE HAVE NO CHOICE!" Raj said angrily.

They have been arguing for ten minutes.

Raj was handling the revelations though subdued anger while Jacob through logical disbelief.

She couldn't blame them. Her mysterious boss was a God or an alien or something supernatural.

Hell his name wasn't even Phillip it was Darrow…he wasn't even a redhead he was blond!

She knew there was something off about him about how he was getting all the money for the company but this…how could anyone expect this?

She'd thought him crazy if it wasn't for the demonstration and explanation.

"Then what do we do? Do we just go along with it? Go do his bidding? Launder money? Buy materials so he can use to build his empire in another dimension? Isn't that fucked? For all we know he could be committing genocide or something!" Jacob said pacing around the room.

"We've already been doing it! Legally we are in deep shit if all the crap he told us about how he got the money in the system is ever investigated!" Raj said and stood from his seat. "But you know what? I'd rather be on the good side of the Guy that CREATED FUCKING LIFE OUT OF NOTHING than the fucking government! Do you really think we can run and hide from him? Face the fucking facts!" he said and sat back in his chair.

Jacob rubbed his face with his hands and looked at Haley.

It was obvious they were both now waiting for her to 'cast' her vote.

She agreed with Jacob the whole thing was crazy but she also agreed with Raj. What could they do? It wasn't like they could hide from him, besides would she want to throw everything she worked for?

And if everything would go as Phil…no Darrow said then they would be some of the most powerful people in the world.

'Start from the beginning or push forward, what to do?'

She looked at the two men and then thought of her son, of the opportunities she wanted to give him.

She took a deep breath and made her decision.

"He didn't build Umbra." She finally said with a calm collected tone.

"What?" Raj said confused.

"He didn't build Umbra Corp. we did. Yes it was his money but it was our hard work, our sleepless nights. We did all the work this is our company."

They both looked at her interested to see where she was going with this.

"This is our company and I am not willing to give it up. I worked hard to get to where I am and I am not willing to start all over again."

"So we just do his bidding doing god knows what?" Jacob interrupted.

"Raj is right, it's not like we really have a choice. He might erase our memories like he said or he might just kill us who knows what someone with his power can do. I know its not right but I have to think of Ethan you both should think about your families as well." She said and paused as the two men looked guilt stricken.

"Besides who knows what other people he will get to run Umbra they could be terrible people with us in charge at least we can try to change things…minimize damage if he asks us to do anything bad."

"It's not like he's asked to kill babies." Raj interrupted. "All he said is that he wants us to continue on the path and start stockpiling materials…it's pretty much what we've been doing already."

"I say we accept…truthfully I'm going to accept regardless of what you two decide. Though I would prefer it if you did as well. We built this company together." she said as a matter of fact.

"I agree." Raj nodded. "Not only everything you just said Haley but I also don't want to start over from the beginning."

They now both looked at Jacob who shook is head in resignation and sat in his seat.

"Fuck…in for an inch in for a mile….we don't really have a choice really." he said with finality.

Haley felt a sense of relief overcome her.

At least she wouldn't be alone in dealing with this.

Scene Break

Year 8, Day 119: Harry Potter Universe, December 1996

"Where are they? They should be back by now!" Annie asked looking nervously out the window into the yard.

Her anxiousness was accentuated by the cold drizzling rain hitting the window and obscuring the view.

"I'm sure they are fine." Claire said unconcerned as she rocked baby Emma (AN: Retconned from baby Haley to Emma) asleep.

They were upstairs in one of the guest bedrooms where a bassinet was set up for Emma.

"You can't do a Patronus charm. You'd only get in the way." Claire remarked.

"I know…but still…I mean what were they thinking?" she said pacing, stepping away from the window. "Like how does he even plan to 'knock off' the Dementors? …It' never been done…it doesn't make sense…"

Her rant was interrupted by a soft barely audible Pop!

"More tea?" Binny asked.

Annie looked at the very peculiar appearance of the head elf of house Miercuri. Every time she saw her and the other elves it seemed they changed, grew taller, stronger…more beautiful.

"No thank you Binny." Claire responded. "How are the others doing downstairs?"

She'd asked her friend dozens of times but all she'd gotten back as a response was that the Miercuri's were special, that Darrow was special.

"Doing well. Some are eating and a few others went to the basement to the arena to practice and some are playing pool in the games room."

She knew her friend was bound to keep her employer's secrets but it was starting to drive her nuts.

The Miercuris were simply enveloped in a shroud of mystery.

Nothing about them made sense.

"That's good." Claire said putting Emma down.

They came out of nowhere and somehow managed to make everything revolve around them. Powerful wizards with untold wealth that had practically changed all their and their friends lives.

The elusive patriarch Michael had gotten himself killed in an attempt to stop further escalation between them and Voldemort.

'Because let's face it probably is the real Voldemort regardless of what Darrow says' Annie thought.

Though only after winning the duel and being shot in the back.

"Don't hesitate to call if you need anything." Binny said and disappeared with another soft Pop!

As for Darrow, outside of looking as a younger carbon copy of his father, Annie could only say that he was the strongest wizard she had ever known.

The boy was a monster in the dueling ring and now he'd been confirmed to be just as powerful and ruthless outside of it.

According to Nick and everyone else present at the duel the only thing that stopped Darrow from killing everyone there was the Dementors assault.

Dementors who apparently had avoided Darrow completely and only assaulted the rest of them.

Dementors who now Darrow wanted to hunt and get his revenge on.

It was why her and Claire and a few others were now at Miercuri's manor holding the fort so to speak.

The manor was the safest place for them to be while the security force and a few volunteers joined Darrow on his quest.

"Darrow's special. He's got something planned. All you'll need to do is man the perimeter make sure he doesn't get shot in the back. Darrow will take care of the Dementors."

She remembered Nick's pitch.

They thought he was crazy but slowly and surely Nick convinced a few to go and then out of peer obligation more volunteered. It was mostly the folks on the security team and those that could perform the Patronus charm.

She made to turn back to Claire and quietly tell her again how stupid of an idea it was when something caught her attention in the yard.

"They are back!" She said louder than she had intended.

Claire picked up Emma. "Quickly let's go downstairs!"

The other's seemed to have noticed as well as a crowd was forming in the welcoming foyer.

The first to walk in were the soaked forms of James and Connor.

"Move! Out of the way!" they said pushing everyone away.

They were quickly followed by Nick and a flood of bright light emanating from the floating horizontal form of Darrow.

"Bloody hell! Is he alright?" Andrew asked, him and his wife and son had just come up from the basement.

"Darrow will be fine." A confident voice said from behind pushing everyone further in. "He simply needs rest." Cato said.

"Fine? He's glowing! Is he dead? Is that electricity?" Lara asked as small arcs of white lightning seemed to randomly spark around his body.

"Binny!" Cato called ignoring the younger woman. "Take Darrow to his bedroom." he said and Darrow disappeared in a soft Pop.

"Nick I leave everything to you. I will attend Darrow." Cato instructed leaving no argument.

"Where's there rest?" Annie asked. "Where's George?"

"Coming down now." Nick said pointing to the yard where more of their team were appearing.

Andreas, Miles, George, the brothers and a few others slowly made their way in.

Miles and George looked shocked and only snapped out of their mood when they were addressed, the brothers ignored all of them and went straight to the bar to pour themselves a drink and the others were somewhere in between or whispering madly.

Only Andreas looked somewhat calm and normal though he also went directly for a drink with the brothers.

"Nick what happened?" Claire asked as they all moved to the living room area.

"What happened?" Greg interrupted loudly as he finished his drink. "The second coming of fucking Merlin happened that's what!"

"Ha! As if Merlin could do that!" Craig said. "That was Zeus himself!"

"Bloody beautiful!"

"It was amazing."

"He's not normal. No wizard could do that."

"He killed them all."

The whispering, nodding and agreements from the rest came hard and fast.

"Alright, settle down everyone!" Nick said loudly. "I know there are questions but it's probably easier to just tell you all what happened first."

As Nick told the story the rest couldn't help but vividly remember the events for they had been imprinted in their very flesh and bones.

Flashback:

Miles felt the cold breeze push against the control he had on the broom. He and the others had formed a perimeter around the swarm of Dementors and around Darrow.

They finally found them congregating over a forest on the east coast in Northumberland and Nick announced that Darrow will go to eliminate the creatures.

Miles thought it was the highest stupidity just like the rest of the crew but then felt obligated to go once Nick, Andreas and a few others said they would join.

Nick had said their job was going to be easy. Make sure Darrow isn't attacked from behind while he prepares the magic against the Dementors.

Also when the fireworks start they were going to use their Patronus charms to prevent any Dementors from escaping.

He didn't understand how any of that was supposed to work. Not only there really wasn't a way to kill the Dementors as far as he knew but there were probably over a hundred of the creatures and only a little of over a dozen of themselves.

The young werewolf thought for sure they would be overwhelmed like last time and would have to escape once more.

That was when the first shock of the evening came.

With a thundering "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" Darrow unleashed his Patronus.

Miles nearly dropped of his broom as a blinding swarm of giant glowing fish streamed out of the tip of his wand fully encircling the swarm of Dementors.

The Dementors were constricted into a much smaller area and every time one of them made to escape a few fish would chase them back into the swarm.

Even though it was only a little over two a clock and daylight was out the light from the Fish could probably be seen for miles.

After the feeling of amazement died down he looked to where Darrow was and saw that he had taken a lotus position and was meditating on the flying carpet.

Flanking him were Cato and Nick on their own carpets standing vigilant.

He waited for something to happen but nothing.

He wanted to move but they had their orders. Nick and Andreas had already yelled at the brothers and the others to stay in position.

With each moment that passed Miles felt the atmosphere get heavier. It was slow at first like the pressure of a thin sheet against your skin then adding layer after layer until it felt as if a thick blanket was enveloping him.

Even spread out he could tell everyone was feeling the same.

More so than that what had been at first a cloudless winter sky now dark rumbling clouds had gathered covering not only their area but as far as his eyes could see.

The clouds were moving fast, bunching and clashing forming a darker nexus right above them and the swarm.

Daylight had slowly retreated behind them further accentuating the clashes of the bright fish and the dark creatures.

Somewhere along Darrow had started to glow emanating a bright silver light as if made of light himself.

Miles could feel it, whatever Darrow was doing was coming to a peak as the air was thick with magic, the clouds were rumbling with flashes of lightning and the creatures were getting ever more restless.

Suddenly he felt a pulse of light and magic like a wave it engulfed him.

The source unmistakable, Darrow was now glowing like a burning star.

He saw as the boy turned into a stream of sparkling light moving into the chaotic clouds above.

A loud and subdued rumble passed over the area then silence.

The swarm of fish stopped as well frozen in the air until it all turned into glowing little stars that were absorbed by the clouds.

All had stopped and were looking up in anticipation and the now dark contoured pulsating clouds even the Dementors hadn't moved an inch.

A moment passed then two then three, the clouds pulsating like a beating heart with unnatural light.

Mile for a slight moment, thinking nothing will happen, felt a pang of fear grip him, there was nothing between them and the swarm of Dementors.

His thoughts must have echoed as he caught out of the corner of his eye one of the creature making a break for it.

KRAAAKKOOOWW!

The rippling thunder deafened them and the white lightning struck the foul creature into the ground.

KRAAAKKOOOWW!

KRAAAKKOOOWW!

KRAAAKKOOOWW!

KRAAAKKOOOWW!

KRAAAKKOOOWW!

The dam unleashed the creatures tried to scatter and the bellowing thunder turned into a continuous earth shattering song as white lightning hit the fleeing Dementors.

Time slowed down for him as he saw in awe lightning flash hitting the creatures dropping them like flies.

And it flashed and thundered again and again and again in a cacophony of light and sound.

As the creatures came closer so did the thunder.

As one of them made a beeline for him he was frozen too much in shock and to slow to react but as the lightning engulfed them both he should have felt fear but instead he felt protected and healed as the creature screamed and burned while the lightning coursed through them both.

The lightning struck and instead of burning and dying he felt a sense of love and protection. He was wanted, he was good, he was Worthy!

Again and again the light engulfed them until there was nothing more of the Dementor but a small whitening husk in his arms.

For a split moment Miles felt sad for the creature as he knew it would never experience even a grain of the peace and unity he had.

He let go of the creature and gazed upon the surreal storm. It felt as if a whole life time passed though as the lightning rared and the thunder quieted he knew it had only be a few moments at best.

He could see the shock of the others as none they couldn't see any Dementors left standing.

As the last rumble subdued the clouds fractured into pieces penetrated by rays of sunshine making a beautiful mosaic of light. And in the middle of that mosaic a floating form of glowing starlight was descending like a fallen angel from heaven.

Even as he saw Nick and Cato rush to him he couldn't help but yell:

"Darrow!"

End Flash Back

"You can't be serious!" Lara exclaimed as Nick finished retelling the story.

"Lara!" James cut in. "One of the Dementors tackled me. The lightning struck us both more times than I could count." He said eagerly. "It burned the creature but me…it healed me or something. I think…I don't think I've ever felt better." he finished.

"Aye, me as well."

"Me too."

"My knees don't hurt no more!"

The nodding and confirmations came from all.

"Andreas, did you collect the samples?" Nick cut through the chatter.

"Right here." The duel master said as he enlarged a chest and opened it.

The crowd gathered to see what was inside and soon followed by a weary gasp.

"Is that…it…them?"

Inside there were the scrunched up whitening burned out husks of three Dementors, small arcs of white electricity sparkling of them leading to small involuntary movements.

A moment, two then three of silence followed as they all observed the sad looking twitching creatures only to be broken up by what could be summed up the collective feeling of all.

"Bloody Hell!"

Scene Break

I move my head from side to side feeling the soreness and exhaustion of a life time and through blurry half opened eyes I see a form sitting next to my bed putting away a newspaper.

"Darrow….can you hear me?" The form says and I force my eyes to open fully.

It takes a second to get clarity as I recognize Cato.

He snaps his fingers in front of my eyes.

"Darrow can you hear me?"

"Ugh…yes…" I groan a response as I slowly regain the energy to shuffle myself halfway up the bed.

"Excellent. I thought we were going to lose you." He state in a neutral tone as a matter of fact.

"Lose me? What?" I responded while shaking the drowsiness from my mind. "Water please."

Immediately Binny appears with a glass of water.

"Thank you."

"Do you remember what happened?" Cato asked.

I gulp the refreshing glass down and with each molecule I absorb I feel myself regaining my energy.

Water is good.

Water is soothing.

Water is life.

What can I say, water affinity.

Cato looks at me patiently waiting for me to answer.

"Yes." I state firmly and hand back the empty glass to Binny. "We went to kill the Dementors. I gathered the biggest and most powerful storm I could. I infused it with my Patronus charm just like we plan…" I paused for a moment as memories flashed in my mind. "…no…I merged with the storm…then I infused the Patronus charm." I pause once more thinking the events.

Cato nodded his head in affirmation waiting for me to finish my thoughts.

"As I was preparing the storm I was concentrating, getting into the mindset of thunder expanding my awareness not only to the storm but everything around me." I pause once more. "I was feeding it energy more than that really I was feeding it my essence my emotions my consciousness…I needed to do it to fuse the Patronus I felt it." I state firmly.

I looked up at the mind master I saw his attentive eyes pondering my words.

"Yes, yes you did." He confirms. "You turned into light and fused with the storm clouds. Do you remember what happened afterwards?"

Images flashed and I smiled.

"Divine retribution. I hit the Dementors with everything I had, every ounce of energy, an overwhelming cascade of positive emotions with each lighting strike. I got those fuckers I know I did." I said confidently.

Cato smiled.

"Yes you did. It's been three days and none of the creatures we brought back have regenerated yet. But more than that you also hit quite a few of the crew with your lightning." He said.

My eye went wide. "Fuck you're right…are they ok?"

"Yes they are in fact more than ok. All those hit say they've experienced a…"he paused "let's call it an overwhelming feeling of love, worthiness and being protected including healing of various wounds and ailments."

He paused.

"I see…" I didn't know what to say. "It's likely the Patronus, my will was to destroy the creatures not hurt my people."

"The only logical explanation." He said. "For once a positive side effect of you going off script. Even with explaining what had happened the emotions they felt and connection with you cannot simply be ignored or reasoned away…they see you as …more" he finished.

"I see. That's good." He nodded. "I've been out or three days?"

"Yes. It was quite a frightening three days." He said neutrally. "Once you finished you fell out of the clouds pulsating in a bright silver glow with sparks of white electricity popping up around you."

I nodded and waited for him to continue.

"That lasted most of the first day. Then on the second day you started to literally flicker in and out of existence, as if a lightning struck, you vibrated on the spot and for a split of a second disappeared. That happened periodically thought out the day. We thought you were going to blink out and never be seen again." He paused and looking at me.

"I see." I didn't know what to say so I just looked at my hands trying to feel my energy.

The silence lasted for a moment then Cato sighed.

"Are you alright Darrow…are you still…you?"

I knew what he was asking was I still divine, did I still have my powers or did I spend myself trying to kill the bloody creatures.

An understandable question, the limits of the Xenaverse gods were funky and questionable and he didn't have my detailed knowledge of their lore. Not unless he researched it when we were in the Shameless universe which I doubt he did.

I closed my eyes and concentrated I made a show of letting my blue divine light engulf me from the waist outward and teleported across the room close to the entrance.

Cato watched me silently and once more I let the blue light engulf me and changed from the pajamas I was in to a comfortable slacks and t-shirt.

"Still me." I confirm looking at my hands and flexing. "More than that actually." I said and closed my eyes to feel inwards.

"I feel it in my veins. It's hard to explain, it's like a low buzz more so than usual." I paused trying to find the right words. "It's as if the song that was playing before just had another note added…it's as if I can…I can hear the storm…I can feel the Thunder!"

I open my eyes and let the electrifying energy flow into my hands. I don't let it discharge but mold it into a spear, nay, a thunderbolt.

It grows steadily as energy pours in. Images flash in my mind of when I merged with the storm and I remember the powerful emotions I used.

I channel the emotional energy into the Thunderbolt, love, protection, turning its electric sparkles pure white. My hands tremble trying to contain its power.

I see Cato looking intently at the Thunderbolt in my hands. It is now as tall as I am.

I take a quick breath and focus to cut off the power and hold the energy together.

I raise the bolt above my head in striking pose and I can't help but feel:

Accomplished.

Satisfied.

Complete.

A smug smiles plasters on my face as Cato observes my magnificent form.

"Impressive isn't it? I would even say divine!" I say full of myself.

Cato doesn't reply right away but gives me a look once over again.

"Yes, quite so…" he says calmly.

His words are music to my ears, it's not that I need his approval or anything but I do want some recognition for my kick-ass achievements.

After all I am the Best!

I am the Greatest!

And I will be the most Powerful God to…

"…And I'm sure your enemies will tremble in fear when you smite them with…love"

His words cut through my ego like butter.

….well fuck you too Old man!

Scene Break

Year 8, Day 200: Harry Potter Universe, March 1997

Padma watched as Andrew and Terry completed the runes around the octagonal geometric shapes.

They were in the Room of Requirement about to perform a ritual that Darrow convinced them was necessary for their protection.

After six years of being friends with Darrow, because surely they must be friends by now otherwise why would she keep coming back to the practice sessions, she learned not to doubt his magical prowess and knowledge but she still couldn't help but be apprehensive of the ritual her beefy, good looking class mate had convinced them to undertake.

Blood magic and blood rituals were after all no joke.

Coming from a pureblood family she'd always been warned not willingly give up her blood or to use it to perform magic.

So she felt compelled to ask the question again.

"Are you sure this is safe Darrow? Blood magic isn't exactly looked well upon."

The large boy, no, man standing in the centre of the geometric forms, triangles surrounded by a square surrounded by an octagon surrounded by a circle with runes on the outside, looked up from the book he was reading and gave her a big smile.

"Of course it is. The ritual is nothing more than to enhance our wills to make sure the blood binds to the medallions, just like it does when you use the fancy trunks that are blood tied." he said confidently.

She took a moment to gather her thoughts to reply her objections when Mandy interjected.

"You've seen how good that Ultimate Shield of his is Padma!" Her blond friend said excitedly. "It's definitely worth the risk to have it."

She deflated at that because Mandy was right.

When Darrow had shown them the Ultimate Shield they had all been amazed. An automatic shield that could take on pretty much everything except the killing curse was pretty much out of this world.

That magic alone confirmed for Padma that despite Darrow showcasing his was muggle upbringing his family was actually old and pure-blooded.

'You don't just get to have family magic like that if you're muggle.'

She just wished there was another way for Darrow to share his family magic without using blood magic.

"Do not worry Padma, the ritual will be safe as long as we do not get any fairy dust on it!" Luna said holding a broom from behind her.

The younger girl had been frantically sweeping and Scourgifying the whole chamber though no one had asked her to do it including Darrow.

"Especially Finkle Fairies" the younger blond continued confidently. "If it gets mixed with our blood it will attract Ponty Rats and they are a menace to get rid of! That's what father said happened two summers ago when we had the infestations though…" Padma saw the girl pause and look deep in thought.

"….we might have gotten the rat infestation because father always drops crumbs on the floor in his office when he eats…" She saw Luna was a bit conflicted on what to believe.

"Right." Padma said feeling a bit disgusted with the apparent lack of hygiene in the Lovegood family. Five years of hanging around the girl and she had never really been able to figure her out.

One moment she is saying the most insane things and other times her thoughts and outside of the box insights are exactly what's needed to solve a situation.

Out of all of them in their little practice meet-ups she had been the most unpredictable even catching Darrow unprepared quite a few times.

Truthfully she thought to herself that if it hadn't been for Darrow she, Mandy and likely everyone else probably would have never giver the time of day to 'Loony Luna' as some had dubbed her.

Though none had dared to call her that in Darrow's presence.

"Alright, we are done!" Terry said as he and Andrew approached the group.

"Nice!' Larry said. "What now Darrow?" he asked as the whole group got around their tall class mate.

"Excellent. Ok everyone take your medallion." he said and with a wave of his wand they floated from the table in the corner outside of the circle.

Padma took the medallion floating in front of her. It was made of bronze about the size of her palm, on one side there was a raven engraved while the other had a copy of the ritual circle and runes.

"Now what?" Michael Corner asked.

"You all take a corner. I will be in the centre since I'm the one sharing the magic with you."

Padma nodded with everyone and took a corner. To her right was Larry and to her left was Luna.

"Right ok so now all we have to do is" then Darrow paused. "Oh right, I forgot the knives!" he said and with another wave of his hand the knives floated from the table as well towards them.

Padma grabbed hers as did everyone else.

"Ok so first things first. We need to power up the rune circle so everyone stab your thumb or index finger slightly to get a few drops of blood and drop them anywhere on the lines or the runes.

Padma felt squeamish but did as instructed. The knife point was sharp so it took only a small cut to get the desired blood out.

"Eh, nothing's happening mate." Michael remarked.

"That's because I haven't added my blood to the mixture yet." Darrow said confidently.

Then unlike them Darrow took his knife and did a large swipe across his hand.

"Darrow!" Mandy and Terry yelled at the same time expressing everyone's concern.

They all made to move to him but she like the others suddenly found themselves he'd in place by an overwhelming force.

She knew it wasn't a spell which meant one thing and one thing only. Darrow was using his power to hold them all in place.

"Mate! What's going on? I can't move."

"Are you ok?"

"That's a deep cut!"

"I can't move either!"

The questions came fast and hard. Only Luna seemed to be relaxed as she looked at her small drips of blood falling to the floor.

"Everyone!" Darrow said loudly shutting them up. "Be Calm. I am alright." he said as a stream of blood flowed from his hand to cover the lines of the rune circle on the floor.

"I'm holding you in place. I knew you would be worried and try to move. The circle requires quite a bit of blood to power it."

"Darrow…that looks like a lot of blood." Andrew said.

Looking at the pouring blood Padma realized it must have been magic as the blood flowed in an unnatural stream out of his hand.

"Bloody Merlin…" she heard from Ash the normally quiet boy of their group.

"No to worry I'm quite alright. Now if we could get on with the ritual." He said firmly.

The rune circle suddenly lit up in a bright blue light as Darrow's blood covered it thought the more apt description would be the circle absorbed Darrow's blood.

"I will release my hold on you but please do not move or we will have to start all over…and there is only so much blood I have to give." he said coyly.

Padma saw that everyone seemed to relax and stay in place as she felt freedom of movement returning.

She did the same.

Once the full circle was lit up each of them were engulfed by individual blue circles around their feet which emanated the blue light around them as if they were in a tube.

Her eyes went wide as soon as the light engulfed her and it seemed everyone else had the same feeling.

Power!

Raw power it was coursing through her. She felt like she could do anything like she could topple a mountain!

It took her a moment to notice her medallion was floating in front of her.

"Alright" she heard Darrow's voice once more. "Now use the knife and prick the other thumb and concentrate on letting a few drops of blood on the medallion."

She did as instructed and the medallion lit up though unlike the blue light of the forms on the floor this time it was in bronze brilliance.

"Good! Now my turn."

She flinched as Darrow cut his other hand then was once more amazed as eight streams o blood shot out of it and went right into the medallions.

Their glow now golden with the absorption of his blood.

"I need your help here guys. We need more of your blood to mix with mine. I need you to concentrate as if you were doing a spell and imagine a thin stream of blood flowing from your thumb to the medallion."

Padma saw Luna close her eyes and a thin string like stream of blood flowed from her hand into the now golden glowing medallions.

Mandy and Larry were next and soon she saw the rest of the boys were also following suit though she couldn't help but notice Ash's eyes were wide open unblinking and a thicker stream of blood was flowing from his hand.

Slightly unnerved she decided to get it over with and concentrated on her own medallion.

"That's great guys excellent! Just a little bit more." Darrow said as they all concentrated. "Good! Now for the final piece."

"I Darrow Miercuri share my power, my protection, my magic with my friends. Through these medallions I bind our blood and my Ultimate Shield to their will to protect, grow and serve them in their time of need. Do you accept?"

Padma thought the question redundant since they all came this far but she knew formalities had to be followed.

"We accept." they all said in almost unison as Darrow had instructed them before "Through our blood we bind this medallion to our will."

As she finished the words she was Darrow smile, stop the flow of his blood and glow blue releasing a pulse of blue magical light engulfing them like a warm summer wind.

"…And it's done." he said confidently as the geometric rune circle's light faded into nothingness.

They all grabbed the floating medallions and looked at themselves and each other to see for any changes to their bodies.

"Uh, how do we know it worked?" Andrew asked.

"Easy way to find out." Darrow said with a big smile and tipped out his wand. "Stupefy!"

The red bolt of the spell shot towards her unprepared classmate but was stopped about half a meter in front of him by a white light as the bronze medallion emitted a low golden glow.

"Wicked!" Andrew said as everyone stood looking amazed.

It only took a second of shock then as if on instinct Padma saw everyone whip out their wands.

The thoughts on all their minds were the same though before they could act Darrow interrupted them.

"Settle down you lot!" and they all felt a gentle pressure presenting them from moving. It wasn't a forceful feeling but more like a calm reassuring hand on a shoulder.

"Your Ultimate Shield isn't exactly like mine. I power mine thought my family's spells tied to my magic. You lot do it by pouring your energy through the medallion." He said with a warning tone.

"Right now since we just added your blood and my blood it will probably take on three or four Stupefy shots sure but it does get weaker with each shot."

"So we have to keep charging it? Kind of like a weapon in a video game?" Ash asked surprising everyone once again.

Padma could feel the excitement in his voice.

"Uh, yea, kind of." Darrow said looking slightly concerned. "This isn't really meant to for you to go pick fights and bulldoze through them it won't hold to that kind of conflict. The Ultimate Shield is more meant to save you from a surprise shot." he said, Padma could feel the scolding warning in his tone.

"Besides, the more energy you pour into it the more tired you get."

"So how do we power them?" Terry asked next.

"Ideally, you spend about 5 minutes every evening meditating and imagining you pouring magic into the medallion thinking about protection."

Ok that was a bit annoying to do but it wasn't so bad Padma thought. Then she saw Darrow frowner a second then pull out his notebook.

"Or, if that doesn't work then I think a few drops of blood every day should work." He said ruffling through his notebook. "…i think."

"What mate…? …Are you sure or you think?" Michael asked concerned.

"I think….look it's not like I've done this before… so try it out see which works." Darrow said shrugging his shoulders.

Padma was happy she wasn't the only one to groan.

Scene Break.

With the ritual over with the Ravens and more secure that they were as best equipped for the upcoming conflicts I could feel good about myself that I didn't simply abandon them after making them into targets.

Truthfully I didn't really need the ritual I could have weaved the medallions spells using my divine advantages but there is nothing like a little blood magic to grow the bonds of friendship.

Time does tend to dilute everything in the end and with me planning to embark on the Stargate world I will be away from them for quite some time.

They had grown on me over the years and I eventually would like to have some of them in my court.

Still there was a lot more work to be done and I needed to prepare.

Scene Break

Year 8, Day 250: Harry Potter Universe, May 1997

The Floo flared into bright flame bringing Greg into the Miercuris foyer.

Before taking in his surroundings he moved quickly out of the way as his brother was quick on his tail.

"Claire!" he said cheerfully. "Didn't realize you'd be here as well. Thought you'd be home with the little one." He said as the floor flared his brother into existence right behind him.

Claire gave him a bright smile as Emma let out a cooing sound from her arms.

"I would have but I wanted to be here for this meeting. Make sure you boys don't kill each other." Emma was now smiling at Greg's exaggerated facial expressions.

"What's this about then?" Greg heard his brother ask from behind.

Nick had asked them for a private meeting just the three of them to talk some important family business. Of course they'd both been interested to know what it was.

After all the past few months had been quite busy dealing with bounty hunters and ransoming off wanna be death eaters.

He couldn't help but smirk at that thought, seeing the desperate faces of the pureblood lads and their families would always bring joy to his heart.

They'd gotten a few of the good ones as well. The tried and true upper echelon Deatheaters, they'd gotten their pound of blood no doubt about it but still it's mostly been a wave of riff raff and noble lads with too much ego.

"Come on. We have tea and biscuits set up in the living room." Claire beckoned them to follow her.

It hadn't been all fun and games though. They were on a perpetual security watch, always travelling in groups and constantly checking to make sure the various wards on the farms and other properties were in good shape.

Everyone was on edge as attacks could happen at any time.

Even Irma was harassed a few times. Luckily it was just some incompetent lads and she got away via her emergency portkeys.

Because of that Andreas had self-assigned himself as her security companion. An arrangement which seemed to suit them both quite well.

'The two should just make things official' Greg thought. 'Grown men and women acting like teenagers.' he couldn't help but smile inwardly.

"Hello lads!" Nick said excitedly as he joined them in the living room.

"Hello Nick!" They both said and shook his hand.

They exchanged pleasantries for a few more moments and caught up on some of the security team update over half a cup of tea.

"Now Nick, what's this business you want to talk about?" Greg asked curiosity building up in him.

"Right." Nick said a bit awkwardly as he looked at Claire.

Greg saw her give a small nod with Nick reciprocating.

"Right, well it's about Darrow." he paused. "I'm sure you've noticed that Darrow and Michael were, well are, special."

Craig snorted "You can say that again mate. Though I think special isn't quite cutting it." He interrupted sarcastically.

"Aye, I agree with that." Nick continued. "How special Darrow is …well it's hard to explain and what he can do …and what he wants to do is even harder to believe." He paused and looked at them intently and serious.

Greg looked at Claire where he saw the same look as her still not yet husband.

"It's why I ask that you keep an open mind for what I'm going to…"

"Nick." Greg said interrupting his host. "I'll stop you right there. Whatever it is Darrow wants us to do we're in." He said resolutely.

Nick looked slightly surprised. "You're in? Just like that? You don't want to hear first what it is?"

"Well it's not killing women and children is it?" Claire actually snorted at that.

"No! Of course not!"

"Then we're in." Greg confirmed and looked at his brother.

"Bloody hell we are in! The boy turned into a storm and fried over a 100 Dementors! You heard what the rest of the pack are calling him!"

"The second coming of Merlin!"

"The next Dumbledore!"

"Jupiter reborn!"

"It'd be bloody stupid not back the boy."

"Plus him and his father always did right by us. We had nothing before."

Nick stopped the brothers before they could continue their tirade.

"Alright, you made your point." he said placating them. "Let me say my piece first…" then he stopped and looked at Claire "….I think it might be easier if I just show them first."

Greg saw Claire's look, an expression he recognized as her thinking things over.

"Fine might as well start with that." she then turned to them.

"Alright you two let me have your wands, you backups…your other backups and the pistols."

They both looked at them concerned but followed through.

"What's this about?"

"Don't want you two to freak out and shoot me." Nick said smiling…as he was undressing himself.

"Nick…what are you doing mate?" Craig asked.

"Don't want him to rip his clothes when he transforms." Claire added.

"Transform?"

"Aye, transform!" Nick said as his body started changing.

Hi skin stretched, his muscles budged, his bones pushed outwards, silver fur grew in an instant all over his body.

"Claire our wands! We need to…" Craig started desperately.

"No need!" The gruff tabled voice of Nick said as he grunted to the last bits of the transformation.

"I assure you he's quite alright." Claire added calmly from her seat. Emma twitting and smiling her arms.

The brothers swallowed their impulse that urged them to get out of there and looked at their friend with amazement.

"You're transformed? And it's not a full moon." Craig remakes.

Over 8ft tall, staked with muscles and fabulous silver fur he looked ferocious, powerful, commanding but most of all he looked…

"You're in control?" Greg asked.

"I am." Nick replied in a deep growly voice as he hovered over them.

"How?" They both asked at the same time.

"You two should have a seat." Nick said calmly as Claire handed him a towel.

He put it around his wasted and started the processor transforming back.

"It's quite the story."

Scene Break

Year 8, Day 307: Harry Potter Universe, June 1997

With the school year closing I said my goodbyes to my Ravens. All my 6th year peers were going to stay for 7th year and try their NEWTS afterwards.

They were understanding when I explained that I will have to travel quite a bit in the next two years to take over my family's businesses.

We promised we would write each other and I did intend to keep that promise but overall I was planning on keeping the Ravens at arm's length until my ascension was secured in the Stargate.

Marginally dealing with an evil magical terrorist is one thing but interstellar body snatching alien galactic warfare is a completely different ball game.

As much as I hated to admit it I had grown a soft spot for them and I felt it was right to let them experience life in their own way before I bring my cross reality problems into theirs.

Overall I was a bit on edge waiting to see if events would play out how I wanted them. My elf had informed me that Draco had fixed the vanishing cabinet in the Room or Lost Things so now all I had to do was sit and wait for the opportune moment.

As I looked outside my office window I could see the grey somber clouds sitting heavy, even though Hogwarts was hundreds of miles away from my location I knew the skies were sporting the same weariness as if in anticipation of what was going to happen.

Pop!

The soft sound to which my elf popped into my office reached my ears and I couldn't help but take a deep breath.

'It is time.'

Scene Break

Draco could feel his hearth thumping loudly while the knot in his chest was getting tighter as the door of the vanishing cabinet creaked singling the entrance of his Deatheater accomplices.

Before he could see who the first to enter was a burnt fleshy smell assaulted his nose making him scrunch in disgust.

"Draco my dear, what's wrong? Not happy to see your dear auntie?" Bellatrix said as she stepped out.

Draco was a shocked at his aunt's appearance.

Half her face was covered in a silver mask that ran down from the top of her scalp all the way to her left collar bone in an artistic bronze covered geometric display of runes.

It was obvious from the foul magic he could feel and the scarred skin around the edges that this was no artistic choice on behalf of his aunt. The mask was dual purpose as it covered the cursed area and kept whatever curse was trying to burn her face off at bay.

His mother had written alluding to attacks on their friends though he'd always considered his crazy aunt to be almost as untouchable as the Dark Lord himself, million galleon reward or not.

"No. Of course not." He said finally doing his best to not stutter.

"Admiring my mask dear?" she said cupping his cheek. Draco could only stare at her eyes afraid to say anything. "It's beautiful isn't it?" Draco nodded "….A gift from the Dark Lord…after dealing with those who dared challenge us and…" she paused he hand squeezing slightly tighter on his cheek "…disloyal friends." She finished looking deeply into his eyes.

"Where is he?"

Draco was happy for Fenrir to interrupt as him and the other two joined them.

"Down boy!" Bellatrix said turning to them. "My nephew will guide us."

Fenrir growled.

"Fine, let's get moving." he said through barred teeth. "I want meat tonight."

Draco took that as his cue and started moving.

It took all his self-control not to shake and break with each step.

Today he would succeed or the Dark Lord would kill him and his parents.

Scene Break

Snape watched Dumbledore with trepidation as the subdued growl of thunder intensified while the sky darkened once more.

Rain burst into life with heavy drops hitting the roof in a low rhythm, seeping through its ancient tiles.

Drip!

The water droplet echoed in the tense silence of the tower between the two parties.

'How had it come to this?' Snape couldn't help but ponder.

Drip! Drip!

He'd done what he could.

Drip! Drip!

What he thought was needed to atone.

Drip! Drip! Drip!Drip!

But he'd failed them again. He'd failed Lily.

Drip! Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!

He was failing Dumbledore, again, and soon he will fail to keep his word to Narcissa.

Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!

'NO!' he thought. He couldn't let Draco become a killer. HE had to do it! He had to kill his friend, even if it meant it would bring the Dark Lord closer to his goal. HE needed to protect Draco!

The boy was proud full, arrogant but he was no killer.

His Godson could still be saved.

"Kill him already!" Bellatrix's screech cut out his thoughts.

Drip! Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!Drip!

"Severus" Dumbledore's voice brought his attention.

Snape noticed the old wizard was looking curiously at the steady stream of dripping water from the leaky roof that was forming a puddle in between them.

"Severus!" this time Dumbledore's voice was more forceful the old man's eyes meeting his own.

Snape knew it was time. He couldn't hesitate any longer.

"Beware…."

"AVADA KADAVRA!" He hit Dumbledore squarely in the chest, blasting him out the window.

"AHAHAHA!" as the cruel laugh of Bellatrix and the other Deatheaters filled the tower drowning out the sounds of rain Snape couldn't help but hear the whispering last words of his former headmaster.

"….the Torrent"

His eyes instantly went to the growing puddle fed by the streaming water.

Dread overcame him.

He forcefully grabbed Draco by the arm and dragged him towards the door.

"WE NEED TO LEAVE NOW!"

"Yes we need to…" Bellatrix started when suddenly a stream of ice blasted from the puddle spearing one of the masked death eaters through the heart pinning them to the wall.

"YAAAHH!" He heard Bellatrix screech as she launched a barrage of spells at the now bubbling water.

Bursts of white glowing ice formed where the spells hit while the puddle started to bubble and gush with water rapidly expanding as if pouring from below.

He saw Bellatrix's spells have no effect.

A tentacle of water shot and grabbed the other masked wizard. Faster than the Deatheater could react when suddenly being pulled upside down he was slung forcefully in a whipping motion.

His head hit the stone pillar with a mushy splat.

For a split second Snape was stunned.

Bellatrix hissed then burst into action running into them.

"RUN!" she screeched

"GO DRACO!" he pulled the boy into the hallway.

"W..w…what is that?" Draco asked through stutter breaths awkwardly stumbling to keep up in his grip.

Snape ignored the boy and pushed him harder to continue their descent from the tower.

He could hear Bellatrix and Fenrir on his tail though he could also hear the sound of water smashing against stone walls.

As he reached the connecting hallway Snape saw a layer of water rush past him covering up the walls and ceiling of the hallway blocking all paths of escape.

"It's HIM!" Bellatrix screeched. "I'll KILL YOU! YOU FILTHY MUDBLOOD!"

Snape saw her and Fenrir erratically fire spells at the water once again with no effect.

Water tentacles shot out from the wall slithering around the werewolf's arms and legs.

Fenrir tried to twist and pull his way out of the encroaching appendages only for them to get tighter and snugger.

"GRAAAAAHHHH" The werewolf yelled in pain as the tentacles tugged at his arms and legs.

The popping sound of bones breaking and the snapping of muscled and tissue from each other soon followed as his arms and legs were ripped apart of his body.

Bellatrix unleashed the killing curse in a cursed stream of green energy against the water covered walls in a futile attempt to destroy them.

Snape pushed Draco behind him in an effort to shield the boy from the water and his aunt's madness.

"Get OFF ME! GET OFF MEE!" she screamed and thrashed around her wand pointing at her own body.

A burst of water was travelling upwards from the floor enveloping the mad witch in a thick blanket while she screeched and trashed around.

As the water covered her head to toe it immediately fell to the ground leaving no trace of Draco's aunt.

Silence.

"P…pro…professor?"

"Quiet Draco." he responded and looked around at the perfectly stilled water sealing off the hallway.

Someone was playing with them, hunting them.

That much was obvious now.

"Show yourself!" He commanded. His tone more confident than he felt.

The deaths had been too flashy. They were a show. A means to send a message.

And Bellatrix had disappeared.

It all clicked in his mind.

"I know you can hear me! You don't have to do this!"

The water on the floor bubbled up again taking the form of a large man.

"Well done professor. You were always good in high pressure situations!" The water spoke in a familiar accent as it finished shaping itself.

"D…Darrow? H…how?"" Draco asked with disbelief

"In the watery flesh!" Came his cheerful response. "As for the how…" he said as he walked slowly towards them.

His instinct told him to step back but he suddenly found himself pinned in place by an unbearable force.

"well…it's a bit of a long story." he paused and looked at them both.

His form towering a few inches over theirs.

"Unfortunately this is neither the time nor place for it so for now just SLEEP"

Darkness overtook him.

Scene Break

Year 8, Day 308: Shameless Universe, January 2027

Warmth, like a blanket covering him he felt warm.

Next came the muted sounds of… un-natural glass breaking, clicking, sparkling and small sirens sounding.

He felt his breath, his chest moving then his body and a small jolt of panic as his senses came back to him.

He shot up from his laying position only to find he was on something comfortable like a couch.

His blurry eyes recognized the warmth as sunlight streaming in from giant windows. Outside he could make out lavish houses all descending down as if they were build on the side of a hill.

It was daytime.

The constant noise of electrical sounds as if coming from a slot machine brought his attention to inside where an old man sitting across the spacious living room he was currently in.

"I see you are awake. How are you feeling?" The old man asked though he did not take his eyes off the slick white square he was constantly touching which was the source of the noise.

It took a moment for Snape to recognize him.

"Darrow can be heavy-handed at times." The man said and it confirmed his suspicions.

It was Darrow's the mind master. Both Dumbledore and Voldemort had him look into all the Miercuris.

"Where am I? Where's Draco?" He asked standing and quickly checking for his wand not finding it.

In response a sad but cheerful song played and the old man put the slick white square down "Can't ever get past this level" he said grumbling.

"Sorry about that." He said turning his attention to him. "You are in Beverly Hills, United States. Your student is sleeping soundly in the master bedroom down the hall." he pointed.

Snape immediately made to move to get his godson but was stopped.

"Hold on now, you should let the boy sleep until you've finished speaking with Darrow." The old man looked at him their eyes meeting. "Oh …and I would put any thoughts of escaping out of your head. That would annoy your host and you've seen what he can do…unless of course you have had a change of mind on keeping your godson alive?"

Snape took a moment to control his emotions.

"And where is Mr. Miercuri?" he finally spit out through gritted teeth.

"He went out to get fruit."

Severus looked at him…incredulously.

"Fruit?"

"Yes, we ran out of fruit so he went to get some. He should be back pretty soon." The man responded drily, as a matter of fact.

"And what does he want with us? Draco is not at fault for what his estranged aunt did."

"Certainly not. As for what Darrow wants, you will just have to wait and see." he said responded with a small smile.

"Now I suggest you have a seat and get yourself comfortable, it is going to be a long day."

The old man picked up the white square again which lit up to his touch to show a screen and went back to…pressing it, engaging it into making the quirky sounds.

As he sat back on the couch waiting for his dangerous host the weight of what he'd done finally came to bear.

'I killed him.' he thought pensively. 'I had too. To save Draco.'

And now his mentor, his friend and the greatest wizard of their time was dead. He'd saved Draco but put not only Lily's son but the whole world in more danger.

He wasn't the resentful school boy and impressionable young man of over two decades ago. He had learned from his mistakes he had tried to atone for his failures but it seemed no matter what he did someone would always pay for his weakness, for his failures.

"Ah! Severus you're awake!" Snape was pulled out of his thoughts.

He saw Darrow standing in the living room as if appeared out of nowhere, though he didn't hear any pop or sounds of apparition or portkey travel.

There was something odd about Darrow, he thought as he looked at his student. It wasn't the fact that he was out of school robes and dressed in a summary blue polo and green shorts that accentuated his large frame.

Darrow had always been large, no, it was something else, his posture, the confidence he was exhuming and even his facial features they looked off… as if a mask has suddenly been pulled over revealing them for the first time.

"Welcome to the FUTURE!" Miercuri said dramatically only brining him confusion.

"What?" he blurted out before he could stop himself.

"Cato you didn't tell him?" Darrow asked the old man.

"I was curious to see if he would ask about the odd muggle devices and decorations but he was tight lipped the whole time." Cato shrugged.

He had been curious to ask though his mind had carried him to other things.

"Ah, well Severus, you see we are in my mansion in Beverly Hills, United States in the year 2027. Thirty years in the future from when we had our little hallway fight."

Miercuri was delusional now. Powerful sure but it was obvious not all the gears were spinning.

"Enough with this nonsense! I care not for your delusions. Why have you brought us here? What do you want?" he felt anger but tiredness as well. He didn't like being played with.

"Straight to the point. I like it!" Darrow answered cheerfully.

"Well Professor, the short answer to that question is quite simple. What I want is You."

Snape looked at him dumbfounded not understanding the answer.

"What?" he blurted out once more.

"Ah, well time for the long answer." He said with a big smile. "Buckle in this is going to be a doozy, we have quite a few movies to watch. But don't worry…" he said and paused as he went to the large dining table and put the large bags down.

"I've brought snacks!"

Scene Break

"You're MAD!" he said angrily and full off spite.

They had rushed through 'the movies', he'd seen Hogwarts, himself, or at least an older version of himself, Dumbledore, Harry, everyone really.

He'd seen things that he'd said and done, his death, or at least a version of his death. His saw his fight with Minerva and Harry's triumph over Voldemort.

He listened to Darrow and Cato's explanations. They took him to where Hogwarts was supposed to be only to find just muggle ruins.

There was no ministry, no Diagon alley and no magic outside of them.

He felt a whirlwind of emotions sadness, pain, anguish and hope throughout the whole ordeal but now it was anger that he felt.

"By normal human or wizard standards, maybe." It was Cato that replied. "By the standards of similar beings, unlikely." His tone dry.

Snape ignored him completely.

"You could have ended this at any time! Why? Why let all this pain all this, suffering happen?"

"Now Severus, I understand you are mad however as powerful as I seem today I was nowhere nearly as strong or confident when I first came to your world. Still could I have killed Voldemort with planning and preparation? Very likely however that would not have helped me in anyway. " Snape watched the self-proclaimed god state calmly.

'A God!' he's more delusional than the Dark Lord 'He's no God. He's a Madman that's what he is!'

"Are we all just pieces for you to play with then? Is that all we are? Do you get amusement from seeing us act to how you pull the strings? What makes you think I will join you?" He couldn't help but feel spite.

"That's an oversimplification of the situation but to answer your question I do not feel any amusement…" he paused "…though some amusing situations have certainly resulted due to my actions but it's not exactly the same thing." He paused once more.

"Besides is this time line not better than the one from the movies that could have been? No student deaths so far, the Minister is still in power, Sirius is still alive and leading the fight and Voldemort has never been weaker. The only deaths so far have been Deatheaters, law enforcement or strangers which you know nothing about. You can't tell me that you truly care about them can you?"

Snape looked at him for a moment and digested his words.

He was right, Cedric hadn't died and while there were attacks in society at large the school had been safe and Voldemort wasn't really in any position to take over the Ministry anytime soon.

Even the influx of glory seeking bounty hunters that were causing problems for law enforcement were still whittling at Voldemort's forces.

"Then why not end it now? You have the power you know where the hocruxes are, you could end this…this…Chaos!"

"Yes I could very much so end things now with a snap of my fingers. But why would I do that? Chaos benefits me. Chaos brings change, chaos brings power, and chaos convinces those that I want that I am the right choice!" Darrow finished his expression gleeful.

Snape just looked at him astounded.

"You're Mad!" was all he uttered.

"As Cato said that is debatable. Now as for why you would join me Severus, well truthfully I don't think you have much choice."

"You just killed Dumbledore, you are the second most wanted man in the wizarding world right after Bellatrix. You would have to go back to Voldemort and you just saw where that path leads to. At a minimum your death but considering everything I've changed maybe even Draco's death as well." Darrow pauses briefly letting Snape absorb his words.

"But me on the other hand I could use a man of your skill, magically knowledgeable, good under high pressure, experience in spying and the mind arts, oh yes your talents are greatly wasted in the little Dark Lord's cabal."

"Join me!"

"Help me build my empire and you could do actual good on a scale never before imagined. I offer you a new life, free from Voldemort's madness for both you and Draco….or" he paused once more.

"…I could kill you both now…or maybe obliviate you and drop you off at the Voldemort's front door. Or I just kill Draco in front of you….or I kill you in front of him …I have quite a few options." He said with a cruel smile.

Snap felt, anguish, sadness and most of all frustration. He was once again stuck between impossible choices.

"What about Draco?" he finally asked defeated. "What will you do with him. Is he to come with us in this new reality?"

"Well…" Darrow said "Probably it would be best if he does. There's a good chance he will die if I send him back to Voldemort and even if he hides they will eventually find him…and it's not like I can leave him here…can't have a magical in a non-magical reality…so yea probably we'd bring him along I'm sure we can find him something useful to do he is pretty good at potions." He finished shrugging his shoulders.

Snape felt a wave of relief, at the very least he will be able to keep watch over Draco and his promise to Narcissa.

Then the thought struck him.

"What about his parents?" he asked.

Darrow looked at him confused. "What about his parents?"

"You can save them? Take them with us?" he asked with hopefully.

"And why would I do that?"

"Draco will serve you, think how much more content and grateful he will be if you save his parents. As for Lucius and Narcissa for all their faults they do love their son very much. You save him and they will serve you as well. They are both capable wizards." he said with as much conviction as possible.

It was true both Narcissa and Lucius loved their son in their own ways. If he could save at least one of them he would, he owed them at least that much.

"There is some merit to what he says." The old man interjected. "You could play the family against each other. You would have a psychological leash on them by giving them something to loose in case they think about betrayal."

Darrow took a moment of tense silence before he responded.

"Fine. Let's try it out. I'll be back." He said and simply disappeared.

"I know you have doubts" The mind master addressed him as he picked up the slim white square now known as a tablet. "But rest assured Darrow does his best to keep his promises and he is not needlessly cruel."

He said sitting down on the comfy arm chair starting the 'Bejeweled' game again.

"Not yet at least."

Snape ignored him and went to check on the sleeping form of Draco.

He killed his friend, his view on reality was turned upside and now he was trading one madman for another.

He sat in silence watching Draco sleeping pondering today's events and hoped he wasn't making a mistake and dooming them all.

It didn't take long, maybe twenty minutes for Darrow to materialize in the living room with a tied up Lucius and Narcissa.

Lucius looked like death, unkempt and disheveled. He knew it was Voldemort who was taking his frustrations out on the Deatheater.

Narcissa looked better with her husband taking the brunt of the punishment.

"I'm back. Took longer than I thought. Lady Malfoy here was out and about. Took some time to tracker her down."

"Where are we? Let us go you filthy Mudblood!" Lucius shouted as he struggled against the magical restraints.

"Draco! Where is he? You said I could see my son!" Narcissa interjected.

He saw Darrow wave his hand and their voices went silent.

"Severus would you like to start or should I?" He said with a sly smile.

He took a deep breath and prepared himself. The day was only going to get longer.

Scene Break

It took nearly two hours, after Draco was also awakened, to get the family up to speed and on board with his proposal.

That and plenty of demonstrations and veiled threats from Darrow and Cato.

They didn't believe his whole 'I am a God' story and neither did he but Darrow's powers and abilities were undeniable.

Eventually, in a very one sided negotiation, he convinced them to trade Draco's life for theirs and in effect saving them all.

Of course he didn't mention anything to them that he'd already ensured Draco's life with his. While his former student didn't forbid him from saying anything about that he knew that it wouldn't lead to a good outcome, Darrow was testing him.

Besides Darrow had asked them for unbreakable vows of loyalty, fealty and service. Tricky things unbreakable vows you have to really mean it to enter into one you can't just be forced into it.

"Will you pledge your loyalty to me and serve me to the best of your abilities, in good faith and as I see fit?"

"I do." They all answered in unison.

He breathed in relief when the magic took as it was a sign that Lucius and Narcissa were serious about the whole business.

As he thought they were done Snape suddenly felt a powerful pressure holding him into place.

'Kneel!" Darrow said booming and he saw Narcissa and Lucius drop suddenly to the floor pushed by the invisible force.

Surprisingly him and Draco were left standing.

"You didn't think that I would trust a Deatheater couple like you on a measly unbreakable vow did you? No, no, no. That would not be nearly enough."

Darrow held up is right hand, and his index and middle finger turned into wiggly water tentacles.

The tentacles shot out suddenly towards the couple burying into their foreheads.

Darrow glowed yellow and the so did the water. He was cursing them.

"AHHH!" The both yelled.

"Any thought of treachery, insubordination and betrayal I will know." He said his voice now booming once more. "And you will feel pain." He said gleefully. "But most of all" a third glowing tentacle shot out hitting Draco in the forehead as well "Draco will as well."

"AaaaahHH!" they all screamed in unison.

Then they were released. The tentacle retracting leaving behind on Narcissa and Lucius foreheads a black cursive capital M imprinted, though none was on Draco.

All three breathing heavily and Draco collapsing to the floor next to his parents.

"I hope for the sake of your son you will at least try to keep your word."

Snape immediately dropped down to help them and as he looked at his godson and his parents he couldn't help but think.

'What have I done?'

Scene Break

Year 8, Day 320: Harry Potter Universe, July 1997

"Go right ahead" Darrow said after they materialized in the foyer. "I'll be only a minute behind. Have to grab something."

Aaron Aston nodded and entered through the double wide doors in their supposed meeting room.

The revelations his boss had shown him in the last month had been profound.

World changing really!

Gods existed, magic existed, and aliens existed! And to top it all off his boss's name wasn't even Zapp Brannigan, that was just an identity, it was Darrow Miercuri!

The meeting room was more like a very large dining room with a large table.

There he saw three groups of people congregating in different parts of the room.

The first he noticed were the three similar blonds, the older ones with a black capital cursive M on their foreheads, with another man with dark hair, all dressed in robes.

They glanced briefly at him and went back to talking.

The second group was comprised of a middle aged couple holding a baby and a tall old man along with a shorter blond woman with pointy ears. He assumed she was some sort of elf or some other race.

They also briefly glanced at him but went back to revolving around the baby girl.

It was the third group made of two people who were now approaching him , one of which he recognized.

"Haley?" He asked surprised. "Aaron?" she responded back.

"Not your Haley and not your Aaron said the man with her."

"Right." She said which only confused him.

"I'm sorry what, is going on? Who are you?"

"Marty Byrde." The man answered extending his hand to shake it.

"Did Darrow not give you the speech? Multiple realities, multiple versions of ourselves, multiverse theory? Does any of that ring a bell?" he asked reluctantly.

"He did but what does-"

"She's not your Haley and you're not her Aaron just the same as you two are not my Haley or Aaron. In my universe we all work together the same way you also work with each other in your own universe."

It took him a second to understand then it clicked in.

"Not my Haley, not your Aaron." He repeated. "And you, if we all work together then how come you're not in ours?"

"Ah, well long story short, I come from a different universe than the one I'm currently in. I'm also from the future so Kind of don't exist in either of your universes, too divergent or something like that."

Aaron could only nod in understanding.

"And the rest? Who are they?" he asked.

"Well, those guys are wizards for sure." he said pointing to the group of blonds. " And those folks are either wizards or werewolves…or both…if i understood it correctly."

He wanted to ask further questions but Darrow entered the room.

"Hello everyone!" He said cheerfully. "Please have your seats. I just need a moment to set up the projector."

That's when he noticed the table had little cards with their names on them.

The top of the table was obviously reserved for Darrow.

To Darrow's left side came the couple with the baby, the father, took his seat next to Darrow followed by the mother then a high chair for the baby.

Surprisingly it wasn't the old man or the elf that were seated next but his group with Marty being next to the baby then Haley and himself.

The old man took the seat to Darrow's right followed by the dark oily hair man and the family of blonds, father, mother and teen age son and lastly the elf took a seat at the end of the table opposite of Darrow.

"Welcome everyone!" Darrow said as he took his seat.

The projector was now floating a few inches above their heads on a floating plate, projecting the words WELCOME on a white screen, that wasn't there a moment ago, behind Darrow.

"If you are here that means that you are one of the few lucky people in multiple worlds that I have decided I could trust and need to help me build my empire and civilization. You will be my trusted council, you will provide me with your expert opinion and you will quite literally help me take over the world." he said and paused. "Well your worlds as well, and the worlds of my choosing but that's just pedantic you get the point."

Aaron saw him take a small breath then continue.

"Ours is a risky endeavour but with great reward not only for me but for you as well. I consider myself to be a very generous God. Wealth, power, star systems, universes and even eternal life could be yours if you serve me well and if we succeed." He said with a sly smile and stopped looking at around the room.

"Before we start I would like for us to take a few moments and have everyone introduce themselves, you expertise and what you are currently working on or what your role is in relation to our little organization" he said with a smile.

"I will start. I am Darrow Miercuri and I the Deity which will sit at the top of our soon to be multiverses empire. We've all chatted before so we don't need to go into details. Shall we go let's say clockwise around the table?" Aaron saw Darrow not towards the man on his left.

The man pushed his chair back to stand and addressed the table at large.

"I am Nicholas Lemington and I am Darrow's Business Manager. I along with my fiancée Claire we are overseeing operations for all House Miercuri business interest in this universe both magical and muggle. " He paused "And that is our daughter Emma." he pointed to the smiling baby. "All of our free time is taken up by her." He finished with a smile and returned to his seat.

Next was the woman.

"Hi, I am Claire and as Nick said I work with him to oversee the various business interest as the Director of Financial Operations though… I've scaled back involvement in the last few months to focus on Emma." she said bit more shyly and returned to her seat.

"Nick and Claire are both selling themselves short." Darrow interjected. "They are really the ones making sure things run smoothly and Claire has not scaled back nearly as much as she promised."

Aaron saw the woman blush slightly from being put on the spot.

"I believe we can skip Emma for now. Though I do believe she is an expert at not letting her parents sleep at night." Darrow said.

Aaron chuckled and he noticed the parents and his group along with the old man did as well though rest only sported cold smiles ever so briefly.

"Hi everyone. I'm Marty Byrde and I also oversee Darrow's business interest in my universe through Byrde Enterprises. My expertise is in financial management and money laundering. I've also run casino's for a few years." Marty said and sat back down.

"I'm Haley Hutchinson. In the same manner I oversee the business interest in my reality through Umbra Corp. My expertise are in logistics, transportation and construction."

Aaron cleared his through and stood to address the room.

"Hi! I am Aaron Aston and the same as Haley and Marty I oversee the businesses in my reality through Orchard Inc. My experience is in food processing and packaging." He kept it brief.

Next was the blond woman at the end of the table with pointy ears.

"Hello, my name is Binny and I am the head elf of House Miercuri. I oversee all elves and their activities." Aaron felt a bit happy from having guessed she was an elf.

Following her was the teenage blond boy sitting across from him.

"My name is Draco Malfoy" he said. "I will be working as potioneer apprentice under professor Snape in service of House Miercuri." he said with what Aaron recognized as practiced ease then quickly sat.

"My name is Narcissa Malfoy and I am a servant of House Miercuri. My expertise is in the Dark Arts and Arithmancy." She finished quickly her tone and posture snobbish as if looking down not he rest of them.

Next was likely her husband.

"I am Lucius Malfoy and I am a servant of House Miercuri. My expertise is in the Dark Arts and Potions." he said in the same manner as his wife.

The dark hair man stood next.

"My name is Severus Snape and I am also am a servant and advisor of House Miercuri. My expertise is in Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts." he said quickly and sat back in his seat.

Aaron couldn't help but feel like there was a pattern here which made him a bit anxious.

Darrow nodded to the old man on his right.

"My name is Cato de Leon. I am Darrow's advisor and Mind Arts teacher. My expertise is in the Mind Arts. I look forward to working with you all." The old man said gently and politely and sat down.

Aaron saw Darrow look briefly around the room scanning everyone then spoke.

"Excellent, excellent glad to get the introductions out of the way. Now we have a lot to talk about today so without further ado I welcome you all to the first meeting of the Council of Inter Reality Cooperation, Unification and Strategy!" Darrow said excitedly.

"Welcome to the C.I.R.C.U.S!

Scene Break

Year 8, Day 320: Stargate Universe, July 1992

Agra

Esu'at Planet

Milky Way Galaxy

Nar'Oc fought the urge to yawn as he stood guard in the spacious throne room of his lord Esu'at.

He knew if he was caught by head guard Tar'Re he would be reprimanded maybe even whipped though if lord Esu'at noticed then it's likely he would be both whipped and dismissed from his position.

That would be bad…very bad, especially after his great uncle Mar'Oc had vouched for him and gotten him the position.

His struggle was only made worse as another dispute about grazing rights was brought before his lord. The massive tusked Chiveks were very useful, profitable and smart animals but had an insatiable appetite and without proper herding would eat a field barren.

They also had knack for escaping their enclosures and exploring.

He focused and took solace that soon it will be noon and the time for public petitions will end. Lord Esu'at will likely move to work in his chambers and they could all relax and rotate in for lunch.

As Nar'Oc saw the case resolved by his Lord and the petitioner ushered out by the door guards he saw a tall Jaffa, he recognized as one of the Chappa'ai guards, enter with another man.

After briefly speaking with Prime Zdrav'An at the door the tall Jaffa was allowed to approach with the man.

"My Lord." The guard said as he bowed. "We have a traveller that has come through the Chappa'ai, he seeks an audience."

Nar'Oc could see that his Lord was intrigued sizing up this visitor and for good reason.

The man was tall and well-built almost like a Jaffa.

He wore a blue jacket with finely woven patterned bronze lines going down to the knees on each side of the chest though cut at the front to only hang slightly below the waist. His pants were crisp white accentuating the fine color of the jacket even more, they went to below the knew where they met the dark brown boots also accentuated by the same bronze patterned lines.

The man had pale skin with sun kissed hair and blue eyes like the sky, colouring not common on their world and in very much contrast to their lord's dark hair and dark eyes.

The fine clothing and the fair skin singled to Nar'Oc that the man was no mere commoner that worked the field but perhaps a herald from another realm or even a god like his Lord.

"Speak visitor. Where have you come from and why are you here in my domain?" Lord Esu'at spoke with flashing eyes of divinity, deep baritone voice filling the chamber.

The man did not kneel, bow or even show a modicum of deference to his lord but stood tall, straight and looked him in the eyes.

"Great Esu'at" the man started his voice filling the chamber, his accent queer to the ears. "My name is Darrow Miercuri and I have long watched you from beyond this world. You have shown great care, cunning and adaptability in your life and in your duties. You have great ambitions to create, to rule, to have your name known throughout the galaxy" he said excitedly

" … though you lack the means to accomplish it." his tone turned solemn and lower.

"I come with an offer." He said loudly for all to hear and paused briefly.

"Join me and together we can rule the galaxy and more. Where you are weak I will provide strength, where you lack materials I will provide resources, where you are but a mere mortal I will provide immortality, eternal life beyond that of a sarcophagus!"

"Join me and together we will truly reach divinity!" The man said with loud excitement extending his arms wide.

Nar'Oc couldn't believe the brazenness and heresy spoken by this visitor first the lack of manners when addressing his god then the outright disrespect as if he was speaking to a lowly servant.

He could see the other guards were just as shocked as he was and one glance at his Lord he could tell he was furious.

"Silence! You dare speak to me like that in my domain in MY HALL! Guard seize him and teach this slave some manners!" Esu'at said in fury standing from his throne.

The guards closes to the man pointed their staff weapons at him and moved towards him though Nar'Oc oddly noticed the guard the brought the visitor in didn't move from his spot next to the visitor. If anything he thought the guard had a glazed look as if he wasn't there.

"Pitty." the man said. "I guess we will do this the Fun way." he finished with a smile.

Faster than he thought possible the man moved as if he was a blur. In the blink of an eye he was in front of the guard on his left in position to deliver a powerful right strike to the guard's head.

Nar'Oc saw as if in slow motion as the man's right fist connected with his fellow Jaffa's face then SPLAT!

The guard's head exploded into mushy pieces all over throne room.

Silence.

It took a 1 seconds to realize had happened.

The hair on the back of his neck stood, his heart sped up and he felt a powerful jolt through his spine.

Fear.

Before Nar'Oc and the others could move the visitor had blurred in front of the guard on the right, Balan.

He grabbed the staff weapon with one hand but instead of forcefully pushing it away from his body the man brought up the head to his chest and held it there to the surprise of the guard.

"Go on Jaffa, shoot me!" He said loudly.

'Is he mad?' Nar'Oc thought. 'He will get obliterated'

The surprised guard didn't shoot but looked confused.

"SHOOT HIM!" His Lord yelled from beside him.

Balan unleashed the heavenly fire right into the chest of the sun kissed man.

To everyone's shock instead of more blood and burned out guts the plasma shot went right through the man.

"Again!"

The guard pressed the trigger.

Plow!

"Again!"

Plow!

"Again!"

Plow!

They were all staring in shock as each shot simply passed through

The man then stepped forward and the staff went through his chest. Balan moved to pull it away but found he was unable to budge it.

The man move forward staff passing through him until he reached the shocked older guard.

Nar'Oc watched in surprise silence how the visitor brought up his right hand to Balan's forehead, thumb and pointing finger making a vertical circle right at eye level.

Even more to his surprise Balan made no effort to move but seems stuck in place with a terrified expression.

The man flicked his finger SKABLOOM! And Balan's head was splatted all over the other side of the chamber.

A deep seated fear overwhelmed his body. His instincts were telling him to run but he realized he couldn't move a muscle making him panic even more.

'How? Why?'

Now that he thought about it the rest of the guards were not moving either but looked to be frozen into place including Lord Esu'at.

His eyes saw the man turn to face the throne once more and walk towards his lord.

To his further surprise he was his Lord float towards the visitor as if lifted by an invisible hand.

"Lord Esu'at it is time we are united! It is time we become one!" The man said as they met in the middle.

To his further frozen amazement Nar'Oc saw tendrils of water shoot from the chest of the man into the chest of his lord.

Lord Esu'at chest suddenly split open in two with grotesque cracking, ripping and popping sounds of skin, bones muscles and cartilage.

Surprisingly the blood didn't spray everywhere as he expected but simply drained to the floor as if directed.

Nar'Oc saw the water tendril extract the slithering form of the divine symbiote that was the soul of his god.

The visitor brought the symbiote to eye level where a starring contest ensued. Nar'Oc didn't know what was happening but it didn't take long for the symbiote to stop slithering and seemed to be entranced by the man's eyes.

He saw the man smile and the water tendril pulled the Goa'uld into the man's chest completely disappearing.

Suddenly the man floated above the ground and glowed bright blue aura. The aura intensified and grew this like a cocoon around the man. Just as quickly it was released like a wave of pressure that engulfed the room.

As the blue aura passed him Nar'Oc found that he along with the rest of the guards had regained their mobility by the fact that they were knocked down from the pressure.

Nar'Oc regained his footing and saw that the man was now back on the floor and glowing no more. He wasn't sure what to do and neither did the other guards.

Zdrav'An took charge and slowly approached the man.

"My Lord?" He asked hesitantly. "Is that you?"

The man suddenly threw his right hand up making everyone tense, pointing their staffs at him.

"Jaffa Kree!" the man said bringing his arm down in a pumping fist motion. His eyes glowing the divine golden light.

Nar'Oc felt overwhelming pressure pushing him to the ground making him drop down to one knee.

"Esu'at is no more but do not be sad! Rejoice for he and I are one!" He said loudly in the deep Goauld voice Nar'Oc knew well.

"All the he knows I know!"

"All that I know he knows!"

"His thoughts and desires are mine and mine are his!"

"We are now one divine perfect being!"

Silence filled the room as they all absorbed his words.

"My lord what shall we call you then?" Zdrav'An finally asked.

Nar'Oc saw the man smile joyously.

"Call me Unity!"

AN:

Onwards to Stargate!

I am going to expand the world building of Stargate with fandom, my theories and a bunch of stuff that will likely make a whole lot of people furious.

Let me know in the reviews what you think and what ideas you folks have for the Stargate Universe that would help Darrow build his empire.

Thank you for reading.