Disclaimer: I obviously don't own the idea of Harry Potter or any of the money making forms of it.

A/N: This part covers a great deal. I had thought about cutting it in half, but since I gave the name 'Revlis' earlier, I felt I should keep with what I had said, though as I was writing it I realized/remembered a lot of things I needed to cover. So… enjoy this long part. Take it slow, there's a lot to digest…

:Parseltongue:


- - - Book 2 – Part 9: Revlis

A day after their trip to Diagon alley, the daily post arrived by owl.

Percy, who was sitting beside Mrs. Weasley, got the mail and opened it up.

He nearly spewed orange juice all over the table.

BEWARE: Extremely Protective Godfathers!

The Godfathers of the Boys-of-light intercepted Gilderoy Lockhart's attempt of getting a photo taken for the Daily Prophet with the boys. After directing some serious threats towards Lockhart, all of which were within their right (having been personally checked by this reporter), Sirius Black, godfather of Harry Potter, and Severus Snape, godfather of Draco Malfoy, calmly left Flourish and Blotts with their godsons.

After interviewing those present, it is clear that Lockhart had been a little overexcited and misjudged. "I sincerely apologize to the Boys-of-Light. I had been thrilled to notice they had entered Flourish and Blotts and only wished to welcome them back after their absence. I should have realized how jumpy they would be after their traumatic experiences… After having seen the things I have, such as the dreadful vampires I took care of…(crowd and myself clap proudly as he flashes that brilliant smile) I failed to take that into account, and clearly did not realize how protective their godfathers are. I can understand their reactions towards me, their wards, after all, have faced dangers almost as deadly as mine. I can only hope Potter and Malfoy will allow me to teach them some of what I have learned so they will not be as paranoid."

The article continued on to tell witness accounts and to tell 'expert' opinions on the godfathers and their godsons.

Percy quickly showed it to everyone.

"Great, now people are going to pity us even more than they probably were already," Draco moaned.

"I really hope now we don't have to take his class," Harry muttered, Ron and Neville looking apologetic behind them, seeing the article as well.

- -

The last days of summer were not wasted, and between Custosae plans, getting to know Sirius, making potions for the Custosae Kits, planning more Custosae objectives, reading books, playing Quidditch with the twins, Ron, Neville, Draco, and surprisingly Ginny — Harry decided this summer was the best he had ever had.

Draco told him of the Dark Knight and Long Beard's decision, and two days later was when they got Arthur Weasley's reply.

Ron gave Harry a significant look after Mr. Weasley had spoken something softly to him.

With a nod from Harry and Neville, Ron followed his father out and into the Master Guest Room his parents were staying in.

Ron closed the door behind him, trying hard to make himself calm. He turned to his dad, who then waved his wand about and muttered something.

Ron knew he had just put protections on the room, but Ron added his own anyway.

Arthur tried not look too surprised.

"Fire Ant?" he asked softly.

"Torch," Ron replied, surprising himself at his lack of hesitancy in answering.

"If your mother ever finds out, she'll kill us both," he stated.

Ron couldn't help it; he laughed.

Ron collected himself, looking up to his dad who gave a slight smile.

"Ron, if this is truly as big as that letter suggested, are you really ready to take on such a task, because I don't even know if I am…"

"I'm ready dad, and remember, we aren't alone in this. If this is to work, we must trust each other and those who work with us."

"Who are you, and what have you done with my son?" Arthur asked, serious for a moment before giving a proud smile.

"What do they expect you to do?" he asked.

"Mainly serve as a messenger. I mean, come on, who would expect me being the one to deliver vital messages from a secret organization to her helpers?" Ron asked.

"I suppose you have a point," Arthur admitted, fighting off the temptation to ask if any of his friends knew what was going on—but the letter had specifically warned against it.

"So have you decided?" Ron asked, a little anxiously.

Arthur exhaled, clearly having a mental battle with himself, before finally looking back up.

"Fire Ant, We are a Formation of Defenders. I am Torch, please tell Griffin I accept."

Ron smiled.

"Okay, now that you've decided, you just need to make this oath," he said, handing him a sheet of paper.

Arthur took it, reading it to himself, before pulling out his wand, as if in disbelief he was actually doing this.

"Alright… 'I, Arthur Weasley, solemnly swear on my life and my magic that I will keep the secrets of the Custosae de Lux and the Amici Lucis, and will never betray their trust.'"

Magic swirled around them; the oath had been sealed, and once it had, the sheet of paper Ron had handed to him disintegrated, ensuring no one else could ever read it.

Arthur stared in shock.

These people are really serious…

"Alright, now that that's done, I can give you the message. Two people will contact you soon, but they have not taken the oath and one has yet to decide if they will join, but we are hopeful that they will. We need you to do just what I have with you. Their codenames are: Iron Man and the Lone Lantern. I know you know who the Lone Lantern is, but don't tell me. These two will come to you to either discuss our genuineness, take the oath, or both. Whatever they decide, inform me later in a protected letter.

"I know about some of your work in the Order, dad, so I know you can do this," Ron finished.

"You know, last year, if this was happening, I would have thought this was a prank, or I was losing my mind," Arthur said, fighting off the shock of learning how much Ron knew and what he was doing.

"I know dad, but a lot has changed in the past year. I know Voldemort is still out there, and after what he almost — almost did to Harry… I want to help as much as I can…especially after everything that has happened this summer…"

Arthur looked down at his son in sadness.

One so young should not have to deal with all of this. Two of his friends almost getting killed, one of them twice in a span of less than a few months…

"I wish everything was different. I wish you didn't feel like you have to help…and actually be right in that feeling…" Arthur muttered.

"Can't help with how things are, can only help with how they will be," Ron replied, not knowing where those words of wisdom had come from, but deciding it best not to question random brilliance. It was all he had after all.

Arthur gazed at his son for a moment, in pride and amazement.

"Is there anything else?" he asked finally.

"When I'm at school, and you need to contact me about something urgent, call Dobby. Draco told Dobby to come to all of our calls, including our parents', in case something like what happened during the summer happens," Ron said. "But don't even hint that something is going on with the others," Ron warned, hinting/fibbing that the others didn't know anything about the Custosae.

"And if it's not urgent?"

"Send a protected letter. Non-tracing, addressed reader's touch and eyes only, and some anti-damage wards," Ron answered. "I was asked by the Custosae to learn all those spells, so I did. You should too."

"Well, at least I now know what you've been doing this summer," Arthur said with a smirk. "I'm sure Ms. Granger was happy you decided to take on learning some new spells."

Ron fought off a blush, but it appeared in his ears anyways.

"Well, we should go get ready for dinner, wouldn't want a search party to come for us," Arthur said.

- -

Neville, Draco, and Harry (Ron being declared the ingredient gatherer due to it being decided potions hated him) made the needed potions, all six Custosae members' kits being set with Rejuvenating, Wound-Healing, Burn-Healing, Strength, Dreamless Sleep, and Blood-Replenishing potions.

They were all placed in unbreakable cylindrical containers before being shrunk down to the size of an average pill capsule that would un-shrink with a word and a tap, thanks to Hermione's charm research and Harry's money.

Then, with the help of Neville, Ron, and the owl delivery system, they constructed thin bands to hold the potions, including half a dozen Energy Seeds, and also made a few other compartments for things individual members desired. These bands could be secured around an arm, wrist, ankle, or belt. Ron was happy with his design.

They also crafted wand holsters, these having the option of being strapped to the lower leg, or forearm for easy retrieval.

By the time they had to worry about packing, they were set.

The Custosae had been properly equipped, and were ready.

- - -

Sirius and Snape, having returned from Hogwarts one day, briskly entered the Living Room. Harry and other others were reading some spell books.

Sirius and Snape were clearly not friends, but were tolerating each other in sake of their godsons and their common enemy: Lockhart.

"Sirius?" Harry asked.

"We just spoke with Dumbledore," Sirius stated.

"Oh?" Draco asked.

This had promise to be interesting.

"You will not be attending Lockhart's class this year; instead, I will personally be giving you two lessons," Snape informed them.

"Will the others be excused from taking his class?" Harry asked.

"Sadly, no. We barely got Dumbledore to agree in allowing Snape to teach the two of you," Sirius said. "We would have suggested getting a new Professor for the class, but the notice is way too late, that and the fact almost every Hogwarts student has gotten the needed 'textbooks'."

Later that day, after dinner, Harry decided something.

He and Draco would teach the others whatever they had learned from Snape, they just had to find a good place to do that. Hopefully, Dobby would be able to help them with that, as he had said he would earlier.

- - -

Harry followed Sirius through the wall to Platform 9 ¾'s, the Custosae kit secretly secured at his waist on his belt and his wand in the holster on his forearm under his robes.

"Here," Sirius said, slapping something into Harry's hand before he got on the train with the others.

"What's this?" Harry asked as Sirius pulled him into a guy hug.

"Two-way mirror. Just say my name and we'll be able to talk anytime. Just keep it secret," he said by his ear.

Harry nodded as Sirius stepped back.

"And if Snivellus does anything snivelly, tell me," he said with a wink.

"If he does, I'll tell you," Harry said, giving a wave before boarding the train. "Already looking forward to getting back for the holidays, bye!" he said.

- - -

Gringotts

Griphook leaned back in his chair, looking over the recently filled out paperwork for a request for a new vault. There was a line in front of his station, the wizards impatiently waiting for him to finish with his current customer so he could continue on to them.

As usual, more than half of the 'customers' were being down right rude, treating him and his brethren like glorified house elves. The rest were barely being civil, believing if they were curt with them, they would serve them better, instead of realizing that though the goblins are straight and to the point, common courtesy is still welcome.

Griphook had already started researching what he had promised for the destruction of the horcruxes, and so far had a few ideas.

Griphook inwardly smirked as he stamped approval on the vault request and handed the parchment to the snobby man, for he knew something most others did not know.

A great change was coming.

A change so great, it would define a new world for them all.

Unlike the wizards, who had that vague, rather pathetic and worrisome prophesy, the Goblins had one that went beyond the end result of the war, and Griphook had taken the first steps to ensure the prophesy went their way...

- - -

Hogwarts Express

The trip went rather fast, but mainly because they were informing each other of what had been going on that summer and what they were planning to do this year.

Crabbe and Goyle told them their parents had instructed them to spy on Draco and Harry. Upon hearing that, Draco quickly told them to pretend they were doing just that.

"We already decided to do that," Goyle said.

Draco and the others nodded approvingly.

"Oh yeah, here, I got this from my family's library. Dad happily agreed to let me keep it, said something about me being well on my way to greatness," Crabbe said, pulling out a book of dark curses to study.

"That book is supposed to have been banned, you know," Draco said with a smirk.

"Who said it wasn't?" Crabbe asked with a glint of mischief.

"Why was it banned?" Ron asked, reading the title on the binding: Dark as Night.

"The Ministry felt that these curses were too dark for average wizard reading," Draco said.

"From the book banned list I've read, they have good reason to decide that," Hermione said.

"Here, go ahead and look at some of them, they have their descriptions under the incantation and how to cast the spell," Goyle said. "I've already started looking at some of them. My dad even gave me a few pointers," he said with a smile.

Hermione took the book and began scanning.

"Wow, these spells aren't that dark. Sure, they could be used to do some bad things, but these are actually just as harmful as Reducto," Hermione said.

"Yet another example of the Ministry's stupidity and inability to use reason," Harry said, shaking his head. "Oh! Before I forget, here," he said, handing Crabbe and Goyle the band containing the potions and energy seeds.

"Every Custosae has one of these. They have a notice-me-not charm on them, as well as a disillusionment charm that activates when you put it on. The capsules are shrunken tubes that will un-shrink when you give them a tap and say 'restituo'. There are also energy seeds in this pocket that you bite when you need an extra energy boost," Neville said, showing his own that was on his ankle.

"What potions?" Goyle asked.

"Rejuvenating, Wound-Healing, Burn-Healing, Strength, Dreamless Sleep, and Blood-Replenishing," Harry said, identifying each one.

"Nice," Crabbe said.

"Draco will bring you up to speed with the rest of the things we've been doing this summer, shouldn't take you long to catch up," Harry said after they had secured their bands, watching in fascination and approval as the bands blended into their attire.

"So what are we planning to do now?" Goyle asked, both him and Crabbe amazed at how much Harry and the others had done already—from the letters and equipment to the learning of spells.

"We should be on the look out for possible new members," Hermione said.

"I have a few people in mind, but we'll take things slow," Draco said.

"Yeah, we need to be very sure before we reveal anything," Neville agreed. "Especially with those in Slytherin; no offense."

"None taken," Draco said.

"The first chance we get, we'll be going to Hagrid's," Harry stated.

"Why?" Goyle asked, curious.

"I think he should become a Custosae," Harry said.

"That's a brilliant idea, Harry," Hermione said.

"I think after last year, he can definitely be trusted," Neville said, remembering when he and Ron had to haul him out of the forest after he was stunned by Quirrell/Voldemort because he had refused to give away information.

"I agree," Draco said as everyone else nodded in agreement.

"Alright. So that's on the list," Harry said.

"We'll also continue learning spells and things, right?" Hermione asked after a moment.

"Of course, especially now that we've got this new book!" Ron said, as if that was obvious. He didn't like schoolwork, but learning useful and cool spells was definitely okay.

"Hm, hopefully Dobby will find a good place soon so we can have meetings and practice with these new spells," Draco said. "If not, we know enough privacy spells and things that it shouldn't be a problem to find an empty classroom if we really need to."

The others nodded.

"Alright, anything else?" Hermione asked.

"Nope," Harry said, before they went and got their robes on.

A new year was about to start.

- -

The welcoming feast was just as welcoming as the previous year's. The sorting went fast, and most of them wondered why it had felt like it went on forever the previous year when they had been sorted.

Of the new Gryffindors, one immediately made himself known to Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville. Colin Creevey. Hermione and Neville saved Harry from the adoring fan, Ron just found it funny, only assisting to distract half-heartily.

Classes started well, but it quickly became apparent to those paying attention that the boys-of-light were not attending Lockhart's class.

Entering Double Potions, the Custosae gave each other short nods before going to their seats.

"Hey!"

Harry turned toward the boy who had called him, finding Theodore Nott staring him down.

"Yes?" he asked.

"Why is it you and Malfoy feel able to skip Defense Against the Dark Arts?" he asked snobbishly.

Just then, the door was thrown open, and Snape came billowing in.

"Because, Mr. Nott, it has been decided for me to instruct them in that subject," Snape stated flatly, bringing an end to that discussion. "Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, your first lesson shall be this weekend, Saturday, 7 am, sharp."

"Yes, sir," both Harry and Draco answered, before Snape went straight into the lesson.

- - -

It didn't take long for Draco and Harry to notice the way people were treating them. For Harry, it was sort of like last year, only ten times worse; for Draco, it was completely new.

Some people would turn and stare, while others would look away and begin whispering, and then there were the stalkers...

It was to the point that Harry and Draco both wanted to hex someone, and it wasn't even the second week!

"Hey, hey! Look at this!" Ron shouted, pointing at an announcement displayed outside the Great Hall.

"Nice, a Dueling Club," Draco said.

"It's next Sunday," Neville noted.

"Starting a club this—"

"Early in the year hasn't—"

"Been done before," the twins stated behind the seven.

"I wonder why the Headmaster is allowing it," Ron said.

"Well, it's obvious, isn't it? I mean, with what happened during the summer… the professors probably think it's a good idea to allow us to gain some hands on practice in defending ourselves," Hermione said.

"I wonder who's teaching it," Goyle said gruffly, trying to figure out which professor would be the best one to teach it.

"I've heard Flitwick was a dueling champion in his youth," Harry said, recalling Lupin's comment about him that summer.

"Looks promising, whoever's teaching it," a Ravenclaw boy stated.

"I hope so," someone else said.

The seven silently agreed, now continuing away from the Great Hall.

"Hey, you want to say hello to Hagrid?" Harry asked them, implying what they had discussed on the train.

"Sure, this first week doesn't have much homework, one afternoon off shouldn't put us behind too much. We'll have to make it up tomorrow though," Hermione said.

"Of course, Mighty Homework Enforcer," Draco said with a smirk.

Hagrid welcomed them into his home, though now it was slightly cramped, having seven students, a half giant and Fang within.

Harry and the others put privacy spells about and then quickly brought Hagrid up to speed on everything. It nearly took two hours, it was a good thing it was Friday and they had no more classes that day.

After telling them what had happened with the 'Dark Wizard' attack, and then what they did while staying at the Longbottom mansion, Harry asked the question he was dying to ask since they first returned.

Hagrid quickly agreed to become a Custosae (the only adult so far to actually enter into it, instead of the Amici Lucis).

"Alright Hagrid…um, do you have a wand?" Harry asked.

Hagrid glanced to his umbrella briefly.

"Um, not really," he admitted.

"Ok, here," he said, handing Hagrid his own wand.

"What's this fer?" he asked.

"You're going to make your oath. Repeat after me, just put in your name. 'I, -insert name-, solemnly swear on my life and my magic that I will keep the secrets of the Custosae de Lux, and will never betray my fellow Custosae.'"

Hagrid smiled and proudly raised Harry's wand.

"I, Rubeus Hagrid, solemnly swear on my life an' my magic tha' I will keep the secrets o' the Custosae de Lux, and will never betray my fellow Custosae."

A bright blue light came forth, and then stilled.

"Hagrid, welcome to the Custosae," Harry stated, Hagrid handing him back his wand. "We'll give you the Custosae band as soon as we can. It has some helpful potions and things, just in case," Harry continued.

"Alright, 'Arry," he said, grinning like a mad man. This had been the first time someone had included him in something great other than Albus Dumbledore.

In that moment, he promised himself to do this task better than he had done everything else before.

- - -

The next week went quickly, particularly the DADA lessons with Snape.

Snape stated simply that the first few weeks would mainly be him testing to see where they were in the subject, making sure they had the basics down (including dark creatures) and then he would start teaching them more.

The first two lessons were great and fast, despite them being five hours long with a forty minute break in the middle for lunch.

Harry and Draco told the others what they had covered, which wasn't much, considering most was review so far due to their work that summer (though it was helpful to Crabbe and Goyle who were being quickly caught up by the others while Draco and Harry were with Snape).

Snape was secretly impressed with the two of them, but pushed just as hard as he did in Potions, though not as intimidatingly (Harry and Draco were both grateful).

- - -

"Harry Potter sir! Young Master" Dobby said to Harry and Draco, popping by them while they were all alone outside, taking a break from homework.

Hermione quickly put up the needed privacy spells.

"Dobby's found the room!" Dobby declared, bouncing up and down.

"You did?" Ron asked, becoming just as excited.

"Uh-huh. It is called the Come and Go room. It is most secret, not even the Professors know!" Dobby said.

Harry and the others smiled. Another major thing had been done; they now had a safe place to gather.

"Thank you Dobby, you're a great help. Could you show us tomorrow after our classes?" Harry asked.

"Of course, Harry Potter sir," he said with a bow.

- -

The next day, Dobby showed them the room, telling them how to get in.

"Harry Potter sir, must think very hard, thinking what he wants three times, very strongly," Dobby instructed.

A door suddenly materialized before the seven Custosae the and one hyper Custosae assistant.

They entered, marveling at the huge grand room. A part of it seemed to be a library with plenty of books and some comfy couches and chairs, while another area was clearly for dueling.

"Well, this will definitely work," Draco said.

- -

During those first two weeks, Custosae activities were up as well.

Hermione and the others sent out two more letters (again, being delivered by an eager Dobby); one to Kingsley Shacklebolt, codename: Iron Man, which served as an invitation, just as the previous ones. The other letter was to Arthur Weasley, which included instructions.

Torch,

When Iron Man comes to you, if he accepts, carry out what Fire Ant instructed. After Iron Man has sworn the oath, request him to provide a list of people he feels trustworthy and able to serve as possible Amici. Then send this list, sealed, to Fire Ant with the common precautions. If Iron Man does not accept, send word of his decline, and thank him for his time.

Head of the Custosae de Lux,

As One we will march against our Foes, the Enemies of Light

Later that same day, Ron received a letter from his dad.

Fire Ant,

The Lone Lantern has accepted and has made the oath. I have yet to hear from the other Amici possible.

Torch

"Nice," Ron said, showing the others, all of them being in the special room — Hermione already having read two of the thick books and beginning to lay out what they should focus on in each.

"She is definitely going to be a great help later," Neville said, Harry smiling happily.

- -

That night, Harry spoke with his godfather, via two-way mirror.

"How is everything, cub?" he asked.

"Been really busy. Sorry I didn't talk to you sooner," Harry said, sitting in the middle of his bed with the curtains drawn around him, silencing and privacy spells around him.

"It's fine, cub. I'm actually surprised you were able to find the time. I know how the first week can be, and the second isn't much better. So, is Snape treating you well?" he asked, still unable to believe how his best friend's son was getting along with the ex-Death Eater.

"Yeah, he's beginning to teach me and Draco things we didn't get to this summer. After the lessons, we go and tell the others what we've learned. From what I've heard, I'm even more grateful you and Snape were able to get us out of Lockhart's class…" Harry said, shaking his head. "Cornish Pixies…"

"Oh man."

"Yeah, but my friends took care of it… well, after Lockhart's wand was taken by a Pixie and complete chaos resulted, everyone else deserting the room except Hermione, Ron, Neville, Greg, and Vincent," Harry said, holding back a chuckle.

"Hermione and the others rounded the pixies up with calming and befriending spells, but when Hermione saw the cramped cage, she would have none of that. She said something about it being inhumane… So — I can't believe this — she asked the Pixies if they would want to cram in, have her enlarge the cage, or nicely exit the castle and go into the Forbidden Forest where they are from.

"They chose the Forest, though Ron and Goyle had to sacrifice their chocolate frogs to them. Apparently the 'chief' pixie wanted an offering or something," Harry continued.

At that, Sirius started crying with laughter.

"What?!" Harry asked, wondering what was so funny, thinking that though the story was hilarious, it wasn't that funny.

"You now have the Pixies at you beck and call, godson."

"What? What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Your friends have unintentionally made a deal with the Pixie clan. Though I've never personally heard of it being done, I've read about it being possible. Wow, this is too hilarious."

"Oh wow," Harry said, already thinking about how helpful this could be later on.

Would pixies make good spies? He wondered.

- - -

Sunday, the first day of the Dueling Club, was finally here.

Easily half the school came, all eager to learn, especially after what had happened to 'the-boys-of-light' and knowing that Harry Potter had actually had to duel to survive.

Clearly all of this was a high motivator for many to attend.

Assembling into the newly arranged Great Hall, Harry and his friends gathered near the middle of the table, the other students, some from every year, squeezing in around them, just as the man they least expected stepped up and walked onto the platform.

The twins and Ginny were also close by, standing near Ron, Goyle, Crabbe and Harry. Goyle and Ron allowed Ginny to step in front of them so she could see better since she was shorter than them, while the twins returned the same courtesy to them, since they were much taller than all of them.

Some other first years were up front for the same reason, though one seemed particularly odd. A blond haired, Ravenclaw girl, who seemed to just blend into the background, was beside Ginny and a little in front of Harry. She had this dreamy expression on her face that appeared to be permanent.

"You have got to be kidding me…" Draco moaned beside Neville and Crabbe as Lockhart walked across the platform.

They barely listened to him as he rattled on about having received permission from Dumbledore to start this Dueling Club because of 'recent developments'.

Draco and Harry tried to ignore the sudden stares and sudden whispers… the 'recent developments' no doubt referring to what had happened to them that summer.

They only refocused when someone else stepped onto the long stage. Snape.

"—My assistant, Professor Snape," Lockhart said theatrically.

Goyle and Crabbe snickered, the others silently agreeing what they grumbled.

"Does the man want to die? No one but Dumbledore can call Snape an assistant…and even Dumbledore doesn't call him that, more like associate…"

Harry and the others boldly cheered when Snape easily defeated Lockhart in the 'demonstration'.

Dusting himself off, Lockhart further showed his pompous self by trying to make it seem he did that on purpose.

"Perhaps it would be prudent to first show them how to block unfriendly spells," Snape stated lazily.

"Ah, excellent suggestion," Lockhart said, most everyone waiting upon his every word.

Harry and the others struggled against rolling their eyes. Draco and Ron failed.

"Let's have a volunteer pair…" he said, looking down into the crowd. No one volunteered. "Professor Snape, let us choose two people, then."

He was about to lean down and take hold of Harry, but suddenly thought better of it, especially when Harry and Draco both glared at him, somehow reminding him of Sirius and Severus.

"Er…You, come up here," he said quickly, suddenly pointing to a tall, lanky Slytherin boy, believing it wise to select someone not near the boys-of-light, as Snape motioned to Malfoy to come up.

Lockhart had chosen the first person he had seen, mainly because he was nervous that even looking at Snape's godson and his friend would be too risky. He liked his arms.

Nott and Draco got up onto the platform, Severus narrowing his eyes upon seeing that Lockhart had chosen a Slytherin as well.

Well, at least it won't completely be one-sided… Snape mumbled.

"Alright, bow to you opponent, and on the count of three, cast your charms to disarm — and only to disarm — we don't want any accidents here," he said.

Nott and Draco bowed, though Nott's bow could barely be considered one. It was more like a curt nod.

"Ready? Alright. One—Two—Three!"

"Rictusempra!" Nott shouted, just before three.

"Expelliarmus!" Draco yelled soon after.

"I said disarm only!" Lockhart bellowed as Draco just dodged the oncoming spell, Nott somehow twisting to avoid Draco's.

They exchanged several more curses, Nott really getting frustrated that Draco continued to dodge his more powerful spells, Draco deciding it best to hold back.

"Serpensortia!" Nott roared, clearly irritated, having been nicked by several of Draco's spells, while none of his even touched Draco.

A magical, silver-skinned, blue-eyed Mamba came shooting out of his wand, landing just a few yards in front of Draco.

Several people screamed, including Lockhart who sounded like a prissy school girl.

Draco looked at the snake, stunned that Nott was able to cast such a difficult spell. His father had taught it to him the previous year, and he had only gotten it a few days after term, before…

He shook himself, the Mamba curling up in the defensive position.

"Don't move Draco!" Snape ordered, a fine, barely noticeable thread of alarm lacing his words. "I'll get rid of i—"

"Allow me!" Lockhart said, his fright being replaced by stupidity.

Waving his wand dramatically, he aimed it at the snake.

BANG!

Rocketing up into the air, easily ten feet, the snake plummeted back down, landing hard on the platform. Angered and sporting several bruised, potentially cracked, ribs, the snake turned to the first thing he could retaliate on: a student – the odd, blond Ravenclaw girl.

Mouth open, fangs exposed, he reared himself up.

:STOP!!!: Draco and Harry both yelled…though their voices didn't come out as English, at least not to everyone else in the room…

Harry had instantly shoved the blond Ravenclaw and Ginny (who was also within striking distance of the snake) over to Ron and Goyle as he stepped into the line of attack, his eyes snapping to the Mamba's.

Everyone froze and held their breath, utterly at a loss.

:Don't bite anyone: Harry said, his hands up slightly in the defensive position, briefly recalling the time he had spoken to the boa at the zoo.

Draco slowly went forward, his godfather's previous instructions being forgotten as he stared in disbelief.

:You are speakers?: the Mamba asked.

Harry glanced up at Draco whose eyes were wide in shock.

:I-I guess we are…: Draco answered shakily.

:I will carry out your request, but let no one harm me: the snake said.

Harry looked at the two Professors in the room, though in his opinion only one deserved that title.

Snape was, for the first time publicly, at a loss, though he was doing a fair job of keeping his eyeballs inside his head.

Lockhart was blatantly dumbfounded.

"H-Harry?" Ron spoke, Ginny now completely behind him, a distance of at least five feet having formed from Harry, Draco, and the snake.

Harry looked back at the snake, but answered Ron.

"Yeah?"

"You-you both…" Ron trailed off as the snake moved, looking from Harry to Draco, and back to Harry again.

:Take me from here, Masters. I do not like so many eyes upon me: the Mamba said.

Harry looked at Draco before moving forward.

:Here then. Just don't bite me. Wouldn't be healthy for either of us: Harry said, offering his hand while glancing at Snape who had raised his wand.

But Snape didn't do anything else than just be ready to take out the snake, just in case, having caught the glance from Harry, as well as Draco.

Harry picked up the snake as Draco got down from the platform.

Beside his friend, Draco looked at the silver, shimmering serpent, who now had wrapped himself around Harry's left arm.

:Tell the bumbling ignoramus to stay away from me. If he doesn't, I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself from biting his ugly face. I would have stayed how I was if he hadn't done that: the snake said, turning his head at Lockhart and hissing angrily. :The moron broke some of my ribs, I think:

Draco and Harry winced in sympathy as the snake shifted in some discomfort before Harry looked to Lockhart.

"Um, Professor Lockhart, my friend wants me to tell you to stay away from him. He's really mad about being thrown in the air. That was why he moved to retaliate. If you would have just let him be, he would have stayed in the middle of the table in a defensive position."

The Mamba then added something, a string of hisses coming forth.

Draco turned his eyes to Nott.

"Nott, just so you know, he is leaving your service, because he feels you lost your authority," Draco said.

Nott was too stunned to do anything but stare.

"Professor Snape, may we go to the infirmary?" Draco began, he too wanting to get away from the stares, before pausing since the snake seemed to be saying something. "Revlis seems to have some broken ribs," he continued.

"Lead the way, Mr. Malfoy," Snape said, somehow gathering himself, though still giving the snake a hidden wary look.

Couldn't these boys ever get a break? Snape asked himself.

- - -

A/N: Again, for those of you who review (kindly and honestly), -thanks- each of you help me improve and type faster. :)

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