A.N. Lol here it is as promised! So heres where I say to be kind to the girl with no Beta and forgive those grammar/spelling errors! ; heh heh I'm not to great at checking my own work and I'll be the first to admit that, lol Hope you guys like this newest installment. I'm not entirely sure what happened here, I was going to do one thing but my hands took over after I had all that sugar…opps…hope its not to bad! Lol READ & REVIEW please! Lol Oh, and I OWN nothing!

Chapter 12: Courting Disaster

Madeline gazed out at the rolling hills, then back at the train tracks, then back to the hills vaguely tempted to try to make it to Noctiluca instead of going straight to Hogwarts. She had the feeling that Harry wanted her there on time so Madeline knew she couldn't turn back now otherwise she would be late. Turning back to the train tracks she revved the motor on her bike and within two seconds she was in the air again speeding down the path that would lead her to her destination.

These past two months had been insane, it was her last year so the workload was lighter in school only to be heavier with her duties for the guild. She was a silver level Master and because of that she had to put in more work than the lower level master had to…it did have benefits though. Because she was so high up, only one below the highest, she had access to the guild's extensive Library and allowed on closed digs.

The digs were really worth it in her opinion; she often discovered materials/text to help her with her research and really opened some doors she would otherwise find closed. However, she understood Harry's willingness to stay at 'the bottom of the barrel' he didn't have to offer up any research, didn't have them publish anything on the newsletter, and pretty much he stayed anonymous no matter how extraordinary his masterpiece had been. The bike roared as she sped faster having finally seen the end of the tracks and the forest ahead. Hogwarts would be just around the bin and she would need to be on the ground if she didn't want to crash and die an unseemly death when she crossed the wards.

Weaving through the forest floor was easier than she had thought it'd be but it was still damn hard avoiding roots that would stick up every so often to trip her. She was at the edge of the woods and arrived just in time to see the two other schools arrive. Her own school had as of yet to arrive so she just barreled out of the trees and swerved impressively to the side while coming to a stop.

--x--

Sirius didn't see what the big deal was, why did ALL the 'teachers' have to be here to greet some foreign mediocre schools anyway? It wasn't like they needed to be there in case of an attack, Dumbledore had said that if Voldemort was back he was staying quiet it wasn't like he would blow it by attacking NOW. Still it was somewhat worth it seeing the scowl on Snivellous' face and he elbowed James beside him so they could discuss a prank they had for him in the making.

James smirked at him in return and nodded ever so slightly while keeping an eye out for Mcgonagall, really it was just like being back in school. Sirius felt that warmth in him grow as he thought of it, school had been the best; it was before his life had been tainted by everything and would forever be fondly remembered. Getting even a piece of that back now was well worth any headaches gotten from the lectures they would and have been forced to endure by their Head of House.

There was a noise that drew his attention back to the arriving schools, a very familiar, very much loved sound and when he saw it he couldn't believe his eyes. There barreling out of the forbidden forest was the most beautiful bike he had seen, being ridden by someone obviously very experienced with it. He started to slink a little closer for a better look, James right behind him, when the rider swerved impressively to the side to come to a showy stop. Really whoever this person was, they were taking after his own heart and he very much wanted to meet them…if they pranked Sirius was sure they would get that fourth that had been missing since Peter.

However when he broke away from the crowd just in time to get a good look at the rider as the helmet came off he felt his mouth drop. There sitting casually on the bike was the SEXIEST woman he had ever seen, she had a messy braid, a very pretty face, and her curves…well he started to feel drool before he snapped out of it. She turned and he got a better look at her face, those pouty lips were just begging to be kissed, seriously! She had a spark of mischief in those stormy eyes; something he very much liked and when she finally spoke Sirius knew he had been undone.

"Am I late?" She didn't wait for anyone to answer, "Ah good no one important has arrived yet…" her voice was low and sultry so it took a moment to realize the insult. When he did Sirius turned to the equally gapping James beside him and said with all seriousness, "I think I'm in love…". James just nodded dumbly and went back to staring, Sirius decided it would be prudent to do so also.

He turned just in time to see Dumbledore approach the goddess on the bike with the other two in tow, though the Headmistress of Beauxbatons didn't looked pleased at all. Dumbledore had his patent grandfatherly smile and his famous twinkle was shining very brightly in his eye. "Hello my dear! Are you sure you've come to the right place? Forgive me but you look a bit to old to still be attending school?" The woman looked like she had stepped on something unpleasant when she answered him, "You would be right of course," she sneered at the gathered Headmasters, "if I attended a school as low grade as any of yours."

She turned her back on them then, suddenly concentrating on the clear field just beside the Beauxbatons carriage and smirked triumphantly. Then she got off the bike quite casually, shrunk it and the helmet to place in her pocket all the while never really taking her eyes off that empty space. Curious, others began to gaze in that direction also, and then a loud thundering CLAP got the rest attention as the field began to fill with a bright white mist.

It was eerie, the mist flooded out of nowhere to curl around their ankles snaking cold up their legs and a haunted chanting voice echoed around them. Seemingly it came from everywhere and nowhere and the place the mist originated from filled with a light so bright many had to shield their eyes from it. Then the chanting faded away, leaving only the bright light and a heavy taste of powerful magic to fill the air.

It was an awe-inspiring sight; the light grew brighter and began to form a door, a large door, bigger even than the one that graced the entrance hall. The tension grew thick, palpable as everyone waited for what they all knew was coming, and a collective withdrawing of breathe went through the crowd when the first dark figure began to emerge from the brightness. Soon it was followed by more dark figures with the first leading at the head and after a few moments the light began to fade.

The first figure was one of the first to come into clear view; it was a regal looking older woman, who walked with an upper crust grace often common among the pureblood elite. Sirius instantly disliked her because of that and resolved to plan some pranks with James later. Next, the other figures came into focus and they could see it was a number of students all wearing uniforms identical to the one the biker girl was sporting.

Said girl rushed right up the obvious leader of this little band of people, bowed and took her place among the approaching student body. Sirius nodded to James and they joined the other teachers in standing behind Dumbledore who stood very rigid, twinkle oddly absent from his eye. The Marauders couldn't wait to see the confrontation between these two obvious titans of magic, and they were almost giddy in anticipation for the verbal battle they could sense coming.

Her hair was pulled into a tight complicated updo and her outfit was much like the others except hers had a long flowing skirt instead of pants. The colors were very flattering and accented her dark eyes that stood out even if their color was quite common. Her lips were thin, her nose was straight and dainty on her face, in all she looked the picture of pureblood collectiveness. Her face was somewhat pinched when she finally made it to where Albus was standing with most of his teachers behind him.

"Albus, how have you been?" She asked in a somewhat snide tone, like she wanted nothing more than to see something unpleasant happen to him. "Seline, my dear, I've been quite well. It would seem the Minister failed to mention your school would be attending this tournament." "Really, well isn't that funny." She had a small victorious smirk on her face like she knew something he didn't, and Sirius could tell it was getting under Dumbledore's skin.

"Isn't it? So it would seem you've finally decided to step out of the shadows?" Albus said with a carefully concealed superior edge that only Seline caught. She bristled, "Yes, a pity your students don't stand a chance now that we've come foreword to compete." The three other Headmasters became rigid at that, dread started to creep up in their stomachs because they all knew what terrible power dwelled in that school.

Noctiluca was something of a feared entity to them, the power that one needed alone to attend was staggering and everything about it was shrouded in mystery. No one could find where the school was located; it was on an island that couldn't be found except by those who knew where it was and for all they knew the island could be on the other side of the world. Just the fact that no one could find them should they ever decide to disappear was scary, and added to the mystery that surrounded what was actually taught, Noctiluca was an academy that many feared to cross.

The only redeeming thing was that the freakishly powerful group stayed to the shadows and left the world relatively alone. That they had decided to come foreword in such a public way, in a magical competition no less was frightening and spoke of how the tides were changing. Something big was stirring in the world, whether it was Voldemort or something else entirely was a question that needed to be answered (at least where Dumbledore was concerned).

"Well, shall we greet you in the entrance hall. Minerva will escort you there and than we'll have a feast to welcome you to our school!" Dumbledore got louder at the end and raised his hands to his cheering students while the foreign dignitaries looked on in a mix of distaste and good humor. The ones familiar with the school made it through the winding halls easily while the ones unused to the castle lagged behind. Sirius had some mixed feelings on the whole encounter, on one hand he didn't very much like the other schools on principle but on the other the beautiful girl came with one of those schools.

She was a fiery one, he could tell, beautiful, curvy, daring, and she rode a motorcycle. If that wasn't the perfect wife in the making he didn't know what was and Sirius was determined to have her for himself. After all he had decided a while ago that it was time to settle down, start a family and begin his own life. He wanted what James had with Lily, love, family, contentment and waking up knowing he was not alone. That was definitely something he wanted and he was bound and determined to see it happen with HER.

--x--

Suzie sat down quickly, a little disappointed she had missed the arrival of the foreign schools but she was glad she had made it in to see the schools enter the Hall. A part of her was hoping that her big brother would be among them but another part knew it was foolish to think he would be there. Still she was very enthused to have the tournament going on at Hogwarts, where she had the most pull and could gain allies more easily for Harry.

She was determined that the next time she saw her brother that he would be proud and she would NOT see him empty handed. Already she had made friends with some very powerful families, Suzan Bones, Hannah Abbot, Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, and many more. Not to mention the up and coming people like Hermoine, the Weasley twins and Luna. It would be a happy day when she could turn to her brother with the people she had gathered behind her and say this is what she had done while they had been apart. That she could show how much she had devoted herself to him, show how loyal she was and hopefully he would be proud of her.

The doors opened and the Beauxbatons girls breezed into the hall looking very pretty in their little blue robes. They came foreword and just about halfway in they stopped to sigh, releasing a flock of blue butterflies that fluttered around. Suzie could practically see the drool sliding down every boys' mouth at the sight of them and was somewhat appeased when she saw Draco wasn't giving them any mind at all. He was paying more attention to the Headmaster and the new teachers he had employed, a wary look on his face.

The girls curtsied to the Headmaster and took a seat with them at the Ravenclaw table. There was a pounding at the open doors that turned their attention to the arriving boys from Durmstrang, red sparks came from their wooden staffs and then Victor Krum came foreword with another boy. They went through a sequence of stomping jumps and turns, ending with a large red sparkling dragon. The crowd was awed and the applause filled the hall, Suzie thought that was an act that would be tough to follow.

She watched them stomp over to the Slytherin table with some amusement, they obviously were going for intimidation but Suzie was not impressed. She had long ago made friends with plenty of Slytherin students and knew the main thing you needed to when dealing with them, 'power was everything'. To them it was all about the status quo, whoever had the most influence/power, was the one they followed because they wanted to be the one that everyone followed.

A hush fell over the hall and Suzie was very curious as to why, she hadn't been there so she had no way of knowing why this last school was different. Everyone's attention was focused on the door, so Suzie turned her eye there also and waited for whatever it was that they were waiting for. Quite comically the next thing to come through the doorway wasn't a human at all but a six-inch Fairy-like creature that glowed a blue-green light.

She was a beautiful little thing, hovering in the middle of the pathway for perhaps a second before she started to twirl around and as she spun a cold wind swept the dining hall. It blew out the floating candles very easily and soon the only light in the room was the glowing fairy-thing. However, before any of the professors could relight them an eerie soft feminine voice came from the entryway along with a faint music that strangely reminded Suzie of a Circus melody.

As she spoke small multi-colored lights sparkled down from the ceiling to splash along the ground in a breathtaking array of colors and magic.

Got a secret.

Can you keep it?

Swear this one you'll save.

Better lock it in your pocket.

Taking this one to the Grave.

Just as she finished saying grave the lights went on suddenly, but the flames were changed. They sparkled the different lights and every so often the colors would flare and spill onto the ground. The woman who was singing turned out to be the Headmistress of the school she was standing very regally at the doorway.

If I show you,

Then I know you wont tell what I said.

Because two can keep a secret, if one of them is dead.

Then quite suddenly her students came out of nowhere dancing into the room, very well, while she calmly walked straight into the room. It was amazing to watch, each one would twirl while throwing out sparkling light in many different forms, some even flipped over the headmistress. All this and she never stopped moving into the room, completely trusting that they would not impede her in any way.

She looked right at Dumbledore then, and gave a frightening little smirk, continuing her song in the same soft, eerie tones while the music played.

Why do you smile like you've been told a secret?

Now your telling lies,

Because you just want to keep it.

But no one keeps a secret,

No one keeps a secret.

Suzie caught on right away that this display of art, magic and control wasn't just about showing off to the other potential competitors. No, this had something deeper in it; the song said that much to her and whatever it was it was a message to the Headmaster. This was bother, very disturbing and a little exhilarating, as it spoke of a mystery Suzie was very eager to solve.

The Headmistress turned then and started to eye the rest of the members of staff already seated, including the other Headmasters.

Why when we do our darkest deed do we tell?

They burn into our brains,

Become a living Hell,

Because everybody tells,

Everybody Tells.

Whatever it was she was saying to them in this encoded message, they understood and so did Suzie to an extent. This woman, this Headmistress to a school no one has ever heard of knew something about those people up there. Something they didn't want everyone to know, at least that's what Suzie thought and by the very uncomfortable looks they were displaying she guessed she was right.

Got a secret.

Can you keep it?

Swear this one you'll save.

Better lock it in your pocket.

Taking this one to the grave.

If I show you,

Then I know you wont tell what I said.

Because two can keep a secret if one of them is dead.

The students were amazing, the way they flipped, twirled, danced around her was breathtaking and all the while they were shooting out sparks of things. Some had ribbons of light that dangled from their ankles and moved beautifully while they spun around. They paired up sometimes and the boys would lift the girls like ballet dancers, it was amazing there was no other word for it.

Yes, Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead.

The boys raised the girls up by their waists and the girls fell back as if their body had suddenly become limp.

Yes, Two can keep a secret…if one of them is dead.

It ended with the girls flipping over the boys in an awe inspiring array of colors that combined to form a beautiful crescent moon with roses curled around it. The headmistress was smirking at the head table and most of the people up there had the color completely drained from their faces. Even Dumbledore looked a little shaken up, and it made Suzie think of the woman's last line, 'two can keep a secret if one of them is dead'. Yes, she was sure now that this woman knew entirely too much about whatever horrible things those people had done and she smiled brightly at the thought. This was going to be an interesting year indeed.

--x--

Harry kept his serene mask in place but inside he was smirking right along with the Headmistress. If one knew the saying 'Know thy enemy' than one would also know it was a very true wisdom. Headmistress took that saying to a whole other level, this song was more than just for intimidation it was a message to all of them sitting up there. It was a basic, 'don't fuck with me or else', Headmistress could basically ruin the lives of everyone who got on her bad side if she wanted to. Harry thought this little display was mostly to keep the Headmaster Dumbledore from getting in her way.

After all who knows what she knew, what she had discovered and it would seem the Headmistress wanted them to concentrate on that and not what they were doing during their stay here. It was a clever tactic, if it worked, but it did make things more interesting by the minute. He spared a glance at his so called 'family' that was sitting by the Headmaster, they disgusted him and he had to look away before he lost his hold on himself.

However, as he moved the very special earring on his left ear caught the light, and shone in such a way that it immediately caught the attention of a girl who had been scanning the new crowd. The girl tensed for just a moment before immediately springing into action flying from her seat; smile a mile wide and squealing 'Big Brother' along the way. Harry moved quickly as she flung herself at him and with practiced ease he caught her by the waist while grabbing her hand to twirl her around. The whole thing looked as if he had been expecting it and showed off his obvious ballroom dancing experience.

His elites were all very tense by his sides, scowling at her and looked ready to pounce at a moment's notice. They had also managed to grab the attention of the entire hall, internally he sighed; Suzie was not one for discretion much and was to innocent to know its benefits. She most likely wanted everyone to know that he was her big brother, and that she was very proud of that fact. Really he couldn't expect more from her; still he couldn't keep the small unnoticeable smile off his face or the warm feeling that spread upon seeing her.

God, he had missed her. How she had managed to find her way into his jaded heart was a mystery he was unlikely to ever solve but still he was grateful for it any way. Gently he cupped her face, "Suzie, didn't I promise?" She had big, fat tears running down her face, as she nodded vigorously, "I never doubt you! Not once!" Harry believed her and slowly, as if he couldn't quite believe he was doing so he drew her into an embrace. He managed to suppress his shudder at touching someone knowing that she needed this, and he was somewhat amused to see the jealous looks on his elites faces.

Suzie pulled back quickly; knowing he didn't like touching and immediately grabbed his hand waiting for him to lead her once again. He would have smirked then but he held his serene façade in front of so many people's scrutinizing gazes. He noticed that all the students were waiting for him to choose also, so they could follow him to their seats and the Headmistress was already at the head table. Looking around he briefly remembered what each house was famous for, and decided.

It was equally amusing to see the stunned reactions when he made his way to sit with the Hufflepuff house and not the more famous Gryffindor. But really, Harry valued loyalty above all else, foolish bravery got you killed while loyalty might very well save you. Besides he could see his wayward brother among those wearing the red and gold, as such he had no desire whatsoever to be anywhere near that table.

After they sat the hall began to buzz with the many voices, all-clamoring to talk about this latest dish of gossip. After all, at some point or another most of them had heard something about Suzie's infamous older brother, with how much she talked of him how could they not?

--x--

Dumbledore was very disturbed, Seline's Noctiluca would attend the tournament and Fudge hadn't felt the need to inform him of it. That did not bode well for his control over the Minister, Fudge needed to be controlled, really it wasn't his fault but the man was just to naïve for his own good. Seline knew something that much was clear in her song, whether it was something she knew about him or something she knew that he needed to know. She knew something.

Turning his attention away from her for a moment he went back to studying Suzie Forester's 'big brother' as he stood there in his reunion with her. Truly he was curious as to what table he would take as it hadn't went past his attention that none of the other students had taken a seat yet. They were obviously waiting for their leader to choose so that they may follow; really it was as enlightening as it was disturbing.

Power, especially over someone else wasn't good for a young mind as it was all too easy to wander down the darker path when someone was willing to journey with you. He wondered if this young man would fall to the temptations or rise above it to join with the light. In either case he boded watching, not only because he was Suzie's infamous brother but also for the following he had already amassed at such a young age.

Dumbledore could remember another boy that was just as charismatic and talented as this one was said to be, a boy he had failed to save. Saddened he hid it well before he rose to give his welcoming speech, introducing the schools, their Heads and announcing the feast. He sat back down to eat and observe the dealings surrounding Suzie's brother, after all observing the eating etiquette told more about the social ranking than one might suppose.

The Noctiluca student, although sitting with the other Hufflepuff students remained separate from them at the end of the table with a few exceptions. Suzie was within the group, along with Suzan Bones and Hannah Abbot, not an uncommon sight, as Suzie was known for breaking barriers. Albus also noticed that some of the Noctiluca students did nothing more than pick at their plates not really eating anything.

The youngest looked upset, she was perhaps ten or eleven; in fact she looked downright miserable. He watched with interest as she got up and approached Suzie's brother somewhat hesitantly. Discretely Albus put an obscure small listening charm on his ear so that he could hear the coming conversation.

"My Prince?" Albus raised his eyebrow at the title, wondering if it was a self-imposed one like a certain 'Lord's'.

"Yes Heather?" The boy's tone was calm, even and his face utterly serene, really he looked very angelic to anyone observing as Albus was.

"I…I can't eat this!" Dumbledore was somewhat surprised, while not exactly a well-known fact Hogwarts was often praised for her bountiful meals. He paid closer attention to the girl in search of an answer and found one not to son after, she was wearing a glamour on her head. In fact as he paid closer attention to the other students he noticed quite a few who had one glamour or another on their bodies.

While very well done the glamours weren't strong enough that his glasses couldn't see that they were there but he still couldn't see through them. They were very well done; obviously Seline's work and if he knew anything some of these students weren't entirely human…if at all. Just then his mind spun back to a line of her little song, 'if I show you then I know you wont tell…', she had something, something so big that he would have to keep his mouth shut on this if he ever wanted to know.

He turned his attention back to the boy, the 'Prince' and the girl. "Do not be disturbed, I will provide adequate substances for us when we retire from here. For now play nice." The girl, Heather, smiled and skipped back to her seat to continue play eating. She wasn't the only one relieved, many of the others looked reassured and began to liven up after that. Evidently he was not the only one listening in on that conversation.

The rest of the night wasn't all that interesting, and so he spent most of his time observing the new crowds searching for one that COULD be Harry. There were some possible candidates already and he wasn't the only one searching, James, Lily, Sirius and Remus were all looking for him also. It was a slim chance they'd find him here but it was worth a shot. All to soon it was time to rest for the night and Dumbledore had different teachers lead the groups to where the extra students would be staying. Really it had been some year since Hogwarts had housed so many students, it made him both happy and sad to think about it.

--x--

As the sun was rising the next morning the Noctiluca students couldn't really believe that they had been allowed to sleep in like this, as most were up well before the sun rose. Madeline thought it was funny, they're bewildered looks and curious caution was very amusing to watch. She herself had been up just a bit before they had risen and was already ready for the day while most were still getting dressed.

Everyone's breakfast was ready for them in the dorm, mostly for their special diets, though it was also set up because most of Hogwarts was still asleep (Even the house elves). Madeline just grabbed a few bites before dashing off having awoken early so she would have time to try to find the potions lab. Her own lab wasn't quite as good as she had wanted it back at Noctiluca because it had been built before they had discovered that dark closed areas helped in brewing. She was hoping that Hogwarts, since it WAS younger, would have its lab somewhere ideal and was giddy just thinking about it.

Finding her way around was surprisingly easy; Noctiluca had many more twists, turns, hidden passages, and the like, more so than Hogwarts. Though she supposed Hogwarts was mostly just a simplified version of Noctiluca, in more ways than one, and so it was reasonable that finding her way was easier than expected. Maddy very nearly squealed in delight when she found potions lab, it was better than she had ever imagined and she was star eyed looking at it.

She managed to shake herself out of her stupor eventually and began to inspect the equipment looking for any imperfections before she got started. Maddy had brought her own, which was on her at the moment, but she partly wanted to save time by using what was there instead of setting up her own. However, much to her disappointment the cauldrons just weren't up to her standards and the scales weren't PERFECTLY aligned. She heaved a great sigh before clearing some room for about only three of her cauldrons thinking that she would leave some courtesy room for the native master.

Madeline had thirty-three cauldrons with her, about ten shrunk and on her, all top of the line quality having been personally inspected by her while beginning made…or in some cases MADE by her. She decided to pull out her three prized ones for today, as she felt the need to impress on foreign ground. They were somewhat extravagant, one made of pure carved Diamond (made by her), one pure gold, and one was the shell of a fire Crab (also made by her).

She worked quickly and methodically, each move flowed together gracefully and she was just getting started setting up. Next she pulled out her scales, cutting devices, other utensils, and her specialty case that was full of her painfully gathered potion ingredients. So intent on getting everything perfect she barely noticed when another person entered the room with the same intent of using his lab before having to deal with the hoodlums of the day.

Imagine Severus' surprise seeing a woman setting up in his personal lab, one he thought he had strongly warded, and off the beaten path. She didn't even acknowledge him, busy putting her hair in a messy bun, setting out everything and taking out her notes on whatever she was doing. He was some rightly impressed when he saw what she was working with, her cauldrons alone any self-respecting potion Master would kill for and it seemed she was quite skilled at the art herself. The way she moved was just like any experienced Master at works, every move essential and not wasted in any way.

Impressed in despite of himself Severus decided to observe her for now before stepping in, after all she had no right barging into his personal lab like she owned it. He waited until she had all her ingredients organized before clearing his throat very loudly in an effort to gain her attention. "Yes, what is it?" she asked in a distracted voice as she pulled more notes out of her bag not even bothering to turn around.

"Excuse me but what exactly do you think you're doing?" he asked in his deep, silky tones that often terrified his pupils. "What does it look like Dunderhead? I'm prepping my station for an epic Potion making session." Her tone was very much like she expected him to be one of his own clueless students, and it aggravated him as much as it enthused him. "I was unawares that your school was in practice of pirating another's potion labs for their own gain without asking permission first. Though what can one expect from a school of shady ingrates."

Now that got her attention, she whirled around so fast he thought for a moment she had apparated, and Severus got to see her face for the first time during this whole interaction. He was somewhat stunned to see that it was the biker woman from yesterday that had been verbally sparing with him as he had thought she was an idiot like Black. After all they had similar personalities, at least from his first impression of her now he saw he would need to reevaluate that opinion.

She had the decency to blush, it only lasted a moment though, "Well if you don't want people to use your Lab you should put up wards!" Her eyebrow rose to challenge him and her tone was scathing, he hid his reactions well though thanks to his Occlumency. "I was aware, there were wards up for such a purpose but it would seem you've taken them down." The woman looked confused for a moment before he saw the enlightenment dawn on her, "Those were wards?" She laughed, a twinkling bell sound he immediately had to tell himself he hated when in reality he thought it was nice. "I thought those were alarm systems!" she chuckled some more, "A second year could take those down no problem! If you really wanted someone out you should use more powerful wards!"

Now it was his turn to raise an eyebrow at her, "I beg to differ Madam, those wards would have kept out most skilled seventh years and most know better than to try to break into here." She just gave him a smile, "Well, maybe YOUR second years wouldn't be able to but OUR second years would bat this away like they would a fly!" She was laughing again, like this was all very amusing to her but he couldn't find it in him to be upset by it. Which was surprising usually he would have thrown her out by now, but he blamed it all on his curiosity, it was not that he was attracted to her in any way…no certainly not.

"We have seemed to have gotten side tracked, I ask again why did you feel the need to acquisition my labs?" he drawled in a bored tone belying his real interest. "Oh, I wanted to see if your labs were more modern than mine…sadly it was so and I couldn't help myself once I saw them!" She was smiling dreamily around the room with stars in her eyes and Severus couldn't help but be flattered by it. He could see she wasn't lying, her emotions seemed to be written all over her face and she was the type of person that wore their hearts on their sleeves. No, he didn't think she could lie to anyone convincingly.

"Well, I suppose I can allow you your time for this morning, however in the future ask before taking over my labs I sometimes have potions brewing in her overnight that are very delicate and I don't want them ruined." He drawled out like it didn't really matter to him one way or the other if she stayed. She smiled warmly at him and nodded her head in accent. "Where are my manners? I'm Madeline, Madeline Winter by the way!" He turned sharply to look at her from the station he had been heading to and headed towards her at that.

"Any relation to Potion Master Winter?" He was half expecting her to say that was her father, or maybe her brother, what he was not expecting was her reply. "Well, yes, very closely as I AM Potions Master Winter," she laughed that twinkling bell laugh again while pulling a chain out from under her clothes, that a silver potions medallion hung from proving her words. He was so well and truly shocked his mouth was gapping, giving him an impressive imitation of a fish.

Then a gleam got into his eyes, and Madeline found herself hounded by questions not to soon after. They soon got caught up in discussions about potions, techniques, ingredients and the like. He got out his notes at some point, she got out hers, and they began to discuss their various projects (of course none of the very important ones as those weren't shared so easily). All the while Madeline couldn't keep a smile from her face, and she stood in wonder, as she never would have thought she would have found a friend HERE of all places. "I'm Severus, Severus Snape." He said with a smirk, that she privately thought was a little sexy, not that she'd ever admit that to anyone.

--x--

Harry woke up disgruntled, it was a bit before sunrise and he felt as if he had slept in too long it made his movements slow and sluggish. He still got ready in any case, deciding he would braid his hair to get it out of the way much to Tink's displeasure as she couldn't hide on his nape then. Still she snuggled in on top of his head like an ordinate hairpiece draping across the braid like she was placed there. After a quick breakfast he went about placing his needed items for the day in his bag, along with equipping himself with all his hidden weapons, potions and supplies.

In the end he looked something like a rebel with his high combat boots, earrings, rings and added to his hidden scars he did look the part. He met up with everyone at the dorm common room, where Seline was waiting for them with a smirk on her face and a cold glint in her eyes. It was then he noticed that Madeline wasn't with them and was somewhat disappointed…he had missed her, not that he'd ever admit that much.

They started the day with elemental magic training outside, a review for the upper years and new material for the lower ones. That lasted for about two hours, surprisingly, and was very informative as Seline was a Master in elemental magics it was her specialty. Just after they finished that lesson the rest of the school started to rise, finally, and Seline decided it was best to postpone any major classes until she found a secure location. However that did not dismiss them from the other minor classes and so they started on fencing class, pairing up to duel.

Fencing didn't get very far along though as around an hour in the Mcgonagall woman approached them again and their presence was requested in the entrance Hall. Harry was more annoyed than anything as his schooling was already suffering just being in Hogwarts and he did not like it all. He wasn't easily angered but when it affected his life like this Harry was quick to anger. Added to that he hadn't seen Madeline yet, his real 'parents' were here and he had to keep his identity as quiet as possible the year wasn't starting out that well.

When they got to the Hall Dumbledore greeted them that damnable twinkle in his eye, that Suzie had complained so much about last night, was on full blast. Harry was beginning to see why she hated it so much, it was just plain annoying as no one could possibly be that happy or good natured all the time. It turned out that they were trying to figure out the schedules for the foreign students because of the exchange programs. Suzie was busy talking to her circle of friends so Harry spent his time trying to see if Madeline was in the hall also.

The Elite were just as disgruntled as him and Logan was growling softly beside him, the foolishness of the entire situation putting him on edge. Most of the Noctiluca students couldn't figure out why they just didn't use their own curriculum but instead they had to be subjected to Hogwarts mediocre schooling. When Logan's growling got a touch louder Harry began to pet his marked neck in order to calm him down. They did not need the added stress of having all these outsiders discover that most of Noctiluca students were creatures.

Dumbledore introduced the 'Goblet of Fire' before returning to the argument over classes. Everyone was fascinated by it but Harry didn't really pay to much attention to it, it was just a magic cup. However, there was some grumbling when Dumbledore told everyone about the age limit, including that Noctiluca student's exemption to the rule. The Hogwarts students were the worst to react to that news, especially the Gryffindors, but really it was for their benefit. If the upper years competed it just wouldn't be fair to them as they were much superior to their foreign counterparts, Fudge knew this that's why he allowed the lower years in Noctiluca to compete. If a fourth or fifth year from their school got picked the others stood some chance after all, SOME chance but it was unlikely that they'd win either way.

He was terribly bored, they all had breakfast already so they couldn't busy themselves with that and they were used to being constantly in motion. It was aggravating just sitting there, awaiting the adults, while valuable time was wasted on frivolities and Harry could see from Seline's expression she agreed. Still, with nothing better to do Harry decided to list the other creatures accompanying them besides his own elite. Everyone here was marked, no doubt about that, but they still didn't have as much exposure to him.

He started with the youngest, Heather, she was part Satyr and had horns on the sides of her head. She was a Ram Satyr so her horns were the common twisted thick ones and she also had a tail, which was actually very amusing to see. Her hair was a green and she had brown eyes, characteristic of her wood nymph mother. Jack Dune, the third year, was a Sparti, as such had the teeth and tongue of a dragon. He couldn't speak parseltongue much to Harry's surprise but he had no match here in a hand-to-hand fight.

His hair was a dark shade of purple, his eyes were had slit pupils and were a lovely shade of silver. Marilyn Chase, fourth year, was a Succubus though thankfully she was not matured. She was pretty in a sense, more exotic looking with long light pink hair and big teal eyes. June Dawnalin, also a fourth year, was a Azeman, not to be confused with a Vampire because though she did drink blood she had to be in her Bat form to do so. She had shiny gray hair and vivid sky blue eyes; currently she was obsessed with counting the candles that were floating above them.

Edgard De L'Arbre, the last fourth year, was a Wood elf and was a very curious one at that. He had chestnut colored hair and hazel eyes, every so often on his skin one could see a shiny spot that resembled a leaf though with the glamour on one could not. John Macmillan, fifth year, was a Cernunnos and had one horn in the middle of his forehead that resembled one from a unicorn. His hair was a short cropped golden color and his eyes were a swirling opal, in all he was perhaps the strangest looking to Harry. However, Macmillan was more beautiful than handsome and had a very welcoming aura about him that could be dangerous as Cernunnos were notoriously fertile, able to get just about anything pregnant.

Steven Bines, seventh year, was a Drow and did not get along well with Simon as a result. Harry didn't blame him though because after being raised the way he had been it would be difficult to do otherwise. He did try to keep the peace with Simon but most of the time he just ignored everyone (excluding Harry of course). His hair was a dark brown color that went well with his chocolate toned skin and ebony eyes.

Mary Strijder, eight year, was part deamoness (about 10) but she had enough in her bloodline to have telling features like a pair of small horns hidden in her hair. Also sharp teeth, claws, and glowing yellow eyes all hidden beneath glamours at the moment. Lastly Amara Biopelo, ninth year, was a lamia with long emerald colored hair and bright blue eyes. Her cinnamon color skin hid her scales well enough that she only had a few weak glamours to deal with during there stay here.

By the time Harry was done listing all this in his head the teachers finally decided on a schedule and were beginning to hand out the multiple sheets of paper to the foreign students. It turned out classes didn't start for them until ten, with the rest of Hogwarts, and they had an HOUR of free time before then. What were they supposed to do for an hour? Sighing in submission Harry looked towards Seline to find she had stormed out a while ago.

With nothing else to do he caught the eye of his elite and motioned with his head that he wished to leave the stuffy, crowded hall. They all followed him out; still, it seemed his peace was not to be found this day as many of the bolder students attending Hogwarts tried to gain his attention. His elite kept them at bay and only allowed Suzie close when she came running up to him. She was smiling as wide and as brightly as when she had been small, though she had a great deal more teeth.

Suzie hadn't changed much and yet she had grown a great deal, still she had the same admiration in her eyes as she had before she had left. She smiled warmly and grabbed his hand, holding it gently in hers like he would break if she held him too tight. It was as if in that moment all those years had not long since past and they were back walking the orphanage's halls with her holding his hand just like that. It reminded him of those days when he had taken care of her, of when she had been his little sister with big innocent eyes and a heart so alive it made up for his dead one.

He tightened his hold on her hand, making the grip firmer and watched her light shine brighter as she smiled up at him. Harry couldn't help but smile, ever so small back at her and it made his entire demeanor all the more welcoming, though no less intimidating. When they finally reached the outdoors Harry breathed a barely audible sigh of relief and made his way towards the small lake that Hogwarts was built next to, the Durmstrang sailboat still docked in its waters.

"So Suzie, have you kept your promise?" She smiled and nodded enthusiastically while bringing out her locket from under her school robes. He patted her head to settle her down and opened it up to look at the picture inside; it was worn from time but still very easy to make out. Harry closed it with a snap when he found his elite trying to not so subtly look inside, and didn't stop to wonder why he had done so.

Her smile turned sly then, "Have you kept it like YOU promised?" He nodded and turned his head to the side so she could see his one odd earring in his left ear next to his other matching pairs. She beamed up at him after that and then got a look on her face like she wanted to ask for something but didn't want to say it. Harry wondered at how he could still pick up her facial give away after all this time, "What is it?" Suzie looked startled and a little embarrassed, like she'd been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "Well…would you…would you play for me again?"

--x--

Sirius was a little nervous and kept fiddling with his robes, hair, shoes, practically everything on him to make sure he looked perfect. James was laughing behind him, finding his anxiety very funny because he had always been the ladies man before. He didn't know what it was about this girl that had him so very nervous but something did, enough so that his hands were already sweating.

He chuckled a little hysterically before finally deciding he looked well enough to head down to the Hall for breakfast and the biker girl. Merlin, he didn't even know her name. James just patted him on his back and they headed down to meet up with Remus and Lily. He had been so excited about seeing her, nervous too, so it was a little disappointing when she didn't show up at the hall during breakfast.

Instead of trying to seduce his future wife he had to sit for over an hour while the Headmaster argued with the others about the class schedules and the exchange program. It was frustrating to say the least and he hadn't managed to pay attention to anything too distracted with thoughts of HER. Really, it was so bad that the others started to ask James what was wrong with him and when they found out about his 'future wife' they all had a good laugh at him.

Lily thought it was adorable and immediately agreed to help him win her over, Remus thought he was kind of getting ahead of himself, and James, well James just backed him up like a Best Mate should. Since she wasn't there at the Hall, Sirius convinced the others to help him search for her so he could finally meet her and ask her out. They spilt up agreeing to meet up in thirty minutes at the library and see if anyone found her.

Sirius was nervous again; he really didn't know what he was going to say if he was the one that met up with her and it made him jittery to think about it. Still, he pulled himself together and put on his infamous cocky grin. He needed to be confident in himself after all girls liked confidence…right? He shook himself, and began to strut down the hall, he couldn't let himself get too nervous before he even said hello.

She was amazing, his biker girl, all rebellion and attitude, not to mention her body was great too! She would be his wife, he'd dote on her like James did to Lily, and she'd be Lily's best mate like James' was his. It'd be perfect, they'd have a cute little boy and James would get Lily pregnant with a cute little girl. Their kids would get married and they'd really be family, yes; his perfect life. He was so distracted by his daydreams it startled him when he heard her voice down the hall.

His smile grew cockier and turned his full attention to her, he had to charm her still. However his smile dropped a little when he saw her walking a little close to Snivellus with the biggest smile on her face. All he could think was 'oh hell no' before his temper took over and he scowled at the approaching two. There was no way he'd let Snivellus of all people try to move on his girl, he conveniently forgot he had yet to even talk to her.

"Hey there Snivellus! Whatcha do drug the poor girl?" Sirius said nastily. He turned, a cocky smile on his face, and bowed in a exaggerated manner while taking the startled girl's hand to kiss it. "Sirius, Sirius Black at your service Madam, I'll rescue you from this overgrown bat." He chuckled like it was all some great joke; Severus was scowling at him and it made Sirius feel a little better.

Madeline looked at the pompous man before her, trying to put a finger on why he seemed so familiar and he cocked a cheesy grin at her again. When he bowed to take her hand to kiss it a light went on in her head, and she began to try to pull her hand from his firm grasp. A shiver went up her body, gross, he was touching her and she didn't like it he reminded her way too much of Kade. It made her uncomfortable to think about it, their personalities were just way to similar from what she could see and even their cocky grins were the same.

"Madeline Winter, would you be so kind as to unhand me now?" She asked a little stiffly, his smile wavered for a moment before he let go and it came back full force. "So Madeline, how old are you?" he asked totally ignoring Severus who was still standing there waiting for her. "I'm sorry did I say you could address me in such a familiar way? I must have forgotten that part in our short conversation." She said in a too sweet voice, tone sarcastic and she smiled when she saw Severus smirk. "Oh, do forgive me!" He barked a laugh, "I'm not a very formal person".

"I can see that," she said in a drawling tone while looking him up and down, barely suppressing a sneer. Severus looked like he was more amused now than angry at this man's intrusion. Sirius was a handsome man, all roguishly wild and full of cocky grins. He had a light tan that comes from being outside a lot, his voice was rough like he'd just gotten over a cold and would make a pleasant shiver go down most women's spines. However, Madeline had long since gotten over pretty boys with false smiles and arrogant strides.

She passed a glance at Severus, now he was much more her type that is IF she was looking, which she wasn't, no of course not! She tried to stop herself from chuckling nervously, and tried to pay attention to whatever bullshit the guy was saying. But her gaze was drawn back to the scowling Severus as he tried in vain to make the annoying man leave. Severus wasn't handsome in the traditional sense, with his hooked nose and pale skin. But Madeline found him undeniably attractive, with his sexy deep voice, silky black hair and smoldering dark eyes you could just drown in. Yes, Severus was much better a catch than this frivolous unkempt man arguing with him.

Severus was witty, sarcastic, clever, and a brilliant potions Master…not to mention sexy as all hell. Really even if she had only just met the man Madeline could see he was a good catch and it made her wonder why no one had snatched him yet. Eventually she got tired of being ignored by the two men while they bitched at each other like schoolboys so she went to get Severus' attention. "Severus?" They shut up, finally, to turn their attention to her and Madeline just smiled at Severus, getting a mischievous glint in her eye when she thought of something. She stepped closer to him, he was nervous but hiding it well, she put a gentle hand on his arm while smiling warmly.

"I'm going to look for Tristen, he'll be missing me by now," her voice held amusement, "I'll see you later, or tomorrow? Same place?" Her smile turned sly as she quickly got on her tip toes to give him a quick kiss on the cheek as a goodbye and then she left before it really registered what happened. The shouting she heard when she was a little while away was worth any embarrassment tomorrow in her opinion. She laughed quietly, that Sirius really needed an ego check and she didn't mind finding the excuse to get close to Severus.

She went looking for Harry but when she heard a beautiful melody being played outside she knew just where to go.

--x--

Harry was surprised that this was all she asked of him after being apart for so long, but still it was Suzie. She was always a little strange and he smiled a little while patting her on the head while she beamed up at him. Well, if that was all she wanted then she would have it, "Sure Suzie, I'll play for you." She just lit up at that and exclaimed, "It'll be just like old times!" His elite looked very surprised, but then again he was surprising them a lot today. They weren't used to this side of him, but they weren't Suzie; they couldn't ever know what it was like before magic.

Suzie sat down at his feet, smiling and waiting for him to begin. He gave a cursory glance around and saw his elites weren't the only ones that followed them out today. Suzie's little following of friends had come also, along with his foolish little brother (he held back his sneer), and a few others. Well, for them this would be a novel experience as Harry was sure they weren't used to the rather amazing way Noctiluca students played.

He smirked and summoned his violin from his hand in a light show, which usually didn't happen without him willing it so. In his hand he held his beautiful white violin and pure black reed, he made it a point to bow to Suzie. She laughed a little and clapped her delight. His elite smiled a little, happy to see him so playful and sat down where they were standing wanting to listen in too. With flourish he brought his violin to his chin and began to play, the melody was different from his usual ones. It was pretty; yes like they all were but while it was tinged with sadness it was also a bit joyful as well.

He quickly captivated all who were in hearing range, though he did not know it as he concentrated on Suzie before he closed his eyes to give into the music she evoked in him. It was light, cheerful almost, like the dawning of a new day but still beneath that joy was a deep well of sadness that drew people in. Some who had been in the castle on their way to class, stopped, and began to venture outside to listen to whoever it was playing such a beautiful song.

It held a yearning in it, a yearning for joy, a wanting, but also it held a mourning quality like a lover yearning for a lost partner. It was haunting, even in its joyfulness, it was sad, told of loneliness and happiness all rolled up in a melody that caught your heart. It brought sad smiles on some faces and tears to some eyes, though it brought the same feeling to everyone who could hear it, a sort of blissfulness. When he finished the applause was almost deafening, still Harry only had eyes for the girl smiling up at him from his feet.

He could still see her six years old, with a gape toothed smile and a too big heart trying to make him let her in. She hadn't changed from that little girl to him, she would always be that girl who needed him to brush her hair and hold her hand. Suzie had grown, but she remained the same in his mind. As she grabbed his hand to show him to his classroom, his elite following behind, he couldn't help but feel happy. Even with the daunting prospect of meeting up with his 'family' hanging over his head he still had something to help him get through. He had a real family, in Suzie and in Madeline, which was enough for him.

Harry wondered when it was he had gotten so soft, but then again trying to keep those two out of his crippled heart was like trying to stop the sun from shining or the rain from falling. Still, even in this small little contentment he found with them there was a loneliness that haunted his step. They couldn't truly understand what it was that made him what he was; they couldn't join him in his darkness they were to bright. Tom could, to an extent, but in the end he was still a memory trapped in a book and he was a boy standing alone in the aching eternity that was the dark.

Truly he had never felt more alone than in that moment with Suzie holding his hand, smiling that big bright smile and his elite at his back. Something made him wonder if he would forever be trapped in this darkness alone, or if someone would eventually come to stand with him.

--x--

Classes took longer than expected, but Harry managed to get through the day without killing and/or torturing them. Which was a feat considering half the day was spent with Suzie who was being tailed by his annoying 'little brother'. When he had found out about how Clark had taken to stalking her Harry had offered to set him straight (which would have included a very satisfying two hour torture session) but Suzie told him not to bother.

After they had managed to get through the mediocre drivel that Hogwarts called a curriculum most of the Noctiluca students went back to their dorms so they could enjoy dinner. They ate there, with the right meals before heading down to the Hall to watch the rest eat what they considered slops. Really, it was all way to greasy to be healthy in any sense and not to mention most of what they were serving tasted the same. They did give it to them that they had some decent desserts; Harry was partial to the Trickle Tarts.

By the end of the dinner though most of them were way past ready to go to bed and as such were somewhat impatient to get to the selecting of Champions. Dumbledore looked ridiculous in his strangely colored robes as he stepped up to the Goblet awaiting the names. It flared to life and everyone held his or her breath in anticipation as the first charred paper drifted down to Dumbledore's waiting hand.

"Victor Krum!" the Durmstrang champion headed to the indicated back room followed by his classmates/fans applause. It flared again, "Kairi Maddocks!" The Beauxbatons champion got up gracefully to join her fellow champion in the room. It flared once more, "Percy Weasley!" The Gryffindors roared their approval that one of them got picked and he headed red faced to join the others. Everyone got quiet when the goblet flared again, "Tristen Winter!" Harry smirked and got up composedly to his cultured applause to follow the others to the back room.

However before he reached it the goblet flared to life once more causing him to pause before he could step into the room. There was a silence so deafening one could have heard a pin drop and Dumbledore caught this last charred paper with some dread. He called out in some disbelief, "Harry Potter?" and Harry preceeded into the backroom without drawing attention to himself. Though, he had his head bowed just enough so they couldn't see his smirk. Whoever had put his true name into the goblet was going to be in for a surprise. After all there was no rule stating that he had to acknowledge that he was that champion. No one said he just couldn't compete for both names, he would have laughed, if this was some ploy to gain his attention it had worked…now to figure out who was trying to draw him out.

A.N. lol So yeah, I hate that when people write their own version of the Triwizard segment they use the same players! I mean come on is there some rule that says you HAVE to use the same people J.K. did? Lol you'll be in for more surprises next chapter! first task anyone? Lol as Always please review it helps me write and gives me some motivation! Also if you want to hear what Harry played look up Vanessa-Mae's Aurora song, lol I know I use her a lot but I just love that girl! Lol See you next time! Chapter 13: In the Company of Secrets.