Chapter One: The Black Butterfly

Cho Chang was a beautiful girl of Asian heritage, and was considered to be one of the most popular girls in Hogwarts, for her beauty, charm, charisma, athletic ability and intelligence. Placed in Ravenclaw House, she quickly shone among her peers for her intelligence, and her body was the subject of many wet dreams in Hogwarts.

However, she was a teenage girl, and prone to any girl, the concept of romantic relationships had always interested her.

Now that one of the more popular and handsome men considered in Hogwarts, Cedric Diggory had shown a romantic interest in her, her father had stepped out and gently asked her to reconsider.

In other terms, the relationship was forbidden.

On top of all that, her father had even asked her to take care of his godson, as he would be transferring into Hogwarts for three years! Her father was really full of himself!

Fully intending to stop with his atrocious thinking, she had marched up to his office. Knocking, she heard a "Come in!", as she opened the door wildly before narrowing her eyes at the stranger that whirled around to face her.

The girl in front of me narrows her eyes at me as I quirk up an eyebrow. The glamour charm should've held, thus I should be perceived to resemble someone of Asian descent.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Ko Chang, mirth hidden in his eyes before he coughs deliberately. "Cho, this is my godson, Xin Chao of Hong Kong. Xin, meet Cho."

Inclining my head towards her, I see that her eyes narrow even further before being completely wiped away and the rearrangement of her facial features, a wide smile and free from any terrors of the world.

From what I see, she is the same age of me, 15 years old, and from her wand, 11 inches, unicorn hair and maple, hinting in potential in healing and defensive spells, possibly curses and wardbreaking. Great athletic ability as a Quidditch player from what I've heard.

She turns to her father. "Father, why don't I take Xin on a tour, and get to know each other better before dinner?"

The girl is good. For a child.

That ploy was so pathetic to see through.

Ko's gaze flickered to my own where I loose a small nod before turning back to Cho and voicing his agreement.

"Follow me, Xin. I know just of a perfect place to spend the time."

Chuckling slightly, I reply silkily. "I do not wish to waste your time…"

Her eyes narrow again, yet her tone was as cheerful as before.

"It will be my pleasure, Xin."

Upon reaching the balcony, I notice her finger her wand, her shoulders stiffening and a slight quickening of her pace.

Good, but not good enough. A shame that I am unable to teach her the hard way.

In the next second, her wand is under my chin and straight at my Adam's Apple.

"I know you aren't here because of that silly godson reason. Father has been wary of everyone since his election to Minister, and just because you claim to be his godson doesn't mean he trusts you, even with that silly facade he puts up. Our previous butlers have also been disappearing rapidly, with the excuses of family reasons, important meetings, health reasons. All which sound illogical. Thus, that leaves us with two conclusions."

"And thus what have you concluded, Miss Chang?" I gaze over the balcony, overlooking the garden, filled with herbs and exotic plants. A few of these I would have killed to use years ago. Now, although a part of my heart aches with desire to ...liquefy them, I stop myself.

It would be a bad impression on the family. Perhaps I can convince them to sell them to me after the contract.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you!" The girl, Cho was increasingly red in the face. I note down in my mind emotionally unbalanced. That would need to be corrected first.

I glance back at her. "And thus, what have you concluded?"

"I know father is not stupid." It seems that she is also an attention-whore, requiring attention only for her. At least she has some brains in there.

"The previous butlers are likely guards, dead in their service to protect our family. He knows that no one else dares to take the challenge. Thus he has found you. To protect me for 3 years, until I am finished with my education. It was at my mother's insistence that I go to Hogwarts, since Father always wanted me to attend the Academy of Magicks."

"Very good." I clap sarcastically. "So?"

"Confirm my suspicions, Xin Chao, or I will make sure you regret it. Painfully."

Smiling at her, I slowly reply. "My name is Xin Chao." She nods encouragingly. "And you have already been disarmed."

I wave her wand in front of her and she grits her teeth.

Tossing her wand back to her, I turned my head and walked back to the dining hall as I leave one last remark.

"A wonderful discussion, Miss Chang."

Ko immediately moaned after we entered his study. "Is my acting really that bad?"

After the wonderful dinner, Ko had asked me to go to his study, under the guise of "discussing the matter of attending Hogwarts." His wife, Lynne Chang nee Lee, had hidden mirth as she looked at how the girl had glared at me all night. Speaking of the girl...

"Yes."

Ko smiled depressingly. "You certainly don't hold back. However, it has been a long time since I've seen Lynne so amused by Cho's antics. I hope you've done nothing...with her." At this point, his tone was amused.

"Relax. There can be nothing going for me and her. It is impossible." I catch a flicker of grimace on his face. Did he truly expect something to come out of this contract except for the gold?

"So, how was the interrogation?"

"Nothing much. She was already wary of me when we were introduced, even more so when I disarmed her . Your daughter has wit, but not the skill to match it."

Ko's corner of the mouth tugged upwards. "Your wit and skill are impressive for one so young, thus I'd kindly ask you to not compare yourself to my daughter."

"My most insincere apologies." This time, a hint of a smile truly flitted on my face.

"That emotionless act at first...was that all an act?" Ko's tone had concern, but I could of course, feel the hidden intent to pry at more secrets.

"Perhaps it was. Perhaps it wasn't. Regardless, it doesn't matter." Traces of humor gone, I look straight into his eyes.

Ko smiled grimly. "Perhaps I shouldn't pry into this too much, but as a father foremost, it is rather depressing to see a child with such emotions, especially when someone so young."

I chuckle, a sound which sends Ko wincing. "Power comes at a price. Mine just comes higher."

Albus Dumbledore, The Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, International Confederation of Wizards, and also the Headmaster of Hogwarts, was deep in thought.

The current Tri-Wizard Tournament, re-established after so many years took place in Hogwarts, was one of the busiest and most annoying things. Cornelius Fudge, current Minister of Magic had all but demanded that it took place at Hogwarts, and if not for himself being there, Cornelius would've found himself in a very awkward situation.

Thankfully, there had been no other major outbreaks, other than that only 5th and above years above were able to participate, clearly putting Fudge on a pedestal. Karkaroff had clearly done that to spite Fudge, because of the "Boy Who Lived", who was going to be a 4th year, and Madame Olympe, as calm as she may be, was also annoyed at the Minister's tendencies, and had supported him, all of them fully knowing that only 7th years would be chosen.

Fudge had spluttered incoherently at the declaration, but had grudgingly accepted since he couldn't really do anything else.

Speaking of the Boy-Who-Lived...

Christopher Charles Potter was not magically inept, but he was average of the average. He had displayed no inclination for any particular magical ability except for transfiguration and charms, and only because of his parents tutoring him.

In first year, when Voldemort had possessed Quinirus Quirrel, Christopher was being toyed with and it was only due to this fact that saved him. In second year, Dumbledore didn't wish to take any chances and had brought down the entire bathroom along with a team of Aurors.

In his third year, Peter Pettigrew had escaped, and despite Remus teaching him, the boy was unable to produce even a spectre of an animal, merely mists of the Patronus Charm. In the eyes of others, it might be acceptable, perhaps even exceptional for a thirteen year old to do so, but for the person that was going to battle Lord Voldemort, this did not bode well. And this year, hopefully, it would all go right. Let the boy catch up on his studies, perhaps he might even ask a favour from Alastor so he could be trained.

Grimacing at the thought of the brother of Christopher, he lowered his head in shame...

Harry James Potter, the scion to House Potter, presumably alive by the Family Tree, but had long disappeared at the age of 8. 1 year older than Christopher Potter, he had suffered the consequences of his brother being the "Boy Who Lived". Neglected for almost all his life, Albus had tried to be there for him. However, a love of a grandfather could never replace the love of a parent, and he had soon left.

He had run from his own family, a family that was meant to support and love him.

Albus could still remember the day as though it were yesterday. That day, the Potters had floo'd him to say that Christopher had displayed his first magical ability, by breaking Lily's favorite vase. At the age of 7, it was quite uncommon, because most magical children displayed it at the age of three to four. He idly noted it was perhaps due to the magical backlash from defeating Lord Voldemort.

Congratulating their family, he had looked around to try and see Harry, but there was no sign of him. Excusing himself politely, he had gone upstairs to Harry's room, only to see a note with a single word.

Goodbye.

Albus could feel tears forming as he remembered the note. The note that was pinned on the corner of his desk, reminding him every day of his past failures.

The grief that had welled up in his chest soon turned to anger, as he summoned the note with a wave of his hand. Summoning his magic, he let loose pressure as he glared at the Potters, saying three words "Harry is gone" and he left, unable to bear with the Potter's for now.

The Potter adults had been crushed. Devastated. Those weren't even the correct words to describe their mental state, as they finally realized they had put Harry through 7 years of mental torment, not even acknowledging him, merely ignoring him every time. James had aged, considerably as weeks went on with no trace, and Lily had withdrawn into herself, losing the bright spark that she had when she knew about magic.

It seemed the fame of being the "Boy Who Lived" parents had caught up to them, and now that their scion, their first-born was gone, they finally realised what had they truly done.

Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Arthur and Molly Weasley knew of their transgressions, but being the loyal friends they were had forgiven them, after a good punch to the face for James and a slap for Lily. Together, the foursome slowly brought James and Lily out of their depression. Alas, there were few that refused to forgive.

Frank and Alice Longbottom had refused, only relenting when James had literally kidnapped Frank to explain, thus starting to improve their strained relationship. Minerva McGonagall was one of the people who refused to forgive, and it was always tense as Minerva glared at Lily every staff meeting.

And as for Christopher's reaction to his brother...it was less than desired. James and Lily had furious arguments with Christopher over the subject, and now it was considered a taboo to talk about Harry.

Forcing the memories out of his mind, Albus glanced at the note and wished the boy luck on his path, wherever he was.

Refocusing himself, he pinched his nose as he had to yet again deal with another owl sent from Cornelius...

Gazing at the moon, I sense the tattered cloak whistling in the wind, the sneer hidden behind the visage, and the faint hum of a sword being stabbed into the ground.

"Greetings."

I nod at his words. "Talon."

"Phantom."

Turning to look at the knight wreathed in stainless steel armor, I feel the grin behind the sneer. "You and your ridiculous nicknames."

"You are a figment of their imagination brought true." His tone, permanently mocking, has some tint of humor to it. "The worst fears of your enemies have been born into flesh and blood to return justice upon them."

Amused with the banter, I return to the pressing topic. "Enough. I did not call for you, Talon."

"Aye. Hogwarts is based in England. Are you not afraid you will meet them?" The tone, previously laced with humor, was now sharp and calculating.

Them. Father, Mother, and Brother. Words I will never utter in this life again.

"It is of no consequence. Three years, Talon. This is nothing." I turn around and face him directly, emerald irises against emerald orbs of fire.

"It is curious, that you accept a long-term contract...this long, pardon the pun. Is there something that ails you?" This time, I sense genuine concern.

I loose my half-smile reserved for him and a few others. "It is nothing, Talon."

"Very well."

Rolling my eyes, I gestured to the moonlit sky. "The moon is beautiful tonight, Talon. It should serve as a fine witness."

I feel his emerald orbs of fire continue to bore into me. "Quite. I hope you have the sense to repair everything before the sun is up."

"The surrounding forest should be of adequate space. What was the record again?"

"Three hundred and forty eight bouts."

"Then, three hundred and forty nine. Today."

I feel his sneer, colder than winter and laced with venom. "I'd like to see you try."