The Dragonsong2795 Archive

by Dragonsong2795

Please read the first chapter for a Summary. In short, a complete copy of all of my stories as up to date as possible.

32. DA TBOH

Harry Potter (Earlier this Year)

The Banshee of Hogwarts

Book 1: The Philosopher's Stone

Prologue: Rise of the Banshee

"Banshee, a XXXXX Rated Dark/Light Creature, many wonder how it can be either Dark or Light and that depends on the type, the lesser Banshee more commonly known as the Dementor and the Common Banshee are both Dark, while the Greater or True Banshee feasts only on the life force and magic (But not Soul) of those with Evil intention. No one is quite sure why this is but because of it a True or Greater Banshee is considered Light, but do not let that fool you, they can be just as vicious to those of the Light if provoked…"

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Unspeakable Edition)

Number 4 Privet Drive, Little Whining, Surrey.

Vernon Dursley while normally somewhat abusive to his step-niece Athena Artemis Potter had be confronted with an unsavory discovery, Some place called Hogwarts (Ridiculous name) had found out Athena was a freak and wanted to teach her how to use that freakishness. That wasn't going to happen no sirree, As Vernon debated on what to do he drank more and more of his brandy until it hit him, they couldn't well teach the girl 'magic' (Even in his mind he felt disgusted by thinking the word) if she wasn't alive now can they.

With a dark gleam in his eyes Vernon rips open the door to Athena's cupboard under the stairs and drags her into the cellar, Petunia and Dudley Dursley both look at each other as they hear Athena's screams of pain and see her as she is dragged into the cellar, they knew what Vernon was planning and both begin to pray for a miracle, they would have helped Athena but for two things. First they were terrified of Vernon and second they didn't want Vernon to start attacking them instead.

Down in the cellar Athena screams as Vernon begins to lay into her with his fists, she screams as her ribs break, blood starts leaking from her mouth, and lower regions as her stomach, lungs and womb start to hemorrhage under the assault Vernon is placing them under, in her pain she starts to scream "Mommy, Daddy please help me, please help me"

THUD. Vernon has picked up an old bat of Dudley's left in the cellar starts beating Athena; first he breaks her legs with it, then her arms. Finally he slams it down on her abdomen and wave of blood stains her underwear. Vernon then slugs Athena hard as he can in the face and walks away, locking the cellar door behind him.

Athena lays in the darkness choking on her own blood and feeling more numb with every second, around her a pool of her blood spreads. Athena can feel the pain in her stomach and starts to cry for the fact that she may never be able to have children, ignoring her eminent demise she curses Vernon for taking her chance of having children away from her. Her last curse before Lady Death claims her is 'I'll kill you Vernon, no matter what I'll come back from the dead and I will kill you'

Place between Life and Death

Athena suddenly feels warmth, she opens her eyes to see she is no longer in the cellar, instead she is lying down on a warm sandy beach, around her are dozens if not hundreds of red seashells, she looks around to see three strangers in the distance. One is a man with messy black hair, another woman with red hair and emerald green eyes. The Last is a woman with pale white skin and luscious black hair that goes down to her waist, she is wearing elaborate black robes with black flowers outlined in silver all over it. She gasps weakly, they look towards her and the red-haired woman and the man start to cry and run towards her.

James and Lily Potter had wondered why Lady Death had called them hear, but before they can speak they hear a gasp and when they turn to the source. They see a girl on the sand, surrounding her are hundreds of red seashells, she isn't wearing anything but some rags that might be underwear, her skin looks like it might be pale, but they can't see its color under the thousands of bruises. Her arms and legs are bent at unnatural angles and several of her ribs have broken through the skin. Her hair looks like it might be black but is currently a dirty brown from the blood that has dried in it. Her left eye is emerald green, but her right is crimson and barely visible under the swelling black eye around it.

Then it clicks, they know who they are looking at. "Athena!" Lily and James shout before running towards the broken body that is their daughter. They kneel next to her and instantly realize the red seashells are actually the pool of blood surrounding her body.

"M-m-mommy, D-d-daddy, you c-came I-I c-called" Athena weakly coughs up blood "Y-you finally c-came, V-Vernon g-got angry a-at me, s-strange l-letter. D-do you k-know what an H-Hogwarts is, t-their l-letter made V-Vernon a-angry. H-he hit m-me, I-it was s-so cold. P-please d-don't leave m-m-mee-" Athena falls unconscious after the last word.

Lily and James are shaking in anger at Vernon Dursley suddenly a voice interrupts them "While your anger is justified, please remain calm, I have something I want to ask you" Lady Death's voice pierces through the haze of anger. James and Lily look at Death and Lily asks "What do you want to know my Lady?" Death smiles "I want to ask you if you are fine with me sending Athena back to the world of the living" "Of cour-" "But, there is a cost, In order to send her back she would have to become a True Banshee, she would become a monster that feeds on other monsters, she would however gain back all that she has lost. I ask you then, would you let your daughter live, even as a monster?" James and Lily look at each other for but a second "Yes" Without hesitation they reply in unison. Death nods and waves her hand over Athena, suddenly Athena's wounds are healed and she looks to be in the peak of health, her skin however is now the same unnaturally pale white as Lady Death's, her hairs tips are now silvery-white for the last inch and a half. She begins to radiate silvery white fog and she fades slightly, almost like a ghost. Athena opens her eyes and they are still emerald green but they glow with unnatural power. Then Athena vanishes.

Number 4 Privet Drive, Little Whining, Surrey, Cellar.

Athena wakes back in the world of the living, her clothes are gone but the blood surrounding her rises up and molds itself onto her body, turning into a black dress similar to Lady Death's but with silver snowflakes instead of outlined flowers. Athena smiles softly to herself for a second then her face is filled with rage as she remembers what Vernon did. She stalks up the stairs like a dangerous predator. She reaches the door and finds it locked, without even blinking she turns her nails into talons sharp enough to slice through Dragonhide and rends the door open. Vernon who had been terrorizing his wife and child in front of the door turns as he feels a fragment of the cellar door hit him; his red face suddenly goes white as he sees Athena standing there with anger, no Pure Undiluted Rage, on her face. Before Vernon can even take a step Athena grabs him, moving faster than any human could ever hope to. Athena then cackles madly, not unlike a certain female Death Eater and whispers in Vernon's ear "Well, Uncle. Did you know us freaks can come back? Guess you didn't" Athena squeezes her hand and severs Vernon's head from his shoulders using her talons.

Petunia and Dudley while disgusted don't make any attempt to help Vernon; they had had enough and were happy to watch him get his just deserts. Petunia watches as Athena drops Vernon's corpse "You know you can't stay here anymore Athena" Athena just nods, Petunia sighs "I guess you would want to anyway right?" Athena nods "Well let me tell you about the Wizarding world, you see you mother and you are witches. Using wands you can learn magic, I give you some instructions on how to get to Diagon Alley and when you're there go to Gringotts, and you should be able to access your parents vault, use the money to buy the goods in the letter and a house. I'm sorry for not helping you Athena" Petunia then describes Diagon Alley and how to get there, she gives Athena some warning about the Goblins and how the Purebloods will act towards her. Athena smiles and whispers something in Petunia's ear. Petunia then hustles Dudley out the house. Athena then turns the gas over on without lighting it. She waits ten seconds before walking out the back door and throwing a lighter back through the open door. As she walks away the gas ignites and the house explodes in flames.

Athena jumps over the back fence and starts off towards London and a new future.

Chapter 1: Diagon Alley and Goblins

London

It took her several hours but Athena eventually made it to the Leaky Cauldron, she noticed it was an old pub that ordinary people seemed unable to realize it existed, and then she realized that the wizards had used magic to hide the pub from non-wizards. 'Clever, crude, but clever none-the-less' Athena muses as she walks into the Leaky Cauldron. Inside is a well-lit but still shadowy pub with a bar and several tables, several witches and wizards look towards Athena only to get a ice cold glare in return which quickly convinces them to return to what they are doing. Athena move quickly through the pub, she notices a man with a turban on his head that smells like the most delicious thing she'll ever eat, Athena narrows her eyes and continues out into the entrance to Diagon Alley, she notices the brick formation but instead of touching the bricks she waves her arm and focuses her magic at the wall to make it open.

The bricks start to vibrate and then split until they reshape themselves into an archway which Athena notices resembles Greek or Roman columns, she smiles thinking of the times in school when she learned of her namesake and the world she was worshiped in. Athena walks towards the distant white marble edifice that Petunia told her was Gringotts the Wizard bank. Unbeknownst to her as she walked Athena's demeanor and bearing made all the witches and wizard scurry out of the way. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy quickly shift as well, with pale faces as Athena was almost a dead-ringer for Bellatrix Lestrange. Aurors watch with some fear, wondering if Bellatrix had somehow broken out until they realize that the girl in question was too young to be her. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody watches the young Banshee carefully, his eye tells him that the girl in question isn't a normal witch, the only other times he'd seen a magical core that powerful was when he was looking at Dumbledore or Voldemort. Alastor quickly heads to a Floo to firecall Dumbledore and inform him of the young girl. Every witch and wizard softly shudders as the fog surrounding Athena slowly washes over them; they felt as if their souls were being judged by the fog.

Athena walks up the steps of Gringotts and is surprised like every wizard and witch nearby when the Goblin guards salute her as if she were a superior. Athena however stops and nods cordially to the guards making them smile at the respect and honor of such a being treating them as equals. Athena notices the poem on the door and smiles.

"Enter Stranger, But take heed

Of what awaits the sin of Greed

For those who take, But do not Earn,

Must pay most dearly in their turn,

So if you seek beneath our floors

A treasure that was never yours,

Thief, you have been warned, beware

Of finding more than treasure there"

Athena recognizes the warning and nods her head once more before walking through the doors; she realizes the consequences of thievery might be more than she is willing to pay. As she walks in the Goblins at the teller desks all look at her as her scent and power fill the room, the witches and wizards might have complained when she walks up to a desk they have been lining up for, but when they see her they quickly stop all thought of complaint. The aura of power and might surrounding Athena is so strong that all those watching feel the urge to bow to her, she might not realize it but Athena's demeanor and power were already living up to her namesake. She glances at the teller's nameplate and says "Second Rank Teller Gorefang, I would like to access my vault, I have been stuck with non-magical humans and do not have any key or card with which to access the vault, however I am informed that there is one for me left by my parents. If you need to ask who I am would you mind if we did it in a private office instead of here"

Gorefang shocked that the Banshee had not only come up to him but treated him with respect replies "Of course, however the director of the Bank, Ragnar, would like to speak to one of your station, Would you mind meeting with him" Athena shakes her head softly "Then please follow me" Gorefang opens a door next to his counter and waves Athena through. They then travel through the corridors of Gringotts, her Banshee powers quickly overwhelm the spells and wards designed to confuse those attempting to remember their path through the bank, Gorefang notices and gulps softly. The goblins had long memories and could easily remember what happened when the last True Banshee had existed, their then director, Ragnarok, Ragnar's great-grandfather had attacked her and was slaughtered, the goblins lost hundreds and even then were forced to surrender to her, and she hadn't even been injured once. Now it was protocol for all True Banshees to be treated as honored guests. Gorefang smiles softly, at least this one seems to be peaceful, for now.

They soon come to a door labeled Gringotts Director – Ragnar, Athena walks through the double door made of Elder Wood. Ragnar looks up about to ask why some witch had disturbed him when he paled slightly as he recognized the scent and appearance of a True Banshee. "How may I help you my dear?"

Athena raises an eyebrow "You can start by explaining why your face shifted from annoyance to terror when you saw me. Is there something about me that is special? Then we can speak about accessing my families vault"

Ragnar curses softly in Gobbledygook before sighing "The reason I went from annoyance to terror is because you my dear are a rare and powerful True Banshee, the last time one of your kind walked the Earth my father made the mistake of insulting her and she single-handedly decimated my people, we now have a standing law to treat your kind as honored guests. On that note you have my condolences, from what I have learned True Banshees are only born when a young Witch is abused for several years before being killed. Lady Death seems to enjoy bringing them back and giving them great power with which to torment their abusers and often anyone who looks down on them. As for your vault I would need you name my dear"

Athena nods her head stiffly "My thanks for your condolences; I can tell Goblins are not very sympathetic to humans and wizards. Probably because the wizards look down on you I would assume. As for my name it is Athena Artemis Potter. Is there anything I need to know about myself or my family? I was raised by ordinary humans for the last ten years"

Ragnar's eyes widen as he realizes who is sitting before him and he answers "Yes there is something you need to know" Athena looks at him with an inquisitive look on her face. Ragnar then explains the Wizarding Civil war, her title and how she got it for her defeat of Voldemort. Ragnar explains Voldemort's rise to power with a sneer showing his disgust for the wizard. After the explanation Athena nods her head slowly with a look of anger and disgust on her face. "… And that is everything you would need to know, one last thing. This wizard Voldemort is still alive, we Goblins have his true name of Thomas Marvolo Riddle on record and our files inform us he is still alive. I would tell you to be wary of his existence, but I doubt he would be able to slay you as you are now. Still I would advise caution, True Banshees have been killed before, however the wizards that have killed them always die in the attempt so their weakness has never been known. Anyway I will summon a Cart Handler and have him take you down to your vault, I would ask that you not inform anyone that you can remember the layout of the bank, we have spells to prevent that but as a True Banshee you are immune to them."

Athena nods her head and rises from the seat that Ragnar had offered her "Thank you Director Ragnar, and I promise I'll keep my knowledge of Gringotts layout a secret, for reduced payment on my vaults upkeep of course"

Ragnar smiles "You would have made an excellent Goblin, My Lady"

Athena smiles back at him "Why thank you, that would be an insult to most wizards but I can see the complement in it" Athena then walks to the door and runs into a young looking Goblin.

The Goblin looks up at Athena and then says "G-greetings I am G-Griphook and am h-here to take you t-to your v-vault" Athena smiles at Griphook assuring him that she is not angry.

"Lead on Cart-handler Griphook" Griphook nods and walks towards a nearby door, Athena follows him to the Cart station where they get on one of the carts and shoot off at high speed down a railway. Athena smirks as she perfectly remembers each and every turn towards her vault. They quickly arrive and Griphook pulls out a key to unlock the vault, he then hands the key to Athena.

"This is your vault key, please try not to lose it, there is a hundred Galleon fee for the replacement of the lock and the issuing of a new key, Ten Galleons is the price for a new key to be made" Athena nods and then asks

"Would you please explain the currency to me, Griphook" Griphook nods and leads her into the vault where she sees piles of Gold, Silver and Bronze coins.

"There are three coins in the currency, the lowest are the Bronze coins called Knuts above them are the Silver ones called Sickles, it is twenty-nine Knuts to a Sickle. The most valuable are the Golden ones which are called Galleons, each Galleon is worth seventeen Sickles" Athena shakes her head in exasperation

"Why couldn't those idiots use fives or tens as the conversion rate? It would be much simpler" Griphook snickers.

"We were trying to make it difficult for wizards to remember their conversion tables so they would have to rely on us"

Athena then smirks at Griphook "Ah, Clever. My compliments to whoever thought of that, maybe you should change it to something like the Muggle currency conversion rate in order to confuse the wizards even more"

Griphook smiles widely "I'll inform Director Ragnar of your idea, it would be most interesting to watch, and the Muggle-born would have an easier time adjusting to our currency. Plus we love to watch the Wizards squirm as they have to learn something"

Athena quickly grabs an extended money bag from Griphook (For Seven Sickles) that can hold up to two thousand Galleons and shows the amount of currency inside on the side. She loads it up to the brim and then they head back to the bank Atrium. As she walks out Athena nods a thank you to Gorefang who smiles back to her, she hears a rapid burst of Gobbledygook and goblins laughing and guesses Griphook told the other goblins her idea. She walks out of Gringotts and watches as the nearby witches and wizards freeze at the sight of her and move out of her way. She opens the Hogwarts letter that caused her beloved uncle to attempt to kill her, reads it and then heads for the shop named Ollivander's.

Athena walks into the shop to see the shops proprietor looking at her with wide eyes. He then clears his throat and says "Welcome to Ollivander's Child of the Mist, I am Ollivander. I assume you are here for a wand, I'm sorry to say I don't have any in stock that you could use. However I can easily make one if you are willing to part with one or two of your hairs"

Athena nods and quickly pulls out two strands of her hair and hands it to Ollivander. He studies the hair and says "It will take me half an hour or so to make the wand, if you like you can stay and watch or continue shopping. Before that however I need you to do something." Athena raises an eyebrow as Ollivander pulls out a board with pieces of wood on it that are different shades, with a smooth stone in the middle " Please move your hand over the wood and if one feels warmer or colder to you please stop on it" Athena moves her hand over the different types of wood before stopping at one that feels like sunshine and ice mixed together. "Ah, Cypress, said to be the symbol of both Hades Greek God of the Underworld and Artemis Greek Goddess of the Hunt. Both of which would be your patrons my dear. As you are a child of Death and the Mist, A huntress who stalks those of evil intent and feasts on their life-force." Athena smiles and speaks for the first time since entering the shop.

"Ironic, since my name is Athena Artemis Potter, Maybe I have more than one connection to Greek Mythology" Ollivander's eyes go wide.

"I'm afraid I must offer my most sincere apologies miss Potter. I'm afraid I was the one to sell the wand that caused all your losses. Please forg-" Athena places her hand over Ollivander's mouth

"I wasn't your fault crafter of wands, but the fault of the wands wielder. Do not assume guilt for the actions of those who abuse your creations. I think I will go and get my school robes. I'll see you in half an hour, by the way how much do I owe you"

"Fourteen Galleons as it is a custom made wand, usually it would be more expensive but the most expensive part of the wand you have already given me" Athena nods before handing over Fourteen Galleons and exiting the store.

She makes her way to 'Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions' As she walks in a squat, smiling witch who she assumes to be Madam Malkin walks over "Hogwarts, dear" Athena nods

"Yes, I would also like several dress robes in the same fashion as the ones I am wearing and two more in Crimson and Teal with a Silver Serpent and Golden Dragon on them respectively. I would like them to be made of the highest quality materials please" Madam Malkin smiles

"Or course dear, would you like growth, Cooling, Warmth and Dirt and Stain resistant charms as well?" Athena nods "And the other essentials like socks and undergarments?" Athena nods again.

"That'll be 150 Galleons dear, I'll measure you up and have the clothes ready in ten minutes would you like to wait, I have tea here for customers how like to wait"

Athena nods "Yes I would like to wait, and is the tea Earl Grey?" Madam Malkin nods "Then I would like some thank you, here is the 150 Galleons" Athena hands over the Galleons.

Madam Malkin then takes her to a private room where she strips naked and measures Athena's body. She smiles and shows Athena to the small table and chair where she can sit and drink her tea. Athena smiles, 'Sometimes it's the small things that make a difference, Madam Malkin obviously wasn't bothered by my aura, maybe she's a descendent of one of the earlier True Banshees. Wouldn't surprise me, or she's just used to dealing with stuck up assholes so a polite but powerful girl is a breath of fresh air for her. This tea is really nice; I wonder why Aunt Petunia never made any? Probably bad memories of my mother most likely.' Athena just sits there and sips her tea for ten minutes while she muses on everything she's seen so far.

True to her word Madam Malkin hustles in with the robes both for Hogwarts and personal use finished and packed in a complimentary expanded box. Athena thanks her and heads for the Truck shop she saw. She buys a three compartment trunk that can be shrunk down to pocket size. She has it heavily warded for the total price of 100 Galleons. Then she buys her school books, and some extra books on defensive shields and offensive curses, as well as extra Potions books, Herbology books and a Wizarding Law Book and 'A Guide to Ministry Forms and Permits'. She then drops in to Ollivander's and picks up her wand. She immediately feels the power in it and thanks him. She purchases a Dragonhide Holster and Wand Maintenance Kit. Ollivander smiles as Athena walks out the door, he may have conveniently forgotten to put the trace on Athena's wand. She picks up her Potion's apparatuses and some extra ingredients so she can try out her potions work.

Lastly she heads for the Owl emporium, She walks in and smiles, A White Snowy Owl is sitting on a perch flaring her wings at a red-headed boy who got too close to her, Athena walks over and holds out her arm, the owl hopes over to her arm and calmly walks up to her shoulder, Athena then turns to the shop clerk and asks "How much for this one and the equipment and treats to look after her?" The clerk smiles, relieved to get rid of the pickiest owl in the store.

"Ten Galleons miss for the lot." Athena smiles and hands over the Galleons to the shock of the Red-headed boy and walks out. She thinks over the names she knows and says "I'll have to find you a name beautiful one. Give a day to think on it" She walks back to the Leaky Cauldron.

Athena walks up to the Bar and asks the Bartender "Excuse me mister…?"

The Bartender smiles, he's an older man slightly balding with gray hair. "Call me Tom miss"

Athena smiles "Thank you Tom, now would I be able to rent a room here until the Hogwarts train departs?"

Tom nods "Or course, it'll either be Five Galleons for the just the room or Ten Galleons and eight Sickles for the Room and all your meals"

Athena hands over Eleven Galleons "Room and meals please"

Tom nods and pulls a Key out from behind the bar with a metal tag with the number 8 on it, he hands the key and nine Sickles in change "Room Eights up the stairs, fourth on the right, There'll be a call for each of the meals and a wakeup call at 6"

"Thank you Tom" Athena walks up the stairs and quickly finds Room 8 and gets settled in. After dinner, She reads some of her text books, in her History of Magic she finds some famous female witches names and asks her owl which one she'd like, the owl nods at Hedwig and so Athena names her Hedwig "Good Night Hedwig" Athena then pulls the covers and goes to sleep, having the best sleep she's ever had for ten long years.

Chapter 2: New Home and Off to Hogwarts

Athena loved the month and a bit she spent at the Leaky Cauldron, when she mentioned her birthday Tom baked a small cake and she thanked him, she eventually gave him her name and asked him to keep it a secret and he agrees. "I can see, that you might hate your fame, don't worry I just call you 'Thea, that okay" Athena nodded happily. She quickly read through all of her books and bought several more. A week before her trip to Hogwarts she commissioned the Goblins to purchase her a house, they quickly found one and told her the catch that came with buying it, she didn't care.

Soon Athena was the proud owner of Number 12 Grimmauld Place. She was told it was the ancestral home of the Blacks before Sirius Black was put in prison, she was told there was a curse on anyone not of Black blood who tried to own the place but Athena waved them off, She wasn't worried, she had read the Potter family tree and knew her Grandmother was a Black.

Athena three days before her trip to Hogwarts walks up to Number 12 Grimmauld Place, the Fidelius charm didn't faze her in the least. She walks up to the front door which opens as she walks up to it. She walks into the living room as the front door closes behind her. Suddenly "WHO ARE YOU" a female voice shouts. Athena turns round to see a portrait of a woman who at one time might have been beautiful. She replies in a voice dripping with ice cold formality.

"I? I am Athena Artemis Potter, Granddaughter of Dorea Black, I am a True Banshee and I am the one who will destroy you if you cannot talk like a proper Pureblood Lady instead of a howler monkey" The woman looks shocked and then smiles.

"I like you, you are definitely more worthy to be of the house of Black then my son Sirius. They say he betrayed your parents, but I call that absolute rubbish, not matter what I thought of my son he was no traitor. But I have forgotten my manners, you are right I wasn't acting like a Lady of Pureblood standing should. I am Walburga Black, Wife of Orion Black, mother of Sirius and Regulus Black and your Great-Godmother technically. Sirius is your Godfather, another reason why I cannot believe he betrayed your family to the Dark Lord. He would have been slain by the magical oath he took" Athena who had already heard the story of Sirius' betrayal from Tom nods slowly.

"Hmm, Maybe I should ask for an appeal for Sirius, I hate the idea of my Godfather being tortured by my lesser cousins" Walburga frowns.

"Lesser cousins?" Athena nods.

"Yes, you would know them as Dementors, They are a lesser form of what I am, a True Banshee. Born from a witch who has been abused for years and slain, Lady Death has brought me back and made me nearly unable to be slain. Now may I ask why this place is so decrepit? I would assume the Blacks had a House-Elf?"

Walburga nods "Yes they do, KREACHER"

An ancient House-Elf pops in with a "Yes, My Lady"

Walburga gestures towards Athena "This young Woman has brought the House and is worthy of it, she wishes to know why it has fallen into such a decrepit state, as do I"

Kreacher then turns to Athena before paling "Handmaiden of Death, My Lady is right you are worthy of this house, I'm afraid I am getting old and cannot work as well as I used to" Athena walks towards the House-elf then stops.

"You smell like you have been near an object of true evil not mere darkness, tell me has anyone of your previous masters handed you an object and asked you to guard or destroy it" Kreacher nods

"Yes, Milady, Master Regulus gave me a locket and asked me to destroy it" Athena smiles

"Would you bring it to me, I would like to remove it from this world" Athena smiles as Kreacher pops away and then pops back holding an elaborate silver Locket with snakes, emeralds and an S inscribed on it. She notices the snake carvings and without realizing it picks it up and hisses "Open" in Parseltongue without realizing it. The Locket springs open and two eyes are revealed were pictures might go.

"Foolish one, wait… I cannot read you! W-what… a-are… y-you?" A Dark melodious voice comes from the locket before it begins to fill with terror.

Athena smiles "I… I am your end, foolish wizard. Do you think Lady Death appreciates your attempts to escape her? I am her Handmaiden and I will send you to her" Athena then opens her mouth and sucks the dark malicious energy and Spirit from the locket. She turns to Kreacher and lays a hand on his shoulder, suddenly the old House-elf is young once again "For your loyal service I bind thee to me, serve me until my end loyal one" Athena then places the locket around her neck, a sign of her victory over the dark one who had tainted it, she then realized that in the back of her mind she'd heard the voice of Lady Death telling her what it was, A Horcrux. An Abomination.

Kreacher bows deeply "Yes, Milady what is your command?"

Athena looks around "Return this house to a state worthy of its family, the Black ancestral home should be mighty, not like this"

"It will be done, do you wish me to get the master bedroom ready for you Milady" Athena nods and Kreacher pops away to fulfill his orders.

Athena then turns to face Walburga Black and asks "Lady Black would you kindly instruct me in Pureblood etiquette. I'm afraid the Muggles I was staying with weren't very noble at all" Walburga smiles softly

"You poor child, I'll happily help you" For the next three days Athena learns Pureblood etiquette from Walburga Black. She finds a rare joy in the stiff and stately nature of etiquette and grows to love it. Athena soon curses the necessity of going to Hogwarts.

Using the Knight Bus (and laughing at the talking head's comments) Athena makes it to King's Cross. Quickly and without hassle she senses and walks through the Barrier to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Athena has about ten minutes before the train is to leave and quickly finds a compartment. With Walburga's permission Athena's last name is now Potter-Black. While Walburga was quick to extol the virtues of being Pureblood Athena was just as quick to point out the downsides. Eventually Walburga agreed that Muggleborns were a necessary evil, though Athena agrees that they should have classes to teach the Muggleborn about Wizarding Culture. Athena then opens her Potions textbook to read for the fifth time.

Soon the compartment door opens and a blonde haired Girl and a black haired girl walk in. The Blonde stops and asks "Excuse me, but can we join you in this compartment?" Athena nods.

The girls quickly stack their belongings in the overhead compartment. Then they introduce themselves the blonde goes first "Daphne Greengrass" Athena nods with just the right amount of energy that befits an equal.

The black-haired girl goes next "Tracey Davis" Another nod.

"Athena Artemis Potter-Black" Both girls' eyes go wide and in unison they go.

"Really" Athena laughs.

"Yes really and yes I do have permission to use the Black name. Considering Sirius Black is in prison I am the nominal head of Both Black and Potter families, being a descendent of a main branch Black" Daphne smiles.

"You know that you shouldn't have used the nod of equal then, you are technically my superior" Athena shakes her head.

"Not yet, I am still only a student, while I am head of my houses. I'm not anymore politically powerful then you right now" Daphne nods

"Right, forgot about that" Athena and the girls then talk about other things, as they talked the Train started moving and they were soon on their way to Hogwarts, Athena admires Daphne's Ice Queen Persona when some idiot Red-head pokes their head in, she quickly makes him leave. Tracey is bubbly but very intelligent. Athena happily buys some candy when the Trolley Witch comes by with her goods. She finds that Tracey loves Sugar Quills and Daphne loves Liquorice Wands. Athena happily sucks on a blood pop, she enjoys the taste of blood mixed with sugar, and the other two girls almost seem to nod in appreciation at how she can eat them without wanting to puke.

As the girls talked a toad hopped into their compartment, Athena smiled and held out her hand, in response the toad hopped into her hand and she moved it to her lap. When Daphne questioned why she did it Athena just shrugged and said she liked animals.

Not long afterwards a somewhat portly boy opens the compartment door and asks "Have any of you seen a Toad by any chance?"

Athena holds the toad up and says "This one?"

The boy smiles "Yes, that's Trevor. Do you mind if I sit in this compartment?" Athena looks at Daphne and Tracey who gesture they were okay with it.

"Sure" Athena smiles

"Thanks" The boy who introduces himself as Neville Longbottom quickly puts his stuff in the overhead compartment and starts talking with the girls, to his credit he doesn't even react to much when Athena introduces herself, he just tells her that his family and hers were good friends and apparently he often played with her as a child. Athena was happy to reconnect with someone from her childhood, despite her almost cold demeanor she happily chatted with her new friends. Then Daphne asked a certain question.

"What house do you think you'll be in?"

"Slytherin" Is both Athena and Tracey's reply in unison.

"Hufflepuff" Is Neville's reply.

Daphne then smirks at Athena "A Potter in Slytherin? Is that even possible?"

Athena laughs "I'm also a Black remember?"

"Oh yes, I forgot about that" Daphne remarks.

The door to the compartment opens and a boy with blonde hair sticks his head in. and then arrogantly states "I've heard Athena Potter is on this train, do any of you know where she is?"

Athena then smirks "I heard she was with some kid with Red hair"

"A Weasley! Well thanks for the information" The boy then leaves.

Athena spots Daphne, Tracey and Neville's inquisitive faces and replies "He was far too arrogant for my tastes, so I decided a wild goose chase was in order, soon him and the 'Weasley' was it? Will be in an argument and the results will be either hilarious or delicious or both" Suddenly Daphne started to laugh. Then Tracey and finally Neville as they get the joke Athena had made.

Not long afterwards a bushy haired witch stuck her head in and informed them they were getting close to Hogwarts.

"Neville please get out, we need to change" Neville nods at the girls and leaves the train compartment. Athena uses a locking spell on the door. Then she wills her robe off, to the surprise of Daphne and Tracey her Black dress robes melt off her body and reform on the ground, and then Athena pulls out her Hogwarts robes and a black singlet and prepares to puts them on the same way she took her clothes off. Daphne and Tracey while interested in what the clothing was doing ask the other major question.

"Athena, how did you get those scars" Daphne's voice is barely audible; she seems to be trying not to vomit. Covering Athena's body are dozens if not hundreds of scars. several of them look deep and a few were from when Vernon attempted to kill her, even though Lady Death brought her back the scars remain, one of the few markers to differentiate a True Banshee from a Common Banshee. This is because True Banshees are born from the anger of a badly abused Witch while Common Banshees are born from the wrath of a Witch whose lover scorned them and whose actions led to their death, a subtle but significant difference.

Athena looks down at the scars and sighs; her clothing covers her body and her scars seconds later "Everyone thinks I grew up as a princess, the truth? I was abused and treated like a House-elf; eventually my uncle went too far…" Athena trails off, unwilling to relive the past and the horrors inflicted on her.

Daphne then put the pieces together after listening to her uncle who was an unspeakable talk "And he killed you" Tracey gasps and Athena's head shoots up "That's why you have such a cold aura around you, that's why wisps of fog are coming off your skin, you aren't human, are you? You're a True Banshee, I remember my uncle speaking of them. Born from an abused witch being slain, Lady Death brings them back and makes them an angel of death, almost impossible to kill. And every wizard who has succeeded in killing a True Banshee dies in the act, on rare occasions the True Banshee even returns from the dead. They are the hardest beings to kill next to a Phoenix, for many of the same reasons"

Athena nods "Yes. I am a True Banshee, but my humanity remains. The only things I harm are the worst of humanity, my kind devours evil whenever we can" Daphne nods and then comments to Tracey she should hurry up. Then they spend five minutes waiting outside as Neville changes his clothing for school robes.

Then they arrive at Hogwarts train station.

Chapter 3: The Sorting

As they get off the train and start looking around they hear a voice shout out "Firs' years, Firs' years over here!" All of the first years move over to the large man and surround him. "C'mon, follow me – any more firs' years? Mind yer step, now! Firs' years follow me!" While some of the students slip and stumble Athena walks perfectly stable down the a narrow and slippery path following the big man, suddenly the big man says "Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec" He calls over his shoulder "Jus' round this bend here". The First years all let out a collective "Ooh". Athena's mouth almost drops as the beautiful castle comes into view, she marvels at it and its reflection on the lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side of the lake, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, is a vast castle with many turrets and towers.

She sums it up into one word "Magical, It's simply magical" Next to her Neville, Tracey and Daphne just nod their heads just as awestruck as Athena.

He leads them to the edge of a lake; in front of them are dozens of boats. "No more'n four to a boat" Daphne, Tracey, Neville and Athena all hop in the same boat and then the man who has his own boat shouts "Everyone in?" Watching the students nod "Right then - FORWARD" and the boats start moving, moving across the lake which was still with nary a ripple to mar its surface, reflected in its pristine waters are thousands of stars more than Athena had ever seen from Surrey or in London, from this angle the Full moon silhouettes the castle and is reflected in the lake, Athena's heart soars at the sight of the moon and she remembers Ollivander's words 'Ah Cypress is sacred to both Hades, Greek God of the Underworld, and Artemis Greek Goddess of the Hunt. Both of which would be your patrons my dear. As you are a child of Death and the Mist, A huntress who stalks those of evil intent and feasts on their life-force. They soon get to the cliff face, as the first boats approach it the big man shouts out "Heads down!" The first years all bend their heads down and slip under a curtain of ivy, they are carried through a dark tunnel to an underground harbor.

They soon make it to the stone dock of the harbor and hop off. In front of them is a doorway. The big man walks (or maybe lumbers?) up to it and bangs his hand three times against it. The doors open and a woman in emerald green robes walks out, her face shows that she has seen many years come and go, some would call it stern but Athena can see the hope, the compassion and the promise underneath, this is a woman who has dedicated her life to teaching students, and will mostly likely never stop that noble cause. Athena nods her head in respect to such a woman. Then the man speaks "The Firs' years, Professor McGonagall"

The lone woman. Professor McGonagall nods "Thank you Hagrid, I'll take it from here" Athena notes the woman's Scottish accent almost absentmindedly.

McGonagall pulls the door wide open, Athena gasps, the entrance hall is so big she could fit Grimmauld Place and the Dursley house in it and still have room to spare. The walls are lit by medieval looking torches; however Athena notes the lack of soot residue and realizes that they are burning magic flames not ordinary flames. That and the flames are blue, that's a bit of a giveaway, yet strangely the light from the flames is normal and not blue tinted. The First years follow Professor McGonagall across the flagstone floor, they soon near a door and can hear the drone of hundreds of students talking and they know they are near their fellow students; Presumably the rest of the school is already here. McGonagall leads them to a small room off to the side of the door from which the noise is coming through. They all gather inside.

"Welcome to Hogwarts" McGonagall starts "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you can take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common-room." McGonagall stops and takes a breath.

"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose your house points. At the end of the year the house with the most points in rewarded with the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours"

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting" McGonagall's eyes linger on Neville's cloak and on 'Weasley's?' Nose which has a smudge on it. Athena turns Neville to face her and straightens up his cloak McGonagall notices and smiles at this "I shall return when we are ready for you, Please wait quietly" McGonagall then leaves the chamber.

"How do they sort us into the houses" Neville wonders.

The blonde haired boy from earlier snorts "Some sort of test, you'll probably fail, you had to have your friend here fix up your cloak" Athena glares at the boy who quickly starts to pray as his life flashes before his eyes.

"Brave words from a boy who probably has never been as close to a girl as Neville here who wasn't his mother" The rest of the students laugh, the blonde boy burns red in embarrassment.

"How dare you, I am Draco Malfoy when my father hears of this he'll-" Athena cuts him off.

"He'll run and hide from the Head of the Most Ancient and Noble houses of the Blacks and the Potters, for my name little Malfoy is Athena Artemis Potter-Black. So don't you dare talk down to me! For I am your superior, you little worm. Or did you forget that most of the Malfoy fortune is the Dowry of your mother Narcissa Black and as Head of the Blacks, I have the right to sever the marriage and demand the money back. So what do you say to myself, and Scion Longbottom heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom?" With every word Athena injects more and more ice into her voice until Draco is left cowering against the wall in terror.

"M-my a-apologies m-my l-lord and L-Lady, M-my m-most d-deepest a-apologies" Draco stammers out, obviously terrified at the aura Athena is emitting.

"Apology accepted, now you better not forget your place again Malfoy, or else" Draco starts nodding so rapidly that his head almost falls off.

Athena feels a chill across her back and turns to see Ghosts coming out the wall, when they see her the ghosts pause for a second and then continue what they were saying "F-Forgive and forget, I say, we ought to give him a second chance-" A ghost who would be described as a Jolly Fat Friar is speaking to the others

"My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves? He gives us all a bad name and you know, he's not even really a ghost – I say, what are you all doing here?"

Athena then speaks up "Assuming you are the House Ghosts of Hogwarts, you should know very well why we are here, while I appreciate your flair for the dramatic I would suggest that you wait until either the feast begins or the next morning before showing yourselves to the students, some of us are already nervous for the Sorting and your little play only makes it worse"

The second ghost who was speaking and is dressed in the manner of aristocrats from the late 1600's to early 1700's bows and apologizes "I would offer my sincere apologies, It would appear we forgot what it was like to be nervously waiting to be sorted, thank you my dear" The ghosts then depart from the chamber and every First years stares at Athena in open amazement.

McGonagall comes back in expecting to see the ghost doing their yearly act only to find the students all looking either respectfully or in one case fearfully at a young woman with long black hair and silvery-white tips, her bearing and manner similar to that of a Pureblood Lady. "Move along now, the Sorting Ceremony is about to start"

The First years turn to McGonagall who instructs "Now form a line and follow me"

Athena at the head of the line followed immediately by Daphne, Tracey and then Neville before the rest of the First years follows McGonagall out of the Chamber and through the doors to the Great Hall. Athena walks along in awe but successfully hiding the fact from the other students. Above her the Ceiling has been ensorcelled to look like the night sky outside, the light of a bright full moon shines down upon Athena and once again her soul sings in ecstasy. The students in the Great Hall all still when Athena follows McGonagall into the Great Hall, her presence expands like it did at Diagon Alley and all of the students feel it. The Professors, McGonagall and even the Headmaster get the feeling that they should be bowing down to this woman. They all slightly shudder as the same thought runs through everyone's mind 'She's only a First year, what will she be like in her SEVENTH year' All the students remain still as deep in their souls they recognize the primal fear and urge to bow to a True Banshee. They were all very lucky that Athena hadn't even an inkling of her Wraith Form, otherwise their emotions would have made her ascend into it and they would be forced to steel themselves or fall to the ground in terror. Among the Students the ghosts shudder slightly as the power of a True Banshee washes over them, they knew if they tried something they would be obliterated. Meanwhile the sentience of Hogwarts feels the presence of a True Banshee and rejoices; the energy Athena is releasing is being absorbed by Hogwarts and added to the wards, making them far stronger than they were before.

The first year students stop just before the open space between the house tables and the Teacher's Table, McGonagall goes off to a side room and comes back with two items, a four-legged stool and an old wizard's hat. Suddenly the brim of the hat opens and it starts to sing. Athena while listening to the song realizes that the hat is probably quite bored as evidenced by its emotionless voice and lack of enthusiasm. The whole school bursts into applause as the hat finishes singing although Athena assumes they are only doing it because they have to.

Athena hears the Weasley complaining about his older brother tricking him about the test. McGonagall steps up with a long role of Parchment.

"When I call your name please come up, you will sit on the stool, put on the hat and be sorted."

"Abbott, Hannah"

A girl with blonde ponytails walks up and puts the hat on a second later.

"HUFFLEPUFF" The table with students in yellow bursts into cheering.

"Bones, Susan"

"HUFFLEPUFF"

"Boot, Terry"

"RAVENCLAW" The table in midnight blue bursts into applause.

"Brocklehurst, Mandy"

"RAVENCLAW"

"Brown, Lavender"

"GRYFFINDOR" The Table in Red burst into applause.

"Bullstrode, Millicent"

"SLYTHERIN" The Table in Green claps politely, Athena smiles, and she already likes Slytherin.

"Carrow, Flora"

"SLYTHERIN"

"Carrow, Hestia"

"SLYTHERIN"

"Davis, Tracey" Athena smiles as her friend goes up.

"SLYTHERIN" Yet Another reason to like Slytherin, Athena muses.

"Finch-Fletchley, Justin"

"HUFFLEPUFF"

"Granger, Hermione"

"GRYFFINDOR" Weasley groans. Athena laughs.

"Greengrass, Daphne"

"SLYTHERIN" Athena smiles to Daphne as she walks towards the Slytherin Table.

"Longbottom, Neville"

"RAVENCLAW"

"Malfoy, Draco"

"SLYTHERIN" Athena grins widely and slightly sadistically and Draco gulps.

There weren't many left now.

"Moon, Danielle"

"SLYTHERIN"

"Nott, Theodore"

"SLYTHERIN"

"Parkinson, Pansy"

"SLYTHERIN"

"Patil, Padma"

"RAVENCLAW"

"Patil, Parvati"

"GRYFFINDOR"

"Perks, Sally-Anne"

"HUFFLEPUFF"

"Potter-Black, Athena" The hall stills and then shivers as the beautiful but powerful Pureblood Lady walks up to the stool, every house even the Slytherins are praying to have her in their house.

Athena sits on the stool and McGonagall lowers the hat onto her head. 'So what now?' 'Hmm, Interesting, you are a True Banshee, my condolences no-one deserves that. You have plenty of courage no doubt, but you manner would make you too cold for the Lions, You have Loyalty only to those you know, but are still willing to give the benefit of the doubt to others, however your power is far too great for the Badgers, Your wisdom is equal unto your namesake, but you are far more worldly then most Ravens. Your Ambition, Ah, it is a whirling maelstrom, your drive to prove yourself, you desire to be seen as your own person and not the "Girl-Who-Lived", and last and most potent your desire to end Voldemort' 'Then I guess it's Slytherin for me' 'Of Course'

"SLYTHERIN" The entire Great Hall freezes, and for the first time since only fifty years after its founding the Slytherin house stands and applauds like all the others. The Professors are awestruck, the Headmaster however is violently cursing in his mind, all his plans and they've been ruined by that slip of a girl, Athena catches his eye and glares slightly, and Dumbledore shivers, the only others whose glare affected him as much were Grindelwald and Voldemort. Would Athena follow their path, or chose her own? And if she does chose her own path will it be of the light or darkness?

"Turpin, Lisa"

"RAVENCLAW"

"Weasley, Ronald"

"HUFFLEPUFF" the two red-headed twins at the Gryffindor table break down laughing. Malfoy looks like he is about to comment but then catches Athena's eye and wisely shuts up.

"Zabini, Blaise"

"RAVENCLAW"

McGonagall takes the Stool and Sorting Hat back to the small side-chamber she got them from, and then she takes her place at the chair directly to the right of Dumbledore.

Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts gets to his feet to the students he looks cheerful, to the teachers and Athena he looks enraged.

"Welcome, welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we being our banquet I would like to say a few words. And they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank You!"

Athena sighs "Of course, the Headmasters a basket case, like everyone else in power in this world." Daphne and Tracey laugh Malfoy tries to glare at Athena only to get a lazy glance back

"Aww! Did the big bad baby Malfoy not like me insulting his bwest fwiend" The rest of the table burst into laughter and Draco blushes in embarrassment. "Remember Malfoy I am your superior in everything, do not test me, or you'll discover what my good for nothing Uncle did"

Draco sneers although he looks pale "What's that?"

Athena's dark and sadistic grin ends up giving several of the Slytherins nightmares for weeks "That I'm exceedingly good at carving out flesh, especially living flesh. It's too bad he isn't on this plane of existence anymore" Everyone on the Slytherin table gets the subtle veiled threat and Draco turns bone white.

They eat their meal while chatting softly, Athena quickly befriends Flora and Hestia, and both named after Greek Goddesses as well. Pansy and Millicent act friendly towards her, while they may not be very pretty, they are astoundingly good at politics and they realize that Athena is the new power in Slytherin. Many of the older students start realizing this as well, although she doesn't know it Athena is already taking her position as the Princess of Snakes, or by the title set by Salazar Slytherin at the founding "Filia-Reginae Serpentium" (Latin for Princess of Snakes). When she enters her Seventh Year it'll change to "Reginae Serpentium" or Queen of Snakes, if she is still in power of course.

After dinner is finished dessert appears, Athena has some chocolate pudding but otherwise restrains herself, when she sees Crabbe and Goyle stuffing themselves like pigs she hisses "You two, We are Slytherins, not Gryffindors. Use your manners or you will… not… eat… at… this… table… ever… again! Do… You… Understand?" They quickly nod their heads and start eating at a slower more moderate pace. Even more of the older students start to believe in Athena being the Princess of Snakes. When the last of Dessert disappears Dumbledore stands up "Ahem – Just a few more words now we are fed and watered. I have a few start of term notices to give you. First years should note that the forest in the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well" Dumbledore's eyes flick towards the Red-head twins at the Gryffindor Table, Athena smirks. 'Pranksters, what fun!' "I've also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridor" Athena snorts

"Like anyone cares or even listens to that pathetic excuse for a wizard" The Slytherins nod in agreement.

"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch"

Athena grins "Is there an age limit" Several older Slytherins nearby shake their heads.

"And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death" Athena sighs

"Now every Gryffindor and several Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw first years will try to enter as part of a dare" She turns her eyes on the Slytherin first years "If any of you are caught trying to enter the Third floor corridor you will not like the consequences, understand?" Athena's voice at the end could have made Hell freeze over. The Slytherin first years nod fearfully (Except Tracey and Daphne), the Slytherin Prefects just shake their heads and consider turning their badges over to Athena, she's obviously a better leader then they.

"Any now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" Athena smirks as the teachers faces suddenly harden and appear that they are trying not to groan. She decides to mix it up a little.

Dumbledore flicks his wand and several ribbons of light come streaming out and twist themselves snake like into the lyrics of the school anthem.

"Everyone pick their favorite tune" Dumbledore states "And off we go"

Before the school can start singing Athena's Musical voice suddenly rings out and as if singing in a church choir her voice rings across the Great Hall, drowning out anyone else's attempts to sing, afterwards several students would swear up, down and around that she was an angel singing.

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts" Her voice rises as if singing a hymn.

"Teach us something please," Athena's voice takes on a begging tone.

"Whether we be old and bald" Her voice slowly fades like an elder woman's.

"Or young with scabby knees" Her voice then shifts to an Adolescent Alto.

"Our heads could do with filling" On 'filling' her voice jumps playfully.

"With some interesting stuff," Again her voice jumps but on 'Stuff'

"For now they're bare and full of air" Her voice fades when she sings 'Air'

"Dead flies and bits of fluff" Athena's voice had a slight giggle to it for 'fluff'

"So teach us things worth knowing," Somehow Athena's voice sounds wise and eager.

"Bring back what we've forgot" On 'forgot' Athena's voice grows slightly mournful.

"Just do your best, We'll do the rest" On 'Best' and 'Rest' her voice soars

"And learn until our brains all rot" Athena holds the last word for several seconds.

The Great Hall falls silent and then.

Thunder.

As every student and teacher rises and applauds loudly. The windows and rafters shake as every student shows their appreciation for Athena's masterful singing. Dumbledore is left awestruck while the applause continues and then he comments "Thank you Lady Potter-Black, for showing us why music is a magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. I would imagine after that we'll have no trouble sleeping"

A Slytherin Prefect quickly gathers up the students and takes them to their dorm. At the entrance hidden in the dungeon he taps a certain stone and says "Callidus" Athena smiles 'Cunning, very fitting for Slytherin' the prefect leads them into the common room. Athena loves the décor and the windows into the lake. "The Left corridor leads to the Girl's rooms, the Right to the Boys. You can either have your own rooms for your private use or bunk with others, if you do something against school rules. Don't get caught"

Athena then smirks "If I catch you first, you better pray a teacher is nearby, otherwise you might not be able to stand for the detention" The Slytherins (The entire house was present at this point) shiver, some of the older students wonder how Athena's voice can be beautifully singing one moment and filled with the promise of pain another.

Professor Snape walks out from the shadows and comments "And if Lady Potter-Black catches you I will look the other way while she deals out punishment, since she seems the most mature of the First Years, she will have the same rights as a Prefect. If she needs points taken off or detentions issued all she has to do is inform me and give me the reason why and it will be done. Obviously this is to remain a secret, if a student from another house finds out. Whoever spills the secret will undergo an 'initiation' and will have detention, for the rest of their time here at Hogwarts" Slytherin house gulps collectively.

Athena steps forwards "All right, First through Fourth years, lights out and bedtime in half an hour, so if you're going to bunk with someone else set it up now. Malfoy, you however will be staying with Crabbe and Goyle. You are responsible for their appearance and will make sure they are up to house standards, if they ignore you send them to me understood" Malfoy nods, even if he has to do something he at least gets to boss over the two who've been following him for years.

Snape raises an eyebrow and whispers "You know he's been ordering them around for year's right?"

Athena nods "That's why I gave him that job; he should be able to keep them from embarrassing our house"

Snape smiles "You know, I was afraid you'd inherit your father's tendency to leap before he looked, luckily you've got your mother's intelligence, and she was a very bright witch. And you seem to have surpassed her already, no surprise for one named after the Goddesses of Wisdom and the Hunt" Athena smiles.

"From that comment I guess you and my mother were friends"

Snape sighs "Yes, until I let my pride get between us. I guess I couldn't get over the fact we were in different houses, I would have happily gone to Gryffindor to be with your mother" Athena smiles.

"I think she knows professor, don't beat yourself up not matter what you have done, what you do now defines you. You could have let what seems to be a feud with my father cloud your judgment of me, but instead you chose to look past my father and see me as an individual, that says a lot about you. Now I need to go, Good night professor" Snape nods and replies

"Goodnight Athena, and thank you for your singing, it was beautiful" Athena nods accepting the compliment.

She walks over to Daphne and Tracey and asks "Want to share a room"

Daphne smiles at Athena "Sure, why not?"

Tracey laughs "Fine with me, but you've got to teach me to sing like that"

Athena giggles at Tracey "Sorry, some of that was natural talent. But I'll help however I can"

They quickly find the room with their name tag on it and walk into to see a bunk-bed and a double bed. Athena quickly shouts "Dibs on the Double"

Daphne pouts "What if I wanted the Double?"

Athena grins "You're welcome to share" Daphne chokes.

Tracey snickers at Daphne and says "Maybe during winter, Milady"

Athena laughs "I'd welcome the company then"

Athena, Daphne and Tracey then unpack their stuff. With Tracey and Daphne gasping at the beautiful dress robes Athena has "Where are you going to wear those?" Daphne asks.

Athena smiles "On Saturdays and Sundays, we don't have to wear the uniform on those two days" Daphne smiles.

"I think I'll ask my mother to send my dress robes then" Tracey looks a little depressed before Athena gently nudges her and says.

"How about I buy you some dress robes for Christmas, Tracey" Daphne nods.

"And I'll get you some matching jewelry" Tracey has tears in her eyes.

"Thank you, you two are the best friends I could ever have"

Athena then looks at her magical alarm clock and opens the door and shouts "first through fourth years, bedtime and lights out"

A sarcastic Slytherin fourth year shouts out "YES MA'AM"

Athena just laughs and shouts back "TEN PUSH-UPS FOR CHEEK" Like a Drill Sergeant chewing out a subordinate.

Athena then climbs into bed in her pajamas, says "Good Night" to Tracey and Daphne getting one in return and goes to sleep.

Chapter 4: The First Week

The Next morning Athena wakes up and smiles. It seems that Daphne and Tracey had sleepwalked over to her in the night. Athena smirks as she decides to have some fun with them. She waits a few seconds as they wake up and loudly comments "Wow… Last night was fun"

"WHAT" both Tracey and Daphne shout!

"Well first you two came over and then you started talking about using your tongue, I asked you to prove it and one thing lead to another. You've got an amazing tongue" Daphne turns bright red, Tracey looks horrified, Athena's face remains impassive for a few seconds, Athena then loses the battle to remain serious and bursts out laughing. Daphne and Tracey then both turn red in anger as they realize they've been had by Athena. Athena eventually stops laughing.

"In truth you two probably sleepwalked over to me at one point or another, come on let's go have a shower. I also curious as to why neither of you questioned the fact that all three of us are fully clothed?" Daphne and Tracey slap each other in the back of the head for that comment; they really should've noticed that little fact.

TBH:TPS

Athena quickly gets herself ready and heads to the Great Hall for breakfast, a curious change happens to her demeanor, when in her private room she is cheerful and quite humorous, however when she walks out her room she becomes a perfect Pureblood Lady, her somewhat cold demeanor actually endears her to the older Slytherins who can recognize such etiquette.

Athena quickly makes her way down to the Great Hall, some of the older students who are already up stop and gawk at her as she walks past. The Slytherin students just nod politely to her. Athena although she's only been here less than a day already loves Hogwarts, she loves walking through the corridors, she loves the dark gloomy dungeons (Banshees of all types are drawn to dark and cool places) She loves the high vaulted ceilings. Athena knows that if she could she'd live here, Hogwarts is a place of great magic and that draws her (Athena is also drawn to ancient architecture) She walks through the open doors of the Great Hall and a hush falls over the students gathered there, then like a bubble bursting the noise of several hundred students talking returns. Athena sits down at the Slytherin table, across the table Draco Malfoy freezes up as Athena's eyes fall on him. "Malfoy!" Draco stiffens up.

"Y-yes, Lady Potter-Black" Athena grins at the fear in Draco's voice.

"Since you've done a good job keeping Crabbe and Goyle presentable I have another task for you" Draco gulps

"What is it, my lady?" Athena smirks

"Don't worry, all you have to do is prevent Crabbe and Goyle from making fools of themselves in class, can you do that" Draco sighs in relief, another easy task.

"Easily, My lady" Athena smiles

"Good" Athena then turns away from Draco and starts helping herself to breakfast, as she is eating Athena opens up her Advanced Potions book she has with her and starts reading.

"Good Morning" Athena politely comments to Daphne as she and Tracey sit down.

"Good Morning" is Daphne's equally polite and emotionless response to Athena. Tracey just shakes her head as she watches Daphne and Athena try to outdo each other's 'Ice Queen' persona, the rest of the Slytherins nearby watch as well, despite its chilly nature watching two girls try to make themselves a better 'Ice Queen' than the other is quite entertaining to watch.

"Good Morning, Miss Greengrass, Lady Potter-Black" The king of emotionless Severus Snape cuts in. Athena and Daphne turn towards him, Snape hands them each a piece of parchment. "Here is your time table, please don't lose it as you only get one copy" Athena and Daphne nod.

Lessons Timetable

Potter-Black. Athena, A. Slytherin, Student ID 227-S

Monday

9:30-11:30 Transfiguration Professor McGonagall, Class – 1-1

13:30-15:30 Charms Professor Flitwick, Class – 4-2

Tuesday

9:30-11:30 Astronomy Theoretical, Professor Sinistra, Class – AT

23:30-1:30 Astronomy Practical, Professor Sinistra, Class – ATT

Wednesday

9:30-11:30 Defense against the Dark Arts, Professor Quirrel, Class – 3-4

13:30-15:30 Herbology, Professor Sprout, Class – GH 1

Thursday

9:30-11:30 History of Magic, Professor Binns, Class – 2-3

Thursday Afternoons Free

Friday

9:30-11:30 Potions, Professor Snape – Gryffindor, Class – Dun 6

Friday Afternoons Free

Class Legend. (Level-Room), Dun=Dungeon, AT=Astronomy Tower, ATT=AT Top, GH = Greenhouse.

Saturday and Sundays

Electives available:

Morning: Magical Art, Muggle Art, Vocals, Basic Care of Magical Creatures, Finances, Noble Etiquette (Dress Robes required), Dueling and Strategy

Afternoon: Spell Creation, Basic Arithmancy, Basic Ancient Runes, Ward Creation, Ward Breaking, Advanced Potions, Advanced Herbology, Advanced Charms and Advanced Transfiguration

Two Electives may be chosen for each morning and afternoon up to a total of eight. Advanced Electives require permission or invitation from the professor in question. Dueling, Spell Creation and Strategy require permission from a Guardian and/or Head of House (Family or Noble not school), Class locations will be given once an Elective is chosen.

"Hmm" Athena muses.

Daphne looks over "Elective huh, what are you thinking of choosing?"

Athena hums "Maybe Vocals, Finances, Noble Etiquette and Dueling for the morning and Spell Creation, Basic Arithmancy, Basic AR and Ward Creation for the afternoon"

Daphne laughs "How are you going to get your head of house to agree to that?"

"I wouldn't laugh Miss Greengrass" Snape cuts in, Daphne and Athena's heads both jerk upwards to look at him, they had forgotten he was there "Remember her title is Lady Potter-Black not Miss Potter-Black, that indicates that she is the Head of House for both Potters and Blacks, most likely due to the 'Last of Line' clause. So Lady Potter-Black needs no acceptance from another to do any subjects. Also I notice you are reading a book on Advanced Potions Lady Potter-Black, May I assume that you have an in-depth understanding of Potions then?"

Athena nods "You may professor; however I have no Practical experience"

Snape nods with a small smile "At least you have a head start on the theory" Snape then moves away smiling, happy that at least one student wouldn't be a 'Dunderhead' as he so often stated.

Daphne shakes her head "Only you could get on professor Snape's good side on the first day"

Athena smiles "What can I say, I'm just that good. Come on, eat up, we've got Transfiguration first"

Athena, Tracey and Daphne quickly finish their meals and Athena races off to Transfiguration.

Daphne and Tracey race after Athena "Wait a minute Athena; we don't know where the classes are?" Tracey comments. Mutely Athena shows the back of the time-table to Daphne and Tracey and they see a map on it. "Oh, I didn't notice that"

Athena smiles "I doubt most would, I think it's a test of our observational abilities. Or the professors just love playing pranks on the students, which wouldn't be so bad, if they do I'll just have to respond in kind" Daphne and Tracey both shiver at the mischievous smile on Athena's face at the prospect of pranking, it didn't promise anything good.

TBH:TPS

Azkaban, Sirius Black's Cell.

For some reason right as a Dementor is visiting Sirius gets the irresistible urge to do a victory dance, that any Muggle would recognize as similar to Michael Jackson's Thriller dance moves, the sight of Sirius gleefully dancing like his mind was gone in front of a confused Dementor shocks Bellatrix Lestrange almost back to sanity, almost. Sirius mooning the Dementor at the end of his dance finishes the job.

TBH:TPS

Hogwarts.

Athena smiles with euphoria as she gets the feeling she'd just made someone very happy, she shakes the feeling off and heads to class.

Athena, Daphne and Tracey make it to Transfiguration five minutes before the class starts, they notice the door is open and look in. The only living thing in the class room is a cat sitting on the teacher's desk, Athena studies the cat for a moment before she smiles and winks at it, as she expected the cat winks back at Athena.

"Come on girls, let's sit down and get ready. I have a feeling we're going to need all the study time we can get to in order to succeed at this class" Athena comments as she makes her way to the left front row.

Daphne frowns slightly confused "Why would you say that Athena?"

Athena sighs "I read the entire textbook before school started, the theory is pretty complex, but since none of the other students are here let me give you a simple piece of advice" Daphne and Tracey lean in, McGonagall sitting in cat from on her desk also listens in. "While the Theory is very complex, I've found the practical seems fairly easy if you remember three basic steps, First visualize what you want the object to change into, second put the belief that you will change the object into what you have visualized into the spell and finally make the motion and speak the invocation. If you have a good visual and you believe it's going to change, it will." Daphne and Tracey nod dumbly, and then quickly realize how helpful that advice will be.

McGonagall is amazed by the simple yet well reasoned advice Athena gives her friends. She quickly realizes two things, One Athena is mostly likely going to be a prodigy at Transfiguration and two, she will probably have several happy moments due to Athena, the girls has already shown she has some ability to teach. If she helps Athena reach her potential she might add another Transfiguration master to the field. McGonagall inwardly smiles and then inwardly pouts 'Too bad she's in Slytherin, probably most of my Lions won't understand what she just said for several years'.

Athena leans back in a stretch, as she relaxes from the stretch she quirks her head and can hear the students getting closer. She smiles at this and relaxes a bit more. Athena watches as the students stream in. Neville after spotting her ignores his housemates and sits down next to Tracey, the two of them quickly start talking and comparing housemates and their favorite classes, apparently both Tracey and Neville have a knack for gardening and are looking forwards to Herbology on Wednesday. After the newcomers have sat down Athena looks at the instructions on the board and starts writing. After a couple of minutes two girls from Gryffindor, an Indian girl and another who apparently is a gossip monger according to gossip walk in. The gossip monger looks around and says "Thankfully the professor isn't here yet"

McGonagall jumps from her desk and mid-jump turns from a cat into a woman, the two girls a left awestruck along with the rest of the class except Athena who had already figured out where the professor was. "Miss Patil, Miss Brown you are both late, five points from Gryffindor each. Oh and Lady Potter-Black please take Twenty points to Slytherin for your very impressive breakdown of the basics of Transfiguration earlier." Athena nods respectfully to McGonagall for the complement and the points.

"Now I want you all to know, Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts" McGonagall stops and glares at Crabbe and Goyle who were joking around trying to set each other on fire with the matches on the desks, Athena likewise glares at Malfoy who pales knowing that he's going to get it for letting Crabbe and Goyle run amuck. McGonagall continues "Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned" McGonagall looks around and sees Athena's raised hand "Yes Lady Potter-Black?"

Athena sighs "Would you consider removing Crabbe and Goyle as they have already shown they aren't suitable for this class?" McGonagall looks approving as does the rest of the Slytherins; they aren't too impressed with the two idiots as it is. Malfoy thanks all his lucky stars she didn't include him as well. He then pales as Athena shoots him a dark glare.

"I'll talk to professor Snape about it, what would you have them do instead of Transfiguration?" McGonagall queries Athena

Athena's mouth splits into a grin that is just downright vicious "Well, I think Mr. Filch would like some help don't you professor?"

McGonagall smiles wickedly "Yes, I believe he would as well. Now, the first thing you will notice is the match on your desk, your first task is to transfigure that match into a needle, the spell to do so is written on the board"

Athena glances at the board and almost effortlessly turns her match into a needle; she then starts helping Neville, who was having problems having not heard her advice earlier. Daphne and Tracey while they haven't yet done a perfect Transfiguration are well on their way.

"Thirty points to Slytherin Lady Potter, Twenty for such quick and precise spellwork and ten for tutoring another student" McGonagall smiles, inwardly she is a little sad, she had hoped that James and Lily's daughter would be in her house, but a single glance of her last night had told her everything, she was a Slytherin through and through, at least her ability to force the Slytherins to work harder might make the Gryffindors step up their schoolwork in order to outdo Slytherin, then McGonagall gulps 'Dear Merlin , if that girl is as good or better at Quidditch as her father we haven't a chance'

TBH:TPS

Athena sighs happily as the bell rings and heads to lunch, she enjoyed the intellectual stimulation of working on transfiguration, but she was very hungry now from all the work she had just done. Athena stops as she hears an annoying voice that hadn't shut up all through Transfiguration.

"Hey, how could you say such things about your own housemates to the professor?" Hermione Granger's piercing voice nearly screams at Athena.

"Simple, it was the truth, I recognize that those two aren't the smartest in our house and would rather they do something productive instead of sit there with glazed expressions on their faces" At Athena's response all of the Slytherins including Crabbe and Goyle nod, Crabbe and Goyle knew they weren't smart and were quite happy to get out of Transfiguration, even if it meant helping clean the castle.

"It doesn't matter; you have no right to decide such things. How could you be such a heartless bitch to your own housemates?" Hermione flings back at Athena.

Athena scoffs and move closer so her nose is almost touching Hermione's "How could I be such a heartless Bitch, listen you little know-it-all you were the one who brought the issue up in a corridor full of people, I had the decency to at least wait until only our year level could hear before pointing those things out in class, so you had better shut your mouth before I do it for you" Hermione's glares at Athena before slapping her across the face, Hermione then shakes her stinging hand not expecting Athena's face to be so solid. "Oh you're so gonna get it now little bookworm" Athena slugs Hermione in the face breaking her nose and the two quickly fall to the ground, punching, slapping and even biting each other.

The other students gather around in the classic schoolyard fight circle and one of the Gryffindor boys shouts out "WOO, CATFIGHT" The students start screaming encouragement to the two girls fighting on the ground.

Nearby Snape and Flitwick are watching the whole thing, Snape turns to Flitwick and says "Two Galleons says Potter wins"

Flitwick grins "Three says she wins and leaves a mark on Granger's face other then the broken nose"

"Deal" the two teacher's shake on it.

Athena adds kicks, claws and elbows to her fight with her opponent while Hermione just tries to keep herself in the fight, Hermione quickly starts to look battered.

The fight goes on for ten minutes before Hermione is knocked out by Athena's devastating surprise head-butt. Athena gets up and smirks at the four long scratch marks she left on Hermione's right cheek. Snape hands over Three Galleons to Flitwick, grumbling a little but happy to see a Gryffindor get hurt, especially by one of his Snakes.

TBH:TPS

Athena strides towards the Great Hall with not so much as a hair out of place, Hermione on the other hand looks like she went five rounds with the Whomping Willow and lost, her broken nose gets a lot of attention from the other students in her house, but when they see Athena glaring at them they quickly decide that helping Hermione isn't worth ticking off the dangerous looking Slytherin.

Athena spots Malfoy trying to hide and makes the come-here hand-sign to him, unable to avoid it Malfoy walks over to accept his punishment. Athena looks him over for a second before hissing "You were supposed to keep those two in line, you've already failed" Athena then hits Malfoy with a series of Jinxes and Hexes that leave his skin Scarlet and his hair gold, with boils and a Permanent Wedgie applied to him. "Now as punishment it should take a couple of days for those spells to wear off. Until then deal with it" Athena spots the Slytherin house gathered around her "Until Malfoy's new color scheme wears off you are not to speak or even interact with Malfoy anywhere. Understood?" The house nods "Very well, Malfoy you will sit at the very end of the Slytherin Table and every class you will sit with the other houses until your punishment is over"

Athena then storms through the Great Hall doors to the Slytherin table to eat lunch. 'Damn it Malfoy, if you had done your job I wouldn't have to clean up after you' Athena growls to herself as she eats lunch. Daphne and Tracey on either side of her just shrug, they might not have been friends for long but they realize that Athena needs some alone time. Flora, Hestia and Michael on the other side of the table all shrug as well.

Snape walks in the Great Hall and is surprised to see his godson sitting there in Gryffindor colors, but then he smirks as he realizes that Athena must have told him to do something and he already failed, Snape walks up to Draco and says "Draco, what did you fail to do?" Draco looks up at his godfather but knows he isn't going to get sympathy so he sighs

"I was supposed to keep Crabbe and Goyle from screwing up in class, but they decided to try setting themselves on fire in Transfiguration. Athena had them removed from the class, which reminds me professor McGonagall will probably be speaking with you soon. Afterwards well… you saw the fight between her and Granger, it was because of the way Athena so coldly denounced Crabbe and Goyle's abilities, since I screwed up my punishment is to look like this for two or three days, and while colored like this be ostracized from the house and be forced to sit on the edge of the table or with the other houses till it wears off." Snape grins and Draco shudders.

"Well, it looks like I made a good choice in Athena, she'll keep this house in line" Snape then heads to the staff table, where he can see Minerva trying to keep her laughter in check and failing somewhat. Scratch that, failing spectacularly, just like the rest of the student body and most of the professors. Even Dumbledore and Filch are chuckling.

TBH:TPS

After a lunch full of laughter at Malfoy's expense, Athena walks towards her first Charms class. As she walks in she sees the Professor. Professor Flitwick is unlike other professor in the fact that he is in fact Half-Goblin, As she walks in he makes a small motion with his hands, Athena recognizes this motion as a sign of respect and nods to him, Flitwick smiles brightly at her. "Lady Potter-Black, I must thank you"

Athena frowns "May I ask why?'

Flitwick's grin becomes almost incandescent "Thanks to your superb fighting skills I won three Galleons off of Professor Snape, nice head-butt by the way"

Athena smiles as Hermione glowers in anger "Thank you Professor" Athena notices Hermione's glower "The pleasure was all mine" Hermione nearly breaks down and screams right then and there.

As the rest of the students walk in Athena apologizes to Daphne and Tracey for being so cold to them at lunch, they just wave her off with "Don't worry about it, you have to deal with Malfoy being an idiot and Granger being a shrew"

From behind them Michael Hemlock a Slytherin first year leans forwards and says "Yeah, don't worry about it Athena, all of us snakes knew that you needed some alone time and gave it to you" From either side of him Flora and Hestia nod their agreement.

Athena sighs and then turns back to them "Thanks Michael, Flora and Hestia. I needed that" After speaking with them at dinner last night and breakfast, Athena had been happy to discover some more friends to talk to. Flora and Hestia are the nieces of the two Famous Carrows. Their mother, the younger sister of the Carrows was murdered when she refused to side with the Dark Lord. Their father, a cousin of Daphne's hid them in the Muggle world for most of their lives. Flora and Hestia are about 4'6" with pale white skin and brown hair; their eyes are a striking shade of green. There are only two ways to tell them apart, the first way is their hairstyles Hestia wears her hair in a braid while Flora lets hers hang loose, however they occasionally swap styles in order to trick people. The other way to tell them apart is their personalities, Hestia is quite open and friendly to those who approach her, she'll befriend anyone but if you start to torment people without good reason she'll forget you faster than you can blink, while Flora is fairly sarcastic to those who she doesn't know, due to her nature Flora embraces anyone who takes the time to befriend her and would go through hell for them.

Michael on the other hand is a member of the Ancient and Noble Hemlock family that hails from Russia. Despite being Russian his skin is actually olive similar to that of someone from Greece or Italy, his family has connections to noble Wizarding families from nearly every country in the world; he spent most of his life in Australia with his cousins the Daggerworth Family. Because of this his skin is darkly tanned. He's quite tall for his age being equal in height to Athena at 5'2", He has messy long brown hair which he has tied into a pony-tail, and he's quite muscular due to him practicing several martial arts and Kendo. Able to speak French and Russian in addition to English. His eyes however are the most striking feature of his body; Michael like most Hemlocks has glowing silver eyes. In Athena's opinion the best part of him however is his laid-back personality; he'll seem ignore any insults sent at him; however he then later makes crushing comebacks to whoever insults him in front of as many people as he can.

Michael then leans back as professor Flitwick starts his class. Unlike transfiguration the charms class begins with an overview of each year and what they are going to be doing in those years.

The schedule looks something like this:

First Year: Basic Charms

Second Year: Household Charms

Third Year: Memory Charms

Fourth Year: Specialized Charms

Fifth Year (OWLS): OWLS Level Charms and Basic Warding

Sixth Year (NEWT): NEWT Level Charms

Seventh Year (NEWT): Charm Creation and Advanced Warding

By the end of the class Athena's eyes are filled with stars, she can't wait for the later years when she gets to study the more advanced charms and spells. Athena has a very uneventful dinner speaking with Daphne, Tracey, Flora, Hestia and Michael.

TBH:TPS

Tuesday

Tuesday morning Athena gets up without any teasing of Daphne and Tracey, they seem to have remained in their own beds. Athena decides to be merciful. She then walks to the showers and has her shower before getting changed into her school uniform. Athena leaves the showers as Tracey and Daphne walk in. Athena nods to her friends and says "Good morning you two"

Daphne and Tracey blearily reply "Morning" before yawning.

Athena giggles at the state the two girls are in before she starts walking towards the Great Hall. Athena nods at Michael, Flora and Hestia as they fall in step beside her, they start talking about classes as they walk towards the Great Hall. Athena opens the doors for the group and they find they are some of the first students to enter the hall. Athena stops for a second and then side-steps a cream pie that came flying from a small launcher on the Gryffindor table. Michael catches the pie with ease and starts eating it, he notices Flora and Hestia staring at him "What? I'm hungry!" The twins then shrug to each other and steal some of the pie. Athena just shakes her head at this.

Athena then starts to head over to the Gryffindor table, once at the table she walks till she is about midway down, stops and comments "Nice try boys, but your trap made noise. I could hear it, next time oil your contraption or place a silencing spell on it"

From under the table two red heads appear, one turns to the other and says "Well what do you know George? This Slytherin is lecturing us on traps"

The other replies "I thought she was lecturing us on pranks Fred, or are you George?"

George (Or is it Fred?) Responds with "Its Tuesday I'm Fred today and your George"

Fred (Or is it George?) Replies with "How about Forge and Gred?"

George nods "Righto, I'm Forge"

Fred nods as well "And I'm Gred"

Athena shakes her head at the twins "Your mental, that's what you are. Fred" Athena looks at the left twin "George" Athena then looks at the right twin as they both have shocked expressions on their faces. Athena giggles internally at their faces before continuing with "Please don't attempt to prank me or my friends again, or you won't like the result" Athena then turns away from the shell-shocked twins and walks back to the Slytherin table, noticing Neville talking to a Hufflepuff girl with black hair at the Hufflepuff table, while another pair of Hufflepuff girls with red and blonde hair sit opposite to him talking to both him and the girl next to him, Athena waves at Neville who waves back, before going back to the conversation with the girl and her friends.

Tuesday's morning class is easy with them being only Astronomy, having been taught a lot of Astronomy by Walburga Black due to the Black family's love of astronomy and astronomically based names. Athena is able to quote facts and legends that even Hermione does not know, to the bookworm's anger and frustration. Athena smirks as she walks out of the Astronomy Theory class room. The rest of Slytherin laughs at Hermione's expression, except for Michael who is sleeping on his desk with a full stomach from the pie, yet somehow when Professor Sinistra wakes him up and tries to interrogate him on the lesson he answers all her questions perfectly. When Athena asks him about that as they are walking out the class he simply says "It's a skill I picked up sleeping through my lessons on Pureblood etiquette" Athena giggles at the answer and walks towards the Great Hall for lunch.

Lunch is an utterly unremarkable event with Athena just eating with her friends, Malfoy sitting at the far end of the Slytherin table by himself, silently sobbing, and Neville eating with the Hufflepuff girl he was talking to a breakfast at the Ravenclaw table.

The free afternoon until the late night Astronomy Practical class, Athena spends it reading and talking with her friends next to the lake. She watches as the Weasley twins dunk Malfoy under the water, Malfoy is actually laughing and having a blast with the twins (Who were happy to get another cats-paw inside of Slytherin, Although they know better than to attempt to prank Athena and her friends. Michael seems to be getting a little too friendly with the twins as well. Athena idly muses on what he might be up to). Hermione goes up to scold them only to join Malfoy in the lake. The screeches Hermione lets rip with make Athena wonder if she is descended from a Banshee. Everyone else just breaks down laughing at the bookworm of Gryffindor being soaking wet and looking like a cat that's just been dunked underwater. Athena saved Hermione's book-bag with a little bit of magic, then proceeded to shamelessly steal the rather… racy romance novels she found inside of it, well most of them, Tracey and Michael stole… Ahem… Borrowed (Wink, Wink) a couple of novels as well.

The Astronomy Practical class was pretty normal with Athena quickly pointing out constellations and galaxies while Hermione glares at her in anger. The teacher, Professor Sinistra openly praises Athena, before scolding Hermione for not doing her work. That made Athena's day. Along with the days of pretty much everyone… no everyone in the class except Hermione.

TBH:TPS

Wednesday

Wednesday starts off fairly slow, while Daphne and Tracey had once again shifted over into Athena's bed she chooses not to tease them, this time. Athena quickly gets herself ready and walks to the Great Hall with Daphne, Tracey, Hestia, Flora and Michael. They quickly find a seat and start eating. Malfoy walks in with some relief on his face as the punishment spells have worn off, Athena nods slowly in his direction. Malfoy quickly understands the hidden message 'Strike one, don't mess up again or else!' Breakfast soon comes to a finish and they walk out just as Ronald Weasley comes screaming in late, just before he can grab some food to eat it disappears. Athena just laughs at the look of horror on his face.

Defense against the Dark Arts is one epic failure in Athena's mind, Quirrel stutters so much that he can barely be understood. Through the lesson Athena feels the deep hunger she felt when she devoured the Horcrux, she frowns. 'Is there a Horcrux present in this room? It's not like I can just ask unfortunately, I'll figure it out, eventually. Maybe the professor created one so that he wouldn't have to worry about dying again' Athena then shrugs and starts to read ahead in the textbook, she had already read half of it but still had the later chapters to read. However Athena loves to read and doesn't mind doing so when otherwise free.

Lunch is a simple affair with no immediate flare ups or problems. Malfoy seems to be openly crying tears of joy that he no longer has to sit away from the rest of his house, the rest of Slytherin is secretly crying tears of sorrow, they once again have to sit next to Malfoy. Athena eats more then she usually would having gotten extra hunger cravings from her time in DADA.

After lunch is Herbology, after the disappointment of Defense against the Dark Arts Athena wasn't too optimistic. However that changed the moment she walks into the Greenhouse, Professor Sprout quickly musters the class and has them working. Although they aren't yet working with dangerous plants, they are learning the basics or Herbology. Athena loves the class, quickly discovering her green thumb. In the years to come this would end up as Athena's second favorite class, after Potions that is. Athena and the rest of the class laughs openly at Malfoy being tangled up in some vine like plant, They laugh harder when Hermione tries her know-it-all routine and ends up just as tangled in the vines as Malfoy.

Dinner is just as uneventful as lunch, Athena however relishes in the peace. No longer does she have to worry about cooking for her fat monster of an uncle, Athena quickly shakes her head and dispels all thought of the monster known as Vernon Dursley.

TBH:TPS

Thursday

On Thursday, Athena wakes up alone with Daphne and Tracey in their bunk beds. Athena just shrugs wondering why they keep alternating, she hopes they either pick one or the other eventually.

An uneventful breakfast follows, however Athena does learn of the locations of her elective classes, and a request from the vocals teacher to sing at both lunch and dinner on Sunday. Apparently Daphne and Tracey also signed up for vocals and will be Athena's backup singers.

Athena can't even remember the class, she walks into History of Magic and two minutes later is using her books as pillows. However Athena wasn't alone in this, the entire year level all did the same. Athena has to laugh at Hermione's look of rage for falling asleep in one of her classes.

Lunch is again unremarkable, however the prank that the Weasley twins play on their Hufflepuff brother is worth mentioning. They made it so that whenever he went to grab food he would see it as rotten and decayed. Athena almost broke her mask and started laughing at the spectacle of Ronald Weasley breaking down in public, almost.

Thursday afternoon Athena spends by the lake talking with Michael, Flora, Hestia, Daphne, Tracey, Neville, The Weasley Twins and a Hufflepuff by the name of Emily Menrus.

Emily is a 4'7" girl with an olive complexion and is of Grecian decent, her hair is black and reaches her shoulders, and her eyes are brown. Emily's family is a minor Pureblood family from Greece that has recently moved to England; because of this she has a Grecian accent to her English. Emily's personality is fairly friendly and like all Hufflepuffs she is very loyal to her friends. Physically she is very willowy and not as strong as other girls of her age; however she has had staff combat training and can use staves to knock larger opponents out. Intellectually she is above average and is fairly skilled in Herbology and DADA. Emily spends most of her free time chatting with friends, she is often seen in the Great Hall enjoying some mud cake after dinner, and other students are still trying to figure out how she got the house-elves to make it for her.

Athena unashamedly sits next to Emily to get some of her cake for dessert at dinner. Emily had teased Athena with it during the afternoon and was now eating her words as Athena sits next to her at the Hufflepuff Table without a care. Daphne and Tracey are next to her. Michael back at the Slytherin table breaks down laughing at the faces of some of the students and teachers. Snape just smiles at the look of complete and utter shock on Minerva McGonagall's face due to a Slytherin sitting at the Hufflepuff table.

TBH:TPS

Friday

Friday however, Friday is special.

Athena wakes slowly; she notices that once again her friends Daphne and Tracey are in her bed. She doesn't bother teasing them and simply tickles them until they fall out of the bed. To a rousing shout of "ATHENA" Athena start to giggle at the look of rage on their faces. Giggling madly Athena rushes to the bathroom with Daphne and Tracey in hot pursuit. They catch her as she is disrobing and begin to tickle her mercilessly. When they stop Athena has a dirty comment that she just can't stop from saying.

"You two seem very happy with your hands on my naked body, is there something I need to know?" Daphne and Tracey then have a massive blush that makes tomatoes seem pale, before they quickly jump off of Athena, Athena then pouts "Aw, don't you like touching me?"

Daphne while still blushing regains her wits enough to stammer back "S-s-shut u-up, its n-not t-that f-funny" Athena just grins before she turns and walks into her shower. Privately Athena thinks 'Yeah, it kinda was, that funny' As she walks out into the Slytherin Common Room Athena replaces her pureblood mask with practiced ease.

Athena walks slowly to the Great Hall with Daphne and Tracey. As they approach the doors of the Great Hall Athena turns to Daphne and asks "What do you think Potions is going to be like?"

Daphne smiles back at Athena and replies "It'll be good, for us. Professor Snape is… infamous for his… subtle favoritism"

Athena just deadpans with "So a brick to the face then?"

Daphne and Tracey choke slightly and then nod, and Tracey responds with "Pretty much"

From behind them comes the voice of the aforementioned professor "And yet the Gryffindors, still haven't figured it out" a hint of amusement in his voice.

Athena doesn't even jump, she knew he was there. Daphne and Tracey however imitate frogs with how high they jumped. Athena just raises an eyebrow and says "I'm more surprised by the fact you seem surprised by that fact. It's the house of the brave and brain-dead, not the house of intelligence"

Snape grunts and says "Just be careful, there are some smart ones. They won't hesitate to take out our 'Filia-Reginae Serpentium'"

Athena fakes a blush and coyly replies with "Oh, you say the nicest things" She then straightens up and says in a voice with about as much warm as an arctic winter "If any Gryffindors are stupid enough or just plain crazy to start something with me. I'll finish it, hard" The nearby students from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw flinch away, the Gryffindors run for their table. The Slytherins? Well, they try not to burst into applause at her commanding presence and her terrifying threat to all of the Lions.

Athena sits down at the Slytherin table to see Flora and Hestia looking at a visibly fuming Michael Hemlock. Athena looks at the unusually angry Pureblood who is clutching a silver roll of parchment that is visibly leaking power. Athena frowns at this and says (Ignoring the rapidly shaken heads of Flora and Hestia) "Hey, Hemlock. What's wrong"

Michael looks up like he's about to tear into someone, he then notices that it is Athena speaking to him and relaxes slightly and replies with (To the surprise of Flora and Hestia, who had asked and gotten snapped at) "I got pranked by that idiot Weasley, Ronald. Dumbass, actually tricked me into signing what he thought was a fake marriage contract, only it turned out to be very real" He holds out the roll of silver parchment to Athena and says "Here read it for yourself. One thing I will say, at least Weasley has some intelligence, aside from it being unbreakable. If my new fiancée tries anything she'll lose a lot. He's still going to die, either by my hand or hers. Just don't spread around who my fiancée is, please?"

Athena unfurls the parchment roll.

Marriage Contract

Between

Michael Poseidon Hemlock

And

On this day 5 September, 1991 Anno Domini. A marriage contract between the two persons listed has been created.

The two person are required to marry twelve months after their initial meeting. The marriage cannot be broken or voided by the persons listed or their families without consequences. The killing of either person mentioned or their family by the other person or their family will result in the consequences listed. The consequences are that:

Michael Poseidon Hemlock will lose his magic, his position as heir to the family of Hemlock and all his worldly possessions, which will be distributed to the remaining members of his family. His family will enforce the contract or their magic will be taken and their worldly possessions given to charity.

******* ******* will lose her *******, her ****** and her ***** ** ****** * ******. Her family will police this or they will lose their ****** ***** and ******.

As long as one of the two persons mentioned signs this in front of a witness then the contract will be sealed.

Upon the day after the wedding ceremony, as long as the wedding has been consummated. Then the other must sign to admit that this fact has been done, once this is done. They will no longer be bound by this contract with the except of attempted or successful divorce, upon which they will forfeit all the items mentioned above.

Signed

Michael Poseidon Hemlock – Groom

Ronald Bilius Weasley – Groom's Witness

Athena's jaw drops and she barely stops herself from screaming 'WHAT'. Athena takes a deep breath, rolls up the contract and hands it back to Michael. She then smiles and says "Damn, Weasley's days are numbered. Your fiancée will kill him, I hope I get to watch"

Michael just laughs, then he sighs and goes back to brooding, however he does talk to Flora and Hestia. Daphne and Tracey look at Athena and she simply says "Please, don't. I won't tell you. You'll be surprised when you find out who the fiancée is, that I guarantee"

Daphne and Tracey look dubiously at each other before they sigh and say in unison "Alright, we won't bother you. I'm guessing you won't give any hints" Athena shakes her head to say 'no'. They nod in recognition of her refusal to give any hints.

Daphne then asks "Are we allowed to guess?"

Athena nods. Suddenly the entire Slytherin table bursts into whispers. Athena sighs as she realizes that she'll now be flooded with guesses from her housemates.

TBH:TPS

After breakfast and the first deluge of guesses had pasted, Athena and her friends make their way down into the dungeons for their first lesson potions. Being Slytherins they are completely at ease, they know that professor Snape will subtly (And not so subtly) favor them over the Gryffindors. Athena sighs that Neville won't be here, he was interesting to talk to. Especially when she got into a conversation with him over the difference between raising muggle and magical plants. She also wished that the Weasley was in her class, then she could sabotage him and what the (Most likely Hilarious) results, then again he would probably fail the lesson on his own without her intervention, maybe she could ask the professor for any memories of the idiots mistakes? Athena smiles something to think about. Daphne walking next to her asks "What's so funny?"

Athena smirks to Daphne and says "Thinking about whether or not to ask professor Snape if he'll provide memories of Weasley's screw ups"

Flora from behind her snorts and says "That would make for some good laughs"

Michael breaking out of his little depression chuckles and says "Popcorn anyone?"

Athena and a couple of Pureblood Slytherins along with the half-blood Slytherins and half-blood and Muggleborn Gryffindors walking past break into laughter, when the out of the loop Purebloods of both houses look at Athena with confusion in their eyes she sobers up and explains "It's a Muggle joke, they have these moving pictures called movies at which you eat a special food called popcorn, it's a common joke that whenever something hilarious or interesting happens they suggest getting popcorn and watching it like they would a movie. Basically he said people would pay to see Weasley junior make a fool of himself in front of others and laugh at it" The Pureblood then start laughing and a few ask where they can watch these movies, to which nearby half-bloods and Muggleborns give them directions and instructions on how to reach movie theaters and how they can get in. They also offer suggestions on movies currently out, also warning them that some of those movies might not be showing once winter break starts.

Athena sighs as she thinks of her plans over the break, she might not have time to go see a movie. Then she smiles and thinks 'It doesn't matter, they'll still be my friends and I'll see them at Hogwarts anyway' still smiling Athena walks into Potions.

TBH:TPS

Athena sits next to Daphne with Michael and Tracey right behind them. On the other side of the room Hermione sits still glaring at Athena. Athena noticing the glare looks around carefully before smirking at Hermione and turning away like she had something planned. For the next four minutes Hermione goes nuts looking for whatever Athena had done.

Severus Snape then bursts into the room with a dramatic flourish of his cloak, Athena give him a nine for the entrance, the cloak is nice but his hair detracts from it a bit. Snape then starts the roll-call. He smiles a bit when he gets to Athena's name but otherwise doesn't react. He then turns to the class and says in a whisper that the whole class hears "You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making" Even though he is talking in a voice just above a whisper everyone in the class can hear perfectly, the entire class is focusing on him without the slightest distraction. Athena smirks 'Ten out of ten for the attention grabbing. Nicely done professor'. Snape catches Athena's smirk and smiles slightly before continuing with "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect many of you in the first year to understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses… I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death – if you are willing to learn what I am going to teach"

Snape looks around the class-room to see the entire class looking back at him with awe on their faces, even the Gryffindors are looking at him with near-worship on their faces. He decides to test Athena's mettle, to see if she is ready to be cast into the spotlight. "Potter-Black"

Athena instantly focuses on the Professor and replies with "Yes, Professor?"

Snape smiles slightly and says "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Athena doesn't even hesitate "It depends on the other ingredients and the varying methods of preparation. But the potion you are most likely talking about is the 'Draught of Living Death' a potion that causes the taker to entire a comatose state so deep that they are said to appear dead to anyone who sees them"

Snape smiles "Correct, take ten points for a correct answer. Now, please tell me where I would find a bezoar?"

Athena instantly replies with "A bezoar is commonly found in the stomach of a goat and can be used to cure most poisons, however greater bezoars found in the skeletons of dinosaurs are able to cure almost every poison known to Wizard-kind sir"

Snape openly grins, causing the Slytherins to smirk and the Gryffindors to gape in shock "Correct again, take another ten points Lady Potter-Black. Finally What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

Athena once again replies instantly "There is no difference sir, they are the same plant also known as aconite. It is a key ingredient in the potion to help ease Werewolf transformations. It is also a common ingredient in many medicinal potions of the higher orders"

Snape grins some more, his entire face changes when he grins. He looks more like the kind of professor you want to speak to. One that is enthusiastic (obsessed) about their subject. Snape then waves his wand causing some instructions for a Boil-removing potion to appear on the board. Athena notices them and says "Sir, those instructions. They don't mention the base temperature at which we should create potions, nor do they explain some of the more useful basics. Are you going to explain it, sir?"

Snape thinks for a moment realizing that he had skipped over some parts and then he smiles and says "Why don't you explain it all instead? Lady Potter-Black, come up here"

Athena without any hesitation about speaking in front of the class walks up to the front turns on the spot and says "Okay, since the professor asked me to do this lets go over some of the basics of Potion making. There are four spells you will need to know, Scourgify or Cleaning charm, which is basic and you will use it to clean the ingredients to prevent the potion being ruined by a contaminant. The next is the Incendio or Fire-making charm, which you will use to light your burners to provide extra magic to the fire and increasing the magic in the actual potion itself. The third is the Temperatio or Temperature charm which will tell you the temperature of the fire, for a basic potion you should aim for about 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit), later potions require a higher or lower and more precise temperature. The last spell is the Evanesco or Vanishing charm, this is used to clean the cauldron after you are done to remove any trace of the potion you have just made. These four spells are the only spells you will use in Potions" Athena demonstrates each charms taking the time to carefully repeat the wand-motions "Now for the next stage"

Athena then demonstrates using the potion recipe on the board how to prepare certain types of ingredients, once she is done with that she begins to add the ingredients to the cauldron while doing so she says "While you may not be aware of this the special tools used in potions are basic magic focuses similar to our wands, just vastly inferior. While you are stirring, remembering that the direction of your stir either clockwise or anticlockwise is extremely important, constantly push magic into your stirring tool, not too much, about half as much as you would use for the Lumos spell. Doing this will add extra magic to your potion and increase its effectiveness by anywhere between eighty to ninety percent. It is also key in creating certain potions like the 'Draught of Living Death' or the rare and highly restricted 'Veritaserum' which is also known as the truth serum" Athena then finishes the potion and bottles it into around ten unbreakable glass vials, one of which she hands to Snape for checking.

Snape looks at the potion and then opens it to sniff it, he then smiles and says "Well done Lady Potter-Black, an O worthy potion. To those of you unaware, the Wizarding grading system goes from T or Troll to D or Dreadful to P or Poor, these are the failure grades from worst to best. The passing grades are A or Acceptable, E or Exceeds Expectations and finally O or Outstanding, also again from worst to best. Please note these grades down or memorize them as many professors including myself will use them to grade homework and practical exercises. Since there is just under an hour left, all of you start on your potions. Lady Potter-Black and I will be circulating around the class to offer advice and help. Finally Lady Potter-Black, do you mind doing a practical example in front of the class every lesson and then helping your classmates out later?"

Athena shakes her head "Of course not professor, I'd be happy to help"

Athena would never regret the decision that she made that day.

TBH:TPS

Athena smiles as she walks out to the Great Hall, Granger hadn't stopped fuming the entire lesson. Athena sighs as she realizes that eventually she'll have to be the bigger woman and end this feud, but while it's still going on she'll enjoy it for all its worth. Athena walks into the Great Hall and sees Neville flagging her down from where he's sitting at the Hufflepuff table, she shakes her head in silent wonder and thinks 'For a Ravenclaw, he sure spends a lot of time at the Hufflepuff table, then again he probably gets better conversation there. Most of the Ravenclaw students spend their meals reading rather than talking, similar to Granger. Now that I think about why was Granger sorted into Gryffindor, she doesn't seem all that brave, then again she'd probably be torn apart in Ravenclaw by the smarter and more politically savvy students there' Athena's train of thought ends as she sits down on the seat across from Neville. Neville smiles at Athena and says "Athena, I'd like you to meet a couple of new friends of mine" He points to a red-head next to him "This is Susan Bones, Susan this is Athena Potter-Black"

The red-head, Susan smiles and says "Pleased to meet you Lady Potter-Black"

Athena recognizing the last name smiles back and smoothly replies with "And I'm pleased to meet you as well Heiress Bones" Susan nods slightly at the greeting.

Neville, having been brought up on Pureblood politics understands the deeper meaning in this conversation, the blonde girl next to him and Emily sitting to Athena's left don't. Michael who followed Athena to the Hufflepuff table and is sitting to her right however does. This wasn't a simple greeting, it was a meeting between two of the most powerful people (Politically) in the school, ironically set up by the third most powerful person (Politically) in the school.

On one side you had the Lady of the Potters and the Lady of the Blacks, The Families who were primarily responsible for the creation of the Aurors and the Mage Knights respectively, while the command of the Aurors had since been placed in the regency of the Regent of the Bones and the Mage Knights haven't been assembled for years, even though they wanted to take to the field during the reign of Voldemort, but were prevented from doing so by the Black family. As the Lady of the Potters and the Blacks, Athena had the right to assume command of both the DMLE and the Knights of the Realm Arcane and no-one could protest it. Ironically Athena's father James had never been aware of this fact, or he might of utilized it in the war to better co-ordinate the Aurors. In fact due to the fact that no knight-commander has been selected since the death of Orion Black, Athena is automatically the current knight-commander. The two houses of Potter and Black also have three vassal houses each. For the Potters are the houses of Bell, Moon and Perks, while the Blacks have the three houses of Greengrass, Zabini and Hemlock.

On the other hand Susan Bones is the Heiress of the Bones, the family who traditionally has command of the 'Bellatores Aeterna' the Warriors Eternal. The 'Bellatores Aeterna' was created nearly two thousand years earlier when the Roman Empire first conquered the southern reaches of England. The ancient druids of the Bone Keepers, an order dedicated to laying the dead to rest, came up with a spell to allow the ghosts of all those who fell to rise as conjured skeletons to guard the living, when the Wizengamot was founded the spell was altered to instead include all those who fell under the banner of England and the Monarchy.

That allowed the controllers of the spell, the descendents of the order of the Bone Keepers, who had come to be known as the Bones family over the centuries, to call up not only Wizards who had fallen in battle, but knights and later infantry. Even the soldiers who fell in the two World Wars could be summoned. Also Susan has to do is perform a simple ritual while spilling some blood, due to the nature of the spell. Even though her parents died when she was a baby she, now that she is in Hogwarts, now knows how to perform the ritual. As a bonus if she is ever in danger a group of the 'Bellatores Aeterna' will appear to protect her. This grants Susan a special title once she comes of age, The Mistress of War. The Bones also have three vassal families, the house of Abbott, the house of the McDowell's and the house of Williamsons.

As if to round out this meetings of titans is the one doing the introductions himself, Neville Longbottom. The Longbottoms were the creators of the Department of Mysteries and for nearly 600 years they were the ones to lead it, Neville's father Frank was the first in generations not to be a part of the Department of Mysteries. Neville like Susan and Athena can assume command of the department once he is acknowledged as the Lord Longbottom. However that won't able to until he is sixteen due to his grandmother the Dowager Augusta Longbottom holding the title of Regent of Longbottom. The Longbottoms have uniquely five vassal houses, the houses of Weasley, Menrus, Carrow, Nott and Diggory.

Black, Bones, Longbottom and Potter, the four families that effectively created the Wizengamot. Once Susan and Neville were of age a special right comes into play. The Four most Ancient and Most Noble families, the only four families to bear that title. Have the right to overrule the Wizengamot, as long as all four members agree to do so, because of the Blacks infatuation with Voldemort they were gridlocked in the last war from doing so to change laws and increasing budgets so as to make the Dark Lord's rise to power as difficult as possible. Adding on to that the voting power of their vassals who usually but not always (As in the case of the Carrows and Nott's with the Longbottoms) vote with their Liege houses on certain matters.

Athena is only vaguely aware of this having not had the time to be taught the more intricate politics behind the Wizengamot, but both Susan and Neville are very aware of the power block they are forming. Dumbledore frowns as he watches the two heirs and a lady of the four most Ancient and Most Noble houses come together, while he could intervene that might result in them forming against him, a result that could be disastrous to not only his plans but the entire side of the Light.

The rest of the politically aware students in the hall are all holding their breathes at being present during a rare event such as the meeting of the four most ancient and most noble houses. The aforementioned students (Which ironically includes the prankster Weasley twins but not their elder brother Percival) all have plans on informing their family heads about the meeting, the more dark-inclined family's students (Mostly in Slytherin but also scattered throughout the other houses) all plan on warning their family heads of this meeting.

Neville then turns to the blonde in pig-tails on his right and says "And this is Hannah Abbott, Hannah, Athena Potter-Black"

Hannah smiles "Nice to meet you"

Athena smiles back "And you as well"

Neville then turns to Athena and says "I heard you had Potions first up, what was it like?"

Athena smiles widely and then bursts into a detail description of the lesson, at her friend's insistence Athena teaches Neville, Hannah and Susan (and the surrounding Hufflepuffs) the basics of Potion-making and what they need to know in order to create potions safely and effectively. Athena didn't know it, but her advice would be all over the school within hours, she would soon end up with students of all year-levels coming up to her and asking for help.

TBH:TPS

After lunch, during the free period. Michael goes to the library to research marriage contracts (Then to the Owlery to inform his parents of his colossal screw up). Daphne and Tracey decide to go have a nap (in Athena's double bed). Flora and Hestia go exploring the grounds and Athena goes exploring through Hogwarts, while Neville tries and fails to get out of being dragged by Susan and Hannah to Potions. Athena giggles at the look of hopelessness (And a little joy) on his face.

Athena walks through the halls of Hogwarts, occasionally stopping and chatting with the portraits. As she rounds a corner she slams into someone with an "Oomph". Athena shakes her head to clear away the daze and is surprised to see she had collided with a girl with… 'Is that PINK hair?' Athena rubs her eyes to make sure she isn't seeing things.

The girl she'd collided with smiles and snickers, then she says "No you're not injured or seeing things, I actually have pink hair"

Athena shakes out of her stupor and stands up, offering a hand to the girl whose still on the ground. The girl grabs Athena's proffered hand and pulls herself up. Athena smiles and says "As fun as it is bumping into strangers, I usually don't let people get that close, at least not until they've brought me dinner"

The girl looks at Athena blankly for a second before sniggering and then outright laughing "Ha ha, that was… snort pretty good. Oh I can't breathe" The girl straightens up and takes a deep breath, and then says "I'm Nymphadora Tonks, but if you call me Nymphadora I'll hex you, call me Tonks, I'm a seventh year in Hufflepuff"

Athena smiles and says "Nice to meet you Tonks, I'm Athena, Athena Potter-Black"

Tonks' left eyebrow rises and she says "You're related to the Blacks?"

Athena grins "No… I'm the HEAD of house Black"

Tonks steps back with a look of utter surprise on her face "You're the Black family head?"

Athena nods "Yeah, I am" Athena frowns "Why are you so shocked?"

Tonks then tells Athena of how her mother used to be a Black family member before she was disowned due to marrying a Muggle-born. Athena thinks the problem over for a few moments before she says "What did you say your mother did again?"

Tonks looks at Athena with confusion evident in her eyes and replies "She's a magical lawyer. Why?"

Athena smirks and comments "Well, I need someone whose good with law to help me out with some projects I'm working on. So having your mothers help would be invaluable. I can also easily return her and add you to the Black family"

Tonks smiles brightly and then grabs Athena in a hug and thanks her profusely. Athena and Tonks then head to the Owlery to post a letter to Tonks mother Andromeda.

After having composed the letter to Andromeda, Athena reads it over on last time to make sure it's conveying the message she wants it to.

To Andromeda Tonks

I'm just a First-Years student at Hogwarts currently, but I would like to request a moment of your time to meet during the winter break on a matter of some urgency of which I believe that your knowledge of Wizarding Laws could benefit greatly.

I am willing to pay for your time and any expenses should you decide to help me out, due to the nature of the matter I'm currently working on I cannot write it down.

I apologize for the secrecy but if certain people were to get their hands on even the slightest bit of knowledge on what I'm working on the results could be disastrous.

Finally as extra incentive, I have a bonus for you that you may find most helpful, whether or not you decide to help me or not you'll still receive it.

That bonus being yours and your daughter's return to the House of Black.

Yours Sincerely

Lady Athena Artemis Potter-Black

Head of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of

Potter and Black.

Just as Tonks and Athena send off Hedwig with Athena's letter to Andromeda, Michael walks in, while he is slightly surprised to see Athena and Tonks he quickly gets over his surprise and he quickly puts on an incredibly obvious and fake suave accent and says "Hello Ladies, Athena would you like to introduce me to your new friend?"

Athena laughs at Michael's obvious attempt to cheer himself (and anyone in hearing distance) up and replies with "Michael Hemlock meet Nymphadora 'Don't call me Nymphadora' Tonks" Athena had managed to say the 'Don't call me Nymphadora' in perfect unison with Tonks, causing Tonks to blush and Michael to laugh "Tonks, this is Michael 'I'm so screwed' Hemlock" Michael snorts at the nickname, but nods at how accurate it actually is.

The three keep joking around with the dark aura around Michael having dispelled since Athena had taken it upon herself to break the tension in the air since he'd been tricked into the marriage contract, the group heads to the library to do some researching on various subjects.

TBH:TPS

At Dinner Athena, Tonks and Michael meet up with Daphne and Tracey at the Hufflepuff table, they are joined by Neville, Emily, Hannah and Susan. The group hurriedly digs into the food provided and are chatting quietly until Michael asks a question that had been taunting him since Potions "Athena?"

Athena turns to face him hearing the question in his voice "Yes?"

Michael takes a drink of water before he continues "How did you get so good with Potions?"

Athena sits and thinks for a moment before she looks stumped, with a bemused look on her face she turns back to Michael and replies with "You know, I'm not actually sure myself! The moment I entered the classroom it was like I knew everything about Potions, I knew stuff that after checking it out in the library. Some of the stuff I know isn't even taught at Hogwarts, you have to go do a special Potions mastery course after school to learn it. It's kind of confusing as I don't know where I could have possibly learned this stuff" The rest of the group having heard the proclamation all look awestruck, some by what was said and others (Neville) by the fact that Athena was admitting she didn't know something.

The group then break up having different common rooms to go to after dinner. They all settle in for the night and nod off to a peaceful sleep (Except Michael who spends the whole night shivering in fear from nightmares)

Saturday

Athena wakes with a slight smile, despite the pattern they had apparently set up. Daphne and Tracey were sleeping in the same bed as her. Despite her actions teasing them about sleeping in the same bed as her, she loves it, she can easily remember the nightmare that was her childhood. The darkness, the cold, the despair, yet those memories were fading, no not fading, they were becoming less. She no longer wakes with sweat covered sheets like she did in Grimmauld Place, heart beating with the residual horror of having a nightmare, instead she wakes with smiles, no longer does she fear the memories of her uncle. Now she can being to move past them, now she can begin a new path. Athena sneaks out of the bed without waking the others and gets showered and dressed.

TBH:TPS

Athena decides to wear one of her dresses rather than the uniform, she chooses a long ankle length dress made of Acromantula silk, it's main color is black with a silver thread outline image of an Oriental-style dragon circling around her abdominal area. Scattered around the dragon are golden thread outline clouds.

TBH:TPS

Athena walks out into the common room, an antique magic clock shows that it is currently 5:30 or thereabouts. In front of her sitting with a haunted look on his face is Michael Hemlock. Athena doesn't need words to know what is wrong, she'd seen that look before, it was on her face after every nightmare. Without words she sits next to him and puts an arm over his shoulders. He just smiles at her before relaxing slightly. He opens his mouth to say something but Athena just puts her finger over his mouth and shakes her head. He closes his mouth and smiles again before leaning back, Athena just leads into him slightly. The two sit like that for almost an hour.

At six thirty Athena breaks the silence with a growling stomach. Michael just looks at her incredulously before he breaks into laughter, Athena tries to look appalled but soon joins him in his laughter. The two take several minutes to calm down, Michael still sniggering gets up and offers his hand to Athena "Shall we go get some breakfast my lady?"

Athena smirks "We shall" she grabs onto his hand and lets herself be pulled up. The two then walk to the Great Hall for breakfast. As they walk in Athena asks "Are you feeling better?"

Michael nods as they sit at the Slytherin table and start to eat as they talk "I am, I'm just terrified, my own stupidity has lead to my current situation. I have no doubt my mother will have some choice words to say about this. She's a very powerful woman, you'd like her I'd imagine"

Athena laughs at the comment "Oh would I? What's her name then, in fact you haven't said much about your family at all, would you mind telling me about them?"

Michael laughs and shakes his head "I don't mind at all, My mother's name is Anastasia, she was born to the Magical Russian family, the Volkovs. I have younger twin sisters Alexandra and Cassandra, they are nine years old and little terrors. My father's name is Gabriel, for some reason my family has an obsession with naming male children after the Angels in the Bible. I haven't bothered to find out why though. I have an uncle Raphael and a cousin Tyreal but I don't speak with them often as they live in France and I don't haven't traveled there yet. I do however write to Tyreal and enjoy his letters back to me"

Athena smiles and then grimaces and looks down with some shame evident in her eyes "On my mother's side I had an uncle, he wasn't the… nicest of people. I was actually glad when he died, I not sure if that makes me a bad person or not. I have an Aunt and a cousin who I haven't spoken to since my Uncle died. On my father's side I don't have much, just my relationship to the Blacks. On that side of the family I have four older cousins and two younger ones. The elder ones are Sirius, Andromeda, Bellatrix and Narcissa and the younger ones are Tonks and Malfoy"

Michael leans back from his half-empty plate "Wait, Malfoy's your cousin?"

Athena smirks and nods "Yeah, surprising isn't it. I think that's one of the reasons he's so compliant to me, he is bound to follow my commands by magic. That's actually why so many in Slytherin follow me, many of their family either owe my family blood, life or magic debts or are bound to me as vassals, that includes yours by the way. The Hemlocks are vassals of the Blacks"

Michael nods in agreement "I know, but that's not why I want to be your friend you know. I don't care about that very much, it only really has relevance in the Wizengamot now days unlike in the past where it actually was something important"

Athena snorts in amusement "Don't let those old blowhards hear you, they might have a heart attack… on second thought go straight ahead, it might be worth it. I have to be part of the Wizengamot now due to my position as Lady Potter-Black, though I might get Andromeda to act as my Proxy instead if she agrees to my proposition. It might actually be a better idea for her to act as my proxy instead of me going while I actually learn more of the current political climate" Athena then stops and puts a hand to her forehead "I hate thinking about politics, it gives me a headache"

Michael snorts in amusement "I know, my dad and I have the same problem, but we came up with a way to help fix it"

Athena looks up in interest "Really! Do you mind telling me it?"

Michael shakes his head and smiles "Not at all! The secret is to remember that the word politics comes from two root words, Poli which is Greek for many and tics which are bloodsucking little monsters. Just think of that and the pleasure you'd get from crushing those little bastards and it should help"

Athena laughs openly as they are the only two sitting in the Great Hall at this time before she regains control of herself and says "I'd probably better not think that, my magic might actually just go through with it and then where would I be?"

Michael snorts trying not to laugh "Better then when you started?"

Athena just shakes her head in mock sadness "But then I'd have to do the paperwork for their dead bodies"

Michael nods sagely "You're right, it's not worth it" then he looks Athena in the eye. A beat passes… and they burst out laughing.

They sober up from their laughing soon after and just relax as they watch several students from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw start to stream in, some still rubbing their eyes like they just got up. Athena snorts in amusement when one of the Ravenclaw sixth years walks in the Great Hall in her pajamas, her very thin somewhat transparent pajamas.

Next to her Michael shakes his head and merely says in a loud and exaggerated voice "Red really isn't her color, maybe a violet instead" The girl wakes up some more and realizes she's still in her pajamas before shrieking and running off presumably back to her common room to get changed. The rest of the hall starts laughing. Michael smiles and pretends to wipe a tear from his eye "Ah laughter, is there anything it won't cure?"

Athena just deadpans with "Aside from your lack of brain? Nothing I can think of"

Michael just looks at her with a hurt expression. Athena smiles back sweetly while stealing the last of his bacon.

Michael sighs and thinks 'Why must I always end up around strong willed women that I just can't say no to?' then he shrugs 'Who cares, at least they aren't trying to hurt me' he just scoops up the last of his egg on his toast when Daphne, Tracey, Flora and Hestia walk in.

Those four quickly sit down around him and Athena and start to eat their breakfast.

Snape then comes around with their electives timetables:

Athena Artemis Potter-Black

Saturday

Morning: Vocals, Finances (1-2 and 1-3)

Afternoon: Spell Creation, Basic Arithmancy (Advanced Yr 3 and on) (3-4 and 5-5)

Sunday

Morning: Noble Etiquette and Dueling (2-2 and 2-3)

Afternoon: Basic Ancient Runes (Advanced Yr 3 and on) and Ward Creation. (3-4 and 5-5)

Electives will be on a rotating fortnightly schedule, the first class will be on the first week and the second class will be on the second week. This is to give the respective teachers a chance to recover or because they are teaching two electives in the same time slot. (A/N This is on all the schedules, I just can't be bothered repeating it and you probably don't want to read it six times)

Michael Poseidon Hemlock

Saturday

Morning: Magical Art, Finances (2-6 and 1-3)

Afternoon: Free

Sunday

Morning: Noble Etiquette and Dueling (2-2 and 2-3)

Afternoon: Ward Creation and Ward Breaking (5-5)

Daphne Selene Greengrass

Saturday

Morning: Vocals, Finances (1-2 and 1-3)

Afternoon: Spell Creation, Basic Arithmancy (Advanced Yr 3 and on) (3-4 and 5-5)

Sunday

Morning: Noble Etiquette and Dueling (2-2 and 2-3)

Afternoon: Basic Ancient Runes (Advanced Yr 3 and on) and Ward Creation. (3-4 and 5-5)

Tracey Amelia Davies

Saturday

Morning: Vocals, Basic Care of Magical Creature (1-2 and H-H (Hagrid's Hut))

Afternoon: Free

Sunday

Morning: Free

Afternoon: Free

Flora Danielle Carrow

Saturday

Morning: Vocals, Basic Care of Magical Creature (1-2 and H-H (Hagrid's Hut)

Afternoon: Free

Sunday

Morning: Free

Afternoon: Free

Hestia Arianna Carrow

Saturday

Morning: Vocals, Basic Care of Magical Creature (1-2 and H-H (Hagrid's Hut)

Afternoon: Free

Sunday

Morning: Free

Afternoon: Free

The group quickly looks over their elective timetables and checks the back for any maps (They were there) and then nods to each other and quickly and neatly finish their breakfasts.

TBH:TPS

The girls all hustle into the vocals class room with some expectation of what was going to happen. They didn't expect to see the stern-faced professor McGonagall there.

McGonagall nods to the girls as they enter and waits until all the students have arrived "Welcome, this as you all now is the vocals elective. What we will teach you is how to sing in a chorus, but those who are especially good will be taught to sing on their own as well. We'll be training to sing at Christmas to begin with, but those who want can sing before that" Athena puts her hand up "Yes, Lady Potter-Black"

"When you say they can sing before that what do you mean? Also is there some collection of songs that we can sing from?"

McGonagall smiles "Well, since this is the first time the Vocals elective has had enough students to be run in over a decade we decided that any student who is willing can sing at Lunch and Dinner any day of the week. They simply have to inform me so I can set up the enchanted band to play whatever song they wish to sing. As for the choice of songs, Hogwarts has an enchanted cabinet" McGonagall walks over to a cabinet standing up against the back wall and continues with "This cabinet is linked to the enchanted band and holds a multitude of songs, many of which are thought to be from the future. No-one can quite understand it but it does give us a large selection of songs and music to play, many of them aren't even in English either" The class nods in awe.

Athena smiles then and asks "So then, can I sing at Lunch and Dinner on the weekends then?"

McGonagall smiles "I don't think that will be a problem at all. Do you want to look through the songs while I get the rest of the class to do warm-ups, you can listen in and join in as you search" Athena nods and heads over to the cabinet to search and join in the warm-ups the rest of the class is doing.

Athena quickly chooses two songs for today and two for tomorrow. She then joins in the warm-ups after informing McGonagall of her selections, she also conscripts Daphne and Tracey into being her backup singers and the three practice their songs after the rest of the class leaves for the day.

TBH:TPS

As the students walk into the Great Hall for lunch they notice that a band is set up to the side and wonder what it is for. Before long the Great Hall is full of student, all of them curious at the presence of the band (Except for the Vocal students who know)

Once the hall is full McGonagall steps up to the center of the stage and says "I am assuming all of you who are here are curious to the presence of the band, I am pleased to tell you that students of the Vocals elective may chose to sing at Lunch and Dinner of any day. Today and Tomorrow Lady Potter-Black has volunteered to sing for us at Lunch and Dinner, She'll now sing her chosen song with Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davies"

McGonagall bows out as Athena, Daphne and Tracey walk up to the stage. The students all start to cheer, they had loved Athena's singing when she had sung the Hogwarts' song.

A slow almost melancholic beat starts up, with two instruments one slow and steady and another higher pitch one that accentuates Athena's singing.

Athena start to sing in a low voice that sounds like its full of despair

Time flows
Nobody knows
The years go by
Where we go
Alone from here

Daphne and Tracey just sway in the background to the beat of the music

Night falls
Strange colored walls
My eyes deceive
What is wrong

Athena lets out a sigh
With me?

Deep in the night you think everything's right
Tell it to yourself
Say it's just a nightmare

Something is telling you
Nothing can change where you are
Again

Athena seems to be almost crying

Why should it matter
Your dreams of a child
Innocence is gone
Only fear to play with

Faces are changing
But nothing is changing the pain
Too late

Daphne and Tracey shake their heads as if agreeing with the last line, they also start to sing in unison with Athena

Two steps I take getting closer
And closer

And one more breath I take
Sends me further back

Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah

Over and over it calls to your soul
Say it isn't so
Emptiness surrounds you

Athena spreads her arms wide

No one can help
If the angels refuse to come near
Who's there

Athena looks around like someone is nearby

Cold faded photos
They lay by your side
Something in my room
Never mind the reason

Visions are lying and reasons just live to survive
This time

Daphne and Tracey stop singing in unison with Athena and instead repeat what she says

The cold (The cold)
The light (The light)
The fear (The fear)
Returning

It's not (It's not)
The eyes (The eyes)
You feel (You feel)
That's chilling you.

Athena, Daphne and Tracey stop singing and bow

(The song is Acceptance. Composed by Akira Yamaoka and sung by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn. It was suggested by Ultima-owner)

TBH:TPS

The music come to a dull stop and there is a moment of silence… and then the students and teachers burst into applause.

Everyone seems to be clapping, the whole school near about, the only one not clapping is the Caretaker Argus Filch, who is more interested in the mud stain he'd just discovered on the Fifth Floor… as well as trying to figure out how it got there.

The applause fades as Lunch appears on the tables, even so. The normal lunchtime chatter is replace by the students instead talking about the performance they had just been privileged to hear.

Athena sits down at the Slytherin table and just completely ignores any of the chatter around her about her singing ability, Tracery and Daphne follow her lead. The only thing Athena takes to heart about her singing is Michael's whispered "Brilliant, absolutely brilliant that was"

TBH:TPS

After Lunch is over Athena heads over to Spell Creation, when she gets there she meets up with Daphne and Emily who are both also taking this elective. A tall thin woman with long black hair wearing a red robe and red witches hat walks in. She introduces herself as Professor Vector. She tells them of the requirements and responsibilities of Spell Creation. She then points towards the door and says that anybody not willing to follow those responsibilities should get out.