Hello world! I'm really sorry I haven't updated in a while. Please don't hate me! I had exams and my muse decided to go sulk in a corner. Anyway, I dragged her back and have been on a writing binge ever since. Me and my co-writer have several joint stories planned out as well so I'll let you know when those are posted and where to find them.
Anyway, on with the show!
Another week had passed and Dumbledore was still a bald snake hybrid. The best thing about it was that he'd had to attend a Wizengamot session like that. Upon receiving that particular letter the group of seven pranksters had roared with laughter. It was just too perfect. They had been laying low for now as they were being watched quite closely by various teachers. That hadn't stopped them approaching the various people that they had approved to join their group. Lee, the Patil twins and Adrian had been easily swayed and would be introduced that very night. The whole group was working on Hermione but they knew it would be a slow process. They would all spend time with her at various points and would share stories of things that had been done wrong by various teachers. Especially Dumbledore. Fred spent a lot of his time doing research near her and used it to illustrate that books were clearly not everything. It was slow work but they were getting there. Either way, they thought that for now their numbers were complete.
That night the newly expanded group met in The Room. George and Tom were sending quite a few anxious glances towards Harry and Fred who were huddled in a corner staring at a notebook and cackling every so often. Taking a deep breath, Tom turned back around to start the meeting.
"Alright! Listen up!" He shouted and a hush fell upon the room.
It was broken every so often by Harry and Fred's insane cackling but it was better. Staring around the room, Tom spoke in a solemn voice rarely heard beyond these walls as it was reserved exclusively for pranking, "Welcome to The Order of Mischief. As you have probably guessed, we were responsible for Dumbledore's current state. The two evil geniuses cackling behind me were responsible for the creation of the potion. Watch out for them, George and I spend half our lives preventing them from accidentally causing the apocalypse. No joke. I was the one responsible for deactivating the wards while the others had our backs. The potion is in his lemon drops in case you were wondering."
The newest members stared at them no small amount of awe at this casual explanation. Tom continued, unaware of the looks they were getting, "We all have skills we bring to the table and we utilize them the best way we can. We'll teach you all we can and you'll be a part of this team in no time. Just warning you though, there may be times that we tell you to run or leave and it's best you do that as it's probably for your own safety."
Everyone nodded at this one and Tom sat down while motioning for George to continue, which he did quite happily,
"Now, the original seven of us have particular code names that we use during pranks or when writing anything down. You can choose your own or allow us to do it for you. Ea and Dour are the two inventors over there, I'm Kincaid while Tom is Raonull and I'll let the others introduce themselves."
Bowing slightly he retook his seat as Neville introduced himself and Draco, "I'm Artek and the little princess sitting next to me is Gaothaire."
This prompted Draco into jumping on Neville to start a short tickle war. When it was over he didn't bother moving back to his own seat and just remained curled up in Neville's lap. As this was normal for the group no one said anything as they were used to the displays of affection as they were seen all over the castle.
Teddy spoke last, "I'm Leal and the newest of the seven you see here today and I can safely say it's wonderful. Now, would you like to introduce yourselves and give an idea of how you think you can be helpful?"
The others nodded and the Patil twins stood first. The one on the right going first, "I'm Parvati Patil and I'll use the name Durga after a Hindu warrior goddess who rode a lion into battle. I have already insinuated myself into the gossip network and can use it to our advantage when needed. Also, Padma and I are used to acting as the other so can provide alibies if needed."
Her bubbly personality easily bled through her voice and showed in her quick movements. It was easy to see that she was excited to join. In contrast her sister seemed quite reserved but that could be deceiving, when she spoke her voice was strong and sure as she stood tall before the group of boys, "I'm Padma Patil and choose the name Kali after the Hindu mother goddess, a fierce protector. I am often called a mother bear and protect those I care for. I am a keen researcher and my specialty lies in Runes of any sort and can also offer insight into the magic of India."
The pair then sat down and smiled around at the group who nodded back approvingly.
Lee bounced up next, beaming and acting like a child, "I'm Lee Jordan and I would like to be known as Amadi. It means freedom. I would be able to offer my reputation and charisma; people listen to me especially in my role as commentator and news anchor of Hogwarts. Beyond that I'll do whatever's needed to complete our pranks successfully. I also have prior experience working with the Weasley twins and know what to watch out for around Fred."
Tom looked immensely relieved at that. Heading off Harry and Fred's more dangerous experiments could be an almost impossible task and it was good to know they had someone already trained in how to cope.
Adrian stood up slowly and carefully, seeming to consider everything he did, when he spoke his voice was low and smooth, his Pureblood heritage shining through, "I am Adrian Pucey. Now known as Aetius which is an Ancient Roman name meaning Eagle. I have years of Pureblood political training geared towards avoiding trouble sticking to me. You could say I have enough training to act as the group's lawyer. I know the Hogwarts charter back to front so can easily help plan things so we work through or around the laws so we never technically break them when we have a chance of being caught."
Everyone cheered at that. That was a very useful skill to have. Now that everyone was settled and with a name, Harry bounced forwards acting like he was on a sugar high. Tom's head hit the table, he knew their newest interest was going to be difficult and possibly dangerous. He was right,
"Now, I want to find out what's so special about the third floor," Harry chirped excitedly.
If Tom had hoped for Adrian's help he was wrong as the third year responded, "Dumbledore never actually forbid it."
This caused Harry to whoop and give the reserved Slytherin a tight hug before skipping back to the head of the table. When he next spoke he was calmer, "We'll need scouts to check it out. Tom will need to go as he's the best with wards. I suspect it's under some kind of guard so expect something dangerous looking but easy to bypass. I suspect Dumbledore is going to try and test his 'Prophecy child' this year and I want to be ready for him, hopefully even get the jump on him."
Tom sobered up at that, realizing that his younger twin had a very valid point and all misgivings he had at this adventure vanished into thin air. This needed to be done to protect Harry. Glancing at Fred Tom nodded. Fred was coming whether Tom liked it or not. Lee signaled his want to participate and Tom nodded in reply. Three was a good number. They would go tomorrow. With a plan in mind the group dispersed back to their common rooms after hugs had been exchanged. Neville had to hand a sleeping Draco over to Adrian to carry back to the dorms but soon enough the castle was empty of wandering pranksters as they all collapsed into bed.
In another part of Scotland another planning meeting was taking place between two gods. The item on the agenda, Teddy's rescue.
"It's going to be harder than I thought," Death sighed out, rubbing his forehead.
Paradox nodded in agreement, "What do we know about them so far?" she questioned gently.
Death huffed in annoyance before straightening up to talk, "Teddy's father, Izar Nott, is in Azkaban for being a Death Eater. His mother is a true, icy cold Pureblood woman who's practices lean close to those of Narcissa. His Grandfather, Theodore Nott Senior, is his primary caregiver and was one of the first ever Death Eaters and was even counted among Voldemort's school 'friends'. He could possibly be reasoned with if we went with the whole 'seer' story. But it's iffy at best."
Paradox nodded while she massaged her own temples in thought, "What if we appealed to his sense of family? Point out how he was before his defeat and Teddy's own wish to escape joining him. Offer to allow him to become a ward of the Black family until the war is over? He can remain a Nott but be out of their influence so as to not be asked to join."
Death stared at his sister for several minutes before whispering, "That might just work," A grin spread across his face, "Thank you, sister."
Paradox grinned in return, "You're welcome, brother," She quipped, eyes dancing with mirth.
Death could only grin helplessly at that, eyes alight with hope now that they had a way to help a friend of their family. Tomorrow would be a very interesting day.
The next day dawned bright and early. Death was leading this particular confrontation as it was he who had placed Teddy under his protection. Teddy was his responsibility now, however unlikely this situation seemed to the longsuffering god. The things he did for his sister… Either way, he was here now, standing before the head of a pureblood family and returning the cool stare with one of matching intensity. The man, of course, had no chance when faced with Death himself. He practically invented the intimidating stare after all. The battle of wills over with, the two gods were finally offered a seat. Death tuned out the annoying small talk, leaving his sister to deal with it and only refocused when the purpose of their visit was raised. Death finally joined the conversation at that signal, voice smooth and emotionless as he regarded the man sitting before him,
"We wish to discuss Teddy," he said his eyebrow raising elegantly when Lord Nott actually allowed some genuine emotion out, it seemed this would be easier than he thought.
"What about him?" Lord Nott demanded sharply. Death laughed at that,
"My nephews, Tom and Harry Potter-Black have become very close with him and are worried for him. Apparently Teddy desperately wants to escape the family ways and most of all, your Lord. He is, quite frankly, terrified. They even report that he made the hat place him somewhere he didn't belong because he feared the consequences if he was placed anywhere other than Slytherin. We wish to give him that escape route. My question is, will you help us?"
Death's voice had remained icy throughout his speech, countenance firmly under control. The same could not be said for Lord Nott however, the more Death revealed, the paler he became until he was left sheet white and shaking slightly. When he finally managed to collect himself enough to respond, his voice was hoarse and barely more than a whisper, "Of course I'll help you."
He stared wide eyed at the twins, who finally allowed some emotion through their facades. Death let out a sigh of relief, "Good." He murmured, "That's very good."
Paradox was practically bouncing in her seat by this point, she'd never been good at the whole pureblood nonsense and never would be. It was her that spoke next, words flowing out of her as she eagerly explained their plan, "Oh that's wonderful. We thought it best if he became a Ward of the House of Black for the foreseeable future. He would be under my brother's care but seeing as how we live together anyway that doesn't really mean anything beyond Teddy being afforded an added layer of protection. He'll have Harry and Tom there all the time as well as the rest of their friend group. Lucy is still living with us so that means Draco will be there as well, the Weasley twins practically live with us anyway and Neville's family are round just as often. Oh I can't wait! We'll have to add on some more rooms or just enlarge the boys' room further. The kitchen will have to be enlarged again and-"
Choosing to ignore his sister's happy ramblings for the sake of his own sanity, Death turned to address the stunned Lord Nott, "Ignore her, it's what I always do," Death supplied, grinning.
"Oi!" Paradox hollered, swatting Death's arm.
They were distracted by Lord Nott roaring with laughter.
"I can see Teddy will be quite happy." He chuckled, smiling for the first time before adding thoughtfully, "If a tad insane."
It was both gods turns to make noises of displeasure.
Despite a lot of good-natured ribbing, Teddy was placed in the care of Death by nightfall.
Meanwhile, in a castle hidden in the Highlands, three small figures were sneaking closer to the infamous third floor corridor. As soon as they reached the entrance to the corridor Tom signaled for the others to stop as he let his magic reach out to feel for any wards. He was shocked and sickened to find none whatsoever. What was Dumbledore thinking? Forcefully ejecting these thoughts, Tom motioned for the others to follow him as he carefully continued to make his way down the corridor, magic swirling round him in search of even a hint of magic to indicate there was something to stop intruders. Nothing. By the time they reached the door at the end, Tom was feeling slightly sick; it was looking more and more likely that Harry was right about this whole situation. They'd deliberately stopped Paradox telling them anything unless they asked. They wanted the freedom to work things out for themselves. Tom almost regretted that now. Upon searching the door before them, Tom growled. The only thing protecting the students from whatever was behind this door was a simple Colloportus. There was nothing to strengthen the door against physical attacks and the door would open by using a first year spell. That was it. Tom was going to throttle the old goat using his own beard. When it grew back, that is. That reminder allowed Tom to contain his rage for now, but some revenge would have to be planned. Dumbledore would learn the true meaning of the word suffering. No one threatened Harry's safety like this. Fred's hand on his shoulder pulled him from his dark thoughts and grounded him in the here and now. Shooting the red headed genius a grateful smile, he quickly disabled the locking spell and pulled open the door. Upon seeing the half-awake and very grumpy Cerberus on the other side, he soon wished he hadn't. Fred, easily taking in every detail hauled him back and slammed the door shut before the three headed dog could do more than growl. Tom hastily reasserted the locking spell as the three children stared at each other in horror.
"Most painful death was right," Lee muttered disbelievingly.
Tom and Fred could only nod as they headed back to the rest of the Order. Their faces were grim. This was not good.
Upon reaching the room, Tom quickly enveloped his younger brother in a crushing embrace. This sign of unease from one of their designated leaders unnerved them all, whatever they found had to be bad. Fred silently guided them all to the table before he and his brother gently separated their closest friends and each scooped one up, holding them close as they sat in their chairs. Tom ensconced on Fred's lap while Harry watched the solemn expressions with a look of clear confusion on his face as he curled up further in George's comforting hold. Fred took over the report easily, voice tight with rage, "Harry was right. The old fool is up to something and it's not good. There were no wards, and only a colloportus securing the door. There's a Cerberus behind it, protecting a trap door. The horrifying thing is, Cerberus' are easily dealt with. The myth of Orpheus is fairly well known and gives a surefire way of dealing with the creatures. He wants Harry to get past it for some reason, the question is, why?"
No one spoke for several minutes, faces filled with fear and trepidation. The silence was broken by Tom, who had gone even paler than before,
"No." He looked sick with fear, "he wouldn't."
"What? What is it, Tom?" Fred asked frantically.
"I should have seen it sooner," Tom whispered dazedly, face curiously blank.
"Tom, you're frightening me, tell me what's wrong," Fred begged, voice ragged.
"Voldemort's possessing Professor Quirrell," Tom finally got out.
The whole room froze, staring at the small boy in growing horror.
"What?" Fred croaked, face clammy.
Surprisingly enough it was Padma who spoke up this time, voice unnaturally hard and eyes flinty with barely suppressed rage, "Okay. We know who's organizing this, who the other person involved in this trap is and the start of the trap. What some of us don't know and would like explained is why this is all happening. I would like an explanation."
This no nonsense attitude and clear plan of action pulled the rest of the group back together somewhat and Tom started the long explanation, "Before Harry, Neville and I were even born, Dumbledore in his infinite wisdom decided to take the words of a desperate drunk said during the end of a job interview as a real prophecy. Whether it was or not is up for debate. The gist of it was that a child born as the seventh month dies would have the power to finish off ol' Moldyshorts. He picked Harry. You know what happened next. I was born the same day as Harry but earlier in the evening. Harry was born just before midnight. Voldemort didn't know of my existence at the time which was lucky as I'm actually a descendant of Slytherin myself. Anyway, Dumbledore has been intent on meddling ever since. This is the first time he's had a legitimate chance of messing with Harry without our family there to step in between us."
Padma nodded sharply, the fury simmering in her eyes increasing dramatically, "What might Dumbledore be using as bait to lure Voldemort here?"
Tom sighed heavily at this, as to be honest, he had no idea. Harry replied though, "His first order of business will most likely be getting his body back so I can only hypothesize it being some kind of magical object that has huge restorative powers that Dumbledore has some kind of personal tie with."
Padma nodded thoughtfully at this, expression thoughtful as she contemplated this newest information before her head snapped up, eyes wide. "Oh Merlin," She whispered, face showing dawning comprehension.
"What is it, Pads," Parvati questioned urgently, "What did you figure out?"
"The Philosopher's Stone," Padma said dreamily, turning to stare at her twin, "He's placed the Philosopher's Stone in a school."
Adrian swore loudly. Face thunderous. "He wouldn't, surely?" He spat, "That would attract every dark wizard out there."
"Oh he would," Neville growled out. His expression was uncharacteristically dark.
Seeing his distress, Draco crept into his lap while Teddy leaned against the bear like boy's side. Neville easily relaxed at the contact, wrapping an arm around each of the smaller boys.
"What do we do?" Lee said quietly. His eyes were shadowed at this newest revelation.
Surprising everyone, it was Draco that answered the query, "We get it before the plan has a chance to gain momentum. That way we deal with both opponents without endangering our own lives. After Christmas would be best. It gives Dumbledore time to grow complacent while allowing us time to observe and gather information. If we make sure to meet up over the Christmas holidays then we can finalize our plans so we can implement them on returning to the castle."
It was the only plan they had so everyone quickly agreed and the tension in the room finally relaxed now that they had a way to deal with the situation. It was now that George decided to bring up the plan he'd been turning over in his mind for some time now. It seemed like using it as a distraction would be sensible, "Until then, I would like to suggest us learning the animagus transformation. It would be easy to get the process and advice from Sirius and it would give us something to do as a group. Plus, the forms could be useful for pranks and our planned liberation of an infamous magical object."
George was proven right about this method as the room was instantly filled with excited chatter and cries of agreement. It appeared that there would soon be eleven unregistered animagi running around Hogwarts. Paradox and Sirius would be ecstatic at the news. Death and Severus, not so much.
Unfortunately, there would be no stopping them.