The Winged Wolf Ch 11: Perspectives and Teachers, a Harry Potter + Avengers Crossover fanfic

Chapter Eleven: Perspectives and Teachers (Hogwarts Arc: Year One)

Synopsis: Others perspectives, mischievous twins, to kill a grave, and a potential teacher.

Filius Flitwick POV

Sitting back into my chair, I let out a satisfied grown as my body stretches and pops, releasing the embedded stiffness of hours of grading papers. Looking to the side of my desk I see Elizabeth's paper, having been graded earlier, and I have to chuckle to myself at one of the few times her youth shines through.

The paper is well written and researched to be sure, but her lack of interest in the homework aspects of her lessons shines through in the rather dry delivery of her writing. Being that I've read some of the work she has done for her various educational books, finding them to be informative and enjoyable to read, I know she can write rather well.

Yet, like most youth, when there isn't much of an interest in the given task, the final result can be lackluster at times. A reason why transfiguration can be such a hard subject for many a student, being that the beginning stages of learning are not the most entertaining at times, so excitement can begin to wane as boredom blossoms.

Even so, outside her rather dry delivery of her homework assignments, Elizabeth is an absolute joy to teach, being that she soaks up knowledge like a thirsty tree drinks up water. Talking to her about her newest enchantment was a great example of her ferocious desire to learn and improve, as she was surprised to learn that said enchantment would not in fact last indefinitely.

Her new method, which I helped her patent with the Ministry so that she could be recorded as the creator and others can't use until a decade passes without her authorization, really is innovative. Where a normal enchantment may last up to a year to ten years depending on the skill and power of the enchanter, her method can last up to fifty to one hundred years based on those same parameters.

At least that is what my scanning charms told me.

Only the goblins, who forge their enchantments into their creations, can allow for those enchantments to last centuries. Though they, like most expert enchanters, use runes to lock in said enchantments to last indefinitely, and some even get stronger with the passage of time.

When Elizabeth examined the ring again herself, looking to be in deep concentration at the time, she told me that she saw what I meant and that it seemed to leak to little magic, she said it was like a single thread of silk from a spider, made of smoke, disappearing at but a moment's inattention after finally detecting it.

After which we had a truly lovely and enlightening conversation about enchanting, the use of runes, and even delving into the effects of various elemental runes. She truly showed her passion for knowledge and desire for improvement for herself and eventually being able to help others improve as well. I can certainly understand why the hat placed her in Ravenclaw, and I am incredibly proud to have her in my house.

Though that says nothing about her shown physical abilities, something any goblin could respect, and of which, left me greatly impressed as well. Her quick and efficient dispatch of the mountain troll gives just a small testament to her level of skill.

Even more so with her special revelation to be about her inherent abilities, being a metahuman as she called it. Goblins are stronger and faster than your usual witch or wizard, a reason why they are considered so dangerous with their armor and weapons, as they can close the distance between themselves and their enemy much faster than expected.

Inheriting those traits myself I can recognize how finely honed Elizabeth's skills truly are, no matter her natural advantages. When those skills are eventually paired with a wider repertoire and dueling experience and skills, she will be a truly terrifying foe to face.

It is her eyes that tell her story the most, despite all her abilities.

Eyes that show a survivor, a warrior fully blooded, and a pain in her past that speaks more of just the loss of her parents, and pain grips my heart at such a loss of innocence.

Knowledge is a precious jewel that is meant to be fostered and protected, but also a dangerous double-edged sword that can be the most devastating of weapons. With knowledge, one bears the responsibility for action or inaction, knowing that either choice comes with consequences.

So, with my knowledge of Elizabeth, of her potential, character, and the story her eyes share with an old half-goblin, I'll make sure she can become the best witch and warrior she can be. Be it teaching her dueling, charms, or even the goblin tongue as she so recently requested. So that the pain hidden in those green eyes fades into memory, armored by the knowledge of tried and tested skills that will make her a force to be reckoned with.

Even if I do need to sharpen up my rather dulled sword skills once again so I don't get shown up by a student decades my junior. I guess I'll have to call up my cousin in Gringotts to get some practice in before blade sparing begins in December, my blade will be more than honed by then.

I'll show her this old half-goblin still has a lot to teach, even with a blade. Hahaha!

Severus Snape POV

Elizabeth Potter… she looks so much like her, my Lily, her green, emerald eyes, her soft and lovely smile, and oh, her mind, just like her, my precious Lily, a prodigy in potions and magic. Truly she rivals even her mother, taking to magic like a dragon to flame, even putting down a troll of all things. Amazing just like her mother.

But it was my fault!

My fault!

I sent that madman her way, toward my Lily, and I should have known Voldemort wouldn't have kept his word and spared my precious Lily. If it wasn't for that damnable Potter then she would have been mine, she would have forgiven my slip… but I should never have called her that word, never.

Mudblood, spouted by so many of those I saw as my friends so many years ago, over and over again, but she was better than all of them. Even Slughorn saw her talent, he knew she was meant for more, for greatness, that she was better than all those who espoused their greatness over her. She was better than all of them, than Potter!

Mudblood, a word I should never have called my precious Lily. But it was his fault! Potter and his sniveling friends! If it wasn't for them, she would have been mine, all mine. My Lilly.

But he took her away, took away my Lily. My fault! All my fault! I loath myself as much as I despise Potter, but then I saw her… Elizabeth.

Maybe this is another chance? Oh, Lily, she looks so much like you, she has your eyes. That's right, that dimmable Potter did something right for once and gave me her, Elizabeth, my second chance.

She'll love me, I know she will.

Albus Dumbledore POV

Leaning back into my chair after a long session of paperwork for the ICW and Ministry I can feel my old bones groan and my joints pop. Magic or no I can feel age taking its cruel toll after 110 years, and the weight of so many positions is truly starting to weigh on me.

Letting out a deep sigh I look over to Fawkes, his soft phoenix song a balm to my weary soul, yet nevertheless, I do as many my age do, woolgathering my thoughts as they make their way to one Elizabeth Violet Potter.

I can say that she truly astounded me with her demeanor and appearance, so unlike the young girl I expected to see make her way through these ancient and magical halls. When I left her with Dursleys I knew that she would not be loved or cared for as she should, but would be taken care of regardless, the letter informing the Dursleys of her importance to the wards now protecting their home.

Elizabeth Potter would arrive in the halls of Hogwarts humble and with an open heart for her new home in the magical world, both loving and forgiving.

Yet what arrived was not the humble girl I planned for, but a confident and talented girl who fled her family over some childish squabble, I'm sure. Even more, the showing of power and skill proves that whatever magical binding I may have placed on her has been removed, a shame, as I had hoped that said binding would further humble her.

Though how she came into the home of one Sirius Black I don't know, and I very much doubt the man would be willing to explain that to me. Truly I failed him, blinded by my own belief in his Dark family lineage and the pained cries of a broken man, yet even still, I failed to see justice done and see to his trial.

Another sin in a long life of mistakes and broken hearts, and another chain upon my soul that I must carry, the burden of responsibility. I can only hope young Elizabeth is still willing to walk the path set before her, so that I may guide her to the proper path in the magical world, the Light path, and make sure she would be ready and willing to play her role in the prophecy.

As much as it pains my heart, she clearly tethered Tom to life in some way, like it was stated, either must die at the hand of the other, for neither can live while the other survives. Yet what is one life compared to all of the wizarding world, one life compared to the many, and maybe through her I might discover Tom's secret to his immortality, whatever dark and twisted magic that may be.

With the stone as bait this year, this could very well be her first test in the face of true darkness and evil, but she already shows darker signs, her callous disregard in taking the life of the troll evidence enough. Truly, I worry she will fall to the same darkness Tom once did, as my dear Grindelwald did, as I almost did.

Yes, the stone will be both bait and test for the young girl, so that she may face the remnant of Tom, to stand before the darkness and see the righteousness of the Light. Then she will see, she'll know that it is best to turn away from violence and death as all they bring is sorrow and pain.

She must meet her end against Tom so that he may finally be brought low and defeated once and for all, that the Light may prosper once again, and that those of the Dark will lose their foothold in this great magical world.

After all, it's for the greater good.

Amelia Bones POV

Looking at the invoice from the goblins for more than 1000 galleons, I had to choke back a shout of disbelief at what Elizabeth sent my way. I suppose she wanted to keep this as a surprise since she didn't let me know about this when I was over at Sirius's place, but some warning would have been nice.

I know this doesn't have any strings attached at least, because, from the times we've met, I feel like I've gotten a pretty good read on the girl. She would be offended by the mere idea of having to buy her way out of any trouble, feeling she wouldn't be caught in the first place or smart enough to get herself out of it if she needed to.

I swear, that girl comes across as more of a member of the Black family than Sirius does, something even he admitted to me. From how she has handled her various ventures from the Black family contracts, and how she got her godfather free, she is as vicious and secretive as any in the Black family.

Yet she is also more kind than most of the lot ever were at the same time.

Susan has told me how Elizabeth went out of her way to strike up a small friendship with my niece, and how she would be more than willing to help my Susan with anything she needs. Something like that means the world to me, Susan is all I have left, and I know Elizabeth will be a great friend to have.

With the galleons that have already been sent my way to help the department, I can already start funding more potions for aurors, some new equipment, and even hire some teachers to tighten up my men's potions and DADA skills. Even if they might have the grades needed to be hired, Snape is well known for his atrocious teaching, and the revolving door of teachers for the DADA teaching position is rather infamous.

By all the gods, Merlin, and Morgana, I'll be able to hire more people for the department since there will be continuous funds coming to the Auror department that won't be cut by that puppet Fudge.

I'll have to give Elizabeth one hell of a hug next time I see her. Her reaction should be pretty funny to see as well ha-ha.

Elizabeth Violet Potter's POV

Standing across from Tonks in one of the many abandoned classrooms in Hogwarts, I had to smile slightly at her excitement and apprehension showing with equal measure across her face and hair, the latter lightly shifting various shades of red and pink.

Her excitement is fairly understandable, with her desire to join the Aurors, I'm sure she wants to learn as much as she can to prepare and hopes I have some tricks from Flitwick I can teach her. In the same vein, her apprehension should come from the fear that I won't be able to help her at all, which is understandable.

"Okay Tonks, since today's our first lesson we'll go over the kind of foundation of what we want in the future and talk about what we need to work on when I see what you can do. How's that?" I asked her with a small smile.

"Sounds great cuz, so what are we going to go over? Ole Flitwick teach you some cool tips and tricks you can pass on?" she asked, wearing a wider and more excited smile herself.

"Well, one of the first things you should always remember if you don't take anything else from me, is constant vigilance," I told her, keeping my small smile and my tone light, before launching an overpowered Lumos after quickly closing my eyes. No need to deal with spotted vision after all.

"What the he-!" she started you yell out, before taking a Stupefy to the chest and hitting the floor, which lucky for her was charmed with softening charms. Just because she won't bust her head open like a regular non-magical doesn't mean it won't still hurt hitting the floor.

Hitting her with a Rennervate I watched as she groaned from the ground a bit before getting back to her feet, sending a glare my way.

"What the hell Elizabeth!" she yelled, her hair an angry red to match the scowl she wore.

"That's one of my first lessons to you Tonks, you need to always be ready to defend yourself, even more so considering you want to join the Aurors. No criminal or dark wizard is going to give you a warning before sending a spell your way, and while it may take a stronger than average wizard to send a killing curse your way, a cutting curse can do just as well to end you" I told her, my sharp tone conveying my seriousness.

Looking a bit abashed she nodded, taking my words to heart.

"Considering you blinded me I'm not sure what I could have done anyway" she grumbled a bit, "though I doubt you could see much better, so good shot by the way" she complimented, making me smile a bit wider at her.

"Thank you, Tonks. And as for what you could have done, my suggestion would have been to jump to the side and stay low." I explained, seeing her nod in return.

"Most people aim at center mass, getting out of the way as fast as you can is your best option, and staying low should let spells start flying over your head. Though even then, once you're out of the way you should conjure or transfigure a physical barrier between you and your enemy. That way you can stop any unforgivable making its way to you, though stay moving as much as possible either way, keeping that barrier between you both as long as possible" I explained.

"That makes sense," she said, nodding and thinking over what I said.

"And don't think a fight is going to come down to just power always, fighting smart is just as important, or even more important, than the power you pack behind a spell" I explained.

"Hell, right now you're more powerful than I am, but I took you down by fighting smarter, and dirty fighting is still smarter fighting" I told her with a chuckle, earning another glare from her.

"You can also be a more offensive responder and start sending wide area Depulso's, stunners, or leg lock curses if you're in an area with bystanders. If it's just you and the enemy, you can send some piercing or cutting curses at them yourself since they take the least concentration to cast" I further explained.

"That could kill them though Elizabeth!" she exclaimed, looking troubled by the thought.

"Your mother was raised a Black, Tonks, I doubt she would complain about you using anything that would let you come home to her at the end of the day, and I feel the same. If it's between them and you, I'll always pick you, Tonks, so don't hesitate to do whatever you need to so you can survive" I told her, my eyes sharp and my tone strict.

I don't want her dying just because she didn't use anything and everything at her disposal when dealing with some scum who wanted to kill her.

"I'll … I'll make sure to give that some serious thought, that fine?" she asked, still looking troubled, but not completely set against the idea either.

"That's fine for now, and you can talk to Andromeda about it as well if that helps" I said, seeing her nod again, and I'm sure her mom can help her see some sense about protecting herself.

"And no matter what happens, the Black and Potter family will be behind you, Sirius holds the seats for both on Wizengamot, and you know he'll always side with family" I told her with a smile, which she returned.

"Now then, let's go over the things we need to cover for the rest of the year before you apply for the Auror department" I said with a wide smile.

"Great!" she replied happily, her bubbly energy returning once again.

So, for the next hour we talked about our future curriculum, from tactical awareness, checking the corners of a room, and scoping out entrances and exits, even if that exit is a window in an emergency. After that, we'll go over various dueling techniques that Filius has taught me and some I've come up with on my own using my martial arts background.

Basic emergency healing spells will also be important for the curriculum later on for emergencies, such as Vulnera Sanentur to heal deep gash would, Episkey for smaller wounds, and even Ossio Dispersimus, which can vanish broken bones, or more importantly bone fragments. Since the bone breaker curse is a rather popular attack spell, being easy to visualize and not hard to cast, making sure you have a way to keep bone fragments from causing further damage while sealing any wounds is important.

Cursed wounds are much harder to heal, more so when your taking cover during a fight, so something like Brackium Emendo which can heal broken bones wouldn't be an immediate option. Even using the bandaging charm can be a lifesaving spell if whatever magic causes a wound keeps it from being healed or sealed, stopping the witch or wizard from bleeding out.

Sometimes it's the simplest of spells that can turn the tide of a battle or save a life, so making sure to have a variety of spells in different fields of magic is a must.

She'll also be waking up early in the mornings from now on to go running with me to work on her stamina and I'll teach her aspects of Kali knife fighting to deal with opponents' wands, Judo, and some footwork with boxing to maybe help with her clumsiness. I'll also cover simple spells such as an altered Lumos spells she can toss into a room as a quick flashbang without the bang for now until I can figure out how to design that. Even something as simple as shooting a spell that makes the ground frictionless where her enemies are could save her life.

Near the end of our lessons, I'll go through the Black and Potter libraries to put together a list of defensive and offensive spells that could be helpful as well.

After the hour was up both me and a tired Tonks left the classroom to make our way to the great hall for breakfast, though after spotting a certain pair of redhead twins, I told her I would meet up with her in a few minutes, running after the pair soon after.

ΩΩΩ

Following the two of them with footsteps as quiet as the dead, I grabbed both their shoulders and pulled them into a secluded little alcove, earning a rather hilarious little scream from both of them.

"Hello Fred and George, George and Fred, the notorious twins and pranksters of Hogwarts, how are you two?" I asked, a small smile playing on my lips.

Both focused on me for a moment before smiling at me and then at each other, wrapping their arms across each other's should, they leaned against one another, their Gryffindor robes prominent on their frames.

"Well look who we have here" said one.

"The Ravens Raven" said the other.

"The Little Professor"

"The Teacher's Pet"

"Said by only the jealous oh twin of mine" said the one on the left

"To true oh twin of mine, the Helping Hand said by others," said the one on the right, wearing a smile that might be a smirk.

"We're fine little raven"

"Just so, twin of mine, just so"

"And how can we help you little raven?" they both asked.

"Funny, very funny" I replied, an eyebrow arched with a tone as dry as the Sahara Desert, a smile on my lips at their antics nonetheless and despite my tone.

"Well, twin one and twin two…" I began to say.

"Hey! I'm Fred!" one said, and judging by the beat of his heart, I'd have to call him a liar and say he's George.

"And I'm George!" said Fred.

"Exactly! We're Gred and Forge" the twins said together, earning a giggle from me and wider smiles from them.

"Back to the point at hand and why I dragged you here in the first place, earning some very girlish screams I might add" I started, ignoring the twin shouts of "hey!" my comment was wet with.

"You two have something of mine, and I'd request its return," I told both of them.

"We're pranksters little raven" Fred exclaimed; offense written across his features.

"Not thieves" George finished for his brother, his visage mirroring that of his brother.

Looking between the both of them I smiled once again, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good" I told them, enjoying their shocked reactions.

Putting my feet together, with my hands and arms spread wide, I have them both a dramatic bow, a play smirk across my face, "Elizabeth Violet Potter, daughter of Prongs, goddaughter of Padfoot, at your service" I told them both.

Both of them looked at each other before they apparently decided to one-up my dramatics by falling to their knees in supplication, "We're not worthy! We're not worthy!" they both exclaimed.

"Hahaha, get up you two" I told them, enjoying their antics.

"Why thank you, heiress of the Marauders," said Fred

"Your magnanimity is appreciated" George said with a laugh, both of them wearing wide smiles of their own.

"Your supplication is both understandable and accepted" I told them in a haughty tone before dissolving into giggles once again. "Though really, I know you two have the map, and I would really like to get it from you two. Both for sentimental value and because of its usefulness" I asked both of them.

"It's a family heirloom, so it's rightfully yours" said Fred, handing me the map.

"And we've already memorized a lot of the secret passages, so no great loss" George added, though I knew how useful it could still be for them, being able to see where the teachers and other students were. Though I appreciated his attempt at downplaying the loss of the map for them.

"Thank you, both of you" I said, meeting both their eyes, hoping to express my sincerity to them both. A family heirloom or not, I appreciated how easily they passed on the map to me.

"This means a lot to me" I said while looking down at the map, "this is one of the few things I can have of my father, so again, thank you both" I reiterated, holding the map close. "And I'll introduce you to Padfoot at the end of the year, maybe Mooney as well" I told them both with a smile, seeing both their eyes widen in shock.

"Thanks!" they both exclaimed, their happiness shining like a beacon across their face, making me feel like they thought the exchange for the map to meet some of their idols, well worth the loss of the map.

"What about Wormtail?" George asked,

My smile dimmed at the thought of the rat, "well, you can guess who Padfoot is since I called him my godfather, Wormtail was the discovered real traitor to my family" I shared with them, anger burning like an ember in my heart at the memory.

Both of them winced, earning a shared "sorry" from them both.

I waved them off with a light smile, "it's fine, you didn't know, and at least Sirius managed to push getting executed, rather than Azkaban. It's a small bit of closure at least" I told them, happy the rat got thrown through the veil after his trial.

Both gave me sympathetic looks, but I again waved them off with a light smile, not wanting to put a damper on the mood, finally pulling them from the alcove, and making our way to the great hall for breakfast. Though not before touching them both on their shoulders and sending off a wandless color charm, the twin redheads becoming Malfoy blonde, much to my amusement. The weak notice me not charm should help them ignore the change for now.

ΩΩΩ

Sitting at the table after saying my hellos to Neville, Susan, and Tonks, I was enjoying my breakfast prepared by Dobby as Hermione sat across from me, enjoying her own meal. I was enjoying a light rice porridge, or okayu, made using beef broth and ginger, with toast on the side, while Hermione enjoyed some eggs and toast herself.

The table erupted in laughter soon after when people took notice of the twins, earning an exaggerated scream of horror from them both as well. Their reaction alone had me laughing with the rest of the table, and my small prank seemed to be respected by them both as well, judging from the smirks they sent my way. Though they reverted each other back to normal easily enough, both casting a quick Finite Incantatem at each other.

At the very least, the small prank was good for a short and easy laugh and shows I can get one over on the twins as small as the prank was. I doubt they're going to make a guess at wandless magic any time soon.

Feeling a change in the air I looked up to see the owls making their usual mail delivery, though unlike most times Hedwig was among their number. I usually go and visit her among the owlery or at Potter manor if she is visiting Sirius, so seeing her now was a nice change of pace.

"How are you my lovely Hedwig" I asked her mentally as she landed with a silent and graceful flutter in front of me, a letter attached to her leg. Grabbing it I put it to the side to stroke her plumage as she nestled closer, both of us enjoying the contact.

"I'm lovely dear, have anything to send?" she asked, hoping over to snag some bacon for herself.

"No thank you Hedwig, you already send the two letters yesterday, and Gringotts relied today, so nothing for now, though I'll come by later to give you some more attention and send a letter," I told her with a chuckle, giving her some more attention before she flew off again.

Picking up the letter again I took a sip of my green tea before opening it and placing a privacy charm on the letter, making the words blurry and disordered to anyone but me, and started reading:

To Account Holder Heiress Elizabeth Violet Potter

In response to your request in regards to the spell life of your created enchantment of Spatial Rings, Gringotts artificers have standardized their creation, varying only in the size of their expanded space. Each ring has a standard spell life of Ten years before the enchantment begins to degrade, at which time said customer may have the enchantment reinforced at the cost of Five Knuts.

As rune inscriptions are a specialized service, their addition comes at the cost of Five galleons in order to lock the enchantments on their rings for the foreseeable future. As these runic inscriptions work in conjunction with the enchantments of your Spatial Rings, you also take a portion of the profit earned.

Taking this into account, I am pleased to inform you that the majority of middle to high-end rings being sold have also had the runic inscription added to the cost of sale. They are also gaining more notoriety among the Lords and Ladies of pureblood families, being specialized in design and furnished with various jewels, increasing your profit margin higher than expected. With the addition of international sales, your total growth to your family wealth is enough to make any Goblin Proud.

Lastly, your troll kill has been rendered and sold, a few quarts of its blood being kept to the side for your own future use as requested. By the time all process parts are sold on the market, you should be a few hundred galleons richer once more.

If you have any other requests or investments do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience Heiress Elizabeth Violet Potter.

May your vaults prosper as your enemies wither and die before you Elizabeth.

With Respect,

Account Manager Raggok Neckbreaker of Clan Bladebreaker

After reading over the letter, I was happy at how successful my first venture in business is going and that the goblins were able to cover my lack of knowledge in enchantments. I honestly did think my method would be permanent, but I trust my magic sensitivity much and didn't look as close as I should have. To be fair, I haven't really needed to strain those senses much, as most often it felt natural to feel the magic within and around me. At least I know better now to work on trying to feel out fainter magic residues.

The fact that such a large profit margin is coming about is also something I was delighted to read because even if I grow in power and knowledge, money is needed to really get things done. Even the whispers among the student body about me killing the troll are easily ignorable, some disbelieving it, others exaggerating it, and a few, like Malfoy, becoming fearful of me.

Finishing my meal, I sent a quiet "thank you" to Dobby as I was sipping on my green tea, bringing out a rather fun fantasy book from my ring. It was about a former goddess of ice named Yuna being reborn in a world of magical ninjas, as the older twin of a brother touched by fate and prophecy. The absolute chaos that ensues was hilarious, and it was great to how she helped uplift those deserving around her.

Though before I could really start getting into it again, Neville started making his way from behind me, seemingly nervous about something as he sat in an open spot across from me. Putting my book away I gave him my full attention, curious about what brought him over, as while we're friendly, we don't usually stay in the same circles. Differing house and class schedules making that difficult, even if we did become acquainted before Hogwarts.

"Hey, um, hey Elizabeth, I was wondering if you could help me with something" he said shyly, rubbing the back of his head and wearing a sheepish smile.

Giving him a kind smile I nodded, "No problem Neville, I help Susan with transfiguration sometimes, so we can study in the library with us during some of your free time and on the weekends."

"Hope that works for you Susan" I asked, looking her way at the Hufflepuff table near me.

With a slight smile, she nonchalantly waved her hand our way, "Sure, no problem, I could use some tips with herbology anyway, and Neville's ace at that"

"See, it all worked out and I'd be happy to help you both" I told him, turning to face him again.

"Thanks Elizabeth!" he said, giving me a wide smile.

"Ha, no problem Neville, and we should be able to meet a few times during the week, but I will be busy" I told him.

"That's fine" he said, still wearing a wide smile as he got up, making his way out of the great hall.

"I wouldn't mind you dropping by too Hermione, though I doubt you need much help" I said to her, causing her to look up from her book about spell theory, seemingly ignoring the previous exchange to my amusement.

She shook her head, swallowing the last of her breakfast, "I'm fine, but thanks for asking, you help me enough during class so I can do the rest of the work on my own"

"Understandable and not a surprise" I said with a light laugh, "if anyone can easily handle the workload, it's you. But just let me know if you need any help, with anything"

"I will, thanks" she replied, sharing a small smile with me.

Polishing off the last of my tea I got up with Hermione, the two of us making our way to class, neither of us looking forward to potions class, her because Snape can hardly be called a teacher, and me, because of his far too obsessive gaze.

Though like this the week passed me by, with class, personal projects, and tutoring eating away at my time.

As the weekend light crept upon my doorstep, that ever-present hunger and bloody desire once more took bloom, and yet there would be no hunt or dogged pursuit to horror-struck doom. No, my target now is not idle prey of whom I could play, but such a foe I must deal a silent and deadly blow.

I'll make my way across the shore to dig yet another grave, and another soul to fill the ground below, and the name of Killgrave, the world will no longer know.

Feeling a macabre smile spread across my visage, the deadly glee filling me, I stepped into shadow, making my way across the sea.

ΩΩΩ

Taking a calming breath, I look down to the street atop the building I shadow traveled to, having spent the last 5 hours tracking down the man below, trying to get accustomed to Hedwig's tracking ability. And while I no desire to go out and try and right the world's wrongs one criminal at a time, there are much better methods for that, I feel like the man below is one of those few exceptions.

Making sure to keep out of the way of cameras made it much more aggravating than it normally would have been.

Kevin Thompson, aka, Killgrave, a psychopath of the highest order who can control you with a single word to do whatever he desires. Quite literally the imperious curse incarnate, though I doubt strong willpower can help fight off the effects of his power, since he seems to be the MCU version, going by the fact he looks like David Tennant.

As far as I know, Jessica Jones was only able to resist him due to building up a resistance to his powers over her eight-month enslavement to the madman.

And that's another thing about him, outside of getting whatever he wants due to his ability, ruining lives along the way as they have to live with becoming his unwilling puppets. He is also a serial rapist, taking any woman who meets his fancy one way or another, before tossing them aside.

So, while there are plenty of monstrous people in the world, such as the members of Hydra and Death Eaters, I would rather not have someone with zero moral compass around who can control people as he does. Or even worse, have an organization like Hydra able to capture him and then replicate his ability.

Pulling out my enchanted bow from my ring I took note of my senses, focusing on them more than I would usually do on the day-to-day. Feeling the air pressure and wind on my skin, measuring the wind speed between me and him by watching how the clothes of those around him move in the breeze, absorbing as much detail from the world around me as everything sharpens into a hyper-focused clarity.

"Think you can help me Yumie?" I asked my friend and familiar dwelling beneath my skin.

"However you need" she promptly answered, feeling my tension.

Pushing my magic into the enchanted Mongolian-style bow, I conjure an arrow with a broadhead arrowhead, letting my magic alter the conjuration so it disappears five seconds after release.

"Can you coat the arrowhead in your venom for me?" I asked her, wanting to make sure his body is as unsalvageable as his life will soon be.

"No problem" she replied, coming out from out of my skin beneath my dark black yukata, tailored to conform tighter to my body than a normal yukata. Yumie slithered out from one of my sleeves to wrap around the shaft of the arrow, squeezing out a liberal amount of her acid-like venom atop the arrowhead soon after.

"Thank you Yumie" I told her, sending my gratitude through our bond before focusing one more on Killgrave, my feet spread apart to the width of my shoulders and my draw ready to be knocked beneath my chin.

Breathing in and out in a steady rhythm I focus on the man, watching his every movement as much as I take notice of the various people around him. Slowly, ever so slowly my heart rate decreases, and I watch his body for even the slightest of movements that would be a precursor to him suddenly shifting in one direction or another.

In a single moment on a held breath, I pull back the string of my bow and release the arrow in one smooth movement.

First moment, the arrow pierces Killgrave center mass through his sternum, piercing his heart and sending him to the ground.

Second moment, Killgrave screams, a wet and breathless sound as one of his lungs was cut by the arrow, drowned out by the screams of the crowd around him.

Third moment, his screams choked off from the agonizing pain of the acidic venom making its way through his body, thanks to his still pumping heart.

Fourth moment, he desperately grasps the arrow and looks around, seemingly wanting to order someone to help him but can't as he starts to drown in his own blood.

Fifth moment, the arrow vanishes, and his heart starts to bleed out from the newly opened hole, shock already setting in, even as his failing organ sends the venom further throughout his body with each desperate pump.

Moving from my position I'm satisfied by the results, knowing he'll be dead within a minute due to blood loss and the venom doing its work. Though as I get ready to leave and travel the shadows once more, I feel the pressure and heat behind me, the scent reaching me an instant after, and I know a woman is now behind me where I was alone but a second ago.

Freezing I try and pretend I hadn't noticed her yet, getting ready to flee this unknown person as soon as I can. I don't really want to get in a fight with someone who managed to sneak up on me of all people, who has unknown abilities, and potential allies nearby.

"Why there's no need to pretend darling, I already took note that you know I'm here, you froze far too quickly" the woman said behind me in a rich and sultry voice.

Turning around I see a beautiful woman with soft-looking midnight-black hair, stunning and vibrant blue eyes, standing at a height of 5'10, and clad in tightly fit black pants and a turtleneck sweater that did nothing to hide her quite a sizable bust. Though I was on guard with how she managed to sneak up on me and more cautious that I couldn't seem to feel any power radiating from her even if my more primal senses were screaming danger to me, I'm not ashamed to admit I think I've met my first juvenile crush.

Yet ice filled my veins soon after when I tried to reach out to the shadows just in case I needed a quick escape, and I noticed I seemed to be blocked off from them.

"Ah yes, there will be no shadow travel for you at the moment, I can't have you wandering off before we've had a chance to talk now, could I?" she told me in an amused manner, her relaxed aloofness giving credence to her utter confidence of being in control of the situation.

"I already felt you galivanting through the Isles and into the States, bravo on the stamina by the way, so there is no need to resume to do so before conversing a bit" she continued.

My heart rate skyrocketed at the feeling of being cornered by this unknown entity who seemed far too knowledgeable about some of my abilities than I would ever want. I haven't had near enough time to build up a redundancy of abilities just yet so that I have various fallback plans, even more so when this was supposed to be a simple in-and-out assassination.

I forced myself to take in even breaths under her scrutiny, caging my raging instincts to rip and claw at this enemy who cornered me. The crunch of gravel under my feet popped like joints and grinding bones as I lowered my weight to respond to whatever actions she may take, waiting for her first move.

With a thought, I sent by bow into my ring, something that earned me a raised eyebrow from the woman, either at where it may have gone or that I seemingly disarmed myself. Though I knew it would be of little use here, my claws or wand being a better option, if I'll have options at all.

"Disarming yourself doesn't seem the best option when greeted by a stranger who's cut off your means of escape now does it?" she both asked and stated.

"I doubt a bow and arrow will do much to you, whoever or whatever you are" I told her, still cautious and ready to react at a moment's notice.

"Quite true, I would have seen it as quaint and maybe a tad nostalgic at most" she told me, a hand to her chin as if pondering my statement. "And I admit to being surprised by your lack of attack as well, judging by your demeanor and rather savage gaze you're directing my way, I would have assumed I'd have to bat you around a bit before we managed any civil discourse child" she told me, once more wearing a small look of amusement.

"Other than your sudden appearance and preventing my departure, you haven't directed any hostile actions towards me, and everything inside me is screaming you're dangerous. I'd rather not put to the test how dangerous you are unless I must, and I rule my instincts, they do not rule me" I replied, my tones succinct and monotone, neither ingratiating nor antagonistic.

"Why there is a brain in that head of yours! How marvelous! The last shadow user was a megalomaniac hopped up on his own preconceived supremacy of his power, unaware of his own insignificance. Even the one before him, some odd eight or nine centuries ago was quite mad, bloating himself in his gleeful gluttony for blood and death, and sadly had to be put down like the mad dog he was" she shared with me, her eyes taking on a faraway look of remembrance, though I wouldn't be so foolish as to take that as a sign of her being unguarded.

"Pleased to meet the standard of lacking any megalomania or psychotic bloodlust, mostly. Now, may I ask why you saw to preventing my departure so we could have this enlightening conversation?" I asked her, a ramrod steel of tension still rammed through my back in caution, even as my muscles tightened like coiled springs in anticipation of any confrontation.

"Why, for your very nature as a shadow use yourself. Such an ability does not usually come to those of a healthy disposition or background, and we are a rare breed overall to begin with" she told me with a smile.

"And do I pass your inspection, or will I have the need to defend myself?" I asked through gritted teeth, disliking the notion of facing judgment and possible condemnation from a stranger.

She smiled even wider at my question, "darling, I am not some moral arbiter judging from on high using fickle moral standards that I myself would never adhere to, quite simply making sure you were not about to indulge in needless slaughter of the uninformed masses" she informed me.

"As you can see, I have no such intention, one life was my target, and one life is all I took" nodding my head to the side to the corpse below.

"I can see that, and a well-executed assassination to if I do say so myself. Why aren't you just an interesting bundle of magic and lethal training, truly exquisite. That it! I think I shall take you on as my next apprentice" she told me in a happy tone, the sultry quality of her voice still carrying through, a delicious mixture of scotch, chocolate, and velvet.

Wait? Bad intrusive thoughts!

"Why?" I asked her, my tone as dry as the Sahara.

"Because darling, you're a new shadow user which is rare, you're interesting to me which is even rarer, and the monotony of immortality has to be broken up somehow" she informed me, her voice carrying a sage-like hint of superiority, though in seeming jest.

Letting out a long and encumbered sigh at the eccentricities of yet another immortal, I simply nodded my head, "so I've heard" I told her.

"Oh, the student of another immortal are you? Now who brought you into their greedy clutches before me?" she asked.

Looking at her askance, I still held onto my caution even if my expectation of immediate confrontation has gone down considerably. Considering her self-admitted immortality, I have no preconceived notions that I would stand a chance against whatever her real abilities are. Unlike Voldemort's self-aggrandizing claims of immortality, however true his assertions may be with the use of his soul anchors, this woman seems to at the very least have a Millennium of experience backing her.

And if she is playing some long and complex interconnected game of puppeteering and manipulation, I doubt I would be able to do much against that at this moment in time.

I think I'll have to listen to the wisdom of Bruce Lee in this case and be like water, adapting to the current situation at hand, and trying to make my best of it. I imagine she is a treasure trove of knowledge, and as she managed to block my own access to shadows, her mastery in that area of magic far surpasses my own.

At the very least, if this is some roundabout method of manipulation for whatever reason, this can still be an opportunity for me to reap as much knowledge from her as possible. If there is any positive and beneficial relationship in the future that can be built upon a foundation of trust, only time will tell.

"I would rather keep that to myself for the moment" I told her but expecting her to ignore me anyway despite my polite request. Immortals, often intelligent and powerful, but by the very nature of their long lives, they certainly have their share of eccentricities as well. At least if my grandfather is any standard to go by, or simply perusing various forms of fictional literature, or nonfictional as the case may be if historical records of various immortals can be found.

"Nonsense, this should be fun" she said with a wave of her hand, make me want to close my eyes to rub away a nonexistent headache in exasperation.

"Very well, who might my teacher me" I asked her in expectation.

"Let's see, while there are certainly quite a number of immortals, your specific skill set undoubtedly cuts down on said list, more so on those actually willing to teach as well" she said, taking her time to ponder the dilemma in front of her.

"Considering that you are not simply showcasing martial arts skills, but an understanding of secrecy and assassination skills, that cuts down the list even further, down to three possibilities in fact" she told me, seemingly very pleased with herself and entertained by this situation.

"And who might those possibilities be?" I asked.

"you're certainly not a member of the hand, as you are certainly not brainwashed into oblivion or some semblance of a walking corpse, and you are most definitely not a member of the Chaste as I'm sure that stick in the mud Stick would have beaten in his sense of dogmatic ruthless morality into you. So that just leaves one option…" she told me, a Cheshire-like smile spreading across her face, self-assured in her final choice.

"How is Izo nowadays, I haven't seen him in decades, and he was always fun to go out drinking with" she told me, letting out a small chuckle at my groan of annoyance.

"He's fine, thank you for asking" I told her, figuring I would ask my sensei about her when I had some time in the future, preferably soon after I leave her presence. If anyone can deliver me some factual information about this still unknown woman in front of me, it would probably be my grandfather.

"Now then, to the matter at hand, in order to become my apprentice, you have to pass a test, well, a test that is also a ritual" she told me.

"Didn't you already accept me as your apprentice?" I asked her, confusion lacing my voice.

"Too true, but there is a way to go about things, even my last apprentice took the same test, a young Wallachian man who had quite the bone to pick with the Ottoman Empire at the time" she let me know, once more taking some time to reminisce. "Plus, this ritual will be very helpful to you as well, it is both ancient and potent," she said.

"Okay, what do I have to do?" I asked, my curiosity admittedly being peaked.

"For each species, it's a bit different, but for a witch and mutant such as you, you must hunt a creature yourself with no outside help until after the kill, devouring the heart of your kill.

"The more dangerous the creature and the more dangerous the situation, the more beneficial the ritual will be. So, a kill using a blade would be exponentially more beneficial to you than using a long-distance spell" she explained.

"Easy enough to understand" I told her, "Though how old is this ritual? Can it be done more than once?" I ask her.

"Older than your civilization darling, when man was but hunters and gathers. As for a limit, no more than three can be done, lest you receive some rather nasty consequences in return" she told me lackadaisically.

"Again, easy enough to understand. How do I contact you after I finish the ritual the first time?" I asked, feeling the tenuous tension that grasped at my heart relax even further.

"Here" she told me, a pitch-black card appearing in her hand, and taking it from her after I felt a lack of any strong magic from it, though I did feel a weak spell overlayed onto it. Though I doubt she would need to go through the effort of indirectly cursing me.

Taking a closer look at it, the card contained what seemed to be a silver filigree along it borders, but the name at the center made my spine tense once more, a cloying at my throat like bitter bile. Selene Gallio in beautiful cursive shone prominently at the center, letting me know I'm in the presence of a 15,000-thousand-year-old sorceress.

"Oh? You seem to be aware of me then?" she asked with a sultry smile, no in any way flirting, but just a simple byproduct of her beauty.

"Ahem, yes" I told her, internally wincing at the need to clear my throat at my sudden nervousness at the knowledge of whom I'm facing.

"Though I was under the assumption you were less inclined toward kindness and leaned more towards taking the souls of heroes and enemies alike?" I asked hesitantly, currently on much more unsure footing, as I am in no way prepared to take on or even escape someone like her.

"That went out of fashion thousands of years ago darling, and while I show no quarter to my enemies, I was quick to learn that making myself out to be the villain for some hapless hero favored by fate to defeat in some way became rather tiring, no matter that the defeat never truly stuck" she shared, completely uncaring about her previous defeats, seemingly scoffing at the memory.

"I'm hardly on the side of angels, but neither do I go out of my way to harm innocents. If I need some sacrifice or patsy, there are more than enough criminals out there that have an abundant lack of heroes in their background willing to strive to avenge them. It honestly made things so much simpler in the long run" she shared with a relaxed laugh.

I nodded my head in understanding, closely listening to her heart rate, and paying attention to any change and her scent that would tell me she was lying in some form or fashion, and I figured I could tenuously trust her at the moment. It was the same way I knew I could trust Flitwick with some of my secrets as well, even if you can control your heart rate, controlling your scent should be a hell of a lot harder.

Though I won't rule anything out with someone who has 15,000 years of experience to call upon.

"That certainly makes sense. Do you think you can release your hold on the shadows now? I'll contact you after finishing the ritual" I asked her, wanting to get some breathing room away from her for now, even if the opportunity to learn from her is both terrifying and exciting.

Seeing her nod and smile, she waved her hand, and I could once again feel the shadows around me and I disappeared promptly in a whisper a black smoke into the nearest shadow, feeling as if I escaped the jaws of death. Feeling comfort in the dark once more, I make my way into an unoccupied shadow near The Leaky Cauldron, planning to floo back to Potter Manor.

I could certainly use the comfort of home right now, and the relative safety of the old Potter Manor wards. The recent assassination of Killgrave was barely worth a thought after my most recent encounter. Maybe Sirius will be home as well, I think I could use a hug.

Selene Gallio POV

What an interesting young girl! It's not every day I get to see someone so young with such a strong connection to the Shadows, and a young mutant and witch at that. Though the feel of her odd older soul was curious as well, seemingly older and young at the same time. That should be another fun mystery to be sure.

Though I am positively giddy with anticipation as to what predator will be to her liking, with truly a plethora of choices available to her with her easy use of shadow travel. Will it be a lion, a tiger, a bear? Oh my, maybe even something unique such as a griffin or hippogriff?

I can certainly say I am truly excited to see what my newest apprentice will come up with. My last one has become such a dour man, oh so serious that he never wants to spend time with his old Master. Truly up to the gills with all his plots and plans, but what can you do, with his past, he always had a stern demeanor.

Maybe it's time for a visit while I wait for news from my newest young apprentice, and it's always fun to aggravate the man, especially making fun of him after that book came out.

ΩΩΩ

Story Referenced in Chapter: Goddess of Ice; Reborn as Naruto's twin sister by Maerry

I know this took a while, a long while to be sure, but I was having some issues trying to make the various POVs sound right and some writer's block as well. I have my outline, but there is a lot to fill out between the various plot points I have written out and trying to get the right characterization.

I also wanted to introduce another Marvel character here because her knowledge will be very useful later on and she is just a cool character I think, though changed a bit to fit my story. I also added in Killgrave because one, I don't like him even if I thought David Tennant did an amazing job with the character. Secondly, the same reasons Elizabeth mentioned, since I really don't want a guy like that running around and able to have his ability copied by someone like hydra as well. I mean, my story of course, so that wouldn't happen, but trying to think from Elizabeth's perspective in this case.

Also, I know some my not like how I characterized Snape, but firstly it's my fanfiction so the way he's written is going to be biased, and secondly, I really don't like him lol. I think people make far too many excuses for him and confuse good actions for him being a good man, rather than good actions being the actions of a complex bad man. While he may have improved from his early years, he was still petty, spiteful, and childish. His two main targets in bullying were Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom, two people he was directly responsible for orphaning.

Another reason I'm adding more Marvel things during first year is that we all know who the bad guy is during first year, and the first book was more of a mystery book with magic than anything action oriented. And as I don't want my story to be boring, though I know it can be at times, I'm trying to change and add things in a slow manner that hopefully feels a bit natural. Though as you know, I'm a beginner writer, so I'll learn as I go.

I also wanted to add more to this chapter, but I think it would start to feel too busy then, and I have plans for one small plot point and two bigger plot points to happen in this month in the story alone.

Anyway, I know it's not perfect and I'll edit the chapter later, but hope you liked this very late chapter, at least a little bit. Have a great day!