...

The musty scent of the library calmed him. No matter what school it was every library had the same musty smell. Harrison and the members of the Black Hawks sat around of him. XIII looked frustrated at the book in front of him. Harrison understood the feeling as the Runes book in front of him was Second Year level at best.

XIII let out a cry of anger and threw the book across the room, "Fuck this! Why are these books so boring?! I learned more sleeping in Runes class in our first year."

Harrison barely withheld a snicker. Eon gave XIII an exasperated look as he stopped writing notes on the parchment in front of him. It was deep into the Arithmancy aspect of creating a new spell. The first step of many that they were working on.

Stryker commented as his amber eyes checking the room over, "That's true. We would have learned more going to Durmstrang but they refused to take creatures. So those who were obviously creatures had to be split between Hogwarts and the Beauxbatons Academy."

"It wouldn't have helped," muttered Harrison as he shut the book a little too forcefully, "They have very light centered teachings only a little better than Hogwarts. At least here we can take a run in the Forest. Beauxbatons wouldn't afford us such a luxury. Though I would prefer to be away from my siblings."

Zach sighed, "That's true but we can't exactly practice our usual magics. I mean XIII you specialize in Blood Magic and Summoning. You can't exactly do that here. I use Blood Magic as well in my Warding which is almost completely illegal here."

"Not to mention our statuses as creatures," Stryker commented with a wave of his hand, "I'm sure Dumbledore knows that we are creatures but not what kind."

Harrison rubbed a hand down his face and admitted, "That is true. It's why we keep our runs to the correct moon phases. Just like you all I want to run through the Forest in my animagus form."

"My skin crawls with the need to run," groaned XIII, "At home I would spend at least two nights in the forest a week. So many of our plans are disrupted by being here. I mean what are we going to do about Samhain?"

Harrison tapped his fingers on the table the only sign of his annoyance as he replied, "I have already worked out where we will be going tomorrow night. There is a door in the Common Rooms that takes us to a clearing used for rituals. Those in Gryffindor will be joining us in Slytherin. Their Common Room is too closely monitored."

XIII nodded and said, "That works for me. Now..."

"King?" Interrupted a young voice.

They all startled in surprise having not felt the wards shift. Turning in his chair Harrison found a short mousy haired boy with green eyes. He had lithe muscle under his Hufflepuff uniform. The green eyes blazed with the power under his skin. It rolled off of him in waves.

Harrison raised an eyebrow at him and asked, "Takaharu correct? What can I do for you?"

Soya Takaharu was a Third Year Lupus 11 year old student who specializes in Necromancy. From what Harrison understood he came into his abilities at an early age after the loss of his older brother. Due to the stigma against Necromancy he had been sent to Nightingale at seven. Due to there being so few Necromancers left in their world Takaharu was mostly self taught. Headmaster Durant had used what little free time he had to teach the basics of Necromancy to him. It wasn't enough however and the kid spent much of his time in the library trying to gather any information he could.

XIII gave him a look over and frowned. That made him give the kid another once over. There was a flicker over his right ear. A clear sign that he was using a glamour but without other signs he wasn't sure what kind. Maybe a Blood Glamour since it wasn't taken down by the wards within the Common Rooms.

The boy nodded empathically as he replied, "That's right. I am Soya Takaharu a third year. I... I was wondering if you would teach me Battle Magic? Please?"

Eh? That wasn't what he was expecting. Harrison looked up and caught a few of the other students looking at them through the bookcases.

For his part XIII had laid his head down on his arms and his shoulders were shaking. Eon, Stryker, and Zach were hiding smiles behind their hands or books. Harrison felt his eyebrow twitch in annoyance. They were laughing at him!

Internally he swore to get back at them later but to Takaharu he said calmly, "I'm sorry, Takaharu but I'm not a teacher. Battle Magic is a delicate art that should be taught by an experienced teacher. Have you spoken to Professor Graves?"

Or anyone else for that matter? Why did the kid want his help?

Takaharu shook his head and said stamping his foot like a petulant child, "No. You are the best in the school, King! I want you to teach me not Graves. Graves didn't even go to Nightingale!"

The Black Hawks members all exchanged look uncertain about this. Harrison pinched the bridge of his nose. Unfortunately that was the thought of many of the younger years.

Holding back his annoyance he explained with patience, "Listen Professor Graves is probably the best person to teach you Battle Magic. Ask any of these guys my way of teaching is do or die. You also need the ability to manipulate spacial magic. Our use of Battle Magic is mostly in Magical Circles. That requires an apprenticeship with a Master of Spacial Magic."

Takaharu opened his mouth to argue or ask for an apprenticeship. Nope that was not going to happen either.

Eon interrupted before the kid could get the question out, "Unfortunately King can't take any apprentices right now either. He entered an apprenticeship contract for Warding last year. With the uncertainty around Master Keller he cannot take an apprentice for Spacial Magic. If you wanted an apprentice you will have to make an appointment with the Guild Hall."

The fallen expression made Harrison's heart go out to the kid. Their lives were made more difficult with being here. Apprenticeships were disrupted and apprentices were left to their own devices. Being used to the hectic schedules of Nightingale having so much free time made everyone antsy. It made him grateful for the work he was given.

Still the glamour ate at him. There is no reason a kid of his age should be wearing a glamour. Unless...

Harrison asked in a quiet but firm voice, "Are you hurt?"

Takaharu flinched. The flinch was so heavy Harrison knew he hit the issue on the head. Someone had hurt one of his people. Someone was going to die today. His expression made the kid shake slightly with fear. Despite his fear he held his ground wanting to learn. Bravery equal to that of the House of Leo.

XIII immediately saw his murderous and stepped in, "Harrison isn't mad at you, kid. He's plotting whoever dared lay a hand on one of his wolves murder. Now tell us, little wolf who do we need to kill?"

Stryker swore under his breath but the two older Lupus members ignored him. Things had changed since Harrison took over as King of Nightingale but it had taken time. Before he took over as King in his Second Year the House of Lupus was considered the weakest of the weak in the Houses.

Lupus had been regularly bullied by the other Houses. Only a handful of the students took Battle Magic classes. Most of them focused less on combat and more on theoretical magic. It was because they were steeped in the belief that they couldn't do combative magic. That they were less than the other Houses. Being beaten down the way they were they believed it.

Professors in Nightingale did not step in to help students. Nightingale was a do or die kind of school. It was steeped in everything they did and every challenge they overcame. By the End of Term every student had to receive an apprenticeship. If they didn't the student would be expelled from the school. Several of the Masters took on multiple apprentices to ensure they stayed in the school. Out of the Four Houses Lupus students had the most difficulty getting an apprenticeship.

Harrison's appearance at the school had begun to change things. He wasn't afraid to fight back against bullies or help students that needed it. In his first year he had taken three electives instead of the usual one or two. One of which had been Battle Magic and he continued to have it as an elective throughout his years. The Black Hawks were formed after the first month. Only XIII, Stryker, and Kavar had been part of the group at first. No one was sure about Harrison and so they didn't want to take a chance on him. Black Hawks as a whole were hellbent on causing chaos and getting back at those who looked down upon them. The first being a massive food fight between all the houses after the "table" had dumped food into the King's lap. In his rage he had accused the House of Ouroboros of going after him. A smirk crossed his face each and every time he thought about that day.

At the end of his first year he had been challenged by the King. A challenge he had won by the skin of his teeth but he still won. That started the real work. Building up the House of Lupus into a real powerhouse. Confidence was the first and most important of it. How here at Hogwarts they were breaking down the confidence he so carefully built up.

Takaharu answered in a small voice, "It's the Fifth and Seventh Year Gryffindors. They hate us because we are part of Nightingale. Despite us being in groups they attack us. The Professors tell us not to provoke them and it's our fault. Except for Sprout but she only takes a few points. She doesn't even give them detention."

His hands shook with his anger and outrage. Harrison understood the feeling. It was the same feelings he had when he first arrived at Nightingale. The older students could take care of themselves. But third years especially ones who specialize in what Dumbledore would consider "Dark Magic" couldn't defend themselves.

Harrison relented, "Gather the others who are having trouble. I can't teach you Battle Magic but I can give you some of the skills to defend yourselves. Afternoon classes will be cancelled tomorrow so we will meet on the second floor of the Charms Wing. One of the abandoned classrooms will work well enough."

Almost immediately Takaharu perked up his green eyes bright with excitement, "King! Thank you!"

"Don't thank me yet," replied Harrison, "You have no idea what you're in for."

...

Tom stood just inside the doorway to an abandoned classroom. The smell of spellfire had overtaken the musty scent within ten minutes of being in the room. It had been an hour since Harrison had called together this band of misfits. Every house from Nightingale was represented even those who joined Gryffindors.

From what Tom could tell they were students from all the Houses. They were young students mostly First or Second Years by their ages. Harrison mentioned once that Nightingale took in students much younger than Hogwarts and other schools did. He wouldn't explain why exactly but it had something to do with their abilities.

To his surprise Harrison had started the children on basic spells. Mostly Expelliarmus and Flipendo. He worked them through the wand movements and aiming. The other members of Harrison's group, Black Hawks he thought they were called helped adjust stances and grips. Tom had to admit that he was impressed at Harrison's teaching ability. He would make a good Professor if he chose that route.

The group were quick studies. In an hour of study they were using the two spells better than most Gryffindors. Which Tom suspected was the point and that they would continue to improve just to spite the lions.

Harrison shouted to be heard over the spellfire, Alright everyone enough of that now. We are moving onto one more spell for today. I don't want to wear you out too much before the rituals tonight."

Tom could practically feel the excitement in the air. They were excited that Harrison wanted to teach them one more spell. Tom wanted to duel him again wanting to see if that first night was truly Harrison's potential. Somehow he didn't think it was.

"Alright the next spell we will be working on is Protego, a shield charm," announced Harrison looking over his students.

The green eyes didn't pause even for a moment on him. They just continued right over him onto the next person. Cheers erupted from the children.

Harrison ordered firmly, "Watch closely. Note my wand movements and precise clear incantation. You must have this otherwise the spell will not work as intended. Protego!"

A translucent shield formed directly in front of Harrison. A silent red colored spell came from Hunter's wand hitting the shield and bouncing off. Tom felt the heat as it hit the wall next to his ear. Powerful. It wasn't every day he saw someone not only stop but redirect a spell using Protego.

Without missing a beat Harrison continued, "Now pair up everyone. We are going to practice the Protegos with Expelliarmus."

There wasn't an ounce of hesitation as everyone sprang to do so. Tom watched as the group started once more. One would attempt to shield while the other would attempt to disarm. This was the perfect way to give them practical experience. Admittedly Tom was impressed by the foresight. They would need more experience to actually take on Fifth and Seventh Year Gryffindors but it was a start.

After another half an hour they stopped the practice. The children's magic was worn but in a good way. Not too exhausted for the night's ritual but not too excited either. One by one they made their way out of the classroom with a nod given to Tom.

Only when it was just Tom and Harrison's Battle Magic Squad still in the classroom did Tom approach. Seeing him Harrison gave Tom a smile but his attention returned his attention to XIII. They were discussing Runes to use that night specifically Blood Runes.

"People would be surprised to learn you're not a Light Wizard," commented Tom, "Blood Runes are considered Dark Magic in England."

Harrison raised an eyebrow at him and asked in a sarcastic tone, "And you have a problem with Dark Magic?"

There was a round of snorts from the others. Even Tom had a smirk on his face. No he didn't have an issue with Dark Magic. A lot of what was considered Dark Magic in England was something he thought taught. It was actions from wizards like Grindelwald that gave Dark Wizards a terrible reputation. There was no good or evil. Only power and those too weak to use it.

Tom conceded with an easy going smile, "It's true I don't have an issue with Dark Magic but you are a Potter. So admittedly you can still surprise people."

Harrison shrugged and said, "No one out there knows me. I don't particularly care what they think of me. The only ones I actually consider to be my family are Sirius and Remus."

Lord Black did not like Dark Magic despite being a Dark Wizard himself. Tom didn't mention this as he didn't want to push Harrison away. Family was important to him but he had been hurt deeply by the Potters. Alienating him from his Godfathers would only be detrimental to Tom's goals.

Grindelwald was right about somethings. Their world needed to change to accept all magic and return to their traditions. Separating themselves from muggles and bringing muggleborns into their world early was key in protecting their world. It was the way he went about it was wrong. Attacking witches and wizards decreased their numbers. Grindelwald wanted to subjugate the muggles which was unrealistic.

"Tom?" Asked Harrison drawing him out of his thoughts.

"My apologies Harrison," apologized Tom easily, "My thoughts were wandering. Are you prepared for tonight?"

Stryker yawned, "Of course we are, Riddle. Samhain is the biggest holiday for us in the year. Every House performs the ritual together. It strengthens our bonds and magic. Are you ready for it, Riddle?"

Tom gave a short bow of his head as he said, "I am ready. Do you have any plans until then Harrison?"

"I do," admitted Harrison as he scratched at his cheek, "I have to meet with the other leaders of the Houses today. It's a tradition within Nightingale the King meets with the leaders of the other Houses after a month into a new school year."

Tom sighed, "Then I will see you tonight?"

"I'll see you tonight, Tom," promised Harrison as he left.

"Don't attack Nero this time!" XIII called after him.

"No promises!" Returned Harrison.

"That man," muttered XIII with a shake of his head, "Eon I have twenty galleons on a duel happening within five minutes."

Tom was barely able to stop himself from gaping at the younger boy. What the hell?

"I'll take you up on that," replied Eon, "But I say it takes ten minutes."

Both of them looked at Stryker who shook his head and denied, "Nope I'm not getting in this one. King doesn't like it when you two bet on him. Last time you did this he used you for target practice."

XIII and Eon broke out into hysterical laughter. Tom had to leave. He didn't understand that group or how they were such good friends with Harrison.

...

Afternoon sunlight filtered through the trees as he stepped into a clearing. During his run with XIII he had found this clearing. It was at the very edge of Hogwarts wards but still close enough to the school that if they were attacked they could run back for help.

As he expected there were three people waiting for him in a half circle. Blue who had been considered leader of the House of Styx for since last year bowed to him. Her right hand was crossed over her heart forearm, bared revealing the nightingale bird tattoo there. Just as he had a wolf tattoo on the forearm of his right forearm.

To Blue's left was a male standing a full foot taller than her. He had messy blond hair and light green eyes. Unlike Blue, Tanner did not bow to him. His back stayed straight and true but he did bring his hand over his heart and turn his arm so that the Snake tattoo was shown.

Finally there was Nero to Blue's right. His brown hair was styled perfectly as usual and hate filled brown eyes met his green ones. Some things never changed. Harrison did not believe that the Gryffindors would help the seventeen year old views of him. Still the proper greeting of revealing the Lion tattoo was given.

"Well met, leaders of Nightingale," he greeted smoothly making eye contact with each of them one at a time.

"Well met," they intoned only Blue giving the proper bow.

For a moment there was silence between them. The forest wasn't silent like the humans who intruded upon it. The sounds of insects were clear and Harrison could smell the scent of a young wolf watching them on the edge of the clearing. It didn't smell like it was sick or had any intention on attacking them.

Harrison turned his attention back to them and asked, "How are the Houses? Has anything changed since we came here?"

Blue answered airily as she stepped forward, "Styx are doing well enough. We have found peace with the Ravens and spend most of our time reading their books and sharing ours. Flitwick treats us well and no different from the other Ravenclaws. There is one girl I am worried about though she is not one of us."

"Oh?" He questioned curious.

Blue wasn't someone who took an interest in just anyone. If she took an interest in them, they must be important. Or in enough trouble that it could end in tragedy.

"Her name is Luna Lovegood," explained Blue, "She is being bullied by the members of her house. So I have taken it upon myself to bring her into the fold. Perhaps you can talk to Headmaster Durant when our return is closer."

Harrison considered it for a moment before he replied, "I will need to speak to her myself before promising anything. We still haven't found the traitor that let Grindelwald into Nightingale. He had to have at least one person on the inside."

"I will vouch for her," insisted Blue her silver eyes piercing him.

Internally Harrison sighed. He was afraid of that. Still he trusted Blue's judgment and her assessment of people. So if she trusted this girl enough to bring back with them, he would give the girl the benefit of the doubt.

"I will speak with her and then with Durant," he conceded.

That seemed to be enough for Blue. She stepped back and allowed Tanner to step up.

Tanner explained shortly, "Ouroboros as you know have been well. Slytherins mostly ignore us in favor of each other."

With that he stepped back and Nero stepped forward. Harrison's fingers flexed and the air grew warmer. Would Nero make the first move? It wouldn't surprise him. The older boy had attacked him twice last year trying to take the title of King.

The glare intensified as he bit out, "House of Leo is fine. We are handling the Gryffindors the best we can."

Harrison sighed not bothering to hide it this time. Nero wasn't giving him the full story. They didn't know that Harrison had spoken to the younger years. Kids in every house were having issues with the Hogwarts students. This could not be allowed to continue.

With a critical eye over the three in front of him Harrison said, "Since that is all you three have to report I have something. A young Third Year of the House of Lupus approached me yesterday. The younger years are getting attacked by Upper Year Gryffindors. I confirmed it with each of the Houses. It's not just Lupus but everyone. The younger children are scared to go out alone and have to travel in packs of four to deter the Gryffindors. These are specifically children that haven't taken Battle Magic or any other combative classes that can be used at Hogwarts."

The others even Nero winced in sympathy for the kids. They were many things but they did not abide by bullying. It was their jobs as leaders of the four Houses to protect the students. If it was beyond them then they came to the King. It showed a lack of faith that the younger years hadn't come to them first and went straight to Harrison.

Harrison continued, "I have started them on the path of learning basic offensive and defensive magics. Today we did Flipendo, Expelliarmus, and Protego. But they need more experience and spells. With the project I was asked to take on by the French Ministry of Magic I don't have time to do this twice to three times weekly. Which is what they need."

"What do you suggest then, King?" Questioned Nero slightly ever so slightly more respect than he had ever given Harrison.

"That we split it between the four of us," he answered, "Two of us will take it one week. The other two will take it the next week. We will keep a log of what spells were taught and if anyone needs extra attention or help. Does that work for everyone?"

There was a silent conversation between Nero and Tanner. He knew what their decision would be. It was obvious that they would have to agree otherwise it would seem as if they didn't care about the younger kids.

Then the two nodded their consent. No matter the issues between the leaders, the kids came first. It was they who would be the future of the school. Harrison hoped that his actions would inspire the next King to do the same. It wasn't surprising to him when Blue nodded as well.