Hogwarts DXD
ESKK: Ok here we are a brand-new chapter. Enjoy it and be sure to leave a review at the end.
(Start Dreamscape Harry)
The Dream Harry was having was a strange one when he had opened his eyes. Normally as of late he still had images of Cedric dying when Voldemort came back at the Graveyard. Other times it was the day of his parents' death which had become frequent after the incident with Freed. Now he found himself in some Church which was a bit ironic considering what Hermione did. That's when he heard bells not just any bells wedding bells. While the Dursleys weren't fond of him Harry still recognized the sound anywhere.
"Wedding bells? Why are there wedding bells?" Harry asked while he tried to make sense of what was going on. Ever since he had become a Devil Harry had seen things that were unusual and even outside his comfort zone. He had seen things that would make lesser people turn white and come out unscathed and he could say that it isn't an easy accomplishment. But for some reason he found himself standing on the steps of a church with bells chiming in the air and a large, noisy crowd standing before him.
And why was he in a white tuxedo? Just then a familiar voice called out from the crowd getting Harry's attention. "Harry!" Sirius was heard causing Harry to look to his fugitive godfather. What was noted was that he was also wearing a tux of his own. "Prongs would be so proud of you, Pronglet be sure to make lots of mini-Potters." Sirius cried with over exaggerated tears.
"Wait what?!" Harry gasped trying to make sense of all of this.
"Harry you bastard!" Ron yelled from the crowd causing Harry to look in his direction. "How can you be marrying Hermione! You knew I fancied her!" He yelled in despair at Harry who then went wide eyed.
"Wait Hermione!?" Harry gasped trying to make sense of all that was going on. "What is this?" Harry asked as he looked around before a giggling sound was heard. That question was answered when he felt someone wrapping their arm around his. He looked and went wide eyed as he saw Hermione by his side dressed in a pure white wedding dress. The skirt was just short enough to show off her shapely legs covered in white pantyhose and matching heels. A bouquet was holding in her gloved hands, a veil was lifted over her head, and her beauty was enhanced with make-up. In all honest Hermione looked better than she did during the Yule Ball last year.
"There's no need to look so restless, Harry," Hermione said as she smiled lovingly at him. "Just bask in the moment." She added as Harry was on the fence of just rolling with it or not. Harry and Hermione walked down from the steps of the church and past the crowd, side by side. All in the while, many cheers and cried sounded out from the crowd. There were a lot of voices crying out, as he could barely make out what they were saying. Harry hated being stared at and this whole scenario was making him very uncomfortable, but he understood it was part of the wedding aspect. tried to play it cool but he was starting to sweat out, already very uncomfortable with being so close to a beautiful girl, a beautiful girl he was married to apparently.
"We've arrived," Hermione said which drew Harry out of his musing. To his surprise and embarrassment, he found that they were standing before a huge love hotel. He completely forgot that one of the main things couples did during a honeymoon was having sex with one another all night long. "Shall we go then?" Hermione asked, smiling at him.
"Uh... yeah," Harry said while he nodded slowly, his cheeks still bright red.
The couple checked themselves inside and went up to one of the rooms. It was the typical design. The colors were meant to stimulate passion. Red and pink were pretty common. The rug was soft just in case the guests wanted to make love on the floor. Harry sat nervously on the bed while Hermione was in the bathroom preparing herself, his thumbs twitching together like crazy. The bed was round and there was a set of controls set on a control panel that was built into the nightstand.
He looked at a nearby round table and saw some bottles of wine, lit scented candles and massage oils. He swallowed heavily, his skittish nature rising. As far as he could remember, he had never been with a girl, in this fashion. The last girl he was with was Padma Patil last year for the Yule Ball but that was because there was no one else available. Even so he'd be lying to himself that he didn't find his friend lovely at the time, but this was a new can of worms. Sure, he found himself attracted to Hermione, much like a lot of straight males, but he could never believe that she would take an interest in him before. But the times had changed, and he was about to start a new life with her. If this was truly a dream Harry didn't want to wake up anytime soon.
"Oh, Harry~." Came Hermione's call in a most sensual tone he could picture.
Harry quickly turned his head at the sound of Hermione's voice. She stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her shapely body. The towel didn't stay for very long as she allowed it to drop to the floor and pool around her feet. The elegant young lady was in a very smoking lingerie, white floral lace bustier with lace-up front, boning, garter straps, underwire cups, adjustable shoulder straps, matching fingerless gloves and G-string with matching sheer stockings. It was very welcoming, like uncharted territory.
"Uh... you look... wow..." Harry was barely able to say as his mind was about ready to shut down.
Hermione giggled as she sauntered over to him. She pushed him down on the bed and climbed on top, straddling his waist. "S...sorry, I'm n-not really used to this yet," Harry stuttered, his voice beginning to crack a clear sign of puberty.
"There's no need to apologize, my dear Harry," Rias smiled, her eyes half-lidded as she cupped both her hands to his face. Harry could feel his heart throbbing. He felt that it was throbbing so loud that it was practically thundering in his eardrums. "It's alright, I'll lead." Hermione said as she then leaned down and puckered her lips, wanting to seal the moment with a kiss. Harry didn't know what else to do but breathe deeply and close his eyes. His arms reacting on their own and wrapped around her waist, bringing her in closer, the lips just inches-
"Ok that's just about enough." Ddraig was heard making Harry's eyes widen in shock. Just then the entire world, Hermione and the bedroom vanished around him revealing a world of flames with Ddraig towering over him. "As much as I'd love to play voyeur to your wet dream, we have other matters to attend to." Ddraig said making it clear that it was business before pleasure.
"What is it Ddraig?" Harry asked as he looked to the Red Dragon towering over him a bit upset for him stopping the dream at the good part.
"The incident with Freed and the inevitable confrontation with Rizer Phenex." Ddraig said as he looked to Harry. "After the incident with Freed it's clear that while your strength is good you lack the skill needed to utilize that power." Ddraig said making Harry growl a bit.
"Tell me something I don't already know." Harry countered while Ddraig growled a bit.
"Albions host is a prime example of what you lack, he has forged himself in battle and sharpens his might with constant training." Ddraig said looking to Harry. "If I had to be a betting man, he outclasses you by a wide margin he may in fact be the most powerful White Dragon Emperor to date." Ddraig said as he knew Harry was a major downgrade from his previous host who managed to best TWO White Dragon Emperors in his life.
"Well, what do you suggest?!" Harry snapped and in turn Ddraig sighed to this.
"I've been listening in on your discussions with your master over the Deathly Hollows and while you might not be able to prepare in time for when the White Dragons patience runs out, gaining the title of the Master of Death by gathering the Hollows might just give you the edge you need to catch up." Ddraig said knowing Harry was facing an uphill battle against powerful foes.
"But Ddraig the Wand has been passed around enough times that for all I know it could already belong to someone and the only way to earn its allegiance." Harry began until Ddraig cut in.
"Is to kill its current wielder." Ddraig said making it clear that he was no stranger to killing. The Dragons way is Domination after all so that means like a dragon Harry was expected to dominate. "But there is a slim chance that there are exceptions to the rule." Ddraig said as he had a theory one, he did not wish to tell and get Harry's hopes up. "You're a gentle soul Harry but your enemies will not give you such mercies in battle its kill or be killed." Ddraig said making it clear to Harry that battles could not be won without sacrifice. But before Harry could retort the waking world called to him and thus Harry was drawn out of his dream.
(The Waking World)
Harry woke up with a start as his eyes snapped open for a bit. Lifting up his left-hand Harry looked at the palm for a moment before flipping the hand over. In doing so while imagining it, the Boosted Gear appeared covering his arm before Harry clenched his fist. So many thoughts plagued his mind from both the Wizarding World and the Supernatural. It sometimes felt like he was being tossed around with no clear sign of a destination. Harry felt bad for Ron considering the incident that had affected his family recently.
An incident had occurred recently, and no one saw it coming. Arthur Weasley was attacked and found in the Department of Mysteries. From the looks of it he was bitten by a snake and while the snake was not found Arthur was taken to St. Mungos. He will recover thankfully but this is something only time could fix. Harry sighed because while he was glad Arthur was ok, he wished it had not happened to him when it did. They only barely got to him before the Venom could finish its job, so it was nothing short of a miracle he survived when he did.
Rising up Harry got ready to head for Breakfast unaware of an event going on with their new Head of House. Harry looked over to Ron's bed and saw it was empty before he sighed a bit.
(Kuroka's office)
"I think the two of you know why I've called you here." Kuroka said as she sat behind the desk. It was early morning and November had come in with rain – cold rain – and the outside weather reflected the storm in the teacher's eye and voice.
Hermione and Ron sat in front of Kuroka's desk after they had been called in. The professor looked seriously displeased as she observed her fifth-year prefects. Hermione kept her face blank; she knew that she'd written the first two prefect reports and turned them in. But she'd told Ronald he had to do the next two.
It was obvious that he hadn't, and Hermione knew that like McGonagall her Bishop won't take this lying down. But she will also be fair to both Hermione and Ron unlike their former Head of House who tried to portray fairness by punishing them both. But if Hermione was being honest the prefect position had no real perks and a lot of responsibilities, she wasn't sure she wanted to shoulder anymore. But the Devil part of her also noted the value of having the position when it comes to dealing with her own tasks to Devil Society.
Unaware of her true nature Ron saw how Hermione remained silent. Ronald's ears slowly turned red as he realized Hermione wasn't going to cover for him. She'd been useless this year. If she helped anyone, it was one of the midgets. She doesn't help him with his homework anymore, and now she wasn't writing the reports he was supposed to write for him. He had better things to do with his time. She liked doing that garbage anyway, so no harm done.
Why was she being such a bint? She'd become a non-entity in the classes they shared as of late. The girl almost never stuck her arm in the air, waving her hand like the swottty lunatic she was, so the professors called on everybody else. He'd lost points twice because he'd been called on unprepared. She sat with Harry more than she sat with him. He'd seen her goofing with Daphne Greengrass and Loony Luna during meals before Harry joined them. He wouldn't care except he was getting worse grades now because she wasn't reminding him to do his work.
"The schedule I received from Mosby," the professor continued, grim-faced, "indicated that prefect reports were to be written by the seventh years for the first five weeks, you two for the next four weeks, then the sixth years to finish up term. The set schedule would ensure that, in spring term, you'd have maximum time to study for OWLS. And yet, I only see two of October's reports. Were these directions unclear?"
The two students maintained the stony silence, and Hermione's gaze didn't waver. But now it was time to act, and Hermione had years of practice when pretending to be a pure human.
"I believe, Professor, that you have eyes and ears just about everywhere and while you are still new, I do believe you know what goes on in the tower." Hermione said as she played her role perfectly. "I believe that you are aware that Ronald only goes on rounds after I nag him about it; that I help the younger years more in a day than he has all term. More than the other prefects combined, actually." Hermione said as she sounded upset at the moment, but she was not. "I know that you are cognizant of the facts that I'm taking more classes – in number and difficulty – than Ronald, and that he has several late and missing assignments in almost every class. And I know that you recognize my handwriting and that I completed the first two reports." Hermione said listing off all her attributes. "I am very confused as to why I am being reprimanded for Ronald's lack of work ethic." Hermione said as she looked to her Bishop.
Kuroka saw it was now her turn to act seeing as they were deep in enemy lines as a soldier would say. "Miss Granger, the prefects must act as a team." Kuroka said as she looked to Hermione. "I must endeavor to treat you all as one and I must have all appearances of fairness." She went on but had more to add. "That includes getting both sides of the story before I make assumptions." Kuroka said as she then pulled out the paper her Quill was writing on. "Now you stated that you had to and sorry if this is offensive, Nag Mr. Weasley to do his rounds?" Kuroka asked as Hermione nodded to this.
"Yes ma'am." Hermione nodded calming down some making Ron go wide eyed to this. "I also wrote the first two reports and left Ron to do the last two." Hermione said and thus Kuroka nodded to this.
"Are there others who can confirm this for you in terms of duties?" Kuroka asked and thus Hermione nodded to this.
"Yes, you can ask just about anyone about this." Hermione said and in turn Kuroka nodded to this.
"No Mr. Weasley explain to me why you could not even do the bare minimum of what was asked when Ms. Granger was clearly doing most if not all of the work and then some." Kuroka asked glaring at Ron with a stern look. "In fact, while we're on the subject why you are missing assignments in my class, charms, potions, defense, herbology, and history? Why, when a prefect is to embody the epitome of a Hogwarts scholar, you are practically failing a full half of your classes? Also, why are you noted for constantly stirring up trouble with Gemini Riddle?" Kuroka asked as every student knew Gemini was pleasant enough just don't give him reason to be unpleasant.
Ron wasn't completely stupid he sat straight and prevaricated best as he could to explain himself. "My dad was attacked and is recovering in St. Mungos." Ron began trying for the sob story. "My family was hit hard by this, and it's just been hard." Ron said and thus Kuroka raised a brow to this. She wasn't buying it for a minute and clearly Ron expected her to be a sympathetic idiot. Yes, his family had her condolences, but the fact Ron was using it as an excuse was not going to fly. And besides his actions – or lack thereof - spoke for themselves then any sob story he could cook up.
"If you cannot handle the stress, then you are not in a position to be a leader among the students. I'll have that badge, thank you." Kuroka said as she had her hand open for the badge.
Ron unpinned the badge with a shaking hand. He didn't like doing prefect crap, but he liked saying he was one, and his mum… Oh bloody hell. When his mum found out… she was going to lose it. "Sorry, professor," Ron mumbled after he handed over his badge before bolting from the office.
Once they were gone the silencing charm was set leaving Kuroka and Hermione alone. "You know he's going to get upset later, right?" Kuroka asked as she looked to Hermione.
"I know and I'll be ready this time." Hermione said as with Harry backing her up Ron will be the one running away in tears. Or Bruises depending on if he is dumb enough to go after Gemini again.
(Later in the Common Room)
In the Common Room in Gryffindor tower, Harry was waiting for Hermione as no doubt she was taking care of business with Kuroka no doubt, as she just making all the arrangement before she leaves, as Harry saw Gemini was in the same room as him as well, reading a book but Harry felt there was more to it than that but he ignore him and keep to his business as he waited for Hermione
While harry was waiting, he was doing some light reading on The Tale of the Three Brothers, to help him get a better understanding of how the Deathly hollows came to be, it was unknown if the story was accurate or not, but it did paint a picture to Harry of how a manifestation of death is like.
He felt cheated because the brother came up a way to cross a river without drowning, and try to trick them by given them rewards for it as Hermione told him the eldest brother ask for a powerful wand to be unbeatable, so death took a branch off an Elder Tree and craft it into a wand, the 2nd brother thought of humiliating death itself by asking for a stone to call upon a lost love one, so death grab a stone from the river shape it and imbue it with his powers, and as for the last brother as the book portray the youngest brother as a humble man, but Harry think the youngest saw through Death's cleaver plan, he ask for a cloak of invisibility to hide from anyone, and not be followed, including death itself.
After that the 3 brothers split apart and travel their own path as the Eldest brother went on challenging a Wizard he had much quarrel with and drunk on power itself and brag about be invincible, as this made many people hated him with one person cleaver enough to sneak into the eldest brother room to take his life by slitting his throat and stealing the wand for themselves, with death claiming the soul of the first brother.
The 2nd brother used the Resurrection Stone call forth his dead lover who he was about to married, but it seem death was cleaver enough as the stone itself didn't truly revive the death but call forth their spirit with the woman was sad and cold with the veil of life and death were the only thing keeping them apart, with this its drove the brother mad for longing to be with his lover, so he hung himself with death soon claim the 2nd brother's soul.
For the last brother, death search everywhere for him for years but was never able to find him until one day as the third brother grew old, he took off the cloak then pass down the cloak to his son, as with that he greeted death as an old friend and went with him willingly, passing into the next life.
While the story was dark in parts with the two older brothers to say, but with the last brother it seem he pass away peacefully without worry, knowing that the cloak would protect his own son until he pass it down to his own son, a sense of hope that the new generation will live on.
Harry close the book after that with Hermione soon left the head of Gryffindor office as she walk over to Harry, as he saw her and stood up while Hermione said, "Well that went better than I thought."
"So, what happen in there? I saw Ron coming out in a hurry," Harry said with Hermione sighed to this as she said to him, "Kuroka took away Ron's Perfect badge for good this time, sense he failing to keep up with his schoolwork and not writing his reports."
"Was that all?" Harry asked with Hermione shake her head and went on saying, "Of course not, Ron try to save himself by telling the story of what happen to his family and his father, even thought he was failing his classes way before that."
"I can't Ron would do that," Harry said while Hermione nodded to this and said, "I couldn't believe it either, but he did it, while Professor McGonagall may fall for it, Kuroka is stronger willed and didn't give in."
"There you are you traitor!" Ron voice shouted across the room as it seem he came back and clearly angry at Hermione, while drawing everyone's attention even with Gemini as he lower his book to watch the scene play out wonder what is going to happen with the redhead moron, with Hermione was confused on what Ron said to her as she ask, "What are you talking about Ron?"
"I got my Perfect status taken away, all because you didn't help me in there!" Ron said while still yelling, almost shouting as Hermione keep her cool and said, "That was you're doing Ron. I've help you out the best I could, I did most of everything you were supposed to do, while you couldn't even do the required minimal work."
"I was busy with other things that was more important! You should have written up my parts of the reports" Ron said with Hermione said to him in a different manner as she said, "Oh and what's more important than helping others and doing your schoolwork? All you do is stuffing your mouth with food and candy, play wizard chess, collect those wizard cards, and take naps in class. It was not 'I' that gotten your perfect Badge taken away Ron but your shear laziness."
"Oh yeah, coming from the Muggle born girl that got lucked into magic, it's amazing you have any friends," Ron said with Harry was shocked by this as it seem it was a repeat of the first year again, but this time Hermione didn't get upset and cry about it, no she just socked him in the face.
Ron head reeled back from that Punch with Gemini could not help but laugh, not that he got his entertainment done, he went back reading his book.
"What the Bloody Hell, that for," Ron said as he recover from that punch before looking Harry hoping he would help him out as he said to him, "Harry, you see what she did?"
"I did Ron," Harry said as he didn't say anything after that as Ron said to him, "So, aren't you going to say something? She bloody hit me mate!"
"And you deserve it Ron, I thought you gotten pass this after what happen in the first year, but it seem I was wrong," Harry said to him as Ron was shocked by this as he said, "B-but Harry…"
"Stop trying to look for others to help you Ron," Hermione said as she cuts back in, with Ron looks back at Hermione as with the look on her face tells enough as she said to him, "I give and I give to help you and Harry anyway I can, while Harry seem to do well to stand on his own but it seem you can't Ronald."
Everyone is shocked by this as Hermione used Ron's full first name as he was about to say something, but Hermione stop him before she could as she got up in his face and said, "You have been nothing but a good for nothing, Lazy as a rat, friend! You push your homework onto me ever since we became friends in our first year while you seem to try and make it up to me but never do, you force me out of our friendship over a broom in our 3rd year when I was trying to make sure it wasn't jinxed, while you also left Harry alone when he was in trouble when you believe he put his name in the Goblet of fire when he wasn't into the fame and fortune!"
Hermione unloaded everything out in the open with almost everyone in Gryffindor heard it, including his own family as Ginny, Fred, and George heard all this as they were shock to hear what Ron has done as Hermione went on saying as she wasn't done just yet as she said, "And when Harry won the Tri-wizard tournament, you got angry at Harry for giving the prize money to Fred and George when you thought you should have gotten some of it, but for what reason? He gave that money too them because he was investing for them to open a shop because he believes in them to do good with it."
"That's true," George said as Fred spoken up after saying, "Threaten to jinx us if we didn't take it."
"But we promise to pay it back," George said as Fred spoken up next saying, "Once we got the shop open and make the money back."
Ron was shock about this as Hermione poke at Ron hard as she said to him, "You also accuse me of cheating on you when I went to the yule ball with Krum when we weren't even dating, and Krum just ask me to the dance because he was a bit shy of asking any other girls, not even caring of my blood status and don't think of it that he did it because he wanted something because I was Harry's friend, he never once ask a thing about him."
Hermione keep Poking Ron as she was really serious about this as she soon finish up saying to Ron as she said, "So get this through your head. I am not your mother, I'm not your sister, I'm not your girlfriend, and I'm not even your friend… not anymore, so you can take that attitude you have and shove it up your arse!"
With that Hermione turn around and walk off while hooking her arm around Harry's own as she said, "Come on Harry, I can't be in the same room with that Pillock."
With that Ron got upset as he tries to go after them as he call out to them, "Hey you get back here! You say that to my face!"
Neville quickly got up to Ron and try to hold him back as he said to, "Ron Stop, you're going to get in trouble again."
"Get off of me Longbottom!" Ron said as he shove Neville off of him and straight into the one guy that you don't want to piss off, as Neville landed on Gemini's lap while shoving the book out of his hand on accident as Gemini didn't look amused as he look down at Neville, the scared guy got off of him quickly and said, "Sorry."
Gemini didn't really care for what he said, but he was annoyed that his reading was interrupted, not that he was studying for class as he was pretty smart already for being self-taught, but he was enjoying a book to pass the time but the whole Ron fix was interrupting him, and this was the last straw as he got up while grabbing his book he was reading and turn to Ron as he was still yelling out towards Hermione and Harry.
With that Gemini put a hand on Ron's shoulder, as he stop yelling for just a moment to turn around and about to yell at the person who touch him, only to stop himself to see who it was, being Gemini, who soon slug Ron across his face, with a small sickening Crack sound of a broken nose as Ron fell down crying out in pain with Blood dripping from his nose.
While Ron was on the ground Gemini cracked his knuckles while he glared down on Ron. "T-thanks." Neville said as he thought he was about to be punched.
"Don't look too deep into it, he was annoying, and I was reading." Gemini said defending that he only did what he did out of self-service not to help others. "You three." Gemini said glaring over to the Weasley's. "Get him out of here, I might have broken his nose." Gemini added and thus he headed upstairs to await the summons that would come his way.
Acting fast Ginny, Fred, and George went to grab Ron and carry him to Madam Pomfrey to get his nose reset. Needless to say, Gemini had set himself up as one of the biggest guys in Hogwarts you don't want to make upset. If Gemini got a Howler, he'll just toss it and if he got expelled... well not like he wanted to attend anyway.
(Meanwhile Harry and Hermione)
Harry was quiet as they stepped out of the Common Room after such a heated row. As the pair walked Harry suddenly stopped as he let go of Hermione and looked down. "Harry?" Hermione asked with concern for Harry.
"Hermione... I'm sorry." Harry said apologizing for something Hermione was unaware of.
"What do you have to be sorry for?" Hermione asked as she looked to Harry with concern.
"For making you put up with him for so long." Harry clarified for her meaning Ron. "If I wasn't so desperate to keep my friends you wouldn't have been hurt by him so much." Harry said and thus Hermione sighed in resignation.
"Harry back in our first year you were just an abused little boy who was desperate for a friend that you'd take any friend even one like him." Hermione admitted as she looked to Harry. "Beside he did provide one thing for us, he brought us together." Hermione added which brought a small smile to his face.
"Yeah, I guess he did." Harry said thankful for such small miracles. "But..." Harry trailed off but then Hermione cut him off.
"Harry a large part of growing up is learning to recognize a good friend from a bad one." Hermione said as she stood with Harry to comfort him. "You can now tell a bad friend from a good one so progress." Hermione said as this got Harry to chuckle a bit.
"Yes, I suppose that you're right." Harry said admitting to this seeing as more often than not Hermione was right.
"Come on let's got to the library." Hermione said offering her hand to Harry who then took it.
"Alright." Harry said and thus the pair headed off to the library to study and generally hang out.
(Later that Evening Dumbledore's office)
Kuroka was sitting in the headmaster's office as she spoke to Dumbledore directly. It was clear that he was made aware of the incident, involving Ronald and his loss of his Prefect Position. Which was then followed by an argument and later Gemini breaking his nose. From what Kuroka gathered Gemini had a mean hook.
"Thank you for showing up Ms. Toujou." Dumbledore said greeting the woman upon her arrival.
"Well of course a summons from my boss is not something to ignore." Kuroka said being pleasant enough in this meeting.
"Lemon Drop?" Dumbledore asked offering to the woman a sweet.
"No thank you, though I suspect that you have a reason for this meeting." Kuroka said as she got down to it.
"Yes, it pertains to some decisions you made involving the incidents with both Young Mr. Lestrange and Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore said as Kuroka raised a brow.
"I see... while I feel justified that Mr. Lestrange warranted his detention and loss of points." Kuroka began but Dumbledore cut in.
"Which I am not arguing with but your choice in detention seems odd." Dumbledore said as Kuroka sighed to this.
"While I do believe punishment was in order, I doubt Snape can reign him in properly, hence why I felt Professor Hagrid would be best suited for this." Kuroka said as it also gave Gemini something to blow off steam again. "Plus, the boy always welcomes a challenge and Hagrid and his choice in creatures would provide that challenge." Kuroka said and thus Dumbledore saw what she did.
"I see... but then we move to Mr. Weasley and the concerns I have for his education." Dumbledore said and thus Kuroka sighed and pulled out the copies of Ronald's work. It was no secret that Kuroka was someone every Male Student was attracted to and a few of the females as well. In fact, her classes seemed to have the most imbalance in her grades as Dumbledore suspected that boys will be boys.
"I removed him from the Prefect Position and barred his Quidditch Privileges in the attempt to improve his grades." Kuroka said making it clear this was for Ron's own good. "That is what you wish to speak to me about, correct?" Kuroka asked as she looked to Dumbledore.
"Yes, I feel that Ronald should be with his friends." Dumbledore said but Kuroka sighed to this.
"After the incident earlier today, I fear Ronald may not have many friends left." Kuroka said surprising Dumbledore with this. "While you were focused on the broken nose, he received I was investigating the disturbance that led up to it and several of his housemates confirmed the same story, he accosted Ms. Granger over his loss of his Prefect Badge and a row resulted with Mr. Weasley saying a few things not fit to be said in the castle." Kuroka said listing off the main points. "Ms. Granger punched him before she and Harry cut ties with him and stormed off and when Mr. Longbottom checked on him, he was pushed back by Ronald and landed where Mr. Lestrange was reading a book and the rest as they say is history." Kuroka explained which Dumbledore saw what this meant.
"I see." Dumbledore said as he looked a bit saddened by this. "But perhaps you are being too harsh upon the boy." Dumbledore said but Kuroka wasn't buying it.
"No, I was actually quite lenient with him I'm giving him the chance to improve only time will tell if he takes it." Kuroka said as Dumbledore saw the woman was thinking like an educator. "Anyway, I'll be sending progress reports home to his family to keep them appraised of the situation and furthermore I also keep my office hours open for tutoring to any of my students who need it... though I fear some of them don't come for the tutoring." She said adding the last bit as a small joke thought there was truth in it.
"Very well." Dumbledore said seeing no way to convince Kuroka knowing that the Bael man had made his recommendation for her very clear. "I thank you for your time, I shan't keep you from your duties any longer." Dumbledore said and with a nod Kuroka took her leave of the man. As she left Dumbledore could only sigh, the woman was not amongst those loyal to the Order and thus had become something of a wild card. Who was Bael and why did he recommend this woman for the Transfiguration position? So many questions and so many worried if they were on cahoots with Tom.
Meanwhile Kuroka was passing by McGonagall who smiled in approval to Kuroka. She stopped for a moment and went on to speak to Kuroka. "For the record, I'm thankful for the lighter workload and more so removing Mr. Weasley from Prefect." Minerva said as Kuroka heard her out. "He wasn't my first choice for Prefect." She added and thus the implication was clear.
"I see, I'll take your first choice to consideration when selecting his replacement." Kuroka said and thus she took her leave of the woman. After all she had things to prepare for the Hogsmeade Weekend.
(Scene Break the Next Day)
The entire Peerage were out and about in Hogsmeade dressed in warm clothes for the weather. Fleur had time to herself and thus was spending it here while Daphne came here to bring some gifts back to her sister who was currently in the Hospital Wing. Luna was just Luna not at all bothered by things. Of course, there was something strange in the air today a subtle heat that made Harry go on edge if ever slightly.
"A breather day, perfect for us to carry out our tasks, Nya." Kuroka said as she was wearing looser clothing today. No doubt using the chance to get out of the stuffy teaching clothing.
"Kuroka." Hermione began as she worried her Bishop might expose them.
"Don't worry, I've put spells up so no one recognizes me." The Youkai Turned Devil said with a smirk showing she thought ahead.
"Speaking of." Harry trailed off as he cut in on the topic. "Any news on the boy?" Harry asked worried for the little guy.
"He's improving." Hermione said keeping Harry up to date on that regard. "He's eating again so that's a plus." Hermione said as they yet to learn his name.
"I see and that Freed fellow?" Harry asked and thus Fleur stepped in.
"Hermione father has sent out his face and crimes to magical and mundane authorities if he pops up again, we'll know." Fleur said but had more to add. "He also has the best of the Supernatural on the case as well, Freed won't get away with what he did." Fleur said as she hoped Freed will be caught soon.
But before they could go any further, they passed by the Hogshead and were met with a familiar sight. "Mistress Hermione." Grayfia greeted causing the Peerage to look in shock towards the Maid from Sirzechs own Peerage.
"Grayfia?" Hermione asked as she saw the woman there.
"Pardon my intrusion but you and your Peerage have been requests for a meeting posthaste." Grayfia said as her tone showed that the one calling them was not one, she enjoyed being around.
"Wait you don't mean..." Hermione began and thus Grayfia nodded solemnly.
"Yes, it's Rizer." Grayfia said and thus she stepped to the side. "I have already prepared this bar for the meeting none of you shall be disturbed." She added and thus Harry realized what this meant for them.
"This is happening sooner than we anticipated." Daphne said which was exactly what Harry was thinking. They followed Grayfia inside unaware of Gemini leaning outside the bar on the side listening to the entire conversation.
(Later inside the Hogs Head)
Hermione sat on the sofa as they awaited the arrival of Riser with her Peerage behind her. The entire bar was emptied out for this meeting as Hermione kept her cool as best, she could. But inside Hermione was panicked because despite the fact that Rizer knew that the Cambion knew where Rias was hiding, he very rarely if ever speaks to her. After all Hermione was still half-human at the end of the day.
With the Peerage all being aware of the situation between the Gremory and the Phenex clans there was little need to clue them in on what was going on. But before anything could be said, a magic circle appeared in an unoccupied space of the room. The magic circle was not yellow like the Bael magic circles Harry had seen so frequently. Instead, it was orange, and seemed to give off the cry of a bird of prey. There was even a bird-like figure in the center of the circle. Everyone turned as soon the circle appeared and Rias seemed to give out an evil hiss at the sight of it.
"Phenex..." Daphne whispered under his breath but kept her composure despite what was happening.
Rather than giving out a glow, flames shot out from the circle instead. Out from the tower of flames, a man appeared within.
"Ah... it's been a long time since I've last visited the human world," the man spoke, walking out from the flames as if they were air. Just looking at the way he carried himself, he seemed like a typical playboy. He was tall, handsome, and looked to be in his early 20's and had short blond hair with deep blue eyes. Clearly, he had a lot of money since he was wearing something very expensive. He was wearing a red burgundy blazer with gold embroidery on the right, matching pants, and black dress shoes. Underneath the open blazer was a white dress shirt that partially exposed his chest. Looking around the room as the flame behind him vanished, he smirked as he spotted Hermione amongst the group.
"I'm guessing this is Riser," Harry said without saying it as a question, and to his own tone, it's only been 5 second of seeing him yet Harry didn't like him already, either from what Hermione had told him already or his inner dragon instinct was telling him this guy was trouble or a mix of both, with Grayfia said as she introduce him to Hermione's peerage, "He is, Lord Riser Phenex, he's a pure blood devil at birth, 3rd heir to the house of Phenex, and fiancé to the next heir house of Gremory."
And with that the talks begins as the group were all together at a table, with all of Hermione Peerage on her side of the table with Harry sitting next to her, as they sat across from Riser, while Grayfia the only one standing on the side by herself acting as a neutral party between the two sides, with Riser raise a beer Mug as he was drinking the content liquid that had a foam cream on top in it before putting it down showing he had a cream mustache as he said while speaking in a 3rd person, "Riser never had such a drink before as its very smooth and sweet with no taste of alcohol in it. Tell me what this is called?"
"It's called Butterbeer, a popular beverage here, sense Lady Bael and her peerage are underage and would be rude to drink alcohol early in the day, I figure it was appropriate to serve it here," Grayfia said as she had prepare this meeting well with drink and some snacks that lay down on the table, but no one other than Riser was enjoying it, as he took a couple of pieces of different wizard candies and ate them and seem to enjoy it as he said, "These treats are good, Riser believe this would make a nice gift for Riser's sister. Have some pack up with a couple of barrels of this Butterbeer to take with."
"I'll have them send to your house before the end of the day," Grayfia said as she give a slight bow to him before standing straight up as Riser took another drink of his Butterbeer before placing it down as he said, "As much Riser enjoy this delightful time, he believe it's time to settle of matter of telling him where his lovely fiancée is hiding."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you Riser, but my answer is the same as before, if Grayfia or the servants at the Phenex household hasn't made it clear enough for you before, then let me make it clear now," Hermione said as she stand her ground with a strong tone noble tone showing her strength in her person as she went on saying to Riser, "I do not know where Rias is at, I've haven't heard a thing from her in a long while, so don't bother asking me if she did say something before she left."
"Surely you must know something, you knew her so well when you were younger," Riser said as he wasn't backing down from this, but Hermione wasn't going to give in as she said to the arrogant pig of a devil, "I do not, and if I did Rias' private life is her own, it's not mine to tell."
"Do you think Riser is an idiot? He knows you know where Rias is at, so the sooner you tell Riser, the sooner he can see his beloved fiancée," Riser said as Hermione was clearly getting annoyed by Riser antics and trying to force the answer out of her, with Harry is barely keeping himself from speaking in this, as he knew Hermione would want to fight her own battles as she said, "I think that boar's head on that wall would suit you better, as you're only thinking with your manhood and not your head."
"That would explain why he speaks in a 3rd person," Daphne said in a joking manner to say that Riser is not speaking from his mouth but his dick instead as if it had a mind of its own, with Fleur lightly giggle to that as did Kuroka, with Riser not amused by this as Hermione went on saying, "And I will say this again, I do not know where she's at, and if I did, I will not reveal where she is hiding or could be hiding."
"Remember lady Beal, it's imperative that devil to remain pure blood, we're still recovering our numbers from the last war, Both Rias's father and sir Sirzechs decided on this arrangement for the future of devils in mind," Riser said as Hermione counter with, "So what, I'm not full-blooded devil, and yet I'm good well on my own. Also, Rias's father and brother made that choice too quickly; they didn't even take in the consideration of how she feels about it and if it was a good match between you two, and sense Rias ran off to get away from you, it seems it wasn't."
Riser slam his hand on the table now getting upset as flames started to leak out from his body as he said, "If you don't tell Riser where Rias is at, not only he will burn this place down, but he'll burn every single peerage member you have!"
With that Hermione sighed as she grab her Butterbeer and drank a bit of it before splashing it onto Riser putting out the flame and make him reel back from that, surprising everyone including Grayfia a bit as Hermione said in an upset tone, "If you so much touch a hair on any of my peerage, not only you will evoke the house of Beal's wrath, but the house of Gremory as well, and did you forget the strongest queen of the underworld is right here with us, as if you so much do anything she will stop you."
Hermione put down her empty mug as she calm down a bit and said, "And excuse me of doing that, but this is a nice place that other would come and enjoy their time at, and I didn't want it to burn down because you couldn't keep your temper in check. Am I justified Lady Grayfia?"
"Yes, your justified reason is sound, and she is correct Lord Riser, if you so much act out of line, then I will be force to stop you," Grayfia said as she let out a bit her aura with the place suddenly drop in temperature as Harry could guess, Grayfia as the power over ice.
Riser force himself to comply as he knew if he stubble anything, then he could kiss his arrange marriage goodbye, as he said, "Fine, Riser understand. He shall leave the matter alone then."
Hermione and the others smile to this as they believe they have won this battle, but it was short lived as Riser soon said, "But Riser still has to be compensation for his troubles."
"Compensated?" Harry asked his voice rich with concern now.
"Simple if Riser cannot have the bride he's supposed to married, then Riser has the choice to choose his new bride, isn't that right Lady Grayfia?" Rizer asked as Grayfia was hoping it would not come to that decision.
"I'm afraid so, as stipulated by the agreement." Grayfia said and while she gave an outward cold tone her aura while stubble showed she did not like this. It was clear Rizer was not very well liked amongst people. "But there aren't any other Pureblood Devils who fit the same criteria as Rias." Grayfia said as she hoped to dissuade Rizer from this path not wishing any other young woman to be put into this position.
"I don't like where this is going." Harry said as he got closer to Hermione almost defensively.
"Seeing the arrangement was meant to unite the Phenex Clans Immortal Flame with the Baels Power of Ruin I see no reason that Dear Hermione can't fill in the role." Rizer said and thus everyone was wide eyed to this. "I'm sure with time we can breed out her weak human blood." He finished and thus that tore it for Harry.
"What?!" Harry snapped as he glared at Rizer but was held back by Fleur and Daphne.
"Absolutely not!" Hermione snapped as she stood up tall against this. "Don't take me for a fool you're using this as a means to draw Rias out of hiding!" Hermione yelled as she knew how it would work. If not Hermione, then someone who cared for her would try to get word to Rias and thus the missing Gremory Heiress would be drawn straight into a trap. It's a win/win for the Phenex Family either way they're getting the Ruins power be it via the Gremory house or the Bael house.
But then Grayfia stepped in again to break up the topic. "Nevertheless, Lord Sirzech and the other representatives foresaw this possibility and enacted an alternate solution, if you both are willing that is." Grayfia said hoping to give Hermione a fighting chance.
"An alternate solution?" Hermione asked with a blink of her eyes before realizing what it was. "What you're saying is..." Hermione trailed off and in turn Grayfia nodded to this.
"Yes. An unofficial Rating Game will take place between the Bael/Granger Peerage and the Phenex Peerage. Should Lady Hermione win, the engagement will be called off. But if Lord Rizer wins, the wedding will proceed." Grayfia said as she hoped Sirzechs had a backup plan if Hermione, fails.
"Che... a Rating Game," Hermione said with a frown showing her discontent for this.
Rizer, on the other hand, laughed confidently, "A Rating Game? That's perfectly fine with Rizer." The man said as his arrogance knew no bounds. "This will be a good opportunity to show you your place, that there is nothing that can face the power of a trueborn Devil, Cambion." Rizer taunted causing Hermione to clench her fist itching to take out Rizer for that one.
"Already so full of confidence," Hermione growled to this for she knew she had no other choice. This was the best avenue that would allow Rias to come out of hiding and be free once more. "Very well, I will accept your challenge." Hermione said as she glared at Rizer. "This is my one chance to get Rias her freedom and I'll enjoy knocking you off of your high horse!" Hermione said as she was doing this for every Cambion who had been treated like dirt in Devil Society.
Grayfia glanced at heirs and nodded seeing an agreement had been made. "Then it's decided. The Rating Game between the Bael family and the Phenex family is confirmed. I will inform Lord Sirzech and both of your households." Grayfia said as she got ready to port out for the preparations.
Rizer then turned and glanced at the rest of the servants in the room. ""Hermione, are these people all the servants you have at this time?" Rizer asked as he had a raised brow to the rabble.
"They are. What of it?" Hermione asked with narrowed eyes.
In response to her answer, Rizer exploded in laugher. "Surely you don't think you can win with such a small amount, do you?" He taunted as this got Harry angry. "From what I can see, only your Queen stands a possible chance against my cute servants!" Rizer said and in turn with a snap of his fingers, a much larger orange circle appeared in the room. A flame pillar burst out of it and simmered to reveal fifteen beautiful women standing in the circle. Each one of them either wore an exotic outfit or some other clothing that fulfilled a specific fetish.
"As you can see, I have a complete set," Rizer boasted smugly, gesturing to the group of women. "My Pawns, Rooks, Knights, Bishops, and Queen, are all present." He said as the woman all stood in the room.
"Oh bugger." Harry cursed as he saw the scene before him. He looked at each one of the servants one by one. There were those who were wearing gym shorts, maid outfits, kimonos, and other things that one would find on the least dark corner of the internet. One of them he noticed looked very identical to Raiser thanks to the matching blue eyes and blond hair, and from the lovely looking purple dress she seemed to be more like a princess than a servant. If Harry didn't know any better, he would say that she was his younger sister.
"You see this lowborn scum?" Rizer began after hearing Harry's gasp. "This is the result when one is born in a high-class upbringing. That is the difference between you and I." Rizer boasted as Harry was getting quite annoyed with him. "A low-class like such as yourself would never understand." He said and thus Harry had just about enough of this man.
"Says the Gigolo in speaks in third person." Harry snapped back as he glared at the man. This of course made the Bael peerage all snicker at the wisecrack while the Phenex Peerage all glared at him. Rizer began gritting his teeth as his face turned red.
"What did you just say?" he growled glaring at Harry.
"You heard me, honestly you remind me of this other blond ponce I know in school you sure you're not related to him?" Harry asked comparing Rizer to Draco.
"Stop it," Rizer demanded, his eyes glowing, but despite this the girls still kept snickering. "Stop it I say!" He demanded as Harry saw where this man's weakness was, his ego.
"Why, afraid I'll hurt your widdle feewings." Harry said ending that with a bit of baby talk and thus Riser had just about enough of him.
"Enough!" Raiser snapped, his voice managing to cut through the laughter. "I won't be mocked in such a manner!" He yelled and thus Harry smirked to this clenching his left hand to bring Ddraig out, just in case.
"Well, how would you like me to mock you? I take requests," Harry offered as he honestly wasn't sure where this confidence came from.
One of the women of Rizer's peerage, the oldest looking one who appeared to be in her early adulthood, stepped forward and pointed a staff-like scepter at Harry.
She had a beautiful face with long, wavy hair and matching eyes. She was dressed in a navy-blue tunic top with gold accents and a pale blue skirt with long open sides, black heels over matching thigh-high stockings with garter belts. Her top revealed a lot of her rather a lot of rather a generous cleavage and was held up by a gold choker with blue and red jewels. She had on a white overcoat with black and gold accents and matching pauldrons. Her accessories consisted of a black headband with a red-orange jewel over her forehead which kept her long hair in place. Her purple lipstick matched her eyes and hair which fell down over her right breasts and down towards the slits of in her dress.
"Shall I vaporize this vermin, Lord Raiser?" the woman asked, frowning at Harry.
"That will not be necessary, Yubelluna," Rizer declined, glancing at the composed Grayfia as he gently lowered her scepter. "You will have your chance at the Rating Game." He said to which meant the game was on. He then directed his attention back to Hermione. "Hermione my dear, how about if I give you until the Winter Break for your Peerage to train?" Rizer said considering Hermione's school schedule.
Hearing him say that she casted a glare at him. "You think that my Peerage is too weak?" Hermione asked clearly very upset by the offer.
"You must already know that I have never lost a Rating Game. All I am doing is giving you a handicap." He said waving off her glare. "Just remember that Rating Games can't be won by feelings alone, so you better get ready... you might as well prepare your wedding dress if not for yourself then for Rias." Rizer said making one last jab at Hermione and her refusal to reveal Rias' location. "Ladies, we are leaving!" Rizer said and with that command, his Peerage all gathered around him before the Phenex magic circle appeared underneath them. Before he vanished completely, he glared at Harry specifically, "As for you, Low born Scum, I'll be sure to pay you back for that humiliation..." He said before the pillar of flames shot up from the circle and disappeared, taking Raiser and his servants with it. As for Grayfia, she gave a small bow before taking her leave on her magic circle. With the tension gone for the moment, the Gremory Peerage each side sighed as they relaxed.
In turn Ddraig made himself known once more. "That was a foolish choice you made." Ddraig said and thus Hermione looked to him.
"It's not like I had any other option." Hermione said as she did not want to be bound to such a man.
"I cannot argue with that, but at this point your chances of victory are close to zero." Ddraig said as he looked to the group. "Harry is still vastly weaker than Rizer especially if he lacks the Balance Breaker." Ddraig said and thus Harry looked to the gauntlet.
"Balance Breaker?" Harry asked confused by those words.
"Its full title is the Forbidden Balance Breaker it's when Sacred Gear Holders break past their limits to achieve a new level of power." Daphne said revealing she had been studying.
"What about the Deathly Hollows? Will they give us the needed edge?" Harry asked as he looked to Ddraig.
"It's possible but as I said before no one has ever gathered them, for all we know the Master of Death could be a fairytale." Ddraig said meaning they could very well just be chasing a fairytale.
"I think it's worth a shot." Kuroka said with a smile to the group.
"Hermione I'll do whatever it takes, but I'm not letting you be that bastard's bed warmer." Harry said as he knew Hermione deserved better than that creep.
"Alright then we'll have to get the Hollows in one go, so the night after we return from Hogwarts for the Winter Holidays we're going to Stonehenge." Hermione said and thus this meant they were going to gather the Hollows.
(Outside)
Unknown to anyone Gemini was leaning outside as he smirked to this. "I hope you heard all of that, Albion." Gemini said and thus Albion spoke up.
"Yes, this may prove to be a challenge even for us." Albion said as he knew that if the Master of Death truly was real than it will give Ddraig an advantage over them.
"Yes... but you have to admit this might just prove be most interesting for us." Gemini said as he was excited to see what this Master of Death was all about. "Wonder what I should call you, Harry. The Red Dragon Emperor, the Master of Death, or a mixture of the two?" Gemini wondered as he began to take his leave.
(TBC)
ESKK: Another chapter finished, edited, and published. I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us next time. No remember to leave a review before leaving and as always, I will again say, ja-ne.