Act 1: The Raven Queen of Slytherin

Chapter 6: Defence Against the Dark Arts

The next morning saw the Slytherin table, first years in particular, buzzing with excitement as they would have their first foray into Defence Against the Dark Arts with their Head of House. Well most of the first years were excited in general save the scowl of one tired looking Ronald Weasley, and his two friends. Lilith was one of the few who weren't excitedly talking to one another about the upcoming class, the other two in her house being Ares and Delphini, the reason for those two being the training Delphini undergoes at his hand.

Lilith's own reason was that she had certain expectations when it came to the Lord, she would be incessantly hold him as a prodigal he appeared to be, just the same as the Headmaster. Her own experiences with her mother had opened her eyes at a young age, to just what amounts of power can exist within the world and while Lord Slytherin and Headmaster Dumbledore were powerful in their own right, and of their own connection to mother magic. Lilith's own connection to magic came with being the champion of the Mistress of Ravens and thus her tutelage under her mother's care was vastly different to what her classes were now. So she held only keen interest for the classes, and she would make her own assessment of their prowess lest one day they become an enemy.

The Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom was probably one of the largest ones she'd seen in the castle, Herbology's greenhouse doesn't count as an actual classroom. In the centre was a duelling platform, there were various items neatly places on display shelves against the back of the room behind the teachers desk. All of the seats and tables were placed around the duelling platform but facing the front and a neat blackboard stood next to the desk, clean and pristine. A stack of books were neatly placed on the leftmost side of the desk.

Professor Slytherin was standing behind his desk, his eyes watching with mild interest as the students piled into the room and took their own seats. He held his gaze on a few more notable individuals, Delphini, Lilith, Draco, the Granger girl, Longbottom and of course Weasley and his two sidekicks.

Once everyone was seated, Nagini decided to make her entrance, slithering through the door of Professor Riddle's office and climbing his desk before curling up on it and knocking a few of the books off.

"Must you do that Nagini?" Lilith heard Professor Slytherin asked in exasperation.

"What? I am here to listen to your class," the snake replied, her tone very much conveying that if she could roll her eyes she would be.

"Welcome to your first Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson, ignore my familiar while she is here, she seems to not want to listen to me. Now, make no mistake, you will learn many things throughout your time at Hogwarts. Within our world and beyond, there are great and wondrous forms of magic, however, there are also the magics which are considered quite Dark or outright forbidden and while it is well known that I believe that there is no light and dark when it comes to magic. It is my job as your teacher to prepare you for the world at large and the dangerous magics, creatures and individuals you may come across should you be unfortunate enough." A few hands rose, Professor Slytherin's eye twitched.

"Yes, Miss Granger?"

"Is it true that the previous Dark Lord, Voldemort, was a member of your family? And is your ability to use parsel magic inherited or learned?" Lilith could see his eye twitch in anger for only a slight moment.

"Parsel magic is a bloodline ability, meaning its a part of my genetics, Miss Granger. I have a slightly different biological makeup than the regular wizard or witch, which gives me the ability to commune and access the language and magic…"

"But that's unfair! Everyone should be able to access that kind of magic, have you thought about finding if you can share the ability?" She fired off immediately, the temperature in the room dropped dramatically.

"If anyone were to attempt to transfer the ability, Miss Granger, you would need to strip them down to their bare individual cells and then modify each and every cell to the right molecular composition. And even then, there's a chance the gift wouldn't manifest at all. Furthermore, bloodline abilities are consider special family traits that are held sacred by their families and not easily or willingly shared except for between spouses…"

"But!"

"No more questions from you, Miss Granger. And you will find other families not as tolerant as I am with your questions. I would consider thinking before speaking, what you asked is considered extremely rude and many a witch or wizard would have cursed you for such a thing," silenced her with a glare, she sat back looking put out.

"As for your other question, Yes, Dark Lord Voldemort was a member of my house. But he does not represent my entire house, much like Adolf Hitler does not represent all of you muggle-borns," he further added.

"Granger deserves to be cursed," Draco muttered, many of the other Slytherin's nodded in agreement.

"Mr. Malfoy, there will be no slander against a fellow student. That'll be 10 points from Slytherin," he snapped in their direction, Draco looked shocked but slunk back in his seat with a nod.

"Now, back to the lesson at hand. As with all your other lessons, the first half of today's class will be covering what the entire year will be about, including the list of spells you will learn and all of your assignments. The second half of class will be a demonstration of skills followed by a little presentation by your senior students. At the end of this week you students will be allowed to apply to the various clubs that Hogwarts has. One such club is the duelling club which is run by myself and Professor Flitwick. The president and council of the Duelling club will give you a demonstration of what you can learn and experience in such a club, with many graduates heading into the official duelling circuits around the world," he explained.

No more questions were allowed as they went over what the year would entail, many of the spells were rudimentary but essential basics for more advanced spells, they would even touch on the basics of integrating other subjects into the overall methods of defending against the dark arts. What was further interesting is that they would be doing an assignment on the dark arts themselves, rather than just how to counteract them. This was the only part of the overview that allowed questions, someone in Ravenclaw, Terry Boot perhaps, asking "Why are we spending an assignment on the dark arts?"

"Because, Mr. Boot, in order to defend against them, you need a basic understanding of just what the dark arts are and what it entails. An understanding of what you are facing can be the difference between living and dying."

Lilith was surprised that she ended up with a few pages worth of notes in her notebook, she was one of the few students, most muggle-raised, that was using an actual notebook per subject. She would write her assignments on parchment but why shouldn't she had organised notes in a spiral subject notebook? It just made sense. None of her fellow slytherin's even commented on it, probably because they had come to know her, and even the upper years seemed weary of her and Hela. Plus it was not much of a secret but still a secret enough that she had the same bloodline ability as Professor Slytherin.

"Alright students, that will do for today. I will expect a 6 inch length parchment explanation on the benefits of the shield spell which will be what you will learn to actively cast first by next lesson," Professor Slytherin concluded.

"Now, as promised we will have a demonstration from the duelling club. I would like you all to welcome, president of the duelling club Nymphadora Tonks of Hufflepuff, vice president and head boy Charlie Weasley of Gryffindor, Secretary Gemma Farley of Slytherin, and vice secretary Theresa Nott of Ravenclaw. I would ask all you students to step away from the platform as they give you a demonstration of what you can expect," Professor Slytherin said.

"Nott? Your sister's in the duelling club?" Draco asked surprised.

"Indeed, it would seem that she kept that a secret from our parents," Theo replied with a shrug.

"Wotcher, firsties! I'm Tonks, just Tonks. President of the duelling club, and we have two demonstrations for you! Firstly Gemma and Theresa who are fifth year members will give you a run down of the basics of duelling as well as showing off their skills. Then Charlie and I will show you a professional match!" The girl, Nymphadora, had bright colourful hair and fair features, she was fairly skinny yet curvaceous. One would think she had the ideal feminine body type.

"Professor Slytherin will be overseeing the duels and making sure all of you first years stay safe," Charlie added, giving a smile to the class, his eyes lingering on Ron for a few extra moments.

Theresa and Gemma got onto the duelling platform, one at each end as Professor Slytherin activated the protections, a blue shield formed a dome around them then faded to allow the class full view.

"In professional duelling, contestants will bow to each other prior to the commencement of the match," Theresa explained, as she tied her brunette hair into a high ponytail, Gemma had shorter hair and didn't need to tie it up but she stood ready.

"The rules states that duels continue until either one contested is unable to continue, first blood is drawn, or a verbal forfeit is given. Most spells and forms of magic are allowed so long as they do not cause permanent harm," Gemma explained as Theresa finished with her hair.

"Professor Slytherin will officiate the match and we will begin upon his mark. Gemma and I will be displaying what the starting form of duelling you will learn is as a new member of the duelling club. You will graduate to more experienced forms based on both knowledge and experience as well as our own individual ranking system. More of which you can find out about should you wish to join, members of the duelling club wear a pin with two wands crossing one another on their robes and will always be willing to hear your questions about joining the club. Now, Professor Slytherin if you will," Theresa said.

"Alright duellist, are you ready?" Professor Slytherin's voice took over.

Both Theresa and Gemma took their positions, standing in what was considered a standard duelling stance.

"3… 2… 1… begin!"

Both Theresa and Gemma shot off their spells at the same time, they moved a bit to get out of the way of spells that a shield wouldn't hold against but overall neither moved too much. Lilith watched with interest as they duelled, noting what advantages and disadvantages they both have. Theresa tended to favour her left side along with using a wide variety of spells, while Gemma favoured repetitive use of the same spells while throwing in a few smaller elements of charms. The duel was finished when Theresa managed to distract Gemma with a flock of birds and then disarm her.

"Very good use of the Avis spell, Miss Nott. And Miss Farley you also performed well. Both of you do your families and houses proud," Professor Slytherin said, both girls bowed as Theresa handed Gemma's wand back to her and the two girls hopped off the stage only to be replaced by Tonks and Charlie at each end.

"Alright firsties! That was a good example of a standard duel while you learn the ropes of what duelling is. Now, Charlie and I will show you what an advanced duel is like!" She announced, nodding to Professor Slytherin.

"Ready, 3… 2… 1… begin!"

Almost immediately, Tonks dived out of the way of a spell chain Charlie was sending, she moved and weaved using transfiguration and conjuration while firing back her own spells. Charlie, for his part wasn't idle either and the two were quickly moving around the platform, casting and using other branches of magic to try and get whatever advantage they could. This was a lot more like a fight, where they moved and used whatever available to them, whether it be conjured animals, transfigured weapons and even something as basic as a tickling charm was thrown out. Lilith had to admit that this was a much more impressive form of duelling, where there was both flair as well as practicality to it. Tonks made use of the darkness summoning charm to flood the battlefield in shadows, Lilith noted that spell and would certainly be making it a priority to learn. Again she noted that both Charlie and Tonks had their preferences, Charlie favoured elemental magic as well as conjuration and animation, preferring to create animals and beasts to charge at Tonks. Tonks on the other-hand liked to use spells that obscure vision, distract and try and lay out her own traps. Lilith even swore she had trapped the ground she moved on with runes at some point which were obscured by the shadows she flooded her side of the field with. Her assessment was proven correct when Charlie activated one of the rune traps which saw him electrocuted and then stunned immediately. At this point Tonks let out a sigh of relief as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

"Rennervate," Tonks waved her wand and a light struck Charlie who gasped away, shook his head and slowly started picking himself up.

"Guess I lost again eh?" He chuckled.

"So firsties! That's how an official duel goes! Now who wants to have a crack at me?" Tonks teased, Charlie tolled his eyes.

"Perhaps I could offer someone?" Professor Slytherin cut in.

"Sure thing Professor, which of the Firsties do you think could cast more than the regular charms?"

"Delphine Lestrange," Professor Slytherin intoned, Lilith felt the girl freeze as her head shot to their Professor, who eyed her with his crimson orbs as he nodded at her. She gritted her teeth before walking forward.

"Alright Firstie! First we will bow, then Professor Slytherin will sound us off and we will begin. Don't feel too bad if I play around with you," Tonks said.

"I won't feel too bad, cousin," Delphine replied, Lilith raised an eyebrow turning to Ares who sighed.

"Tonk's Mum and our Mum are sisters. But Aunt Andi was cast out of the family for running off with a mudblood instead of being betrothed like she was supposed to. It caused a lot of family drama," Ares explained, Lilith just nodded.

Location, Unknown.

Realm, The Forgotten Realm…

The absence, or rather the fleeting moments whereby the Matron of Ravens graced her many domains had been noted for some time amongst the other planes. While her agents and worshipers continued her work and kept the cycle going. Many of the other beings had noted the absence of the Matron from her seat of power within the Forgotten Realms. This allowed for her enemies to gather their strength.

Vax'ildan, previous champion of the Matron of Ravens had done his job as her champion, wielding the Deathwalker's Ward and ferrying souls and hunting those that tried to escape the matrons grasps. He had heard the whispers amongst the other deities, rumours that the Matron's absence from her seat of power was a sign of something potentially worse than the Matron herself. However, many things were said about Vax himself when he became her champion while a part of Vox Machina. Fate touched, the Matron had told him. Thus, Vax deduced that the Matron was dealing with another potential fate-touched individual, one whom he himself may have to test before handing his mantle over much like how Puurvan Suul tested him all those years ago.

Across the realms, in their own domains, several other deities watched with keen interest as the Matron of Ravens sat on an auburn haired girls shoulder and spoke with her. This girl, much like others in the past, was someone of keen interest that many of them had their eye on. Some were annoyed that the Matron already had a claim to her. Others were looking at ways to make their own, for the girl was a special soul, one that could harness the entire calamity within her very essence.

Mystra watched from her domain as the girl sat at an institute which was dedicated to her teachings even if she held no visual face there. For Mystra was the mother of Magic and her blessings upon her followers came in different forms and so long as they remained faithful to the essence of true magic, they would be able to touch upon her gift. While many within the girls' realm had become complacent, and her power waned for the majority, unable to access it via the olde ways. The girl was an anomaly, if properly guided she could very well become a champion of true magic.

Shar, the Goddess of Darkness and Loss watched with keen interest. Having noted the girls penchant for shadow magic and her tragic permanent soul wounds of loss from the sacrifices of her parents as well as the treatment by her relatives let her become an individual who thrives in darkness, shadows and on her own. Something Shar can appreciate and even foster through trickery and the girls own faith.

Orcus sat on his throne in Thanatos with a smirk on his face, the Matron of Ravens was absent from her seat of power and had been so for some time. His own cult of followers had been gathering power, soon he would be ready to make a play to take over her domain. The first, part of the plan was to stock up enough power to bring her champion into his realm and corrupt her or kill her. Either would work for his plan to usurp the Raven Queen's domain and consolidate her power and influence as his own. As she had done previously with the last god of death.

Tiamat, resting on her horde with her loyal slaves and followers attending to her every needs lifted one of her heads in interest as she watched the mirror she had collected for her horde. The girl reflected back in it seemed intriguing, she was connected to the Matron, the stench of death she could identify anywhere but what her senses could tell, even from here was that the girl was untethered. While there was a clear connection between her and the Raven Queen, it was not finite and she was capable of drawing on connections with other sources. Interesting, perhaps Tiamat would investigate the girl herself.

A/N: As Always, Pat. r30N is a fair few chapters ahead. I will be uploading chapters on fanfiction as I upload a new chapter on Pat. This way I continue to cycle new chapters through and as noted on "This is War" my best writing method is to write multiple stories at the same time so hopefully you enjoy all of them! If you do wish to follow Pat. it's /zyrakenzi