Garo Dark Hollow
ESKK: Well I guess it's time to start Chapter 3. I hope you will enjoy it as we get this chapter rolling. Anyway I want to have this fic at the bare minimum of 23 Chapter and in order to meet this quota expect irregular updates adding that I am doing this fic on my own without the aid of a co-writer. Now then time to start up.
(Start Hogwarts Headmasters Office)
Dumbledore was no fool nor was he truly unaware of the daily going of Hogwarts. And at times he liked to think he knew what his students were up to and how they thought. Though subtle Legitemancy helped Dumbledore knew what they truly thought but now all of that had failed him. Snape had deduced a while back that Voldemort was hit by the Potter boy via the same method of their link to each other. In doing so and adding the fact Harry had left the magical world Voldemort saw no more need to use that link. After all if the hero destined to end him has had enough and was willingly offering him the magical world in exchange of being left alone then who was Voldemort to deny.
Still after last evening failed Death Eater attack and the following discovery of Harry Dumbledore was at a loss. He was certain oh so certain that Harry would have hidden away in the magical world despite his vow to cut all ties with them. Dumbledore had been sure that Harry had not returned to the Muggle world, and so had isolated his search to the wizarding world. As well as concentrating on the war effort, he had used his resources to scour every wizarding population in every country on the planet in an attempt to find Harry Potter.
And that had been a mistake he now suffered for. Foolishly Dumbledore had been thinking about what he would do in Harry's situation, not what Harry would do. Harry had wanted to get away from the Wizards, and the vast majority of people raised in the Wizarding World could barely function in the Muggle one, whereas Harry could. Why would Harry hide among the people he wanted to get away from, answer was he wouldn't.
Wizards had little in the way of logic, and Dumbledore had far more of it than most. Unfortunately it had failed him this time. Wizards were so used to magic that most could not even begin to comprehend a life without it, and Dumbledore had fallen into that same trap.
And that had cost them two years and in those two years Harry and Hermione had changed drastically. From what the Order told him Harry was able to summon and return an armor of Gold as he and Ms. Granger battled against some sort of demonic creature. What made it more shocking was that other than the armor Harry only used a sword while Ms. Granger was seen using some unknown magic. It seems wherever they had been they had been trained because the Order member tailing them while the others told Dumbledore what had happened had lost them. He suspected they may have detected him somehow and was leading them away from where they lived before trying to lose the man.
The how, why, when and what of this situation were questions that Dumbledore could think of no satisfying answer to. How did Harry acquire this armor and Ms. Granger this new magic? Why were they fighting this demonic foe that evening? When had they acquired this sort of power? What was that armor and magic that the two had happened upon and what did the two intend to do with it? Dumbledore was no fool he knew that there were things in the world that eluded even himself. Dark and sinister things that were best left forgotten in the past.
Had Harry been corrupted by a dark power and brought Ms. Granger down with him? Or was it the other way around that Ms. Granger in her search for knowledge had discovered it and corrupted Harry with its dark taint? Whichever answer it was neither of those were things Dumbledore would like to think on and thus he needed to find Harry. Especially now after he had located and dealt with one of Riddles Horcruxes with great difficulty of course.
Thankfully he was quick on the uptake that evening as well and thus Dumbledore had managed to narrow down Harry's location. But he would need to send someone who knew the area or knew how to operate in the Muggle World. Thankfully he knew of two who could do the deed without much problems, hopefully.
Just then the Headmaster's floo flared to life with green flames as Nymphadora Tonks and Remus Lupin entered his office and soon stood in front of Dumbledore's desk. "Thank you for coming at such short notice." Dumbledore greeted as he looked to the new arrivals.
"Anytime Professor." Remus began as he still looked the same as ever like a kicked dog. "How can I help?" Remus asked as he looked to Dumbledore wanting to hear what he had to say.
"I'm sure you both had heard of last night's incident?" Dumbledore asked and thus Tonks nodded to the old man.
"Of course it's all everyone has been talking about." Tonks said as she didn't seem accepting of Dumbledore's continued obsession with Harry Potter. She was not blind many muggleborn students have been withdrawing from Hogwarts at an alarming rate. Parents were seeking education for their children elsewhere as less students were enrolled form the mundane world. In fact if rumor held truth the number of muggleborn have been cut clean in half since last year. Tonks suspected it was an exodus and with Voldemort on the rise it made sense. It was the right call at the moment because once it was clear the muggleborn were not going to make it through this war win or lose they decided to cut their losses and hightail it over to greener pastors. More so Tonks has found her faith in Dumbledore waning and a few likeminded people, Minerva McGonagall included, agreed.
Unaware of Tonks thoughts "Well I am happy to inform we have at last found him… well his general location at least." Dumbledore said as he looked to the duo.
"Alright so we just keep the Wizarding public from learning this." Tonks spoke as she looked to Dumbledore. "The kid made it clear he wanted nothing more to do with our world anymore and I say leave him in peace." Tonks said as she felt that if they had done their job as adults and finished this fight years ago Harry would not have had to fight it in his life.
"I'm afraid that cannot be done. If we had located him then the Death Eaters may very well have informed their master of this as well." Dumbledore said as Remus was skeptical for but a moment. "The truth is the longer he says out there now the likely chances he will be found by the Death Eaters." Dumbledore said and that was all that was needed to convince Remus on this.
"Have you spoken to Sirius about this?" Remus asked as he looked to Albus no doubt wanting answers here.
"I'm afraid if we told Sirius he may very well do something rash." Dumbledore admitted as Remus understood what with how Sirius tended to act.
"Yes, of course, you're right," Remus replied and for a moment Tonks was left surprised by the fact Remus would agree to this so easily.
"I have arranged for lodgings for the two of you so you may leave immediately if you'd like." Dumbledore said as he finished giving the needed orders. Tonks glanced at Remus and shook her head before she proceeded to walk down the stairs. Once she was gone, Dumbledore returned his gaze to Remus, handing him a pen. "This is a Portkey to a safe house in nearby. Once you have Young Harry, press down on the top, and it will activate. Do not wait for Miss Tonks. I will deal with the fallout." Dumbledore said as he looked to Remus.
As much as Dumbledore would not like to do this it was all for the greater good. He was aware that Tonks faith had been waning as of late and with who she was he feared that she may reveal things she should not. It was for this reason alone she was to be left behind to distract whatever vile dark forces had their grip upon the pair of wayward students.
Remus nodded and stashed the Portkey in his coat as he walked downstairs. When he reached the bottom, Tonks was waiting for him with a skeptical look on her face. "We're just going to talk to him, right?" Tonks asked as she gave Remus a look he could not identify from her.
"Of course, why?" Remus asked as Tonks then sighed a bit.
"I'm not sure I trust the Headmaster, why doesn't he just go himself?" Tonks asked as she felt there was more to the story then she saw.
"Professor Dumbledore is very busy, Tonks, he can't be running all over the world taking care of one boy." Remus said as Tonks noted Remus did not mention Hermione's name. Tonks may have met the girl back at Grimmauld Place but that brief meeting was all it took for Tonks to decide she liked the bookworm.
"I don't like it, we should just leave Harry alone, we pushed him away and he wants nothing more to do with our world. I say just leave him be and move on." Tonks said as she felt it was only right this was not his fight nor should it be his fight. Harry made his choice and the Wizarding World forced it upon him now they can reap what they had sowed.
"Professor Dumbledore said he's in danger, that's good enough for me."
Tonks shook her head as she once had a thing for the man but his loyalty to Dumbledore may have finally blinded him to the truth here. "I need to go pack a day bag. I'll meet you out there." Tonks said and thus she headed out to grab what she would need… or so she had claimed here.
(Scene Break Nymphadora's Apartment London)
Tonks scowled as she shut the door to her apartment, she'd thought it would be great to work for Albus Dumbledore. But now the so-called 'greatest wizard since Merlin' but now she was bothering a kid who wanted to be left alone as he stated 2 years ago when he left. That wasn't the only thing that bothered Tonks; she felt an uneasiness in her gut had set in after Lupin emerged into the corridor. It was his eyes. They looked shifty his body language had changed since the meeting only two minutes earlier. She didn't like it or him at least not like she used to. But with this in mind she could only hope what she was about to do was the correct choice to make.
Crossing to the fireplace that was set up for Floo calls, she threw a pinch of powder into the hearth and knelt. "The Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Office of Madam Bones..." Tonks said and knew a huge tongue lashing was in her immediate future once she spilled what she currently knew.
(Scene Break the Watchdog Sight)
Harry and Hermione once more entered the Watchdog sight and once more stood before Aria. As they entered the two did a small bow in greeting to the Watchdog. After Harry had once more cleansed the Garoken of the Horror sealed within the two got down to business with Aria.
"I sense the Madou Ring told you?" Aria asked while she was seemingly fishing now not even glancing at them.
"Zaruba told us Horror activity and the opening of Gates have been happening at an alarming rate." Harry said as he looked to Lady Area.
"And we know the Order has been sending agents out to investigate it." Hermione added as she wanted answers of why this was happening now.
Aria of course was silent for a moment as it did not seem she would be answering them on this. Harry growled and just as he was about to snap at Aria for an answer Hermione put a hand on Harry's shoulder to calm him. "Well glad to see he has control of that temper of his." Aria said almost mocking Harry for his near outburst just now. But before either of them could answer Aria began to speak once more. "Do either of you recall that sinister fellow in your old stomping ground, oh what was his name? John, Tim, Bim; Tom." Aria spoke scratching her head with her right index finger in order to recall that man's name.
"Tom… Voldemort!" Harry gasped as he looked over to Aria in shock.
"Voldemort that was it!" Aria said finally recalling the name treating the man as if he was just a minor nuisance to her. "Anyway he's the reason for this increased in Horror activity or in the matter of speaking something he created resulted into this brew catastrophe." Aria said which got the duo of Harry and Hermione's attention.
"What did Voldemort create madam Watchdog?" Hermione asked no longer afraid to say his name.
"Tell me does the term, Horcrux, mean anything to you two?" Aria asked and in turn neither Harry nor Hermione knew anything of the term. "I thought not though unsurprising seeing as most information pertaining to it had been censored or changed to prevent anyone from attempting it." Aria said as she reached out and took a small sweet from the bowl near her throne.
"What is a Horcrux?" Harry asked as he looked to Aria wanting answers on that.
"A Vile form of wizarding magic. Its part ritual part active act and no I won't tell you how it is done but I can tell you what it does." Aria said as she sat on her throne calmly while eating another sweet from her bowl. "After performing a ritual to set an item up as a Horcrux the, would be Horcrux creator must commit an act of coldblooded murder." Aria spoke as the group listened in on this. "The item in question will in turn be imbued with half of the creators own soul and in turn the item becomes a Horcrux." Aria explained much to the groups shock. "This in turn ensured that even if the creator of the Horcrux dies he would not move on to the next world and would in turn roam the world as a wraith until the Horcrux was destroyed." Aria said as this surprised the duo to no end.
"So that's how he did it." Harry said as he realized how Voldemort remained alive all this time.
"It's more than that." Zaruba suddenly spoke as no doubt in his time as an alley to the Golden Knight had faced several of these Horcruxes. "A Horcrux is also a great source of darkness which in turn causes Gates within its area of reach to activate and thus summon Horrors while also attracting Horror to them." Zaruba spoke as Harry and Hermione realized what this meant.
"So the fact things are getting bad is because Voldemort created multiple Horcruxes." Hermione said and thus Aria nodded to the Knight and Priestess duo standing before her.
"Exactly." Aria said as this was bad news for anyone and everyone involved. "The Order has already sent out hunters to locate and eliminate these Horcrux's and/or find information on where they are and how to find them." Aria said as she looked to Harry with her common bored look. "We have already confirmed one such Horcrux was destroyed recently and another was destroyed by your very hands." Aria said as she gestured to Harry.
"Wait I did?" Harry asked and then went wide eyed as he remembered his second year when he slayed the Basilisk. "Tom's Diary!" Harry gasped as it made sense here.
"Yes thus this leaves five left in play one of which is well within our grasp." Aria said as she got to the worst of it. "Once these Horcruxes are cleansed the dark field will vanish with them." Arai said and thus this was good news for them.
"Ok where is it?" Hermione asked referring to the one Aria claimed they have found.
"Right there." Aria said pointing directly at Harry to his surprise.
"Wait… what?" Harry asked surprised by such information Aria had stated.
"I figured as much as did Edward and Edmund." Zaruba said much to Harry's surprise.
"Wait you knew!?" Harry asked as he looked to the Madou Ring.
"Yes but we worried little for it either Garo would cleaned it once you gained the armor or the Tower would cleanse your body of it instead and if those methods failed there is a ritual used to cleanse Madou Tools we can use to remove it." Zaruba said as he sounded calm about such horrifying information.
"But how did it end up on Harry when Voldemort has been trying to kill him?" Hermione asked as this did not make sense to her. "Why would Voldemort make Harry into a Horcrux of all things?" Hermione asked and thus Zaruba and Aria both had a solid theory on this.
"He did not intend to." Zaruba spoke as this got their attention on him. "If I had to garner a guess Voldemort had intended to use Harry's death to create a Horcrux but your mother's actions prevented that. But with the ritual already done and Voldemort's soul being unstable as it was a piece came off and latched onto Harry in order to survive somehow." Zaruba said as it was as solid a theory as they had right now.
Hermione realizing what this would imply knew it had to be removed as soon as possible. "We need to remove it posthaste." Hermione said knowing the longer it remained on Harry the more likely chances it could cause harm to Harry and those he cared for.
"And we will in time, since Garo did not remove it are next best chance would be the Tower and if that does not work we have a ritual that needs time to set up." Aria said calmly which meant she had a plan A, B, and C to use and possibly more back up plans if those three failed. "But we can use it to our advantage of seeking them out." Aria said and thus it was clear she had new orders for them.
"Are you asking us to return to the magical world to destroy these Horcruxes?" Harry asked as he glared at Aria for asking him this.
"Yes I am." Aria said not even denying the accusation since it was in fact as Harry had just said. "As much as you both would not wish to do so the needs of the many outweighs the needs of the few." Aria said as she may spout the Greater Good but she knew its true meaning unlike some people. "But… you will be happy to know that you're free to assassinate Voldemort at your leisure, after all with how warped and corrupt his soul is he is no longer considered a human being." Aria said which she knew was good news for them since this gave them a chance to put their history with the Dark Lord to rest. "I suggest you start preparing for the deed less that man Toom realizes your intentions somehow." Aria said as she figured this would be the case for the dark lord.
With her word to leave the two nodded and turned around before leaving the Watchdog Sight. Once they were gone Aria smirked a bit almost like she found this interesting. "Well this may prove to be enjoyable to watch." She said as if she had just found a new TV show while scrolling through channels landing on the series premier.
(Later back in the Abby)
Harry and Hermione departed from the pathway to the Watchdog sight as said gateway closed behind the pair. "Harry are you ok?" Hermione asked as she knew Harry would not be happy about being forced to return to that world.
Harry in response was silent for a moment but Hermione saw how his fist clenched showing he was not happy. "I… I don't know." Harry admitted as he looked away from the brilliant yet scary girl who had stood by Harry's side for so long. "I wanted to leave that world behind I was tired of being what people wanted me to be and then getting nothing to show for it save for hate and stigma because of their sheep like mindset!" Harry nearly snapped as Hermione knew this assignment was stirring up old memories that Harry rather he forgot.
Realizing Harry was not happy about this assignment the witch turned priestess took Harry's hand into her own and softly squeezed it. This of course got Harry's attention as he knew Hermione was trying to help him get through this.
"Come now Harry lets head to the house so we can prepare." Hermione said as she pulled Harry who happily followed the brightest Witch of their age turned to a Prodigy of a Makai Priestess.
(Scene Break Potter Home Later)
Harry and Hermione entered the home they shared so they can properly start preparing for this assignment. But as they entered they sensed something was not right about the home. Now as any common folk Harry and Hermione always locked the door if they were not going to be home for any reason. It was unneeded but a precaution they took regardless out of habit. The first sign something was wrong was when they opened the door to find it was currently unlocked to them.
After which they calmly began to walk through the house looking around for any signs of a break in or any belongings that were stolen. So far everything seemed calm which had them on edge at least until they heard movement in the kitchen. Hearing this the two nodded to each other and began to make their way over to the kitchen where someone may have broken in and entered.
Harry and Hermione got to the kitchen door and in turn waited for a moment. They in turn nodded to each other and thus opened the door and had blade and brush drawn surprising the person inside their homes kitchen. What they failed to realize was that the 'intruder,' was in fact Emma washing dishes. The Granger Matriarch yelped and dropped a few bank into the sink as Harry and Hermione saw she was here.
"Mum?!" Hermione asked as she was surprised to see her mother had dropped by unannounced.
"Well hello to you too sweetie." Emma said as she sounded a bit annoyed with the scare but knowing their line of work could understand. "Dan and I had a bit of off time from the practice so we decided to come visit." Emma said as it was no secret Harry had the wards keyed to let the couple in.
"Mum as much as I appreciate the sentiment can you at least call to let us know when you're coming." Hermione sighed as she took a seat at the table and rubbed her head from a headache she knew was in fact brewing right now. "You know how we get when you guys arrive unannounced." Hermione added as she was grateful for her parents letting Harry and her live together but she did not appreciate these random unannounced family visits. It was especially bothersome with recent times and the stresses involved with all of it.
"Sorry but I swear the two of you are paranoid at times." Emma said as just then her husband Dan walked in.
"Well considering their line of work I would be paranoid too." Dan said as he walked into the kitchen no doubt having overhead the conversation that was spoken.
"Well since your both here, mum dad we need to talk." Hermione said as she looked to her parents knowing full well they would not like the topic of this important conversation. If the situation was reversed Hermione would not like this particular topic either.
"What is it sweetheart?" Emma asked as she looked to her daughter with concern.
"Mum dad see Harry and I, well we're going to be away for a good while." Hermione began as she looked to her parents with worry. "You know about the Watchdog correct?" Hermione asked as it was Dan who responded to that question.
"Of course there the ones who distribute orders that those like the two of you to carry out." Dan said knowing a commanding officer when he saw one being a retired Navy sailor.
"Well the Watchdog has just given out an order that would have us away for a good while." Hermione explained knowing full well they didn't have a choice in this.
"How long do you mean?" Emma asked as she was worried something might happen to her daughter on this assignment.
"Hard to say." Harry cut in as he was being honest with the two of them. "But we need to leave as soon as possible." Harry said to which Dan and Emma understood as much. Even though they did not like it once their daughter put her mind on something close to nothing can convince her otherwise, it just hurt that they were powerless to help them when the two could die at any moment.
"I see…" Emma said with a sad tone evident in her voice. "I know you two must leave soon but perhaps you'd like to stay for lunch before you depart." Emma said as Harry smiled to this a bit which Hermione shared. And thus with a silent agreement the pair went off to pack while Emma went back to preparing Lunch for the gathered family.
(Scene Break later that Afternoon)
With the needed supplies shrunk and stored away the pair departed the house offering the Grangers time to stay over if they desired. The Grangers of course declined and allowed them to leave with the promise of cleaning up. Hermione's parents were of course very understanding and while they may not like it at least the ones who offered the two gave them the full unbiased truth before recruiting them.
The pair were out and about in London as they went about looking for a bus stop to take them to the first destination of their search for the Horcruxes. Harry was aware enough the Black's had a lot of dark secrets hidden away and he was sure one of them was that on Horcrux's. Hopefully one of those secrets included how to locate one.
But as they walked Hermione felt something off with this current situation right now and quietly glanced over to Harry. "Harry." Hermione warned with her voice carrying with it an obviously clear tone of urgency.
Harry heard her and thus looked over his shoulder as he knew what Hermione was talking about. The two of them were once more being followed by someone no doubt recognizing the duo from their time spend in Wizarding Britain. With this information in mind the pair ducked into a side street so to avoid their pursuers subtly increasing their pace as they tried to lose the ones following them. Using the Side Streets they tried to make their way back to the main street and in turn a Makai Path knowing the sooner they lost their pursuers the sooner they can carry on the mission Aria had given them.
When they were about to enter the main street once more was when a man with greying brown hair popped out of an ally in front of them. "Hello, Harry." Remus said as Harry saw he looked just as beaten and warn as he did back when he was a 3rd year student in Hogwarts well over 4 years ago.
Harry stepped forward, glaring at Remus suspecting he was not here to make conversation. Especially when he glanced behind him and saw Nymphadora Tonks approaching them from the other end of the street boxing the duo in. "Hello, Professor." Harry greeted as he hoped this day would never come.
"Harry, I'm not your Professor anymore, you can call me Moony, that's what you're Dad called me when he was alive." Remus offered as Harry would beg to differ on calling him Moony.
"Is there a reason you're here, sir?" Harry asked as he was ready to fight his way out if the need arrives.
Remus frowned when he noticed the tone Harry had with him here. "Harry, you're angry. Why?" Remus asked as Harry decided to put his cards on the table as it were.
"I knew someone would be along eventually to take me back to the madhouse that was magical Britain." Harry said showing a lack of any desire to return to that. "You were Sirius and my Dad's best friends, and now you're reduced to being a lackey for the Headmaster." Harry said as he knew his father and Sirius both would have wanted Harry to be happy and if leaving the Magical world was the way then they would not stop him from making that choice.
"Harry the Headmaster is only doing what he feels is best for you." Remus said but Harry cut him off before Remus could continue.
"I'm blooming 17 already and according to your laws I'm of age!" Harry snapped back as he glared at Remus making it clear he had no intentions of returning unless he absolutely had to return which was at the moment due to Aria's assignment to them. "Tell Dumbledore!" Harry began but Remus cut him off next.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, Harry," Remus corrected but Harry would not have any of it from Remus. It hurt Harry won't lie but Remus coming here to try and force him to return was a true betrayal him just as bad if not worse than Peter's betrayal.
"Tell Dumbledore that if he wants me to come back he better come do it himself then sending out one of his sheeple to do the deed." Harry went on as he glared at Remus. "Is Sirius still a wanted fugitive?" Harry interrogated as he glared at Remus. "I asked because last time I was there it seemed that Dumbledore knew or at least suspected Sirius was innocent, but he let him rot, why?" Harry asked as he glared at Remus.
"I'm sure the Headmaster did all he could for Sirius..." Remus tried to reason but Harry wouldn't have any of it.
"I doubt it." Harry said as he carefully reached into his robe for the Garoken just in case this gets messy. The Order had always practiced a neutral stance on the likes of Vampire and Werewolves. Most of the time they never asked for their bout in life but the hunger, thirst, and savage instincts made them a threat to humans. The Order was clear on this do not attack or cut down either unless they attack first and if a Lycan is in human form then he is effectively human until the full moon. Harry didn't want to do it but if it's in self-defense then so be it.
Remus scowled, his eyes darting from Harry to Hermione whom he began to further suspect both had been brought into a bad crowd. "Harry, enough. It's time to come home. This little act you're putting on isn't impressing anyone and I'm sure Ms. Granger's parents would not approve of what either of you are doing." Remus said and thus Hermione had a retort to that.
"I think it's impressive." Hermione commented with a smirk but was far from done. "And for your information Professor while I do respect honest I do, I do not hold Dumbledore in as high regards as I used to." Hermione said and then went for the sealing nail. "Furthermore while my parents did not approve at first they eventually came around and saw I was doing something that saved many lives." Hermione said as this got a good reaction from Harry here.
Harry threw a grin back at her before facing Remus again. "I won't be coming back to Dumbledore's control and manipulations his crimes against me far outweigh the respect I used to have for him." Harry said as he glared at Remus almost daring him to try something.
Remus's face darkened when he said this as even Zaruba could sense the Inga building within this man. "I was asking, now I'm telling you, we're going home, now." Remus said as Harry opted to stand his ground.
"In the Wizarding World I am legal age now that means I can do and be whatever I want to be." Harry said as the 17 year old glared at Remus. "This also means that you don't have any authority over me anymore, and you can't make me do anything I don't want to. Unless you intend to use force." Harry said and in turn began to take a defensive stance. "And if it comes to that then I will defend myself." Harry said showing that he won't attack but he will fight if he has to.
"Don't make me do this, Harry..." Remus warned as he did not want to do what he was about to do.
"Goodbye, Mister Lupin," Harry replied, moving to slip past the older man with Hermione walking with him.
"Harry!" Remus yelled, trying to grab Harry by the arm, only to be met by a right fist to the jaw. He staggered back slightly, clutching at his mouth as a trickle of blood ran from his now split lip. But when he looked up Remus found himself on the business end of the Garoken making him go wide eyed.
"Mum and dad would be ashamed of you." Harry said as he then went for the killing blow as it were. "You're just as much a rat as Peter was." Harry said and thus he kept Remus there for a tad bit longer. "Damn it, Tonks, stun them, we'll figure it out later!" Remus cried out but that would not be the case. He then saw that Tonks did have her wand drawn, but she wasn't pointing it at Harry or Hermione, she was pointing it at Remus. In the instance between grabbing Harry and getting punched by the said boy, Aurors loyal to the Ministry had appeared with Madam Bones in tow.
"I can't believe it has come to this." Amelia said as she felt nothing but pity for Remus. Ever since Harry and Hermione left the Wizarding World things have gone downhill for many. Voldemort was back and while Fudge was forced to step down the war was currently at a steep stalemate. But with more and more new blood leaving and some old bloods doing the same it was clear that there might not be much of anything left to save soon. Remus swore to himself as he eyed off the wands pointed at him. "Hand over your wand Mister Lupin, you are under arrest for attempted kidnapping." Amelia said as Remus realized he was now cornered.
"Yes, of course..." Remus replied, reaching into his coat unaware that Harry's little friend saw it coming. Zaruba opted to vibrate to warn Harry and thus Harry did the only thing he could do. Thus as Remus pulled out the pen Harry slashed through it with the Garoken and in turn the magic set into it was severed and destroyed by the Soul Metal blade.
Harry then felt pity to watch another of the Marauders join the wrong side. As Remus was cuffed he would no doubt be freed on the word of Dumbledore alone. Harry and Hermione looked over to Tonks and saw that she was handing her wand over to Madam Bones almost expecting herself to be arrested next.
"This was a portkey." Harry said as he got everyone's attention as he passed the broken pen over to the Aurors who caught it. With a quick spell they saw it was in fact a portkey but the magic it had was gone no doubt since Harry cut it in two and cleanly so one might add.
"Auror Tonks, did they tell you they'd be using a safe house?" Amelia asked as she looked to Tonks wanting answers.
"No, Ma'am, they said we were here to talk to Harry. I thought Lupin might try to grab him. I didn't think he'd use a Portkey." Tonks said as it was clear she felt bad about taking part in this even if she was unaware.
"It's fine Auror Tonks, I should have thought of that." Amelia said as she knew that with Harry being discovered many eyes will come looking soon.
Seeing his work here was done Harry and Hermione began to take their leave of the area… at least until Amelia stopped them. "A moment if you would Mr. Potter." Amelia said as Harry stopped for but a moment.
"What is it?" Harry asked with a cold aloof glare to the head of the DMLE.
"I assume you are not aware due to your desire to sever ties from our world which I shall respect." Amelia said as she knew Harry needed to hear this. "But a year into your escape Sirius was given a trial and cleared of all charges." Amelia said as she looked to Harry who went wide eyed in shock to this.
"If you're lying to me even for a moment." Harry began as his threat was clear but Amelia smiled to this.
"No why would I try to betray my husband's godson?" Amelia smiled and in turn Harry realized what Amelia said as the now Madam Black made herself clear. "I do hope we may meet on friendlier terms to 'catch up,' as it were." Amelia said and thus Harry and Hermione nodded and took their leave of the woman.
(Later with Harry and Hermione)
The duo continued to make their way to the tubes so they may travel to Grimmauld. Once they had arrived the boarded a train and thus began to journey to get themselves to Grimmauld. As they did this Hermione decided to voice her concerns about that previous confrontations. "It seems things have changed in the two years we've been gone." Hermione said as Harry nodded to this.
"Does it bother you?" Harry asked as he looked to Hermione with concern for the girl.
Turning her head Hermione gave her answer. "No not in the way you're thinking." Hermione said as she looked to Harry.
Harry had often thought Hermione felt like she made a mistake leaving the magical world for this darker world with him. But every time he looked she excelled as a Makai Priestess almost like she found her life calling by being one who protects. As they went through two years of harsh training they were one day asked to pick a backup plan just in case things did not turn out as intended. While Harry's teacher had faith he always reminded Harry that Garo had the final say on who would inherit the armor. With the need for a backup plan in mind, this eventually caused University to beckon for Harry and Hermione. They used a couple of potions to get into the same University together. Lilith and a few of their new friends joined them, but Luna was not amongst them. She, like most of the purebloods who had taken up the offer for help, did not have the same level of non-magical education as Harry, Hermione and the Muggleborns, and so stuck with the tutors.
As Hermione went into law, Harry was troubled with what he really wanted to do. He was toying with the idea of becoming a doctor and using magic to help him when Hermione took matters into her own hands and dragged him into Culinary Arts where he was found to have a gift for it. Having never been quite the academic that Hermione was it came as no surprised Harry would excel in such a career path.
Thankfully it was unneeded but also it served as a good retirement should they ever feel that they've done enough. "Harry I'll never regret this life because in a way our lives can be used to save many others." Hermione said as she had seen enough of the Horrors to know they could NOT be reasoned with. They were in fact true dark creatures who will keep coming so long as humankind live on earth.
"But you can't deny the war hasn't ended if we continue we'll very well be walking into live fire." Harry said to which Hermione fully understood the implications of it.
"Then we look out for each other and fight our way through." Hermione said and thus Harry smiled to her. "Besides they did do one thing correct." Hermione added as the two began to move closer to each other.
"Oh what's that?" Harry asked feigning ignorance to the bookworm's statement.
"Their desire to drive you and anyone like me away drove us to each other." Hermione said while she wrapped her arms around Harry's neck while smiling.
"You don't say." Harry said and thus were about to share a kiss. At least until the train automatic voice was heard. The duo sighed when they heard this and parted knowing they had arrived at their destination. As the train came to a stop the dup had one thought to think of upon arrival. "So what do we do if the Order is there?" Harry asked as he looked to Hermione with clear concern.
"Wait for them to leave or try and sneak about." Hermione said as she had magic that would make them want to leave and as she saw the Makai had much more powerful forms of magic then the Wizarding World. In fact Hermione's Madou Brush was made from her old wand giving it a nice boos in power for her. To think the Priests and Priestesses of the Order of Makai created their own Madou Brushes was truly a shock but an obvious welcomed shock. Still they had to be careful now that Dumbledore had their scent chances are he won't give up on it until he had the pair.
(Scene Break Number 4 Grimmauld Place Sirius later that evening)
Sirius was more or less alone at the moment. It has been two years since Harry and later Hermione left Magical Britain and needless to say things have been chaotic. When the letter had hit the press Sirius wanted to go out and find Harry but actually stopped himself from doing so. Sirius had to think for a second and from everything he saw Harry had reached his breaking point and wanted out of this world of darkness and bigotry. He was always in danger and always unhappy here and since he was not with the Dursley's he made it clear he did not WANT to be found by anyone.
Sirius had to make the hardest choice of his life and that was for Harry's own good. He let Harry go because wherever he ended up was sure better than this shite world of magic. And it was a good thing that he did so because on the next order meeting and those following it concerns had been raised. Molly who was all for keeping the children out of the world was agreeing with everything Dumbledore said when it came to locating and bringing Harry home.
The meetings had been less and less about fighting the Death Eaters and more about bringing Harry back 'home,' and by force if needed. Dumbledore had an unhealthy obsession with Harry and in turn Sirius was very much concerned for it so when Hermione had chosen to leave next Dumbledore had been given a proper tongue lashing via Hermione's response letter to the headmaster. But right after that particular incident when Dumbledore suspected Sirius of hiding Harry a Legitimancy attempt had saw to it Dumbledore banned from his home. That had caused a domino effect as one by one Members of the Order of the Phoenix were exiled from Grimmauld. Sirius took back control of his shite family's home from Molly especially when he caught her trying to let Dumbledore back in via the Floo.
It eventually reached an apex when Sirius and Remus had their falling out. Sirius was saddened by this that his best friend was siding with Dumbledore more than Harry. Sirius had to give Remus the ultimatum Harry's happiness or his loyalty to Albus Dumbledore. But since Dumbledore managed to get Remus an education at Hogwarts and later a job for a year there the Werewolf chose the headmasters side.
Right now the only ones permitted to enter Grimmauld have been Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George Weasley mainly to escape Molly. Nymphadora Tonks, Amelia Black nee Bones and their niece Susan Bones, and finally Andromeda Tonks. Now most would wonder why this was the case and the answer is actually quite simple. After his initial fallout with Dumbledore Sirius took Kreacher and popped on over to Gringotts to pay for a hefty defense to get him a fair trial and his name cleared. Of course with how things were going he needed to start using the Black and Slytherin in him to get ahead.
With the Goblins aid Sirius had eventually made his case and thus was cleared of all charges against him. All it took was placing a few sacks of Gold here and there to the right greasy hands to make it happen. He hated having to stoop to that level and he made the Goblins aware of this and he earned some of their respect for it. He didn't want to do it but he swallowed his pride and did it anyway. With his title restored and his seat reclaimed Sirius had been doing his best to fix what he could and keep the Death Eaters from taking the Ministry completely. Fudge was booted off the seat but alas was made the new Ministers advisor for it.
Thankfully he ensured Lucius and his ilk would never be able to claim the Black Fortune. But then came good knew for Sirius Black. Sirius learned that the Goblins knew where Harry had hidden made it so Harry would receive it in the event Sirius did not have a son. Harry wanted to be away from the Magical World and thus Sirius would honor his Godsons request even if it meant never seeing him again. At the moment Sirius was alone in the house save for the House Elf Kreacher. Amelia was at the Ministry with Tonks after an incident with Remus that Tonks was involved with. They were keeping quiet about it but Sirius suspected his wife and cousin would tell him when they returned to Grimmauld Place later.
Just then he heard movement from the door as his Auror Instincts kicked in. When he was at Gringotts after his trial he ensured Bellatrix was cast out of the Family so she would have no access to this place. Narcissia was up in the air but just because she never took the mark didn't mean she wasn't firmly on Voldemort's side of this war. His wife and the few people still allowed entry always used the Floo and only use the Front Door if they did not have any access to the Floo Network. But even then they always knocked before entering and more so Amelia and Nymphadora would be at the Ministry for a tad bit longer to deal with the Remus fallout.
Susan was at a trusted friends place so that scratched her off the list as a possibility because she always made sure he knew if she was going to be home early via Kreachers aid. With his wand drawn Sirius moved through the house using the old Auror training that never left him suspecting an intruder had entered these halls.
As he moved the sound the intruders made suggested they were light on their feet but the creaking of the wood did not conceal them. As he moved carefully he saw a light from below one of the doors and shadows moving about underneath it. This gave him a precise idea on where the intruder was currently located at now. Swallowing is breath Sirius opted now to strike the intruders.
Swinging open the door Sirius fired off a stunner to the intruders so he could interrogate them. But when the intruders moved the stunner had missed. Do to this Sirius had in turn found himself quickly disarmed by another spell from a brush that the female held. Before Sirius could go fisticuffs against his foe he soon found himself on the receiving end of a punch to the gut, and a grab to his head which made him come forward. Once that was done he was kicked down and then found a sheathed sword held against his neck.
But as this happened he finally got a good look at the female with the brush and went wide eyed to this. "Hermione?" Sirius asked and thus Hermione went wide eyed there.
"Sirius?" Hermione said and thus he felt the pressure on his neck lighten enough for him to breathe. Sirius looked and was wide eyed as he saw Harry there who in turn saw his godfather.
"Sirius?" Harry asked worried this may be a ploy from Dumbledore to bring him back.
"Harry what are you doing here?" Sirius asked as he looked to Harry in shock. "I thought you didn't want to return?" Sirius asked as he wanted Harry here but he knew he was not safe in the Magical World anymore now more than ever.
"Sirius… I didn't have much of a choice." Harry said and thus Hermione spoke up.
"Things are complicated and we needed your family library." Hermione said as she looked to Sirius and thus the Head of the Black Family knew it was going to be one of those evenings for him. "We were hoping to do it before the Order showed up and knowing you they might already." Hermione began but Sirius cut her off.
"That won't be happening." Sirius explained much to the duo's shock. "There hasn't been a proper Order of the Phoenix meeting here in over a year." Sirius said and thus it was clear both sides were at a lost here.
"Alright here is how we'll do this… you tell us what you know and we tell you what we know in the library." Harry said and thus Sirius could agree.
"Kreacher!" Sirius called out and thus Kreacher popped into existence.
"What can Kreacher do for Blood Traitor Master and filthy half-blood and mudblood?" Kreacher mumbled as he glared at them.
"Refreshments for us if you would." Sirius said and thus Kreacher in turn nodded and popped away from the group. "Now then let us talk." Sirius said and thus it was time for both sides to be caught up on things that have been occurring.
(Later the Black Family Library)
"I can't believe I missed your wedding." Harry said as Sirius had confirmed he and Amelia had tied the knot at long last.
"I'm sorry you missed it." Sirius said as he understood the why while Hermione was hard at work perusing through the library. Sirius was getting the duo caught up on the recent events in the two years the pair had been gone. From what they gathered Dumbledore was wasting resources needed for the war on locating Harry. When asked why he told the order to trust him or some hogwash that Harry would be in danger because Voldemort would not allow Harry to escape him for long.
But the way Sirius saw Dumbledore go about it made him concern since by the looks of it Dumbledore had an almost unhealthy obsession with Harry. Harry had told what happened with Remus to which Sirius revealed that after Remus the Marauders were officially disbanded. Apparently the two had a falling out from what Sirius had told Harry. The boy felt his father would be rolling in his grave in anguish with what was happening, one friend betrayed them and his two other friends have broken apart because of Dumbledore.
Thankfully Sirius had no intentions of telling Dumbledore anything about Harry and his current location. But Sirius also suspected Albus may have a bug on this house to find the information on Harry's current whereabouts. And seeing as Remus was willing to abduct Harry for this the Wizard turned Makai Knight feared the worse. But Harry made it clear this world would handle its own problems not come to him to fix it for them. They may not like it but he was done being their hero one day and scapegoat the next whenever it benefited them and their medium. By the looks of it the current Minister was barely holding on to any control while Amelia and Sirius were doing most if not all of the heavy lifting there. The war itself was not looking too good either with the Ministry and the Order all it needed was a Spark and hundreds of Horrors will rush in for an all you can eat buffet.
"Now before we go to why you came back… where have you been all this time?" Sirius asked as he wanted to know what the pair were up to since they had chosen to leave magical London two years ago.
"To make a long story short, I was originally going to spend my days in isolation." Harry began as he sat across from Sirius while nursing a cup of tea. "Hermione joined me when I had a vision of Voldemort and his Death Eaters attacking her so I mounted a rescue with six House Elves." Harry said as Sirius paid attention to his returned Godson. "Of course that was when my life changed because one of the Death Eaters was a monster called a Horror." Harry said as Sirius grew weary of this new reveal. "Hermione and I thought we were dead when we got saved by a couple of members of a Knightly brotherhood who has dedicated their entire existence to hunting these Horrors." Harry explained as Sirius heard this and was now worried.
"Hermione and I ended up joining them, it paid well had benefits and vacation time." Harry joked a bit which got a small chuckle before he went back to getting serious. "But I enjoyed it despite the high mortality rate because I can help people and just be a random stranger to them." Harry said as it was clear he still wanted to help people but he didn't want the recognition or the fame for it.
Knights? Horrors?" Sirius asked as he tried to figure this bit out.
"Allow me." Zaruba spoke getting Sirius attention. Harry lifted up Zaruba and thus had the Madou Ring facing Sirius. "Greetings Sirius Orion Black I am Madou Ring Zaruba." Zaruba introduced as he looked directly to Sirius here. "I am the eternal ally to the Golden Knight Garo which has been inherited by Harry Potter here from his master who was my previous partner." Zaruba spoke as Sirius was wrapping his head around the concept of this ring.
"A pleasure to meet you." Sirius said and thus Zaruba nodded to the Black Head.
"Likewise Harry has spoken highly of you." Zaruba said as this helped Sirius come to terms with the talking ring. "Any who the Makai Order has existed for as long as human history has been recorded perhaps even longer and have dedicated their entire lives to hunting and eliminating Horrors wherever they may appear." Zaruba spoke as Sirius paid attention to the Madou Rings explanation.
"I'm guessing you lot never found a way to end them for good?" Sirius asked and thus Zaruba sighed almost like Sirius figured it out.
"Regrettably the Horrors have an entire world to inhabit where they enter ours through objects stained with darkness called Gates." Zaruba explained summarizing the important bits of this story. "And regrettably humanity has a tendency to be messy and thus create these Gates." Zaruba added and thus Sirius began to put the pieces together here.
"So that meant so long as humanity exist Horrors will continue to enter our world?" Sirius asked and thus Zaruba nodded to Harry's dear godfather.
"That they will but it does not keep the order form hoping for a future of a world without Horror." Zaruba said as Sirius understood what the Madou Ring explained.
"I see." Sirius said with a sigh as he now understood where Harry has been and what he has been doing for over two years. "Now that I think about it." Sirius began as he realized he had a great deal of objects in the house with such taints to become Gates to welcome Horrors.
"Don't worry Sirius just gather everything and I can start cleansing of your families dark objects here with my sword." Harry said but then looked down a bit on this. "But that's now why we're here." Harry said and thus Hermione finally spoke from a nearby table.
"Here it is!" Hermione called out getting attention from the two men here.
"You found it?" Harry asked as he headed over to Hermione who nodded to this.
"Yes everything we need to know about Horcruxes." Hermione said as she had the page with the information book marked.
"Horcruxes that is what you needed to know about?!" Sirius asked as he was now growing a bit worried.
"Not how to make them Sirius how to track them and possibly destroy them." Harry said as Sirius heard what Harry said. "We know that Voldemort had created a Horcrux several of them in fact." Harry said as Sirius saw where this was going. "It's what keeps him alive and thanks to them Horror activities and Opened Gates have been rising at an alarming rate." Harry explained and thus Sirius now understood what was happening here.
"Two bird's one stone." Sirius explained as he saw what this meant for them. "Destroy the Horcruxes and you stem the tide while taking away the Dark Lords Immortality." Sirius said as he saw what this meant for them now. "Does this meant that?" Sirius began but Hermione cut him off on that thought process.
"Not sure I'll need to read everything I can before we go any further with it." Hermione said as she was now focused on reading the page that had all of the information on Horcrux's. "It might be a bit because I also need to make sure I didn't miss anything from other books in this place." Hermione said as she gestured to the stacks of books on either side of her that she had searched through already for the information on this dark magic.
"Well…" Sirius began as he looked to the pair here. "It would seem you two might be here for the evening." Sirius said as he hoped they would accept his offer. "And with the Order of the Phoenix all but banned from my home you won't have to worry about them." Sirius said to which the pair heard what he was saying to them. "So if you'd like I can offer you both a room to stay for the evening and once you have all that you needed you can start the search at earnest." Sirius said as Harry and Hermione looked to each other.
"We accept." Zaruba said much to the pair's shock.
"Zaruba!?" Harry and Hermione cried knowing Zaruba tends to make decisions for the two of them.
Knowing it annoyed them Zaruba began to defend his decision on this. "As it stands we help each other out we cleanse the dark objects of this place Sirius and you get the information on the Horcrux everyone wins." Zaruba said as he explained his logic on this sleeping arrangement.
"Well I suppose if you say it that way." Hermione said and thus she sighed to this. "Very well." Hermione said before returning to her book in a more relaxed state now.
"I'll have Kreacher prepare a room for you two." Sirius said and thus had one more bit to add. "And I'll have him guide you to where are dark objects are kept." Sirius said as he rather not deal with a Horror here.
"Thank you." Harry said and thus opted to join Hermione as she read the books by relaxing on the couch in case she needed him to do something for her. With a smile on his face Sirius left the two to their devices as he had to inform Amelia and Susan of their surprise guests for the evening. But while Sirius was happy to have his Godson back he hoped he would leave to return life away from the Magical World that drove him away. But a selfish part of his mine hoped he would let them come as well at least to visit his Godson on a regular bases. Still Sirius was smiling as soon Susan would be meeting her cousin for lack of better words… he just hoped Harry would let bygones be bygones after 4th year.
(Scene Break Unknown Dark Location)
The mysterious mastermind was sitting alone now as he rested his head on his fist with an amused smile adorning his features. As he sat there the sound of symphony music was playing from a nearby record player as the young man enjoyed its tunes. As he sat there he smiled as from his right arm an amulet was seen wrapped around his wrist. This amulet was special as inside it was an azure blue crystal that gave an ominous glow.
"Well my old master we shall see who is truly worthy your successor or your failed students?" He said and in turn closed his eyes to enjoy the music. Plans were in motion and a game of chess was being played but the question that held, what the final move in this game was.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well here we are a brand new chapter finished and published. I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us next time for Chapter 4. Now then as always leave behind a review before leaving and as I always say to everyone ja-ne.