Cheerfully humming as they made their way towards the boundaries of the school, for he had gotten his darling Blitzy to agree to another romantic rendezvous as soon as he finished his little top side errand, Stolas felt his currently human lips twitch in amusement as he turned towards his sullen student.
Though knowing that Harry was unhappy to be returning to the school, for his expression was very similar to Octavia's whenever she was forced to do something she really didn't want to do, the transformed Goetia couldn't help but tease the young dragon that his situation wasn't all bad.
"Do cheer up my boy. While it is true you will have to wait a little longer before you return home for more than a few days, you still have other methods to combat your feelings of homesickness."
And just like his daughter, the boy's answer was less than cheerful.
"You mean bullying magical Nazis, insulting preteen ass kissers, and doing my 'creepy child' act? The last one is always fun, but the other two kinda grows thin after a while."
Conceding his student's answer with a nod, for he still had a ways to go before he could view such acts as something more than an occasional thrill, Stolas took a moment to think of a response that would satisfy the frowning dragon.
"Perhaps you should find new ways to satisfy your more….punitive urges. Physical torment has its place of course, but there are times when one derives more satisfaction from psychological torture rather than violence. Of course, since they are children, you will have to work hard to limit yourself since their past crimes and tolerances are much less well developed than adults, but you're a smart lad. You'll be able to figure it out."
Earning a small smile of gratitude from the emerald-eyed wizard, who was probably already thinking of how he could punish the irritants in his life without permanently breaking their minds or bodies, Stolas found his mind wandering to more immediate concerns as Harry pointed towards something that had completely forgotten about during the course of the festival.
"She's fully unconscious right?"
Chuckling in amusement at Harry's sudden display of anxiety, the human disguised Goetia wasted no time in reassuring his concerned pupil.
"Not to worry my boy. The spell I used rendered your teacher not only unable to follow us but also unable to perceive the passage of time between her petrification and the moment when I unfreeze her."
Though his answer had earned a nod of gratitude from the black-haired boy, it nevertheless seemed that it was insufficient.
"But won't she question as to why she can't recall anything from Friday night to know? I mean, she's getting on in years, but she still has a ways to go before she starts losing it like Dumbledore."
Frowning in disapproval at this remark, for it was something he would have expected Blitzy to say rather than his student, Stolas decided to chide his young pupil before offering up an explanation.
"While I can appreciate your frustration with your educators, and your desire to emulate one of the more prominent figures in your life, I suggest you limit your insults to those who truly deserve it. Understood?"
Receiving a quick nod from the boy, not that he expected anything less after he had flared his eyes a little to show his mild displeasure, the transformed Goetia soon sported a smile as he explained what he was going to do.
"However, you are correct regarding how your professor, and your headmaster, will react if they realize that there is a forty-eight-hour gap in their memory. Which is why I intend to give her a memory of my own creation. It is a rather advanced form of legilimency, one that even the most gifted in the mind arts have difficulty with, but you will find that one is able to perfect this skill once they have had centuries to hone it."
Enjoying the displeased frown that came over his pupil's face, mostly because he knew that it would only get worse once he discovered that he had been referring to the rate at which Humans learned this skill rather than Demons, Stolas took a moment to prepare before focusing on the currently stone encased feline.
He already knew that it was easier to change the characteristics of a true memory rather than a completely fabricated one, but for the one he was about to impart, he wanted to ensure that every detail was covered.
The red skies of hell were replaced with the blue ones of the human world.
Charming rural Imps were changed to humans who enjoyed the delights of the country instead of the city.
And perhaps the most important of all, tweaking any displays of violent behavior to reflect something that was a little more appropriate for an eleven-year-old human.
He suspected that the Headmaster might question the authenticity of his subordinate's recollections, but since his memory warping skills were far better than most masters of this art, Stolas was confident that there would be little cause for concern.
Nodding in satisfaction as his magic took hold, smiling as he noted the look of interest on his pupil's face, Stolas made a slight shooing motion towards the young dragon Demon.
"Now run along Harry. It will take a few moments before the good deputy headmistress is once again animate, and I would think it would be better for you to be making your way back inside by the time she returns to normal."
Receiving a nod from his black-haired pupil, the transformed Goetia waited until he was nearly out of sight before he canceled the spell.
It would take a few seconds before the feline Animagus was once again free to move around like a typical feline. But for a Demon of his caliber, a few seconds was all he needed to teleport himself back to Hell.
For as charming as he found the scenery in the living world, he had a prior obligation with a charming little Imp.
….
Not bothering to conceal his displeasure at having to listen to this long-awaited report, even if it would give him some valuable insight into the brat's background, Snape wasn't sure if he should pity Minerva, or hold her in contempt.
"I couldn't discover anything wrong, Albus. The boy's adopted family might be a little strange, especially the uncle with the horse fascination and one of his aunts, but from what I could see they were perfectly normal."
Snorting in derision, which in turn caused the headmaster to shoot him a look of warning, which he promptly ignored, the former Death Eater didn't bother to keep the sarcasm out of his voice as he challenged his colleague's claims.
"Perfectly normal? I suppose that's what Potter is. Provided of course one ignores the constant disrespect he shows to his superiors and fellow students."
And of course, Minerva was fully prepared to point out the minor flaws in his argument in order to better justify her position.
"If you are so quick to call others out of their disrespect Severus, then why don't you use this fine talent to reign in your house? While I confess that each and every house has their share of troublemakers, mine included, it can be said that your Snakes, particularly your godson, display rather troubling behavior."
Glaring at the stern and judgmental countenance of his former instructor, who of course was completely unaware of the complicated structures that governed the affairs of Slytherin House, Snape managed to keep himself from sneering as he highlighted the images they had just seen.
"And yet you will find none of my snakes have role models who wrestle in the mud, ride bucking horses, or personally prepare the animal they wish to dine on. And let's not forget the fact that these…people think it's a good idea to teach their children how to use a weapon before they are Hogwarts age."
Personally, he didn't really have a problem with the last part, if only because he secretly wished he had the same skill set when his ability to cast spells was still limited. But that was a separate issue.
Fortunately, Dumbledore seemed to agree with him.
Albeit in a manner that subtly suggested that he too was anti-Slytherin.
"I'm afraid that I have to agree with Severus on this Minerva. While I am pleased to see that these people accept Harry as one of their own, I must say I am somewhat troubled about the amount of influence they have on the boy. Although it is clear that they welcome him with open arms, it is also clear that Harry is fully prepared to copy their behavior due to the belief that anything else will result in losing their favor. I myself don't see this happening judging by the clear love his adoptive parents have for him, but considering what he endured with the Dursleys, it is possible that he doesn't realize this."
Allowing a brief scowl to cross his face at the reminder of the Dursleys, whose treatment of Lily's son was far worse than what he had experienced at the hands of his abusive father and neglectful mother, Snape managed to school his features back into an impassive mask as his bearded employer temporarily dismissed the feline Animagus.
"However that is a discussion for another time. You did an excellent job Minerva, so why don't you spend the rest of the evening relaxing? Tomorrow is the first day of post-Halloween classes after all. And considering that later this week we have our first Quidditch game of the season, I suspect you will be wanting to savor the rare moments of calm you have to yourself."
Watching the transfiguration mistress give a curt nod of acceptance, Snape was unsurprised that Dumbledore had waited until he was certain that she was gone before he posed a question that would have undoubtedly upset the Scottish woman if she had heard it.
"Tell me Severus, do you trust Minerva's recollections?"
Taking a moment to consider his answer, it didn't take long for the greasy-haired potions master to shake his head.
"Not entirely. And that's what concerns me. The images we saw, while bearing none of the usual aspects of an altered memory, nevertheless…"
"Nevertheless were too perfect. And yet as you've said, something isn't quite right."
Nodding his head in agreement, Snape moved to explain his reasoning.
"Exactly. While I have no doubt that these…people are largely responsible for Potter's current…attitude, especially his adoptive mother and that tall skimpily clad girl, there's something missing here. While it is true that living with a bunch of Yank rednecks could produce a child of Potter's type…"
"The fact remains that they are not responsible for his previous magical training."
Squashing the mild irritation he always felt at Dumbledore's interruptions, Snape nodded his head.
"Exactly. The only other confirmed wizard in those memories that wasn't Potter was his so-called teacher. And his actions are, to say the least, rather troubling."
By which he meant the way the crowd of dirt farming locals seemed to worship the rather effeminate man.
He had nothing against men who felt an attraction for other men, even if he was slightly put off by the amount of attention the tophat-wearing wizard seemed to be paying towards Potter's more … moronic associate. But the sight of a bunch of gun-wielding Muggles showing deference to a man whose personality was, in a word, flamboyant?
That, he didn't understand.
And what he didn't understand troubled him greatly.
Though it appeared that Dumbledore possessed some idea of what could be behind this rather confusing situation.
"Indeed. The man has a rather…uncanny way to attract attention. Does he not?"
Frowning as he tried to decipher the hidden meaning in the headmaster's words, Snape soon sported a scowl as it became clear to him that his employer wasn't in a sharing mood.
"However that will be a mystery for another day. As important as it is to discover the true nature of young Harry's upbringing, we have more urgent matters to speak of."
Fighting the urge to roll his eyes, or dive in yet to another rant about how this whole scheme was perhaps the worst idea Dumbledore had ever come up with, Snape managed to avoid the painful reminder emanating from his miraculously still present limb as he listened to the bearded Wizard once again praise the contributions made by his half-trained groundskeeper.
It was rather irritating to be reminded that Hagrid's gift was animals was viewed to be more impressive than his little logic puzzle, but considering that most people were impressed with flashy displays of raw savagery, the half-giants three-headed mutt being a perfect example of this, he shouldn't have been too surprised that his so-called colleagues were less than impressed with his little brain teaser.
Still, he supposed it could have been worse.
It wasn't like the entire scheme rested on the curiosity of an eleven-year-old child.
Right?
…..
Despite the chaotic, and almost lethal experience of the previous evening, for the first time in months the bushy-haired girl felt nothing but excitement as she sat down for her morning meal.
Yes, it was true that her current seating choice was earning an annoyed glare from the youngest member of the Weasley Clan, though she had to say that he at least appeared to be making an effort to control his rudeness.
And yes, it was a bit odd to be sitting with her savior, who had the good taste to introduce her to the rest of the table before the need for breakfast put a halt to most of the conversation.
But the fact remains that this was perhaps one of the best days of her li..
"What the fuck are you doing here?"
Pulled out of her happy musings by the less than polite tones of her fellow first-year, Hermione fought to keep her tone even as she answered Potter's rudely delivered question.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm having breakfast."
Doing her best to smother a smile as her answer caused some of the watching upper years to snicker in amusement, the first year Gryffindor was unsurprised that this response did little to soothe the green-eyed Hufflepuff's temper.
"I meant why the fuc.."
"Potter! Unless you want your robes to be sporting polka dots and stripes, I'd watch the language. First one is free of course, but anything else is going to cost you."
Shooting the pink-haired seventh-year a look of gratitude, Hermione wasn't sure whether to be happy or annoyed when Potter turned his attention from her to his older housemate.
"I'll let that slide since we both know I'd retaliate in some way, but that still doesn't answer my question. Why is she sitting at this table, with us, instead of with her house? I mean, isn't there some rule against it?"
Frowning in concern, for she hadn't thought to research the rules governing inter-house relations after Tonks had invited her to sit at their table, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as her new friend shook her head.
"Not really. I mean, Snape might say there is when he's looking for an excuse to dock house points, but there's no real rule against it. And to answer your earlier question, she's sitting here because I asked her to."
Though she was happy at this public admission, the bushy-haired Gryffindor nevertheless felt her earlier anxiety return as Potter proved to be less than accepting of this answer.
"Why?"
"Because your most prickly badgerness."
"Last night our dear."
"And highly attractive Tonksy."
"Was the hero to our fellow lion's damsel in distress."
Groaning in annoyance at the sudden appearance of the Twins, who she idly noted, were able to sit down at the Hufflepuff table without earning the ire of her green-eyed year mate, Hermione was pleased to see that Tonks voice not only her agreement but also her annoyance at their comments.
"Appreciate the compliment boys. But I suggest you continue to practice your pickup lines since it's clear you lack your older brother's charm. Besides, you two aren't giving yourselves enough credit. You're the ones responsible for telling me where she was when things got panicky. So while I appreciate the compliments, I can't take all the credit."
Nodding her head in agreement with this train of thought, even if she was still a little concerned on how a pair of older boys knew precisely which bathroom she had been crying in, Hermione felt her cheeks turn red in embarrassed shame as Potter, for once, showed some concern for her situation.
"What intrusion?"
Keeping her head down in a vain attempt to smother her feelings of shame and gratitude, the bushy-haired first year managed to somehow keep her cool as Tonks summarized what happened last evening.
"Someone, nobody knows who, thought it would be funny to let a Troll into the castle while everyone was at the feast. Luckily Quirrell was able to warn everybody about the break-in."
"Right before he fainted from shock."
"Not a very courageous teacher is he Fred?"
"Indeed he is not George. But at least that turban of his acted like a nice cushion."
"True brother mine. Very tru.."
"Guys. I'm trying to tell the story here. So either zip it or scram."
Fighting the urge to giggle as she watched the Twins make the necessary hand gestures to show their willingness to comply, Hermione managed to retain her composure as Tonks continued with her story.
"Anyways, after being told to return to our dorms, and noticing that a certain someone had yet to make a public appearance after both you and the twin's brother were rude to her, I decided that it would be a good idea to ensure that she wasn't in any danger. And a good thing too because the Troll decided to vacate the dungeons for the upper levels of the castle."
Pleased to see that Tonks was willing to admonish Potter for his role in her near-fatal accident, though she wasn't surprised to see that he didn't take it too well, Hermione found herself forming a disapproving scowl as her fellow first-year once again displayed an attitude that she found very troubling to accept.
"Wait a minute. You're saying a Troll was in the dungeons? And the teachers told you to go back to your dorms? What the fuck is wrong with them?"
While his words earned a tired sigh from the older girl, who was currently wearing of resigned acceptance, Hermione had to grudgingly admit that he had some cause for concern.
"They do realize that half of the school's student population lives in that section of the castle yes? I mean, I could give a rat's ass if anything happened to the snakes. But our house? I know we're not quite at basement level, but our dorms are close enough to be placed in harm's way."
Frowning at the continued use of foul language, the young Gryffindor was pleased to see that Tonks, while nodding her head in agreement with this logic, nevertheless seemed more interested in continuing the story rather than commenting on the headmaster's mistake.
"True. Anyways. Thanks to the Twins, whose knowledge of where everything and everyone is rather useful, if uncanny, I was able to prevent Hogwarts from losing one of its most promising students."
Blushing in embarrassment at this compliment, for it was rare to receive one from anyone who wasn't a teacher or adult family member, Hermione felt her eyes widen as she witnessed something she thought was impossible.
"You didn't get hurt, did you?"
Shocked by Potter's display of genuine concern, the bushy-haired Muggleborn could only watch as the Twins displayed their own surprise at this unexpected development.
"Is our prickly badger showing concern brother mine?"
"Why I think he is George."
"Oh, they grow up so fast. One day their acting worse than Percy does whenever he's in one of his moods."
"They next they start to deepen their friendship with older females."
"Truly we have a lot to learn."
Sighing in annoyance, though it had more to do with the Twins' inability to stay focused, Hermione was once again caught off guard by Potter's declaration.
"What's the big deal? It's not like Tonks is the first ol…"
"Hang on!"
"You're friends with other older girls?!"
"Please teach us your secrets!"
Unsure if she should scoff at this behavior, or giggle at the sight of the two older boys bowing their heads in a manner that was clearly subservient, Hermione settled for displaying her amusement as Potter ignored their behavior.
Though his topic change was something that she also found to be inappropriate.
"Speaking of my friends, Tonks could you make a run for me when you go to Hogsmeade? I promised that I'd send a couple of bottles of Firewhiskey home. And I…"
"You're too young to drink!"
Earning a glare from the black-haired Hufflepuff, the bushy-haired Witch felt her own eyes narrow as her academic rival dismissed her warning.
"If you were paying attention Granger, I said I wanted them to send back home. And there's nothing in the rules about sending non-enchanted gifts to parts of the world that aren't governed by the Ministry."
Frowning at this bit of rule-breaking, even if this wasn't the first time she had witnessed his desire to engage in some underage drinking, Hermione was shocked by Tonks's response.
"I dunno Potter. Bit of a risk for me since I don't want people to think I've got a drinking problem. Tell you what, you agree to my price, and I'll get you three bottles this time, and another five before the holidays. Deal?"
"That depends. What's the price?"
Shocked that Potter would display the intelligence to enquire after the cost of this favor before agreeing to it, though she had to admit that he showed more common sense than most boys his age, Hermione was stunned, and more than a little touched, by the pink-haired girl's answer.
"Two galleons a bottle, AND you have to be nicer to Hermione."
Potter's response to this was naturally less than cheerful.
"What?"
Luckily, Tonks wasn't troubled by her housemate's less than enthusiastic response.
"You heard me. Hermione's life was in danger because you, and a few others, have done your best to make her feel unwelcome. And while I am happy to call you both my friends, I would very much prefer it if I didn't have to deal with your constant arguments while I'm within earshot."
Thinking that Potter would refuse to accept this offer, for the look on his face was similar, if slightly less hostile than the look Ronald Weasley wore whenever he was forced to be in the same room as Malfoy, the green-eyed boy managed to surprise her with his response.
"Bump it down to one galleon and eight sickles per bottle, and I will make the effort not to speak to her unless she says something completely moronic."
This earned a small glare from the older Hufflepuff, though Hermione was only truly displeased when Tonks made a counter-counter offer.
"Final offer. One galleon twelve sickles per bottle, and you don't have to talk to her unless she engages you. Deal?"
Opening her mouth to protest that she shouldn't be involved in such a deal, at least without first ensuring her consent to such a thing, the first-year Gryffindor was forced to keep her mouth shut as Potter curtly nodded his head.
"Deal. Now tell me about the Troll? Was it easy to beat? Did it look like a smarter version of Malfoy's goons? Is that why our house has more points than the others?"
Wisely deciding that it would be best not to join this conversation, for Potter was starting to act like he was on a sugar rush, Hermione returned her attention back towards her own breakfast plate with a thoughtful expression.
On one hand, she had made another friend, three if she counted the Twins. But on the other hand, she would now have to subject herself to being in Potter's presence more often than she truly liked.
She supposed it could've been worse.
But it wasn't exactly something she had given much thought to after Tonks hadn't just called her a friend but also extended an invite to sit at the Hufflepuff table for meals.
Still, considering it was better to eat with people who wanted her company or at least were willing to keep their nasty comments to themselves, it really could've been worse.
…..
While the rather crude and somewhat filthy place was somewhere that he would never enter normally, despite the fact that its former proprietor had been dead for nearly four years, Alastor had to admit that the place did know how to make a decent drink.
Of course, given that the Spider had spent a considerable amount of time trying to flirt with his dear Husker, it was unavoidable that he managed to pick up a tip or two when it came to mixing drinks that were as palatable as they were intoxicating.
Of course for the drink that was currently in his hand, his gratitude was solely reserved for the bartender/bouncer of the establishment.
"I must say you have my compliments, my dear. While most Sinners believe they have an idea of what makes a perfect beverage, you are perhaps the only one, apart from a select few, who could possibly make a Sazerac this delectable."
His comment earned a nod of gratitude from the grinning female, who sadly continued to wear an outfit that was more fitting for the boudoir than the bar, Alastor felt his own ever-present smile widen in amusement as she explained the reason for her apparent talent.
"Oh, it's simple really. I mean, mixing booze is a lot like mixing dangerous chemicals. The right mix will result in something memorable. The wrong mix will just leave you disappointed."
Nodding his head to show he completely agreed with this line of thinking, for his culinary talents necessitated the need to be precise when it came to adding spices and other ingredients, Alastor treated himself to another sip before he started to get into the real reason for his 'visit'.
"And speaking of disappointments, where is our dearly beloved spider? A certain spear-wielding associate of mine has become rather displeased at his lack of attendance. And since their volatile relationship is one of the major sources of amusement I derive from my current position, it is my responsibility to ensure that nothing…untoward has happened to him."
His words earning a snicker from the pony-tailed cyclops, the Radio Demon shook his head in amusement as she gave him an answer that, in all honesty, he should have expected in the first place.
"Far from it actually. We got a decent amount of cash coming in, our customers continue to enjoy our range of services, and Angie has never been happier. Especially since, well it's just a rumor, but if it's true it can mean big things for him."
His interest now fully piqued, since he knew that Cherri was not one to be excited over a rumor unless there was some credibility to it, Alastor ensured that his voice was all charm as he pushed for further details.
"And what rumor would this be my dear? While I confess that Angel's life has seen remarkable improvement ever since the demise of his former employer, I fail to see how it could be further improved upon. Especially since he seems to be more involved with the type of activities that prevent him from successfully completing his…redemption."
Fighting the urge to snort in amusement, even if his bartender possessed no such restraint, Alastor wished that he had possessed the foresight to invite either Charlie or Vagatha to accompany him on this little mission.
Because his bartender's response would have done much to instill a sense of reality in the duo.
"Why the hell would he want to be redeemed now? He's got respect. He can do all the things he likes without Val using them to control him. And he feels that he's in control of his own life. Personally, I think being sent to Heaven would be worse than Hell for him. If only because I doubt those harp-playing bastards would tolerate the type of fun Angie likes to get up to."
Having had similar, if more refined thoughts, the suit-wearing deer Demon was pleased to see that Cherri didn't need any further prompting to share with him the rumor involving their mutual acquaintance.
"Anyways, the word's really spread about Angie's improving performance ever since Val kicked the bucket. And from what one of my friends say, it looks like that he might be interviewed by a representative from Lust."
Humming in thought at this announcement, Alastor wasn't sure if he should welcome this bit of news, or do all that he could to discourage it.
On one hand, it meant that the Hazbin Hotel would have its first true failure since its opening. Made all the better since Angel would be its first resident to fail rather than some johnny come lately.
But on the other hand, the severity of this failure might be strong enough to send Charlie into an emotional downspin that would prove to be exceedingly difficult to recover from.
And while he did enjoy seeing the naïve being shown the futility of their dreams, having to deal with the depression of a once bubbly royal for months on end was not the sort of entertainment he craved.
Still, part of the thrill of entertainment was always leaving room for surprises. And since he never once thought that Angel's talents would be refined enough to attract the attention of a Demon who embodied the very sin Angel's industry was supposed to inspire, the Radio Demon had to admit that he was looking forward to seeing how this would play out.
Though it did raise the slight concern that he might need to pursue other avenues of entertainment.
Despite the amount of time it had been since the formation of his partnership with Lucifer's daughter, he had begun to feel like nothing had happened since that first amusing day, despite knowing the opposite was true.
And while he was not prepared to abandon the Hotel, Alastor was beginning to think that he needed to expand his current selection of entertainment.
If only to prolong his tenure as Charlie's partner to the point where he was certain that he would no longer be able to amuse himself.
But what to do?
Dealing with the remaining members of the triumvirate, while more than doable, would provide only a brief respite.
He could get himself involved in one of the numerous groups that sought to give Sinners the opportunity to traverse the other Rings of Hell. Though since he still wasn't sure if the limitation was magical, or simply a law passed down by Lucifer, perhaps it would be best not to get involved with such a group. At least directly.
There was one other venue he could try. One that, while fraught with risk, nevertheless promised to have nearly as much potential as Charlie's redemption project.
Of course, some of the fun was already taken out of it by knowing how many years, or should he say seasons, of enjoyment he could get out of it. And he would have to catch up on the first few episodes in order to truly understand the characters of this seven-season drama.
But since nothing in life, or the afterlife for that matter, was free, the Radio Demon supposed that he could expend the effort to involve himself in the little Dragon's life.
Because after all, the Wizarding World had shown no inclination in branching their entertainment industry into the overrated medium of screens.
And if he played his cards right, it would remain that way for a long time.
…..
ANNNNNND that wraps up the Harvest Festival arc.
Was fun to write, hopefully it was fun to read.
Big thanks to StarDustDragonknight and Darksycthe Drake for their editing efforts.
And now to briefly summarize what has happened, at least in terms of the Troll incident. And not in any specific order
TONKS is the one who saved Hermione from the troll, using the still carefully guarded secret of the Weasley Twins (i.e. the map) to find out where she was. I believe that as a seventh year, especially one who is aiming for the Auror corps, Tonks would have the skills to take out a troll. Cause if two first years with a first year spell, and a lot of good luck, can do it, why not a more trained witch?
Also, despite his deal with Tonks, Harry of course will still be his usual moody self, and Hermione will still be the book worm/know it all. But it will be interesting to develop their interactions since while there is no Golden Trio to balance each other out, Hermione does have someone to look up to. Will touch upon the changes this dynamic will have on Ron in a later chapter, but think it's safe to say that it will be somewhat different from the usual "You're a traitor to your house" theme that you see in many fanfics.
The conversation between Stolas and Harry is pretty straightforward. Stolas continuing to serve as a mentor to Harry.
The conversation with Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape. That one was interesting to do since it was based on a thought I had ever since the film version of Slughorn's false memory, which in turn was mixed in with other films that display mental powers. My thought was that it was easier to change some of the details of a memory (i.e. Imps become humans) instead of changing it all together (i.e. Slughorn's attempt to hide the Horcrux conversation). Of course since Dumbledore already knows that Stolas isn't Human, he suspects that the memory isn't entirely true, not to mention Snape's thoughts regarding Stolas's position at the festival, so it will help to keep things interesting.
And of course the last segment. Which was partly inspired by last episode. Been meaning for a while to find a way to get the Hazbin crew back into this story, and I believe I came up with a good one. Won't go into too much detail at this point, but I think I left enough clues to guess which direction I'm going in.
Anyways, hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
Plz review. No flames.
Til next time.