Thanks for the response to this story. However, as stated before, I am not continuing this any further, and Eeveefan13 is doing their own take on the challenge that inspired it, albeit with Danzo raising Harry rather than a pairing. Sorry.

ONLY RED STRINGS ON ME

CHAPTER 2:

THE NIGHTMARE RETURNS

Harry realised something was wrong very quickly when his great-aunt greeted him at the door, and said that their grandson was back from England from study. Harry knew that their real grandson was actually studying in Australia. So he discreetly signalled Danzo to ready herself.

He'd finally graduated from Mahoutokoro. He'd made no real friends, save amongst the teachers, and he wasn't sure what he intended to do next. Between the Tri-Wizard Tournament, the fallout, and Mahoutokoro, he was more than a little disillusioned with the Wizarding World. He'd kept up his mundane studies at the suggestion of his guardians and his teachers, and while he wasn't quite at the level that many Japanese schools and universities produced, he reckoned that he would definitely get A-Levels, albeit with a bit of cramming to make up. Maybe he should contact Hermione, see what tips she had.

Anyway, when he went through into the dining room, where a rather weedy-looking boy with dark hair was reading something, well, he wasn't expecting that. And judging by the marvellous 'Oh shit' look on the boy's face, especially once his gaze flicked up to his faded scar, the boy wasn't expecting him to turn up.

So he all but dragged this boy, Waver Velvet, to the room he was using, and shut the door, Danzo leaning against it. Harry had his wand out. "Okay, who the hell are you, and why did you Imperius my family into thinking you were their grandson?"

"Imperius? No, I'm not a wizard, I'm a Magus!" the boy yelped. "I just used some hypnosis, I'm not actually controlling them! I didn't know Harry Potter would be here!"

"I'm Harry Mackenzie, dammit!" Harry snapped. "I don't care what that hag Skeeter wrote, at least most of the Hogwarts staff, even that Snape, got it right after I corrected them." Harry frowned when he remembered something, a warning from one of his teachers, and a horrifying possibility reared its ugly head. "…Shit…you're here for the Holy Grail War, aren't you?"

Waver nodded, though he looked like he knew such an answer would be a mistake.

"…And you just dragged my family into it, not caring whether they'd get hit in the crossfire…" Harry forced himself to, if not remain calm, then as objective as possible about this. "…Glen and Martha know about magic. The Statute of Secrecy means that family members are allowed to know about magic, even if they can't use it. That goes for both wizards and Magi. Now, I'm tempted to throw you out, but I'm going to give you a chance to explain yourself. To the four of us."

"Four?" Waver asked, before looking at Danzo. "Who's she?"

"I am Kato Danzo," the karakuri kunoichi said. "I am Harry's friend and protector. That is all you need to know."

Harry then fixed Waver with a look. "Now…I'm going to take you downstairs, you will remove your hypnosis from Glen and Martha, and then, you're going to explain what possessed you to voluntarily participate in this mess…"

Waver folded like paper. This was before he became Lord El-Melloi II, before he met Iskandar. So he explained it all to Harry and his guardians. Harry, after a moment, pinched the bridge of his nose. "Okay, let me get this straight. You're a third-generation Magus who wrote a thesis on how hard work and study can allow newblood Magi to approach if not surpass the ability of older and more established lines. Only, your Spiritual Evocation teacher, who, while being a wanker of the highest order, is also a powerful lord at Clock Tower, tore it up and mocked you. Whereupon you decided it was a great idea to steal a priceless artifact once belonging to Alexander the Great from him, and come to Japan to fight in a magical tournament with a notoriously high bodycount amongst the participants alone."

"Umm, when you put it like that…"

"I just have one question. What the actual hell is your major malfunction?" It was the safest thing Harry could say, given how livid he was. "Okay, I understand why you wrote that thesis. The old blood of both magical societies are inbred snobs who hate people who rise above their station. But while you may have had more of a point about Muggleborn wizards, it's harder to prove your point with Magi, given how your magecraft gets stronger the longer your family's connection to magic is. Now, I'm not angry that you decided to come to Fuyuki to prove yourself, theft of Lord Yellow-Mellow's artifact aside. I can understand that. I had to fight every step of the way to be accepted at Mahoutokoro, despite being the Boy Who Lived…no, because of that. But…you decided to make my family's home a base, and thus paint a target on my family, especially from attacks from Lord Yellow-Mellow."

Waver's face paled when he realised the implications. But then, Glen said, "Harry, it's all right. I understand why you're angry, but he's not a bad lad, is he?"

Harry looked at Waver searchingly. "Kat?" he asked.

"Actions and reactions suggest that he is driven by ambition, but that he accepts the moral implications of his actions when pointed out to him," the gynoid said. "In other words, Glen's assessment is tentatively correct. His problem appears to be inadequate consideration of consequences than any true lack of morality."

Harry looked at Danzo, and then his guardians. After seeing the looks on their faces, he sighed. "Hope the Blood Wards Dumbledore spoke about still work. Same for those ones I got Gringotts' contractors to put on after Kat dealt with Voldemort."

"…Wait, this girl killed Voldemort?" Waver asked.

"He threatened Harry's life. I ended his. The Moonflower is not a technique I like to use, but for one such a Voldemort, I made an exception," Danzo said. "Now, I believe you should discuss your living arrangements with Glen and Martha before we go any further…"

The sound of a teacup clattering to the carpeted floor was the only sound that filled the silence after Harry told Aoi and Rin Tohsaka what he had learned the night before. At least initially. The demure woman began to hyperventilate, her hand going to her throat, before she shook herself out of it. "…I'm sorry, it's just…"

"Kariya?" Harry guessed.

Aoi nodded. "Even now, sometimes, at night…I feel like his hands are still at my throat. I may have been too harsh, true, given that he was probably trying to get Sakura back to us, but…even if he didn't kill my husband, he tried to…sorry, I…I just need to think."

Rin looked over at her mother in concern, before the dark-haired teenager with aqua eyes shot Harry a searching look. "Was Lord El-Melloi certain?"

"It's Lord El-Melloi II, and yes, Waver was certain," Harry said. "He's currently busy running around dealing with various messes left by Magi, and it's doubtful he'll be a Master this time around, even if he wanted to. But he did hear that two Magi from the Magus Association have been chosen, though he didn't give their names. Given that you're technically the Second Owner, Rin, you should know this. I'm surprised that Kotomine didn't know, or if he did, he didn't tell you."

"We're not on the best of terms at the moment, as you know," Aoi said. "He was a pleasant enough man before the Grail War, but I think the Grail War and his father's death did something to him. Unfortunately, we don't have anyone else to teach Rin magecraft. Aside from the Matous, the only other local Magi was that boy Emiya rescued, and Rin and Sakura had to teach him how to use his magic circuits properly. Sakura, I fear, still resents us…but we're able to at least be on good terms with her. And that Shirou boy would be good for her."

"If he wasn't such a selfless idiot," Rin muttered. "Too many people take advantage of that. Miss Fujimura, Shinji…"

"Shirou was traumatised by the Fuyuki Fire. If that wasn't something to do with the Grail, I'll eat my hat. Unfortunately, Emiya was recalcitrant about it," Harry mused.

Rin shook her head. "Kirei doesn't say much about it either. Still…given that I am the only Tohsaka, I'm probably going to be a Master. I only hope Sakura isn't drawn into this mess, though given Shinji's lack of ability in magic, I'm not looking forward to her or Zouken Matou getting involved, for different reasons."

"Agreed," Danzo said. "I found Zouken…disagreeable in both manner and mien."

"So, why did Lord El-Melloi II see fit to warn you?" Aoi asked.

"Well, we first met during the Fourth Holy Grail War, as he was staying with my great-uncle and great-aunt, so there was that. They're on a cruise in the Mediterranean, thankfully, and they should be out of this. Unofficially, Kat and I have been asked to keep an eye on things, and investigate, see if we can find out what actually caused the Fuyuki Fire. If we summon a Servant, then fine, but for now, we're basically Enforcers stationed here, ensuring no rules violations are made. Warning you as the Second Owner was just common sense, especially if Clock Tower Magi get involved as Masters in a Grail War that you might get involved in too. I know Magi have this thing for delving for Akasha, but I know you're different, Rin. You at least care about anyone caught in the crossfire."

Rin nodded, though she pursed her lips pensively. "And as much as I want to get prestige for the family…Father died pursuing the Grail, possibly killed by Uncle Kariya. But if I am chosen, I will fight to ensure Fuyuki is safe. The problem is the other Masters. Did Waver say anything about any being summoned?"

"There's a rumour that the von Einzberns may have summoned a Servant, but nothing substantial. I'm sure Sakura will hear of it soon, but bring it up with her anyway," Harry said. "We'll warn Shirou. Even if his magecraft is highly specialised, he might end up in this mess. It also goes without saying that, if either of us summons a Servant, we will not target you, just your Servant."

"Assuming Sakura summons one," Danzo pointed out. "Despite the Three Founding Families always having a Master, it is ultimately the Grail that chooses Masters, unless someone does the summoning ritual themselves. This is the impression I got from the literature around the Fuyuki Grail. Do you require a geas contract?"

"Neither of us have summoned a Servant…and frankly, you two helped save my life from that monster who was Caster's Master," Rin said, shaking her head. "Same for my friend. I hope I can trust you. Something like the Holy Grail is a major temptation…"

"…Or a monkey's paw," Harry pointed out. "Remember, we're still not sure on what caused the Fuyuki Fire, and that it's come back so soon is suspicious. And the park where it happened…you can feel the malice there coming off in waves. Even if that's from the lingering feelings of the victims mingling with the Grail's mana, that's still not a good thing. At the very least, I want you to keep an eye on things. Kat and I can't be everywhere at once, even with ninjutsu and magic. I'll ask Taiga to keep an eye on things too, and ask her grandfather to too."

Aoi and Rin nodded, albeit reluctantly. Technically, Taiga Fujimura wasn't supposed to know about the magical world, and neither was her grandfather, who was the head of a local yakuza gang. But Raiga already had an inkling about the magical world due to his connections with Kiritsugu, and Taiga had been friends with Harry for long enough that he trusted her with that knowledge. And for all her ditzy nature, she never once divulged it.

"Harry, I need to get in contact with Gringotts," Rin said decisively. "Even if I am not chosen by the Grail, and that's a very big if, other Masters will target me just in case. I need more gems to prepare. As it is, my Jewelcraft may be my best protection against a Servant, aside from a Servant of my own."

"I have some quality gems left," Harry said. "I still need some for maintaining and repairing Kat, and I want you to help create a few components, but there's a few I can give you. We'll work out a price later."

"Coming from anyone else's mouth, that'd be ominous, Harry," Rin said. "Well, save for you or Shirou. You mean when you bring the gems?"

"Yes. I'll probably have you make those components for Kat as payment."

"Fine. To tell the truth, I'm actually interested in helping maintain her," Rin said, her aqua eyes going over to Danzo. "The Flying Danzo, and an automaton created by Kashin Koji? Do you know how many Magi would jump at such a chance?"

"To disassemble me," Danzo said, looking down at the floor. "They would wish to take me apart, find out how I worked, all in pursuit of Akasha. Whether they put me back together is immaterial, I am sure."

"Rin wouldn't do that," Aoi chided. "Wouldn't you, Rin?"

"Of course not! I'd rather have a friend than a test subject, and I've been learning more from your tales of the Sengoku Period. I mean, to think that Oda Nobunaga was a girl! And just helping repair you is doing wonders for my Jewelcraft skills!" Rin protested, a little too hard.

Harry chuckled. "See, that's why I like you, Rin. Actually, you're like Waver in many regards. While you're a serious Magus and smart, you don't let it compromise your morality as much as so many. And remember, he said he's willing to sponsor your entry into Clock Tower once you're ready. I think between Flat and Svin, he wants someone to help both him and Grey in being the voice of sanity. Just be warned, one of the Edelfelts is a student at Clock Tower at the moment."

"I see." And considering that one of Rin's ancestors was probably an Edelfelt, one who had been lured away from the family during the Third Holy Grail War, well, the Edelfelts accused the Tohsakas of stealing their secrets.

"Anyway, Kat and I will go see Shirou. It's Sunday, thankfully, so he should be around. Just stay safe, you two."

"You too, Harry," Aoi said…

CHAPTER 2 ANNOTATIONS:

So, some interaction between Harry and the Tohsakas. Keep in mind, Rin's mostly the same as in canon, but she's got less to prove and able to show her feelings, to her friends and family, unlike canon. This is due to Aoi's presence. I used a bit of how Jaenera Targaryen characterised Aoi and Sakura in Blessing in Disguise as a basis, while doing it this way. We'll have flashbacks to the events of Fate/Zero that will clarify certain points.

Harry and Rin's relationship (as is Aoi's relationship with Harry) is a more healthier version of Rin's relationship with Kariya. Kariya…is a bad memory for Aoi and Harry. Harry had met Kariya before, but it was a shock to see him attacking Aoi. Aoi may have suffered very little in the way of physical after-effects, but she still has a touch of PTSD from the attack, and while she can understand that Kariya may not have killed Tokiomi and that she had been a bit harsh with him in hindsight, she's also still understandably fearful and hateful towards him for trying to strangle her to death.

No numbered annotations this time.