I DON'T OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF ITS ORIGINAL CHARACTERS, ONLY MY OCS AND THE SITUATIONS I PUT THEM IN. WARNING: There will be cussing, lemons, and violence. (Also, someone said I should put please don't steal. Didn't think I needed to, but ok. Please don't steal my stories.)
Some characters may seem OOC at some points at different times in the story, but I hope I explain that in the story when the time comes. Some things happen pretty fast at first (like certain relationships or legal stuff), but again I try to explain it. Some people may go back and forth at times, but I'll explain it! You get the idea. Spelling and grammar errors, I recheck constantly, so sorry if some slip by. Some character bashing in the beginning and for a little while, but that doesn't mean it will last the whole story. I don't hate certain characters though it may seem like that at times. THIS IS A WARNING. Though I will put a warning at the beginning needed. I do not condone all of these things, but my mind can be really fucked up, I apologize now. So, I am mixing both movie and book but I'm mainly following the movie. Though I will try to make a good blend between the two. Big thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and/or favorited. You guys rock! I say graphic violence but compared to other things I've written, it's pretty tame. Still, the warning is there for a reason as some people may find it too much. Mizzrazz72: They will. A lot is planned coming up. Also, I loved how your idea on Draco changed after reading the fourth chapter. Like, I laughed a lot. So an extra thank you for that. RosesRred45: Thank you, here is me continuing it. PanduhBabyy and Sillygabby: I'm so glad you like it so much! Thank you! Also, thank you for asking about Regulus again. Ed24555: Here's the update. Hope you like it. Ginnylove9990: Thank you so much. Can't say what happens with the whole trial thing or Draco just yet. No spoilers. But I can say people get what's coming to them. The Master of Death comes to all, sooner or later. MadnessInTheHeart16: Thank you. Neville's parents will be addressed, promise. For your other review…I mean you're right. Starie78: Serious trouble! I see what you did there. Staaap. No don't, I loved it. God Of All: Thank you and here ya go. Roon0: My thoughts exactly and thank you! Also Guest: Thank you. I appreciate the message basically saying relax and go your own pace. Ok, I think that was everyone, but if I missed you I'm sorry. I still appreciate you! Now, besides the long ass AN, on with the chapter! Enjoy.
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIOLENCE!
Chapter 5: You're a Mean One, Mr. Dursley. That's Not Good for You.
Sirius Black wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.
That seemed much more preferable than going into his childhood home for the first time in seventeen years.
The home which held some of his worst memories. Some of which had haunted him during his unjustified time in Azkaban.
His magicked gaze slowly trailed up the building which revealed itself to the reluctant Black heir. Beside him was Hermione, Luna, Vivian and for moral support, Remus and Harry.
Remus put his hand on his best mate's shoulder as Sirius thought of another Potter which had helped him escape the hell known as Grimmauld Place. Another Potter who was missing now.
A familiar stab of pain went through his heart.
'Yet this Potter here' Sirius thought seeing Harry from his peripheral vision. 'This one saved me from a different hell' he acknowledged. 'Seems to be a Potter trait' a small smile briefly touched his face.
"Shall we?" Luna asked far too pleasantly. Her shining almost unearthly bright eyes looked up at Sirius waiting for him to lead the way.
With a weary sigh, the long haired newly blonde man took the first steps leading the small assault into his childhood purgatory.
The door creaked open ominously sending wail like echoes down the dark, dusty corridor.
It was an uncared-for mess.
"Kreacher must have gone mental" Sirius muttered. He wouldn't be surprised. He was sure the sourly elf had gone mad since Sirius was a young boy if not since the horrid being's birth.
The state of the place only reinstated that belief in his mind as they looked around all the filth and webs that Remus' lumos revealed.
"That's a nice way of putting it" Harry coughed as Vivian tried to spit out some web that had got in her mouth.
She hadn't seen it and now Luna got a free show.
Hermione felt the need to speak. "I think anyone would in this environment. I doubt that portrait's good company" she grimaced feeling her shoes stick to the floor with every step.
Suddenly Vivian and Remus both tensed with an ill coloring taking over their complexions.
The obvious reason being a portrait that played out its contents proudly. It was of a wizard killing a werewolf then standing over the then dead retransformed human with his foot on the corpse's shoulder like a hunter preening over their prize kill.
The house's smell also did no favors for their sensitive senses.
"Always wanted to burn that" Sirius looked at the painting with deep disgust. "Suppose I can now" was the afterthought.
The werewolves appreciated the offer.
"I wonder if I'll get to keep the ghoul this time" Luna's curious voice rang out. "Ron won't let me have his. Oh, and the doxies" she listed off.
"I'm sure if you ask nicely then Sirius will gladly let you take your pick" Harry commented not really paying attention.
"Just be careful" Hermione and Remus added together sending one another looks.
"If you can tame it, you can have it" Sirius shrugged. He was sure the lithe blonde could handle herself.
He had seen proof of such.
Slowly the party made their way further into the large house.
Remus and Sirius lit the wall candles as they went. "Where is that miserable elf? Kreacher" Sirius shouted out.
Hermione almost pointed out that the elf would be more pleasant if he was nicer. Of course, she had many theories about the tiny elf.
Yet, given that Sirius was still trying to come to terms with his death and the part Kreacher undoubtedly played in it she understood his attitude.
She would admit that the elf definitely had a big part in the humorous and good-hearted older man's murder.
With that in mind, Hermione decided to hold her tongue for the moment.
"I'm surprised that Mrs. Black hasn't-" Vivian went to say yet was cut off by an ear-splitting screech.
"Filth! Trash of unworthy flesh! Stain upon my blood!" came the hateful words. They were shouted from the dark where they knew the staircase was.
Sirius froze before Harry took one of his hands.
The other man looked down on him as Sirius' appearance melted away to show his true self.
And he was scared.
Tears shined in his molten silver gaze as he looked at his godson, chin wobbling as he desperately fought off an emotion reaction.
Giving a squeeze, Harry looked up at him with nothing but love and support in his green eyes.
Sirius' shoulders began to slump as the weight that pressed itself upon him from the moment of reentering eased some.
Seeing the effect that the simple but loving touch brought, Remus reached out for Sirius' other hand. With only a moment of slight hesitation he too took his best friend's hand.
It had been so long since he had touched or been touched by another person in a warm gesture. Especially with someone he was once so close too…had the chance to be close to again.
He missed the times he and his friends would randomly fall on each other, the spontaneous piggyback rides. Holding hands and group hugs.
It all meant so much now.
Sirius was thinking the same thing as he slowly moved to return Remus' gesture.
The two men shared a sad but hopeful grin.
Holding both of their hands, Sirius stood once more at his full confident height.
This house had no horrors he couldn't face as long as he had his loved ones with him.
And he did.
It hit Sirius then 'I'm not alone' he realized. 'I don't have to face this by myself because' the words came evenly as the impact hit him. 'I'm not alone'.
With that new revelation, Sirius felt no fear or ghosts of past pains as he marched forward with one last grateful look and squeeze to Harry and Remus.
They followed a step behind with the ladies bringing up the rear. They were looking at things Sirius must have hidden before taking Vivian in or letting Harry visit.
Dark artifacts that he obviously didn't want them to see. He hadn't wanted to scare them…let alone the terror it brought to the man himself.
The portrait's screams became louder and louder.
"Sirius will have to order Kreacher to reveal himself" Hermione said going to cover her ears. "Then he can introduce Harry as his heir along with Vivian as your ward" she was shouting now as the others were following her example.
"Kreacher!" Sirius began yelling over his dead mother. "Get your miserable hide out of here and present yourself to the new Lord Black" he demanded.
"You! Lord Black!? Never" Walburga Black became visible in all of her hatred tinted glory. Where once there was a haughty though beautiful woman of higher class, now there was an old woman who let hate affect her even further in age. It showed in her now tarnished beauty, even if she held herself proudly.
Remus used to think there were no ugly Blacks. Even if some of them were hideous on the inside. Sirius got his good looks from his parents. That was thankfully the only thing he had in common with them.
Looking at the reflections of Mrs. Black's last years, Remus had to think that Walburga showed the true madness within.
"You were thrown out" she stopped wailing long enough to sniff her nose at her first born with deep contempt.
"You never formally struck him from the name" Harry pointed out with a raised dark brow. "Burning his picture doesn't count. Very sloppy of you Willy" he taunted the enraged woman.
"Who are you, you filthy little upstart" the woman sneered down at him. She eyed him as if recognizing him! "Potter!" she screamed again.
"I'm the Black Heir. Harry Potter" Harry cheerfully replied. "A halfblood" he continued as the woman looked like her inevitable blow up would melt her own painting. "And here is my sister, the female heir and ward of the house of Black" he cockily struck a pose.
Vivian did finger guns before speaking. "You forgot to mention that I was a werewolf Harry" she smiled too sweetly.
"You cannot be-!" Walburga went to refute but Hermione's cackling took her by surprise.
"Halfblood heir and a werewolf spare. Here lies the Ancient and Noble house of Black" the young girl chanted like a terrifying song. "Halfblood heir and werewolf spare with the mudblood on top" she pointed at herself.
Mrs. Black looked like she was going to have a heart attack.
Luna hummed along like it was a simple pleasant tune that she knew by heart.
Remus stifled any reaction. What she said wasn't untrue, even if it was something he had always hated. He thought it was barbaric. He was also still slightly bitter for not being able to claim being the rightful Lupin heir due to his disease. On the other hand, seeing the painted woman's reaction did lead to a pang of vengeance that he tried to ignore.
Sirius nodded to the painting with a dark, proud smirk. He had looked over but seeing that neither Harry nor Vivian were offended, he simply went with it.
Both men were sure Hermione would never do anything to hurt Harry and her friends.
Vivian was snickering and sticking her tongue out in a bratty fashion. Harry gave a playful eyeroll coupled with a headshake.
Of course, they knew Hermione was simply singing to annoy Mrs. Black. Not only would pointing that out upset her but…Hermione wasn't known for her singing ability.
It helped that neither Harry nor Vivian were ashamed of themselves.
Besides, everyone in the room knew that was how pureblood purists worked. They had an heir then a spare. Just in case.
It could do a lot to a kid's psyche. Ask Sirius and Regulus Black. Ask any of the Blacks.
"I won't allow it! Kreacher!" once more she was a screaming.
Just then the mangiest, meanest looking elf any of them had ever remembered seeing popped into existence.
He hissed at the intruding party with narrowed eyes and claws coming up to show long spindly fingers with sharp jagged nails at the ends.
He was thin, painfully so. It was obvious he hadn't been outside in a very long time as he was a much pastier yellow than a house elves normal fleshy pink.
His cheeks were so sunken in that the group swore they could see the outline of his jagged teeth. They became even more pronounced when he bared them savagely.
"Kreacher" Sirius spat lowly with hate.
It was obvious the elf was ready for a fight.
He wasn't the only one.
####SCENE BREAK####
Lucius Malfoy sat in his study with his second drink in hand.
His mind wouldn't let him forget the stranger who had come in and stole his house elf. Not to mention humiliated him in front of his own wife and heir.
Downing the rest of his Firewhisky, he was quick to refill the glass. Even the strenuous act of having to fill it himself weighed on his anger. With a flick of his wand more of the welcomed amber liquid was ready for him.
"Now Draco is off sulking somewhere" he spoke to himself with a sigh.
He had tried to shape the boy, truly he did. Teach him the proper way to address others. Lucius didn't call people mudbloods…in public.
One had to sneer and add a cutting implication with a cool front.
That gave you the superior high ground not to mention it gave other likeminded people a way to agree with you without being labeled bigoted. It also stopped any Light idiots from being able to start something.
Usually.
Draco however, well he was a bit tiresome. The boy looked like his father for sure. He also tried to act like his father despite all of his mother's pampering.
However, he often acted rashly with unsavory results.
Lucius constantly prayed it was simply the temper of youth taking his son and making him act far more Gryffindor than a sly Slytherin. Then again, Lucius knew Gryffindors that were more cunning than his son.
A sigh left him at those depressing thoughts.
Even so, he had bigger problems than grooming his only son.
The diary.
True, he had passed it along like his master had discussed long ago before his death. Yet, Lucius didn't think he'd be too pleased over who took it. Or more accurately, who that person was apparently connected too.
Lucius knew the item was dark and would apparently purge Hogwarts of unworthy blood. Besides that, though, he knew nothing. His master hadn't felt the need to divulge more than that.
'Even after his death I'm doing is bidding' Lucius thought taking a long sip. That was a bitter potion to swallow.
What was even worse were the rumors going around started by the Potter brat over Lord Voldemort's heritage.
That had truly upset him.
He attempted to tell himself that it wasn't true. That he didn't forever tie himself to a filthy son of a muggle. Yet, there was that cloud of doubt laying in the back of his mind.
'It doesn't matter' Lucius tried to assure himself. 'He's dead and everyone thinks that I was under the imperious. I was forced to follow him anyways' attempted to console himself.
Again, that shadow of doubt took over him.
'He has to be dead' he thought looking around. As if the terrifying wizard would pop out of a corner at any minute.
"It doesn't matter. I've been loyal" he spoke out loud. He didn't consider the fact that he had slithered his way out of Azkaban while his sister-in-law went with open arms in the name of her Lord.
Though he tried to hide it, Lucius would prefer if his Lord stayed dead.
Lucius had gotten quite used to being his own boss. Climbing higher and higher in the world with his influence over the pitiful Fudge.
Of course, he still believed in everything Lord Voldemort stood for.
Lucius just usually preferred not to get too messy unless absolutely necessary.
He didn't take into consideration the muggles and muggleborns that he and his friends still targeted on their 'lads' night'.
They didn't count to the pompous blonde.
That was…sport. Lord Voldemort was bloody, to put it mildly.
'He's dead and no book can bring him back' he thought. "Though I'd be more than pleased if he did return" again he felt the need to speak out loud.
'Whatever the Lord's plan is' he thought refilling his glass, 'Now it's in the hands of the Weasleys'. A sick smile began to crack his stoic expression. 'Maybe some of those heathens will be taken down as well' he thought of a sobbing Arthur Weasley losing a child.
'They have too many anyway' he thought before leaning back comfortably in his armchair.
'They're friends with Potter…who knows the cloaked figure' popped in ruining his good mood.
At that unsettling reminder, Lucius slammed his drink down. He decided to pay a visit to his 'favorite' minister.
'Perhaps a closer eye on things is needed' he planned while disappearing into the floo.
####SCENE BREAK####
Ron and Neville were not idle in the others' absence.
They had guests to attend too.
After a game of rock, parchment, sheers the two finally went to their victims.
Ron took Vernon Dursley. This was the man responsible for years of torture and pain in his best mate's life.
He was going to have a fun time moving him to his new quarters.
Neville went to prepare Pettigrew. He had won the game, so he got to use a very special potion on the sickly balding rat man.
This man was not only responsible for the hell that two of his fellow Death Knights went through, but also helped send his leader away to a terrible family.
Besides, he was a Death Eater. Neville hated Death Eaters with a burning passion. Even if this one hit a little closer to home.
He was sure Peter knew about the plan on his parents and he was going to get any information they may have missed or had out of place last time.
Though, Neville refused to think of the other reasons he hated the rat. It was far too much emotion for the boy.
Ron walked in and saw Vernon Dursley looking around with his beady little eyes.
"You, freak! Let me out. I demand to be freed. I am normal" the man shouted from his compromising position.
He was tied up like a dog left outside against a pole.
Ron had to admit that Hermione had a twisted sense of humor. The man was nude but on his head were fake piggy ears along with fake hooves forced onto his hands and feet crippling him.
Not to mention the weird nose piece that was hanging around his neck with something she called a 'ball gag' attached to the inside.
She got them from some muggle shop while disguised. She had left a tail on the table, but the thought of inserting such a rounded device in the area it was meant to go made Ron almost gag.
He didn't want to be that close to the man or that particular part of him.
Still, Vernon didn't know that. Ron wasn't above using fear to control someone.
What did amuse and baffle him was the man's returned attitude of entitlement.
He had to wonder if the man was mentally impaired.
"Do you hear me you freak of nature" Vernon shouted as loudly as possible from his hunched over position.
Ron simply smiled with bright dangerous blue eyes.
No matter what bravado Vernon put on, the moment the tall red head took a step in his direction the whale of a man shrunk back in fear with an unintentional flinch.
"You'd think" Ron's changing voice took an an unsettling slow beat. "That after what you saw happened to the Missus then you'd learn not to get too mouthy" he commented before making it in front of the leashed man. "But I guess piggies can't help but oink" he snickered.
Vernon's face took on a concerning puce. He went to open his big gob to spout something else useless when Ron silenced him by harshly sticking the mouth piece back into place.
Ron thought it was quite funny how the choking noises escaping him truly resembled a swine.
"Now" Ron straightened up. He grabbed the leash unhooking it from the high wall hook.
These Potter Manor dungeons were very prepared.
One had to wonder what earlier Potters got up too. Especially since Remus and Sirius had shared a look when asked but said nothing.
"We're going for a walk Piggy" he informed.
Stupidly, in Ron's opinion, Vernon attempted to stand.
"Hmm" Ron hummed sending out a wave of lightening or 'electricity' as he was finally able to say. It traveled down the metal chained leash to the collar around Dursley's neck making him convulse.
Muffled screams were heard behind the gag.
"Next time you try that" Ron said far too nonchalantly. "I'll take out your kneecaps. You'll still have to crawl on them. Believe me" he smirked. "It's not a good feeling".
With that, he pulled on the big man's chain making him attempt to crawl on the floor in an effort to move.
It was not an easy task on any account.
Once in the hallway they walked by Neville. The thicker boy sent Ron a head nod as he toyed with the many rat traps in his grasp.
He was heading for a room behind them. Vernon had to wonder what other poor souls they had down here.
'Freaks. I'll get you' he thought hatefully.
"Taking him for a tour?" Neville asked his friend as he held the traps between his arm and body resting on his hip.
"Thought he might like to see what he'll never have" Ron shrugged getting a slight nod from the blonde.
"Having fun?" Ron asked and Neville raised a brow in answer making the red-head snicker.
The two boys went back to their tasks with Neville calling over his shoulder, "Careful, he might try something".
Ron looked down at the sweaty man. He already knew where Vernon's mind was.
The man was very unoriginal.
"Counting on it" was Ron's dark response.
####SCENE BREAK####
Kreacher had fucked up.
This had nothing to do with the past or future or whatever they wanted to call it. This mistake was made in the present.
In an effort to 'protect' his painted mistress, he attempted to attack the group. He heard that Sirius was the new heir, so he didn't go for him, but he was hoping to take down one of his disgraceful friends before ordered to stop.
For his mistress.
The true error came when he decided to target Hermione.
With claws extended and a killer glint in his big dull gaze, he screamed while jumping towards the brunette.
Everyone reacted ready to protect the smart witch.
However, none of them got a chance. Harry had beat them to it.
He was not playing around.
As if smacked by the shadows themselves that rose from the wall and floors, the black mass smashed Kreacher so hard into the portrait of his mistress that everyone heard the sickening crack that followed.
The little shell of an elf gave a shuddering whimper as he was released allowing him to crumple into a heap on the carpeted floor.
Mrs. Black went to scream bloody murder before Vivian slapped a hand over where her two-dimensional mouth was effectively shutting her up.
"Shut it" she growled out.
Hermione didn't reprimand Harry over his actions. She understood where he was coming from.
Remus and Sirius were still as stone. Slowly Sirius began to ease out of his defensive stance as Remus looked at the scene with mournful eyes.
It had nothing to do with Kreacher really. This was just another example of what his would be nephew had become. What he was forced to be.
The innocence he had lost.
Luna looked to Harry for permission, waiting to move.
The boy in question snapped his head at an angle before closing his lids which fluttered. As if coming out of some sort of trance, his eyes fluttered opened and he eased back into a calm stance.
He gave a slight nod to Luna who went down checking to see if the elf was dead or just gravely injured.
"He's breathing" she revealed looking up at her Mistress and Master with a small shrug.
"What do you think Love" Harry turned to Hermione.
Sirius didn't speak up. It was obvious that his opinion was not needed or wanted in this instance. Kreacher had forfeited his life the moment he tried to hurt Hermione.
Though he learned that Kreacher cared for his brother, Sirius felt no guilt at his godson decided whether to finish the job or not.
Remus wanted to speak up. He wanted to tell Harry that more violence was not the answer.
However, he found himself staying his tongue.
'Perhaps a discussion for a later more private time' his mind interjected.
Neither man acknowledged the other reason they stayed silent waiting for whatever he said. Both were still struggling with seeing their sweet nephew and their new master and leader, the Master of Death as one in the same.
"It's up to you" Hermione said placing soft fingers on his cheek. He sighed feeling better as the familiar page calloused tips danced over his slightly work tanned skin.
"Luna, take him to Dobby" Harry turned to order the long-haired blonde girl. "Mention Regulus to him when he wakes. If he's too much trouble, do what you need too" he allowed.
She gave a delicate curtsy before turning to Vivian. The short haired werewolf was still covering the red-faced Mrs. Black's portrait.
"Tell me about the fun later?" Luna asked hopefully with bright moonbeam eyes.
A smirk settled on Vivian's pretty face. With a terrible rip, she scratched her trimmed but still long nails across the painting's mouth effortlessly.
Mrs. Black attempted a now rage and terror fueled scream as her hand's tried to attend to the damage that should have been impossible. She had never imagined that someone would attack the enchantment physically. Magicals usually only used magic in battle.
The sound was now distorted as if underwater gurgles.
"Always" Vivian winked at the shorter girl getting a lovely smile of thanks.
With that Luna disappeared with the broken Kreacher to Potter Manor.
Remus blew out some air looking at the now deformed image of his best mate's mother. He sucked his lips into his mouth in an attempt to hide the smile that desperately wanted to show.
He hated that bigoted woman. She had been a bitch in life, especially to Sirius' friends. It seemed death had not relieved her of that trait.
Sirius looked at the portrait blank faced for a moment. Walburga looked back as if she expected him to do something for her!
Unable to hold it any longer, the dark-haired rouge let out a full belly laugh. He bent over almost coughing on the borderline insane, but joyous sound.
That was the breaking point for Remus who soon joined him in equal measure.
The kids watched a little bemused but pleased none the less.
They guessed the men had been wanting something similar to this to happen for a long time. It wasn't hard to believe given their personal history with the woman the painting emulated.
Sirius confirmed those beliefs when he sent Vivian a dazzling smile. "Thank Merlin someone finally shut her up!"
####SCENE BREAK####
Albus Dumbledore sat behind his desk with his head in one hand pretending to listen to his worked-up Potions Master.
It wasn't that he didn't enjoy speaking to Severus. At least not when he caught the man in the right mood. However, Severus wasn't just talking right now. He was ranting. He had been for the last two hours.
Severus took Albus' silence as intrigue, so he continued.
'I wonder if I should braid my beard' Albus contemplated. 'What if I dyed it? That would be sure to lighten the children's spirits' he imagined. 'It is a very fine beard' was the mental prideful observation.
"That's why I propose that we storm that disgusting home that they are inhabiting. Upset muggles be damned" Severus was breathing heavily as he looked at his employer.
That dig about the house had simply been from his deep dislike for Petunia.
Albus was still nodding away in agreement.
Snape gave a big smile. "When may I do this?" he asked feeling excitement course through his veins.
Albus was thinking of Minerva and Filius' reactions over the facial hair styles he was thinking about when he noticed that Severus suddenly expected an answer.
A real answer beyond his passive head nods.
His blue eyes darted from side to side quickly as he hoped to gather some clue over what had been asked. Of course, nothing presented itself. 'Why must such large decisions fall upon me' he thought mournfully before something caught his attention.
Something he rarely saw, and it was never a good thing. It actually amazed him a little in an odd way.
"Severus" Albus breathed out with awe. "You're smiling".
Quickly attempting to school his features, a grin was still twitching at the corner of Severus' lips.
He was just too excited! 'Finally' he thought vindictively. 'Here is a chance to really finish off that fool Black with his dog Lupin thrown in!' he almost looked flushed as his cheeks heated from adrenaline. 'Maybe I'll even get to see the dementors give them the kiss' he mentally purred at the vicious thought.
Severus was a man with many problems.
Albus scooted back in his chair a little. He was not totally comfortable with the borderline euphorically inappropriate look Severus was openly showing.
"What has you so pleased Severus? Has the Bloody Barren scared off Peeves from your supplies again?" Albus wondered feeling beyond lost.
"No" Severus blinked before a suspicious expression slid over his face. "Where…where you not listening" he demanded as if almost not believing the words themselves.
Albus put on a serine closed mouth smile that was meant to ease his companion. Instead, it screamed patronization.
"I am sorry my boy" he began ignoring Severus' eye tick. "I'm sure you understand I have many important things on my mind. Pardon an old man's attention from straying" he offered up with an air hinting that he was already forgiven.
Taking a deep painstaking breath, Severus restated his desire in an obviously controlled monotone.
"I wish to raid Potter's relatives' residence as it is blindingly obvious that Lupin and that Rectus fool are hiding Black. In fact, one of them may possibly be him in disguise themselves". His chin was up as he looked down at Albus waiting for a response.
The one he got was not well received.
Albus chuckled. He chuckled!
Severus felt his blood begin to boil as the old man chortled before popping a candy in his mouth.
"Severus" Albus went on far too jovially. "While I do share your concerns for Harry's wellbeing" he started.
That earned an almost full twitch of the younger man's left side.
"We can't simply appear unannounced in such a fashion. We need proper planning. If anything, we should watch and make sure that young Harry is not showing any signs of distress" the old man went on.
He was totally disregarding the signs Harry had shown all throughout his first year.
"And besides" he sighed out with a prideful simpering look. "Don't you think if there was some enchantment to disguise one of their appearances then I would have been able to detect it?" he shook his head.
Severus didn't comment. He knew Dumbledore's magic was powerful. It didn't matter right now. This life had taught him to trust nothing and suspect everything.
Besides his gut telling him that something else was happening, he felt the familiar crush of disappointment. Not a new emotion to Snape in the slightest.
This time however, it had to do with not being able to catch his old school nemeses.
'Yet' he thought drawing into himself. 'Patience is a virtue. Patience and revenge…those are Slytherin virtues' he told himself.
Despite the dark ideas brewing within him, his annoyance over Albus' disregard for him didn't dissipate.
Without another word, he spun giving a twirl of his robes before stalking out of the room.
Albus was left alone and astounded over being walked out on.
"Oh bother" he muttered with a small pout.
####SCENE BREAK####
Neville hummed as he made the cell…festive.
Pettigrew was stuck in a metal dog crate that was an extremely tight squeeze for his fat body.
He couldn't really see due to some itching powder Sirius had rubbed into his eyes.
They had made the golem Pettigrew to turn into Bones during the future meeting. However, since truth serum didn't work on copies, they had to keep the rat alive to trade him off before his trial.
The group just wanted to have a little self-inflicted justice before that. The Knights figured Remus and Sirius deserved that given everything they had lost because of this excuse of a man.
Neville and Luna deserved it too.
He sighed knowing they'd have to wipe his memory before turning him in.
It was disappointing in a way, but he wasn't one to let the little things get him down.
His cheerful humming seemed to get to the blinded prisoner as sniveling was soon heard. Neville increased the volume while briefly smiling before returning once more to a stone exterior.
"I hope you appreciate all of the effort and thought which went into your accommodations" he spoke out loud hearing the sniffling increase before attempting to stop itself coming out more as a stutter. "You are very…special indeed".
"You-you sound familiar" Pettigrew hiccupped. "Is your daddy making you do this little boy? It's bad you know, if you let me out then I'll help you get away to-to someplace happy" he attempted. "You don't want to hurt me little boy".
"My father" Neville repeated slowly as he stared blank faced at the wall.
Swopping down like a lethifold, he was soon right in the caged man's face.
It appeared that some of Peter's sight had returned to him. Coupled with his enhanced animagus senses and he soon gasped out "Longbottom!?".
"My father" the blonde boy repeated dangerously. "Was robbed of the chance to be a father because of filth like you" he spat before standing to get control over his emotions.
"Longbottom! No, wait Neville!" Peter had the audacity to call out his first name.
Neville's back straightened so fast and hard that the cracks were audible.
"You-You don't want to do this. You look so much like your mum, but with your father's-" he was cut off by Neville reaching through the bars and grabbing a fistful of hair pulling harshly making Pettigrew smash his forehead on the diagonal bars.
Peter squealed out in pain. Neville released him and crouched so he was eye level.
Sheer intensity glowed behind the eyes on the boy. The boy who wore his expression like a dull mask that refused to show any true flicker of emotion. It was too much. Too terrifying. Especially with it being on a boy Peter was used to being timid.
"You're wrong" Neville told him with a little head tilt. "I do want to hurt you".
Peter felt his insides turn cold.
Neville didn't even blink. "And I'm going too".
####SCENE BREAK####
Sirius' face was set in a frame of contempt as he explored his old home.
It was obvious that none of his hatred for the place or its inhabitance had dissipated with time. In fact, he was still trying to come to terms with the news about Regulus.
'I should have-' he stopped himself. He couldn't think that right now. It was too painful. The sorrow pierced his heart.
"Bloody hell, damnit" Remus cursed as one of the books in the library attempted to bite him. Luckily, it hadn't as Sirius had warned over the many curses and poisons littering the place. Remus threw the book down and sure that it would do them no good, used incendio.
"Good show" Sirius cheered at a normal volume as his face turned into one of impressed approval.
"Right" Remus huffed out as he wiped his forehead of sweat. "Where are the kids?" he asked half expecting to see Hermione and Vivian devouring the library.
That was something he had picked up about the two fairly quickly being happy over their hunger for knowledge.
Sirius had teased them good-naturedly.
"Harry went looking to feel out the- you know" Sirius didn't want to say the accursed word. "Hermione is gathering some of the artifacts she believes will be helpful with Vivian, though I think they keep getting distracted with taunting mother" he gave a half smirk.
Remus nodded looking back at the isles. "Some of these concealment charms are complicated. I can't even detect half of them" he admitted as they two moved to another line of books.
"Yes, father was always so proud of these" Sirius' sneer was back. "If we didn't need some, I'd just burn the lot" he muttered.
"Well, at least there's one silver lining you can hold onto" Remus said in a wise voice.
"What's that" Sirius looked at him with a dark raised brow.
Remus tried to stop a smile. "They're dead and you're not" he stated simply.
Sirius looked at him for a moment before beginning to laugh with a nod. Remus was soon beaming, looking distinctly proud of himself.
Sirius clapped the other man's shoulder. "Oh, Moony. I've missed you" he gave the end of a chuckle sigh. Looking away, it was obvious he didn't mean to actually say that.
Remus' smile turned gentle as he looked at the uncomfortable Sirius.
He had to guess that was another trait he could attribute to Azkaban. Sirius never had problems with giving declarations of his love for his best friends.
Remus felt another pang in his heart for the torture his friend had endured. Remus had a sickening gut feeling that it wasn't just dementors that took shots at the older man. 'And I believed the rumors' he held in a painful gasp before getting ahold of himself. 'But we're together now'.
With that thought he placed a hand on Sirius' shoulder returning the earlier gesture.
"Not as much as I've missed you" he said sincerely.
Slowly, almost bashfully Sirius looked up. Seeing the truth in Remus' words, he broke out into a great smile bringing the lean man in for a hug producing watery chuckles from them both.
Harry watched from the doorway with a small grin.
It warmed his heart, something he hadn't felt in a long time.
Giving them privacy, he stealthily moved back to the staircase.
Passing his love and sister enjoying themselves with the now mostly mute Mrs. Black, he held in a snicker.
He knew why Hermione hated the woman. She was a blood purest.
Vivian's was on another level as this had really been the first and only home, she knew. In a sense it was like getting back to her roots.
With a headshake he made it past the bedrooms.
He had already gotten the locket from Kreacher's hidey hole.
Now he was looking for Orion's hidden room behind a specific painting. There was a secret hatch he knew that opened in both the library and study, but this way his movements would stay a surprise.
He wanted to make things especially fun for his Death Knights the coming year.
And there was a specific teacher that would be at Hogwarts this year.
Creeping through dust and cobwebs, Harry couldn't help but smirk thinking of the tome he needed.
Lockhart was in for a rough year.
####SCENE BREAK####
Vernon cried excessively.
He was having a bout of serious remorse from his earlier hateful words towards the boy in front of him.
It wasn't because he didn't believe what was said. No, it was because he had never been in more pain than he was in this moment. It was soul shaking.
Vernon was now hanging from shackles on the dungeon's stone wall. He had thought the removal of the humiliating pig accessories was a good thing. Now he wasn't so sure.
His bones couldn't handle his body weight being dangled in such a fashion. It wasn't long before one of his shoulders had popped out.
Ron had found that extremely funny.
"This little piggy had roast beef" Ron's accent slithered over the crying fat man.
Well, he was decisively thinner now.
Ron continued in his carving. His wand lit up as a sizzling was heard producing more screams.
The redhead smiled. He loved this little hex. It was a mixture of a downplayed severing charm with the heating spell.
It allowed him to cut the flappy flesh from Vernon's stomach while also burning the bleeding skin as it went. Truly, a handy spell.
'To think I made this for toast' he almost snorted.
With that he tossed the newly acquired skin strip onto a self-heating pan behind him before turning and whistling as he dramatically added seasons to the now bacon resembling flesh.
"You-you're sick" Vernon managed to strangle out. "Cooking me! You're going to eat me? You're evil" he cried harder.
"I'm not going to eat you" Ron tsked. "Never presume things" he pointed the plastic spatula at the man. "That's never helpful, remember that" was the advice.
"You're not" Vernon attempted to gasp through his tears as some hope shined through. "So, what are you doing? Haven't you done enough" he went on to whine. "Will you let me go soon?" he asked.
Ron laughed uproariously.
"There you go assuming things again. Don't you know what that makes you and me" was the cheeky reply.
Vernon attempted a glare.
"No, you won't be leaving here" Ron turned to him with a too humorous grin. "On the contrary, welcome to your tomb" he gestured grandly with both arms wide.
The glare melted quickly from Vernon as ill inducing terror took its place.
"And I won't be eating you" Ron said as he levitated the pan to Vernon. The fat man began shaking his head vehemently. "But you look a bit peckish" Ron's eyes turned ice cold with cruelty.
Vernon tried to keep his mouth clamped tight. He entertained the idea of biting Ron should he try to force it.
He didn't get the chance though as Ron didn't rely on strength. Though all his years of doing manual chores curtesy of his mother certainly did make him a strong boy. Instead, he used an open palm to grab Vernon's lower jaw. Even if the man's squirming and extra flesh got in the way.
Ron pressed his fingers as hard as possible in the pressure points on the joints of the jaw and underneath. That angle meant his fingers could reach just enough to do the job.
As the man's mouth was pushed open despite his struggles, Ron shoved a piece of Vernon Bacon into the gargling mouth. He then cast a silent lip locking jinx making it impossible to spit the pieces out.
"I'd chew if I were you" Ron advised while wiping his hands. "It's going to be a long night and I have a few choice spells in mind for you" he began listing off his options. "Engorgio Skullus" he started. He didn't bother explaining what that was.
"Ear shriveling curse. Though, I know Luna will be disappointed I didn't use the ears to kumquats hex" he sighed. "She's very fond of transfiguration" he stated conversationally.
"Entrails expelling curse" he saw Vernon sweat as his face took on a green tint. Whether it was from what was to come or the food he was still fighting against, Ron didn't know.
"Then there's always my favorite" Ron spun with his wand aimed and a shout of "Defodio!' with a good dose of his added power behind it.
A giant hole was gauged through Vernon's sternum making him give a body shaking muffled scream.
Wide eyes of the dead man who wasn't fully aware of the concept took in the red headed boy with the too innocent smile.
Ron twirled his wand between his fingers, tongue sticking out in concentration when he almost dropped the magical tool twice.
"Well" Ron sighed looking back up at the man. "Guess I lied. Not long of a night at all" he shrugged effortlessly.
Vernon gave a few stunted gasps trying desperately to cling to life.
"Don't worry though" Ron looked off thoughtfully as he used the wand to tap his freckled chin. "I've got a good idea over what to do with your body" he hummed.
With one last great heave of a gasping sigh, Vernon's body shivered then hung limp… Lifeless….
"Hmmm, yeah" Ron said as the edge in his blue-sky gaze took away from the youth of his face. "I think you'd be the perfect first recruit" he laughed loudly.
####SCENE BREAK####
Neville didn't think Peter liked his new accommodations.
Good.
When his eyesight became clearer, Neville had hit him with a conjunctivitis curse making the world dark to the traitor once more.
That done, the rounded boy simply stepped back into a corner with his arms lightly crossed. He enjoyed the show of Peter running around in fear and pain as he kept running into the hundreds of rat traps that were placed all over the floor and walls.
Neville was sure that Peter's forced nudity made matters much worse.
Thankfully, he had gotten very used to seeing naked victims so the image of a naked unkept Peter Pettigrew didn't turn his stomach.
Much.
"Please" Peter cried out as one of his thumbs broke from another trap. "Please, you don't understand" was pleaded.
Breaking his stone appearance for a moment, Neville mimicked exaggerated crying before rolling his eyes. It was a tad tedious but a job he took to heart none the less.
"Don't go to the door Peter" Neville boredly called out while making his voice sound lively. "We wouldn't want you to escape" he taunted.
Thinking he was going in the right direction and had somehow out maneuvered his captor; Peter ran straight ahead. Right into the large metal spider designed net. Neville had made sure to charge it with a lightning spell.
It was apparently the spell of the day.
The shocks were easy to produce and amusing to watch.
He would have used an actual electric fence, but that wasn't an option at the moment.
So far, the Potter Manor had too much magic in it causing interference with any muggle devices.
The group planned on fixing that later, but for the moment they had bigger chores to cover. It wasn't super important to them. Still, Neville and Ron found many of the devices that Harry, and Hermione introduced very useful.
Luna was happy either way. Vivian had once stated that muggles and wizards were both equally weird as she tried to figure out a blender.
Idly, Neville wondered how Sirius would like some of the appliances. He knew that Remus was at least educated on some of the more up to date muggle technologies unlike his marauding counterpart.
Before his mind could totally wonder off Neville was brought back to the present.
Peter had found the net.
There was a high-pitched scream as Neville shielded his eyes from the almost too bright flash. He attempted to look since he was beyond interested in the results. It was almost like a human sized muggle bug zapper.
Peter was unable to let go of the metal wires at first. In fact, he held on so tightly to the thin, flat pieces that they began to cut his palms as other spots actually shot off sparks.
Neville sniffed before taking a deeper inhale.
It definitely smelled like something was burning. "Bad cookout" Neville muttered as his face scrunched up.
Needless to say, Peter would make a terrible barbecue.
With a simple wave of his hand Neville cut the spell off.
He wasn't supposed to kill Pettigrew. They needed him alive and somewhat functional.
For now, at least.
Peter crumbled into a sobbing whimpering mess in the fetal position.
"What's wrong traitor?" Neville asked as he slowly walked around the man. "You'd think you'd be better at taking this kind of treatment. Isn't this how your master rewarded you for all of your deeds?" sarcasm bled back into his tone.
"Were you offered rewards? Power? Maybe just safety" he listed. "And that" he spat at the man who tried to fold closer into himself. "Was enough for you to sell out your friends! Your family" Neville raged.
Despite how much he tried to deny it, Neville had a personal grudge against Peter.
He was part of the raid that had cost Luna and Neville their unborn child.
It was a loss that never left them. Not even now.
The loss that pulled their marriage apart and began destroying their souls. Thankfully, the other Knights had been able to keep them afloat.
Peter may not have been the one to make the strike, but he was there. He had helped hold Luna hostage and watched like the coward he always has been.
He didn't care that at the battle of Hogwarts, Peter was almost killed by his own hand. His actions after showed that despite any remorse he may have had, he had chosen his path.
Neville's gold hazel eyes stared hate down at the man at his feet.
"You disgust me" Neville told him in a quiet voice that demanded attention. "You're pathetic. You're not even a real wizard. Nor a real man. Your animagus isn't a rat! You're a rat who disguised himself as a man. A poor job at that" his pitch grew louder and louder.
Peter was silently sobbing with his hands tightly against his chest and against his knees.
"You'd rather be the devil's right-hand man then stand tall" Neville sneered deeply.
"You cost so many lives" he got out before having to look up and breathe.
He had almost choked up at that.
"But now is the time to pay" Neville said with a burning passion.
"You're a disgrace to Gryffindor. You're a disgrace to Hogwarts" Neville did spit on him now like trash.
Peter flinched feeling it making him begin to shake.
An acidic odor took over the room as he relieved himself unable to stop.
"You're a disgrace to humans" Neville's chin went up. "And when I'm given the the chance, I will kill you" he turned and began walking to the door.
He needed to get out for a little. This brought back too many painful memories.
Neville paused at the door looking back at the still shivering man.
"Though" he drawled. "We still have to wait for Remus and Sirius' turn with you first. Not to mention Luna" he offered up. "I wonder how James and Lily will react on the other side?"
With those parting words Neville exited the room.
Peter let out a gut-wrenching scream at the situation he found himself in. And the retribution that was on his horizon.
####SCENE BREAK####
Luna made sure everything was perfect!
It was the day the preteens went back to Hogwarts. Luna's first day technically.
Before Harry and Hermione's meeting with Amelia could take place, she had been called away due to a bad case of muggle baiting. That had Cornelius Fudge and his ugly bowler hat up her ass.
The kids and Marauders were fine with that.
It gave Remus and Sirius some real time to get reacquainted with their 'old friend' Wormtail while the kids were gone.
Though Luna was a bit upset she'd have to wait. It just gave her time to think of more...proper punishments.
The Fudge situation also had Madam Bones all but salivating to both get away from the annoying minister and talk to them. That would make it a little easier to guide her in the right direction.
Dobby was watching over Kreacher.
The little elf had almost killed the older elf after hearing what he had done. However, Luna stopped him giving Dobby the task of watching and testing Kreacher. Dobby had taken it to heart, even the part where he had to heal the 'bad elf' as he called him.
Sirius had given Kreacher strict orders to not communicate with anyone who wasn't one of them.
The sour elf had been mad, to say the least. That led to a silent protest by making sure his healing process took longer. He was currently bedridden.
That backfired as the ever-persistent Dobby was at his side every minute of the day.
Hermione silently vowed to get Winky away from the Crouches and catch both Bartys.
She hadn't finalized her plan yet, but it was Hermione, so it was only a matter of time.
Luna had gotten up earlier with Remus to make everyone a nice breakfast.
Molly, Augusta and Xenophilius had given the children permission to sleep over at their friend's house. Hermione's parents had been a little unsure but eventually couldn't say no to her pleading gaze.
Ron's parents or more like Molly had been far more difficult to convince. Coming to his son's rescue, Arthur eased her letting his son be with his friends. Though the Weasley parents missed him during the big sendoff dinner.
Rectus was given permission to escort the children to the Express, though Xeno insisted on meeting them there to see his little girl off on her first day of school.
The girls ran around the manor making sure everything they needed was packed. Harry wouldn't let them near his trunk yet, not even Hermione. The irate females were soothed with the promise that he had a surprise in store for them.
Sirius had stumbled down half asleep before remembering what day it was. He too began scrambling.
Remus watched with great amusement.
Soon enough the group was at the train station. With a shouted 'wee' from Sirius who was riding Harry's trolly as Remus pushed, they went into the barrier of nine and three quarters.
Luna was giving a teary goodbye to her father who squeezed his Moonbeam tightly to his person.
Ron went and hugged his parents who were dropping off his siblings and the first year Ginny. He didn't think he'd get out of his mother's back breaking hold. Ginny wasn't sure either, that was why she dodged it sacrificing Ron in her place.
He silently cursed the snickering Harry who had managed to get the mother hen off in record time.
Neville thought his grandmother would forget him. Yet to his surprise an elf popped in with a note of well wishes.
Hermione's parents were speaking to her over the two-way mirror that Sirius had given the girl.
That had earned him an armful of Hermione. No more owls for her!
Remus promised the children that he and Sirius would make more of the communication devices for everyone.
Sirius and Remus were giving Vivian and Harry an emotional goodbye. No acting needed.
It was the first time the two men got to see the little boy they loved with all their heart go off to Hogwarts.
Similar feelings were aimed at Vivian as she had wormed her way into their hearts and lives. They were both so proud yet saddened to see both of the kids go.
Their kids.
Remus hugged his daughter giving a watery kiss to the top of her head. The title still gave him worried nerves and butterflies abundant.
After sniffling which the two werewolves tried to play off with chuckles, Harry and Vivian switched places.
Vivian hugged Sirius who also kissed the top of her head with his own words of wisdom. They focused more on having fun instead doing well in classes, like Remus had advised.
Like Sirius, Remus had ruffled Harry's hair chuckling at the wild mess it was before hugging the boy tightly.
For a little bit, they looked like a real normal family saying their temporary farewells.
It felt nice for the whole group.
"Don't let Lockhart give you, well you know" Remus advised.
"He means shite" Sirius helpful supplied earning a side look from his friend as the kids laughed.
"That too" Remus deadpanned.
"We'll be back before you know it" Vivian said in hopes of brightening all of their spirits.
They just got the men back and now they had to leave them again. No matter how temporary that was.
"Of course" Remus cleared his throat. "But don't forget to have some fun too" he piggybacked on Sirius' advice. "And it never hurt to go through that old library" was hinted.
The kids looked at each other confused.
Was there something they didn't know? It sounded almost impossible, but absolutely interesting.
Before they could ask Sirius jumped in. "And we'll talk every day. I'm serious" he held his hands up to stop any jokes. "I want daily talks. And pranks!" he reinstated.
The kids nodded both giving goofy solutes.
"And tell that fop Lockhart to stuff it along with Snape" he added.
Remus went to protest before stopping himself and giving a shrug of agreement.
"We will" was promised as once more hugs were exchanged. Soon the other children came back over, and more hugs and goodbyes were given.
With one last look back at the men and other parents, Harry climbed onto the Hogwarts express with Hermione on his arm.
Vivian and Ron also sent looks back with Neville and Luna before following their leaders.
"Do you think it'll just be another boring year at Hogwarts?" Neville couldn't help but tease as other students stopped to stare at them.
The others snickered though it was Harry who answered.
"Oh no" he shook his head. "I'd say this one is going to be a year for the books".
"Then what are we waiting for?" Hermione asked pleasantly as they found and elongated a compartment. "I can't wait to get back" she hid a smirk.
"Then let's hope Hogwarts is ready for us" Ron put his arm around his girl.
Luna took out the Quibbler which she happily read by Neville.
The express soon began powering ahead finally on its way.
"Well" Vivian spoke up sharing tampered down excited looks with the others. "Ready or not, here we come".
A/N:What do you think? What do you think is going to happen to Lockhart? Just 'mild' torture in this one. I guess? I don't know, but things do get much more intense in levels as the story goes on, fair warning. SPELLING ERRORS WILL BE CHECKED. I mean, probably poorly, but checked none the less. I just wanted to get this out to you so badly that I only checked once and I was very tired. Next up is; Lockhart's first class, Snape and Albus, and much more! Review, ask, or suggest if you'd like. Until next time, have a great day!