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! To everyone going back to school, good luck! It just started and already I want to run. Don't worry, it's not high school so anyone who would have felt weird at that, take comfort. Sorry this one took soooo long, but you know. Life. Anyway, I hope all of you enjoy this chapter and everything. More coming (After homework and everything else), but it's coming. Slow but surly. SlytherinToNyx, Mrakyop, Sillygabby, MaddnessInTheHeart16, Guest, Pandubabyy, Frankieu, and anyone I missed thank you. I think I responded to some reviews with a message also. As always, check for grammar errors (again) later. Thank you again. Enjoy.
WARNING: VIOLENCE IN CHAPTER.
Chapter 6: Strike One.
Vivian smirked as McGonagall led her to the castle with Luna and the first years.
According to the deputy Headmistress, because Vivian was only now being sorted then she'd have to go through the ceremony with the first years despite going into the second-year class.
The short haired brunette put a long semi-muscular arm around her shorter long blonde counterpart with carefree ease. Unlike the other star struck children, the two girls walked with a confident air.
As they looked upon the castle, they unintentionally shared the same thoughts as their already seated companions.
'It's good to be home'.
No matter where they came from or what had happened this was the place where they all felt completed. They found each other. Whatever they concurred or the places they grew up, Hogwarts forever felt like home.
Subconsciously picking up on the natural power and leadership of the two, the other children began following as if it were Luna and Vivian leading them through the large doors.
From a shadowy corner, Snape narrowed his eyes at the young Black-Lupin heiress.
Snape was still smarting over his meeting with Lupin and the annoyingly pleasant Rectus. It may have been a week, but it still burned in his mind. His thoughts becoming crueler by the days. Especially considering they were about a child. He, along with the rest of the staff had been sworn to secrecy about the beast which was Lupin's disgusting spawn.
Not to mention Black's foul heiress.
He knew she was as bad as that attention seeking prat Potter!
He inhaled deeply in an attempt to smother his rage. It wouldn't do to be so emotional in front of people.
It wasn't totally successful as the results of the following days rushed to the front of his mind.
Snape had tried to damage Vivian's reputation, not to mention Lupin's, before taking the oath. Then he could honestly say he had never revealed her secret from the time that the unbreakable vow had been conducted.
Because he planned to have already dropped suggestions about her disease. 'It is all about wording' Severus had thought with smugness.
Just like Ron knew he would.
However, that had proven easier said than done.
He had attempted to speak to the Malfoys about the issue. Severus knew that Lucius would get word around making it all but impossible for Lupin to get work. 'If he can even go back in public' he had thought with no small amount of pleasure.
Snape was also counting on Draco catching on. Or more likely his father having to explain it to him. The snooty Slytherin would then go and make Vivian's life a living hell.
Not only would that hurt her, Lupin and no doubt Black but Snape was sure it would hurt Potter as well.
Severus couldn't find a downside.
Still, when the time came to slip in the sly specific wording about the Black-Lupin girl, something awful had accrued.
He had tried giving the news. Truly, he did.
Tried being the optimal word.
It then became apparent that someone had hexed him!
Every time he attempted to bring the subject up, he began confessing his most embarrassing secrets. It didn't seem to matter how small or the time of the secrets. They spewed forward until his face was redder than a redcap. It only ceased when he stopped trying to speak of the werewolf girl.
He had believed it was the work of Dumbledore. Possibly some blind attempt of compassion for the beast child while teaching Severus a lesson.
That theory flew off the Astronomy Tower when he had begun talking about certain dreams and dirty laundry. He knew that wasn't Dumbledore's doing!
Severus was more than sure that it was that damned Lupin and Black. He wouldn't be surprised if Rectus was in on it as well.
That man was far too friendly to Snape the last time they spoke.
It freaked him out.
The truth of the whole matter was that Vivian scared Severus. He acted disgusted and cruel to Lupin, but in reality, he was terrified of him.
He had never fully gotten over his meeting with Moony.
Severus didn't care that it wasn't Remus' fault. That the man was sick, infected by a true monster of a man. A man who gave bad names to werewolves making people believe them to truly be monsters. Names that diminished them as the sick people they really were.
Severus didn't care about Lupin's hardships.
'They are dangerous beasts' he thought controlling his outer reaction. A flinch went through him as Vivian's lip curled into a dark smirk.
He blinked and the look was gone, almost making him doubt its appearance in the first place.
Vivian was much better at controlling herself than Snape. She caught his flinch… Just like she caught the whiff of fear coming off the man while looking in her direction.
It was intoxicating.
'She's up to something. Probably thinking on who to attack' were the irrational thoughts running through his head before he forced his logical mind to function properly. 'No, she's probably gloating about being in famous Potter's group' he mentally hissed all but spitting from the bad taste that left in his mouth.
He knew she was bad news. Every one of her kind was bad news. Nothing would change his mind.
'We'll see how full of herself she is after her first potions class' he thought sneering tenfold.
A grin found its way onto Vivian's face as she whispered something in the now smiling Lovegood's ear.
'Wonder how Lupin will feel after his little girl' Snape thought with cruel sarcasm. 'Comes running home in tears and he can't do anything about it' his lips twitched into a smirk at that.
'He can't do anything. Rectus is obviously an idiot. If I'm lucky Black will try to run to her rescue and expose himself' he thought feeling great joy at the idea.
'Just wait till Potions Class Black-Lupin' he thought with a new fire in his gaze.
With that, he swept into the Great Hall with billowing cloak dramatically sashaying behind him.
Vivian watched the man go with a small smile and narrowed gaze that screamed danger.
Luna looked as serine as ever. She shared a happy look with her friend. None of the others caught the spark of menace that those powder blue eyes held.
"Let's go Moonbeam" Vivian was looking at the Hall's doors where Snape had disappeared.
"I can't wait" Luna said far too demurely.
The two marched their way to the opening large doors without a look back.
####SCENE BREAK####
Harry smirked as he prepared for bed.
Seamus and Dean were going on about their summers as Ron, Neville and Harry nodded at all the appropriate moments.
Really, Harry was miles away.
As expected, Vivian was a Slytherin and Luna a Ravenclaw. 'Soon, we'll be able to gather support in all the houses' he thought before frowning. 'Though I need an opening with the puffs' he mentally admitted.
'Perhaps Cedric would be a good option' he wondered.
Harry had to smirk as the image of a silently raging Snape entered his mind. The man desperately tried to hide his emotions, but at times he was far too easy to read.
At least when you knew what to look for.
Harry had made it a point to smile at the dower man all throughout dinner. Snape hadn't made it to pudding.
'Wish I had known this last time' the boy almost snorted.
Harry was ready for a long restful sleep. He had plans for the next day which required his rest. Though he silently reminded his Knights that they were to be ready later that week for training.
That meant Sirius and Remus too, even if they weren't with the others.
As everyone fell into a slumber Harry found himself tossing and turning. He couldn't figure out if it was his insomnia or the lack of Hermione by his side.
Either way, it was irritating. It was a great annoyance.
With an almighty sigh, Harry lifted himself and decided to take a midnight stroll throughout the castle. 'Like the old days' he distractedly observed.
Harry tiredly dawned the invisibility cloak over himself and made his way out the portrait hole. He didn't take the map with him. Being invisible left him uncaring about running into Filch and Mrs. Norris.
Harry took a deep breath concentrating as he stood in the pitch-black hall. The idea of making it possible to see in the dark did cross his mind. However, he knew Hermione would kill him if he attempted that without the proper research.
Again.
It had hurt like a bludger to the eye-sockets the first time. He decided to wait on inflicting that on his younger self just yet.
For now, he settled with using the darkness as a sixth sense.
With eyes closed Harry walked in relative peace. The darkness soothed him, embraced him. It was like a refreshing chilling hug.
In and out he breathed as his mind was allowed to release and settle. Now wasn't the time to think of his plans or what had to be done. Now he didn't have to think of the true darkness that stained his soul. He was free.
Harry froze with head tilted.
Walking, someone was walking about.
Harry inhaled deeply as he stealthily moved closer to the unsuspecting individual. Right away, perfect blonde hair came into view.
With an over-the-top velvet outfit to match.
"Lockhart" Harry all but hissed in a whisper. The man in question heard making him jump in the air before spinning with wand pointed.
"Who's there" the man demanded. "I should warn you I'm an excellent dueler. The best in fact" was the boastful announcement of false confidence.
Harry used an old skill. One he learned when trying to slip by Peeves.
Of course, he was used to mimicking the Bloody Baron, but Snape wasn't too far off. After learning that, Harry had become quite good at impersonations. Now, he decided to try a mix between the two sallow castle dwellers.
"Not really" he said moving quickly out of Lockhart's aim.
"What? Which spirit is there? I demand you show yourself" Lockhart snapped out.
"Oh, you demand?" Harry threw out an unsettling giggle. "Tough" he moved to another side.
"Who are you!?" Gilderoy grew angry.
"Perhaps I am simply your conscious coming into effect at long last" was drawled out in another hiss.
"My what" Gilderoy had the nerve to almost scoff at that.
Harry raised an unseen brow. "I'm not surprised you wouldn't be familiar with that word" he taunted making Lockhart's face take on color along with a glare. "Someone would have to actually feel empathy and guilt for such a thing".
"I know what it means" Lockhart spat angrily.
"Ah" Harry continued his taunt and dance. "You were just unbelieving over the notion of actually having a conscious? Yes, I agree with you" he hummed once more easily moving from the other man's aim.
"Think of me as those who you have wronged. A collective if you will. We have come to make you pay for your secret sins" he waved his fingers making his voice echo to sound like multiples.
"Who are you!" Lockhart was beginning to sweat now. The notion of someone knowing his secret terrified him. He couldn't let that information get out!
"We already told you" Harry smirked now leaning against the wall casually. He simply threw his voice now as he tired of his invisible dance. "We are the collective. For someone so well versed with obliviate, you'd think you'd have a better memory yourself" was snickered.
Gilderoy spun around in hopes of catching the unidentified person. 'Or persons' he gulped with a shiver. 'No, it's couldn't be. Half of them aren't even dead. How would they haunt me? They wouldn't remember anyway' he thought feeling a lump in his throat.
"Ah" the voices spoke with pleasure. "Such fear. Truly, it is a wonderful thing. I'm sure your Ravenclaw mind is working double time trying to figure this out" they taunted. "Oh, but you were never a good Claw? Were you Gilderoy?" insidious snickers followed.
"What do you want? Gold" Gilderoy asked. "Fame" he shouted disturbing some of the portraits that went back to slumber with a huff.
"What would we do with fame" a far too amused Harry wondered. "What do the dead care for currency?"
To his ever-growing amusement, the blonde man tried a different tactic. He didn't know that it didn't matter. Harry knew about the things he had done. The people he had ruined. The women he had used, though they themselves had no knowledge. Lucky in a way, for them to not remember.
'All for fame' Harry's smile morphed into a sneer.
"We don't want fame. Not anymore" Harry continued messing with Lockhart. The man looked like he was either going to start firing off spells or crap himself.
"Then what do you want" Gilderoy asked before firing off a dazzling perfect smile. "Perhaps I can help you" he offered attempting to sneakily get the upper hand.
"Help us" the voices asked with pitch briefly rising. "No, you are wrong Gilderoy" he explained. "You try to beguile us?" they tsked, "Don't you know you can't charm death?"
"Death?" Lockhart questioned in a weak voice. He was terrified now making it almost impossible to keep up the act of temptation.
"Yes" the snake like whispers seemed to be coming from all around now. His wand shook in his grip.
"But not today" Harry hummed. He saw Lockhart relax, "Soon and it shall be amazingly agonizing" he promised the now pale faced man.
With that and a happy grin, Harry returned back to his dorm. He left a thoroughly shaken Lockhart in his wake.
The dark-haired tween snuggled deep into the covers after giving Hedwig an affectionate pet.
His run-in with Lockhart had been exactly what he needed to slip into soft slumber.
A smile settled on his peaceful face.
The rest of the castle slept too, though some not as peaceful as the Boy Who Lived.
There was a distinct coldness in certain individuals' bones.
Little did they know there was a very good reason for such an ominous feeling.
####SCENE BREAK####
Hermione awoke bright and early with a stretch. She had had some trouble getting to bed last night.
She didn't like not sleeping with Harry. Besides, she swore she could practically feel his discomfort until midnight. Hermione popped her shoulders then jumped from her bed in order to get ready for the day.
"Hermione, why are you up so early" the sleepy Lavender Brown asked rubbing her eyes.
"Just getting a head start Lavender" Hermione said civilly. "You still have twenty minutes before you usually get up" she informed before heading to the showers.
Lavender was already back asleep.
With her trusty overfilled book bag on her shoulder, a very prim and proper looking Hermione Granger made her way down to the common room. She was going to wait for her husband and friends before heading over to pick up Luna and Vivian.
Already her head was in a book as thoughts of breakfast were replaced with doing an even more thorough sweep of the still intact library.
"There she is" Harry's voice made her snap her head up. "Hello love, sleep well?"
Hermione smiled and easily went to his engulfing hug. A few students looked, but as if expecting such a thing they went back to what they were doing. There's weren't too many people up just yet.
Ron almost snorted with a head shake as Neville simply crossed his arms waiting. "If you two are almost done" Ron brought up. "I'd like to go get my…girlfriend" he had to stop himself form saying wife.
"Not to mention Luna" Neville agreed. "I'm sure they're more than annoyed with the locals by now" he cracked a small side grin.
The others had to chuckle at that. "Point taken" Harry agreed as the four made their way out and towards the dungeons. "We don't want Viv killing Malfoy" he said out loud. 'Yet' he mentally told the others.
Another chuckle was shared.
"I can't wait till we get to classes" Hermione spoke with excitement.
"But we already know what we're going to learn" Ron looked confused. "Why would you wanna learn the same information all over again?" Ron simply couldn't wrap his mind around that.
Hermione rolled her eyes good-naturedly. She didn't stop Harry from taking her book bag even as he seemed to be leaning significantly towards the left after. Neville snickered at that but looked totally innocent when Harry shot him a tiny pout.
"Ronald" Hermione began, and he had to stop from groaning. He knew that tone. "Not only is it important for us to be certain that we have all the knowledge we possibly can" she went on. "But this is also the opportunity to watch our peers and see where there is potential. Potential we didn't see till much later or missed completely the first time" she finished with her small nose in the air.
Ron opened his mouth then changed his mind. "I'm never gonna win" he admitted getting a smirk from Hermione and amusement from the boys. "Let's just go get Vivian" he sighed.
"Oh, do you win arguments with her?" Harry asked far too innocently.
"Not even close" Ron muttered giving a shove to the laughing Harry and Neville's shoulders.
"Think that's funny?" Hermione raised a brow to her husband.
"Simply pleased I'm not the only hen pecked one here" Harry teased making her scoff.
"There you are!" came a loud voice from ahead of them. "I thought I was going to have to curse this prat into next week" Vivian had her hands on her robe clad hips.
Ron thought she looked amazing, even if she was dressed like every other Slytherin student. Well, besides the pants he knew she insisted on wearing.
He smirked at the thought of someone trying to force his wife into a skirt.
The source of her ire soon became clear in a whiny Draco Malfoy.
"You should be nicer to me" he bemoaned with Crabbe and Goyle on either side. They looked like their usual brutish selves. Far cry from the thin starving Crabbe who was kept in their basement and the very dead Goyle.
Seeing their threatening expressions when catching sight of her, Hermione almost waved cheerfully.
The others weren't much better as it kept proving a tad disconcerting when faced with future prisoners. Harry put an arm around her containing them both.
Neville simply returned their stare with a blank one of his own. The two thugs didn't know what to do.
Ron was the only one who wasn't able to contain himself. Then again, his wife was the one Malfoy was standing far too close too.
Harry took a small step back taking Hermione and Neville with him.
Ron's ear tips had turned red, and his frown was so severe it looked like it might become permanent.
All tells of an impending blow up.
"I'm serious, leave me alone" Vivian was on the verge of smacking the Malfoy heir. It was sheer will that held her back.
That will was tested as the blonde boy insisted on trying to speak to her from the moment she stepped into the common room.
"My father's very powerful" Draco bragged looking at his polished nails. "Why don't we go and eat our breakfast together. Get to know one another" he tried while attempting a charming smile as his slicked back hair caught the shine of the lanterns.
"I don't want to get to know you" she hissed through clenched teeth. "Not unless it's your mangled insides" she snapped.
He didn't even flinch. That kind of talk was considered mild among Slytherins.
"Come on" Draco obviously didn't care about the newcomers. "I'm much better than the Weasel" he insulted.
"Not a chance" she scoffed opening her arms for Ron who easily slid into her embrace. He glared at the fuming blonde.
"I think you better run off Malfoy" Ron said at a controlled pace. "She's not interested in ferrets" he knew Draco wouldn't get the inside joke. Yet. Ron wasn't going to wait for Barty Jr..
"I'm surprised you can even afford a girlfriend Weasel" Draco spat. He didn't like being compared to a ferret at all. He was sure Weasley was making fun of his more pointed features. 'They're noble' he reminded himself of what his mother always told him.
"That's one of the differences between you and Ron" Hermione spoke up smartly. Draco shot her a look that said she was below the dirt he walked on.
"He doesn't have to buy anyone" she finished.
"Watch your mouth you filthy little-" Draco was interrupted by Harry.
"I'd choose my next words very carefully Malfoy" Harry said with dead seriousness.
"Or what scarhead" Malfoy mocked. Ron, Vivian and Neville all straightened at that. They did not like that tone aimed at their leader.
"You'll come and get me?" Malfoy taunted. "The most you do is show what a terrible dunderhead you are. I bet I can even fly better than you" he snootily proclaimed.
Harry smirked; he knew just how Malfoy faired against him on a broom. "The worst thing I can do to you Malfoy is stand back and let Hermione handle you" he promised.
Draco rolled his eyes. "Vivian, let's go. You really don't want to be seen with this lot" he said as if helping her.
Vivian scoffed still holding Ron. "There are two things, well three things that my Ron has that you never will Malfoy. Attributes that not even wealth can ever buy" she informed him while running her fingers over the freckles on Ron's cheek.
"What would that be" Draco got out through clenched teeth. He hated feeling humiliated, but more importantly he hated being told no.
The fact that the girl he had decided to set his sights on only seemed to want Ronald Weasley made his blood boil.
"He's cute" Vivian knew she was upsetting the blonde. But that was the fun part. That and Ronald's smile. "He's powerful. Real power not what your daddy claims to have" she sneered.
"You think Weasley's powerful" Draco was blown away.
"Wait that's only two things" Greg furrowed his brow.
"Very good Greggy" Harry cheered. "Tomorrow we'll move onto shapes" he sassed get a glare once the boy realized he was being made fun off.
"Be easy on him Harry. He's still learning" an apathetic Neville commented.
"He's right though" Hermione smiled at Vivian. "That was only two".
"I thought the last was obvious" Ron said making Vivian beam at him.
"Me" she said before slowly looking at Malfoy. "He has me".
"We'll see about that" Draco's nostrils flared. Before he could throw any threats or 'wait until my father' phrases around, he was cut off by the arrival of Pansy Parkinson. The short black-haired girl stuck her slightly squashed nose into the air as she shot a look at Vivian.
It wasn't a pleasant look either. Then again, Pansy wasn't generally a pleasant person.
"Well, we'll leave you too it" Harry gestured the others away.
He could see the eagerness Neville tried to hide as they made their way to Ravenclaw tower.
"How do you think Rectus and Remus are doing?" Hermione asked looking up at the green-eyed boy. She worried for the older men.
Harry kissed the top of her head with a soft yet knowing smile. "I think they're more than fine".
Her brow raised as she got the feeling that Harry knew something she didn't. At least, didn't know right now. Hermione would get it out of him soon enough.
####SCENE BREAK####
Sirius was pouting. He and Remus had been tasked with two very important jobs, and Remus was being a buzzkill!
"No, I'm being smart" Remus mildly argued. He didn't even look up at his old friend.
"But if we get that for them, imagine how impressed they'd be! How proud" Sirius tried again. He desperately wanted to help above and beyond.
Remus knew his heart was in the right place. But none of his charge ahead no matter the danger had left him throughout the years. In fact, he seemed even more reckless now though Remus couldn't figure out why.
'We're reunited and have Harry' he thought with a sigh as he poured tea for Sirius. 'What more could he want?' Remus had to wonder.
It wasn't like they were lacking excitement.
Now Sirius had the insane idea of not only completing their tasks but attempting to get one of the horcruxes as well. Remus didn't see Harry liking that too much.
"I still have to go and meet Madam Bones and Pettigrew and talking to Harry" Remus tiredly pinched the corner of his eyes towards his nose. "You've got to practice making those golems Hermione asked for. Then" he continued. "We both have to go lay out the rocks Luna gave us".
"I know that" Sirius told him. "I'm simply saying this can be done as well. Especially with me taking over Bellatrix's account and annulling her marriage" he pointed out. "I checked, stating that her husband worked for an organization that killed my brother is grounds for annulment. Then I can kick her out of the house of Black. Burn her bloody picture off the wall" he muttered that last bit.
Remus' flat expression let him know he wasn't accomplishing what he wanted.
Sirius tried a different tactic. "I mean" he pretended to look off. "Can't you imagine how cool Harry and Vivian would think we are" he tried. "Not to mention the other kids" he put in. "We'd show them we haven't lost our touch".
Seeing Remus still unresponsive Sirius added the finishing touch.
"It'd be one bloody good prank" his voice went up enticingly.
Remus froze, eyes taking on a specific shine. Slowly, his tall stature straightened as a grin threatened to overcome his neutral expression.
His mustache twitched from the effort. "How good?" he had to asked.
Sirius' smile would have been frightening to anyone else. "Remember when we charmed the staff's robes" he mentioned.
"Which time" Remus asked for clarification.
Dark brows wiggled as Sirius responded, "Partum Lingerie". That was all he had to say in order for a smile to finally split his best friend's face.
Remus still had some doubts.
"I don't think Harry would appreciate being pranked. Not to mention Hermione" he pointed out. "Remember when you and James got into that prank war after he and Lily first went steady?"
Both men gained fond, wistful smiles as memories momentarily overtook them. As if mentally coming to the same conclusion they both shook their heads and refocused in favor for the task on hand.
Now was the time to concentrate on the present. Not the past.
"We wouldn't be pranking Harry" Sirius denied. "Not really" was amended. "I know my godson" was boasted proudly.
That both warmed Remus' heart and amused him at the same time. He didn't point out that they knew Harry in equal measures. Of course, they had gotten to know all of the children to an extent. At least before they went to Hogwarts. Remus was hoping he'd get to know them even better. He wanted to be a real family again. Both from his past and their future.
Still, Sirius acted like he knew them inside and out. Remus would admit that they all had a long way to go learning about each other.
Either way, he wasn't about to bring down Sirius' mood. If anyone needed a pepper up potion, it was Sirius Black. Remus wasn't going to deny him that.
"Alright I'm in" he complied getting a cheer from Sirius. "But" he said loudly over the happy dancing Sirius, "Just remember that Harry is our nephew and James' son. Who knows what he could cook up. He's a Marauder by birth. It's in his blood".
####SCENE BREAK####
The children walked happily to their classes. First, they were on their way to drop Luna off at Potions.
Effortlessly, they moved in a paired synchronized line.
It did look a bit off to any passing student body. However, like most things they didn't understand in their world, they simply accepted it without a backward thought.
No one puzzled out the power move they were witnessing.
Then again, they weren't supposed too. Not yet.
The potions class came into view as little Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs line up eagerly. Some looked excited for their first class. Some obviously had older siblings as they looked less than thrilled to be there. In fact, a few looked ready to bolt.
"Have fun Luna" Harry said. Outwardly he looked like any other supportive friend. Inside though… He was telling Luna to give Snape her own personal brand of hell.
"Of course, Harry" she began in that same light dreamy tone.
Many if not all of the watching first years turned their gazes in amazement to Harry. It didn't take much to figure out they were in awe over being around the real Boy Who Lived.
Harry ignored them.
"I do hope there are warpspurts around" she finished with a sway as if caught in some unknown breeze.
Hermione smiled as Vivian spoke up. "If there are, save some for me?" she asked.
Luna shot her a small smile ignoring some of the weird looks she received.
With a promise to see her at lunch, the remaining five swiftly moved towards their own class. Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Ron had to wrap an arm around Vivian to contain her. She was walking in a mixture of prowling and bouncing. Like she was an animal that knew they were about to feast really extremely well and had to do a little dance in celebration. Or howl.
The redheaded boy was just as annoyed with Lockhart as the first time around. And he had yet to have a class with the man! 'This time' he amended.
'At least Viv is excited because she's thinking about scaring him. Not because she fancies him' he calmed himself. 'All the birds after him have to be barmy. What if he has some kind of attraction spell on his cloak? That could be useful' Ron's strategic mind began running wild.
Neville was in the rear taking in all of the looks that others tried to hide. Because they basically looked over the thicker boy, it proved to be an easy task. There were interesting results all around.
He'd have plenty to report later.
Harry was greatly amused as he walked with an annoyed Hermione. He had his arm causally around her shoulders as his other side fought off numbness from her bag.
It was times like this that he wished she could use her expendable bag. Or that they had lockers.
Either way he soothed his bruised shoulder and ego by seeing how agitated Hermione was. Normally, he'd do everything in his power to relieve her of such an ailment. However, seeing as it was due to her grumbling over the fan girls which she was once a part of was just too funny.
Another fan girl practically ran into Hermione as she rushed from the classroom with a signed picture.
Hermione's left eye twitched as she endeavored not to lash out.
Harry sent the random Ravenclaw an unhappy look making her stumble back. Without an apology the third year ran to her friends to show off.
"Good thing you're not one of those silly Lockhart crazy girls" Harry just had to comment as they slowly went to their seats.
Ron scoffed, "Come on Harry" he joined his best mate's teasing of his other best friend. "You know Hermione's too smart for that" he began. Hermione smiled before he continued. "Besides, you know the Boy Who Lived is the only celebrity she's ever wanted" he hinted to her date with Krum.
Vivian and Neville wisely scooted away from Hermione's wand arm.
"If you don't watch yourself" Hermione began through clenched teeth. "Then it'll be the Boy Who Died" she grumbled.
Harry's hands went up in surrender as he smothered an even more amused smile.
Ron snickered making her sharp gaze snap over to the redhead.
"And his fried ginger sidekick" was threatened.
Ron blanched noticeably making his freckles really pop.
"I think that should make him think twice" Neville ventured with a tick of the lips.
"Bloody hell, I think he'll never think about it again" Vivian snorted as her husband basically sulked into her side.
Their efforts seemed to soothe the wild haired brunette. She smiled and picked up her pace with an extra pep in her step as they took their seats.
The class soon filled up with the rest of the Gryffindor and Slytherin second years. 'I wondered why Albus pairs these houses together' Harry had to idly ponder. 'It's well known there is a general animosity between the two. Slytherin gets on better with Hufflepuff just like the lions and Ravenclaw' he noted.
His eyes landed on Vivian who was all but nestled into a content Ron's side.
'Then again' Harry had to acknowledge, 'Some lions and snakes make powerful, happy pairs. If given the chance'.
Before he could dwell further on the question, Lockhart decided to make his entrance.
"Hello. Hello" the vain man sent a wide smile to the classroom from his balcony. His many, many portraits did the same.
There were dreamy sighs from all around the room.
Vivian had to hold in a snort. She had thought the others had been exaggerating the man's attitude. Now it seemed they had understated it. Her nose twitched at the heavy sent of flowery perfume and whatever he had in his hair that was rolling off the man.
It was bad enough all the girls tried to dress up and 'freshen up' in hopes of looking their best for Lockhart. But his own heavily fragrant saturated body invaded her senses relentlessly.
A silent huff like exhale left her in an effort to rid herself of the stenches.
"Welcome to your first Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Can everyone hear me? Can everyone see me?" Lockhart asked in a smarmy tone.
Lockhart gave the same speech as before. He once more gestured to himself as if the class couldn't already guess that he was their teacher.
His arms were spread in an open giving gesture. "Me" he laughed in a very fake fashion.
"Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award. But I don't talk about that. I didn't get rid of the Bandon Banshee by smiling at her!" he bragged arrogantly.
Only the fan girls joined in with his smarmy laugh. Everyone else stared blankly.
Ron already looked downright disgusted.
Seeing the much smaller reaction than what was expected, Lockhart cleared his throat. That too big smile was back.
There was no real reaction from any of the boys, some were even staring out of windows. Especially from the Potter boy's group.
Not even Potter's female friends looked impressed!
"In this class" here tried a new tactic. He needed Potter to look up to him. The boy's name alone was gold. That picture of them together in Flourish and Blots sold out in one afternoon. Gilderoy needed that recognition. He needed to be adored!
He had only gotten worse since his school years.
His voice took on a dramatic effect in an effort to draw the children into his tales of dangerous adventure.
Like countless times before he wanted them imagining his heroic acts on bated breath.
Even if they were all lies.
"You will face your biggest fears. Creatures more dangerous beyond your wildest dreams. Trolls, vampires, werewolves" he began listing.
With narrowed eyes Vivian's sharp tone cut through. "What's wrong with werewolves and vampires" she all but hissed.
Lockhart went to answer that they were dangerous savage beasts. However, he then saw who had asked the question. Like the rest of the teaching staff, he had been sworn into the girl's secret with an unbreakable vow hanging over his head.
The fact that there was a real-life werewolf in his class terrified him beyond belief.
Vivian smirked as the man turned two shades paler making Parvati ask if he was alright. The pretty green eyed werewolf child knew that look.
'Looks like he and Snape are more alike than they thought' she mentally laughed at the men's fear.
Harry wondered if he could sneak in a boggart. The idea of Lockhart possibly fainting, though for real this time was just too good of an idea.
"Um" Gilderoy stuttered having lost his balance for a moment. "Nothing!" was blurted surprising many of the students. Most were used to adults warning them and giving horror stories about werewolves.
"But that's a lesson for another day" he rushed out. "Today we are covering a much different creature".
He missed Vivian's eyes narrowing at being referred to as a creature.
Ron rubbed her back.
"What will we be covering today" Neville spoke up. "Something you picked up on your oh so daring travels" he bordered on sarcastic and false politeness. He kept speaking not giving Lockhart a chance to answer. "Whatever it is, I'm sure you'll be here to handle it. I couldn't possibly imagine you running away and leaving us alone with…whatever it is" he finished.
Many of the students were confused. Only his fellow Death Knights understood the subtle jab. Ron looked to the side as a smirk forced its way onto his face.
Harry and Vivian weren't much better, though Vivian only had her imagination and her friends' recollection to go off of.
Hermione was giving the man a death stare, straight up.
She couldn't believe she had ever looked up to that excuse of a man!
"Of course, I won't be leaving" Lockhart assured. "I am here to not only mentor you but protect you from any possible dangers as well. Of course, there are no real dangers at Hogwarts" he assured.
More than half the class wasn't sure about that as they remembered what they knew of last year.
The Death Knights found that sentence extra ridiculous.
"So, you won't be showing us anything dangerous in here then?" Harry decided to ask with big eyes.
"Everything I show you in here, I will protect you from with my best ability. Obviously, you'll be fine" Lockhart gave another laugh.
"Before we move on, I've prepared a small quiz for you all. Just to test that you are doing your readings" he told them. "As a Ravenclaw I find reading ahead very important" he told them wisely.
With that he passed out thick tests. The class soon found out that it was all about him. "Would one of you please help me pass these out" he asked before chuckling at the many female hands that went up.
Ron didn't bother filling any of it out as Neville gave the most basic answers.
Hermione began scribbling in essay worth of notes on why the questions were ridiculous and how Lockhart obviously wasn't fit to be a teacher, let alone around young children.
Harry gave the most sarcastic and biting answers he could. Since it was Harry, the master of sass, they were pretty crazy.
Lockhart tried to send a smile at Vivian. Then she looked him in the eyes while setting her test on fire. Seeing the look the girl sent him made him falter once more and take a step back.
It didn't look like she was going to put the flames out any time soon. Ron threw his parchments in with hers as more students stopped to look over wide eyed.
Harry snickered looking up briefly. Hermione didn't even do that. Her quill was still moving at a rapid pace.
Finally, Neville sighed and sent out a small jet of water.
"Nev" Vivian whined sending her friend a pout.
"We don't want to burn down the school" he told her going back to doodling on his paper. "Yet" he mumbled.
Seamus seemed also disappointed over the now lack of fire.
After a few minutes Lockhart began collecting the tests from everyone. A few fan girls continued to try to put answers down. Others went between glaring between Vivian and Neville, not to mention Ron as they didn't appreciate the disrespect so blatantly shown to the Gilderoy Lockhart.
Gilderoy began going through every test. The class was quiet as he went over them all page by page. Halfway through he began tsking at what he saw.
"Almost none of you remembered my favorite color" he announced. "Though Miss Granger" he began with a large smile. "She remembered it was periwinkle pink and-" he paused as he saw the rest of the answer.
It wasn't flattering to say the least.
The fact that she had examples as to why his color choice reflected both his lack of true abilities and decision-making skills hurt more than he cared to admit.
"Well," he cleared his throat as his pitch went up at the end. "Let's move on. Mr. Potter, who I like to think of as my protégé" he sent a smile to the smirking Harry. "He wrote I'm a dandy prat who needs to get over his mediocre-" he stopped quickly.
Lockhart had been reading without totally paying attention. Once the words registered, he lost his voice.
Lockhart's blue eyes actually watered as his glossed bottom lip wobbled slightly.
The Death Knights snickered. Some other boys around the room joined in while many of the girls looked like they were about to attempt to strangle Harry themselves.
Hermione had to think of what a hilarious scene that would make.
"Today" Lockhart turned from the children. He needed to gather himself back up. He hadn't been insulted like that since his days at Hogwarts. In fact, if he remembered correctly, which he knew he did, it was James Potter and his group of friends who had done the insulting.
The popular boys had busted Lockhart for trying to take credit for a project done by Potter's girlfriend, Lily Evans.
Due to the older boys' reputation, Lockhart had been a laughingstock for months.
"Today we will be facing a most terrifying creature" he continued while walking over to the covered large cage. He knew this would impress that brat Potter!
'Doesn't even deserve his fame' Lockhart thought bitterly. "They are dangerous, notorious beings. I warn you not to scream as it might" he ripped off the cover dramatically. "Provoke them!"
The class jumped back before noticing what they were looking at.
Seamus and Dean began laughing with some others following. "Cornish Pixies" Seamus asked in disbelief.
Even Draco and his cronies were laughing at the anti-climactic moment.
"Freshly picked Cornish pixies" Lockhart went on waiting to see fear on the students faces. To only his surprise, none came.
More laughter erupted throughout the room.
"Laugh all you want Mr. Finnigan" he announced loudly. Thinking on turning the tide on his disrespectful students, Gilderoy made the mistake of going to open the cage with a flourish.
Again, he overestimated his abilities.
"Let's see you laugh at them now" he shouted as the tiny blue menaces were released.
The laughter turned to screams as the pixies quickly showed that size definitely didn't matter when it came to causing terror. Girls' hair was pulled, and books were thrown about.
One even attempted to shoot up Blaise Zabini's nose.
"Have no fear" Lockhart began to sweat as he realized just what he did. "Peskipiksi pesternomi" he tried.
"That's not a real spell!" Hermione shouted at the man making him stumble back. She whacked one of the tiny beings at him. It pulled out some blonde locks making him shriek.
When she had studied the spell Lockhart had attempted to use, the studious girl had been enraged to find out it not only wasn't a real enchantment but also it was a lazy way to say pixies no bother me.
'That's not even a proper sentence' she thought with annoyance as Harry grabbed a pixie out of her hair.
He paid no attention to the stinging bites as he squeezed just enough to make it cry out and stop moving in fear. He then tossed it aside to nurse its bruises.
The rest of the student body were already out the door fleeing.
"I'll just uh" Lockhart looked at the group left. A pixie stole his wand making him run with a wave of his coat. He tried to save one of his frightened portraits, but it was a losing battle. "I'll let you clear them up" Lockhart abandoned the children and ran up the stairs before slamming the door shut to his rooms.
"Pathetic coward" Neville scoffed as he held up his hand. It took a little extra concentration, but he was still able to send out a light shock. That scared the pests away as they spoke in their language to keep far away from the dirty-blonde haired boy.
One pixie attempted to avenge its comrade aiming the stolen wand at Neville.
Vivian snatched the nasty pest out of the air along with the wand. It had managed to fire off a spark of magic that once more sent the dragon skeleton down upon them.
Luckily, they moved out of the way in time.
Though Ron had to grab Vivian who was growling in the panicking pixie's face. It did all it could to escape as her teeth were bared in an obviously aggressive move.
With all almighty shake, Vivian spared the pixie. It flew dizzily before smacking into one of the large glass windows. Vivian smirked at Ron who gave her a nod. With a loud snap, Lockhart's wand was in two pieces.
Without looking, Harry grabbed a pixie midair prompting him and Ron to throw two of the pests at one another making them smack and fall in a heap of twitching wings and wide black eyes.
They weren't used to these types of humans!
Hermione's annoyance showed itself as she let her magic give a large unruled pulse. This smacked all of the pixies into the nearest walls before immobilizing them.
Neville pushed one of the twitching, downed little beasts away with his foot. "At least I wasn't hanging by my trousers this time" he idly commented.
####SCENE BREAK####
Luna was having a blast in potions class. Figuratively speaking as of right now.
Snape seemed totally incapable of handling her attitude. He was torn between anger and being freaked out.
It was amusing to say the least.
'I'll have to try bluebells next' she thought as she littered the desk and filled every tube around her with conjured lilies and roses. Snape's eye twitched, but he only waved his wand banishing the roses.
'I knew he could do wandless and nonverbal' she thought with a mental cheer. 'He'd make a great boon for my master' her mind began working rapidly. Here was a chance to gain a strong servant for her master. A servant they had lost the abilities too soon 'last time' due to Voldemort and his familiar Nagini.
Of course, two of her fellow Death Knights had unpleasant histories with the man. Luna was sure that she could convince Sirius and Remus' of the man's use. Not to mention convince Harry.
"I believe that fairy dust and niffler snot can be used for various potions" she spoke out loud. Once more her dreamy, spacey tone interrupting Snape's deep timber. Luna paid no mind to him clenching his fist tightly as he painfully closed his eyes.
Kailen and Matthew, two of her fellow first year Ravenclaws scooted further away from their opposite sides of her. Luna lightly pondered if she should get to know the first year Claws this time.
She was sure there were some recruiting potential there. If guided properly.
Last time, her status in the house and all the bullying had kept her from getting to know any of her housemates on a real level. She knew names, but beyond that there wasn't much.
Though Cho Chang and Anthony Goldstein along with a Terry Boot later on and a few others had attempted to help her a few times. Especially after Dumbledore's Army.
She'd keep an eye open for a chance to approach them. She knew they'd make excellent soldiers. Not to mention she wanted to spare them from the fates of the future's past.
If anyone else had to think of the future as a past they'd get one troll of a headache. Luckily, Luna wasn't anyone else. She was Luna plain and simple.
As she hummed pleasantly under her breath, Luna twitched her fingers under the desk.
Slowly, the words on the board behind a belligerent Snape began to change.
She was tired of him going on about how his snakes were the best and so on. So, she corrected and elaborated on the vague instructions he had set up.
Luna thought of breaking him later on. Sometimes in order to make a perfect weapon, one must break the person down then build them back up. Dumbledore taught her that. Her top lip lifted so briefly it almost didn't look visible as her dark feelings for the headmaster threatened to overtake her.
Luna calmed herself with Harry's promise of getting out of the castle later.
Seeing the changes up ahead, the Puffs and Claws quickly went to work.
Snape looked around at the students in deep suspicion. They were all doing…well. He couldn't figure it out. Never had multiple students shown such adapt skills for potions. Especially not in their first class.
'Besides me and…' he cut that line of thinking off.
He looked around with narrowed eyes.
Once more his dark gaze landed on the Lovegood chit. She was sitting in her chair gently swaying side to side to some tune that only she was aware of.
Even as her eyes looked unfocused at the ceiling, her hands moved in a precise manner making a perfect cure for boils.
Luna smiled feeling the inspecting gaze on her. This was going to be a good year.
####SCENE BREAK####
The Master of Death led his Knights off on their first group mission. Or at least fully completed group mission seeing as they had picked up the mildly surprised Remus and Sirius after easily smoke traveling away from Hogwarts.
Harry hadn't been joking when he said that people were going to die.
The weeks following Sirius' break out of Azkaban found a majority of the details suppressed by the Ministry. Fudge didn't want conflict. He was a peace time minister; he didn't know how to handle anything else.
Everyone was still terrified that Sirius Black was going to start murdering people. No matter what the Quibbler continued to say.
Luna had led her father in the right direction.
The Prophet had written about the Death Knights and Black's innocent once before Fudge has sent his undersecretary to give them a cease-and-desist letter. He claimed it would simply spread more panic.
He didn't want people to think Sirius was innocent. Fudge didn't know if he was or not. Honestly, he didn't want to know. That would make him, and the rest of the ministry, look bad.
Because of this lack of coverage, people tried to put the disturbing news of the Death Knights in the back of their minds.
They chalked it up to a group of fanatics that wanted Black for their cause. The thought that there might be some new unknown group running around throwing curses caused for great worry.
Some even claimed them to be Death Eaters that went to their friend's aid.
That one pissed of Harry and Sirius the most.
Here the truth was practically Avadaing people in the face, yet they refused to accept it!
The Master of Death would make them accept it.
There had been a time when Harry just wanted to be able to blend into the background. Be normal. That time was long gone. Now…Harry hated being ignored!
If people noticing him and paying attention was the only way that he could get points across then he'd use it. That had been a hard lesson to learn for the previously shy and anxious boy. Harry of the now was ready to both be in the spotlight while ruling the shadows.
Tonight, they were going hunting. A very special prey that was near and dear to both Vivian and Ron, and also their good friend Buckbeak.
Walden Macnair.
The blood thirty creature killing Death Eater had gotten out of his sentence by claiming Imperius. Like so many of his slippery friends.
Harry knew that a few people were under the controlling curse. Just like many people were under threat of death or worse falling upon their family. He remembered Greyback bragging about the children he got to turn or kill when someone refused to join the Death Eaters. Some he bit anyway, though not many survived.
For those people, Harry truly felt regret. In fact, he had employed some of them.
One would be surprised over the ferocity a person fights with in order to get even with others who had taken away their free will.
However, Harry never just took someone on their word. That's why Veritaserum was invented. Then their perfected batch. None of them could understand why that wasn't employed in most if not all legal cases.
With someone speaking on your behalf and watching the direction of the questioning, it would be the most beneficial option to judge people.
Harry cleared his head. He wasn't about to get distracted by the idiocy of the magical world.
Right now, he and his Knights needed to be on their full game.
Remus hadn't stopped scowling once he learned of the target. From his rigid yet fast movements, Harry guessed that the executioner's reputation proceeded him.
"Scum" Sirius kept mumbling as the group were once more disguised in black cloaks.
If it weren't for the unnatural shining of all of their eyes, they'd look like dementors. It made for an extremely eerie effect as they glided up to Macnair's large home. It wasn't a mansion per say, but it was obvious he did well for himself.
'Physician training. Magical training. Remake all of our supplies, weapons and armor' Hermione was going through a mental list. The children weren't at their full power. It would have shredded their unprepared bodies apart.
That was why physical training was so important as they worked their magic back to their full abilities.
The weapons and armor were just for scare tactics and because their flare for dramatics had grown as they did.
Vivian cracked her neck as Ron hunched his shoulders ready to begin. Neville was staring steely down at the darkened, quiet home. Luna was making small wind swirls in her hand without really noticing. Her attention too was solely on the house they were about to siege.
Remus stood like a bow string. Rim-rod straight and waiting to attack.
Sirius was still mumbling to himself as he cracked his knuckles.
Both men buried their apprehension over the act they were about to commit. It was like the first war all over again except this time they weren't waiting for their people to be attacked before retaliating. They would be the first to strike. They also both swore to not lose their loved ones again.
No matter what it took.
These were some of the tactics they had spoken to Albus about using the first time around. He had partly agreed, but asked they not kill saying 'they were above that'.
It baffled them as they were in a war.
Of course, neither man wanted to kill. Killing changed you from the inside out. However, if it was you or them then the men would choose themselves every time.
They had seen the flaws of Albus' actions. They heard the stories.
Sirius and Remus were ready to do what needed to be done to come out victorious.
They had too, neither could live with the alternative. The men couldn't go through that again.
So, right now the two refused to dwell on the fact that they were about to break into a man's house and kill him with a group of children that they considered their own. Instead, they were making themselves think of all the awful things Macnair did both as a Death Eater and a prejudice executioner.
'And with that idiot Fudge's backing' Sirius' thoughts left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Remus felt a growl, though still human in sound, rumble deep within his chest. He closed his tired green eyes as he took an inhale to balance himself.
Channeling Moony who was pacing inside his mind, he opened his now cold gaze ready to attack when ordered.
Harry's own piercing green eyes shined through his hood. It was the only visible part of his face again bringing extra attention since it was such a dark night.
"Hermione, the wards" he said.
It was time to attack.
Hermione held up her hand as a mist of sweat gathered on her forehead. She was the best next to Luna at runes. None of them besides Harry and the men were using wands. They couldn't have someone checking them for whatever reason.
They couldn't think of why a person would suspect them, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Remus and Sirius were using wands Neville and Ron had found for them at Knockturn Alley. Though they were encouraged by the others to practice nonverbal and wandless both on their own and in actual use like now.
Vivian wiped some sweat from Hermione's brow and cheeks as the girl worked to take down Macnair's wards. Luckily, they weren't too difficult. She let out a breath once finished as her shoulders sagged before she forced herself to push her sudden tiredness away.
Macnair either didn't believe he had many enemies, or he was cocky enough to think no one would attack him.
He was wrong either way.
Moving deftly across the somewhat neglected lawn the eight made their way down the hill.
Neville and Luna would enter from the north side of the house as Ron and Vivian took the south.
Hermione and Harry would go east which naturally left west to Sirius and Remus.
The pairs all moved into position and waited for Harry's mark. Remus and Sirius twitched lightly at the still unfamiliar sensation of having someone else in their heads.
'Go in NOW' was shouted mentally. All four groups blew away the windows or doors they were close too before racing in.
Vivian inhaled deeply quickly turning to the left. Ron followed as she silently let the others know. Remus attempted a sniff before cringing at the heavy stench of blood and decay.
The groups spread out in an effort to find Macnair.
There was no way he didn't know someone was there. However, with Neville and Sirius' ani-portkey and apparition wards up then he had no option but to face them.
"Not here" Ron's distorted voice called out after they checked the bedroom and study.
"Or here" Luna called as he wasn't in the kitchen or drawing room.
"Not upstairs" Remus called.
Harry's eyes narrowed as it seemed Macnair was nowhere to be found. "Vivian, Remus" here called out stiffly.
It took Remus a moment to realize what he was asking. Vivian sniffing the air and listening to walls clued him in. Remus had to shove away the more unpleasant scents and focused on finding an extra heartbeat along with a hopefully fresher smell.
The two ended up by a bookcase. Vivian snorted, "Why is it always behind a bookcase" she asked as Remus lifted his wand and blasted the passage away.
Luna and Sirius acted as shields in case any spells came flying.
The dark hallway was lit up with torches, but no one was inside. Vivian's ears perked up as Remus looked sharply at the door at the end of the walkway. "He's there" Remus told them. "Rushing around doing something" he described the noises.
"Well," Harry took point with Hermione. "If he's not going to be a proper host and greet his guests, then we'll go to him" he said causing the group to march forward.
As they got a few feet away from the wooden door Neville blasted it inward. There was a hiss of expletives which greeted the group as they poured into the room.
There stood Macnair in all his hateful glory. His dull powder blue beady eyes took in everything about the newcomers. Dark short hair was slightly askew as obviously he had been in a hurry. His white drawn cheeks were flush as he tried to control his breathing.
The thin older man looked like he'd seen much better days.
Harry had forgotten how ugly the man really was, though he could have just been bias. His vibrant green eyes narrowed reminding Macnair of the dreaded killing curse that he had happily thrown at others.
"Hello Macnair" Sirius sneered, his own silvery gray eyes shining vindictively. "It seems you're not prepared for guests".
"If I had known you were coming maybe I would have thrown something together" Walden managed to get out sarcastically.
He was looking at them carefully trying to figure out who they were and why they were there.
"We are not Death Eaters" Harry said making Walden's eyes widen. "Sorry to disappoint you" he moved his hands out in a slow gesture.
"Why would that disappoint me" Walden asked carefully. For all he knew they could be Unspeakables! He couldn't risk anything. They had already broken in and had him cornered.
"Unspeakables" Hermione cackled, "No, that would be too merciful" she taunted.
He swallowed thickly realizing she heard his thoughts.
He was desperately trying to figure out how to get out of this situation relatively unscathed. Any thoughts of retribution for daring attack his home was pushed aside for a later, safer date.
"It seems time hasn't dulled your sense of humor" was Harry only reply.
"There is no escape Walden" Vivian spoke up. "It's time to pay for your crimes Death Eater" she hissed.
As the man went to open his mouth to rebuff, Remus spoke. "We know everything about you Walden" he slowly said. "Every act of cruelty that your dark twisted soul stained upon humanity".
"We know and we are here to cleanse the land of your misdeeds" Luna informed him in a voice that suggested he should be grateful.
"And what makes you think I would allow such a thing" Walden's face changed to a harsh glare as his fear was replaced by anger. He was a pureblood for Merlin's sake! He should be revered by all.
"What makes you think you can stop us" Ron asked back.
"You obviously don't know who you are dealing with" Walden stood his full height. This drew attention to both the dark wooden wand in his hand and the cages behind him.
All were empty except for one where there was a small, young and noticeably hurt chimera.
Vivian growled loudly which echoed around the room.
Walden tensed up as he knew that sound. Behind him the baby chimera gave a weak answering call. It recognized the animal within and answered back in hopes of receiving help.
"I'm going to rip your spine out of your ass and keep your skeleton as a pissing post for any beast that walks by" Vivian was enraged.
She had a very big problem with not only caging creatures up but doing so for purely sadistic reasons. It reminded her too much of the circus.
"It seems you've upset my Death Knight" Harry tsked. Feeding off Vivian's energy both Remus and Ron were poised and ready. Their breathing picked up with their anger.
"Death Knight" Walden asked looking at Harry quickly. He palmed his wand even tighter.
Hermione smirked with a head tilt.
"Oh, we haven't been properly introduced" Harry gasped out as if horrified. "Pardon my manners" he gestured grandly. "I am the Master of Death, and these are my Knights. We are going to kill you" he ended pleasantly.
"You can't kill me. You're breaking the law" Walden began shout as spittle flew from his mouth. "I'm a ministry employee. Do you know how much dragon dung you're in" his face turned read from all the yelling.
Hermione's insane cackle filled the room with Sirius soon joining her.
It was just a tad ridiculous as they broke into this man's house and threatened him, yet he still had the nerve to say dragon dung.
Who does that!?
Before he could retaliate, Harry lifted a hand. To Macnair it looked chilling as it was all but a skeleton pointing at him. There was flesh but it was a grayish blue in color, drained of life as it was so thin that it looked more like a thin glove over a corpse at a wake.
Seeing flesh stretched so tightly was disturbing as it wasn't possible for a human to survived looking so malnourished.
'Perhaps that gives me an advantage' he thought hopefully.
"If you walk away now then I'll let you live" He bluffed. He planned on finding them later when he had the upper hand.
"Hmm, alright" Harry's deep firm voice brightly chirped.
Macnair's eyes widened. He hadn't expected that to work.
With a wave of his hand the Master silently ordered his Knights. Following Harry's lead, the others turned as if to file out of the room. Harry made sure his back was open to Macnair. There was no way the man would pass that up.
Predictably, Macnair fired a killing curse off at the Master's back. However, before the quickly yelled spell could make contact, the shadows swallowed the man whole making it seem like he almost melted into the ground before disappearing completely.
No one else had been in front of him so the spell fired down the hallway until it smashed into a side of wall taking out a chunk.
The others spun as their gazes burned brighter. Macnair felt his heart skip a beat at the sight.
He sent two blasting hexes at the figures on the furthest corner before trying to send the torture curse to the one in the center. Shield charms he didn't recognize went up sending his hexes back to himself making him have to jump out of the way.
Like lightning, Vivian's hand shot out deflecting any of the spell work from hitting the injured chimera cub.
Knowing he was at a disadvantage; Walden began scrambling backwards as he prepared to send off more hexes at the group who had yet to retaliate.
He didn't get the chance as a surprisingly strong grip snatched up his wrist and gave a harsh squeeze making the man cry out and drop his wand.
Walden spun intent on fighting though he stopped cold at what he saw. It was the Master now up close and in his face. Those eyes seemed like mental prisons as Macnair was suddenly unable to move.
It felt like even his blood froze in fear making him begin to ache.
"That" the Master said with calm seriousness. "Was a poor decision" he announced.
With that he shoved the man back using magic to power the toss causing Macnair to almost go flying until Remus and Vivian caught him.
"I think we can find an appropriate punishment, don't you" Vivian asked her father.
"It'll be a bonding experience" he said as his strong fingers dug into Macnair's shoulders painfully.
Ron picked up the fallen wand as Neville and Luna went to either side of the now more aware chimera's cage.
Hermione went to Harry and Sirius as they watched with rapid attention.
"But first" Vivian spoke in a coo. "I do believe the baby's hungry" she said taking the wand from Ron.
"Allow me" Remus offered as he aimed his wand at the man's shoulder joint. There was a brief pause as he took in what he was about to do. Seeing the move for hesitation, Macnair opened his mouth.
"Let me go and you'll be spared. These others don't respect purebloods as they should. I'll remember you and spare you the ministry" he lied. "This one's a filthy beast" he gestured his head to a narrowed eyed Vivian. He knew that's where the growling had come from. Her emerald-green eyes shined with contempt.
"I can tell. You don't want to work with such disgusting beings" he went on.
Remus felt his blood boil. With full commitment he dug his wand into the skin making Macnair try to hide a wince.
None of the others were happy either but allowed Remus and Vivian to handle the situation.
"I am a beast" Remus sneered over the word making Macnair's eyes widen drastically.
With no more words Remus managed a nonverbal Bombarda blowing the man's arm clear out of the socket.
He didn't do nonverbal often, but that didn't mean he was incapable.
There was blood and pieces of flesh everyone. It was a pretty messy spell, but Remus hadn't put full power into his magic. That meant that while it did its job, it was a sloppy process. The flesh and muscles tore just a little slower than usual as the skeleton ripped apart.
Macnair screamed as he looked at the rapidly bleeding hole.
Vivian moved gracefully as she snatched up the torn limb. She walked over unlocking the chimera cage.
"Puppet" Sirius called not too sure about that move.
"Don't worry" Luna spoke up, "She's amazing with animals" she assured. "He knows we're friends".
Eagerly, the chimera took the bloody appendage and began tearing it apart at its own pace. Vivian petted the now purring magical creature's head earning a soft purr as it continued working on its food.
Walden screamed in both pain and rage. Lifting the only fist that he had left he attempted a swing at Remus' face. Remus deflected the blow and pushed the man to his knees in a harsh enough manner that there was a loud popping.
"You know what your bloody problem is Macnair" Vivian turned and walked back. The sway of her step with the cloak dragging lightly on the floor gave a ferocious raptorial effect.
He didn't answer, blood still pouring out of him at a generous rate. He tried to swallow and think past his suffering as his ashen forehead became soaked in sweat that poured over his dark brows and stuck his top hairs to his skin.
Vivian squatted down until she was level with him. Her head tilted like this was a casual conversation.
His snatched wand spun easily back and forth in an oddly soothing manner between her spindly fingers that ended in long uneven sharp nails. Seeing where his now much more lidded gaze was on, she pointed his wand at his chest before slowly applying more and more pressure.
There was a sharp pain in his chest. At least he thought there was. It was a little difficult to feel more than the heavy pounding of his heart which seemed to rattle his ribs in a worrisome fashion.
Vivian licked her purple tinted lips as the smell of blood filled the room like a sweet, heady dish. She cut into Walden's chest before moving the wand and digging in through his shirt, muscles and even bones with her own hand.
She found what she was looking for and soon dragged the organ out.
"Your problem Macnair" the witch told the wizard as he desperately tried to cling to life. It was useless, he was fading. In fact, he was already dead, he just couldn't accept it yet.
Not that he'd have a choice in a second.
"Is that you don't have a heart" she gave a final jerk and completely detached the heart to hold it up to him. Walden gave a gasp sending blood sputtering out of his mouth and dribbling down his chin.
"He never used it" Neville said as he walked over conjuring a jar for the bloody organ. "Now it'll be put to good use" he took it from Vivian and placed it gently inside.
"What are we going to do with that" Sirius nodded his chin to the calm chimera.
"I think I know the perfect person to look after him" Harry said gesturing for Luna, who bowed before placing a gentle hand on the beast. In the next instant they vanished.
"What about the body?" Remus pushed the corpse away from him as he helped Vivian stand.
Ron circled the dead man before looking at a waiting Harry. "I think the front would be best" he offered. "Think scarecrows" he said, "Then we can leave the knot".
"What knot?" Sirius asked lost.
"All organizations need a symbol, a trademark if you will" Hermione informed him. "You're about to learn what ours is" she told them men who shared a curious look.
With that Harry and Hermione led the way out to the front lawn. Vivian followed after with Ron and Neville behind them. Sirius and Remus took the task of dragging Macnair uncaringly behind them.
Once there, Neville conjured a wooden post that was in a cross like stature. When that was done, he fashioned a discarded branch that was close by into a mock, crude arm for the dead man. He shoved it into the socket locking it in with a simple sticking charm.
Vivian and Ron took some threads of rope that had been spelled with resistance. Sirius and Remus were directed by Harry on how to hang the body, arms opened and feet together.
Neville brought out some copper nails and placed them right under the rope that the others had used to tie Macnair up with. With a gesture of his hand, he magically impaled both wrists and the ankles into the wood.
With that Vivian and Ron took Sirius and Remus' arms to gently pull them away. They were making room for Harry and Hermione who slowly approached the body.
"I will put out the sign Love. You may have the pleasure of decorating our friend" he made Hermione squeal out happily.
A small blade found its way into her hand as she went over and ripped the rest of the man's torn, bloody gray button up shirt completely open. Tarnishing the clothing uncaringly, she got to work on not only writing a proper message but also making the presentation perfect.
Harry had Remus and Sirius follow him. He moved around the display and over to an unspecific batch of grass. "It's only fully visible from the air" he explained. "Let's see how long it takes them to figure that out" was the afterthought.
With that, Harry placed his magicked hand on the greenish yellow grass before letting his core go. It took all of his concentration and will to use the raw magic as a sculpture would mold clay.
Soon enough, the grass became stained with black. The vegetation shriveled and dried up. It was as if it was burned never to be revived again.
Sharing another look the two men used their newly acquired smoke travel to shoot straight up in an effort to gain the full picture.
The mark extended over the whole estate. When it touched the house the wood and stone crumbled. Years of rot and decay enveloped the once nice house. It looked completely different from before. If someone were to see it now, they'd assume it was long abandoned due to neglect.
"It's a knot. A Celtic knot" Sirius realized with some surprise. "What does it mean" he looked at his studious friend.
Remus examined it with a furrowed brow for a moment before responding. "Death" was his low answer.
Sirius raised a brow, "Fitting" was all he said before the two landed.
The image of the three inward swirling arm like curves leading to the triangle like center continued to flash through their minds.
Once landed they looked at Hermione's work with wide eyes.
"That's sure to cause a few people to empty their stomachs" Remus commented.
"Let's hope it gets the attention of the Prophet" Ron said as Harry rejoined them.
"I'm even more glad I'm on your side now" Sirius said with wide eyes darting back and forth between Hermione and Macnair.
Laughter was the only response.
"Let's go" Harry told the group. Everyone agreed as they made sure they had everything. They knew that this was the first of many strikes being repaid. As much as they'd like to relax and even celebrate after defeating an enemy, they had more important things to do.
"We have Potions tomorrow" Harry smirked before leading them all away in a flurry of shadows.
A/N: What do you guys think? I hope you liked it. Next chapter has more blood and a visit from two unlikely people. Not to mention the talk with Amelia, Sirius and Remus being…Sirius and Remus. Albus doing his thing and maybe some Fred and George. That and much more coming your way. Review, ask, or suggest if you'd like. Until next time, have a great day!