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! So, so, SO, you don't even know how sorry I am at how long this one took you guys. Multiple reasons, but hey at least we got here, right? How is everyone doing? I'm dealing with, well life. But I love these stories, they all make me happy even the low and all that times. So, here is where I'll stay. You guys also make it so very worth it to do this. Even when I feel down, or outta juice or writers block; you all are so amazing. Just another big thank you to all of you. I got so many kind reviews and messages. Even if I don't always mention you here, trust me, you mean a lot to me. They always make me smile, I literally save all of them in my email and the like. I look at them when I'm feeling down and you guys just make everything a bit better. I can't thank you enough. Hopefully next chapter doesn't take so long to put up, but I work on it all the time. I'm also gonna add some extra spices and new people and the like in the next chapters. Just a little tease for the future, for you and me. Thank you again and please, enjoy!
Chapter 16: Run Albus Run! (Part 1) WARNING: Some violence in this chapter.
"Vivian!" Ron managed to tackle his transformed wife right before she landed on the frozen boys. The werewolf growled a warning at her mate, but their connection kept her from actually lashing out. Even as she looked at her obviously human other half, Vivian used all of her control given by the wolfsbane to not attack the one she held dearest. That was supposed to be her curse, to attack those closest to you. Vivian refused. She would sooner find a way to kill herself, even in wolf form.
Such control wasn't as easy as one would think, but she managed. Ron's pale freckled hand went to her right cheek, petting and resting there in a show of love.
The growls and snarls that had been rumbling her long throat slowly died off. The two were staring into one another's eyes totally captured making the rest of the room fall away.
Of course, the others took this chance to get the twins and Lee out. Hermione and Neville rushed to do so, shadowing the shocked boys into the chamber hall, just outside the door before they could even process they were moving.
Harry and Luna remained in order to deal with Riddle as Ron held Vivian's focus.
Harry swooped down, looking like the Master with no fear of distracting Vivian with a human visage. Harry and Luna, who also changed her appearance, were soon hovering above the bleeding Riddle. He was having no luck stopping the blood flow.
Even so, Harry could feel that he wasn't actually mortally wounded. 'The diary' Harry knew. In order to properly destroy the horcrux, Harry would have to destroy the diary. That was Riddle's body now. Without its protection, the spirit piece would combust.
He knew he couldn't take the basilisk tooth. Another thought hit him though.
Swooping down, Harry descended on Riddle like a dementor. He smiled as Riddle shouted out, trying to crawl away but slipping on his own black blood. His injured arm only hindering him as he was unable to get away from Harry.
Soon, Riddle was a mess. His once perfectly manicured appearance was wrecked by pain, panic and the disgusting inky black magic that kept him alive.
Tussled hair got into Riddle's handsome face which twisted in fear and hate. "Stay away!" he shouted waving his arm as if the Master would disperse like smoke.
Harry laughed. The illusion began to slip away as he cared less and less about hiding his appearance. The childlike tones of the joyous humor rattled Riddle even further. He looked wide eyed at Harry who was now simply a boy in front of him.
A sweet smile on his face, looking as brash and unapologetic as the lion crest on his school vest.
"What!?" was all Tom could choke out as he tried to process the change. Was this a trick all along? Was this child tricking him?!
"No tricks. Not really" Harry answered the unasked questions.
Back in the chamber hall, Neville tried to figure out the best course of action when dealing with the twins and Lee.
"What was that?" Lee asked, obviously freaked out.
"Who was that boy?" Fred didn't give Neville or Hermione a chance to answer.
George added "Ron should get out!" Vivian's transformation hadn't left them.
"Ron is fine" Neville was able to say in a commanding voice.
The boys began blabbering questions, demanding answers to what they had seen.
Neville opened his mouth, but nothing left him. What could he say?
"The boy is a soul piece of Voldemort. We're going to kill him for good" Hermione snapped, temper at an all-time boiling point.
The three intruders froze.
'Guess I could have said that' Neville conceded.
The boys minus Neville looked blankly at Hermione.
"You shouldn't have followed us" Neville gained their attention. He almost sounded like a disappointed father. Fred, George and Lee found themselves fidgeting.
"We knew you were hiding something" Lee finally admitted, speaking for his group.
"Besides Vivian being a werewolf" Fred and George added.
"Do you know what could have happened!" Hermione's anger showed itself. Her voice had gained in pitch and added a shrill aspect to it. Her hands were on her hips as it almost looked like her many curls cracked with either magic or fury.
Who knew Hermione Granger could put on an angry mother act that could have put Molly Weasley to shame.
Neville's quiet disappointment wasn't helping either.
With a burning in their chests, the twins and Lee's realized they felt ashamed. Perhaps more ashamed than they could remember ever feeling.
"Do you know what you've done?" Hermione went on to demand. "What if Vivian had hurt you? Not only would you be injured, but do you know how absolutely crushed she would be?" she ground in their shame. To their horror she added "What if someone found out and she was taken to Azkaban, or even expelled!" Hermione all but shrieked.
Neville shot her a look at her list of events. One; they would never allow Vivian to be locked away. Two; he wanted to know why Hermione seemed to think being expelled was worse than prison.
Now the three pranksters felt lower than dirt.
They hadn't really taken in how Vivian would feel over them knowing her secret. The boys could only imagine, especially as they thought now while Hermione continued berating them, just how terrifying it was to be a werewolf.
Not only did your body change constantly, but also at any moment someone may try to kill you for something out of your control. They'd probably get away with the murder too, seeing how the world saw werewolves.
Though the boys had had no ill intentions, now they could see how their actions came across.
Questions about the apparent Dark Lord momentarily left them as Hermione all but tore them apart verbally.
####SCENE BREAK####
Sirius put on a grin as he allowed people into his mother's home.
Kreacher played his part, making snipes on guests under his breath.
"Thank you so much for allowing us to meet here" Albus greeted Sirius with Severus and Minerva in tow. "Hearing of your upcoming trial, I believed it was prominent that we have a meeting now" he explained the added people.
"Remus said you wanted to reopen the Order" Sirius lazily walked towards the drawing room leading the small crowd. "Though I have some...needed assurances if you're to use this as your headquarters" he went on.
He didn't look back at Albus or the others. Moody looked between Albus and Sirius.
"I'm sure you understand some things I simply cannot promise" Albus tried but Sirius was having none of it.
"Oh Albus" Sirius sighed, almost sounding disappointment. "I'd hate for the same unneeded, dangerous mistrust to spread again" he shot a significant look back. "Someone else may lose their twenties" came the jab.
Severus sneered but didn't speak.
Albus knew what Sirius was saying as Minerva looked ashamed. She had turned on one of her favorite cubs. Minerva didn't like to play favorites, but sometimes it still happened. She could only hope Sirius could forgive her. Moody thought the young man was actually making a lot of sense. If it was him, Moody would want to make sure that those around him that failed had learned from such a grave mistake.
There was also a part of him that also felt bad. Guilty. After all, he had helped train Potter and Black when they became aurors. He saw how they acted together.
Moody felt like he should have known that Black would never have joined Voldemort, let alone sell out Potter and his wife. Not to mention the baby. Moody wondered if he could have a word with Black, though words had never really been Moody's cup of tea.
Snape couldn't help but look around every corner while trying to appear at ease.
It was as if he felt a set of familiar powdery blue-gray gaze would be watching him.
Remus, who had been listening to his thoughts, smirked. It was even funnier that Severus didn't seem to really realize that Remus was reading him, chalking it up to being something connected with Luna.
Remus and Sirius had been diligent in their training, coming great lengths in catching up to many of the children's abilities. They still had much to do, but they had proven their worth, how they deserved the title of Death Knight, on multiple levels. After all, not all of Harry's followers became Death Knights. That title was exclusive to his most trusted, most talented. His family.
Albus frowned with some sadness in his gaze. He did feel terrible for what Sirius went through. What could he do though? Albus was very familiar with mistakes of the past that he had no way to rectify. 'Should I accept his conditions?' Albus wondered. Even giving a bit of control to another really scared him. He was afraid something even worse would happen.
'Though have I been doing a proper job on my own?' were Albus' thoughts.
He didn't know and proof against him was walking right in front of him.
"Well, why don't I hear out your requests and we can go from there?" Albus suggested as Remus and Sirius shared a look.
Albus grew a tad frustrated. He made a note to slip into their minds, gently, when he could and see what that look was about. He needed to know if they were hiding something. Albus was certain no one should be hiding things from him.
Albus tried to quell his mind as Minerva's light touch on his arm brought him out of his brief revere.
Sirius gestured to some tea, which some of the others helped themselves to. Albus and Severus did not, though Moody did after checking for poisons.
"If I wanted to kill you Moody, it wouldn't be through drinks" Sirius could help but shoot at his ex-boss.
Moody huffed but nodded "You were always too clever, if not too hot headed for that" came the retort.
Sirius toasted him sarcastically.
Remus smiled graciously. Time to play good and bad auror.
A game they had been playing since school. Though, back then they had two more with them. Shaking off the shared sad thought, the two men focused on their current company.
Sirius gave off an air of coldness. He really didn't want to talk to any of the newcomers. He had issues with them all.
Remus was making himself seen as approachable. He wanted them to think they could come to him. Though anything said to him would be reported to Harry. He shared the same thoughts as Sirius but had his role to play. He pretended to be understanding and more open to forgiveness. Aspects that he did have, though now were minimized towards the current company.
Albus blinked when Sirius fluidly took the largest chair. That left Albus in a simple, normal chair. Not something he had done in a while. He sat and looked at Sirius, who was more interested in his wine glass. As Remus sat, Albus noticed something.
"Where is your friend Rectus?" Albus asked. He had wanted to bring the seemingly powerful, well-off man to his side. Not only would he gain a powerful supporter, but also keep someone from falling to the dark.
Refraining from sharing another look, Remus easily answered. "He had some business to handle".
Albus looked over his half-moon glasses at Remus. It was obvious he was expecting details.
Remus simply smiled at his old headmaster.
"May I ask just what such business would be?" Albus posed. The mystery surrounding Rectus was just too much.
"Oh, nothing" Sirius spoke up. "Just something for Harry" he dropped.
Albus lost his smile at that. He did not want any decisions made concerning to Harry Potter. At least, no decisions that Albus himself wasn't making. Before he could ask anything else, Sirius clapped his hands together.
"So, what exactly did you want Albus" he asked bluntly.
"Sirius" Remus played his part, sending a look at his best mate. Sirius rolled his eyes playfully. "Now" Remus turned back to Albus with put-on reluctance. His face twitched as if uncomfortable. "Why don't you explain what you need. Then we can give you our terms".
The unity didn't slip by any of the others.
Minerva cleared her throat, taking a list from her pocket and sliding it over to Remus. "This is the list of returning members and possible future recruits" she went on. "Albus believes that they will be needed, though he hasn't explained exactly why yet" she shot a look at the old man.
"So Albus, why did you want this disaster space?" Sirius swirled his goblet, the others wondered if he was really drinking so early.
It was tea, but they didn't need to know that.
"I wish to re-open the Order" Albus confirmed their assumptions. He didn't need to specify which Order he was speaking about.
Minerva shifted uncomfortably in her seat but didn't speak up. Severus' expression never even twitched, despite the storm inside.
Moody's magic eye was going wild. The motion made some people nauseas.
Neither Sirius nor Remus spoke.
They had thought he might say something like this, even if it was sooner than Harry described.
Then again, many things were different now.
"Why?" Sirius asked the burning question.
"For many reasons" came one of Albus' non-answers.
He was a little disappointed that neither man jumped at the idea.
"What does this have to do with us?" Sirius asked bluntly.
"What he means" Remus jumped in playing the gentle partner. "Is that…if you're asking either of us to join again, I'm not sure we can do that".
"Or would want to" Sirius added.
That seemed to truly surprise Albus. It was as if such a reaction took him aback.
His associates didn't look as surprised.
"May I ask why?" Albus had to know.
Sirius rolled his eyes, downing his drink which drowned out whatever he was muttering. He'd let Remus handle this. Sirius didn't want his emotions to get the best of him and end up saying too much. He still was a bit of a hot head after all.
Remus sighed "How can I put this" he began. He rubbed his hands together, tired yet relaxed after a long full moon. Thankfully, it had been one of the easiest transformations yet.
He thanked Sirius for that.
"You don't tend to really take care of your members Albus" Remus finally dropped.
"I have always cared about you boys, greatly" Albus calmly argued. He refrained from pointing out all the punishments he held back in their school years. Especially punishments that may have ended the Marauders and Snape's constant battle.
Discipline and even counseling he denied both sides.
Who knows how things would have turned out if Albus himself, or even if he allowed Minerva, to actually sit down and talk to any of the young men.
It wasn't like Hogwarts had a student concealer or someone they could go to. Head of Houses were as good as the students go, but it wasn't enough.
Albus didn't allow enough to be done.
He hadn't for a long time.
He was afraid to push the children. Or maybe he was afraid to care too much. Look what happened the last time he really got involved with someone.
"Really!?" Sirius' indignant shout cut Albus' thoughts off. "So, letting us think Moony was a spy because he couldn't share details of missions, that's caring?"
Albus cleared his throat, "There was a spy" he went to point out.
"You could have asked any of us to take Veritaserum!" Sirius snapped. "Hell, I bet even Snape would do that for you" he said, for once not insulting the man. Snape looked a bit surprised but didn't shoot anything back as expected.
"I could easily brew some. Then and now, not to mention who was doing your potions before I joined the Order" Severus decided to point out, getting a gesture of 'See!' from Sirius.
At Albus' look, Snape shrugged. It was true.
"I could have told you that. In fact, I did" Minerva couldn't help muttering for the room to hear.
"You weren't the only one" Moody told them.
Sirius tried really hard to hold back his temper. Such an option had been pointed out by Hermione and Vivian, which left the thought constantly invading his and Remus' minds.
"It would have violated your privacy" Albus tried.
"Don't ask anything dodgy then" was Sirius' snarky reply. He was now being more or less held back by Remus.
"We would have volunteered" Remus reinstated, sitting Sirius down. "The point is you ended up making us spread mistrust. Then, the ministry buggered Sirius' case, wiping memories before questioning any of the witnesses" he explained.
Sirius could be heard muttering things like "Inside job" and "Not protocol" alike.
"Sirius spent years with dementors, while I listened to you and refrained from reaching out to Harry" Remus went on. Then, came a very important question. "Did you know Harry was being abused at the Dursleys?"
Albus didn't answer right away. That drew various looks from around the room.
"No, I do not know the details of Harry's home life" came another round about answer.
"It was never his home" Sirius snipped, making Albus pale. That sounded dangerously close to the wording he had around the place, with the blood wards. If Harry really didn't see that as his home…
Albus tried to hide a gulp at the implications.
Now it looked like Sirius wasn't the only one who would need to be held back. Remus looked deathly serious with a dark shadow falling over his handsome, tired face.
Sirius was all but baring his teeth.
Minerva's lips were severely pinched with eyes screaming murder at her old friend.
Moody couldn't believe it. Or more like, he wished he couldn't believe it. However, he knew how Albus' mind worked so it wasn't far off. If he remembered correctly, he did the same kind of thing with a young man named Riddle or something of the like.
Severus even looked frozen. Memories, painful ones from his childhood, flashed before his eyes.
It was an unwilling, but strong reaction.
Now it was Albus' turn to avoid direct eye contact with everyone.
"Did you know" Remus posed again in a very controlled voice.
"They are his family" Albus whispered.
"They are scum, and you are no better!" Sirius shouted, standing and looking ready to attack Albus.
Portraits and shelves shook as some of Remus' and Sirius' newly enhanced powers tried to lash out, despite their attempts to hold the raw magic in.
No one looked ready to stop Sirius or come to Albus' aid.
"You didn't protect us. You didn't protect James and Lily" an equally angrily Remus ground out. "And you definitely didn't protect Harry" he and Sirius stood rim-rod, arms down with fists clenched as they stared at Albus accusingly.
"So Dumbledore" Sirius all but spat, no longer using the man's first name. "Tell us again how you protect your members".
From the look on both younger men's faces, Albus realized this wouldn't be as easy as he thought.
####SCENE BREAK####
Harry all but hummed as he as he grabbed the injured Riddle's diary, walking over to the sleeping basilisk.
Luna kept the bleeding Riddle down. She had a surprising strength to her. Surprising as no one would assume Luna as her child self, or boney Knight self, would be able to physically do much to anyone.
Vivian and a re-disguised Ron watched on, waiting for orders. Vivian growled making Riddle freeze when he tried to push Luna away from him.
Ron saw the wetness all around Riddle and wondered if it was all blood, or did the youth piss himself from fright.
Harry went to the sleeping serpent and gently pried open its maw.
Being sure not to hurt the beast, Harry moved until he could spot some poisonous venom dripping from a large fang.
Venom he could still remember the feeling of pumping through his veins.
Trying to think of all and any good in him, Harry mentally called out 'Fawkes'.
For a moment, Harry was worried that Fawkes' help really was tied strictly to loyalty to Dumbledore. He still cared for the old man, but now his loyalty…was strained. Albus was a complicated subject for all of the Knights.
Or maybe, though Harry would hate to think it, there wasn't enough good in him to call the phoenix.
However, before he could worry too much, the telltale sound of large wings in the air caught Harry's attention.
Vivian's wolfen form snorted at the other creature but didn't move from her guarding position.
Fawkes landed by Harry, perked on a statue and waiting. He had the sorting hat in his talons.
Seeing Fawkes was still awe inspiring.
He chirped to Harry before dropping the hat at the human's feet. Then, he perched again, waiting and watching the scene before him.
Luna, Harry and Ron felt the joyous high of Fawkes' presence.
Riddle was at an all-time freak out.
He knew that blasted bird!
This boy was working for Dumbledore.
"Depends on how you look at it, I suppose. I guess one could think that" Harry conversationally spoke out on Riddle's thoughts. "I'd say we're more like partners, even if he doesn't know it yet" Harry added.
He beamed when he reached into the sorting hat and after a moment felt a familiar sword hilt.
'Still a true Gryffindor I suppose' Luna mentally teased making Harry shake his head with a smile.
Not paying attention to the honestly heroic image he made, dying from just battling a basilisk or not, Harry pulled the magnificent sword from the silent sorting hat. Once free, Harry gently went up and gathered spare venom dripping from the large serpent's fang onto the goblin made blade.
Turning away from the slumbering basilisk, Harry smirked at a panicking Riddle who had been desperately trying to shout and wake his weapon up. The basilisk continued to slumber.
Harry's grin widened as he carelessly tossed down the accursed diary.
"What are you doing? Get away from that you brat!" Riddle demanded trying to mask his fear with anger.
His voice went up from either panic or youth as he was unable to escape Luna. Ron also added his own strength, holding down Riddle's other shoulder.
Vivian was rewarded with a shriek as she delivered another blow to the teen memory's stomach.
Now ink pooled from the open wound like a river. Harry wondered if the extra panic on Riddle's face meant the teen was feeling his own synthetic guts fall out thanks to Vivian.
The werewolf sniffed the black blood on her frightening paws before snorting with a headshake.
Obviously, the smell didn't agree with her heightened senses.
"I can give you power" Riddle tried to coax. He had no idea who he was dealing with or what his older half had done to the boy before him. What he had taken and would never be able to repent for. Riddle had to repeat himself as he had to spit out a gulp of ink.
Harry didn't seem too convinced, unsurprisingly.
"Power beyond your wildest dreams. I am the greatest wizard of all time" Tom declared.
It sounded a lot like a whine.
Remembering his declaration about Albus last time around, Harry didn't have the energy to even spare Riddle that same passion filled reply. Besides, this wasn't even the first time tonight that Riddle had said such. Nor was it the first time that Riddle unintentionally made Harry draw parallels between before and now.
With an eye roll Harry finally settled on "Sure you are" then with swiftness, stabbed the tainted sword into the horcrux.
Riddle screamed in agony and fury.
Light burst out from within him. Like torn paper.
Vivian, Ron and Luna slowly backed away on instinct.
Riddle tried to cover the tear in his handsome face. Harry twisted his wrist earning more screams.
This continued until everyone besides Harry had to fully shield their eyes.
Tom Riddle had combusted.
It was silent for a moment as all eyes were on where Riddle had just been. Only ashes were left in his wake.
An unknown breeze soon cleaned that up.
"Well" Harry clapped his hands making wolfish Vivian jump, waiting. "Now, to deal with the twins and Lee".
Vivian howled.
####SCENE BREAK####
Hermione finally stopped yelling. Then again, that may have been due to the boys too caught up with the sudden screams from within the chamber. Those screams soon died down abruptly.
The twins and Lee felt ill. Just what the bloody hell was going on?
Fred, George and Lee looked tiny, huddle together and shame faced as they cowered under the large personality of the smaller Hermione.
Realizing she was done, at least for the moment, Neville finally tuned fully back in.
"I'm sure you understand that no one can know about any of this" he voiced.
With a sweep of his hand, the boys felt an unnatural chill run over them. The three had to wonder just why none of the others didn't simply obliviate them. At this point, they wouldn't put the ability past the other children's obvious talent.
They weren't privy to the mental orders against such action.
Fred finally decided to be brave. "Will you tell us what is going on? What's really going on?"
Hermione seemed to deflate some at that, a grimace flashing over her face.
The twins had to know. Not only for their own curiosity, but if it in any way involved their younger brother, then they had to be sure Ron was safe. Despite the hard times the twins sometimes gave him, Ron was still their little brother whom they loved. Lee even felt like the others were his siblings as well.
Hearing a howl, Fred, Lee, and George jumped.
Neither Hermione nor Neville reacted. Just like when they heard the screams.
Soon, Harry and Luna, who now looked like their usual selves, joined the group.
The circular door slammed shut again. "Ron's staying with Viv" Harry said nonchalantly.
He acted as if such was a common occurrence. Was it?
The twins and Lee would have thought it must have been, yet something didn't add up.
The boys still couldn't figure out where Vivian and Ron met. True, they understood how she met Harry, through Remus and Sirius. But then when, not to mention how, did Harry reunite with the men?
When did Vivian and Ron get a chance to meet, not to mention go steady?
When did the two reach this level in their relationship? They didn't act like other young couples, or even couples that were supposed to be more mature than them. They acted far closer and comfortable with one another, like a married couple. Even more so than Ron's own parents.
The most important yet puzzling question came to mind. When did whatever it was that was happening with the younger children begin?
Something had been off…different about the whole group for a while now. What was it and when did it happen? Why and even how? There were so many questions and not nearly enough answers.
Hearing a howl, Harry addressed the boys. "I don't think now is a good time" he tried to seem as easy going as possible. His tone left no room for arguments, however. "Tomorrow is a bit full for me" he joked.
Hermione couldn't help but grin cutely.
She knew how anxious Harry was for the lunch with her parents.
Hermione also had no doubts that he would win them over once again.
"Why don't we meet on the seventh floor, by the mural of trolls dancing later. We'll send you a note on the time" Harry went on seeing Neville's side look.
The other boys were a bit confused but didn't push. They wanted to but figured that this was the best they would get.
Given what had just been witnessed in the chamber, the three had to wonder if they shouldn't be relieved.
Still, as they were led back to the surface and girls' loo, the pranksters couldn't help but be filled with even more questions and tribulation.
Was this really Salazar Slytherin's infamous Chamber of Secrets?
How did the younger students find it?
Had Harry really spoken parseltongue?!
Did they really witness some weird young version of Lord Voldemort? One that Harry seemed to have killed, defeated once more.
Why did all of the kids seem so unaffected by what was going on?
The meeting couldn't come soon enough.
####SCENE BREAK####
"Really?" Helena Granger snorted at her husband. She looked like a bit of an older version of Hermione. Attractive with somewhat more manageable curls. Stern but kind, almost soft brown eyes.
Dan was just as attractive as his partner, though he thought every day that he won the wife jackpot. Not only was she gorgeous, but smart to boot!
And he saw Hermione, his little girl, as a mini version of her mother. In heart and mind. Though, Helena would argue that Hermione got some of her passion, not to mention hard headedness from her father.
Daniel Granger was attempting to perfect his 'scary father' face.
It made him look a bit constipated, at least as far as Helena was concerned. Despite his broad shoulders and stern yet handsome features, Dan was far too kind, especially in the hazel eyes, to truly come off as frightening.
"What" Dan pouted. "This is Hermione's first-" he cut himself off looking a bit ill.
"Boyfriend" Helena dragged the word out playfully while leaning comfortably in her seat.
Thankfully, they were meeting at a nice little lunch spot in muggle London. It would have been difficult for them to get to Hermione due to what they could and could not see.
Something that had upset them when first denied to properly view the castle their daughter would be spending almost all of her childhood at. Not to mention where she would be molded and shaped for the rest of the world.
Helena was still a bit lost over the magical world's seeming lack of universities.
At his sour look, Helena chuckled in her soft, low voice.
"Look" she sighed, deciding it would be best prudent to have a certain discussion now rather than wait till her husband puts his foot into his mouth. She had been trying to drop hints to Dan all week. However, it seemed she'd have to go with a more straightforward approach.
She didn't want Dan to make a bad impression, or unintentionally hurt Harry or his guardians. Though they had already met his adopted sister, Dan had not gotten the full story on any of them.
Helena then informed Daniel, on a somewhat condensed scale, everything her daughter had told her about Harry and his family. Both adopted and blood.
Hermione had recently opened up even more to her mother, making the other woman feel for the people now prominent in her daughter's life.
So, Daniel learned the current real-life story of Harry Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Vivian Lupin. She even tossed in information about Hermione's other friends Neville, Ronald and Luna.
Dan's jaw was practically on the floor.
Werewolves, both turned against their will! Not to mention the extra hardships that had befallen on a girl Hermione's age. Helena had been grave when giving what little Hermione had given her about Vivian's situation. Hermione hadn't said too much, respecting that that was Vivian's choice for the future, if she ever wanted to discuss such with the Grangers. She had before but Hermione left it as Vivian's choice. What was hinted though, well the Grangers found themselves praying they were wrong for the girl's sake.
Then Helena describe Remus, a man who had years heaped upon his mere early thirty years of age. Not to mention how the world treated both of them.
Helena even described the man, or scum as Dan could only think of this Greyback, that had done that to them. The world that didn't accept them, including the girl's birth father.
The man had even kept his wife from finding their child!
Another man Dan once saw on the television that was once considered the most dangerous escaped criminal; the man was actually innocent and unjustly imprisoned without a trial. A young man robbed of his twenties. He was forced around demonic like creatures that fed off happiness and could literally eat one's soul!
Then Dan was told about Harry. A boy he had seen before and wondered on his too big of clothing and shy nature. The boy only seemed to come alive when seeing his friends. When seeing Hermione when the Grangers had brought her around the boy.
There was apparently a manic that had attempted to kill the boy as a baby, killing his parents and setting the other's fates into motion! His own family had treated him as a slave.
He shivered thinking on how she described Neville's parents, though felt happy for the boy when Helena mentioned the sudden beginning in his parents' recovery. Luna, picked on for her beliefs and having to deal with witnessing her mother's death. To top the already horrible list off, their daughter would be looked down on, seen as lower than others, just because her parents were not magical.
"What the bloody hell!?" Dan couldn't keep silent.
"Daniel Granger!" Helena abolished his language.
"No Helena, this world is nutters! Not only were all these people dragged into it, but now our Hermione as well. How am I supposed to keep her safe? You mentioned Harry saving her from a troll, what else can hurt her?" he mentioned.
Helena's expression softened. "It's not that I don't agree with you" she explained. "But I've seen her face Dan. I don't think, magic or not, she would ever leave them. Leave Harry. Whether we approve of just how it happened or not…they're her family now too" Helena took his hand.
"Just like how we met. Or when we met Jamie. Hermione gets that from you" she mentioned their mutual best friend. They had had their own young adventures. Though, both had to admit that the others' stories topped theirs.
Dan ran his other hand through his hair. "But…how can I protect her then? She's literally a world away. That woman who came to explain that letter said the headmaster would keep her safe, but…" he showed his fear.
Helena choked up at the lost look on his husband's face.
"Hopefully I can do the job justice" a voice from the side scared them.
Both Grangers literally jumped in the air, almost falling out of their chairs.
The two stood and spun, taking in the newcomers. Harry had apparently been the one to speak as he held a beaming Hermione's hand. Remus and Sirius, now undisguised thankfully, greeted them trying to taper down their own amusement.
The green eyed and blonde Remus was doing better than the silver eyed rogue Sirius.
Seeing her blushing father, Hermione re-introduced everyone.
They had technically met before, mainly at the station and Harry and Neville's birthday, not to mention other instances after, but this was the first formal meeting. Just them, one on one. Plus, now Sirius looked like himself.
Having just heard about them, Daniel did his best not to stare at the others as his mind replayed everything he just learned.
Everyone sat down, waiting to start a conversation until after the waitress took their orders. Sirius smirked at Remus, who snorted with an eyeroll, when the young waitress fluttered her lashes at the handsome, dark-haired man.
Since he had dressed up, it seemed the waitress didn't recognize the man who was literally considered the Most Wanted Man in Great Britain.
'Most wanted in more than one way' Remus could almost hear Sirius boasting in his head.
It was kind of funny. Sirius wasn't wearing his disguise, having dropped it when walking in and entering their little back section. He wanted to meet Hermione's parents face to face. His real face.
Remus made sure to add some mild Notice Me Not charms with Harry. They'd still be noticed by the waitstaff but this way no one would pay them any serious attention. No one would call aurors on Sirius or attack him. The Daily Prophet had said he was innocent, but none of them wanted to take that chance. Hermione added her own charms as well. Now they definitely wouldn't have any problems.
"So, how has the school year been treating you lately?" Helena settled on seemingly safe territory. "Has Hermione been going barmy over her studies?" she teased.
"Mum" Hermione gently pushed her mother's shoulder in mock embarrassment.
"Only slightly" Harry told a grinning Hermione.
"Yes, I'm afraid she gets that from her father. He drove all our flat mates mad when we were in school" Helena said, shooting a fond look at her husband.
Both Remus and Sirius took in the married couple. How they looked at one another. There was a small pang both men felt at not having experienced such a feeling for themselves.
Remus still didn't know who his apparent future wife was. The kids were adamant in not telling him, even their thoughts were silent as he got better at mind magic.
Sirius knew he died before getting a proper chance to find a bird. He wondered if maybe this was another second chance.
"Actually, it's been a very mild year" Harry mentioned. He caught the Granger's thoughts on reading some of Hermione's magical papers, both the Quibbler and the Prophet.
Especially about the recent deaths in their community.
They were wondering about Vivian as Helena had pointed out that the werewolf that hurt her and Remus had been another victim of some mysterious vigilante group.
Of course, they didn't know their own daughter was a part of said group.
Remus also caught these thoughts. Remus and Sirius were given the go ahead to practice their mind abilities on the Grangers by Hermione.
She trusted them to do so responsibly.
"I'm sure you are aware of some of the…news from our world" Remus said. "Hermione mentioned that you've been receiving the paper to stay updated on everything" he added.
"Yes, we heard-" Dan cut himself off as Helena took his hand.
"Yes" Remus gave them a kind if not tired smile. "The werewolf who inflicted myself and my daughter has recently been killed. I cannot bring myself to say murdered after everything he's done" he said before bravely adding. "Nor can I bring myself to feel bad".
Always quick to support his best mate, Sirius jumped in. "With him" he didn't say the dead man's name. "It was a mercy killing for the rest of us".
Cheekily, Sirius then added "I wouldn't mind shaking hands with the man brave enough to have done such a thing".
"Or woman" a secretly amused Hermione put in, remembering Vivian's actions.
The Grangers were a little surprised, especially with their daughter's input, but decided that they couldn't fault Remus' logic.
They could only imagine what he and others had gone through.
"School wise though" Harry brought everything back to safer territory. "Besides a sham of a professor, I'd say things could be far worse".
"What professor?" Dan asked. He had only met one of the staff before, Minerva. It wasn't as if Hogwarts had parent teacher meetings.
Snape and Dumbledore hadn't concerned themselves with the Grangers when going to Harry and Neville's birthday party.
"Oh, that man" Hermione huffed, obviously annoyed. Even with everything that Lockhart had confessed, he somehow still managed to convince most people it was a mere curse!
And Albus promoted this belief!
If she didn't know better, Hermione would think Lockhart had hexed the world to believe his bullshit! "His whole book is about himself" she began her rant. "And it's all lies. Someone hit him with a truth spell, and it turns out he's obliviated people and stolen their achievements".
"Wiped their memories" Sirius filled in the blanks for the muggles.
"What are the authorities doing about it?" Helena asked aghast.
"What is that headmaster doing" Dan put in, frown heavy on his face. Last year, Hermione had sung a bit of the man's praises. Though many of her letters had to do with Harry and Ron.
Yet, this year, from what he had heard so far Dan really had to wonder just what training this man went through to qualify taking care and educating children.
Harry bit back a grin, instead only nodding to what others were saying.
"Well, technically Headmaster Dumbledore is part of our authority and justice system" Remus informed them.
It didn't go unnoticed how their eyes darted towards Sirius at that.
"He is one of the people who failed Sirius for eleven years" Remus put in making the Grangers' eyes widen.
Sirius held in any reaction. Albus was the last person he wanted to think of just now.
"Albus has chosen to believe Lockhart's claims of being hexed into telling tall tales. However, I have heard that multiple parents are petitioning to have Lockhart questioned at the very least. Hopefully with truth serum".
"Why didn't they just use that already, if they have it?" Helena had to ask.
It was disturbing when the magicals all shrugged or offered up "Who knows" in response.
"Thankfully, Remus is a great teacher. Sirius has also been helping in preparing us far better than Lockhart ever could" Harry didn't mention some of the other curses that had befallen the man.
Nor did he mention Umbridge. They had enough to talk about for today as is.
Remus seemed to blush at the praise as Sirius beamed proudly. "I heard our Prongslet and his lady love here" Sirius jumped in and now it became the kids turns to blush much to the table's amusement. Well, maybe besides Dan's. "Have been offering their classmate of all houses tutoring lessons".
"That was Hermione and Luna's idea" Harry looked at Hermione in adoration.
Seeing the look their daughter sent back, the Grangers had to pause.
That was love. They knew that look though they had never seen such a pure, real version of it on children so young. Yet here it was, plain to see.
Helena made a mental note to speak to her daughter more in depth. This was far more serious than even she originally believed.
Dan almost sighed. Every father came to know that look. With that look…he had a sneaky suspicion that Harry Potter would be in their future for a good while, if not for good.
In fact, he had the sudden realization that he might possibly be looking at his future son-in-law. If asked earlier about thinking such on a twelve-year-old, he would have laughed. Now though, Dan couldn't be so sure.
Being careful with his wording, Dan had to ask.
"So, Harry" he saw the boy look at him with those striking green eyes. "What are your intentions towards my daughter?"
Hermione gave a "Daddy!" in protest over the sudden question as Helena, Remus, and Sirius looked to be tapering down grins.
Harry gulped.
####SCENE BREAK####
Voldemort was one pissy, pissy shadow of a Dark Lord. He was a wraith, more or less. Just going place to place looking for a host. It was even worse than before he had found Quirrell.
On top of being unable to find a proper host, he felt the oddest pains through his transparent body.
Voldemort tried to possess another snake before it got away. He gave a curse, unable to do more than shout at the frightened animal.
Many snakes he ran into did not seem to give an actual shit if he spoke their language or not. That didn't mean they were ok with giving up their lives for the evil parasite that he had become.
That really pissed him off. He was basically the snake master! How dare they defy him.
Before his 'death', he could get almost every snake to do his absolute bidding. Subordination and rejections were far and few.
Now though…
'It's all that blasted boy's fault and his mudblood mother. Even his blood-traitor father thought he could take me. Fool didn't even have a wand. The ego of lions; blinded by their bravery and loyalty. The only one worth dying for loyalty over is me' were some of his repeated thoughts.
'That cowardly disgrace Pettigrew would even be useful now' he thought of his servant. True, the man was mainly his punching bag, but he had uses.
He had more talent than most gave him credit for. It was also thanks to him that Voldemort even had a chance to get to the Potters.
Besides, he could use the man now in order to get at least a semblance of a body. He was close, but not close enough. He shuttered to think of the vulnerable state he would be in once he did become corporal. At least, the body he would have before he could use the Potter brat to recreate himself.
Voldemort did wonder if Lucius was keeping his horcrux safe. He remembered having a few vague conversations with the man.
He hadn't really made Lucius' mission clear. Was he supposed to guard the diary or give it to someone to drain?
Lucius had fallen on the latter, but honestly, Voldemort did not make that clear.
He himself wasn't a hundred percent sure. After all, even the book of horcruxes he had found hadn't gone into great detail.
'Then again' he thought all but floating in the wind. 'If he did release my former self back at Hogwarts, I'm sure I would have drained someone by now. There would be at least a few mentions of deaths at Hogwarts' he thought.
He knew then that he would have been able to draw himself to the reestablished soul piece and merge.
Though, Voldemort wanted to keep a low profile until getting out of Hogwarts, his diary-self had gone the opposite route.
His possession of Ginny had proven his true inability to blend in. He needed attention, especially from Dumbledore.
He couldn't help himself.
If he was of the right mind, he wouldn't have killed anyone other than whoever was needed to bring himself back. He wouldn't have released the basilisk again as it would only draw Albus' eye.
Yet, Harry had long ago pointed out many of Voldemort's logic flaws. It was one of the man's major undoings.
"Come, help me" he called out to another boa constrictor. Oh, how he missed Nagini. He even had hoped to one day make her a horcrux. Though, he didn't even know if that was possible. His loyal pet would be the perfect being to test such a thing on.
'Though, I'd hate to kill such a powerful woman' he thought of his pet. The pet that used to be a woman.
Not that that mattered to Voldemort.
'Just wait till I get the Potter brat' he thought. 'I'll kill him for last year for sure. I don't even know how he survived the first time!' came the anger. 'It doesn't matter. Harry Potter will soon be the Boy-Who-Died and then no one will ever question me again'.
His murderous thoughts were cut off by someone singing off key.
"Oh, and I work all day and sleep at night. I sleep at night and work all day. OH!" came the nonsensical song. It was a man doing some kind of odd work in the woods.
'Poacher' Voldemort saw the man's traps.
"If I get just one baby bear, I'll make bank" the man talked to himself.
Giving a bit of a shrug of his nonresistant shoulders, Voldemort bounced. He didn't care if it was a muggle. He didn't have the luxury of being picky at the moment.
The man shouted out as it felt like something was literally trying to force his soul out of his body.
That is effectively what Voldemort was doing. He didn't want the same situation as last year. He wanted full control. Of course, the body would burn up and he'd be left…well he didn't know how he'd look for sure. He just knew it wouldn't be as he should.
"Ah!" the hunter screamed before silencing abruptly.
Voldemort had successfully taken over. He'd soon be able to essentially suck the man's life force and create a corporeal body for himself.
Then he had to somehow find the strength and ability to summon someone. Anyone.
He'd cross that bridge when he came to it.
The man's soul was easily dislodged. Then again, seeing some of what the man had done in his life, it wasn't like it was a strong soul to begin with.
'If he wasn't a filthy muggle, he may have fit in with the Death Eaters' Voldemort humored himself.
Unfortunately for him, Voldemort had forgotten what the man was holding when he attacked. If Voldemort had been paying true attention, he may have waited a moment.
Voldemort shouted, and it had nothing to do with his twisted dark magic filled soul draining the husk of a body he now inhabited.
He had dropped an open bear trap on his own foot.
"Fucking hell!" the Dark Lord shouted.
It couldn't be helped.
Or actually it could be if it were anyone else, yet Voldemort being Voldemort, it really couldn't be helped.
Before he could even attempt wandless magic to remove the trap, the dark magic that made up most of his soul began to suck the carcass dry.
He crumbled up, a crying mess as he bled and dealt with the multiple pains now plaguing him.
It looked as if his body was a juice box that someone was sucking dry. The skin sunk in beyond unnaturally. As if he was a balloon or school ball that was simply deflating. It was a horrific sight on all accounts.
In mere minutes the body was used up, like some sort of skin and blood nicotine patch.
As the flesh and everything with it crumbled and turned to ash, thanks to magic, what was left was…a baby.
But not a normal adorable baby. A very ugly baby. Its body was just sad, depressing in a way. It was far too skinny, too tiny than a baby's body should ever be. One could see his ribs as his fingers and toes were too long, too pointed. Like claws almost, but fleshy and boney in the worst way.
Somehow the head and face were even worse.
It was really just a tiny version of Tom Riddle if he meshed his face with a snake. He was missing all his hair, even eyebrows and lashes.
He was also missing his nose.
It was smooth except for two slits. A nearby snake saw and gave a little body shake before bolting.
Voldemort had creeped the poor little creature out.
Voldemort inhaled painfully, trying to take in his new body. One he was not happy with but consoled himself with the fact that it was only temporary.
"At least that blasted contraption is off" he noted in a wispy, dry voice.
His leg was free from the bear trap, but now he found himself in the real problem. How was he going to contact any of his followers?
Voldemort tried to lift his arm in order to summon someone. If he was lucky, Pettigrew would still be alive and free and able to help nurse Voldemort until he could get competent followers. Hopefully the fool hadn't gotten himself killed or anything over the last year.
What an annoyance that would be.
He didn't want someone like Malfoy or heaven forbid Bellatrix to see him in such a state.
Though he doubted her loyalty or obsession would wain, he did have a reputation to keep up. No, the rat would do in his current state.
Of course, Voldemort didn't know the state of all of his followers. He only learned so much when on the back of Quirrell's head.
The fact that everyone was mourning Pettigrew while the blood-traitor thorn in his side Black was placed in jail in his place was more than pleasing to the Dark Lord. It brought a smile to his face now. He wondered if years rotting away would turn Black, someone who he knew was powerful. Perhaps Voldemort could spin things to be Potter's fault and gain a new follower?
Something to think on.
Another thought hit him, which was another reason he wanted Pettigrew. He had to be sure that the rat hadn't set him up. Sure, Pettigrew had handed him the Potters and doomed the little family Peter had once had. Still, what if he had been playing both sides?
What if he simply wanted to get all of them then, even accidentally, sabotaged Voldemort?
Anything was possible.
'Perhaps Crouch?' he thought of his loyal zealot. 'Or Snape. Snape has to be one of my most loyal. Not to mention all the work he must still be doing for me. He seemed to still be one of my most faithful' he thought back to Snape.
Now there was a man he was sure would never betray him.
Voldemort was finally able to lift his arm, there was very little muscle strength, Voldemort tried to send out a summons.
There was nothing. Angrily, he sent out another, stronger pulse.
How dare Pettigrew keep him waiting.
Nothing.
"That damn rat! He better be in Azkaban or dead" Voldemort swore.
Everyone else was locked up or, like Snape, in places where they would be unable to reach him at the present time.
What was he to do?
Taking a chance, he sent out a pulse to McNair.
Nothing.
Malfoy.
Nothing. Was Lucius ignoring him, or did he have the nerve to decide he was too busy for his master!?
"Blasted traitors!" he shouted full of rage.
Finally, he sent out one to another follower, Corban Yaxley.
After what seemed to be another failure, suddenly the blonde Death Eater appeared. He still had the same style, hair long and slicked back in a ponytail.
He had on his auror robes. Though the badge showed he had risen in the ranks. That would be most useful.
The man had some new small scars, eyes deeply sunken in and sickly smile that almost looked like a sneer. However, right now it was in a fearful frown.
His dark eyes landed on Voldemort. Not recognizing him, he recoiled in disgust.
"You should be grateful that I don't curse you now for daring to sneer at me" Voldemort said, shocking Yaxley.
Now that voice, he remembered. As the baby's ruby red eyes drilled into him, Yaxley was once more ruled by an old fear. He fell down onto one knee. "My Lord" he gasped, now not looking at the being.
Honestly, he couldn't stomach it.
"My apologies. I was simply surprised to be summoned" he babbled.
"Were you hoping I would forget about you?" Voldemort twisted his words.
"No, no my Lord!" Yaxley backtracked. "I simply believed-" he stopped.
Despite his body, Yaxley didn't know what Voldemort could do. He had summoned him from such a distance and so suddenly, his mark hadn't even darkened! Obviously, he still had much power.
"You believed that Harry Potter" he spat the name. "Truly killed me, the greatest wizard to ever live" Voldemort's red gaze flashed.
"I am sorry my Lord" Yaxley settled on.
There was a beat of silence as Yaxley sweated. He was awaiting a curse.
"You are forgiven… For now" Voldemort saw the other man exhale shakily.
Voldemort then instructed Yaxley on his new duties. Aka; to babysit baby Voldemort.
Yaxley didn't dare voice such thoughts. He simply lifted the being he was tied to and took off to where he was instructed.
Once landed, walking into the abandoned mansion, Voldemort asked "Tell me; is there any news I should be aware of?"
Yaxley paused. There was definitely news. In fact, his Lord would be spoiled for news. Where would Yaxley even begin? With the shit storm the Ministry and magical world had been hit with as of late, all Yaxley had was news!
"Yaxley" Voldemort brought attention back to himself. As if his follower could forget his presence. "I forgave you for one affront against me. I shall not be so merciful next time" he promised.
"My Lord" Yaxley was sweating as he placed his Lord on a dusky chair. He began guarding and cleaning the large home.
"I was simply attempting to find where to begin" he offered.
"Find the biggest news you believe I should know then go from there" Voldemort almost sounded bored now.
Yaxley swallowed looking around. "There is a new group…killing your followers my Lord" he revealed.
Voldemort froze, the words tried to process through his mind.
"What" was what he finally croaked.
Yaxley could already feel the Curcio he was going to earn. Voldemort definitely was one to shoot the messenger.
"They call themselves the Death Knights. Their Master is… He calls himself the Master of Death".
Words Voldemort hated. He thought Potter was his greatest enemy with Dumbledore.
However, death had always been Voldemort's biggest fear. His biggest problem. Now someone was claiming to be the master of death itself!?
Yaxley was right. He was cursed many times that night.
####SCENE BREAK####
Albus was readying for bed.
It had been a long, long night.
On top of that, he had to silence his room from outside noises. There were odd noises around the castle. Though no one could pinpoint exactly where they were coming from.
They were howling noises, like a wolf.
He knew it couldn't be Vivian Lupin. He had already had Snape escort her to the Shrieking Shack. He hoped she was doing well, feeling for the poor girl.
He had been more than surprised over Severus' offer to escort the girl. At first, Albus had worried Severus was going to possibly say cruel words to the girl. Severus was terrified of werewolves. However, as the weeks went by it seemed Severus had taken the girl in as he did any other Slytherin. Or at least, didn't despise her as much as he did anyone outside of his own house.
Even with her being friends with Potter.
'Technically, she's his sister' Albus thought before shooing the thought away. Harry's home placement was still a sore subject with him.
He didn't know that many, maybe too many, people were thinking the same thing about him.
Moving his many blankets, Albus smiled tiredly. He had spent the day running after Lockhart. More parents were demanding he question the man. Though Albus wanted to believe Lockhart, he was beginning to think they were right.
It was best to question the man. Albus was sure he could get the truth past any curse. Either he was innocent and Albus could continue trying to track down his alleged attackers or…
The other option was much darker. If that was the truth, then Albus had no problem turning Lockhart over in order to bring him to justice.
That was tomorrow's problem though.
Either way, Lockhart wouldn't be able to leave his rooms tonight.
That was partially due to the fact that the howls scared Lockhart. He had the annoying habit of running to Albus' rooms repeatedly in seek of comfort. Almost like a child, but with no good attributes.
And he always ran into something!
Last time he spilt his drink on Albus' favorite pale pink robes.
Since then, Albus all but locked Lockhart in his room with a silencing charm.
Now Albus was in his stars and moons nightgown and nightcap. They were soft and warm, his favorite.
Just then, his bedroom door burst open.
Not looking back or even really listening, Albus sighed, head hanging with little plushy moon on his cap gently smacking into his forehead.
"Albus! Albus!" Minerva's distressed voice caught his attention.
'At least it's not Lockhart' he had to think, turning.
There was Minnie in her own crème nightgown with magenta robe covering her. Her long hair was down in a braid.
She looked truly afraid. Now that snapped him into the seriousness of the situation.
He had only seen Minerva look at him so in such certain situations.
None of them to be taken lightly.
Next to her was a nervous looking Peeves.
He didn't look like he was ready to be reprimanded. Peeves also looked very serious.
Another thing that had Albus' shoulders stiffen in worry.
"Albus! He be hearin' some disturb news, eh!" Minerva's Scottish bur was almost impossible to understand.
Albus looked at Peeves who was looking around as if something would come out and get him. An unfitting look on a poltergeist.
"I didn't see them. But I heard them" Peeves began. No song in his tone.
"Who?" Albus asked.
"Don't know. Voice was like death itself" Peeves answered. "But he said…" he stopped, swallowing as Minerva had to sit, body high on adrenaline which was coming back in the worst way.
"What did he say?" Albus internally cursed. He wished Peeves could identify whoever had them in such a state.
"He said…The Chamber of Secrets was opened".
A/N: What do you think? Baby Voldemort has entered the chat. Like it says, this is a part 1, so continuing on a lot of this in next chapter. We'll also check in with the Lestranges and Lockhart in next chapter. Though I don't wanna tell you what is happening to Bella right away. Also, we visit our favorite person, Umbridge again. And more! Are there any other characters you want to see from in the next chapter or soon? Or, I know some people mentioned wanting to see certain things like Harry officially meeting with Hermione's parents. Is there anything else that I've mentioned before that you want expanded on, either in a scene or just a recap by someone or the like? Like something I mentioned but then didn't really dive into yet? Let me know, I love hearing from you guys. Ask, suggest, or review. If you feel like it. I love it. Again, I'll check grammar repeatedly. You know how it goes. If I miss something, you can point it out (please nicely). Chances are though, because I reread a lot, I'll find it eventually. It might be months later, but it will probably eventually click in my mind. Until next time; have a great day and stay safe everyone. Love you guys!