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! Also want to thank everyone for their patience, continued enjoyment and coming back no matter how long I take along with the kind words and support. It really means a lot.
Chapter 18: Run Albus Run! (Part 3).
Harry smiled easily as he made his way down the Hogwarts Halls.
Usually, he had DADA with Lockhart at this time. However, they had a substitute professor seeing as Lockhart had tried to cancel all of his classes. He wasn't coming out of his room, only passing notes through the elves to Albus.
He had some sort of emergency and refused even his fans and manager.
No one knew what was going on. Even Albus had been unable to persuade Lockhart into seeing him in person.
Harry's smirk grew.
Harry had to admit he was worried over Moody's presence.
Since the retired auror had already been in the castle doing secret work for Albus, the headmaster had talked him into at least taking over half of Lockhart's classes. He had someone else in mind for the rest.
McGonagall and Snape didn't seem to approve of Moody teaching. Not that Moody himself was very thrilled.
Still, Albus got his way.
Harry was worried about Moody's skill and magical eye.
'We'll have to be extraordinarily careful' he told himself. 'It would be right unfortunate if one of us was caught for being too cocky or stupid' he went on. 'Hermione would be bloody pissed' he knew.
Harry had to hold in a snort at that.
'If only I was stronger-' he stopped that line of thought.
It would do no good.
No matter how easy certain things may have been with advanced power, Harry wouldn't trade what he had now for any unlimited power. He had his family back, as whole as it could momentarily be. He had Sirius and Remus, the Weasleys.
His friends and family. Innocents spared the horrors of his other future.
Harry had his loved ones.
As a real smile overtook him, Harry's thoughts continued.
'Definitely be careful. That eye could be trouble. Though Crouch did seem to somehow get the drop on him. Even stole his face, and Jr. was a bit of a mug if I ever saw one' Harry went on. 'I should rewatch those memories later' he thought fondly. 'Maybe he was so good at playing Moody because they're both a bit off. Love Moody, but still'.
'Best not test it' Harry sighed.
"I don't know. What can we do?" came a somewhat whispered voice up ahead.
It was a familiar voice from one of the side alcoves.
"We can't say anything" another went on. "Even if they didn't jinx us. We can't let anyone find out about the kids. About Ron. They'd take them all away. Not to mention what they'd do to Vivian".
Coming up to the tuck away hiding spot Harry saw exactly who he suspected.
Two very serious looking Weasley twins and a morose Lee Jordon.
Seeing him, the three froze up like deer caught in headlights. Harry didn't like the somber looks on their faces. The looks didn't belong on the eternally joyous boys.
It honestly saddened him. What made it worse was that Harry knew that he had a hand in dimming those contagious smiles.
"Alright lads? Fred" he shot a hesitant smile to who was definitely Fred. "George. Lee" he nodded.
Grimaces that were meant to be grins passed over the threes faces.
With one last stunted nod, Harry found himself all but scurrying off.
He didn't see the sadness overshadow the confused and uncomfortable expressions that the twins and Lee had previously worn. That hurt look on Harry hit them in the gut.
"We can't have that" Fred and George muttered as Lee frowned.
"No, we can't" Lee agreed with his best friends and all but brothers.
Harry was soon upon his friends and year mates. Once again, the lions and snakes were thrown together in one of the most dangerous classes.
Ron and Hermione were the first to grin at Harry causing Vivian and Neville to follow suit.
Harry felt his shoulders ease.
"Alright mate?" Ron wondered.
Harry smiled. "Great. Better now" he promised.
The doors opened allowing all of the children to pile in. Many were whispering, excited about meeting the famous Mad-Eye Moody.
Vivian's big green eyes almost popped out of her head as she took in the man next to Moody.
"Dad?" she asked beyond surprised.
Remus smiled, smoothing down his teacher's robe with a bit of self-consciousness. "I think you mean professor, little one" he used his other nickname for her. He didn't want to use 'pup' or 'cub' like he and Sirius usually did for her or Harry. Not when they were in public.
Harry smiled widely as he realized just who the new part time defense teacher was.
####SCENE BREAK####
Icarus watched cautiously as Hedwig and Crookshanks delt with their newest comrades.
Pig, as the nickname had stuck for Ron's little owl, and Trever were on either side of the quiet Icarus' side.
Hedwig was speaking to Fawkes as Crookshanks helped Giselle cover her eyes. The basilisk didn't want to petrify or kill her new friends. They were some of the only ones for over fifty years. Not to mention they were much better to her than the last boy who used her against the very students she was meant to protect.
Not like the new speaker. The one who knew her language and treated her so kindly. He and his kin.
She couldn't wait till she was out of the chamber. Hedwig told her that their human was working on getting her out, finally seeing the outside world once again since… Well, since just a little after her birth.
That was quite some time ago.
"What can we do?" came Fawkes' smooth, soothing voice. Ruffling his vibrant feathers Fawkes shot a look at the now dried stain under a tattered diary that had once been Tom Riddle.
"Do you approve of what your human has done? What he plans to do?" Crookshanks mewed with the kitty version of a single brow raise.
Fawkes didn't know how to answer that.
Like the other animals, he too had flashed of his previous timeline. Though, it wasn't as sharp as their feline friend.
Giselle was grateful to be alive this time. This new speaker was so kind and brave making her honored to be tied to him. In some ways he reminded her of her maker. Slytherin had truly loved Giselle, as had Helga who often spent time reading to her when Salazar was away.
Giselle did feel bad about having previously attacking the new speaker, making him have to defend himself and kill her.
Fawkes had apologized for blinding Giselle. Another thing she was glad had been avoided.
There was still the question on what to do now.
Giselle was easy to convince. She was happy to serve Harry, the speaker who not only spared her life but also promised her liberty. Not only would she be out of the chamber, but she would never have to hurt another student again. She could protect them from any intruders.
Fawkes was the real challenge.
The phoenix had been intrigued when he started receiving abstract clues and mystery gifts. That led him right to Hedwig.
Oh, what a predicament he found himself in. One that the phoenix couldn't remember ever being in before. And he too had had a long, long life.
Fawkes greatly cared for Albus. Like a few other animals in the castle; Trevor, Hedwig, Crookshanks and Mrs. Norris, Fawkes was an actual familiar. Albus' familiar. A trait that was much rarer in the magical world now.
Yet, seeing as Fawkes was a creature of light, he wanted the best possible outcome for as many good people as possible. Then again, the little last Potter, who had always had one of the brightest souls Fawkes had ever seen, was suddenly doing some very dark things.
Potter's soul always drew Fawkes in.
It was so bright, so pure despite darkness literally trying to snuff it out.
The thing was that even now, even when the Potter boy himself was now part of the darkness, his soul was still so blindingly light.
Even if he himself didn't think so.
Was what Harry Potter was doing in the name of the greater good? A phrase Fawkes heard daily from Albus.
This was not a matter to be taken lightly.
"Humans tend to make errors" Fawkes finally answered wisely.
Crookshanks scoffed at the understatement.
Pig and Trevor wisely stayed quiet. Both were easily excitable, so they left this to their friends. Icarus was usually quiet, but his silence had a respective air to it. As if he was watching, waiting.
Giselle shook her head, blindfold still in place. If anyone knew the folly of man, it was definitely the basilisk.
"We are not asking you to assist us, per say" Hedwig was the one to speak on the group's behalf. At his curious look, she continued. "We are simply asking that you do not attempt to stand in our way. Nor that you inform your human about what must be done" she lightly stressed the end.
Hedwig knew that this had to be done. Obviously, she was gently letting Fawkes see that.
Fawkes mentally chewed on this.
Keeping his thoughts silent, Fawkes prepared to leave. He found his sight obstructed by the calm seeming Icarus. "I'm sure you can understand the need for an answer" he spoke, not blinking as deep voice rolled over Fawkes. "As rushed as it may seem".
This was not said in a threatening manner. However, the eagle owl did stand his full height, which was quite impressive, even compared to Fawkes.
Seeing how tense the others were, Fawkes finally nodded with a bob of the head. "I shall keep quiet. Ask your human, the blonde with the far-seeing mind or the wolf to enchant me if it so eases you" he offered seeing Icarus tilt his head contemplatively.
"As for my help on a more intimate scale" Fawkes continued as he was finally able to take flight. No one attempted to stop him. "We shall see" he flew off, out of the chamber with those parting words.
Trevor croaked worriedly, sitting on Giselle's tail as she stretched out. Pig began to babble. He was now free to speak, though really the only thing leaving him was the obvious stress over the whole situation.
Taking in the implications of what Fawkes said, Icarus, Hedwig and Crookshanks all shared a look.
####SCENE BREAK####
Luna sat with a look of deep seriousness that did not look right on her pretty face.
She had seen something in Severus' dream, something that she hadn't put there. Something that caused him great distress.
Something that Luna thought he had noticed in their past life. Albeit much later than he was now.
That led her to compare different things she had witnessed from Snape in the past. Things that she and the others had shoved off as him actually being a secret spy. Of him not being totally evil, on a more basic level.
However, now she wondered of some of the good things he did, even the ones disguised were on a more personal level.
Instances that involved one of her best friends. And not Harry Potter this time. In fact, the person in question was Vivian Lupin of the house of Black.
'It seems we all overlooked certain people's behavior with Viv' Luna realized, comparing Snape and Narcissa. 'Very telling things even' Luna went on. She had yet to inform the girl herself, still working through what she had just learned.
Severus Snape had just had a stress dream about being unable to save his goddaughter from being ripped away from her home. From him. Unable to save her from both the horrors of an attacking beast of a man, who turned into a beast. Unable to save her from a mad woman with wild hair who laughed at the girl's immense pain.
As the girl was abandoned by her own father, ripped away from her unwilling and screaming mother as her brother cried confused, the girl reached for Snape pleadingly.
He had been cursed by a man with the laughing woman, unable to stand and save the little girl.
Unable to save Vivian.
Luna sighed, going over the dream again. She knew she had to get into Snape's chest. The most heavily warded thing in his possession was a small lock box. Luna was sure that answers laid there.
However, she had to be careful not to arouse suspicion that someone was prying.
Snape was definitely paranoid, more so than ever thanks to her. Even with his growing trust of her, that didn't mean he was no longer the astute brilliant wizard that they knew him to be.
'Snape had tried to save Vivian that night. He had tried to find her' Luna thought. 'His subconscious is trying to tell him who Vivian is, but he isn't listening' Luna knew.
She had to wonder, 'When did he figure it out last time' she had to know. Thinking back, Luna realized that at some point, in their past lives, Severus had figured out who Vivian was.
'It had to be after third year' she knew. 'After those things he said to her. He never said such things after. Always getting her to brew things. Her detentions were only with him, brewing in silence' she remembered. 'He never said such things again. He even made her wolfsbane, never missing a moon'.
At the time the children had thought that his slight attitude change had had to be because of Remus punching Snape for Vivian. Keeping her close as not only a punishment, but also to keep an eye on her.
Yet, Luna realized that even if that played a factor, it couldn't have been the only reason.
Especially since Snape never hurled more cruel words. Nor did he put up with her housemates or any other house attempting anything.
'And we thought that was only because he wanted people to think Slytherins were better than the others' Luna shook her head. 'We should have known, especially given his fear of werewolves. Yet, he kept her close. Helped her, even when we didn't always see' Luna hummed.
She would need to report all of this to the others. She knew that there would be some disbelief, but her friends would believe her.
Luna tended to be able to see things differently from others. Things that others wanted or happened to ignore or misread.
She was usually right.
'Coming back has opened such interesting avenues' Luna couldn't help but think.
Putting those thoughts on the back burner as she continued with her charms essay, Luna smiled thinking of the cork necklace around her neck. Her father had sent it as a gift, a way to ward off certain creatures while attracting others.
Xenophilius was beyond rapturous with his little Moonbeam's letters home. She had made so many friends! People that truly seemed to love his little girl, almost as much as Xeno did.
After her mother's passing, he was always worried about Luna. About how others treated her. Especially with his own eccentricities, those he was aware of. Xenophilius loved his daughter, however. He loved her so much he was sure he would do literally anything to protect her.
The fact that she found others who appreciated her pure soul truly warmed his heart.
Luna smiled, continuing to write while pretending not to notice some of the looks aimed her way by fellow Ravenclaws.
Looks she filed away. Especially when Marietta whispered something to Elizabeth, giggling while looking at Luna. They only stopped, albeit with eyerolls, when Cho seemed to chastise them.
With an uncaring hum, Luna went on about her business.
She smiled when Cho came over to make sure she was adjusting to Hogwarts.
####SCENE BREAK####
Albus Dumbledore was in desperate need of a nap and biscuit. Though she might have not believed it, Albus was more than grateful for Minerva and her all but taking over his Headmaster duties as he tended to other duties.
He pretended not to hear Severus and Minerva snarking about him. To his face.
Despite how they felt over how he went about things; he did cherish their friendships. In fact, he counted the two as his closest friends. His best mates, the only ones who were as close as one could get.
Even if Albus hadn't clued Minerva into all of his plans. Severus knew most, though not all. Not yet.
Mainly because Albus knew that while Severus may disagree, he would do what was asked. Minerva might actually try to stop Albus while easily convincing Severus to help.
In fact, he had had to make Severus take an oath not to drop hints to Minerva.
Albus had too much going on to put it plainly.
Hogwarts, the Ministry, Death Knights and more were what constantly filled his plate. Not to mention the constant whisper of Tom Riddle. He was sure Voldemort was not dead.
He just didn't have all the pieces to put the full puzzle together.
What really concerned Albus was that he didn't know the role of the new player that was the Master of Death.
It wasn't as if setting up a meeting with this imposing figure was possible.
That did make Albus pause. Could he possibly meet up with the so-called Master of Death?
The idea was definitely appealing. Not only would Albus then finally see this man, but then he'd also get a feel for him. See if he was friend or foe.
The how would be the most difficult part.
Albus presently couldn't even imagine how he would go about setting such a thing up.
He was still having trouble convincing Remus and Sirius to rejoin his Order. If he couldn't do that, then how could he meet this apparently powerful wizard and his followers?
Albus sighed as he once more tasked an elf with delivery a note to Lockhart. "I am growing terribly tired of these antics" Albus couldn't help mumbling to himself as he moved around the impressive office.
Lockhart had screamed like a banshee, claiming he had been attacked. However, he wouldn't tell Albus how. He also wouldn't let anyone come investigate.
At first Albus had been worried. Someone kept attacking one of his professors.
Now he was more annoyed.
If he were to be honest, an attack on this particular professor wasn't too surprising. It was well known throughout the staff that the Defense position was cursed.
Very few knew by who.
Albus was sure that Moody and Remus would be spared the curse due to Lockhart still technically holding the position.
After learning of the new 'professor assistants' Severus began giving Albus the silent treatment.
Albus did have to wonder just what had been done to Lockhart. Was he deformed now? Hurt, but too prideful or afraid to let anyone near? Albus had no way of knowing since Lockhart didn't even let the elves see him.
His portraits were no help since each and every single one had been nonstop weeping since Lockhart holed himself up.
Albus had Lockhart and Sirius' trial to deal with. Fudge was arguing with Amelia over secrecy. He also refused Albus' request to check over other prisoner files.
What if Sirius wasn't the only wrongfully imprisoned one?
Albus knew he had even more pressing things to focus on, but if this chance to free Sirius was real then he would take it. Even if he still was uneasy with Harry living with anyone but the Dursleys.
'Merlin knows what the man must have gone through' Albus thought before another thought hit him. "Would that make him a danger to Harry? Even if he wasn't trying to be, he could in fact put Harry in danger. If his mind has been altered by all that time with the dementors" he spoke out loud.
He ignored the unflattering mutterings of the portrait.
"I do hope he's speaking about himself. If anyone has a cracked mind, it is the man before us" came Dippet.
"I only hope that he is not addressing my kin once again" Phineas Black huffed. "It is a habit he must break".
Suddenly, a realization hit Albus. It was as if all of the drama as of late had made him overlook one very important detail.
Sirius Black had been freed from Azkaban by the Master of Death!
Sirius knew the Master! Most likely so did Remus and even Rectus.
Harry might even know him! Perhaps even Vivian Lupin knew him!
Albus had gone so still, one could mistake him for a petrification victim. Some portraits were worried while others leaned forward wondering if they were about to see Albus topple over and end up another picture on the wall.
Quite a few couldn't help but think that Madam McGonagall would make an amazing official Headmistress.
"This means that a meeting with the allusive Master is not so out of reach as I previously believed" Albus surmised. He just had to work on getting Sirius or Remus to set up a meeting with the man.
He would see if Rectus could help him, however; the Lord had been quite allusive as of late. Sending Remus in his stead whenever Albus wished to speak to him. Though Rectus was often seen with Remus, rather than Sirius.
Albus had to wonder if the men got along as he had never seen Sirius or Rectus together.
Albus didn't like the idea of Harry possibly knowing the Master of Death. If he did, which Albus hoped he didn't or at least had small contact with the man.
'As if they both hadn't had enough brushes with death' Albus thought, pacing his room. He was going to floo out to the ministry, but his mind now was too preoccupied.
'If Harry does know the Master, then that may show that Sirius and Remus, along with Rectus, are unfit guardians' Albus thought running fingers through his long beard.
'Maybe you're just looking for an excuse to separate them. Again' a part of his mind taunted. Albus flinched but he couldn't get away from the little voice. 'Perhaps I'm your conscious. We haven't talked in a while. How are you' came the sarcasm.
"My conscious" Albus scoffed. "I believe I have a very strong, present conscious thank you" he spoke out loud.
"Hmm speaking to himself again" came more mutterings from around the walls.
'Oh?' that same little voice seemed to chortle. 'So then, you didn't have Hagrid rip a young Harry from a sobbing Sirius and bring him to you that Halloween so long ago?' Albus winced. 'Who knows if the man would have been wrongfully accused had you not interfered as you did'.
'Harry needed to go to the Dursleys' Albus was full out arguing with himself.
'Why? So that he could be abused?' came the not so innocent question.
Albus actually stumbled at that, eyes clenched with regret.
His heart ached.
Albus decided to ignore the little voice and quickly made his way to the floo.
He was needed at the ministry.
It seemed he was doing more running around then actually getting anything done!
'Prat' was heard whispered in his head just as he disappeared through the green flames.
####SCENE BREAK####
Sirius rocked out to his favorite Weird Sister's record. He was in an old band tee, shaggy jeans and barefooted. He had found a lot of his old clothes in his room at Potter Manor. Since he and Remus were able to get into Potter Manor this time, they were able to recover all of the things they had left there from their teen-hoods.
Thankfully, Sirius' clothes still fit. Anything that didn't he simply adjusted with a wave of his wand.
Sirius padded around the potions room watching over the many cauldrons.
Long dark hair was pushed out of his handsome face by an attractive loose high ponytail as he went about his task.
Sirius smirked, thinking of the no doubt dumbfounded look on the kids' faces when they realized that the Marauders had officially infiltrated Hogwarts. Not to mention the staff that remembered them. He also thought of the Weasley twins and Lee and how they'd take it.
Sirius couldn't wait for his surprise to unfold.
Harry and the others didn't know it yet, but this was definitely a multilayered prank!
Sirius simply couldn't wait! Though he'd deny it, Remus felt the same.
Even learning that Luna was planning on bringing Snape into their folds couldn't dampen Sirius' mood.
Well, not by much at least.
Sirius was just determined to be there for his godchildren and the other kids. He'd stay as far away from the greasy git as possible. He promised he'd be civil… As long as Snape was.
Sirius sang along with the music as he added more ingredients to different concoctions.
He took the vials the happy Dobby handed him while dancing from potion to potion.
"A spell on me! Witchcraft" Sirius sang as Dobby danced around his legs more than happy to help.
"Soon Padfoot will be free" Dobby cheered for him. He had the easiest time of breaking the habit of calling everyone master. Sometimes he still slipped up but was much better now. "Kreacher reported the prisoners be responding to the potions as Padfoot and Moony hoped" he went on to announce. Sirius lowered the music with a wave of his wand.
Sirius tapped his bottom lip with his wand. "I've been thinking Dobby" Sirius went on, leaning casually against one of the tables. "I think I know just who would appreciate Bellatrix's new lot in life" he told him.
"Dobby does wonder something" Dobby gripped his big ears looking bashful.
Sirius leaned down, crouching with a reassuring look as he placed a hand on Dobby's small shoulder. "What is it my friend" he asked both warming Dobby's heart and making him blush.
"Well, Dobby and the others be wondering if-if the potion be working in the uh" he tried to think of the right word. "Backwards?" he ended in a question.
Sirius' brows furrowed as he tried to work out just what Dobby meant. "What do you mean backwards?"
"If Dobby drank it" Dobby put in while twisting the bottom of his shirt.
Sirius' brows rose to his hairline. He realized just what the elf was asking. Now…that was a question for the ages, wasn't it?
"Well…I supposed the only way to truly know would be to try" Sirius slowly said.
Dobby's huge eyes widened. "Really? Coulds we?" Dobby tried to hold in his hope.
Sirius stood with hands going to his pockets. "I can't promise you anything Dobby" he said honestly. "But" he continued seeing the little being perk up. "I am able to promise that I will research this and do my best to see if there is a chance that we can make this a reality".
Dobby hugged Sirius' legs with sobs that were normal for the little elf. Dobby was very open with his emotions.
Sirius smiled, shaking his head while patting Dobby's head.
With that new possible development, the two went back to work.
Sirius turned up the music so they could continue to rock out.
####SCENE BREAK####
Voldemort was not pleased. Not even a little.
So far, the only ones in his current rank were Yaxley and Umbridge.
Not exactly the cream of the crop.
Yet, in his weakened state he couldn't call too many followers. He definitely didn't want certain people to see him in such a low position. He realized it was a good thing that Lucius hadn't answered. One, the blonde wouldn't see Voldemort in such a state. Two, Lucius could be tortured for refusing which always amused Voldemort.
He wished he could have called some of his most loyal, however, Voldemort refrained. Many were in prison, untouchable at the moment. Not to mention Voldemort didn't want them to see him as the little infant like creature.
Even if he thought that Bellatrix and Barty's unwavering devotion would not be challenged by his appearance, he honestly didn't want to test them.
Well, Bellatrix would stay by him at least. So would the Lestranges, he was sure. He was still sure of that.
Barty was dead. The Prophet had gone on about that, though it wasn't too clear. Some thought he was just missing while others thought he was dead. His father hadn't been found. Apparently, no one who was in the know was telling the papers about an actual body for Jr. or not. His body wasn't hanging up with any in the town square.
Voldemort assumed Barty was dead, or in deep trouble, as he too ignored the call. Barty would never have done so willingly. Voldemort mourned such a devoted follower, though not for the man himself.
The last words spoken to Barty Jr. turned out to be true.
Voldemort had continued trying to call for Pettigrew before Yaxley informed him that Amelia Bones might have been on to Pettigrew. He had caught his Lord up on Black being framed for Pettigrew's betrayal, something Voldemort had already known from his time with Quirrell.
However, it seemed that Bones and other higher ups had been discussing Pettigrew.
Yaxley didn't know exactly what about though. He had not been brought into the fold, though he was still trying to gain access. He and fellow ministry official and Death Eater Pikes were 'trusted' by Amelia. He was hoping she'd bring him in on whatever the secret she was keeping.
He had had listening charms in her office. Just so he could be on top of anything that might have led back to him. A habit he had since escaping notice as a Death Eater.
Yet, to his great surprise, the charms seemed to have been found out and defused. Since then, he had been unable to install any others.
He didn't know how she suddenly found his charms, or how she was blocking any replacements. That alone put him on edge.
"I swear if that rat betrayed me" Voldemort would periodically mutter. He didn't care that it made no sense for Pettigrew to expose himself.
The most Voldemort could rationalize was that with the news of Black's escape thanks to someone calling themselves the 'Master of Death', Pettigrew panicked.
Voldemort scoffed. That was something else that bothered him, despite how he tried to write it off as ridiculous.
The Master of Death.
Very few, if anyone, knew that Voldemort's greatest fear was death. Obscurity being a close second.
His chosen name was pretty telling.
Someone out there calling themselves the Master of Death had him more than on edge. Especially when Yaxley and Umbridge brought them any information on the attacks on his Death Eaters.
The Master seemed to be attacking Death Eaters alone. Death Eaters and sympathizers of the Death Eater's cause.
Voldemort did feel some satisfaction as some of his followers got their comeuppance. The ones who denounced him, living in society while he was doomed to be a mere memory of his former self.
He hoped that the Master would leave the Lestranges alone long enough so that Voldemort could break them out. He cursed the downfall of Fenrir.
What a useful dog the man had been.
Voldemort did have Yaxley bring him books so he could decode the messages left by the Death Knights.
Voldemort was sure his genius could crack the code.
He settled into Nagini's coils as the book was magically suspended in front of him. He was pleased that he and the magical snake had once more found each other.
Umbridge gave little coughs at his side.
She was tending to Voldemort's needs. Trying to worm her way into being his most trusted. She didn't know the man had little uses for her. As soon as he got more followers back, he'd think about if he was going to keep the woman around or not.
Yaxley still had duties at the Ministry to attend to.
Umbridge's suspension saw her with a lot of free time.
She tried not to cringe at the very dirty hide out. Voldemort mentioned a manor they were going to move to soon. She couldn't wait to get back to luxury. After receiving the mark, which Voldemort had gleefully expended energy so he could carve the picture into her skin; Umbridge had been forced to give her home up.
Voldemort required all of her time.
Even if she was really just a glorified nanny.
Of course, even in his small state, Umbridge would never dare voice such a thought to her Lord.
Dolores had made the mistake of scoffing when first meeting Voldemort.
She had thought she had been pranked, then that stories of him had been exaggerated.
Not even a minute after she finished her sentence, Voldemort had a wand in hand with her under his torture curse.
He held it for an alarming amount of time as well.
So long that Umbridge now had an ever-present twitch. She didn't know if it was a permanent issue but refrained from asking.
To put it plainly, she had learned not to upset Lord Voldemort.
Umbridge mentally muttered mutiny against Yaxley. He had sweet talked her into her current predicament.
It was only after getting her mark that Dolores realized that Yaxley now was able to leave her alone with Voldemort for days on end without having to return.
He had sacrificed her to essentially spare himself from any of his Lord's wrath while reaping any of his praises.
Pushing more soot off of her now dingy pink coat, Umbridge turned the page for Voldemort while writing down whatever he told her to. She cringed away from Nagini's stare.
She was sure the snake hated her. Dolores was confused by the snake and tiny Lord's relationship. She was sure that the large serpent was Voldemort's familiar. Yet at times it was like there was more.
More to Nagini. An intelligence in her serpentine gaze that Dolores felt should not be there.
It honestly creeped her out.
Given Dolores' life, being creeped out by a snake was saying a lot.
Umbridge had another reason to worry. She had not exactly been honest with anyone, especially Yaxley and Voldemort about her heritage.
She'd be surprised if she had known about how similar Voldemort and her were in their similar hatred for anyone not pureblooded which was inspired by their own families. However, Umbridge's family was much kinder than Riddle's. It was a wonder she turned out the way she did.
Umbridge knew that she could never let Voldemort find out her heritage. She doubted that even her willingness to do his bidding would save her. She already had a less than desirable role in life. She hoped when Voldemort gained his power back, so would she.
She could ride his robe tails to power and glory.
That meant he could never know the truth.
No one could.
Even if Dolores had to finally get rid of the rest of her family. The lie she portrayed must live on! She would be seen as a pureblood and nothing less!
Now she just had to get away from Voldemort long enough to track down that damn squib brother of hers.
"Turn the page!" Voldemort suddenly shouted.
Umbridge jumped, a twitch hitting her as she quickly complied. "My apologies my Lord" she gave a giggle trying to ease him. "Where was my head?" she went on.
He didn't answer, only going back to his deciphering.
Umbridge put off devious plans to her only living relative as her mind once more went to balancing between turning pages, writing and mentally cursing the man who got her in this predicament.
Damn Lockhart.
Yes, he was the beginning of her current downfall.
With a scream, she spasmed from Voldemort's sudden curse.
She had made a spelling mistake.
####SCENE BREAK####
Neville was tending to some more business in the greenhouse when someone knocked on the door. Turning, Neville was surprised with the newcomers.
"Fred, George. Lee" he greeted the boys.
Honestly, he hadn't expected to see them yet if ever.
"Heya Nev" George began. "We were wondering if we could talk to you" he hesitantly walked in with his best mate and brother.
"Should I get Ron?" Neville wondered.
"No, uh not yet" Lee put in. "We were hoping to talk to you alone" he explained.
Though confused, Neville complied gesturing to the unused stools.
As they sat, the three tried to gather themselves. They had come to Neville because out of all of the younger group, Neville was still pretty timid in their eyes. Despite what they had seen, it was still a bit hard disassociating him totally from the nervous boy they knew.
"What is on your mind chaps" Neville asked when no one began speaking.
The three shared looks still not sure where to start.
Neville sighed, trying to be patient. "You came here for a reason. You obviously knew you could talk to me" he mentioned. "What is wrong? Are you in trouble?" some worry bled into his tone.
"Us in trouble?!" Fred repeated in disbelief. "We are not the ones in trouble Neville" he said seriously.
"Whatever you lot are into is obviously dark, or at least on its way" Fred interjected.
Lee used the back of his hands to lightly bump into each twins' chests.
That was then when they noticed that shadow that had fallen over Neville's face.
"Dark" he repeated slowly. Quietly. In a sharp tone that totally clashed with his soft and innocent look, Neville stated point blank "You have no idea what is happening. Who are you to call me dark?"
There was definitely anger in his tone.
"Then tell us what's going on" Fred pleaded. "We just want to help you. All of you".
"We can't if we don't know what is going on" George added as Lee nodded.
"You want to know what I've seen? What I've been through?" Neville tried to tapper down a sneer.
"We just want to understand mate" Lee tried to play peacekeeper.
Neville tried to take a long, controlling breath. "Fine" he agreed, hiding any expression. He was unsettling blank. "I'll tell you more details", he agreed. "On one condition" he stated.
The other three shared looks. What could he mean? They already couldn't tell anyone anything. The jinx saw to that. What else would Neville want?
"Never, under any circumstances will you mention being dark to any of the others. Especially Ronald, Vivian or Harry" Neville told them crisply. "I would include Ron and Hermione as well, but they would handle it better. Don't ever let the others know you called them even close to being dark" he put in.
What they had done didn't matter to Neville. He knew that if the others, especially Ron, Vivian and Harry had heard the twins of all people suggest them being dark, it would definitely take its toll on them.
He wanted to spare his family such pain.
With that, Neville began at the only logical place. The beginning.
AN: What do you guys think? Next chapter will be longer, promise. Already working on it. However, had to set a few things up, you get it. I have to admit that certain character developments and the like are making me pretty happy. Kinda cocky, I know but still. I hope you guys are enjoying the story. I wanna thank all of you for your patience and continued support. Really means a lot! Anyway, next chapter getting worked on as we speak. Check on spelling in the following days and weeks and so on. I always seem to miss something, drives me nuts. Review, ask, or suggest if you'd like. Until next time, have a great day and stay safe!