CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Altair Nott found he once more could barely eat a morsel at dinner, nor pay proper attention to his teachers, who were equally as shellshocked by the events that had occurred that day. Because of it, most classes had actually been cancelled to give people time to recover from the shock they had all received. Not only did Dementors attack the school, but the school was also saved single-handedly by a seventeen-year-old home-schooled witch. Once more, Harry Evans was the reason Nott couldn't concentrate.
Nott replayed the feeling of Harry's spell over and over in his head. The dome was light, safe and warm – it had cemented in Nott's mind the reason it was the epitome of Light Magic. He had watched the Grim Patronus tear apart any Dementor foolhardy enough to try and target the Slytherin students. It had been savage, but beautiful. The moment his heart skipped a beat was when the Grim Patronus seemed to look directly at him before helping the werewolf Patronus catch Dementors heading towards the teachers.
The moment he heard her drop after sending out four Patronuses to save them all, Nott replayed the last conversation – well, argument – he had with her. Did she think he now hated her? What if she died, and he could never have the chance to explain why he was upset? He had tried to find a good time to try and get Harry alone to explain but Arcturus barely let him out of his sight, and Black and Abraxas' twin sister were practically glued to Harry's side.
Deciding he wasn't just going to sit there idly pretending to eat dinner, Nott found himself moving almost automatically. He stood up and left the Great Hall, not even bothering with dessert. It was treacle tart; he couldn't even look at it. The shouting from his so-called friends also went on deaf ears. His legs carried him straight to the Hospital Wing.
Madam Abernathy gave him a cool look, which was quite disconcerting on her usually bright countenance, but Nott supposed he deserved it, though he knew she was cold with him because she didn't want Harry to be disturbed. Madam Abernathy at least did not send him away and allowed him to pull up a chair next to the bed of the girl he had come to adore, and who he subsequently betrayed.
Nott felt his eyes well up with tears threatening to fall. Harry was deathly pale, like most of her life and magic had almost been taken from her. Her wild, raven curls were spread around her head almost like dark fire. Her delicate hands were gripping the sheets tightly, as though she were fighting a nightmare. Nott wanted to reach out to her, but he stopped himself.
He had no right to do so. He was not family or a fiancé. At present, he doubted whether she even still considered him her friend.
"Harry," he whispered, once he managed to find his voice. "I … don't know what to say. I am sorry that I shouted at you. I … should have let you explain. I should have heard your side of the story. I … am a fool, and I understand if you hate me." The tears fell this time.
When Nott next spoke, to Madam Abernathy's surprise, he was singing. Melusina's Lullaby; it was an old favourite amongst the older families of the wizarding world.
# Wailing winds on a full moon night
Singing songs of woe,
Thy betrayal they doth know,
The waters wash away thy sin,
To preserve the standing of thy kin,
From my blood giants doth grow,
Dragon in blood and spirit,
Stars of mine, let your power show,
Embrace thy kismet!#
The young man didn't seem to dare to stay too long because he stopped soon after the chorus and took his leave. As the young Nott Heir left, Madam Abernathy smiled a sad smile, and couldn't help but feel sorry somehow for the conflicted young man. She knew there was a petty squabble going on between members in Slytherin, and apparently the young man had gotten caught in the middle and didn't like it. As for Nott, when he got back to the common room and entered his dorm, he ignored any demands from Arcturus and the others about where he had been.
"Fresh air," was the curt answer they got from him.
Nott had momentarily made eye contact with Orion Black when he had said that, and was surprised to see Black had smirked knowingly but opted to say nothing. It was safe to say, Nott went to bed early that night.
###############
Malum Avery was rather morose that evening, and did very little to hide his bad mood. He had even glared at Tom for snapping at him during their little meetings. Something he had never done before, but this time Tom deserved it. He had cost him not only a competent and talented Seeker, but also his friendship with the Lady Harry Potter-Peverell.
Ever since he helped to ostracise the young witch from the very House who was supposed to be her new family, a knot had formed in his stomach, which had grown with each day – but expanded when Tom practically ordered him to put Lament back onto the team. Avery still flinched every time he replayed that look of betrayal in Harry's stunning green eyes. It had worsened when Harry had saved his life – twice.
Avery had first been shocked and angry to find Harry as the interim commentator, but the little voice in the back of his head had pointed out it was entirely his fault. Issue was, she had talent for that too. Avery had noticed Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor all practically splitting their sides laughing with every insult to her own House and quips at Professor Dumbledore.
As Harry had worked the crowd, Avery knew that Slytherin deserved it. He deserved it. Which was why he had practically stood back when Walburga Black tore into Lament for the audacity to laugh at Harry fainting after saving his worthless hide.
Like Nott, Avery could barely eat a thing at dinner. Mulciber was quiet too, so he did nothing to distract Avery from his guilt. Unlike Nott, Avery waited for most of his friends to retire to their dormitories before he made an excuse that he needed to speak to Slughorn about the Potions essay on the properties of aconite and left without waiting for his dorm mates to question him.
Avery made his way to the Hospital Wing was purpose in his step. He knew it was way past visiting hours but Madam Abernathy was nowhere to be seen so he stepped into the torch lit room and headed straight for the only occupied bed in the room.
Harry was ghostly pale but with the light of the moon outside falling onto her, she looked ethereal, like a sleeping deity almost. Avery sometimes wondered if this unique and powerful witch was real at all, or just a fairy coming to visit. There were things that did not add up with Harry, but at no point did Avery suspect she was outright lying. There was always a kernel of truth.
The scars on her arms were real. Avery sat in the chair that was already next to the bed and examined them. Most of them were old, a few years old at least. Some were minor while others – like the fang-shaped circle on her arm – told Avery she had seen some serious battles against other creatures as well as Dark wizards. Then he saw it, on her right hand: I must not tell lies.
Someone had scarred her hand. Avery, thanks to his lawyer and politician parents, knew with what: a Blood Quill. He felt his jaw clench and an urge to find the person who did this to her and put them under a very extensive Cruciatus.
Avery opened his mouth to speak, but quickly closed it. He had no right to sit here in the first place, let alone say anything to Harry. Instead he looked at the dead flowers in the vase on the nightside cabinet beside her bed. Avery waved his wand at them, replacing them with some beautiful purple flowers.
With one last glance at the girl he wronged, Avery went back to the dungeons.
##############
As Head Boy, Tom had many duties he found quite tedious. Patrolling was one of them. Catching foolhardy teenagers was in his view rather pointless as they would find other modes of mischief to employ. On this occasion, it gave him time to think.
Harry had saved the entire school from Dementors, with four bloody Patronuses. As if Tom needed further evidence that Harry had more power in her Core than most other witches. Watching the silver dragon burn its foes, the stag ram the soul-suckers and the werewolf and Grim tearing their prey was … the epitome of magic. The Light spell had been just as savage as any Dark spell Tom studied. For the first time, Tom had felt safe – protected by another.
The person he had betrayed in order to try and win Arcturus Rosier to his side. Tom had tried to convince himself the entire time that it was worth it. Rosier's family were affluent, well-connected, powerful and Arcturus stood to inherit it all. Potter-Peverell was all of this, especially with having two prominent names under her belt, and yet had chosen to hide it from seemingly everyone around her. Tom had not – and still didn't – understood why. He wouldn't admit it to himself at first, but he had been rather jealous of her. She was an orphan, like him, but she still had everything Tom wish he had.
Tom had initially tried to quell any remorse he felt by repeatedly telling himself he had done the right thing, but the sliver of doubt that had entered his head refused to leave. Avery was slipping from his side – he could feel it. Avery had given him attitude the entire evening and was gloomy, which was unusual for him. When Avery left the common room without any explanation, Tom had frowned. Under a Disillusionment Spell, Tom had followed Avery to the Hospital Wing and had watched his friend simply sit there by Harry's side without so much as saying a word.
When Avery conjured the flowers, Tom felt a knot form in his stomach. As soon as Avery was gone, Tom had made himself visible. He simply stood at the bed end, barely even looking at Harry, as though it hurt to look at her.
Tom growled to himself. Why the hell am I even here?
As he turned away, he heard Harry twist and turn behind him. Tom sharply turned back to see Harry's serene expression contort in fear and pain. "Mama … Papa… no…" he heard her whimper.
Nightmares. Harry suffered from nightmares. Tom frowned and stepped towards her again and looked towards the flowers Avery conjured. For the first time in a while, Tom grinned. He pointed his white-and-brown wand towards the flowers and muttered a series of complicated spells.
A calming blue glow emanated from the flowers and a good moment later, Harry stilled once more, enjoying a peaceful sleep. Tom had nodded in satisfaction and had promptly left before someone saw him and got the wrong idea.
Tom smiled to himself as he continued his patrol.
###################
"-it has been more than ten hours! Shouldn't she be awake?"
"Those Patronuses were insane … since when could she …"
"- she looks like death-"
"Orion, she conjured four Patronuses and fended off thirty Dementors! Of course she'll look a little peaky."
Harry's head beat like a drum but the voices that drifted in and out of her ear pulled her back into the planes of the living. When her eyes shot open, Harry was met with the very familiar sight of the hospital wing. It was rather comforting that nothing had changed in that department! Perhaps also slightly worrying.
"Harry! She's awake! Madam Abernathy, Harry is awake!"
As Harry groaned and clutched her head, she felt two pairs of hands help her into a sitting position, and position the pillows properly. As her wits slowly returned and the fog in her mind dissipated, Harry saw quite an extensive group sitting beside her, or at the foot of her bed. Orion, Artemis, Loreley, Minerva, Druella, Walburga, Ophelia, Ygraine and War. Harry chuckled a little. "If you think I look bad now, you probably do not want to know what I looked like after I faced one hundred of those damned things."
"One hundred?!" the group chorused, gaping.
"Was meant to be protection," Harry scoffed. "It backfired."
"You don't say!" Druella snorted. She embraced Harry tightly. "Merlin, the shit you had to go through."
"Druella, a lady does not swear!" Walburga scolded.
"A lady also does not go on verbal tirades against the entire Quidditch team, but that did not stop you!" Druella shot back.
Raucous laughter broke out among the group. Artemis turned to Harry, who was frowning in puzzlement. "You should have seen it, Harry! Too bad you fainted. Black was brilliant – gave them all a good piece of her mind, she did. Even Lament left with his tail between his legs."
"He deserves more than that, the bitter leech," War snarled viciously. "He had the raw nerve to laugh when you collapsed!"
"What?" Harry said weakly.
"You don't remember?" Minerva frowned. "After you cast the Patronus and saved the whole school, you asked if anyone had chocolate and passed right out onto the floor. The teachers could not catch you on time. Professor Griffith carried you straight to Madam Abernathy."
As if on cue, the matron herself appeared, a beaming smile on her face. "Ah, Miss Evans! Awake before breakfast. How fortuitous. People have been popping in and out to see you but we have had to limit the number who get to stay. Professor Dumbledore gave me a list of your closest friends who were permitted to stay longer. As you can probably tell."
"I practically bribed him to!" Orion informed the matron proudly, the girls rolling their eyes at his antics.
"Now, now, Mr. Black," Madam Abernathy sounded more fond than stern. She really was the polar opposite to Madam Pomphrey; it was quite relaxing actually. "How do you feel, Miss Evans? Any nausea? Any headaches?"
"Not anymore," Harry answered truthfully. "I do feel woozy."
"That is to be expected! I have already instructed your friends to give you as much chocolate – solid or liquid – to counteract the effects of the Dementors but other than that, you have no head trauma or something serious. You are free to go, but I do advise taking it easy today. Naturally I want you to come back if you feel anything else or if your condition rears its head."
"Of course," Harry smiled smally. "But I am dismissed?"
"Yes! Go and have breakfast. The teachers have extended the time in your honour."
Harry's friends had helped Harry into a fresh uniform – Druella and Walburga had been guarding Harry's school bag – and the group set off towards the Great Hall. They were eagerly informing Harry of Dippet's fury and that he had immediately set off for London to convene with the Minister for Magic about why Dementors had come to Hogwarts. The rumour mill had naturally spun a web of wild stories, ranging from rogue Azkaban Dementors to Grindelwald becoming desperate for a way into Hogwarts. Then Loreley relayed something very interesting to Harry.
"They came to visit you know."
Harry frowned. "Who?"
"Riddle, Avery and Nott. Not together, but they did."
Ophelia gave an uncharacteristic snort. "It is a wonder they did nothing to her if that is the case!"
"I should have given Dumbledore a Under-No-Circumstance-Let-These-Idiots-Near-Harry list," Orion grumbled.
Harry scoffed. "Why would they of all people visit me?"
"I don't know. I saw them. Nothing more," Loreley replied serenely.
"You should have hexed them," Artemis growled.
"No," Harry contradicted coolly. "We will not stoop to their level."
"Harry, cold blooded vengeance is in our House's nature-" Ygraine began.
"They will get what is coming to them. But I want to do it my way," Harry told them with a sly smirk. "I already have a plan. I was going to do it last night but Dementors threw my plan out of the window."
"Can you at least give a hint?" War questioned eagerly.
Harry smiled sinisterly. "All I will say is this: Orion, if you notice some of your less-than-orthodox books going missing, don't worry. You will get them back when I am done with those back-stabbing traitors."
"OK," Orion answered unsurely.
"Oh, by the way I nearly forgot," Minerva interrupted before Orion could question Harry. "Harry, your family is coming to talk to Dippet and Dumbledore this morning. You may be called to their office after breakfast."
Harry blanched. Thanatos, Hypnos and Melinoë? Were they really coming to Hogwarts? Wasn't that a bit too much of a risk?
Not when you are involved, Harry.
Harry's smile broadened. Thanatos. I am sorry about all this.
Nonsense. The one who will be sorry is Grindelwald. I really cannot wait until Atropos lets me reap his soul.
So, all three of you are coming?
Harry questioned curiously.
Yes, and your ancestors too. They insisted.
Are you mad?! Dumbledore will know!
No he will not.
Thanatos sounded way too happy for Harry's liking. We have put a godly glamour on them that not even the great Albus Dumbledore can see through. Antioch and Ignotus are rather looking forward to scolding him face to face. Cadmus is actually the normal of the three for once!
That's a first,
Harry chuckled.
Indeed. My Lady, may I congratulate you on how skilfully you handled the situation?
Thanks, but it wasn't anything new.
Yes it was. I felt your magic, Harry.
Harry scowled a little. You know I have four Patronuses now.
I do. I would have been surprised if you didn't.
Why do I have four Patronuses?
I will explain later. I promise. It will be best if we talk face to face.
Harry wanted to argue but she couldn't, for she and her group of friends had arrived at the Great Hall. As soon as people noticed her, a few got to their feet and began applauding quite loudly. A few eyed her with suspicion or awe. The Gryffindors were all chanting, "She's not dead! She's not dead! Grindelwald got his arse kicked!"
As for the Slytherins, almost all eyes were on Harry. From the few she briefly met, Harry could tell the animosity had wavered slightly; there was even some gratitude to be found. But nothing that told her she was remotely considered a Slytherin again. The eyes of Riddle and his beloved Knights lingered on her the longest. Harry dared to hope she saw relief in Nott's eyes but soon pushed that thought away almost immediately.
Harry wasn't given much time to ponder it further, because Artemis – scolded by Minerva – dragged Harry to the Gryffindor table and began plating her breakfast plate with bacon, pancakes and syrup, then pouring her a cup of hot chocolate, much to Harry's surprise. Apparently the elves had anticipated her presence. Harry was appalled at first, which caused Orion, War and many of the surrounding Gryffindors to chuckle. Druella and Harry's other dorm mates shook their heads at Artemis' antics. Loreley smiled serenely. But soon Harry's stomach began to protest so she begrudgingly began on eating the mountain of food.
While Artemis, Septimus, Octavius and their friends discussed the Dementor attack, Orion, Minerva and Loreley were discussing whether Riddle's Knights' prophecies were actually fulfilled or not. Orion vehemently argued for yes, Minerva for no – she did not believe in the power of Divination – and Loreley was conspicuously on the fence. This worried Harry in particular. Harry preferred to listen in on her friends' conversations as she began mulling over her own Dorian Grey mystery and the prospect of three gods coming to Hogwarts.
The sound of owls hooting, coming in with the mail knocked Harry out of her thoughts. She looked up with everyone else. Almost every single owl that she could see was carrying the Daily Prophet. Owls whizzed over the Slytherin table, dodging owls heading to the Ravenclaw table while many owls heading to Hufflepuff and Gryffindor actually ended up colliding. One unfortunate bird almost fell into Harry's pancakes but with her Seeker reflexes, she managed to save her breakfast.
Unfortunately, Harry almost dropped her breakfast in shock when she read over Artemis' shoulder the headline of the Prophet.
SEVENTH YEAR WITCH SAVES SCHOOL FROM SUSPECTED GRINDELWALD ATTACK
Yesterday was the debut Quidditch game of the season for Hogwarts, Slytherin House versus Hufflepuff House, but unlike most Quidditch matches, this one took a turn for the worst in a different matter than a player being hit out of the sky by a Bludger. Reports have been filed at the Ministry about an attack made by rogue Dementors of origins unknown, who somehow managed to get past the wards at Hogwarts.
However, if rumours are to be believed, the reason why no casualties had mounted, was because Hogwarts had a very well prepared student. By all accounts, one seventh-year witch who recently came to Hogwarts single-handedly cast the Dementors out with a very powerful Patronus Charm! We can all thank Merlin and Morgana that this girl, who has not been named for security reasons by Headmaster Dippet, was there to save the day!
The question is, could something like this happen again, given that there maybe something amiss with the wards around Hogwarts?
Harry didn't even try to hold back her frustration at that point. Several silver lightning bolts flew into the air, narrowly missing the fleeing owls. "OH FOR FU-"
"Harry, language!" Minerva, and many of the Gryffindors, chorused, cutting her off quickly.
"IT NEVER BLOODY ENDS!" Harry wailed in frustration, smacking her head quite hard onto the table, causing many of the surrounding people from all Houses to wince. "HE IS GOING TO KNOW!"
"He might not," Orion supplied helpfully. "After all, I managed to get my siblings into trouble for the prank I did once. I managed to enchant to portraits of some of our more unpleasant ancestors to make unsavoury comments to anyone who walked by and by this point everyone knew I had a talent for trouble-"
"Orion, shut up," Artemis advised.
Harry started mentally berating herself for being so stupid. She kept hitting her head against the table until Minerva conjured a pillow under Harry's head, much to the latter's chagrin. It was at this precise moment that Professor Dumbledore approached the Gryffindor table.
"Miss Evans, I am truly sorry to inconvenience you further, but your family and family friends have just arrived in the Headmaster's office." For once, Dumbledore looked truly apologetic and Harry almost had to laugh.
Harry sighed deeply, got up and picked up her bag like it carried the weight of the world. "Thank you, Professor. I have just found I have completely lost my appetite."
Dumbledore smiled sadly and did her the courtesy of not asking any questions or making any kind of small talk on the way to the Headmaster's office. Harry was already in a volatile mood and by this point, everyone would know the outcome of anyone antagonising the young witch further.
When Dumbledore and Harry entered the Headmaster's office, they found Dippet practically cowering behind his desk as he was being berated by three irate portraits and also three very vexed but well-disguised deities. Thanatos and Hypnos, disguised as Thomas and Henry Burke, wore well-cut suits while Melinoë wore a neat blouse, high-waist trousers, a Victorian style jacket and combat boots.
"She is supposed to be protected here! You call this protection?!" Melinoë barked.
"If a single hair on my great-great-great-great-niece's head is harmed, I will find a way to curse your insufferable institution! And then your lineage!" Antioch exploded.
"I have half a mind to withdraw Harry from this farce of a school and continue her parents' tradition of home-schooling!" Thanatos threatened.
Harry couldn't help her smirk of amusement at watching literal immortals put the fear of the gods into the Headmaster.
"Oh dear," Dumbledore commented, his tone dipped in amusement.
"Indeed, sir," Harry replied fondly.
Dippet attempted to regain control of the situation as he peeked up from behind his desk. "N-n-now l-let's n-n-not do anything h-h-hasty." His face lit up when he caught sight of Dumbledore and Harry. "Ah, Professor Dumbledore, you found Miss Evans! And not a moment too soon!"
Harry resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Thanatos, Hypnos and Melinoë swung around immediately and – performing the role of worried guardians perfectly – rushed to embrace Harry and looked her over.
"Nothing broken?" Thanatos asked, eyes dancing with amusement. "No headaches, no latent nausea?"
"No, sir," Harry reassured with a slight smirk.
"Any latent wooziness? Have you had some chocolate yet?" Hypnos pressed further.
"I have had hot chocolate at breakfast, and I do have a bit of a headache, but that's because of the damn Prophet," Harry responded candidly. She gritted her teeth. "How in the hell did they find out?!"
"Apparently the Prophet was tipped off anonymously," Cadmus informed coolly. Harry had to bite her cheek so as not to outright laugh at the 'disguise' put on him. Apparently one of the gods had a sense of humour because they made him look like a mad scientist. Harry hoped Cadmus had not seen himself in a mirror, or he would freak. "We have no idea how they got it."
"Brilliant," Harry stated snarkily. "Just brilliant."
"W-w-we w-will be reinforcing Hogwarts' wards," Headmaster Dippet informed, swallowing a little as the glare of Harry's godly friends and portrait family turned back onto him. "To ensure this does not happen again."
"They should have been reinforced in the bloody first place!" Ignotus snapped. Dippet shrank back into his chair again. "Merlin, how you haven't had stray magical creatures just wonder in before is a mystery at this point! Bloody incompetent!"
Thanatos turned to Dumbledore. "We have some family matters to discuss with Harry in private. Would it be all right to take a walk with her for a bit around the castle?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Absolutely. Miss Evans, what is your first lesson today?"
"History of Magic, sir," Harry replied.
"Splendid! I will let Professor Binns know you will be late," Dumbledore stated. He bowed to the three portraits and deities. "It was a pleasure to meet you. Have a good day." With that, he left.
Hypnos blinked and chuckled. "Odd fellow," he commented.
"Indeed," Harry agreed as she picked up Ignotus' portrait. She smiled apologetically at the Headmaster. "Thank you, sir. Have a good day."
"Y-y-you too, Miss Evans."
The odd family left the Headmaster's office, Harry carrying Ignotus, Thanatos carrying Antioch and Hypnos carrying Cadmus. Once she was certain they were out of earshot of anyone, Harry began to laugh. "Merlin, you guys should have been gods of theatre! You were really good!"
"Because most of the anger is genuine," Thanatos pointed out. "Whoever told the Prophet has just likely put you in danger."
"I still feel like cursing that wretched man," Antioch growled. "Dumbledore along with him."
Harry said nothing to try and dissuade her ancestor from that thought. Instead, she turned her attention onto why they were here. "So, my magic has changed. I have four Patronuses."
"Yes," Thanatos smiled. "I am afraid this is quite normal for the Mistress of Death."
"But why?" Harry asked as they walked by the Fat Friar who took a double take at Harry's companions before flying off in horror.
"A Patronus is more than just a spirit animal. It is essentially the symbol of the people or person with whom you feel the strongest or in some cases, love the most," Thanatos explained. "Alive or dead, does not matter. Your parents, your godfather and the uncle you were supposed to have: in this time or another, they will always protect you. Your Core was already big as a child, before you become the Mistress of Death. Your birth right simply expanded it. That's why you have four corporeal Patronuses – you are powerful enough for it."
Harry kept quiet for a good forty seconds, absorbing the information. "The goblins called me a Traveller. Antioch, Cadmus, Ignotus as well. Is that … normal … for a Master or Mistress of Death."
"Entirely," Antioch assured. "Death has no firm ties to time and space. Once you can control your powers better, you can pop into one time period from another very easily. Though I must say, do not use that power too often. It could cause some issues for both yourself and time."
"Wasn't planning on it," Harry assured.
"In any case, you need to be trained," Cadmus stated. "Your magic has gotten more volatile and sentient since your extra power boost, so you need to be trained to keep it under control. You also need to learn the basics of soul magic, communing with the dead, and combat to start with. I think you will start with Soul magic and Death Infusion, first."
"Combat?" Harry repeated, raising an eyebrow,. "I know how to fight-"
"Not with magic, young one," Ignatius cut across gently. "Some dead or undead are not friendly. They will fight against you, because they know you can take them regardless. They are also immune to magic so you will have to learn to fight with weapons that can fight them."
Harry was about to answer when along came the resident poltergeist, Peeves. Up until now, she had somehow managed to escape the irritating pranks and babble of the trickster. Peeves' face lit up. "Ickle new kiddie out of class!" he cackled. "Wait till I tell-"
To her surprise the poltergeist floated firmly in one spot, staring in absolute fear at Thanatos and Melinoë. In an instant, Peeves' demeanour changed. "AAAAAHH! Please milord, milady, I mean nothing by it. Nothing – bye new kiddie!"
Peeves was gone as quickly as he came, leaving Harry nonplussed. The rest of her companions however, chuckled.
"Because the dead are dead, they can see past glamours," Thanatos informed with a grin. "And they know who we are."
Harry blanched. "So Peeves knows I am-"
"No, no," Cadmus reassured quickly. "Not unless you show your true power. You may smell of death to them, but they do not know instinctively."
Harry sighed in relief but then stopped. "That could change, though."
"It could," Melinoë agreed. "As for the living, they will see you as a threat. They will not know why for certain, but something about you will always be off to them."
Harry thought to herself. Riddle, the Knights, Artemis, Orion, Druella, her dorm mates – they all knew something was up with her the moment they met her. It dawned on her that they acted like that because she's the Mistress of Death. Not just because she lied.
"Will they ever see me for me?" she found herself asking.
"Loyal mortals will," Hypnos told her with a small smile. "But even then – there is a difference between Life and Death, thus there will always be some kind of … wall between you and those you care about."
Harry's heart sank.
"On the bright side, it will make your Curse-breaking easier," Melinoë stated with a grin. "You will be able to discern the difference between a living presence and a dead one."
"Useful indeed if one ever needs to enter a tomb," Antioch grinned.
"So when do we start?" Harry wanted to know as they drew closer to Binns' classroom.
"Tonight. I have left an Invisibility Cloak for you in your trunk. Athenaïs will come as well, since she needs to learn how to help defend you," Thanatos replied. "We will meet in your Come and Go Room."
"OK," she assented shortly. She stopped in front of Binns' door for a moment, when an idea popped into her head. Harry smirked. "Would you like to come in with me a moment?"
Hypnos' eyes widened comically. The three portraits began chuckling. Thanatos and Melinoë looked shocked and then nodded eagerly. Scaring ghosts never got old! Harry rapped her knuckles on the door three times.
"Enter!" Binns called.
Harry took a deep breath, bit into her cheek to stop herself from laughing and opened the door, stepping in with Thanatos and Melinoë close behind her, Ignotus and Antioch watching on eagerly. While almost all eyes were on Harry and her guests, unfortunately Binns had his back to the door.
"Sorry I'm late, sir. Hopefully Professor Dumbledore informed you I had a meeting," Harry stated trying to keep a straight face.
"Yes, indeed, Miss Evans. It is no problem-" Binns turned around at that precise moment and the chalk promptly fell from his spectral grasp onto the floor, and stared with mouth open and unblinking gaze at Thanatos and Melinoë.
Both tried not to laugh. Antioch and Ignotus bit their painted on cheeks.
"Everything all right, sir?" Harry asked brightly. "May I introduce Thomas Burke and Melanie Rollins? Friends of my family, as it turns out. They have taken up the mantle of guardians. Oh, and this is Uncle Ivar," she introduced nonchalantly holding up Ignotus' portrait, "and Uncle Anthony." She pointed at Antioch who was trying desperately not to start laughing.
However, Binns did not seem to hear her. Indeed, no sooner had she introduced her "Uncles" did he sink into a puddle of ectoplasm. While some of the Ravenclaws started crying out and the Slytherins were between shocked and amused, Thanatos strolled up to the professor and inspected him.
"Professor, everything all right?" the god of death asked jovially.
Blub-blub-blub, answered the gooey puddle that was Professor Binns.
Thanatos straightened, chuckling. "Fret not, children. Your teacher has simply fainted."
"Fainted?!" Surprisingly, that outcry came from Dolohov. "How in Merlin's dirty underpants can a ghost faint?!"
"Like so," Thanatos replied, pointing at the bubbling puddle of ectoplasm like it should be obvious. He turned to Harry. "My apologies, Harry, had I known Melanie and I would cause this reaction we would never have come in with you."
Harry let out a snort. "Sure, Mr. Burke. Sure," she drawled, once again emulating Snape.
Melinoë tried to look apologetic. "I do hope he recovers soon." She then turned her attention to the board. "I see you are studying alchemy in Medieval Europe! Such a fascinating subject. Oooo, maybe we can ask old Nicholas to send you some material."
Harry grinned at her godly friend's acting but at the same time heard she was rather serious. "Thank you, Melanie."
The goddess of ghosts embraced her young friend and took Ignotus' portrait from her hands. She then turned a bright smile to the Ravenclaws and then to the Slytherins with a smaller one. "Bye! Have a good lesson. Harry, apologise again to your teacher for us, would you?"
"Will do!" Harry laughed. "Oh and tell Henry his song worked a little too well!"
"It worked just fine, you imp!" the class heard an indignant call from outside.
Thanatos, Melinoë and the portraits left chuckling. Harry, laughing heartily, took her spot next to an equally amused Loreley.
"They are even better in real life," Loreley stated whimsically.
"They are, aren't they?" Harry agreed with a grin. "I should introduce you to them properly soon."
"I would like that very much," Loreley replied, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Interesting relatives you have there, Evans," one of the Ravenclaws commented with a sneer. "They managed to make an undead teacher faint!"
"What can I say?" Harry cackled. "My family is very, very scary."
Loreley laughed out loud at that, causing many, including her brother, to look at though they had never heard her laugh. Harry secretly betted none of them did ever hear Loreley Malfoy laugh.
After a minute, Binns seemed to be able to put himself together, but he had to sit down for the rest of the lesson. It had to be said he was slightly muddled as he mixed together Paracelsus, Nicholas Flamel and Dr. John Dee multiple times. Indeed, he looked at Harry as though he could now see that there was something untoward about her. Harry in turn smiled apologetically at him and tried her utmost best to avoid any and all eye contact with her History teacher for the rest of the lesson.
After class, as Loreley and Harry walked to Charms, Walburga and Druella caught up with them.
"So, how did the meeting with Headmaster Dippet go? Are your family going to sue?" Druella asked immediately.
"All but," Harry responded, sighing quite deeply. "Uncle Anthony threatened to curse Dippet's lineage and Mr. Burke threatened to withdraw me from Hogwarts."
Druella and Walburga paled. "He can't … can he?" Walburga whispered.
"Under the law, he could," Harry replied. "To protect the only surviving Lady Regnant of her House. Statute 614 B, I think it is."
"She's right," Druella sighed. "If an ally of a House or member of a lesser line sees the Heir or the Head of House in danger, they are allowed to intervene. I just hope they don't, this time." Druella slung an arm around Harry. "We'd miss you too much."
Harry snorted. "You would. Walburga would, Loreley too. Artemis and Orion. Maybe Minerva. The rest? They'll survive."
"Nonsense," Walburga sniffed. "Ophelia, Ygraine and War would beat Tom and his Knights to a pulp in retribution. Besides those boys may be stupid beyond belief, but they would miss you. Some of them already do."
Harry chuckled mirthlessly as they took their seats in the back of McCullagh's classroom. She found herself regarding Tom and his friends coldly when they entered the room and immediately caught her eye. A few, Avery, Nott and Lestrange, ducked away from her gaze. Harry scoffed and got her books out.
Little did she know that somewhere in the Austrian mountains one of the most feared Dark Lords of the 20th century had read his copy of the Daily Prophet with great interest. Gellert Grindelwald had to laugh with glee.
His little Cursebreaker could cast the Patronus Charm! And by all accounts, it had been a very impressive display. His spy at Gringotts had written that his informant had said the girl had managed to conjure four corporeal Patronuses. That had impressed Vida, Queenie and Credence, all of whom were very difficult to impress.
Tossing the paper aside and swishing his hand elegantly for his LP to start playing, Gellert began doing a mini celebration dance. Dippet had been an even greater fool for not updating Hogwarts' wards and apparently Albus had not done anything to them either, and it had almost cost them dearly! Gellert loved the chaotic element to his strategies and no doubt the British wizards would be thrown into a panic. It was music to his ears!
Queenie and Credence watched their friend and leader through a crack in the door.
"I wonder what he'll do when this girl manages to figure out the portrait puzzle," Credence commented in a low tone to which Queenie, despite trying, couldn't resist giggling.
"At least he is entertained," Queenie pointed out. "He is truly insufferable when he is bored."
Oh yes, a bored Dark Lord – a recipe for disaster. The more this girl entertained Grindelwald the better.
################
Well at least Grindelwald is having fun – yay? Oh dear. So, Harry's training is set to begin, at long last. The Mistress of Death is going to learn exactly how her powers work and cause no certain amount of mischief for those who had wronged her. About time too. The song Nott sings is written entirely by me. It is my creation.
Orion: She is going to steal my books! My poor books. What if Tom burns them? Umbreon, don't let him burn my books.
I am sure she will buy you new ones, Orion, if it does happen, hahaha. OK guys, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and would love to hear your thoughts!
Kingmaker'sUmbreon