The Guile of the Traveller

by Kingmaker'sUmbreon

After being hit by the Killing Curse, Harry finds herself in a limbo that looks a lot like Kings Cross station. Deciding that the remnant of Voldemort's soul does deserve a chance at redemption, Harry finds herself in London, 1944. However, Harry soon makes a name for herself, and discovers that adventure and drama followed her everywhere, including into the past.

40. Chapter 40

CHAPTER FORTY

"We are actually doing this, oh Merlin, we are actually doing this. Oh, boy, oh Merlin, oh Morgana have mercy. Is it too late to change my mind?"

"Yes, it is! Come on, Orion. You are not telling me that you have stage fright, do you?"

Harry was practically dragging the Heir to the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black into the Great Hall, which was a sea of bright reds, golds, blues and bronzes, the morning of the Quidditch game between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. The Lady Regnant had been combating the case of cold feet that the heir to one of the most prominent pureblood families in Great Britain was suffering from, from the moment they met up in the common room all the way to the Great Hall. Altair, Arcturus, Tom, his Knights and Harry's girls – as they were nicknamed by the Knights – followed along behind them, enjoying the comedy show before them.

The Traveller was heading towards the sea of red and gold at the Gryffindor table, her hand imprisoning one of Orion's wrists rather firmly, with the boy in question pouting like a petulant child who was about to be get a scolding for misbehaving. Artemis, who had piled her plate high for once to stock up on some much needed energy, shook her head at this sight. "Harry, did Orion sneak one of your treacle tarts yesterday again, because you look like you're about to put him in the naughty corner?"

A cacophony of chuckles ran around their friends and the eavesdropping Gryffindors.

Harry snorted. "If he had done that, he would have gotten ten Nose-Biting Tea cups in his bed! No, Orion here thinks he can flake on the agreement we made with Headmaster Dippet and chicken out of being my partner today when we spent a good portion of yesterday evening going through all the names of the teams and making entertaining introductions! I even stopped my marking to work on them."

"Oh, Merlin," the twins chorused, looking ever-so slightly worried at this point.

Altair grinned at them. "I heard some of the stuff they came up with. I hope you guys don't fall of your brooms because these two are probably going to ensure sides get split today."

"Altair, you promised not to blab," Harry reminded him, giving the Nott heir a pointed look.

Altair smiled angelically. "I am behaving, don't worry."

"Uh-huh, permit me to doubt that. If I didn't have Arcturus to help me check how much information comes out of your mouth, half the school would know by now. Less blabbing, more eating," Harry shook her head fondly at him as she decided to finish the last of her marking.

"Yes, ma'am," Altair promptly busied himself with his fruit salad, much to everyone's amusement. Well, Dolohov wasn't as amused. The sour-faced Russian scoffed in disbelief and glared at him coldly.

"Bloody amoeba," he commented harshly as lowly as he could manage.

Unfortunately, Dolohov wasn't as quiet as he hoped he was, judging by the dark looks from Loreley, Artemis, Orion, Arcturus and Harry as Altair deflated visibly. The Weasleys looked almost disappointed they were not already facing Slytherin on the pitch while Minerva looked set to turn him into a pin cushion. Walburga, Ophelia and Ygraine were busy restraining Druella, who looked set to turn him into a tea pot and use him to make a cup of tea just to add to the humiliation.

"Caius!" Tom snarled venomously, eyes flashing ruby momentarily. "Hold your tongue!"

"If you know what is good for you," Harry added dangerously, her eyes turning to silver.

Dolohov had the good sense to duck his head and focus on his jam and toast.

Fortunately the atmosphere, and likely what was left of Dolohov's blistered pride, was saved by the arrival of Orion's grandfather, who was wearing blue and bronze with his usual black, green and silver, wearing a small smile on his face. "Good morning, children! My dear Lions, are you all prepared?"

"Yes, sir!" the Gryffindor team chorused politely; well, the ones who didn't have their mouths full or bus drinking their tea or coffee did.

The interim Ancient Runes professor beamed at them. "Well, I wish you luck today." He then turned to look at Orion, who was blatantly trying to avoid his gaze. "Orion, Miss Harry, I am very much looking forward to your commentary as well. I have heard quite the report about Miss Harry's talent for infuriating Albus, and I am very curious to see if the same will happen today."

"Most likely, I am afraid, sir," Harry admitted with a grin.

Sirius Black smirked and then composed himself. "Well, I better go and get some breakfast because I don't think I will be able to sit through a Quidditch game on an empty stomach. I admit I am not one to watching a game on most days but while poor Professor Babbling is still recuperating, I am forced to oblige the rest of the faculty with my presence. I do hope they have bacon again today!"

Orion breathed out a sigh of relief as soon as his grandfather was out of earshot. "Can I not just cast a Disillusionment Charm on myself for the whole game? Or can't someone use some Polyjuice Potion to turn into me and take over so I don't have to do this?"

"Orion, why are you such a drama queen?" Druella rolled her eyes. "You will be fine! If your grandfather has no issue with you going into business with a half-blood Lady Regnant, he is not going to have a hissy fit about this. I think he would be more disappointed in you if you didn't give him a show like he clearly wants!"

Orion sipped his tea nervously.

"Orion, breathe," Walburga stated kindly. "It will be fine. I am pretty sure Uncle Arcturus and Aunt Melania do not mind you doing this, or you would have received a Howler by now. So, take a few breaths and relax!"

Harry raised an eyebrow at her. "And why did you not just tell him all of this before?"

Mischief for once danced in the eyes of the Black heiress. "Because your quibble was just too amusing to stop prematurely!"

Harry scoffed. "Gee, thanks, Wally. Glad to know I can count on you the next time!"

At least Orion had the good sense to listen to his fiancée. He closed his eyes, breathed in, counted to ten and then breathed out again, repeating the process at least three times. Loreley decided to distract the Black Heir further from his nerves by showing him her awesome banner and the eagle headdress that reminded Harry so much of Luna's design that it was almost uncanny.

"So, how many of us are supporting Ravenclaw and how many are supporting Gryffindor?" the Traveller dared to ask the possibly dangerous question.

"Abraxas is supporting the Eagles, as are Tom, Avery, Mulciber, Dolohov, Ophelia and Ygraine," Altair spoke up carefully, his smile slowly returning. "Arcturus, Walburga, Druella, Heron and I are supporting Gryffindor."

Harry noticed the sad tinge that lingered in his voice and gave his arm a quick, reassuring squeeze, for which he smiled gratefully.

"I am glad they are keeping me company," Minerva stated. "I might not survive Tessa and Billy's enthusiasm, despite the fact that I have had to put up with it for five to six years."

"Hey, Minnie, I think you should be worried about dying of laughter this time," Billy piped up with a grin.

"Oh yes, how could I forget about the comedy duo taking to the commentating box?" Minerva sighed, her voice dripping with snarky sarcasm.

"Do you think the weather will behave itself?" Ignatius threw the question into the mix. "The weather witches said that the weather might be going a bit haywire today, switching from one condition to the other."

"Well, as long as the weather forecast says, 'zero percent chance of freezing due to an impromptu Dementor attack', I don't particularly care," Harry stated as she finished her boiled egg – she had managed to pilfer the last one this time!

"Here, here!" the Gryffindor team concurred immediately.

Loreley was humming a jaunty tune to herself, looking unbearably smug for some odd reason. Artemis was not happy about this; Harry was as yet undecided about what to feel about that. What made her a little nervous, was that Abraxas was trying not to smirk his face off.

Harry could admit that the haywire weather conditions predicted for the day wasn't entirely implausible considering how nippy it was outside. The Scottish winter gale was blisteringly cold, ensuring that the students had to put Warming Charms around each other as well as wear their scarves, cloaks and gloves. The sky looked set to start throwing out everything from snow to rain to lightning. When Harry and Orion got to the commentating booth, happy that the wind had not blown them off the stairs leading up to it, they both conjured cushions and put Warming Charms on them to make sure that their behinds could remain nice and toasty throughout the game.

"Black, Evans, I am warning you right now: unbiased commentary ONLY!" Dumbledore felt the need to 'remind' them two minutes before the start of the game.

Harry and Orion gave each other knowing looks and slightly evil smirks. It was far more likely that a unicorn would prance into the Quidditch pitch wearing a nice pink tutu than it was for those two to adhere to that order!

The duo then waited for Headmaster Dippet, who knew that the two children were not going to listen because he was born in the 1600s and not yesterday, for the signal to start speaking and when they finally got it – along with a knowing wink – the commentators gave each other a curt nod as Harry switched on the microphone.

"Good morning everyone! I hope you guys are all awake and had enough coffee because you do not want to miss the second game of the season – Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw! The claws of the just and chivalrous Lion will be pitted against the talons of the brilliant, clever and creative Eagle! I am of course Harry Evans-"

"-and I am Orion Black!-"

"-and we will be your commentators for today!" they chorused, sounding almost as in sync as Septimus and Octavius sounded. "Is everybody ready?!"

The roaring of the crowd was almost deafening, causing Harry to laugh.

The Lady Regnant moved back in front of the mic. "Orion, we have a lively crowd today who are all eager for a good show and I have been told that if Dementors show up without a ticket they will be evicted from the premises!"

"As they should be. So rude to show up uninvited," Orion tutted as the laugher went up an octave.

"Indeed! Oooo I can just about see them; our main characters in this play are about to come out! Will this be a comedy or will this be a tragedy of epic proportions? We will just have to wait and see. So, tell us a bit about our cast, my friend!" Harry continued, suddenly wishing she had cup of coffee.

Orion grinned as he spoke. "Well Harry, for Ravenclaw, we have Captain Marian Turpin, Chaser, Quintin Quirrell as another Chaser, Elias Goldstein as the final Chaser, Margaret MacDougal as Keeper, Jack Davies and Gerald Court as Beaters and Charlotte Spiers as Seeker!"

"For the first years and only transfer student present, tell us some fun facts if you please!" Harry smiled as the Ravenclaws kicked off into the air.

"Of course, my friend! Marian Turpin is very happy you are not Slytherin Seeker anymore because otherwise the school might find themselves spontaneously with some new brooms because apparently you're that scary-"

Dumbledore already looked like he regretted not bringing a whiskey flask to the game. "Mr. Black!"

Orion, however, ignored the Transfigurations professor. "-Elias Goldstein has been attempting to outdo our Tom Riddle and Minerva McGonagall for years, despite being a sixth year, and I am happy to report he has been failing miserably on that front though he keeps getting EEs in his sleep-"

"MR. BLACK!"

"-MacDougal has been called the Bane of Wood because she has a pretty good track record in the Keeping business much to Jonathan Wood's chagrin, Davies and Court have a habit of hitting the Bludgers towards their own team mates which is why they are known as the Turncoats and Spiers has crashed into the stands a total of fifteen times over her Hogwarts Quidditch career while chasing the Snitch," Orion continued happily, ignoring the growling Head of Gryffindor sitting a few rows behind.

"Now we have the Gryffindors!" Harry stated happily as the red and gold whizzed up into the air.

"Indeed! We have Jonathan Wood, Captain and Keeper, Luke Wolpert, Katie Huxley and Yvonne Randall as Chasers, Septimus and Octavius Weasley as Beaters and Artemis Potter as Seeker!"

"For those of you who are confused about who Artemis looks like, take a closer look at my face but replace my eye colour and hideous scar with golden eyes and a normal looking forehead!" Harry added jovially. "And I wear green rather than red!"

Laughter could be heard from both sides of the pitch.

"Carry on, my friend," Harry chuckled.

"The Weasleys are known as the Red Menaces because of their deadly accuracy, Huxley has an uncanny ability to dodge Bludgers no matter how many times we Slytherins try to knock her out of the sky and Wood is hoping to actually make sure his Chasers get past MacDougal for once!" Orion continued dishing the gossip as the coach stepped out onto the pitch.

"Do you think Coach will give them 'have a nice clean game' lecture that she does with us?" Harry asked.

"Nope, because she assumes the Lions and Eagles have more class than that apparently. I mean, have you seen wild lions and eagles hunt, Coach?! They're savage! Snakes have to wait and aim their bite or they're toast," Orion sighed dramatically. "I don't think she's seen a honey badger in action either."

"Oh look, the Bludgers have been released, and so has the Snitch!" Harry watched the two black balls rocket into the sky and the golden zipper flit rapidly in front of Artemis and Spiers before disappearing out of sight. "The play is about to begin!"

"This is not a play, Miss Evans!" Dumbledore corrected sharply.

"Erm, excuse me sir, but there are favourite characters on both sides and each moment has drama and high tension with people no doubt making assumptions about who fancies who – it is absolutely a play!" Harry countered easily, as chortles once more arose around the stands.

The sharp whistle of the coach's whistle ran around the pitch as the Quaffle was flung up into the air.

"The Quaffle is released AND THE GAME BEGINS!" Harry and Orion chorused.

"Quirrell has the Quaffle for Ravenclaw!" Harry announced. "Quirrell zips towards the Gryffindor end, hounded by Wolpert, Huxley and Randall – Goldstein to his left; Quirrell passes to Goldstein! Goldstein catches, narrowly dodging Randall – Randall almost flies into the Ravenclaw stands but manages to save herself and her broom – Goldstein to Turpin, Turpin catches – BLUDGER ALERT! BLUDGER ALERT! No – not from one of the Red Menaces, it actually came from Court – oh dear, I had hoped Orion had been kidding – Court, you're not supposed to take out your own team mate, even seven-year-olds know this-"

"EVANS!"

"-just pointing out a fact, sir – Turpin dodges the Bludger, no doubt used to assassination attempts from her own side – Orion can you keep an eye on Sir's breathing? – Turpin shoots – WOOD DEFENDS! Quaffle now in the possession of Huxley – Huxley dodges Davies' Bludger – passes to Wolpert – Wolpert to Randall – Randall making nice shoulder pass to Huxley – what, sir, it was very good technique – Quirrell covering Wolpert, clever – Goldstein tries to cover Randall but has to dodge a Bludger launched from either Septimus or Octavius – can't tell from here – Huxley back to Randall – Randall manages to catch it just about – Randall heading for the Ravenclaw posts – where the hell is Wolpert, ah there he is – Randall tosses to Wolpert who shoots – BLUDGER ALERT! COURT, STOP TRYING TO TAKE OUT YOUR OWN TEAM MATES! MACDOUGAL IS FORCED TO DODGE AND LEFT HER GOALS OPEN! WOLPERT SHOOTS AND SCORES! 10 POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!"

The Lions were ecstatic. The Eagles – not so much.

"I did warn you, Harry," Orion stated into the microphone. "I do hope the Ravenclaw Captain for next year makes the clever decision and get themselves a pair of new Beaters because this is just painful to watch."

"Mr. Black! What did I say about unbiased commentary?!" Dumbledore seethed.

"We're just pointing out the obvious, sir!" Harry defended. "Anyway! The Quaffle is back in Goldstein's possession. Goldstein to Turpin – back to Goldstein – here come Huxley and Randall! – and it seems that the Red Menaces are eyeing Quirrell as their prey because there are now two Bludgers heading for him! – Nice dodge, Quirrell – OI! SEPTIMUS, OCTAVIUS, TRY NOT TO DAMAGE HIS FACE! HE DOESN'T HAVE A SECOND ONE TO FALL BACK ON!"

That sent many on both sides into fits of laughter. Behind her, a few of the teachers were desperately trying to maintain their countenance.

Dumbledore was less than amused. "EVANS!"

"What?! He doesn't have a second face!" Harry protested, trying to keep the Cheshire cat grin off her face.

Orion was now commentating. "Quirrell has the Quaffle – Quirrell dodges a game of Bludger ping-pong between Davies and one of the Weasleys – it is difficult to see who is aiming for who at present – Quirrell tosses over Wolpert's head and Turpin chases it – Turpin heading for Wood – Huxley and Randall in pursuit-"

"Oooooooo SNITCH ALERT! SNITCH ALERT!" Harry squealed into her microphone, her own Seeker eyes catching the glimmer of gold that was flitting around the Ravenclaw side of the field. "And Artemis Potter has seen it – Spiers, concentrate! It is to the Ravenclaw side of the pitch – I think this one might need glasses folks – my doppelgänger is in hot pursuit – pity she doesn't chase after Heron as fast-"

"EVANS!"

"What?! I want my mirror image to get her man, is that so bad? Artemis after the Snitch – Spiers after Artemis – Bludger hit by Octavius – I think – after Spiers – Bludger hit by Court after Spiers – Artemis dodges Bludgers like she dodges her feelings for a certain Heir Lestrange – Orion, why is Sir turning blue? – Well, folks it seems that Artemis and Spiers have both lost the Snitch on the account of one trying not to fall of her broom laughing and the other seems to have gone completely the wrong way-"

"TURPIN SCORES! 10 POINTS TO RAVENCLAW!" Orion yelled clapping enthusiastically. "Wood missed the Quaffle by the tip of his fingers and now Huxley is in possession of the Quaffle! Huxley to Wolpert – Wolpert to Randall – Randall to Huxley – Huxley ducks out of the way of a Bludger – Huxley to Randall – Randall feints and passes to Wolpert, confusing Goldstein almost as much as Ancients Runes does-"

"BLACK!"

"-I think Sir may need an inhaler, Harry-"

"-Agreed, Orion and maybe some whiskey too-"

"-Medicinal alcohol is not going to help here, my friend-"

"-Good point, maybe we should get him a hot water bottle and a comfort blankie then-"

"EVANS, BLACK!" Dumbledore wailed as people clutched their sides, trying to maintain the ability to breathe.

Harry was back to commentating. "Wolpert passes to Huxley – Snitch in pursuit of Huxley – Huxley passes to Randall – Snitch now above Randall's head – Randall passes to Wolpert – Snitch sits on her shoulder – Artemis and Spiers heading straight for Randall – Bludgers heading straight for the Seekers – no idea who fired them; it is literally anyone's guess! – I bet five Galleons on Court on one of them – breathe, Sir, breathe – Spiers almost crashes into Randall as the Snitch flies straight towards MacDougal with Artemis behind it – Wolpert to Huxley – Huxley to Randall – Randall dodges Turpin and another Bludger – Randall heads for MacDougal – GRYFFINDOR SCORES BECAUSE MACDOUGAL WAS TRYING TO SWAT THE SNITCH! 10 POINTS; IT COUNTS!"

"What is with this Snitch, folks?" Orion shook his head. "It is almost as though it wants to have fun."

"I wouldn't be surprised if that is the case – I mean imagine being stuck in a box your entire life!" Harry grinned. Suddenly white flakes started to descend from the sky. "Oh holy weather gods, it is beginning to snow!"

"YAAAAAAAY!"

Harry shook her head at his boisterous enthusiasm. "Orion, why are you so happy? We have sky dandruff falling on us! But I agree it could make this play even more fun than it already is. Let us see how the players adapt to these changes in circumstances!"

"Well, Loreley did say the weather gods would be having fun and right now it isn't snowing too hard – OH MORGANA'S QUESTIONABLY STAINED UNDERGARMENTS-"

"BLACK!"

"COURT HAS ONCE AGAIN DONE A BLUNDER: HIS BLUDGER HAS HIT BOTH RANDALL AND QUIRRELL OUT OF THE AIR!" Harry continued, ignoring the angry Head of Gryffindor behind her and Orion. "TURPIN, GET YOUR BLOODY RESERVE IN BEFORE THIS GUY KILLS SOMEONE!"

"EVANS, I WILL NOT SAY IT AGAIN!"

"Yes, you will, sir, please don't lie to me. Lying is really bad," Harry replied easily. "Well, everyone – there come Coach and the medics to see if both Randall and Quirrell are able to continue. If not, I think we can all agree we were witnessed to attempted double manslaughter."

"EVANS!"

Harry carried on ignoring the Head of Gryffindor. "So, while we wait for the medics' verdict, who wants to play a quick game of I Spy?"

"I do, Harry!" Orion squealed.

"OK, I Spy with my green Seeker eye something beginning with 'a'."

Orion lit up. "Oh I know this one! The answer is 'an absolute idiot named Gerald Court'!"

"Well, I was more going for 'assault' but that works as well," Harry quipped as she attempted to ignore the guffaws behind her and spied a few Gryffindors have to sit back down onto the benches behind them because they were laughing so hard. "What else can you tell me about these people, Orion?"

"Well, you will be happy to know that Davies and Court were once responsible for knocking out Neil Lament, which is honestly one of the best assassination attempts they ever tried to do – sir, could you please continue breathing? – MacDougal once got revenge on a bunch of us Snakes at Samhain by gathering together a bunch of the Scottish born witches and wizards and playing the bag pipes at unholy hours in the morning, Huxley can apparently shoot a bow and arrow quite well and Artemis and Wolpert used to date for a while believe it or not-"

"Oh no way!" Harry laughed.

"Yes way!" Orion confirmed with unadulterated glee. "Apparently it ended because Wolpert had switched Artemis' shampoo with shaving cream and well she didn't-"

"MR. BLACK, THIS IS NOT A GOSSIP SHOW!"

"It is now!" Harry and Orion chorused happily.

Fortunately for Dumbledore and his ability to breathe, Coach was soon back on the field followed by a patched up Quirrell and Randall, who both looked half in pain and half amused.

"Aaaaaaand they're back!" Orion continued, clapping with glee. "Both Quirrell and Randall are back up in the air! Whooohooo, no trip to St. Mungo's for the players yet this season, everyone!"

"Except of course for one of the commentators," Harry added with a slight smirk as she put an extra Warming Charm around her and Orion; it had gotten quite a bit colder now thanks to the snow.

"Ouch, Harry, I did not expect you to go there!" Orion winced, but laughing.

The Lady Regnant laughed heartily. "You should know me better than that by now, my friend." The whistle sounded. "AND THE GAME IS BACK ON! Since Court tried to murder a team mate as well as a Lion, there is no penalty shot – Quaffle in Goldstein's possession – Goldstein rocketing towards the Gryffindor end, dodges Bludgers from the Red Menaces – passes to Turpin – Turpin back to Goldstein – Randall tries to intercept – Randall misses – Goldstein shoots – RAVENCLAW SCORES! 10 POINTS! Wood missed that by a bloody millimetre, good grief that was close – oh great, more snow – Quaffle in Huxley's possession – Huxley shoots across the pitch – Snitch in pursuit of Huxley alongside Quirrell – Artemis and Spiers in pursuit of the Snitch – Snitch getting bored and now is saying hello to the commentators – hi, Artemis, bye, Artemis – Snitch now flying back down –"

"GRYFFINDOR SCORES! They are leading 30 points to Ravenclaw's 20!" Orion cheered. "Huxley managed to get that Quaffle all the way to the Ravenclaw side and tricked MacDougal into defending the wrong hoop! WELL DONE HUXLEY! VERY SLYTHERIN OF YOU!"

"BLACK!"

"What, sir? It's true! Besides everyone knows Huxley was a Hat Stall. Anyway, Harry, what's the Snitch Status?"

"The Snitch is currently flying rings around Davies' head, Orion. DAVIES, YOU ARE NOT KNOCKED OUT, THOSE ARE NOT BIRDS FLYING AROUND YOUR HEAD! And here come Artemis and Spiers – HOW THE FLYING F-"

"EVANS, DON'T YOU DARE SWEAR!"

Harry continued to ignore the old codger. "SPIERS JUST COLLIDED WITH A BEATER FROM HER OWN BLOODY TEAM! What kind of shambles are we watching here, people? Now we have to likely stop the ruddy game again because apparently the Ravenclaw Seeker doesn't even have control over her own broom! At this rate Gryffindor will win because more than half of the Eagles' team is taken out due to sheer incompetence."

"EVANS, UNBIASED COMMENTARY ONLY!"

For the first time in the game, Harry turned around fully. "Sir, you cannot sit there and tell me that this is not sheer incompetence! Look at Professor McCullagh's face – even she's embarrassed this is the team her House is stuck with." She turned back without so much as waiting for an answer from the apoplectic Head of Gryffindor. "And somehow those two didn't need to go to a medic? HOW?! Oh wait, Davies and Spiers managed to hang onto their brooms by the skin of their teeth. For goodness' sake. Well, at least that means we can get back to business sooner rather than later – WHY?! – NOW IT IS BLOODY RAINING!"

The sky above had indeed decided to stop with snowing and had apparently decided to switch tactic, and was very quickly beginning to bucket down its raindrops onto the Quidditch pitch below. People who had the sense to bring umbrellas started opening their umbrellas. Professor Chattox had the foresight, ironically enough, to bring two umbrellas and had passed one of them down to the two commentators, much to Orion's relief.

Harry continued with her commentary. "OK, while the weather gods decide to put a new track on, the Quaffle is in Quirrell's possession – Quirrell to Goldstein – Goldstein to Turpin – WOLPERT INTERCEPTS! Quirrell, Turpin and Goldstein in pursuit of Wolpert – here come the Bludgers of the Red Menaces – Goldstein dodges in time, as does Turpin – Wolpert tosses it over his shoulder and Huxley snatches it from literally underneath the Ravenclaws – Eagle Chasers now after Huxley – WOOD LOOK OUT! COURT ACTUALLY AIMS CORRECTLY FOR ONCE AND A BLUDGER IS HEADING STRAIGHT FOR THE GRYFFINDOR KEEPER! Whooohooo – Wood dodges! Quirrell, Turpin and Goldstein have Huxley, Randall and Wolpert all covered – Oh never mind, they had them covered – here come the Bludgers once more! – Huxley throws the Quaffle – ooo that girl has an impressive arm – unfortunately Goldstein had Wolpert still covered quite well – Goldstein towards the Gryffindor end, Wolpert in pursuit – Goldstein to Quirrell – Quirrell just manages to snatch it before Huxley could intercept – Quirrell over the shoulder to Turpin – Turpin catches – Turpin aims – WOOD BLOCKS! Quaffle now in Randall's possession – Snitch now being the second Gryffindor Keeper – Mr. Snitch, that is not your job – ah here come Artemis and Spiers! Hopefully Spiers doesn't crash into the hoops due to a lack of vision – would be kind of funny now that I think about it – Orion, do you hear shouting because I swear I hear someone malfunctioning behind us – oh and it looks like the Snitch has gotten bored of being Keeper and is making its way towards the Ravenclaw end to try their hoops or bully the Beaters – Artemis going for it – GREAT BUGGERING HIPPOGRIFFS! THAT WAS CLOSE – a Bludger was aimed for her arm but Artemis narrowly managed to save her arm from what could have been a nasty break – trust me I know, I had plenty of those – Spiers after the Snitch – Red Menaces aim a Bludger – Snitch flies through a Ravenclaw hoop – now another – and the third – Ravenclaw Seeker following suit – good gods this looks weird – Artemis cuts off the Snitch's path!"

"WOLPERT SCORES! MACDOUGAL MISSED ONLY JUST!" Orion added! "Gryffindor now leads with 40 points! I hate to admit it but Wood's militaristic training seems to be paying off."

Harry continued with the Snitch Status. "Artemis in pursuit of the Snitch, Snitch trying to shake her off with a slalom, Snitch heading once more towards the staff and commentator box – I think I am just going to duck down for a moment just in case – here comes Spiers – everyone brace yourselves – wait a minute – YEEEEEES! ARTEMIS POTTER CATCHES THE SNITCH ALMOST RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE COMMENTATORS' NOSES! GRYFFINDOR RECEIVES 150 POINTS FOR CATCHING THE SNITCH!"

The whistle sounded as Orion bellowed. "GRYFFINDOR WINS!"

A loud cacophony ensued from the red and gold side of the field. Harry and Orion whooped and applauded as Artemis hovered in front of them and gave a dramatic flourish and bow of the head, grinning manically like a Cheshire cat, Snitch in her right hand. Charlotte Spiers didn't look to happy but begrudgingly congratulated Artemis on a game well played.

"Merlin and Morgana!" Orion giddily giggled as they descended the stairs back down to the ground. "That was so much fun! We were on fire out there!"

"Yeah we were!" Harry agreed happily, giving her friend a quick arm hug. "I told you it would be fine, didn't I? See, see, see-"

"Yes, you have made your point. You can stop poking me now!" Orion laughed, batting Harry's hands away.

The two commentators met up with their friends, all of whom looked red from the cold but also looked like they had been dying of laughter at regular intervals. Minerva was looking unbearably smug while Loreley looked as serene as ever, clearly not bothered by the loss her House just suffered at all. Harry could only gauge why – until she remembered Loreley likely already knew the outcome of this match.

Stupid True Sight!

"You two were amazing!" Altair gushed as soon as he joined Harry and Orion. "I have no idea if you two noticed, but you even had some of the teachers laughing. I don't think I have ever seen a former Lord Black as much as I have seen your grandfather laugh, Orion. Merlin!"

"Almost everyone around us was also dying of laughter, mainly because of how furious Dumbledore was that you kept ignoring him," Arcturus added gleefully.

"Wonderfully entertaining, as always," Walburga praised them as she, Druella, Ophelia and Ygraine joined the conversation. Orion looked very pleased with the kiss on the cheek he received from his fiancée.

"Oh yes, you two going into business together is possibly one of the best ideas you have ever had," Druella agreed. "All doubts have been cast from my mind. I hope you have a good show planned for Slytherin's rematch with Hufflepuff because now you have set the standard very high indeed!"

"Wow, no pressure there, Dru," Harry commented sarcastically as the extensive group made their way back to the castle to prepare for second period.

"You cannot blame us for now making sure that you two don't become sloppy," Ophelia pouted. "We want a good show too; not that we didn't get one the last time it was just you alone. But this was just even better and well, we Slytherins don't settle for anything but the best, as you know."

"Which is why I still don't get why you won't return as Seeker," Avery butted in, looking a little miffed at Harry.

"Mainly because I want to uphold the deal I made with the Headmaster," Harry replied.

"He isn't going to put a stop to the Revision Club just because you don't commentate for the Slytherin games," Mulciber scoffed. "He would be stopping the very thing that is saving everyone's grades! He's not going to do that."

"I have made the mistake of underestimating the pettiness in people before," Harry answered darkly. "I would not put it past him, especially with Dumbledore still lurking over his shoulder. I refuse to give them any excuse to threaten the Revision Club. I'm sorry, Avery, Mulciber, but my decision stands."

"Malum," Avery stated with a small smile as she blinked in shock at him. "Call me Malum."

"Felix," Mulciber added gruffly.

Harry grinned at them. "As you wish. But I will make a compromise with you – which ever Seeker you pick, Malum, I will give them some extra tips and tricks for training."

Malum lit up instantly, as did Felix.

"Oh Merlin," Minerva grumbled. "Why did you have to say that, Harry?"

"Because I am a Slytherin," the Lady Regnant reminded her. "I am still loyal to my House. Besides, I am not allowed to be at training, according to the rules. It doesn't state that I can't talk about the game to the Slytherin team."

The Slytherins all smirked, as did Loreley. Minerva, a little unnerved, shook her head despondently. "I almost pity Grindelwald and his followers for having to deal with you," was all the Cat Animagus could say to that.

########################################

Nurmengard in the snow looked like a picture perfect postcard image. However, the outside was serene and peaceful, but the interior – not so much. Bert and Perrie, the two hawks who had been specially trained to take letters from sleeper agents in Great Britain to Nurmengard, finally arrived a little past eleven o'clock European time, much to the apprehension of everyone in the castle. The prisoners already had braced themselves for extensive interrogations the moment they heard that birds carrying messages from sleepers had arrived, and that included all fifteen of Rollo's imprisoned people, despite the fact they could now accurately predict when Grindelwald or one of his Generals would come to visit them.

Vida and Credence, who was today sporting some awful garments from three hundred years ago, were the ones who met Bert and Perrie as they landed on the balcony of the tower where all the owl, bat, and other familiars capable of flight were living most of the year round. Considering it was winter, a good few of them had been moved to inside of the castle but Bert and Perrie didn't seem to be affected by their surroundings, barely flinching at the snowflakes falling around them.

"I doubt that these two bear good tidings," Credence commented as they untied the notes around the two birds' legs.

"We knew that already. I worry about what scheme Gellert will cook up as a result of this," Vida shook her head. She shivered momentarily. "Merlin, I have always hated winter. It is the season that always causes the most inconvenience."

"Well, whatever Gellert comes up with, I am pretty sure it will be you, me or Queenie who will end up being the patsy who is sent to do it," Credence grumbled, looking down at his outfit. "I expect him to just put me in a bin bag any day now at this rate."

Vida snorted as she opened the message she took from Bert. She scanned it once, frowned, read it once more, the frown then deepened and after going through it for a third time, raised her head in abject confusion. Credence watched this happen, his own brow furrowing each time.

"Vida, what is it?" he questioned.

"Read yours," Vida answered, shaking her head in disbelief. "You will see for yourself."

Credence resisted the urge to roll his eyes, but opened the letter and did as he was told.

Strange dreams; the ritual was a success but the deal went awry somewhere. Oswald dead; been having strange dreams. No sign of the Flamels – the Tracker must have lost them somehow. No idea how, though.

- J.M.

"This …" Credence shook his head, confuddled to the nth degree. "Makes zero sense other than the Immortal Tracker of Souls, someone who could hunt a soul inside of every Underworld of every pantheon, somehow managed to lose the damn Flamels! How is that even possible?"

"The deal went awry," Vida commented dryly. "Something tells me that is rather key in this matter."

Credence hummed in agreement. "Well, we better bring the bad tidings to Grindelwald and hope to Merlin and Morgana he doesn't decide to shoot the messengers with any yellow bolts or decide to keep dressing them in ridiculous clothing for an extra month after Yule!"

Vida chuckled at this. "Yes, it would be such a pity if you could not pick your own outfit on Valentine's Day!"

Credence made some gagging noises. "Spare me!"

The two Generals made their way through the winding, labyrinthine corridors of Nurmengard to the study, where Grindelwald was listening to the report by his Lieutenants on more successful attacks and raids on the Muggles in France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland. However, the Dark Lord was quickly becoming bored, if the continuous stirring in his coffee was anything to go by and the fact he now and again looked out of his window to do a spot of bird watching.

It was safe to say that the signature quadruple knock of Vida's on his door was a very welcome distraction indeed!

"Come in!" Grindelwald stated sharply, causing the Lieutenants to flinch.

Vida and Credence strode in, an air of confidence and menace around them as usual, which was a source of great annoyance and jealousy of the two Lieutenants currently delivering their report. They sneered at Credence Barebone's new outfit, but didn't dare to make a comment about it.

Grindelwald sat up in his seat, like a child that was expected to be told they were going somewhere fun and exotic for the summer holidays. "Well, what have you two go to report?"

"Bert and Perrie have finally arrived," Vida informed him, trying not to smile at how easily Grindelwald's eyes lit up. "However, I think something may have happened because the messages … well … they're odd, to say the least, sir."

"Give them here," Grindelwald ordered, holding his hand out expectantly. Vida and Credence obeyed immediately. They watched with no certain degree of tension as their leader scanned both notes, frowned, pulled a face of abject confusion, cocked his head to one side several times as though reading the letters from a different angle would help and then sat back up normally, a look of fury in his mismatching eyes. "So, my vision was correct … they failed … which means they were involved …"

Neither the Lieutenants nor the Generals dared to pose the question that they were all thinking. Grindelwald ignored his followers for a moment as he got to his feet and began to pace up and down his study, muttering in German.

"Keine Ahnung … Warum sind Nicholas und Perenelle für ihnen wichtig? Nein ... das geht doch gar nicht ..."

Grindelwald stopped pacing and turned sharply, an aura of menace in his eyes. "The Tracker didn't fail. The deal was interfered with," he stated with conviction.

"How is that possible, sir?" Vida questioned as carefully as she could manage, knowing that at present the slightest hint of impertinence would earn her Grindelwald's wrath. "The Blood Rite that was performed was binding, especially since our agents likely performed it at the Tower of London-"

"Vida, use your bloody common sense!" Grindelwald snapped. "The Tracker does not fail – ever! The only time he ever failed was against an immortal being, Death itself. The only way that this could have gone awry was because someone knew exactly how to undo our deal with the Tracker and make a new one!"

Credence's eyes widened. "But how … there are very few sources left on the Tracker, and we have made sure to get most of them."

"Yes, most. But I know for a fact a few of Europe's magical schools still keep extensive archives, including Hogwarts and Durmstrang," Grindelwald growled.

Vida knew instinctively what he was thinking at this point. "You think the Cursebreaker was somehow involved." She shook her head. "Queenie told us about your vision, about the four-winged beings. How can one child command immortal beings?"

"She likely doesn't," Grindelwald stated. "But I am willing to be she knows who does, which is why it took them less than a single bloody evening to undo all that preparation I have put in!"

"Was the Silver Dragon involved too, do you think?" Credence wanted to know. "Because from those notes, it isn't clear who was behind all of this. If I didn't know any better, I would say that Caspar and John forgot all about what happened and now think it was all some kind of bad dream."

Vida snorted. "But that's not possible! It would take a serious amount of magic to completely override a memory like that! Obliviate is too unpredictable and all-encompassing; they must have used a different kind of Memory Charm."

"Someone is interfering with my plans, and I want to know who sooner rather than later!" the Dark Lord's eyes were glowing by now. He turned to one of his first Generals. "Vida, I take it your family has been once more invited to the Malfoy Yule Ball."

"Of course," Vida snorted. "But I personally have not received an invitation in years-"

"Oh, tragedy and travesty," Grindelwald commented sarcastically, his eyes darkened further. "You and Queenie will attend that ball in disguise. I don't care how you pull it off or who you enchant or who you choose to impersonate. All I care about that you find out anything you can about the Cursebreaker, her allies and find any trace of evidence that could point to the identity of the person who somehow can command deities!"

"Deities?!" the four people in the room chorused in unison, suddenly looking extremely faint.

"Do I look like a broken record to you? I will not repeat myself!" the Dark Lord snarled. "Now – get out and do not let me see you until I have another job for all of you or I put you on kitchen duty!"

The Lieutenants and the Generals fled from the room without further ado, leaving a fuming Grindelwald with his thoughts and breathing rather heavily with adrenaline and fear. In his hand, he swore he could feel the Elder Wand hum in such a way that Grindelwald thought the thing was laughing at him.

His jaw clenched at this thought. "Once I am your Master once more, you won't be laughing then," he growled at his venomously.

The Elder Wand answered this threat almost instantly by turning the Persian rug on the floor into a very ugly shade of pink with some hideously cheap red hearts sewn into the fabric. Almost reminding Grindelwald of one of Albus' favourite pairs of socks.

############################################

Harry was rather looking forward to teaching her seventh year History class: today's topics were the History of Gringotts, the History of Azkaban, the 14th Century Wizarding Economic Bubble and the Founding of St. Mungo's Hospital. She had at one point though about teaching famous historical duels but decided to leave that for the following week as part of a more fun lesson – she had noticed that none of her fellow seventh years gave a Knut about the history of the most famous institutions of their world and Harry decided she needed to cover them before the mocks arrived and the seventh years drew a blank on the topics.

Since the founding of Gringotts was traditionally linked with the 14th Century Wizarding Economic Bubble, she would be starting with the Economic Bubble first. Considering how recent the Great Depression had been, Harry was interested to see how her fellow seventh years would handle the topic. Speaking of the seventh years, they and some of the sixth years were punctual as ever – so punctual that Harry could start giving out their practise exams early.

"I got an EE?! You must be joking!" Druella stated, eyes shining.

"Me too!" Walburga informed happily. "Let's see what I did wrong – ah, I forgot to link back to earlier points twice … oops … and I didn't mention something in the evidence part of the second essay … I knew I messed up somewhere!"

"I got only two points away from an EE? Seriously?" Felix could barely believe his eyes. "Two measly points?"

Arcturus was also kicking himself. "Three bloody points from an O! How?! I usually suck at History."

"Apparently not anymore," Dolohov grinned. "You did better than me. I just about managed to scrape an A, mainly because I apparently screwed up the linking back to points. Again."

"Hey, at least you passed!" Malum glowered at him. "I was two marks away from an A and that is because I screwed up on the time management. I panicked like half way through and didn't have enough time to finish the second essay."

Abraxas and Tom kept conspicuously quiet about their grades. As did Loreley; to be honest, Harry had no idea why those three felt the need to show up to class – they all got Os with full marks on each essay! Harry had especially enjoyed reading theirs because they also made use of sources not on the curriculum; something they clearly knew she liked to see.

Altair was pretty happy with his EE, but keeping his delight to himself. Heron too was sitting quietly on his EE, also not one for making a fuss about his grades. Ossian Gilbert was quietly disappointed with his A-four-marks-from-an-EE. Septimus was beaming at his A.

After a few more minutes of allowing them to chat about their grades and compare comments, Harry brought their attention back to their current lesson. Her students put their practise essays into their bags and got ready for the random Quick Fire Round.

"What year was Azkaban built?" Harry began as she started her usual circle around the classroom.

"1455 CE," Tom replied easily.

She grinned. "Correct. Does anyone know by whom?"

"A Dark wizard called Ekrizdis," Dolohov surprised her by willingly answering.

"Good. What year was St. Mungo's founded in?"

"1603 CE," Heron replied easily.

"Correct again," Harry did a small twirl in delight. "Does anyone know the first building that was used as St. Mungo's Hospital?"

That question made the class slightly freeze for a moment as they ran through their memories in their head. It was Druella who eventually dared to answer. "Ashmont House."

Harry gave her a grin; that question wasn't an easy one. "Very good! That one is quite difficult. What year was Gringotts founded in?"

"1474 CE," Edward Diggory responded, looking very relieved that he could answer at least one question.

"What year did the wizards seize control of Gringotts from the goblins?" Harry continued, pacing around her students.

"1520 CE, and then again in 1533," Arcturus frowned, as if doubting himself.

Harry nodded. "Good. We will get to why that is a little confusing later. These basics needed to be established I'm afraid or this lesson will make no sense. Now, when I say the 14th Century Economic Bubble, what springs to mind?"

"The steep inflation in prices on certain goods that occurred in Medieval Europe and the British Isles as well as frivolous lending of banks run by wizards," Tom spoke up again. "The Economic Bubble was essentially two bubbles in one: an equity bubble and a debt bubble."

Harry grinned. "Indeed it was. But the reason for both of these bubbles was altogether more weird than anyone could expect," she said as her sigil activated and a map of Medieval Europe and the British Isles popped up in front of the students. The seventh years watched as a soapy blizzard began making its way from Spain all the way to the Balkans. "You may remember, or you may not, from your fifth year exams: the Soap Blizzard of 1378. For a month and a bit, the whole of Europe was subjected to this weird weather phenomenon that was a combination of strange atmospheric pressure and the overuse of an Instant-Clean Potion that came onto the market in 1378. It has been cited by French, German, Burgundian and English sources," the Room started providing some source material at this point, "that it was the inability of witches and wizards to properly regulate their use of the potion, the soapy bubbles being whipped up into the air and turned into a storm instead of being dissipated that was the origin of the Soap Blizzard. Now, bearing this in mind, why would this strange occurrence be linked to the bursting of the Economic Bubble?"

This question stumped the class for a moment, until Walburga's face contorted in horror. "Oh no …"

"What is it, Miss Black? If you don't know for certain, that's OK; just have a go," Harry smiled.

"No, no, I think I know the answer," Walburga gulped. "The prices of the Instant-Clean Potion went up with the growing demand of the product and those who tried to keep up with the rising costs, took out loans from the banks, which meant the prices continue to rise."

"Oh holy hell!" Ignatius couldn't help himself, but quickly clamped his hand over his mouth. "Sorry."

Harry chuckled. "That is quite alright, Mr. Prewett. But yes, Miss Black, the rising prices of Instant-Clean Potions, as well as others, and the increases in loans from banks in order to be able to afford these luxury goods, are precisely the catalyst for the Economic Bubble and as one can imagine, it is only a matter of time until that bubble bursts, like bubbles normally do. Now, it took almost one hundred years for wizarding economies to regain some level of stability, which brings me to our next topic: the founding of Gringotts Bank in 1474."

The simulation switched instantly to show the tell-tale white building, only it was surrounded by buildings that looked much older than rickety than the buildings currently in Diagon Alley and an image of the founder goblin.

Harry continued. "Gringott, the goblin for whom the bank is named, was already a savvy accountant and realising that the goblins' innate talent for money could be not only profitable in the long run but be an opportunity to one-up the 'wand-wielders' as we are named, he got his hands on a Royal Permit signed by King Edward IV, who surprisingly not only wanted stability for the rest of the Muggles but also some level of stability for the wizards, to build Gringotts Bank. Gringott mostly hired accountants from the goblin race but had no issue hiring humans as the first Cursebreakers and as security."

"When Richard III took the throne in 1483, Gringott took measures to ensure that humans, whether Muggle or magical, could not entirely mess with the system he had set up, using his goblin magic to essentially protect the bank and how it worked in case the Monarch would get ideas. When Henry VII ended the Wars of the Roses and took the throne in 1487, it was a fortuitous thing indeed that Gringott had taken precautions because wizards loyal to the new King tried to gain control of the bank. Only, the Wizards' Council, who was still suspicious of the new Tudor King, blocked the attempt."

She gave her students a few moments to make their notes and doodles before continuing. "That is the backstory. But as Mr. Rosier correctly stated, in 1520 and then again in 1533, Gringotts fell into the hands of wizards. This was because of two important reasons that historians can agree on: the first, due to fears surrounding the sweating sickness and that the goblins would try to capitalise off the disease, and the second was that with the religious turmoil and panic amongst the Muggles, the wizards started to guard their possessions and their patrimony much more closely." The blackboard wrote as Harry spoke and the students copied diligently from the board. "This paranoia, as goblin sources have called it, lasted until 1865 when Gringotts was put back fully in the control of the goblins."

"Which probably also explained why the goblins rebelled so frequently," Altair pointed out with a small smile.

"Indeed, the seizures of 1520 and 1533 were most certainly part of it," Harry agreed. "Ever since they regained control in 1865, the goblins put even tighter measures in play and signed an uneasy treaty with the Ministry of Magic to ensure that Gringotts would essentially be treated as a type of embassy: the moment one steps into Gringotts, you are stepping on Goblin Nation soil. Another takeover would be seen as an invasion and thus a pretext for war. Any questions before we move on?"

"I have one! When were the laws and rules at Gringotts written? None of our books are clear about that," Septimus piped up immediately.

"That is because the Gringotts Regulations and the laws are slightly different; the law older than even Gringotts itself. The Regulations were established with the founding and then added or amended a total of fifteen times over three hundred years," Harry replied with a small smile. "If this really interests you I can give you some of my Gringotts books to look at. Wait, hands up who would be interested in – OK, all of you. I will make copies tonight then."

The class chuckled as Harry's simulation moved onto Mungo Bonham and the founding of St. Mungo's Hospital, running through a brief history of Mungo himself, his acquisition of Ashmont House and the founding of the hospital to ensure magical maladies could safely be treated while avoiding the paranoid gaze of King James VI and I. She ran though the history of the departments, the leading Healers and the ideas surrounding Healing that Mungo implemented at the hospital. The Room even provided some old potions and Healing books for the students to study.

But it was the History of Azkaban that caught the students' attention the most as the simulation changed to the image of the dark, dingy place, the North Sea roaring around the island.

"Ekrizdis was not his real name, but unfortunately for all of us, that has been lost to time," Harry began. "All we know is that he came from a well off wizarding family who wished to escape to raging civil war that was being waged by the Lancastrians and the Yorks. Ekrizdis eventually exiled himself to the island where he built the fortress, so he could experiment with Darker elements of his magic in peace. He placed concealment charms around his island to make sure no one could know what he was up to, and took pleasure in luring merchant ships and fisher boats to his island where he would kidnap, torture and even kill the Muggles who were unfortunate enough to be caught in his web."

Dolohov and Felix snickered – whether it was because of the pun or the fact the Muggles were killed, Harry could only guess – but she silenced them with a stone-cold glare. "Because of his years of solitude, Ekrizdis was eventually driven mad; the presence of Dementors there also did not help matters. When the horrors were eventually discovered just after Ekrizdis' death, the decision was made to ignore Azkaban for a while. That is, until the International Statute of Secrecy was passed."

Harry continued as the simulation changed to the important figures in her next section. "The original plans for a magical place of incarceration was a purpose-built wizarding prison on one of the Hebridean Islands but in 1718, the newly elected Minister for Magic Damocles Rowle insisted on using Azkaban, seeing the Dementors as an asset rather than a pest and a danger. Despite opposition from a good number of the Noble Families in the Wizengamot, including Malfoy, Potter, Peverell, Abbott and Nott, the plan was set in motion. It was only reverted for a period of time under Minister Eldritch Diggory sometime between 1733 and 1747 because of the inhumane conditions. Minister Hesphaestus Gore, however, reversed this decision and reinstated Azkaban."

"Why?" Druella looked absolutely appalled.

"Because of public outcry and opposition to Minister Diggory's philosophies," Harry replied as she picked up a copy of the pamphlet of the time that the Room had conjured and handed it to Druella. Walburga and Arcturus read over her shoulder. "Minister Diggory believed that offenders could be redeemed and that the Dementors would hinder the possibility of rehabilitation. However, much like some people think today, the popular opinion was that anyone sent to Azkaban deserved to be left there to rot and should not be treated with any kindness."

"I can agree with that sentiment regarding murderers," Ignatius stated, "but when it comes to petty thieves or someone who lost their temper with a Muggle neighbour and turned them into a tea pot or something … they don't deserve this fate."

"How? They all broke the law so must face the same punishment, otherwise it isn't fair," another Hufflepuff responded. "You can't mollycoddle a thief just because you think their offence is lesser than another! Then we will have more unregistered Animagi wondering around or people turning Muggles into inanimate objects because they feel like it. Azkaban is a deterrent!"

"Treating someone who has stolen a trinket or two the same as someone who has murdered three people, for example, is not fairness, it is madness, Mallory!" Edward Diggory seemed to have inherited his ancestor's philosophies.

The entire class started picking sides, some siding with Eldritch Diggory's decision, but plenty of the kids from all four Houses took Hesphaestus Gore's side in the debate. Harry let the debate run for a good while until it seemed the Hufflepuff named Mallory and Edward Diggory were about to draw their wands on each other and quickly handed everyone another set of practise essays before dismissing the class to avoid an altercation.

"Are all my classes somehow going to end up with a verbal joust that almost becomes physical?" Harry wondered out loud to her friends as they left the Room of Requirement and headed to dinner.

"Hey, see it as a compliment! At least no one is snoozing in your class," Felix grinned.

"If they did, I would be zapping them awake, and no – I am not afraid to actually do it," Harry grumbled.

"Oh, we believe you," Tom reassured with a slight chuckle. "But in all seriousness, though, Harry, I was rather dreading these topics myself but I have to say that you elucidated them and presented them wonderfully. I probably couldn't have done a better job."

"Oh, please!" Druella snorted. "False modesty really doesn't suit you. What was that about you thinking being modest and humble was akin to lying? I thought your motto was 'Tom Riddle doesn't lie'."

Tom flushed with embarrassment. "I am not afraid to admit that I don't know how to handle unruly students very well either. That is not lying, that is simply being honest with oneself."

"Druella," Harry stated warningly when she saw the tell-tale sign of Druella about to make a snarky come-back.

The Rosier heiress huffed, pouting a little. "Spoil sport." She then grinned mischievously. "I suppose I will just have to wait until tomorrow for a bit of teasing then."

Harry glowered at her. "You know as well as I in order to make Occlumency shields you need to trust the person who is invading your mind!"

"I know," Druella's eyes shone. "That is not when I am going to do my teasing."

"Are we going to be practising before or after a trip into Hogsmeade, sis?" Arcturus wanted to know, lowering his voice as the group drew closer and closer to the Great Hall.

"Before is best," Druella replied easily, "because if we do it afterwards we may be too tired and we can't leave your minds completely unguarded any longer. Because I know how I get when I have to deal with Walburga and her shopping inclinations; I usually need an early night afterwards!"

Walburga huffed this time.

"Agreed," Loreley concurred whimsically. "An unguarded castle plays host to visitors of both good and ill intent."

"Brilliant. It's a Friday night and we likely have to get an early night," Felix grumbled. "I almost regret agreeing to this."

"Well, that's just too bad, Mulci," Harry teased with a smirk.

"Oh no, it's not entirely because of the mind shield practise," Felix sighed. "It is likely going to snow again tomorrow and that only means one thing."

The rest of the boys, including Tom and Altair, suddenly all began to groan, much to Druella, Walburga, Loreley and Ignatius' amusement.

"What?" Harry frowned.

"Orion Black's Annual Snowball Fight," the boys chorused grimly.

Unfortunately, the group had now been in earshot of the Gryffindor table and Orion had heard them loud and clearly, lighting up. "What is it about my little snowball competition? Oooo, are you boys finally going to join in for a year? Come on! It is the last snowball fight we can hold at Hogwarts-"

"Orion, your food is getting cold," Artemis told him, quickly getting the Black Heir to concentrate on his dinner again before he went on too much of a tangent.

"Snowball fight?" Harry could barely believe her ears as she sat down.

"Yep," Altair confirmed with a short laugh. "An inter-House snowball fight with four mixed teams that have to defend their 'castle' and the last team standing gets five hundred Galleons. Orion has been holding it since first year."

"Huh," Harry commented, a mischievous smirk etching its way onto her face.

"Harry, please tell me that you are not contemplating joining in if it comes to it," Walburga begged. "You are a Lady Regnant! You need to conduct yourself in a manner befitting that esteemed title-"

Harry got herself some vegetable soup, much to Altair's delight, as she tried not to laugh. "My dear Wally, I am also fun deprived, apparently. If it comes to it and Orion invites me to play, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't."

"It is not ladylike!"

"Good thing I am not very ladylike, then," Harry commented as she tucked into her soup.

"You are beyond help," Walburga sighed dramatically.

"We knew that already," Ophelia reminded her with a grin.

"Why do we keep getting it reaffirmed, though?" the Black heiress lamented. Then she said something that frankly no one saw coming, not even Loreley. "At this rate Harry's daughters will be more boyish than her sons!"

That exclamation not only made Harry choke on her soup, half in amusement and half in shock, but Altair and Tom had followed suit quite quickly, with everyone either laughing at their expense or carefully patting their backs. Artemis had her head on the table because she was being asphyxiated by her own laughter, leaving Septimus to try and help Altair.

"Well, that was unexpected," was all Minerva could comment, shaking her head.

#################################

Rollo frankly could not wait for the time he would be able to get a quiet evening again. His latest set of orders from Grindelwald were such a cause of concern, the double agent had taken a risk and decided to invite Goldheart and Griphook to his apartment to discuss the latest telegram he had received.

One that Rollo once again, had not the foggiest idea how to execute properly within believable parameters. He needed the advice of his handler and one of his only tentative goblin allies left. Fortunately both goblins had not been anywhere near retiring for bed or Rollo knew he would have had a much more vexed Griphook than he had sitting at his dining table in his apartment.

Both goblins were reading and rereading the telegram, frowns marring their countenances.

Aurem and Angel will be attending the gathering of the shielded three spears. Find them the best escorts you are able to. Continue watching for the Silver Dragon.

"I cannot imagine someone in England willingly inviting Queenie Goldstein to a party without some eyebrows being raised," Goldheart commented, shaking his head. "The Aurors would descend on them before they could throw out a sufficient excuse!"

"Somehow I think Grindelwald is smarter than to allow his Generals to go to any old party," Rollo commented, bringing over a freshly made pot of tea. "Queenie will apparently not be going alone. 'Angel' is the code name for Vida Rosier. After a fallen angel who presides over tainted love with the same name as her surname."

"There can only be two occasions that Grindelwald would risk his Generals on such a dangerous mission," Griphook sat back. "The Presentation of Lucretia Black to Ignatius Prewett, and the Malfoy Yule Ball. But considering the fact that the Malfoy coat-of-arms is a black and green shield with three spears behind it, it is best to assume the latter is the target."

"They know the Lady Peverell will likely be in attendance," Rollo gauged as he pursed his lips, pouring three cups of tea as steadily as he could. "Or in this case, Grindelwald's little pet project."

"We have to assume that is the line of thinking, yes," Griphook agreed. "In this regard, when it comes to the Cursebreaker he seeks, the Dark Lord seems to have very linear thinking and is possibly making some very fatal errors in judgement."

"Or ones that could win him the war," Goldheart pointed out through gritted teeth. "If Goldstein or Rosier catch a whiff of who she actually is, the Lady Peverell will be in grave danger." Goldheart sipped his tea, ponderingly. "I think we may need to ensure there is some extra security."

"How? Queenie's natural Legilimency will catch onto the plot within minutes if we are even that lucky," Rollo argued. "The only way to make sure that the Lady Peverell can defend herself is to make sure the people she gave on her Beaton Document as her Witnesses have means to protect her too. I also know her guardian Mr. Burke and his cousin, Melanie Rollins, will also be in attendance."

"And how do you know this?" Griphook raised an eyebrow, looking ever so slightly amused.

"Oh please! Goldheart's guards were shadowing me back home as you fully well know when I was invited to an impromptu dinner," Rollo huffed slightly, a slight red flush entering his cheeks.

"So, the majority of her allies will be there already. Good," Goldheart grinned. "What about yourself, Rollo? You were invited too."

"Indeed. I … accepted the invitation," Rollo looked ever so slightly embarrassed at this. "But if you are suggesting I escort Queenie or Vida myself, I regret to inform you that I am not that suicidal-"

"We were not going to suggest that," Griphook reassured. "I thought perhaps you could make a pretence of searching for someone willing to go with you and see how many … single wand-wielders are willing to take a partner to the Malfoy Ball and see if you can send any of their identities to the Dark Lord and his Generals? It is the most discreet way of executing the orders and maintaining your double agent status."

Rollo nodded in agreement. "Very well. I will get onto that first thing tomorrow."

"Ah yes, you are helping Oscar and Satoshi with their own expedition planning," Goldheart grinned. "Where was it to again? We have had so many despite everything that I lose track."

"They're heading to Japan actually, but it is more on an investigative mission at the moment," Rollo replied with a small smile. "One of Satoshi's old friends has requested our help, surprisingly enough. You know what the Japanese are like when it comes to gaijin…"

"Indeed," Griphook agreed with a hint of cold amusement.

"It's nothing too serious, I hope," Goldheart frowned.

"Well I suppose we will know once Oscar and Satoshi get there and see for themselves," Rollo smiled wryly. "But I have a feeling they may have quite the story to tell once they get back!"

"I think it is safe to say that most of us can say the same at present," Griphook snorted. "Keep up the good work, Mr. Rowle, and let us know immediately if anything changes or if Mr. de Vere or Hirano-san need any further assistance from us. We have heard the rumours of the Dark Lord's friends in the East so you can never be too careful."

"Of course, sir," Rollo bowed his head respectfully.

Once the goblins left, he sighed to himself and turned to get some parchment, quill and ink. Rollo cursed himself for being put into this situation but then reminded himself that his silly feelings didn't matter at present. Quietly hating himself for what he was about to do, Rollo did the one thing he swore never to do in his life.

He wrote a letter to his mother, asking for some suitable pureblood single witches and wizards as an idea to consider asking to the Malfoy Yule Ball. Rollo knew that once he sent his owl familiar, Alphonse, with it, he would never hear the end of it from his mother, or his Aunt Livia or Ophelia.

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After another intensive evening of studying, Harry had once again pretended to decide to have an early night. Walburga, Druella, Ophelia and Ygraine, despite having suspicions as they normally did when Harry decided to have an early night when she wasn't about to fall asleep at dinner, all went to bed at the normal time. As per the routine, as soon as all the children and staff were safe in Hypnos' grasp, Harry was let out of the Realm, along with Athenaïs. Cloaked and with weapons in tow, the Mistress of Death and her Familiar went to attend their first training session in what felt like ages.

As Harry and Athenaïs made their way to the Room of Requirement, they saw that the sky was already sprinkling the world below with even more snow than it had been doing during the day. The Traveller was certain that most of the world would look quite white by morning if enough of it fell during the course of the night. That at least would make Orion very happy indeed!

Thanatos, Hypnos and Melinoë were awaiting Harry with a grin, with Melinoë and Hypnos only just finishing their sparring session.

"No Dementor attacks this time!" Melinoë giggled as soon as the Mistress of Death put her Cloak and weapons down with a wry smile. "A pity. I was rather looking forward at the prospect of scaring Dippet again."

"She did almost give Dumbledore a heart attack again," Hypnos pointed out gleefully. "I have asked Morpheus to give that man some extra interesting dreams tonight for his lack of humour."

"At this rate the man might actually take to the Firewhiskey before Quidditch matches," Thanatos chuckled.

"Well, then I suppose I must tone it down a bit before he decides to wear normal clothes on a daily basis as well," Harry drawled snarkily.

Melinoë chuckled evilly. "Seeing Dumbledore in such a state is almost as funny as watching Grindelwald flail around as he tries to figure out how his so-called perfect plan went down the drain."

Harry frowned. "How do you know he is?"

"Our half-sister Hemera is the most prolific gossip," Hypnos rolled his eyes. "As is Apollo. Those two see everything during the day and of course, they immediately pass on everything that is remotely amusing. Apparently our little plan might have worked a little too well. Grindelwald is planning something else. No idea as to what yet."

The Mistress of Death nodded thoughtfully. "Whatever it is, we need to be vigilant."

"Indeed," Thanatos agreed. "Which is why we are going to make sure you are ready for every eventuality. Let us first begin again with some skeleton raising and then we will see if you can bring life to statues again."

"But I suck at Animancy," Harry pouted.

"You don't suck! You just need practise," Hypnos shook his head at the young Traveller. "Practise makes perfect, as you well know. And Athenaïs, keep practising as well. You have gotten a whole lot better at control already."

The Gargouille looked very pleased.

The three deities had brought a few more challenging skeletons for Harry to practise on: a horse, a bear and a stag. It was rather a daunting prospect but the young Mistress of Death was willing to give it a go. What was easier was making the skeleton stay together – the animals were a lot bigger thus their bone structure was much easier to discern and put together. It was making them move that proved to be the challenge this time. Because they were quite big, they required a greater deal of concentration and magic to fully pilot. This was nothing like creating an Inferi, Harry already knew that. The Inferi didn't need constant control while the skeletons did. The Traveller was already over the moon when she managed to get the horse and stag to greet each other with snout nudges after a total of twelve tries getting them to do it without one skeleton collapsing to the ground.

"I won't be raising animal skeleton armies any time soon," Harry joked after she relaxed her magic on them, the skeletons becoming inanimate but – this time – stayed whole.

"No but it is a vast improvement already," Melinoë praised. "Considering how you managed to handle those three wizards and the Tracker, it does not surprise me. Your own extra training has paid off!"

Harry scoffed. "The Tower Guardians did most of the work. I wouldn't have been able to do it without their help."

"No, perhaps not, but no one can win a battle on their own," Hypnos reminded her gently.

"True," Harry was forced to concede. She quickly regained her smile, though, when she saw Athenaïs' attempt at raising the animals. "Oh Merlin, Atty! Really?"

The bear skeleton was chasing the horse skeleton around the room with the stag trying to get the bear to stop, the antlers of the stag skeleton eventually knocking away one of the bear's legs, causing the bear skeleton to stumble and the bones to spray on the floor. Athenaïs was chirping mystically with laughter.

"Lucky Atty has Lara to help her," Thanatos chortled. "But I daresay that Lara may not be too happy at her powers being used like this!"

Harry shrugged. "Nothing Lara can do about it, I wager. Atty is her own self." She then turned to her immortal friend with a grin. "Shall we try the dreaded statues now?"

"Of course," the God of Death grinned. "But first, we thought you might like to try another soul to help you."

Melinoë stepped forth with another lantern and Harry used her life force sensing to get a closer look at the soul inside. Much to her surprise, the soul inside wasn't a normal animal at all. To her surprise, it was an Abraxan, a magical flying horse not too dissimilar to a Pegasus.

"Be careful with that one," Melinoë warned. "She's very spirited!"

Harry snorted at the possibly unintentional pun. But the Goddess of Ghosts had not been kidding. The moment Harry allowed the Abraxan soul out of the lantern, she began to whinny loudly, flying around the room and then galloping around the room. Athenaïs saw the behaviour as a kind of challenge and immediately followed suit, somehow keeping up with the soul's impressive speed.

"Oh boy," the Traveller muttered to herself. "How to tame an Abraxan soul. That has to be a story or something!"

Thanatos, Hypnos and Melinoë laughed heartily.

"Mortal animals, herbivore or carnivore, will respect you because they innately sense you are different. A magical animal has more pride and frankly doesn't care because they are magical too," Thanatos explained. "You have to earn the Abraxan's respect."

Harry nodded thoughtfully and frowned ponderingly, wondering how in the name of Avalon she could get the respect of a flying ghost horse. Then, an idea struck her. The Room sensed it immediately and offered up some dummy wizards, vampires, ghouls and mummies as Harry summoned the artic fox, cheetah, lion and crocodile spirits forth.

"All right, everyone! We are going to try and impress our new friend with some of your training skills," Harry told the slightly nonplussed animals. When they saw the winged horse playing with Athenaïs, the animals immediately got a look of realisation and then determination. Harry summoned and then unsheathed her Death-infused rapier as the dummies began to slowly come to life.

As she predicted, the vampires and the ghouls were the first to attack. Harry skilfully dodged the lunges from the undead, human-like creatures but her animal souls faced them head on. The cheetah, lion and crocodile bit into the phoney Dark creatures with fangs coated by Soul Fire, sending the creatures stumbling back in pain while the arctic fox used its own Soul Fire attacks to trip the creatures up and send them crashing the ground. Harry dealt with the ghouls in hand-to-hand combat, killing two counterfeits with well-aimed stomach strikes and finishing another with a fatal cut to the torso. The Abraxan must have been paying attention to their fights because it leapt towards the lookalike mummies with prideful neighing, kicking its front hooves at the faces of the creatures fiercely, backed up very soon by Harry's cheetah and lion. Harry herself dealt with the wizards, dodging one make-shift spell after the other, the phoney curses flying in all directions. She used her old friend Expelliamus for the first time in a long while, the fake wands flying up into the air before sending an Old English Stunner into all four knock-offs. The Mistress of Death clenched her jaws a little; these ones weren't as challenging as the last ones the Room had given her.

One of the fakes did get back on his feet with his own rapier and charged her. Harry smirked and met him head on, the sound of the blades clashing and scraping and clashing with each other filling the room. The counterfeit wizard tried to attack her with a dagger with his free hand but the Traveller's Seeker eyes had clocked it instantly. Agilely, she turned the dagger into a thorny rose and with a non-verbal, wandless Engorgio and Incarcerous, the rose's stem and vines began to grow quite large and in bound his arms and legs, forcing him to also drop his sword. The fake promptly disappeared behind a wrapping of vines.

The other counterfeits had tried to get to their feet as well, only to be stopped by Athenaïs and her improved telekinetic abilities, knocking them into nothing but stone and splinters. The Gargouille looked extremely pleased with herself.

As the Room withdrew the fakes, the souls all chirped triumphantly, prancing happily at their victories. The Abraxan looked pleased with itself but was regarding Harry was an expression that the Mistress of Death could only read as curious. She smiled awkwardly at the ghost. "Normally we are a bit more organised than this. But I assure you, I won't make you fight a battle you don't want to. I would very much like your help if you agree to come along with me."

The Abraxan cocked her head from side to side a few times before whinnying happily and trotting over to one of Harry's daggers, nudging at one with her snout. Apparently she didn't wish to be stuck in a lantern again!

"Dagger it is," Harry agreed easily.

Melinoë laughed. "You're still going to have your hands full with that one, Harry!"

The Abraxan looked slightly affronted at this. The Mistress of Death smiled brightly. "You know me, Melinoë. I enjoy a good challenge!"

"Oh really?" Melinoë raised a challenging eyebrow. "How about a flying Shadow Race then? Last one to get there has to pay for lunch or dinner the next time we are out on a family outing."

Harry lit up. "Oh, you're so on!"

Thanatos groaned. "Melinoë, please we still have the second half of the Animancy lesson to finish-"

"Tosti's chicken," Harry commented.

"Indeed he is," Hypnos grinned. "Come on, big-brother-by-one-minute! Don't be so boring."

"Boring?" Thanatos' eyes glinted. "I am about to leave all of you in the dust! No one can outrun Death for a reason!"

Athenaïs and the souls exchanged a concerned look; indeed the animal spirits were very happy to withdraw into their daggers and lantern to avoid the petty race that was about to ensue. As for the Gargouille, she was left to wonder how three deities could act like such children as two Shadow Ravens, a Shadow Dragon, and a giant, shadowy Spectre Bat took to the air.

Up in Ravenclaw Tower, Loreley watched the Shadow Race with interest, a bright smile on her face. The creatures were almost too fast for mortal eyes to see but her own Sight allowed her to be a hidden spectator – this was by far more interesting than watching a Quidditch match. The Seeress almost had to laugh out loud, risking waking her dorm mates, when it began raining once more, and the triumphant cries of the Dragon could be heard echoing around the valley.

The weather gods once more decided victory, Loreley gloated to herself.

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Gryffindor won against Ravenclaw, so will likely face either Hufflepuff or Slytherin in the finals! Harry had another heated debate occur in her History lesson and the Elder Wand is still refusing to yield to Grindelwald any longer, causing him to make a rash decision. Plus, Harry has a new soul friend! How will her training continue besides the mock exams which are fast approaching? Stay tuned to find out!

Oh boy, Gellert … poor Rollo as well. I almost pity Vida and Queenie for being dragged into this mess; I am sure they have better things to do than worry about the Peverells. But alas, they do not seem to grasp the urgency, and with very good reason.

Orion: I agree with the Wand. I would be getting fed up if I heard someone yell every single time someone gives a wrong biscuit.

Gellert: You have no taste!

Orion: How dare you?! Besides that is a little rich seeing as you still MY cookies!

Gellert: They are lost on you, dear.

Orion: You take that back, old fart!

Gellert: OLD FART?!

Oh boy … see you next time guys!

Kingmaker'sUmbreon