"Honey, I'm Home!" Sirius Black had arrived.
All of Hogwarts students, short of eight, screamed as they dove under the tables.
The Red Robes of Durmstrum came to their feet, Wands drawn.
The Blue Robes sat quietly.
"Headmaster, call off your lads, or you are the first casualty." Harry growled.
"What can you do, you left your stick with the Witch." Igor sneered.
"First, thank you for calling her a witch." Harry grinned. "Two, I never said that I was going to Hex or Curse you… just that you would be the first to die. And Three… that is my Headmaster your boys are targeting… and My Patron is standing beside him. You will stand them down, or I will stare you all down." He allowed the Snake's eyes to glow.
"Harry, my boy," Albus sighed as he retook his seat. "It is rude to threaten to kill the visiting Headmaster. Igor, Sirius Black enjoys the same protections and freedoms that I wrangled for you. Call your boys off." He turned his focus to the Door. "Sirius, I expect a level of … dare I say, Seriousness from you. As if you are in Lily's House."
Igor barked a word, and the Boys in Red stowed their wand wands and returned to their seats.
"Monsieur Potter.p. Your Show was quite Entertaining." The large Headmistress rumbled. "As you are a free agent this year… would you consider joining us for next year?"
"Milady." Harry bowed his head, "If I spoke anything other than English… I could be tempted. If you truly want me and my Luck… You first must tempt my Keeper. She is the one who holds my Leash." Harry turned from the Table. "Headmaster Dumbledor. If you are still wanting to see me, We will be at your door in two hours to speak on Tournament Business. I will expect all Visiting Headmasters to be there…" He returned to Hermione, and collected his Blackthorn, and Witch.
At the Door, he looked over his shoulder at Neville. "Longbottom, you were explicitly mentioned. Ginny… my sister is welcome for now." His voice carried over the silent Hall.
Two wizards and a ginger witch scrambled to their feet to join him.
"Weasley. You made a Declaration last night." Harry snarled. "Are you saying you were wrong?"
Ronald snorted. "No…"
"Good Night Mister Weasley." He raised his chin. "Hey Dref! Meet me for Lunch… Managed Mischief." He stepped past the two Wizards and the Sorceress to exit the Hall.
HWHJP
In the Library, Harry raised his ringed hand, and the Air around the table turned solid, as Hedwig settled on his shoulder.
"Okay, I have told the Basics to Hermione and Ginny. The details that Matter; Stelari, or as she is in this form, Hedwig is not just my Pet slash Familiar, she is also my Patron. The Familiar Bond reversed itself and I am now hers. With her full power returned, It… mutated… changed. It is now a Warlock's Pack. I am no Longer just a wizard." He sighed. "If that is no longer acceptable… I will bid you a good night right now. I still need Longbottom for tonight's meeting, but I will not force him."
Neville looked around at the gathered people. "Call me Neville."
"And I am Harry." the Warlock grinned. "I was not joking when I said that I want you as my Second, and my Best Mate. While I was out… I was … Visited is the best description, by my parents and an Old Family Friend. While I was with them certain truths were revealed to me." He showed his left hand… and a double ring around his forefinger and middle finger. A skeletal horse with wings and jumping over a triangle, holding a circle, divided top to bottom was embossed in the slate grey metal.
Neville and Ginny gasped, as Sirius and Remus just grinned as if he was just let in on the joke.
Hermione frowned as she took his hand to examine the ring closer… knocking his thumb out to expose the Silver and Green stone ring. "I know this symbol… something about the third son of the third son of the third son…"
[Flashback]
Harry followed Stelari into a round room,with a series of silver circles set into the floor.
"Disrobe, and sit in the center circle." A goblin in a homespun berber robe and cloak entered behind Harry.
Harry handed his tie that was still holding the ring to the Scarred Guide. He quickly stripped to the skin, and sat on the cold stone.
"You did not even question?" Stelari's voice was muffled by the hanky over her nose and mouth.
"I have you and the… other guy, if they try anything. Besides, they are doing you this service… they are not going to kill your pet. Bad for Business… and their Health."
The two goblins snorted… but nodded.
The Shaman muttered an incantation… and a wave of magic washed over Harry. The Shaman hissed in displeasure…
"The Boy will require a full, deep cleansing. It is going to be at least three hours. And the … curses?"
"The item residue in his brow-scar needs to be pulled and contained." Stelari Spoke with the Voice that proclaimed that she was expecting them to obey. "We need to see if the Ring has a similar signature. The Prince of Pride himself wants them all collected."
The Shaman hummed. "Doable… but you will need a vessel…"
"Use His Clan's Ring." a hooded shadow stepped from the wall… or through the wall. It tossed something to the Lad. Harry caught it. It was a two finger ring with a winged horse jumping over the emblem on the tainted ring. "That Ring will Name him. That Ring will Guide him. That Ring will Aid him. When he has completed this Quest… He will Bring Balance." She Exited as she Entered…
Harry handed the ring to Shaman, who then nodded, and set the Clan Ring in the third circle as he motioned for the scared Goblin to drop the ring into the second circle.
Outside the Circles, the Shaman started to chant in a guttural language…
And everything went white.
HWHJP FB
In a white room the Shadow Figure was waiting for him. In the Light, he now could see it was a cloaked and cowled figure, a man… and it was holding a Ring in the palm of its bony left hand. A wand was in its right hand … a knobby wand in a bony hand.
"Hello Harkon James. I want to thank you for bringing these back to me." The figure tucked the Wand up its sleeve. The ring, it walked across his fingers, before tossing it back to the boy. "The Headmaster of that little school you were enrolled in has been searching for this item. I have fixed it so that it will work one more time. Give it to him."
Harry rolled the ring in his hand. "I will be sure to give it to him. But Why me?"
"A cautionary tale retold by a Bard by the name of Beedle, warned of the follies of messing with me. The Wand went to the first Brother who was killed with it. The Stone that is in that Ring, allows one to summon the Dead, and he ended up killing himself. The youngest brother took a Cloak… your Cloak. And in time… passed it down to his heir… and to his. As you and your line Serve me and my … well you know."
"Actually, I don't." Harry closed the ring in his hand.
"Since Iggy Peverel first donned the Cloak… the Bloodline has been a centre of every major conflict. You and your Father with Tom Riddle… Your Grandfather against Grindelwald… Godric stood with Salazar against the Armies of William the Conqueror."
"They Lost?" Harry frowned as he remembered his History from school.
"Not in the Battles they were part of." Death chuckled darkly. "But it was the first time that the Muggles won where the Mages lost. We are getting off topic. Tom Riddle tried to cheat me, and the method he chose is one of the Seven Grand Taboo. The Clan Ring will act as a detector and storage device for his Soul. It will also protect you from the Killing Curse… or anyone you give it too. But you have to touch it to the soul-shard container."
Something caught its attention. It chuckled. "To be continued. This is like my Service. Great Pain for Greater rewards."
And then Harry was alone…
And then all Harry knew was Pain.
HWHJP FB
When his Mind was his again… he was still in the white… Only now, Stelari was there in a padded Queen Anne chair, reading a book and sipping tea.
"Sorry about that. The Gold-licker decided to not just remove the stain… but repair the Vessel too. It is possible that it was automatic to protect and preserve the relics they normally clean. But this time the Vessel was living. It infused our Familiar bond and turned it into a full Warlock Pact." She sipped her tea, and set the cup aside… only for it to vanish. "Bad News… your Wand is no longer fully compatible, Good News, you only need a focus to Work Wizard Magic… you have a tie to me… and with that tie… you have three spells… cantrips* that will make life easier for you. First is a bolt of Eldric Energy. You have to learn to control it but you will never be caught … with your pants down, I think is the phrase. Next is a mix of 'skills' that you will understand when you awaken. Last is a phantom Talon-Claw. It can only move about a Stone and has a range of Six Paces. With your new focus… well you will see."
[Flashback End]
"Then a little bit of shopping… and while I was being fitted for my new robes… as you can see that I am no longer the little scrawny urchin I was yesterday, she found me that thing." He pointed to the walking stick that was once again in Herminoe's hands. When Albus decided to try to rein me in tonight when Malfoy opened his mouth… and what I did to Snape… I used my second gift from my Patron and conjured orbs for juggling, and used the clear glass ball as a tag for Stelari's gate spell." He placed his hands on the Table, palms down. "Neville. Look at my hands… what do you see?"
Nevill gulped, licked his lips. He pointed to the right hand, ring finger. "Lord Potter, it means that he can walk out of here as a full adult, and nothing short of a Wizemgot order can keep him here… if not for the tournament." The Middle Finger, "Heir Black, and probably because the Lord is sitting beside him. He will be wanting to call his ring in the morning in a full Hall." To the Forefinger. "I don't know this one…it is not in our Peerage." The thumb. "Lord Gryffondor… Milord." The left thumb. "Lord Slytherin… but you were not the heir?"
"At the beginning of the Year, No. When we boarded the Train home… I was. I am a Scion of Slytherin through my Mother. And the unknown ring I acquired when I disarmed Ringshank in the Potter Account Office at Gringotts. Physically. Go on."
The Finger found the double ring on the left Hand. Neville swallowed again. "House Peverel." He looked at Harry, "The stories…" He licked his lips. "Did you gather the three …"
"They were Gathered." Harry. "He was very amused. By wearing the Cloak… I agreed to serve. By Taking the Ring… I declare that I am… His."
"Whose?" Hermione looked up from the walking stick.
"Death." Lupin hissed.
They were interrupted by a delicate knock on the air-wall. A pair of Blondes and a Brunette were standing just outside the air shield.
Harry adjusted the Air bubble, waved them in, and as they entered, "Moony, take Ginny for a walk… Greengrass has asked to speak to Black. I Need Longbottom for advice on House Games, Hermione for the female perspective… and Him because he is our Lord. Gin-gin… go extort your Brothers for information on Padfoot and Moony."
The ginger witch frowned, before grinning evilly, and ran out of the Library.
Lupin stood up, and froze, sniffed twice, and moved to stand behind Harry. A dopey grin on his face.
Sirius frowned at him, before raising an eyebrow. Lupin nodded. Sirius snorted. "Mischief Managed."
"Ok… Miss Greengrass. You have called for a Parley. Since you left before my floorshow, you probably are a bit behind the times. My sworn Godfather, Sirius Black, Lord of Black is my Headmaster of OWL. Lupin is my Professor of General Studies." Harry acting as if he was only talking to the Blonde across from him. "Please forgive me, I was subjected to a full Goblin cleansing this morning, and my mind is not up to full speed yet. You mentioned Longbottom, and I have Named him my Second. He is here to limit my errors in the area of Social Intercourse." Hermione drove her elbow into his ribs, causing Harry to grunt. "I have asked Granger to join me… she is the Brains to my Brawn."
Daphne blinked twice. "For these Talks, I will refer to you as Potter, just to keep the two of you separate. But this falls under 'House Black-House Greengrass Business'." She offered a smirk, "The only Intercourse we will be having will be Social." The Burnette snorted.
Harry nodded. "And because we are in the Library… we will be doing our Intercourse without Lube."
Hermione drove the head of his walking stick into his ribs.
Siris was grinning widely, as Neville was hiding his face in his hands.
"Why would you need lube?" the younger blonde asked.
Harry opened his mouth to respond… and Hedwig cuffed him. "Neville, seeing as my females want me to shut up, and you are the only one who knows the protocol… How about you handle the actual talking."
HWHJP
In a Chamber… over an open Lava/Magma pit, The Court of Hell was assembled. Directly across from the Door was the Throne of Wrath… above that was the tiered thrones of the smaller sins, the throne of Pride at the top. Both sides of the Courtroom were filled with tiered galleries for the 'Nobles' of the Realms.
Today, only the Sins sat in Judgement.
Lucifer Morningstar, The Fallen. King of Hell. Sin of Pride… Stood before the Court.
Satan, Lord of Wrath roared. "And what, by the Seven Hells, brings you here, demanding our Presence!"
"A Mortal Soul." Pride sneered softly, as his voice cascaded over the assembled. "A Sinner that should have been ours fourteen years ago. Only he has done the most Heinous thing possible." He held out the soul-orb on a chain. "He has severed his own Soul."
The entire chamber roared, hissed, and whatever their displeasure. One's soul was the very base of currency of their realm. It was the only thing that held any value. Everything was based on the value of the Soul.
And now some Sinner… some mortal was debasing that very foundation. If the masses ever learned of this…
It was why it was one of the Seven things that no Hellborn or Fallen ever did. Why the Seven Sins and the Royal Families were found in Lore as they burned the knowledge of Soul Tampering out of the Mortal Realms.
Satan's Roar of Rage brought everyone to order. "We need to find him and 'cleanse' him!"
"Already Taken Care of." Lucifer smiled, as he brought the Lord of Wraith to heel with his soft voice. "This is the Shard found in Our Pawn. Already He seeks out the rest of the Soul and when he has collected it, he will deliver it to Us. The Fool who has done this was destined to Pride, Wrath, or Greed. Now Mammon, Satan and I could play for the Soul, but that would set the Precedent that 'Soul Shearing' is allowed and can be overlooked as long as everybody gets their piece. That would only speed the Fall of our Society."
"If no one gets the Soul…" Bee buzzed from her throne, "We could just exercise them."
"Not Really." Lucifer chuckled. "A minor fib was told. The Exercising of the Souls on Extermination Day just reloads them into the Circle. It is like a wash and repeat. Even our Royals are folded into the Circle should they die by Angelic Silver. Even Angels. No… This … Taboo-ist does not get a second chance, He does not get to enjoy an afterlife with the possibility of rejoining the Circle."
Leviathan hummed, as her human-ish head spoke up. "I remember when We set this Taboo in Stone. What did we do with that Soul?"
"We let His Pantheon deal with it." Satan huffed. "Egyptians really don't like people messing with the…" a rumbling chuckle, "Balance."
Mammon made a lude gesture with his dildo lollipop. "So… why not give this Soul to them?"
"Because that would, again, set Precedent." Sloth spoke up. "But as long as I don't have to do anything..."
Satan sat up on his throne. "We have a Motion, and a Second. Lust, how say you?"
"Not my problem. Not my Kink. Pass the Buck."
"Envy?"
"Not worth our effort. Pass."
"Gluttony also passes on this." the Bee-fox leered.
"So… we are all agreed. Pride will make the arrangements. Is there anything else?"
"Kegger at my place tonight." Bee called out before exiting the Chamber.
One by one, the Sins exited the Chamber in their style… until it was just Luci and Satan.
"Why?"
"Precedent." Lu adjusted his ascot. "The Egyptian Pantheon is the only one who can Seal or
Destroy souls. It was the price for them staying in their Borders. Their Agents are allowed outside, but they themselves are bound to the River and Sand."
Like the wind over fields of his Realm… Wrath drifted from the Chamber.
Lucifer adjusted his cufflinks. "Did you get that?"
A Shadow behind him pulled away from the wall, as Stollas made himself visible. "My King… You want me to approach the Ennead and arrange for them to handle this Riddle." Stollas bowed his head. "And my Duties?"
"Your Heir will handle them." Lucifer smiled at the regal owl. "Daughters are a precious resource. But they need to learn to stand on their own, while you are still there to catch her should she fall." He pulled out a pocket watch, and in the cap was a photo of his Daughter, Charlie.
"I will make arrangements and leave tomorrow." The Owl bowed to his Prince and King, before he too portaled away.
HWHJP
"Wormtail… Why has Barty not reported his success?" the Child-like thing croaked.
"Because… He Failed steps two and three… Master." the Human-rat scuttled to show the Daily Prophet to the small thing. "While Potter is in the Tournament… Barty was caught, put through the wringer by the DMLE and fed to a Dementor…"
"Let me see…" the possessed baby grabbed the paper. "Prepare my bottle." It took a minute to find the story… "Ah… Barty was Kissed before he could tell them about me… that means that the boy will either be killed or will survive until you can collect him." the small body started gasping. "You have until the next New Moon after the Tournament." It dropped the paper to grab and suckle the baby bottle offered it.
HWHJP
Harry watched the three Slytherin Witches walk away. "Not Bad Neville. Sounds like a deal we all could live with."
"You do know that She is using you to shield herself from Malfoy." the Hefty Lad spoke softly.
"Hey, if it means that I get to enjoy her spiky wit and not be its target, I can live with that. Besides, she was sure to stress that she was using me to keep House Greengrass Solvent and Prosperous. That means the role of Lady Black is still open. Not to mention Lady Potter…"
"Harry?" Hermione hissed. "Are you gathering a harem?"
"More like a Coven." He stood, "My Lady, Shall I escort you back to your Quarters… or will you be able to make it with just Neville. I still need to see the Beard Master."
"Go. Neville and I are good." Hermione handed him the Walking stick. "Harry… be nice."
TBC
AN: Using DnD 3rd ed Warlock. Liking him to a 4th level Wizard, 4th Level Warlock. Hermione is a 4th wizard, 2nd level Bard(archivist). Ron is a 3rd level wizard, 3rd level Ranger with a Rat Companion… Draco is a 3rd level wizard, 4th level noble.