I DON'T OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF ITS ORIGINAL CHARACTERS, ONLY MY OCS AND THE SITUATIONS I PUT THEM IN. WARNING: There will be cussing, lemons, and violence. (Also, someone said I should put please don't steal. Didn't think I needed to, but ok. Please don't steal my stories.)
Some characters may seem OOC at some points at different times in the story, but I hope I explain that in the story when the time comes. Some things happen pretty fast at first (like certain relationships or legal stuff), but again I try to explain it. Some people may go back and forth at times, but I'll explain it! You get the idea. Spelling and grammar errors, I recheck constantly, so sorry if some slip by. Some character bashing in the beginning and for a little while, but that doesn't mean it will last the whole story. I don't hate certain characters though it may seem like that at times. THIS IS A WARNING. Though I will put a warning at the beginning needed. I do not condone all of these things, but my mind can be really fucked up, I apologize now. So, I am mixing both movie and book but I'm mainly following the movie. Though I will try to make a good blend between the two. Big thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and/or favorited. You guys rock! Ok, so small thing. I was trying to find the specifics about the Slytherin and so on quidditch teams. However, the dates began confusing me. I'm bad at math, sorry. So, though I think his final year was Harry's third, let's pretend that Flint was around till fourth year and came back to help train the team Vivian's fifth year as I didn't see a captain for that time. Ok, thanks. I also added a little to his later story as I realized some characters gave us room to make up our own as not much was given to them. Last thing, I couldn't remember if Neville was with Alice and Frank on that fateful night, but I put it where he was but had a protective kinda shield around him so strong that the Lestranges couldn't get to him. Enjoy!
Chapter 12: Old Enemies with New Solutions.
Harry smiled as he got ready for quidditch practice.
If there was one thing that relaxed Harry, it was the freedom of flying.
Of course, Ron and Hermione being Ron and Hermione; the two were still debating the pros and cons of quidditch.
Luna and Neville were sitting with the red headed and bushy haired youths. They were in the stands waving to their friends below.
Vivian was also on the pitch as she decided to try out for the Slytherin team.
"You ready for this?" Harry asked as he walked with her behind the Gryffindor team who would be holding their own mini tryouts. It was really just Oliver making sure that no one on the team was slacking.
"What? To get Derrick or Bole bumped off? I'm sure they'll be so upset at no longer being able to send every bludger towards your head" she snorted.
Harry grinned, "So you're not going to send anything at my head" he asked teasingly.
Vivian dramatically gasped before smirking. "That's different, I'm your sister" she posed getting laughter from Harry.
"She's right about that mate" came the Weasley twins who turned allowing themselves to look at the younger preteens as they walked backwards.
"At least that's what Ginny says" Fred shrugged with a grin.
"Repeatedly" George agreed.
Vivian and Harry chuckled. "Somehow, I can imagine her saying that" Harry teased getting more laughter.
"Really?" the twins asked. Fred took over, "I thought you'd be surprised she wasn't mute with how much she looks at you".
"And talks about you" George went on. "She basically kidnapped Ron over break until he told her about you".
"Though he didn't go willingly" Fred added on.
Vivian was trying so hard not to laugh. That sounded a lot like the Ginny she knew. At least before the girl came into her own, even after her and Harry briefly dated.
In fact, Ginny had been the one to get Vivian to help push Hermione and Harry together.
Seeing the red head once more head over heels for Harry was beyond hilarious.
Harry looked like he wasn't sure how to react.
Should he laugh or be worried about another poem?
"Guess they couldn't stay away" Vivian said with a bright smile gaining his attention.
"Huh?" Harry felt like he missed something.
With a laugh, she gestured her chin towards the stands. Besides their friends, Remus was sitting there with a familiar dog.
"I swear he prefers being Padfoot over-" Harry went to say before Vivian's elbow to his side stopped him. That's when he noticed that Fred and George had once more zeroed in on them.
"Wait, they're here?" Fred looked with George.
They could see Lupin, but where was Black?
"Break a leg" Harry teased Vivian before catching up with the rest of the Gryffindor team.
"I know they'd be interested in your ideas and shop" Vivian accidentally let slip.
Two red heads snapped back to Vivian. "How'd you know we wanted a shop?" Fred asked.
"I don't remember mentioning that. Do you" George asked his twin.
"Oh" Vivian tried to laugh it off as she too went to walk off. "Ron told me" she said. It was convincing enough.
At least, it would have been for anyone that wasn't Fred or George Weasley.
They shared a look before following behind the girl. Before they could speak to Harry or question Vivian, Oliver called them over to their side. Vivian waved before making the rest of the way over to the Slytherin team and their hopefuls.
"Do you think anyone will replace any of us" Harry asked the twins.
"Doubtful" Fred snorted, still trying to spot Sirius Black.
George went to the black-haired boy's other side. "Unless McLaggen annoys one of us into jumping off our brooms".
"That'd be messy" the twins added together.
"Not with magic" Harry told them with pep. "One wave of the wand and I'm sure Madam Hooch would have the pitch ready. Oliver would probably help" he added in that sassy smart aleck way that Harry was fluent in.
The twins sent him flat looks getting a beaming smile in return.
"Slytherins" the Gryffindors heard Oliver mutter, annoyed he had to share tryouts with a rival house.
Harry held in a snort. He was sure the quidditch obsessed boy would marry the quidditch pitch if it was ever a possibility.
Vivian was standing by herself as she eagerly awaited the try outs to begin.
Marcus Flint eyed her though it was lacking any hidden meaning. Having known Flint for a good while, even in more of the coach type of setting, she knew that look.
He was sizing up her potential on the field.
Despite all of his faults, Vivian knew that Flint wasn't a creep. Sexually at least.
Then again, she may have been biased due to him joining Harry's army after saving Ginny, Cho, and a few other girls from a disgusting raid.
It had cost him a hand, yet Marcus had officially tossed his alliance out into the open.
Vivian had to remember that this Flint didn't know her yet. Nor had he embraced the softie he really was on the inside. Way deep inside. Which showed when he apologized to Angelina for some of his stunts in school.
Though seeing as they were technically operation partners, the pretty dark skinned woman had found it in herself to forgive him.
'I'll have to keep in touch with him right away when he graduates' Vivian made a mental note.
Unfortunately, Draco was also at try outs.
It was second year and he hoped to get the seeker position.
Hermione had avoided running into the Slytherin team this time. She, in a suspiciously giddy fashion, had told her friends that she had something planned. Something that required a little bit of a better scene for when Malfoy called her a mudblood for the first time.
Which she was positive would still happen.
Ron was a little disappointed that she wouldn't share her plan. Though, he was alright with the idea of avoiding puking slugs.
Vivian held in a small smirk at the idea.
"Lupin" Draco greeted her. "I didn't know you were coming to tryouts" he stood just a little too close.
"That's because we're not friends Malfoy" she said not looking at him. 'My brother' the thought still caused a huge pulse of emotion she couldn't even begin to work outrage through her very soul.
"We should change that" Draco did his best to flirt.
"What" Vivian blinked at him as if clueless. "You want to be more than friends?" she asked.
Draco's silvery eyes sparked. "Yes, I knew you'd see things my way" he said now standing tall.
He went as far as to balance an arm on his broom trying to pose.
As the idea hit her, Vivian spoke. "Then I suppose you'll be my brother" she through him for a loop. Draco actually stumbled a bit just barely catching himself.
"What!?" Draco's voice went very high. "That is not what I meant" he tried to clarify.
"I don't see any other solution" she sighed. "We'll just pretend that you're my estranged brother whom I have no real connection to aside from anger over his treatment of my friends and boyfriend" she rattled off with a careless wave. "Dramatic to be sure, but I suppose that fits" she nodded.
"No, no, no!" Draco continued trying to cut in.
He did not want his crush to think of them as brother and sister. He'd never have her then! 'I mean, if she said cousin then there would still be hope. But brother!' he panicked. 'I have to write father about this' he thought.
Draco knew if anyone could give him Vivian Lupin, it would be Lucius Malfoy.
As far as Draco was concerned, Vivian was not only good enough to date him, but she might possibly be potential betrothed material!
But being seen as her brother would ruin any chance of anything. Even a kiss!
The idea of Vivian ending up with Weasley turned his stomach.
"Malfoy" Flint shouted making the blonde jump. "Go sit with the rest of the team" he ordered.
Draco rushed to do so while trying to make it look like he wasn't rushing. There were some snickers as one boy, Boyle spoke up. "Oi, how come he's already on the team. He didn't try out" he complained. His brattish scowl stuttered the moment Marcus' dark eyes snapped to him.
He was intimidating to be sure.
Vivian bit back a smile and she was sure she wasn't the only one.
"You'd do well to mind your business Boyle" Marcus snipped with that accent spewing from his mouth. He wasn't as…refined or decent looking like Vivian remembered him.
Then again, he was still a student. She doubted looks were on the top of his list. At least right now, seeing as his home life was a bit restrictive.
"I was simply wondering why Malfoy got special treatment" Boyle muttered none too quietly.
Vivian rolled her eyes. "Obvious his Daddy bought him a place" she said getting an embarrassed glare from Draco. "Does it matter" she looked forward again.
"Stay out of this Lupin" was Boyle's retort.
"My father didn't-" Draco went to deny. No doubt he was about to say something he would later claim to regret. A pattern she had had with Draco in the past.
"All of you focus" Flint's sharp tone cut the possible argument short. "If you wanted to bicker and air your dirty laundry then perhaps you should have asked the hat to place you in one of the other houses" he walked back and forth between the line of students. "You should know by now that Slytherin is different than the other houses" he sneered. "Unless you don't agree with how we do things Boyle" he suggested.
"I-I didn't say that" Boyle straightened. He looked at Flint, worried he'd be challenged to prove his loyalty any moment.
His dark beady eyes glared back and forth as if worried Professor Snape would pop out of no where and reprimand him.
Vivian chuckled having an idea on what his mind was on. She didn't think Snape would be leaving his classroom and chambers any time soon though.
'Not if Luna gets a free period and wants more training time' she knew.
"Then I'd shut up if I was you mate" Flint added with eyes flashing dangerously. "Does anyone else have a problem with Malfoy being on the team" he condescendingly asked the others.
"Not when there are too many witnesses" came Vivian's smart aleck reply.
Some students smirked or snickered as others rolled their eyes.
Draco pouted and Flint nodded approvingly. "Right, first we're running through the paces of Keeper" he explained. "Line up here and we'll start" he suggested as those not applying for that particular position sat down on some benches.
Vivian watched with mild entertainment as Woods and Flint tried to out captain each other.
They were on complete opposites of the pitch yet still managed to constantly yell passive aggressive things meant for the other to hear.
'Have they always been into each other' she had to wonder comparing the two to their future selves. 'This tension is stifling' she held in a giggle. It was so obvious they were into one another, yet both boys seemed beyond blind to the fact.
"Beaters, you're up" Flint gained her attention.
With a confident stride Vivian walked to the designated area before taking to the air.
Both Boyle and Derrick strode over snickering about their competition.
Vivian held her own amusement. Most people could guess as much but being a werewolf did give the human counterpart a bit of extra 'perks'. Strength being one of them.
She guessed it was nature's way of trying to balance the rations of cons and pros.
'Shit job so far' she couldn't help mentally snort as she mounted her broom. 'But I cannot wait to see the looks on their faces' she wiped off the smirk that tried to threaten the corner of her lips.
As the three hopefuls and two beaters floated in the air, Vivian caught a bit of whispered conversation.
"Bet I can knock Lupin off her broom before she could even get a hit in" Boyle was laughing.
"She's a scrawny thing, do it too hard and she'd break" Derrick pointed out somewhat neutrally.
Bole looked confused, "So?" he asked which brought on more snickers at his own joke. Derrick didn't join the laughter.
"Well, I bet I can break more of all three of their bones than you" Derrick wagered.
"Bet!" Boyle said before quieting down. "Bet!" he repeated in a poor attempt of a whisper. "If I win you talk me up to Roberta" he suggested getting the other boy to roll his eyes.
"I told you, you're not dating my sister" the other boy told him.
Vivian tuned them out as she readied herself. She almost groaned out loud! Vivian almost forgot her promise and started shifting her muscles. Thankfully, she caught herself with a mental berate.
'I can do it without that!' she tried to assure herself. 'Right' she thought as self-doubt began to creep in. Not a new feeling, but not welcomed. 'Am I good enough' she couldn't help but wonder.
Before she got too deep into that rabbit hole, sounds from the stands caught her attention.
"Go Vivian! Woah!" Remus cheered for her. He was shouting with the others as Padfoot jumped and howled in agreement. Even Harry was making noise making Wood look at him with a small pout.
The twins soon distracted their captain.
"Vivian!" Ron and Remus were shouting with big smiles.
That was like a boost inside the young girl.
With that, her eyes narrowed at the two laughing Slytherin beaters.
Flint watched and hid a half smirk. Sometimes, he saw fire in his players' eyes. And it had nothing to do with malice. It was determination.
With his wand arm up, Flint slashed down as a spell shot out releasing two bludgers and a quaffle.
The beater hopefuls had to keep the already instated teammates from taking the keeper out.
Boyle looked beyond cocky though Derrick actually became focused.
Vivian's lips twitched into a small smirk.
She had a pretty good idea about who's position she was going to take.
The moment the balls were in the air, Vivian took off. She didn't have the fastest or even newest broom as they were told to use school brooms to show their natural talents.
However, she did have one up on the thick Bole. Though she may not have looked like the ideal beater seeing as she was very thin and a tad spindly.
Vivian did have one hell of an arm.
As the ball went towards the keeper, Vivian's muscles tensed and released. She put as much physical power as possible into the ball.
That sent it speeding at impossible speeds towards Boyle.
He did try to hit it, but he was a second too late.
The ball smashed into his nose sending blood flying as he went soaring to the ground.
Flint made an interested hum in his throat as he stopped Boyle's fall. He then lowered the boy, attentions back on those in the air. Bole groaned and moaned slurred words, but Flint was no longer interested.
Draco was looking at the damaged beater with wide eyes.
'It has to be the balls' he tried to tell himself. The idea that Vivian could have such strength terrified him.
She smirked before waiting by the seemingly unaffected keeper.
Derrick looked a bit taken aback before jumping back into the game and sending a bludger at the boy trying out with Vivian.
He hit it fine, but Derrick simply hit it back before growing tired of their back and forth. Finally, Derrick hit the other blonde boy off his broom, though he did try to roll and catch his fall so that he didn't crash.
"That's enough" Flint called them back down.
"Go Vivian!" were still screams from the stands and other side of the pitch.
"Alright, you lot can go as we try for the others" Flint said. As Vivian walked by, he spoke in a low tone, "Don't forget to watch out for the team sheet Lupin".
When she looked back at him, he was already watching the others.
Biting her lip, Vivian ran off ignoring Draco. Thankfully, she was faster than him.
"Dad!" she called out crashing into a now beaming Remus. He hugged her tightly.
"Hey Cub" he greeted, cheek on the top of her head as Padfoot did all these little dog dances with tail wagging like crazy.
Remus was trying not to show how that simple title, said so naturally by Vivian, was affecting him.
"Did you see?!" she asked seemingly forgetting that he obviously did.
Ron watched with a smile as the other children's eyes turned to Harry.
"I did" Remus said sitting with her by his side as she distractedly petted a happy Padfoot. "You took that boy down as if you were made to" he chuckled.
"He made a bet he'd take me out" she shrugged, and Remus frowned briefly. "But I think I made the team" she perked up.
"Flint told you?" Ron asked excitedly.
"Good as" she nodded.
"I'm proud" the red head kissed her cheek.
Remus hid a chuckle as her face turned as red as Ron's hair.
Padfoot gave out doggy snickers before he too turned to watch his godson in excitement. He was finally about to see Harry play quidditch.
It made him think of his time on the team with James.
Remus was thinking the same. Watching from the stands with Lily and their friends.
Both men tried to focus on the now seeing as they didn't want to become caught up in memories. Not here and not now. They'd do that later with a bottle or three of Firewhiskey.
"I'm proud too and so is Paddy" Remus teased his best friend with the nickname.
Padfoot's growl let him know he hadn't gone unheard.
All of the children snickered and giggled as Remus smirked proudly.
Vivian chuckled, looking at Harry as she filed away the nickname Remus had made of Sirius' nickname. The whole thing was a bit much, just like the humorous men themselves.
Harry watched as the twins put the possible recruits through their paces. He knew none of the positions would change, but it was still fun to watch. None of the fliers were particularly bad, but none were where Oliver would want them to be.
However, the worse had to be McLaggen for sure. Mainly because of his attitude.
"I was born to be a Keeper" he went on telling an uninterested Angelina and Harry. He gave a sniff, "Like many of my ancestors" he kept going on. Harry sent the pretty dark-skinned girl an exaggerated pleading expression making her cover a snicker.
'At least he's not going on about muggleborns' Harry compared McLaggen to Malfoy.
"And I do come from an impressive line. Today is my chance to prove myself" Cormac puffed out his chest. The good-looking boy looked up as if he was speaking to a full audience.
"Okay" was all Harry said.
"Don't worry Potter" Cormac joked, "I'm not out for the seeker position".
Harry gave a very put on laugh which cut McLaggen's short. Once more, the dirty blonde put his nose up and turned back to Wood waiting for instruction.
'Just don't hit me with another bat making us lose a match, and we'll be fine' Harry mentally sassed.
He knew Cormac wouldn't make the team; he'd try again sixth year but the twins would give him a bit of a nasty treat. Not to mention Hermione pushing the boy during tryouts.
Though, that was when Hermione and Ron still thought they might like each other.
Just like when Harry thought Ginny and he might have been a match.
Vivian didn't pursue anyone. Not that people didn't try. Then again, she had been secretly pining after Ron thinking she wasn't good enough. Being a werewolf would do that to a person's self-esteem. Plus, she was constantly pushing Draco away.
Though there was always something else that he thought Vivian let hold her back.
Harry almost smiled. He was thankful for the horcrux hunt in many ways. It helped everyone reveal their true feelings.
He couldn't even imagine what would have happened had they all kept silent.
There had been a brief break from their harrowing task as it came out that the two couples had all been in love with their now partners but tried to divert their attentions for one reason or another.
The celebration after that did bring a smile to Harry's face.
It hadn't been much, a small dinner and the last of their pumpkin juice. That had been enough though.
When at any moment they knew any of them could die.
That, despite the situation, was one of his fondest memories.
Seventh year, Harry didn't want to think of seventh year. Luna and Neville were helping everyone at the school. He knew McLaggen was on the team then, but at that point quidditch didn't seem that important.
Even now, it wasn't the love for quidditch that brought him to the pitch.
It wasn't even loyalty to his team.
Harry loved to fly!
It was the first time he felt truly free.
Whether it be his broom, Buckbeak, or even Sirius' motorcycle; Harry couldn't get enough of flying.
If he had to ever give up magic, but he could keep one thing. It would be this.
"Alright" came Oliver's heavy accent. "We're gonna get the place of seeker out of the way. Harry, Timbers, you're up" he told the two.
The two boys nodded to one another. Johnathan Timber was a nice kid. Even if he and Harry didn't run in the same circles.
If Harry remembered correctly, Timber would become his reserve. Harry wondered if he should plan some raids around games so that the boy got to play more.
There were loud barks as Harry took to the air. His friends cheered, but somehow, he heard Sirius above them all.
Then again, Hermione megaphoning the dog's throat may have had a hand in that.
Harry laughed before focusing on Oliver releasing the balls.
He briefly entertained the idea of letting Timbers have the wanted position but knew Ron would have his hide.
Not to mention the other Weasleys.
His friends and the twins cheered as he zoomed around looking for the snitch.
Harry was a little surprised when he saw another familiar red head watching from the side of the stands.
Percy Weasley.
The black-haired boy didn't know why that surprised him. It had later come out that like many of his family members, Percy loved quidditch. He was just tired of always being compared to someone else. That's why he worked so hard to make a name for himself. For Percy.
Not just another Weasley son.
'Ron, look to your left' Harry thought as he zeroed in and chased after that elusive golden snitch.
Ron turned and saw his older brother watching try outs from behind a pillar.
With stealth that would surprise some, Ron made his way down until he was behind the unsuspecting Percy. "You could always watch with us" he said making the taller boy jump a foot in the air.
"What?! Ronald don't sneak up on people like that" he placed a hand over his heart, back now painfully straight.
"Sorry" Ron held up his hands. "Was just wondering if you'd want to come sit with us" he offered gesturing to the group.
"I wasn't watching" Percy rushed to deny while pushing his glasses up.
"Alright" Ron tried again, "You can still sit with us. I miss my brother" he said honestly taking Percy back a little.
Ron hadn't said something like that since he was little when Percy had to babysit him.
"What?" he asked feeling if he had heard wrong.
"Come on Perc" Ron smiled kindly. "I know we don't always get along, but you'll always be my brother. Plus, you've got to get to know Vivian" he suggested.
Percy looked up at Ron's friends who were giving them privacy.
"Well, I suppose I can stay for a little" he cleared his throat. "But I have prefect duty later" he explained.
"Sure" was all Ron said as they two made their way to the stands and others.
Harry looked over and smiled seeing Ron introduce Percy to Remus. The green-eyed boy turned back to the task at hand. Once he spotted that flash of gold, he was off.
Quickly, he caught the snitch just a little before Timbers.
The two boys nodded to one another as they went to land. "Watch out!" Timbers suddenly yelled.
"Harry look out!" Fred called somewhat frantically at the same time.
On instinct, Harry forced his broom to give a dead drop.
Whizzing by where his head had just been was a bludger.
It was obviously out of control. The twins proved this further as they attempted to stop it, yet it jerked back and forth causing the two to almost hit each other or fall off their brooms.
Hermione jumped up with the others, a spell on the tip of her tongue.
However, someone surprisingly beat her to it.
"Diffindo!" Percy shouted, causing the ball to split in two before plummeting to the grass of the pitch.
The grounds were silent.
"Thanks Perc" Fred cut the silence.
"Didn't know you had it in you" George added with a good-natured smile blooming over his face.
"Uh, well-" Percy tried to explain his quick actions.
"Well, he's gonna be Head Boy, isn't he?" Ron piped in. "He's just practicing" he joked.
Percy slightly eased some.
"Thanks though, really" Harry told the other ginger boy.
He then scanned the area letting Ron calm his brother's nerves.
'What the hell is he doing here' Vivian thought catching the other Knights' attention.
A familiar blonde was peaking around one of the pillars. "Lockhart" Remus glared, spotting the man looking at Harry. He then saw the boy look right back at him.
Suddenly, Lockhart strutted out from his hiding spot. "Yes, good job my boy" he began making Percy's cheeks redden. "Though, I would have-" he began before another voice cut him off.
"But you didn't, so doesn't really matter does it" Vivian almost hissed. The smile on her face holding a menacing quality that was not lost on anyone.
"Well, I couldn't let it hurt anyone" Percy said before turning to the others. "It was nice meeting you sir" he said while petting Padfoot. "I should go though" he told Ron before pausing. "But…I'll see you at dinner".
"Save you a spot" Ron grinned.
Percy looked at him for another moment before nodding and walking off.
Of course, Lockhart had sputtered but tried to get his stride back. "Of course dear girl" he said not seeing her eye twitch. "However, as a teacher it is my job to help any of those in need".
"Oh, is that why you've been missing class…professor" Hermione asked hiding her distain.
Lockhart's cheeks heated but he quickly smiled that too bright grin. "Yes, yes. Something like that" he chuckled before seeing Remus. "Don't I know you?" he asked.
"My friends and I, the Marauders" he didn't see Fred and George practically swoon. Lockhart paled considerably. "Stopped you from stealing from Lily-" Remus went on before Lockhart tried to cut him off.
"Oh, well schoolboys and their youths huh" Gilderoy laughed a little too much, too high.
Harry couldn't figure out how Gilderoy had gotten so far in life. Harry wasn't just talking about living his fabrication of lies either. He wondered how the blonde hadn't been killed off yet. Whether by another person or his own stupidity, it didn't matter. Him being alive was some sort of miracle.
"I think tryouts are over" Oliver gained the other's attention. "I was fitting to have some practice after" he began before yelling. "But since someone insists on being on my pitch during my time" he all but shouted.
"If you love this pitch so much, why don't you marry it!" Flint shouted over.
"Maybe then I'd at least get some time on it!" Wood yelled back as the two faced one another, arms rigid at their sides as their fists clenched, faces taking on quite a lot of color.
"They should just snog and get it over with" Harry heard Fred mutter to his brother and the chasers.
"I don't think it'd stop at a snog" Angelina muttered back making the twins and girls all chuckle before painting on innocent expressions when Oliver spun around.
When he spoke, his Scottish bur was thick and heated. "I expect ye all to be back before supper" he said. "No excuses!" he shouted stomping away while muttering under his breath and glaring at Flint who made no effort to hide his own glower.
'Vivian's was right' Harry remembered a discussion they had once had on what he had thought had been the odd couple. 'They are far too worked up. They do need to snog' he shook his head landing.
In the next instant, he had Hermione in his arms.
Not that he was complaining.
"I thought I'd only have to worry about Death Eaters" she whispered in his ear. "Now I remember how scared I was watching you play. Even in practices" she told him.
"I'm fine" he assured her. "Plus, you're always there to make me feel better" he reminded getting a smile in return.
"Not to interrupt such a lovely moment" Remus teased. "However, Padfoot and I must go. We were only here to see your auditions" he smiled at the kids kindly. His heavy hand rested on a beaming Vivian's shoulder.
"Well, I hope you get some rest" Neville spoke up. "Because tonight I'll need everyone's help" he told them.
"Potion's that far along?" Luna asked somewhat surprised.
"Yes" Neville said with a big smile. "Though I'm sure you weren't idle" he hinted.
She only grinned, swinging her shoulders side to side in response.
"Well tonight's about you then Nev" Harry agreed getting nods and smiles around the group. "Then Rectus can see what the Ministry is doing about removing Greyback's body" he mentioned. Only once did the Prophet cover Fenrir's death.
After that, everything had gone hush hush. In fact, the paper wasn't mentioning anything about the Death Knights.
What pissed Harry off about that was that the Minister was trying to cover up the crimes of the people they killed.
They were trying to silence everything and sweep it under the rug.
Harry wasn't about to let that happen.
However, though the Prophet was controlled, other magazines and papers were not so easily swayed.
They covered much of the Death Knights' actions.
Despite what Fudge said.
So, while many attempted to continue to slumber, there was an uneasy feeling as others saw what those in power were attempting to cover up.
Still, Harry wanted everyone to know of the crimes.
To be forced to see the truth they tried to deny. The world where they would accuse and attack anyone different than them then demand a hero. Even if it was an abused, small child they repeatedly took advantage of.
It was time the wizarding world woke up.
Not that many were able to avoid his work. They still couldn't get the bodies down. No, Fudge's brilliant plan was to put a sheet over the bodies, so people didn't have to look at them.
That was it.
Now they looked like a parody of a muggle ghost.
Harry wondered just how people were dealing with the hanging sheet covered bodies.
He couldn't imagine it was good for any of the businesses around.
"We'll let you finish classes" Remus said. "Then we'll see you tonight" he ended on a quieter tone.
After exchanging hugs, the preteens made their way back to the castle.
"What class do we have next?" Ron asked Hermione.
"Potions" she answered seeing Harry's smirk.
"Oh goody" Luna clapped her hands. "I might sit in" she told them.
"Do you think Snape would allow it?" Vivian chuckled.
"I didn't say he'd know" the blonde said back innocently to the amusement of the others. Before they could make it all the way to the castle, a black hawk owl swooped down and floated in front of Vivian.
Seeing the black letter attached to its leg, her demeanor changed.
Slowly, she took the letter letting the owl take off.
Seeing Vivian just staring at the letter in her hand, Ron spoke up. "How about you lot go on. We're going to give this class a miss" he said for his silent wife.
"Right" Harry nodded as he gently touched Vivian's shoulder.
As if just remembering they were there, she looked back up. "Hmm?" she asked.
"We'll see you at lunch" he suggested, and she simply nodded going back to the unopened letter.
With that, the others watched Ron lead Vivian towards the Whomping Willow.
"Is that what I think it is?" Neville quietly asked. He worriedly fiddled with the bottom of his sweater as he looked on concerned.
"I think so, yeah" Harry nodded. "Come on" he told the worried group. "We've got to get to class. Neville still has to plan out tonight" he reminded.
Hermione was gently pulled along by Harry's hand in hers.
Luna ended up having to do the same for Neville as the two were more unwilling to leave Vivian.
"Ronald is with her" Luna told them in her light voice. "He will help her".
There was an undeniable truth in her words.
Slowly, the group went to change and head to potions.
Their minds, however, were still on Vivian. Though they did their best to keep back any mental probes.
###SCENE BREAK###
Vivian sat between Ron's legs and with her back to his chest. She had removed most of her gear and was back in a simple black t-shirt and her school pants.
Ron held her gently as they simply sat in silence.
Eventually, Vivian broke it by asking "Do I really want to know?" she asked in a small voice.
"Know what Love?" Ron asked moving some hair behind her ear.
Vivian swallowed; eyes glued to the black letter with the telltale Malfoy crest. "How much she didn't want me?" she voiced hoarsely.
Ron shook his head, hands on hers to stop her shaking.
"I've been thinking about that" he told her. "Do you remember the night Fred died" he asked quietly.
Vivian nodded, squeezing his larger freckle covered hands. "We thought it was the final battle" she mumbled.
"Right" Ron inhaled deeply. "Remember how we were cornered? After Neville killed Nagini?" he went on. She didn't answer, but that didn't dissuade him. "Rodolphus and Rabastan had me under double cruciatus" he reminded.
Vivian held his hands tighter as the letter rested on one of her folded knees.
"And Bellatrix was helping Fenrir curse me" she remembered.
"Do you remember who saved us?" he asked, and her gaze snapped up, staring at the Black Lake.
"Narcissa" she whispered.
"Do you remember what she said when she blasted back Bellatrix and Greyback?" he asked.
Vivian's brows scrunched as she shook her head. "No" she remarked.
Ron ran his thumbs up and down her palms. "She said 'not again'" he revealed. Vivian looked up trying to keep control over her emotions. "I thought she meant Malfoy Manor" he remarked. "I think…she tried to save you then too" he mentioned.
Vivian was lost in the memory.
It was after Bellatrix had carved Mudblood into Hermione's arm. Then Fenrir and Bellatrix had taken great pleasure in trying to carve Fenrir's name onto Vivian's shoulder.
'Narcissa' she thought remembering the blonde- and dark-haired woman's actions. She had shouted at them to stop, actually physically hitting her sister, then going for Greyback before Lucius dragged Narcissa out of the room.
Draco had watched horrified.
It was before he had become a real Death Eater. He had the mark, but it was before he tainted his soul.
Before he hurt innocents in the worst ways possible.
Back then she had thought he had a chance to change.
After…it no longer mattered to her. He had to pay, and she made sure he did. Just as she did to Lucius.
"It's my fault she's dead. That she died" Vivian suddenly said in a mute tone.
Ron knew what she meant. "No" he shook his head.
He remembered lying to Draco after finding Ginny's body. How Draco kept trying to blame everyone but himself.
Ron said that they had Narcissa, so they were even.
He never told him the truth.
"She did that to save you" he remembered.
It had been Rodolphus Lestrange who killed Narcissa.
He was incensed over the loss of not only his wife, but also his lord. He teamed up with Walden Macnair. He decided to take his grievances out on Vivian.
However, as they tortured her, having jumped her at Diagon Alley, Narcissa had interrupted. Ron was knocked unconscious, and the others weren't with them. The red head was heavily wounded.
This had been one of the instances that hammered in for Vivian that the world was not black and white. It was nothing like Albus described.
That even with Voldemort gone…nothing changed.
The world had to change.
She had already known that some Death Eaters had been genuinely forced to join.
But only in that moment had she seen both the lightest in someone's soul paired with the darkness. Narcissa saving her had always puzzled her, resting at the back of her mind.
As did an odd guilt over being unable to save her from Lestrange.
Narcissa's spell work had been impressive. In fact, she had cut off one of Macnair's arms.
Rodolphus had struck Narcissa from behind, blasting a chunk out of her back then chest.
She had died looking a terrified, horrified Vivian in the eyes.
"I think she was happy that even after everything, she was able to save you" Ron revealed in a small voice.
"…I'm scared of what she'll say" Vivian finally said out loud. "How…how she didn't want me. Doesn't want me" she told him. "Or…or only wants me because I'm close to Harry" she said in a quiet voice. "What if she is glad that I'm gone" she voiced.
"I don't think that's the truth" Ron rubbed her back. "But…we won't know unless you look at the letter" he told her. "No matter what, I'll be here" he swore.
"Even with Malfoy blood in me" she asked with a crack in her voice.
Ron leaned forward and kissed the back of her head. "I told you, I don't care about what is in your blood. What your last name is. Someday, it will be Weasley, like it's meant to be".
He didn't see the slow, soft smile that rested on her face.
Slowly, with shaky hands Vivian reached to open the letter.
Ron held her to him while watching over her shoulder.
Vivian exhaled as the seal broke. With one finally deep breath, she decided to be brave.
Dearest Vivian,
I cannot express how relieved I am that you wrote to me. Perhaps relieved isn't the best word. Overjoyed sounds more accurate.
Vivian licked her suddenly extremely dry lips. She read on as Ron simply held her in silence.
I'm sure you won't believe me. However, if you were to ask to meet with me; I would be more than available at your disposal. Name a time and place and I shall be there. I know this is probably very upsetting for you but believe me when I say that our time apart was not of my doing.
This is very important my love.
Vivian almost gasped at that before the rest of the sentence caught her attention.
The pretty green-eyed girl wasn't sure how much she believed Narcissa, but the next line caused her dark brows to pull together in confusion.
In order for me to explain everything to you, you must want me to. I need you to be open to at least getting to know me.
I know, it is too much to ask given the circumstances, but this is for your benefit.
I await, though I should say I truly hope you reply to this letter.
Send any reply back with Icarus. He is a gift from me to you.
Until we meet be well my dear.
Love always,
Your mother.
"…I don't understand" Vivian spoke after a while. She had to repeat herself as her voice gave way.
Slowly, gently Ron turned her so she was sitting sideways on his now cross legged lap. "Do you want to meet her?" he asked softly.
Vivian looked up, trying to stop the tears that desperately wanted to fall.
One of Ron's arms was still around her back as the other sat in her lap as his work roughened thumb went back and forth over the back of her hand. Finally, she wasn't able to take it and buried her face in his shoulder as she started to cry. He felt her nod against him.
He wrapped her in his embrace, pulling her closer as she sobbed against him.
He placed his cheek on the top of her head, letting her work out her emotions.
"You know I love you" Ron said quietly. "It's impossible not to, snake or not" he teased gently.
It was something Ron had said multiple times on their honeymoon.
Vivian gave him a watery chuckle which a hiccup cut off.
"If you want, I'll go with you. You know I will" he promised.
Slowly, her cries began to trail off as she tired herself out.
"I just…" Vivian had to swallow, wiping her nose on the hankie he conjured her. She chuckled as he wiped her face somewhat clumsily. "I just don't know what I want" she admitted. "A part of me wants to go and scream at her, tell her everything that happened because of them" she explained.
"The other half?" he asked patiently.
Vivian looked down, now resting against his broad shoulder in a more relaxed ease. "I want her to tell me that it was all a mistake. That Ripple lied and she didn't give me up" she whispered.
He sighed, watching her lost in her own thoughts. "No one's saying you can't do both" Ron suddenly said.
"What do you mean?" Vivian asked not understanding.
"Well" he started, looking at her as the sun shined against her pale cheeks and dark hair. Green eyes looked at him with absolute trust. "You can meet her, see what she has to say and…if it comes to it, show her".
"Show her" Vivian's brows went up at the idea.
"Everything" he nodded seeing Vivian bite her lip. "Maybe you could even see what she's been doing" he suggested. "And if he causes a problem, we could show Malfoy, Lucius" he clarified. "And he wouldn't be able to tell a soul" he shrugged. "Either way, I think you owe it to yourself to hear what she has to say".
Slowly, a smile over took her. Before he could think, he found Vivian's lips attached to him in an energetic kiss.
Ron almost pouted when she pulled away before he could get lost in the sweet moment.
"You're bloody brilliant" she beamed, seeing his face take on extreme color at the declaration. "Come on" she all but dragged him up.
Ron couldn't help but laugh as Vivian all but ran them straight to the owlery.
###SCENE BREAK###
"Where are we?" Sirius spat what felt like some sort of flying bug out of his mouth.
"Riddle Manor" Remus motioned his head to the graveyard. There was a disturbing number of bugs.
Almost as if something was drawing them.
"Oh good, it worked this time" Sirius dusted his jacket off. Even as Rectus he dressed as Sirius wanted to.
Leather jacket and all.
He realized how much easier jeans were when compared to robes.
Remus was in a nice, modest red sweater with tie and suit shirt underneath.
"Do you think the snake's here, with him now?" Sirius asked lowly.
"While they wait for someone to find them?" Remus asked. "Possible" he nodded beginning to look at the tombstones. "Let's look this way".
"Just don't go off the path" Sirius muttered. "Harry said that Riddle's mother's shack is nearby and cursed".
"I wonder what Riddle would do if he saw Pettigrew now" Remus said seemingly out of nowhere.
Sirius understood though. No doubt Voldemort was trying to reach out to some minion to nurse him to health. That did make Sirius wonder how Voldemort and Peter met up in the original timeline. How would Peter know where to go? "I'm sure he'd be disgusted" Sirius remembered what the potion Neville gave his ex-friend was doing.
'As if he wasn't enough of a rat to begin with' Sirius sneered. "Neville still has to turn him back for the trial. He said it'd be painful".
Remus hummed in agreement.
When Harry revealed that Peter died by his own fake hand, apparently because he couldn't bring himself to harm Harry, Sirius had been conflicted.
Then Neville revealed what Peter did before that.
Sirius' hate doubled, which he hadn't even known was possible.
Though, Sirius did understand the kids' hate for Pettigrew, Neville soon explained just why they were wondering about future Death Eaters. Like Draco Malfoy.
Apparently, he had almost 'seen the light' as well.
However, once the battle of Hogwarts proved to not be the last battle, Draco had allowed himself to get dragged down the dark twisted path of a Death Eater. He did disgusting, vile and evil things in the name of his false lord. Half dead lord at that point, which made Sirius even angrier.
It was obvious Voldemort was losing, falling apart literally and yet people still followed him.
They followed him and turned Sirius' sweet godson into the Master of Death.
Sirius shook his head. He'd offer up any help that he could, but he thought Remus might have to be the voice of reason when it came to dealing with people who had yet to turn into enemies.
"I can't believe we're here for bones" Sirius boredly looked at the tombstones.
"And a snake" Remus idly added. "Harry just wants all the bases covered. For every action-" he began.
"There's a reaction. I got it" Sirius finished for him getting a tired grin from Remus. "I know, I'm pouting" Sirius said making Remus' grin widen.
"Just think, a few weeks and you can say goodbye to Rectus. Until we need him again" Remus teased his friend.
"I just hate waiting" Sirius muttered with a pout.
"I know" Remus deadpanned making Sirius shoot him a two fingered solute causing the werewolf to smirk. "Here we are" the two walked up to the large tombstone.
Sirius took in the statue of Death watching them.
"Charming" he said getting a hum of agreement from Remus.
"Did you bring it?" Remus asked and Sirius pulled out the dry bones. He didn't want to think on how excited Kreacher had been to give the item to him. "Good" Remus said before placing Notice Me Not charms around them.
"Who's going to do the digging?" Sirius asked with a head tilt.
Remus didn't answer which cause Sirius to turn to him.
Remus was just looking at him with a raised brow.
"Why me!?" Sirius couldn't believe it. Did Remus not know this was a new jacket?!
"It's easier for you to get on all four" Remus shot back.
Sirius muttered mutiny under his breath. "I'll ignore that and assume you were just talking about Padfoot" he told his best mate.
"What else would I be talking about" Remus asked too innocently.
With curses about cheeky werewolves, Sirius turned to Padfoot. With one last doggy glare, he began digging up the grave of Riddle Sr.
Remus snorted, "Don't tire yourself out. We still have a snake to track down".
###SCENE BREAK###
Dobby had his work cut out for him.
He was now head elf of Potter Manor. A title that had the excitable little being walking around with his head high.
Especially when he was able to create his own outfit with all of his favorite colors.
Not to mention his numerous pockets.
He had on little shorts which showed off his mismatched socks. A tiny jacket with his name sewn on. The others had similar outfits, though Winky and Kreacher were still getting used to wearing real clothes.
Kreacher was tasked with taking care of the dungeons.
A task he had taken to heart.
Winky had a slightly brighter task of training Petunia on being a proper house maid. Though Winky hadn't known what to do when Petunia argued with her.
Despite orders that she was allowed to defend herself and act accordingly.
This had Dobby usually coming to her defense and putting the older thin woman in her place.
Not that Petunia argued with the elves much anymore.
They were her only real constant company.
Petunia Dursley was basically Potter Manor's caretaker. Harry had found something funny in the idea of turning his aunt into the female version of Filch but without any semblance of power.
After healing her, Harry had decided against further harming her, despite the memories from his childhood.
He didn't want to hurt his aunt anymore.
Physically at least.
It was well known that Petunia was jealous of magic. She had begged Albus to go to Hogwarts with Lily after all.
Finding out that his aunt had missed his mother gave him cause to think.
Though that didn't make up for the childhood she had given him. Everyday she showed how she felt, taking out her anger on her innocent nephew. No matter how much she secretly missed Lily.
So, Harry settled on giving Petunia a second chance.
She would keep the Manor clean.
She'd be surrounded by magic daily yet continue to clean and keep things in order the 'mundane' way.
A proper life for the envy filled and bitter woman.
Despite what Petunia actually said, she knew Harry had taken mercy on her.
Whether it was a spur of the moment act or from some sort of actual care, she didn't know.
Now Petunia's greatest enemy was herself.
As her days were caught up with cleaning and learning how to be the best servant possible, she only had her mind to keep her company. Winky wasn't too keen on speaking to her on a more than profession level, though the little elf did try.
Though unlike Petunia, Winky was eager to provide for Sirius and Remus when they were home.
Petunia thought of her change of destiny.
No longer were the distractions and luxuries of her previous home readily at her disposal.
While at first, she had been able to rest in her web of lies and anger, especially as she nursed her still present burns, soon, the web began to unravel.
Day by day, she was faced with more and more of the truth.
'You brought this on yourself' she ignored what sounded like her conscious. A conscious that sounded suspiciously like one beautiful red head from the past.
'I've cracked, that's the only reason I'm hearing her' Petunia aggressively beat any dust off the rug.
A somewhat needless act given how with a snap of their fingers, the elves could disappear any dust. Still, Petunia was sent in to do the task first. She was just outside the kitchen, rug on the laundry line.
'Cracked Tuney?' came that damn voice again. 'Why would you say that? You've heard me before; you've just ignored me'.
'No, this is not happening' Petunia tried to shake her head.
'Why would I be the voice of your conscious? Something to think on, hmm' Lily's voice rang through her head.
Before Petunia could continue arguing with herself, Kreacher walked into the kitchen. Petunia could still see most of the room from her position.
He was covered in some dark sticky looking substance.
"Master Longbottom's potion be a bit messy" was his way of explanation.
Petunia thought to the…man down in the dungeons. Pettigrew. The man partially responsible for her little sister's death.
"He's turning into a rat, isn't he?" she asked remembering the brief glance she had caught.
Kreacher moved his hand in a back-and-forth fashion. "Man rat" he corrected, "Shows the man within" he told her. "Painful" he told her. "Bones break and shake" he said casually as he went to the sink to get some water.
"And when they have to turn him over?" she asked.
Sirius and Remus made no move to hide what was going to happen from the elves or Petunia.
They knew they couldn't report them, wouldn't in most cases. So, they didn't hush discussions when the others were around.
Petunia had to wonder how they'd explain Pettigrew's change when handing him over to the bobbies, or aurors, she reminded herself of the different terminology.
"Hmm" Kreacher smiled, usually it involved the humor over someone else's misfortune. "Bone's break back" he tried to explain.
Petunia was becoming fluent in understanding house elves.
"That sounds…fitting" she commented turning as if she didn't care. As she continued on the rug, she didn't see Kreacher smirk behind her.
There was a reason Kreacher wasn't overly cruel to Petunia, despite her lineage.
Though she was a muggle, Kreacher saw the same spark in Petunia that he felt in his soul.
Vengeance on those who hurt someone close to them.
Whether Petunia acknowledged her love for Lily or not, that spark still burned.
"Hmmm" he drank some water. "Have to get more rooms ready" he informed her.
"Harry's coming back?" she asked not sure how to feel.
"Rooms in dungeon" he corrected.
"Oh, cells" she distractedly filled in the word.
"Cells" Kreacher nodded, "More guests tonight" he said seeing her look. He smirked again, "Going to be messy" he said as he walked out.
Before Petunia could question him, Winky and Dobby popped in.
"Masters Sirius and Remus be back soon" Winky said as she went over to the enchanted pots and pans. "We's be needing to get dinner ready" she gave Petunia a break from cleaning.
She walked into the actual kitchen, leaving the rug hanging outside the kitchen back door.
Petunia gladly took the small bin of potatoes over to the table. Sitting down, she began peeling them as Winky began on the meats and desserts. Petunia was also given peas to break along with cucumbers.
"I be getting healing potions ready just in case" Dobby mumbled as he went to different section of the large kitchen.
As she peeled and broke, Petunia couldn't help but wonder who was going to the dungeons.
And what they did to deserve that fate.
A small part of her was grateful that despite the pain she had first endured, Petunia was never in the dungeons.
That left her thinking of Vernon.
She was…sad he was gone. As much as a wife should be, but she wasn't heartbroken.
That was reserved for her son. Though Remus told her Dudley was with Marge, Petunia still missed her only child.
"We'll have chocolate cherry pudding to distract us, hmm" Winky offered Petunia. Obviously, she knew they'd have more company in the dungeons tonight.
Instead of spitting hurtful words as she had done to the she elf in the past, Petunia only sent her a smile wiry attempt of a grin.
That seemed enough for Winky who went back to her cooking.
'They're my only companions…friends now' Petunia told herself.
'Perhaps they'll be good for you' Lily's voice told her. 'Who knows Tuney, this could be a blessing in disguise' she said almost making Petunia snort.
Still, Petunia was grateful she wasn't as alone as she originally thought.
'Besides' she told herself, now sounding like herself and not Lily. 'Things could be worse' she told herself. 'I could be with Pettigrew' she held in a shiver, allowing Winky to distract her with more vegetables.
###SCENE BREAK###
Neville smirked as he landed at Potter Manor.
Tonight, all of his hard work would finally reach its end.
"I'm not surprised she wasn't there" Harry was telling Sirius.
They hadn't found Voldemort or Nagini.
"I thought maybe I could simply call his spirit to me, but no such luck" Harry sighed. "Maybe if my power was back to full effect, but right now he's too far away" he knew.
Plus, Hermione kept reminding him that if he tried to simply unlock his power, his body would more or less unravel. He had listened the first time, but as if she thought he'd still try it, she kept reminding him.
"Well, he's not exactly human but not a spirit" Remus worked through. "He's something in between. A wraith?"
"He's creepy" was Ron's contribute.
"Astute as ever" Hermione added before looking to Neville. "I can't wait to hear your plan" she told him.
"Not much of a plan" Neville shrugged. "Go in, nab them leaving golems in place and add blood to the potion" he told her. "Hopefully it works" some nerves began to bleed in.
"It will" Luna jumped in to assure him. "We have all the ingredients this time" she went on, "The potion is bound to work".
"I made up the formula for the potion Luna" Neville reminded. "It's not set in stone".
"Not yet" she said still thinking on the brighter side.
He gave a small grin as Sirius agreed.
"She's right. I went over the theory who knows how many times. I couldn't find any fault or crack" Sirius said making Neville relax a little. "Even Moony thinks it's fool proof" he offered. "And he's the only reason we didn't die when we went to Hogwarts. Honestly, he probably stopped us from being expelled" he added.
Harry and Ron burst into laughter as Hermione looked like she was about to use their heads for target practice.
Sirius didn't understand where the sudden humor came from.
Especially since Neville shot Hermione an amused look and she all but whined "I'm sorry!". He still teased her over the petrification spell in first year.
"I'll tell you later" Vivian told Sirius, coming up to his side as she smiled up at him. "Paddy" she added.
"NO!" Sirius shouted, "Not again" he spun to a breathless Remus. The man was all but bent at the waist from laughter. "That is NOT my nickname, it's Padfoot!" he told his longtime companion.
Vivian giggled, quickly moving away as Sirius worked himself up.
Luna made a sound suspiciously like a snicker but when Sirius looked at her, she was only smiling serenely. He narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"It's ok Sirius, we love you anyway" Harry said childishly.
"Don't try to be cute to distract me" Sirius saw right through the boy. "I created that bloody technique with your father!".
"Anyway" Hermione broke through the others' amusement. She didn't need a reminder of how she was first year, petrifying Neville included. She was just happy she wasn't going to turn into a cat woman this year. "Let's be careful. The Lestranges are crazy and not above ripping your throat out with their teeth" she reminded.
"We could always just knock their teeth out" Neville suggested.
"Then they'd try to gum us to death" Luna pointed out.
"Great, that's just what we need" Ron showed his amusement as everyone adorned their cloaks. "A gum-less Bellatrix attached to us, slobbering away" he shivered. "Golems ready mate" he asked Harry who waved his hands showing life like copies of the three Lestranges.
Dirt and grime included.
"Good to know I wasn't the only one Azkaban took a tole on" Sirius took in the once attractive group's now harrowing and haggard appearance.
One could almost see the outline of Bellatrix's skull.
"Yes, but you're still better looking and getting better by the day" Remus assured his friend.
"Obviously" Sirius teased.
"Sirius, do you know which cells they're in?" Neville asked and Sirius looked far off for a moment.
"Yeah, I know. Had to listen to that mad bitch every day" the man muttered before shaking himself to come back to reality. "I'll take you to them" he promised.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay here" Harry showed his concern. "I don't want you to force yourself to be around the dementors again. You shouldn't have to be" he assured.
Sirius smiled at his godson. Even though the dementors followed Harry, his thoughts were on Sirius' comfort.
"I'm sure Prongslet. I can't let them control me forever. I'll be damned if I give into that fear" he said, hand on the young boy's shoulder.
With that, the group took off for Azkaban.
'I am here' the Master sent out the mental shout to the dementors when the group finally landed. He let the others go on without him as he landed in the main hall opening of Azkaban. 'I will speak to the eldest of you now as my followers go deal with some choice nuisance'.
'Finally!' an old but excited voice echoed through his head. 'We live to serve'.
'Ezekiel' Harry greeted as he shadowed in with Hermione to meet the tall floating figure.
'It is an honor to be known by you my Lord' the being said, voice multiple pitches in Harry's head as he went on. Each word sounding as if it were a task to speak. 'We have waited long and hard for you to return' he told him.
'I have, though my forms change' Harry spoke as every past Master of Death.
Every person who owned and mastered every one of the hollows, known and unknown to man.
'Of course. We continue to grow as souls are lost' Ezekiel stated carefully.
He could sense something else that his lord had not said yet.
Harry soon showed just what bothered him. 'Ekrizdis had no right to summon you' he told them with dead seriousness and a hint of heat. 'In my domain you were able to prey on those who positively deserved it. Here…' he paused and unleashed a snap of power.
Ezekiel and the surrounding dementors shuttered in fear, bowing slightly to show their submission.
'Here you prey on any you come in contact with' he went on. 'My newest form's loved ones and this form himself were threatened by you' Harry said to their horror.
Unintentionally quiet but desperate pleas of ignorance rang out through the halls.
"Silence" came the vocal order.
All was quiet.
'I know what is to come. You join that wraith of a being Voldemort and turn on the innocent' he said producing more shakes and soft whimpers. 'You were created by the pain of the unfortunate' Harry hissed. 'Created by the most dastardly and inhuman deaths and evil acts in order to avenge those who's souls you originated from' he sneered.
Hermione watched, listening as Harry tore into his other worldly followers. She knew he was angry.
He had a right to be. Once taken from their proper dimension the dementors had lost sight of their true purpose.
She could feel Sirius' nerves even now from being back around those beings.
Sirius insisting that he come back to help them showed much of his character.
'And now' Harry was in a rage. 'Now you prey on those who first gave you power!? Gluttons!'
'We are sorry' Ezekiel pleaded. 'We will do better. We will right our wrongs' he promised, now hovering around Harry's feet as he bowed, scared.
'You will' Harry agreed. 'For your fate will be decided now' he hinted with warning.
There were now audible gasps.
'You would destroy us my lord' Ezekiel's fear skyrocketed.
Harry looked him right where his blind eyes were. 'That…is completely up to you'.
Up in the higher levels, leaving Harry and Hermione in the main hall, Sirius led the others to his former cell.
The Lestranges were all around him.
Just another thing that had tried to drive him mad, Bella's taunts that began to make less and less sense as the years went on.
As her mind started to go, more than it already was, her taunts turned from the dead Potter's and Sirius' innocence to their school days and when Sirius apparently snuffed her romantically.
He still gagged at the thought.
Despite what he said, he was grateful that there were suddenly no dementors around.
Though another part of him worried for Harry, he tried to keep focused. Not an easy task when he worried of those soul sucking fiends hurting his godson.
Remus put up a ward. He didn't need the other prisoners hearing them. Especially since he knew that even if they used codenames, the Lestranges would recognize Neville at the very least. He was doubtful they wouldn't mention his or Sirius' name.
"Here" Sirius cleared his throat. He was doing his best to focus.
"Who is that I hear" came a sing song voice.
Luna saw Neville's left eye twitch at the sound.
"Did my baby cousin come back for me" Bellatrix cackled.
"Doubtful" came the deep voice of Rodulphus making Vivian sneer.
She really hated him. 'My uncle' the thought made her angry. Rabastan laughed from his own cell, much louder than his older brother.
Then again, Rabastan was just more animated than Rodulphus in general.
Rodulphus only showed any facial expression when attacking someone. He usually only spoke to cut someone down.
"Neville, can I go with you" Vivian asked and Neville nodded. Remus, Luna and Ron held back letting Sirius enter the cell with Neville and Vivian. Once that was done, then they too would join the others, though hold back slightly unless needed. Vivian's question only referred to her facing the Lestranges head on. Luna went between the two groups, going to Neville when she felt she was most needed.
Bellatrix cackled gleefully when Neville shot the cell door open.
He took off his hood prompting the others to follow suit.
"Where do I know you from" Bella's attention snapped from Sirius to Neville.
Neville gave a toxic grin, "Frank and Alice Longbottom? Toddler watching from his protective sphere?" he asked with faux calmness.
"Oh, it's baby Longbottom" she laughed. "How's mom and dad" she continued before she was shut up by a sharp slap to the face.
"Thanks Vivian" Neville told the girl who was glaring murder down at Bellatrix.
"Vivian" Bellatrix spat turning to the girl. Seeing her, she froze.
She knew that face. It was a lot like Bellatrix's beautiful mother's, a lot like her baby sister Narcissa's face but not quite.
A lovely mix of Black blood and…Malfoy!
"You!" her eyes widened.
"Surprised I'm not dead, Auntie" Vivian mocked. "You'd be surprised what one could do with the proper guidance" she gestured to Sirius and Remus just a few steps behind. "And the proper master" she smirked.
"Of course, you'd have a master, dog! Tainting my bloodline" Bellatrix screamed.
"Oh, but Auntie, you're the one tied to the son of a muggle" she said making Bella shriek. "Did you not know Voldemort wasn't a pureblood? Father wasn't even magical" Vivian tsked.
"What did she say?" an enraged Rodolphus shouted from the next cell as Rabastan screamed.
With a wave of her hand, Luna brought the other Lestranges into Bella's cell as Ron made doubly sure none of the other prisoners could hear anything.
"I said that your Lord is the son of a muggle, a muggle his squib of a mother entrapped with Amortentia" Vivian spat.
"You lie" Rabastan said as Rodolphus looked like he was about to lose his mind completely. He also looked like he might vomit.
"It's the truth" Neville told them.
"When he comes for us-" Bellatrix began before Sirius cut her off.
"If Harry hasn't killed him off for good before then" Sirius said to their rage and disbelief, "Then the only things here to greet Voldemort will be your golems" he gestured to the copies which appeared waiting in a corner. "And I promise they will do everything they can to let your fake lord down at every possible opportunity".
The screams of outrage and pain that followed were like music to the Death Knights' ears.
"But now isn't the time for all of that" Neville put on a small smile. "There will be plenty of time to draw out your suffering. No, right now we have an important task".
He gestured to Sirius and Remus.
The two sprang on the two male Lestranges.
Sirius held Rabastan still as Remus restricted Rodolphus.
Their struggling was useless.
Luna appeared next to Neville with a small dagger. He returned her smile as the two walked to Bellatrix.
She tried to decide whether to help her husband or attack one of the children approaching.
Just as Bella gained enough strength to attempt to jump at Neville, Luna sent shadow like hands shooting out of the ground to grab and hold the now struggling woman.
Neville went up, ignoring all of Bella's taunts as he cut into her arm. As he filled some of a conjured vial with her blood, he moved to do the same to the other Lestranges.
He smirked as he finally had the last ingredient he needed.
"I'll tell the guards" Bellatrix was threatening. "You'll be sharing a cell with me!"
Rodolphus actually tried to speak, but Remus' fingers against the juncture of his jaw kept him silent.
Rabastan tried to bite Sirius earning a punch to the eye.
"The guards?" Harry suddenly appeared with Hermione seemingly out of the shadows of a corner. "You won't be here to tell anyone. You've seen the copies, I would have thought even you could work out that we were taking you" he informed her.
The scar on his head caused more spasms and shrieks from the Lestranges.
"Dungeons?" he asked a still smirking Neville.
"Oh yes" Neville nodded. "I think I'll be going home more often" he hinted. "Don't want them to get lonely".
"No worries" Remus told him as Sirius grinned. "We'll keep them company".
"Like we've done for Peter" Sirius sounded feral.
Rodolphus seemed to be the only one to understand that things had just gotten possibly worse for them as Rabastan and Bella still shouted abuse.
With a wave of Harry's hand, the three were gone.
"Which cell did you put them in" Ron asked seeing Neville still looking at the vial.
"I thought they'd like to say hello to an old friend" Harry smirked, knowing the horror show that Pettigrew was now.
He had to wonder how long it would take Bellatrix to figure out just how much worse her entrapment had become.
Mentally, he made a note to ask Kreacher and the Marauders to watch for her completely breaking. Harry thought that would be a nice gift to Luna and Neville.
###SCENE BREAK###
"I'd go for the lavender myself" Harry said startling Cedric Diggory.
The older boy hadn't even seen Potter.
He was at Hogsmeade trying to find something that would hopefully make Cho Chang smile. He wanted to ask her out and thought she might like some flowers.
"Oh, morning Potter" Cedric greeted him before another thought hit him. "What are you doing in Hogsmeade?" he asked.
"Meeting my guardian" Harry lied easily. "What are you doing?"
Cedric tried not to blush at being caught. "Uh, I wanted to buy something nice for Cho. Cho Chang" he said and Harry nodded. "You think she'd like the lavender roses?" he asked looking at the enchanted roses again. "Not Ravenclaw blue?"
"Perhaps" Harry shrugged. "But that might be a bit predictable" he went on. "I say go for the purple. Shows her you're trying to get to know her and not relying on surface beliefs. Not all Claws like blue" he gave a half smile.
Cedric began nodding. "Solid advice, where'd you learn it?" he asked the younger boy.
"My girlfriend" Harry joked getting a small chuckle from the Hufflepuff.
"Thanks again Potter" Cedric handed some coins to the vender getting the flowers. "I owe you one" he smiled and turned to fully face Harry. "Maybe I'll have to come back and gain some more of those wise words if Cho actually accepts my offer" he tried not to appear nervous.
"Don't mention it" Harry waved him off. "Just promise me unyielding loyalty when I take over the world" he beamed making Cedric laugh. "I'm easy to please".
"I'll remember that" Cedric was still laughing. "Until then" he pretended to solute Harry who simply kept smiling before the two boys separated.
Cedric didn't see Harry's grin turn into a smirk.
Going into one of the back alleys, Harry adorned his cloak and shadowed to the Diagon Alley.
He walked by, drawing some eyes though none wanted to stare too long.
He walked by where now both of his trophies had been moved, thanks to Remus and Sirius. People were still avoiding the floating, covered bodies as if they'd spring to life at any minute.
With a twitch of his fingers Harry saw the sheets fall.
There were screams and shouts as once more people were forced to directly look at the bodies of Greyback and Macnair. What was left of the bodies at least. The Death Knights had done quite a number on both corpses. Though one could still ID the bodies and see the odd writing on the torso, they were warnings of what was to come after all.
People rushed away as vendors and store owners split between hesitantly trying to re-cover the bodies and calling for aurors.
'No, you'll look' Harry thought as his smile took on a darker note.
He inhaled, sending out a large spike of magic. Given the size, he knew he'd be more than tired later, but it was worth it. 'I've got to up training' he thought, hating the feeling of exhaustion when he used too much magic at once.
Now, he'd like to see them try to cover the bodies. It would set any covers on flames and if people kept insisting, then those flames would spread little by little each time.
He walked into Gringotts leaving behind the upset public.
"I am here to speak to Warwick" Harry's disguised voice hissed calmly.
Recognizing the higher clientele, the goblin all but rushed to lead Harry to Warwick's office.
"Ah, young Lord Potter" Warwick stated when they were alone.
"Hope your day is well Warwick" Harry greeted, lowering his hood. "Your highness" he greeted King Rashnok.
The king nodded as the three sat in the large office.
"I was told you had some business I may be interested in" Harry referenced their somewhat vague letter.
"Yes" Rashnok spoke. "Let it never be said that the goblins do not keep his word".
Harry sensed some hidden humor among the two men and wondered what was happening. Warwick gestured to a further corner where there was a large lock box type of case. With a wave of his sharp claws, the box top slowly opened.
Harry began to grin as he saw the worried, gagged figure looking around the room with a sweat soaked brow and desperation in his beady eyes.
"Hello Griphook" Harry smiled predatorily.
A/N: What do you guys think? I wanted to cover or at least begin to cover a few things I had mentioned in previous chapters but hadn't gone into yet. Lockhart is still cursed, so don't worry. You'll see that more in the next chapter along with just what is happening to Pettigrew. Also go into a bit more of the kids past relationships and how that's blending into the now. That plus a lot of other stuff, so hopefully you're all enjoying. More to come, even though I'm slow at working out how to properly explain and set things up. I had to rewrite this a few times because it felt like I was rushing some things I wanted to happen. Review, ask or suggest if you feel like it. Until next time, have a great day and stay safe!