The Death Knights

by ZombiePinUp

The war is over. Voldemort did his best to crush Harry Potter. Instead, he ended up creating enemies at a level of dangerous none could ever hope to match. Harry, now the Master of Death along with his Death Knights, rule the world. However, they soon find the chance to go back and right the wrongs of the past! See them take on the Magical World and leave it burning at their feet.

17. Chapter 17

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! Like usual, I'll recheck spelling repeatedly over the next few days. I think I got most of the mistakes, but I always seem to miss some. Anyway, enjoy!

Chapter 17: Run Albus Run! (Part 2)

WARNING: A LITTLE BIT OF VIOLENCE AND SOME GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS IN THIS CHAPTER.

Narcissa ignored Lucius, stepping over his prone body on the floor. She picked up Vivian's letter, rereading happily.

Lucius picked himself up, watchful eye on his wife's all but smoking wand. He winced, limping off but being wise enough not to speak.

Thanks to his wife, Lucius would definitely be needing his cane now.

Narcissa had not spared her husband when learning of Vivian's early childhood.

However, no matter how absolutely painful Narcissa's curses had been; and they had been painful, her words had hit Lucius far more.

She told him what she had learned.

Lucius was almost angry Greyback was already dead. He wished it was he who had done away with the beast of a man.

The fact that Lucius had a hand in bringing about such horrible events to his little girl…! Despite everything, Lucius couldn't help but think of Vivian as his little girl. Those were the words that came to mind, the emotion, even as he fought to push them off and ignore them. Even as he told himself she could never be that again, the thought wouldn't leave him.

Narcissa was not the only one to still mourn. However, that was another thing Lucius had taken from his wife. His ability to expose his true feelings to her so they may mourn together.

He went to his study, tears falling before he washed the emotion away with whisky.

Narcissa was not moved.

She only cared for the parchment presently in her hands.

She smiled when Vivian talked about her friends and Remus and Sirius. It was obvious she had so much love for them. Especially the youngest Weasley boy.

She beamed when Vivian signed 'With love' at the bottom of the letter.

A warmth Narcissa thought had cooled years ago was once more ignited in her heart.

Seeing what was needed, Narcissa was more than happy to use any of Lucius' influence to help Vivian.

She was also curious over this secret Vivian mentioned. It apparently pertained to Lucius as well.

Narcissa's pondering was cut off by the appearance of Draco's owl. That caused the beautiful woman to sigh. She could already guess what her youngest had to say.

Now there was a problem that had to be handled.

Yes, they were pure-bloods, but they weren't that pure.

####SCENE BREAK####

Harry was on his way to herbology with the other Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs.

Vivian had flying, which though reluctant to separate from her friends, she took as an opportunity to get to know Tracy and Daphne. Not to mention any other Snakes that might not have been as bad as they seemed.

Much like what Luna began doing in her own classes.

Neville was happily discussing different magical plants with Hermione as Ron tried to write and walk at the same time. Even with all of his advantages, Ron still hated homework.

Harry was deep in thought.

He had found out that the ghosts knew about the Chamber being opened. Specifically, Peeves knew.

Harry had long pondered over Peeves' connection to the castle.

He had come with the castle. Did that mean he and the castle were connected? Could Peeves…hear the castle?

Was such a thing even truly possible?

'He said he heard a voice' Harry thought over. 'It couldn't have been one of us. Could it? One, we would have known. Also, none of us would have said that the chamber was opened. Not outside of the chamber at least'. Why would they, it wasn't like they were planning on using the basilisk on any of the students or staff.

Why bring attention to it at all? It was bad enough the twins had gotten one over them. Harry could only contribute that to being so focused on their mission, Vivian's condition and the twins' and Lee's own genius.

He knew because he had seen Fred, George, and Lee do amazing things. Both for fun…and other's for more urgent matters.

Not only did Harry want to know if Peeves and Hogwarts were really more or less one, he wondered how he could possibly get such an ability. He already had some plans for Peeves.

The poltergeist was not just amusing, when he wasn't catching Harry after hours at least, but also such a wonderful distraction. Especially when Peeves didn't know he was being helpful.

Harry's secret thoughts were cut off by the sudden appearance of Percy.

"Harry, Headmaster Dumbledore has requested you. Don't worry" he handed a folded parchment to Ron. "He has written up an excusatory note for Professor Sprout".

Percy was a bit surprised over Ron's lack of complaining, simply taking the note.

He didn't know that Neville, Ron, Hermione and especially Harry were all suspicious over this impromptu meeting.

With one last look at his unhappy friends, Harry followed Percy.

They walked in silence with Harry taking in Percy's stiff stance.

Deciding to take full advantage of the sudden opportunity, Harry spoke up. Percy looked a bit startled, though Harry didn't know why. It wasn't as if they never spoke before. Though he had to admit, at this point their talks weren't very in-depth or the like.

"Ron said you are hoping to join the Ministry's ranks when you graduate".

"He did?" Percy asked.

He knew any talk of his career bored his siblings to tears.

Even Molly seemed to only pretend to listen.

Harry's next words really surprised the older boy.

"Yeah, Ron said he was excited to see you make a real difference" Harry went on conversationally. Those green eyes instilling truth, kindness and somehow almost inspiring loyalty.

That was all without Harry even trying.

Percy momentarily froze. After a moment, he jogged to catch up to the still strolling young Potter.

"Did Ronald truly say that" Percy had to know. Disbelief was alive in Percy's nervous but hopeful gaze. He would love it if someone took any interest in his passions.

True, Ron had been more attentive as of late. But Percy hadn't dared to hope his brother would really want to spend time with him. 'Maybe having a girlfriend has matured Ron' Percy had to wonder.

Harry nodded, walk slowing causing Percy to do the same.

"Ron said you had a lot of good ideas" Harry said. It was true. Percy did have a lot of ideas. However, his desire to be different from his family and have order in his life saw many of those ideas and visions become buried and lost.

Fudge had never helped Percy's creativity or mind.

Fudge only fed Percy's false need to prove himself better than others. However, when he calmed down and didn't focus on how he was seen or following rules to the letter, Percy could be a lot of fun and very interesting.

Harry was determined to help that blossom much sooner.

"You want to help people. Make things better" Harry asked, leaving Percy free to fill in the blanks.

Percy nodded quickly. He missed the twitch of Harry's fingers, keeping any wonderers or portraits from bothering them. "I do" Percy agreed. "There are so many rules" he began, hands moving as he tried to express himself.

There was a passion there that Harry hadn't noticed in his younger years. 'It wasn't like I was really looking though, was I?' Harry knew.

"But-" Percy stumbled over his words, catching himself.

"But?" Harry gently probed. He realized Percy was probably a bit afraid to voice his beliefs. He was teased for being the serious one, the bookish brother. He was worried he'd be teased for this to.

They were simply unexplored right now.

Percy just so badly wanted to stand apart from his brothers. 'Perhaps I can show him that he can be himself, be different but also be with his family' Harry wondered.

"But?" Harry voiced again when Percy didn't immediately expand. Harry added "I always thought you were too good for the Ministry" he revealed.

Percy balked at that.

"What do you mean?" Percy asked. "The Ministry is almost perfect" he got his stride back.

Fighting back a snort, Harry instead offered "Perfect for who?"

That seemed to strike Percy silent.

Before he could answer, Harry carried on.

"Your dad is one of the best people I know" he said. "Your family is one of the most honest, and kindest" he saw Percy give a small grin to the ground.

Percy was both touched and proud over the gentle speech.

"Yet" Harry saw Percy's gaze snap to his profile.

"Look how your father is treated compared to the likes of Lucius Malfoy. Look at how the Minister treats him. It can't just be because of money. Though your father not being prejudice is just of bad of a reason to treat someone lower than another" Harry continued.

"Lucius Malfoy is a big influence with the minister. Malfoy…well let's just say his own family has a price in his eyes. Imagine what he thinks of others if his own flesh and blood is limited to him" Harry said.

He wasn't going to reveal Vivian's secret. However, he wanted Percy to understand how the world really worked before he left Hogwarts.

Odd how it was a twelve-year-old half-blood, raised by muggles that was teaching this to the slightly older pureblood who grew up around the backwards wizarding world.

"We all know how ol' Lucius sees your father. Given the fact that the man was a Death Eater who never had to prove that he was cursed to follow Voldemort" he saw Percy flinch, yet he recovered faster than most. "Don't you find it concerning that he is so close to the Minister?"

Percy looked away at nothing, processing the words.

"Those are…good points" he reluctantly acknowledged.

Harry bit back an amused, and even fond smirk. The two finally arrived at the gargoyles leading to the staircase.

"I'll see you later Harry" Percy said, still looking thoughtful.

He went back to his usual rigidness after a moment. Not as much as before though.

"Later Perc" Harry smiled, walking up when the statues jumped aside.

Percy went to stroll off.

He had a secret study date with Penelope.

Even so…Harry's words continued to repeat in his mind.

Harry took a deep breath while ignoring the reporting portrait as he waited to be called into Albus' office. "Harry my boy" came the expected call.

Harry walked in making sure to look as at ease and impressionable as possible.

He really hoped his acting skills were on point.

McGonagall was not there, but Snape was.

Just another thing Harry realized Albus did often.

He had to wonder why Albus continued to do this to both Harry and Severus.

It was unfair to them both.

"Hello" he greeted shyly, shuffling to take a seat when directed.

Albus smiled, but that nagging feeling was back.

Severus' face was as passive as ever. However, Severus had been making excuses lately to get out of his usual meetings with Albus. Even strictly social meetings. This was not something that went unnoticed by his employer and friend.

Albus had too much on his plate presently to properly question Severus.

"How are you doing Harry? I wanted to check in and make sure you were doing well" Albus asked with that fond look in his eyes.

'Worried I haven't been in the middle of a life-threatening misadventure yet' Harry mentally wondered. 'Or thinking I am behind the chamber?' he thought. He knew he was being a bit unfair to his old mentor, but snark came as a second nature.

"I'm good. Uh, great" Harry answered, hands on his lap. At Albus' encouraging look and Severus' bored one, Harry continued. "I get to see all of my friends. And learn magic" he added in a bashful rush.

"That's always wonderful" Albus smiled before letting some silence settle over the room.

Harry grinned before letting his eyes wonder around the room curiously. He took in all of Albus' knickknacks and the like. Some he knew the backgrounds of. Some he still wondered about.

He looked like any other child.

That concerned Albus. Harry was anything but an ordinary child.

True, when around Hogwarts Harry had a smile on his face. However, he was always much more subdued than most. More held back and hating the spotlight unless he was absolutely pushed to action.

Which was an often occurrence.

"Well, why don't you tell me about your time so far" Albus finally offered.

Harry and Severus both held in sighs.

####SCENE BREAK####

Ron was going through different plans and tactics. Different plans that had to be finalized.

With the dementors now desperate to prove themselves, Ron had plenty of ideas on how to utilize them.

Distractions that would also serve a better purpose. That was the best kind of distraction. They'd get an actual, needed task done while pulling attention away from the Knights. At least, until the Knights needed the attention.

Ron was keeping himself busy, mumbling to himself. He was oblivious to the fond amused looks from his friends.

Especially his girlfriend.

Ron sighed when Pigwidgeon showed up, almost giving him a headache with how fast he moved.

Managing to get the letter from the excitable owl, Ron didn't pay real attention to Pig taking in the details on his parchment, as if he could understand the writing.

At least as best as the young owl could.

Ron almost groaned aloud. It was another letter from his mum.

Molly kept asking him questions about Vivian. The questions got more and more invasive. They went from normal questions to some that were starting to rub Ron the wrong way. He didn't tell Vivian, not wanting to stress her out.

Molly wanted to know everything about Ron's girlfriend. Or friend as she kept calling her. Or Ron's least favorite…the Lupin girl.

As if Vivian was just any girl!

Molly had even taken to grilling her other children for information. She even wrote to Charlie and Bill, as if they'd know something. Percy had informed Ron, showing him his letter.

Ron could only liken Molly's attitude to when Bill got together with Fleur.

He remembered Vivian feeling sympathetic to the half-veela. Ron hadn't gotten it at the time, but now he really, really understood. He hoped that his girlfriend had the same chance to befriend the older girl, knowing the two had had such a happy kinship before.

Ron promised to make his future-sister-in law's time in joining his family much easier this time.

Or at least give her a friend, and not drool over her.

Right now, Ron really hoped Molly didn't try to push him and Vivian apart. He knew it would do nothing but piss him off.

He did notice that Arthur also weighed in on the letter. He was apparently warning the kids about Umbridge, given her lack of real punishment. Given what she was taken in for, Arthur was worried the kids would run into the obviously unhinged former Undersecretary.

Umbridge had been pushed into an unpaid sabbatical while Fudge 'looked into' her attack on Lockhart.

That man confused Molly. She was greatly conflicted.

She was still smitten with Lockhart, however… The rumors coming out of Hogwarts were beyond disturbing. Even if a part of her wanted to believe that the gorgeous Gilderoy really was a victim of some dastardly curse.

Word of the alleged curse had spread like wildfire.

Especially once the press got word of it.

The magical world was torn over the glaring truth while the rest were blinded by that damn award-winning smile.

That drove the kids and Marauders absolutely mad.

Hermione surmised that that many people didn't want to believe the truth, willingly conned by Lockhart's lies and charm.

Ron decided that his tactics on Lockhart were still too subtle for the man. It was time to handle both Gilderoy and Dolores. He'd speed up some of what he had for Lockhart, then find Umbridge and do the same.

Small fish compared to some of their other opponents, but Ron figured they had run out of chances, and he needed to blow off some steam. What was that saying about two birds and one stone?

Suddenly, a muggle lightbulb went off.

Ronald suddenly had a brilliant idea for the dementors. He'd have to wait a little, but with Umbridge being forced to stay in her flat, he didn't see that being a problem.

Smiling at the dark grin on Ron's face, Luna went back to her own projects.

She had already sent olive branch gifts to multiple magical creatures. Many in the Forbidden Forest.

The centaurs had not been easy. However, she thought the choice she made was suitable. The others thought that if anyone could reach the other magical beings, then it would be Luna and Vivian.

Luna allowed her thoughts to drift to her favorite project.

Severus Snape.

This brought on an even bigger smile.

Just recently, Snape had sent her a note instructing to meet him after dinner. Neville was a bit put off, but once she promised he could come thanks to the invisibility cloak, he saw the great chance they had.

Severus instructed that Luna bring her potions book and a quill.

Luna had a pretty good intuition he was going to test her.

She had subconsciously steered Severus about changing his view of taking an apprentice.

Since that new, extra paranoia and unease Snape experienced only went away around the calm blonde…it was a safe bet on what Snape wanted to discuss with her.

Luna was actually quite proud of Severus. The dower man no longer required daily 'training'.

Not that he knew that.

Of course, every once in a while, he slipped up. Luna just saw those times as necessary learning curves.

Something Snape's detentions had more or less taught her in the past. Though, Luna would admit that Severus' lessons were nowhere as physically painful as Luna's. Though mentally, she couldn't attest to that seeing as she had never really been on the other end of his ire and mental cruelty.

Neville, Harry and Vivian were just a few that she knew would look at Snape with a less than favorable look.

Even if they knew his reasons.

Luna tried not to hold Severus past, or future, against him. She was determined to make him both an amazing addition to Harry's army and maybe, hopefully, give Severus some happiness in the process.

Either way, Luna was patient.

She hummed while mixing some of her own concoctions into Severus' waiting migraine potions. The purples and blues lit up her pale complexion before settling to a soft silver.

After this, Luna just had to sneak the bottles back into Snape's personal storage.

She was pretty proud that Snape seemed to not notice the difference between her and Poppy's potions. Though, she still had yet to test Severus' ability to tell between his own potions and hers.

That would no doubt be a real challenge.

Over his lack of notice of her and the healer's potions, Luna had to wonder if that had to do with her own sneak prowess, or Severus being far too preoccupied with his enhanced dreams and intense headaches. She could understand that. Luna had let a ghost use her power to speak to the man after all. Luna planned on doing it a lot more.

Though she offered the same to Harry, Remus, and Sirius, they weren't quite ready yet. They needed time to get emotionally ready to speak to the real James and Lily again, even in the dream world.

Though that brought her back to Snape unintentionally doing just that. Maybe that was why he was so quiet as of late? Not to mention how beat up he honestly was any time he had to have another training session.

She did find it extra curious that Severus had yet to tell Albus about his continued pains.

Neville was still smarting over the twins and Lee getting one over them all.

Something he knew Ron was refusing to think about.

'They are children. True, we technically knew they were there and made sure to trap them so we could wipe their minds, but still! Kids!' he silently berated himself.

It seemed to momentarily escape his notice that presently, he too was a child.

Younger than the twins and Lee even.

However, Neville and his friends were powerful, almost all powerful in some ways.

'Aren't we?' he had to ask himself. 'I can't be slipping. I can't' he went on, taking his frustrations out on a practice dummy.

Some things even gardening couldn't help with.

As he destroyed another mannequin, Neville's mind continued to rage on.

'We can't afford to slip' he told himself. He winced as the what ifs threatened to consume him.

Slipping led to mistakes.

Mistakes led to heartbreak.

Heartbreak led to disaster.

Neville loathed making mistakes.

As if sensing the brewing silent storm, which she might have as Neville just blasted a dummy's head clean off, Luna spoke up.

"Nev, don't forget your Gran wants you to write your mum and dad".

As predicted, Neville's shoulders briefly tensed before easing.

Thinking of his parents' improving states always helped bring a warm glow to Neville's face.

He sent the serene pretty blonde a grateful look.

Walking to a different section, Ron gave his friends some privacy.

Ron was also wondering what to do about his older brothers and their best friend.

Vivian didn't want to even think about last night.

She was embarrassed and ashamed they had seen her in such a state, despite what the others said.

She was in a conjured bathroom, soaking in some pain potions and bathe bubbles. She needed it after that transformation.

Ron himself wanted to put off the impending confrontation for as long as possible.

Unfortunately, he knew he couldn't.

He refused to make Vivian deal with it though. If this was going to happen, then Ron was going to do it and spare his sweetheart anymore heartbreak.

For the moment Ron allowed himself to focus solely on strategy.

Then… Well, then he had potions. He would happily go and listen to Snape drawl on in class.

That was definitely a first.

####SCENE BREAK####

Sirius smirked over the Daily Prophet. An amused snort left him as he relaxed over lunch at Potter Manor.

A tired Moony shuffled in, pajamas and bedhead still in place.

He was tired, but thankfully, no new scars to count.

He ignored Sirius' amusement.

As Remus downed some black coffee, Sirius passed him his share of the post and part of the paper Sirius had already read.

"Ready to be a free man Pads? Officially that is" Remus finally spoke with a half-smile and voice deepened further by sleep.

"More than ready" Sirius told his best mate. "Though it seems Rita is sticking to the contract" he said looking at the glowing article she wrote about his life, making him the victim. She wasn't able to write anything about his upcoming trial, yet it was obvious she knew something.

"Please, just make sure I don't have to be interviewed by the bint" Sirius begged, looking at Rita's winking, gaudy profile picture above the article.

"What?" Remus feigned surprise. "You're saying that Miss Skeeter shouldn't expect an owl from Rectus any time soon?" he joked.

Sirius had been receiving letters from Rita weekly, all addressed to Rectus. All trying to get him on a date, though she didn't use that word specifically.

"Who are the aurors we're supposed to meet with?" Sirius changed the subject.

Besides a smirk, Remus allowed it. "Shacklebolt" he nodded; they liked the tall auror. "And Nyphmadora Tonks" he remembered. He smiled softly, looking off as he remembered the pink haired young woman. She was beautiful and witty, even with their limited meetings.

"Nymph-. Wait, you mean Andy and Ted's kid? The one who met us at the Dursleys' house" Sirius asked receiving a distracted shrug.

Remus did a double take at Sirius' Cheshire cat grin.

"I just remembered something. Isn't Nymphie" Sirius settled on a nickname. "The one who used to follow you everywhere when we would visit?" he posed. At Remus' eyeroll, Sirius continued. "I wonder if little Nymphie still has a crush on sweet Moony" he snickered.

Remus sighed "She was a child Sirius. Practically still is" he did the math. "At least prove without a doubt that you aren't a mass murderer before teasing her". Tonks had seemed pretty open to Sirius at the initial meeting with Bones, but it wouldn't do to have Sirius start acting as if he knew his little cousin more than he did.

"Well…" Sirius corrected. "Not the mass murderer they think".

Remus had to give him that.

Then Sirius remembered something. "Didn't Vivian say something about a Tonks? About one of them getting hurt with you?" he tried to remember. It wasn't like Vivian had been very clear. She had been caught up with telling the men about her life. That had been emotional for them all. She hadn't mentioned Tonks, any of the Tonks, much after that. However, they didn't know if it was because there was nothing to comment on, or if they kids were purposely not mentioning for reasons the men would have to figure out in time. "Which Tonks do you think she meant? Nymphadora does insist on being called Tonks" Sirius remembered her adamant insistence over the name.

Remus also looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure, but apparently I was close to one of them. They might have even known who was supposed to be my wife" Remus tapped his bottom lip with his pointer finger.

Sirius smiled widely, "Or maybe Nyphie is your future wife". He laughed when Remus went to lazily kick his chair.

"Shut up Pads" Remus huffed, going back to the post. Remus grinned at Vivian's letter. There were many different signatures, showing the all the kids adding their own impute throughout the letter.

It was something the Marauders and their friends had done often.

Remus' smile dimmed when he saw the section on Ron's brothers.

"Bit of a pickle there" Sirius muttered, knowing just what Remus was thinking.

The two caught Kreacher strolling by with a tray of gruel, headed towards the dungeons.

"Have you informed Harry of her progress?" Remus asked quietly, poking at his porridge. He didn't have to specify.

Sirius shook away the shadows that had briefly darkened his expression. Such a reaction was pure reflex when Bellatrix came to mind.

'Too early for Firewhisky? Maybe Moony won't see me slip some into my tea. Maybe I'll take up smoking. No, Moony would hate the smell' Sirius thought before shaking the thoughts away as if in his canine form.

"No, not yet" Sirius finally answered. "I will when I owl him after lunch" he promised. "Kreacher had to heal Rodolphus and Rabastan last night" he revealed.

Remus' brows slightly rose.

"She attacked them? Even now?" he questioned.

Not really surprising given just how mental Bellatrix happened to be. However, he did wonder how she managed to get the drop on either of them while in the midst of her transformation.

Sirius shook his head. "Uh no" he cleared his throat. "Rabastan attacked Bella, shouting she'd be better off dead. How he refused to have 'one of them'" he did air quotes. "Taint his bloodline. Dobby said he wasn't sure if Bellatrix was fighting on pure instinct or not. Like she wanted to die but can't seem to go without a fight".

He let Remus take that in for a moment. "So then how…?" Remus left off, wondering how Rodolphus got hurt.

"It seems Rodolphus' obsession for dear old Bella hasn't waned" came the reveal. "He loves her, as much as a psychopath can. Love, obsession, same thing for them" Sirius said, sighing and taking a deep, scolding sip of Earl Gray. "He attacked Rabastan, refusing to let him near Bellatrix".

Now that did honestly surprise Remus.

He wasn't alone.

"That is…surprising, I suppose" Remus voiced both men's thoughts.

"I wonder if those sentiments will continue after the change is complete" Sirius thought out loud.

"Well, if he defended her now" Remus left hanging.

After another beat, Remus continued. He got an idea, a terrible, wicked idea. A quite fitting annulment of their plans, given who their prisoners were.

Rodolphus' feelings for Bellatrix weren't that surprising, once thought on. He had been all but consumed by her while they were in school. Eager for the marriage contract that had been drawn up for the two. Much different than Bellatrix's simple sense of duty.

Bellatrix's feelings for Rodulphus were always much vaguer if anyone were to examine them.

Bellatrix did always seem lustful, plenty lustful for the handsome sadist she was tied to. Yet, he also seemed to annoy her at any given moment. Her mood swings were legendary.

None of that had ever kept the eldest Lestrange away.

Even Bella's obvious worship of Voldemort didn't appear to dampen her marriage, or husband's loyalty.

Apparently, neither would changing species.

"Perhaps" Remus finally spoke. "Bella should not be the only one adjusting to a new lease on life".

Sirius looked momentarily confused before slowly, another, darker smirk lit up his face.

"Who are we to separate true love after all" he agreed making Remus choke on both coffee and a laugh.

Seeing Winky watching from the archway, Sirius gave a single nod. The she-elf needed no further instructions. She rushed off to tell Dobby. She still wouldn't enter the dungeons, but she was glad Dobby and Kreacher were not afraid to serve the family as needed.

Sirius made a mental note to reinforce some security in the cells. He couldn't have any of their guests dying.

Yet.

He wanted Rabastan to continue witnessing what the bigot saw as the 'downfall' of his pure line. They couldn't allow him to hurt Bellatrix or Rodolphus.

Not when the two still had important roles to play.

The Knights had plans. So many plans.

Plans that the destruction of each horcrux hopefully brought them closer to accomplishing.

With that sorted, the men enjoyed their meals with light conversation and jokes. Owls could be seen leaving the property all afternoon. At least, they could have if anyone could see the property.

####SCENE BREAK####

Harry was still thinking on his teatime with Albus.

And Severus' words after when he walked him to class.

Harry had just been offered to see Albus whenever the need should arise. It was said in the usual Dumbledore fashion.

Severus was instructed to walk Harry to his next class.

For a while both walked in silence, neither looking at the other. Neither really wanting to acknowledge the other's presence.

Though, the air around them lacked any true malice. One of the very few times.

Harry was fine with that.

For now, Severus was Luna's. If he left it at that forever, that was honestly more than fine with Harry.

As they got closer to the greenhouses, Severus actually slowed his stride.

Harry assumed he was meant to go on. However, Severus' brief hand on Harry's shoulder stopped him.

Really it was just the very tips of Severus' long, pale fingers for a split second. Still, it froze Harry's whose eyes flashed dangerously. Severus had not seen Harry's gaze. On his own, he dropped his hand as if burned, or afraid to actually have contact with Harry.

Yet, Harry realized after a calming breath that that reaction was not actually based on anything he had done.

That was simply Severus' own natural reaction to him.

Harry filed that away for later.

He faced Severus with a neutral expression. Severus returned the look. "Potter" he began before pausing.

He either didn't know how to continue or was choosing his words very carefully.

Harry waited curiously.

Finally, Severus settled on his words, not looking Harry in the eye. "If I were…certain parties" Severus flinched, making sure no ghost or painting was listening in. "I would be wise enough to watch what I may tell the headmaster. Though he is an amazing man, even amazing men make mistakes" Severus finished.

Harry honestly didn't know how to reply to that.

Severus Snape had just warned him about totally trusting Albus Dumbledore.

The young savior almost thought he was imagining things.

Seeing that the now impatient and uncomfortable Snape was waiting for an answer, Harry got out a stunted "Understood…Sir".

With a singular nod and finally, though it was brief, locked their onyx and green gaze, Severus turned on his heal and marched off with cloak billowing in his wake.

"To play or not to play" Harry whispered to himself. He decided he would take Snape's warning as it was, not spiting the uncharacteristic act in the eye.

'Though he had tried to help before. In his own way' Harry had to admit, albeit begrudgingly.

Just then, he came up behind a few Slytherin and Ravenclaws.

Some he recognized; some he didn't have a name to place with the face.

"Father says it's important for high members of society to keep others in their place" the conversation caught Harry's immediate attention.

Harry didn't immediately recognize the speaker. Then again, he couldn't really see him through the others. Using his powers, Harry allowed himself to blend into the shadows. He wasn't totally invisible, but unnoticeable enough to not be spotted.

"Him and his mates are going to do just that tonight. They're even taking his new coworker. A Gryffindor if you can believe it" the unknown boy gave a sarcastic laugh that his lackies echoed.

The boy in front was almost strutting around like Draco. He tossed his shaggy dark hair; the only real feature Harry could see.

Harry rolled his eyes, keeping up and waiting to hear anything useful.

"Are they going on a raid?" a shorter blonde boy asked excitedly.

He turned bright red as soon as his mates hissed at him to shut up. They were unable to stop themselves from looking around nervously before once more adopting cocky airs. They didn't notice the addition to their group.

This did give Harry a chance to properly see them all. They looked terrifyingly normal. Like any other student, pureblood or not.

They looked so…harmless.

'Oh, how looks can be deceiving' Harry knew the truth in those words. Just look at him.

However, Harry found nausea finding him. He knew there had been mini Death Eaters in Hogwarts. Seeing them now, looking so normal but no doubt on the way to becoming members of disgusting evil; Harry hated the emotion it invoked within him.

Harry hardened his expression. He wouldn't do anything but watch the boys for now.

Their fathers were a different story.

Death Eaters, obviously by choice that were still up to their old tricks. They were fair game.

'Perhaps they think they're safe from the Knights. Or that we have forgotten them, sated with their previous cohorts' Harry wondered.

He knew it had been a little while since he let his Knights truly visit the outside world. At least for a noteworthy outing.

Still, he knew that there were still bodies hanging for all to see. The fires saw to that. 'Could people have really gotten so used to such a sight already' he asked, both stunned yet also not too surprised.

The Magical world never made full sense to him.

Their reactions were always…illogical at best.

Harry decided this was a great opportunity to wipe out more Death Eater scum and once more force the Ministry and the willfully blind bigoted public to acknowledge the Knights. To face the truth in their world, and those they let control them while bemoaning for a savior.

That nausea was back.

Harry managed to swallow it down, focusing.

As he gathered all the information needed from the unknowing boys, Harry had another thought. 'I wonder how Umbridge is?'

####SCENE BREAK####

Lockhart was sweating.

A lot.

After the whole Umbridge fiasco, many of the aurors had heard more of Lockhart's confessions.

That was then reported to the worst person possible. Madam Bones.

In order to appease the director, Albus was making deals with the retired but ever vigilant Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody.

The grizzled, battle hardened ex-auror was to come and 'guard' Gilderoy. He was to watch the blonde wizard closely, see if there was any truth in his spouted words while also looking for his alleged attacker.

There was more for Lockhart to worry over though. His dreams, his own mind was on the top of the list. Even higher than the still present curse.

The stunning green-eyed woman that haunted Gilderoy's painful, yet admittedly erotic dreams. Her and some handsome though vicious red-headed man that made Gilderoy relive pain and even memories of what his own victims had to go through.

Though, there was only so much he was allowed to remember when fully awake.

There was only one possible hope for Lockhart.

Moody was apparently also coming for some secret task given by Dumbledore.

Gilderoy had only heard so much before McGonagall had ushered him out of the room.

All Gilderoy could do now was pray that Moody would be so busy with the headmaster, that he'd have no real chance to look into Gilderoy.

'That has to be the only way to keep him off my trail. At least for now' Lockhart continued to panic. 'This stress is not good my poor, perfect skin' he thought, going back to his vanity. He had managed to momentarily mute the mirror.

For the first time ever, he didn't like what it was saying.

Once more, he began his skin care routine. This was the fifth time today. Bottles and jars littered the vanity in a mess never seen from Gilderoy before.

His face was now covered in both gold bags under his eyes and an ashen, rejuvenating potion mask. Covered in his beauty goos and magical elixirs, Lockhart did look a tad ridiculous. However, Gilderoy knew no one could argue with the results.

Still, none of the pampering eased any of his nerves. Even as he spent the whole day taking care of himself, canceling all of his classes.

Moody had a huge, well known, not to mention well-deserved reputation. He didn't care about people's titles, only what they had done. He couldn't be bribed or intimidated. Despite many close calls and missing body parts, he also couldn't be beaten by magic.

Not that Lockhart ever wanted to come to that. He knew he'd get taken out.

The few times the two men's paths had crossed, Moody had been less than enchanted with the Order of Merlin holder.

It was even obvious to Lockhart that Moody was not a fan.

'He can't know the truth. I'd be ruined' Lockhart fretted, not daring to allow himself to even momentarily hope that he'd get the drop on Moody to obliviate him.

That would also draw too much negative attention.

More pacing took place.

It would be a miracle if his fuzzy niffler slippers didn't need new soles by the end of the day.

That blasted, infuriating curse that that damnable, furiously beautiful woman used would be the death of him, Lockhart was sure of it!

'No! No! She will not win!' Lockhart silently swore. 'I will find her and pay her back ten times over for this' he promised himself as sick, sinful and wicked ideas filled his imagination.

With an uncouth grunt, Gilderoy adjusted his new growing 'issue' through his satin periwinkle robes. He accidentally smeared some potion on his pants.

If Lockhart hadn't silenced the mirror, perhaps the speaking glass would have warned him of the dull flash of gold that briefly lit up his golden mane which seemed to have escaped Lockhart's notice.

Or maybe not. He had insulted the enchanted sentient object after all.

"How to get past Moody" he asked his many portraits. Each shrugged or looked around equally nervous.

He worried his glossed bottom lip desperately searching for an answer.

The obvious answer would be to avoid Moody.

However, given Moody's reason for arriving, Lockhart didn't think such a task would be easy. He hadn't been that lucky lately. The man was literally there to observe him.

He was there to help Lockhart, according to Albus.

Gilderoy grimaced.

He dreaded to even think of Dumbledore's reaction if the old man knew that everything Gilderoy had been saying under the hex was the absolute truth.

He found it especially frightening seeing as he never knew he was even spilling his secrets until it was too late. Someone had to point it out to him, or he only heard his own lies. He had learned that the hard way.

That was terrifying.

Lockhart's thoughts went to the presence in the hallway. He could never forget that voice.

It brought chills to his spine even now.

'I thought teaching would be fun. Some easy attention while getting some of the Potter boy's fame' he told himself, feeling sorry for the only person he could. Himself. 'This is just bloody mental' he mentally cried.

By now the distracted Gilderoy was more beauty product than man.

In fact, he was dripping.

'Perhaps I'll play up the curse' he thought grasping at straws. 'No one would look at me and believe I could do anything less than heroic' he told himself.

It seemed to momentarily desert his notice but, no matter how pretty Lockhart was; he had in fact done each and every horrible thing he was now admitting too. Not to mention the things he had yet to reveal.

"I'll play the victim. My acting is more than up to snuff" Lockhart convinced himself. Many of his pictures applauded him.

Some scrunched up their nose at the mess he was making.

He shot a smile at his still dripping reflection.

"I've accomplished more amazing feats than getting one over some roughed up, washed up auror" he went on to hype himself up.

He ignored some of the portraits shaking their heads or making so-so motions with their hands.

"I mean" he went on. "I definitely have more body parts. That must count for something" he told his reflection. "His reputation is probably exaggerated, like the Potter boy" came the continued lies.

Happy with the story he had sold himself, Gilderoy went on to run some fingers through the side of his luscious locks. He snapped his fingers at the end with a cheesy wink and point.

However, the chuckle soon shriveled up in his throat as his portraits let out wails of horror and despair.

Gilderoy caught sight of something unusual that his brain had to take a moment to process.

Hair.

Beautiful, blonde perfectly curled strands that were now matted and clumped on his fingers.

The hair was…on his fingers. On his fingers and not on his head.

Gilderoy simply blinked rapidly for a moment as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing.

A clump of hair had come off. Not a huge clump, but a chunk of hair none the less!

Gilderoy's eyes were so wide, it was painful.

"Well" the muting charm on the mirror finally wore off. "Guess the outside is starting to finally reflect the in".

A scream rang out so loud through Hogwarts, that even the merfolk and Giant Squid heard it.

####SCENE BREAK####

Vivian was taking it easy before the groups' night out.

They still had the rest of classes to attend, but given her condition, Dumbledore had excused her for the rest of the day. Still putting off the twins and Lee, Ron had picked Vivian up for lunch, taking her to the Room of Requirement.

A sweet romantic meal was set up for them.

There was even a record player in the corner and lavender, her favorite flowers, on the table.

Vivian couldn't help but smile up at a blushing Ron.

It was obvious he put a lot of thought into the simple, but lovely room design.

"Why, are you trying to romance me Ronald Weasley" she couldn't help but tease her beau. Rolling those blue eyes didn't take away from the blush that overtook his cheeks and ears.

Vivian always loved how he looked when blushing. Despite his embarrassment, she thought it really showcased just how cute he was.

He went to scratch the back of his neck but stopped when Vivian took his hands in hers.

He shot her a bashful smile as Vivian grinned prettily.

"You can woo me any day Ron" she told him while wrapping her arms around his neck, stretching to reach his slightly taller height. His big, quidditch and chore roughened freckled hands went to her lean hips. He was careful of the scars he knew were still sore.

Suddenly, the record player began to play 'Crazy for You' by the Weird Sisters. Ron and Vivian's song.

She grinned widely; canine's flashing though sweet innocent love showed in her eyes. Ron returned the look, forehead going to hers.

"You remembered our song" Vivian beamed.

"How could I forget?" Ron asked getting soft laughter in reply.

The two lightly began to sway simply content to be in one another's embrace.

The memory of their first date and the nerves before came to mind.

Vivian and Ron paced their respected dorm rooms. Vivian was in Hermione's dorm.

Hermione tried to calm Vivian as Harry did his best with Ron.

"I don't know Mione. I don't think I've ever been this nervous! What if I totally screw up or get sick or-" Vivian continued to list what she could do to ruin the night.

"Why did I think I had a chance and ask her out? Why did she say yes?" Ron couldn't believe it.

Vivian, the beautiful, sassy and hilarious young woman that Ron was sure was his dream girl had actually said yes to a real date. With him!

He couldn't believe it even now. Minutes before he had to rush to meet her.

"You asked Viv because you're batty for her. You have been probably since you met and drove each other nutty" Harry helpfully supplied. "And since she said yes, well I'd wager a full chocolate frog that she feels the same about you".

"Vivian" Hermione began in her no-nonsense tone. "We have faced unspeakable horrors. I think you should be more than capable of handling one Ronald Weasley. Even with his manners" came Hermione's own jest.

"Hermione! This is serious" Vivian tried to remember to breathe.

"Harry, be serious" Ron groaned, ignoring Harry's fond smile, thinking of his godfather.

"I just-. I love him so much" Vivian sat on the bed, head in her hands. "I don't want him to regret being with me. He deserves someone normal. Someone not so" she stopped. "Broken" she added, old insecurities resurfacing.

"I think, no. I know I love her Harry. I can't lose her just because I'm… Well, because I'm me" Ron showed his worries.

Hermione put a gentle hand on Vivian's back.

Harry's expression softened.

"Mate, she's mental about you" Harry promised.

Hermione assured Vivian, "I don't think I've ever seen anyone look at anyone the way Ronald looks at you".

"Really?" Vivian mumbled hopefully into her hands.

"Yes" Hermione insisted. "And you are definitely not broken. You are as normal as any of us. Anything done to you, the people who did those these, they were the broken freaks, not you" Hermione passionately insisted, wiping Vivian's eyes. "Come on. Ginny will kill me if you smear your makeup" she tried to lighten Vivian's spirits.

"Not to mention what Ron would do if he saw you cry" Hermione added.

"Hermione Jean Granger worried about my makeup. Now I know you're serious" Vivian cleared her throat, trying to get ahold of her emotions.

Ron wasn't convinced. "How do you know?" Ron asked. "Viv could have any guy she wants. Why would she want me" he couldn't help but quietly asked.

"What?! Don't talk about my brother like that" Harry brought an unwilling smile to Ron's face. "You are the best bloke I know. Even after everything" he saw Ron go to speak, obviously thinking of the times he had fought with Harry.

"Vivian picked you because thankfully she has good taste and Malfoy still pisses her off no end" Harry finally got an abrupt laugh from Ron.

"It's so obvious how she feels" Harry went on.

"It's beyond obvious how he feels" Hermione promised. "How he looks at you" Hermione didn't even know how to finish the sentence. Vivian looked at her, gauging the truth in her words.

"Her eyes when you walk into the room" Harry shook his head. "They light up. Even when you drive her mental" he assured.

"I know he loves you" Hermione told Vivian.

"She loves you, no doubt about it" Harry explained to a still doubtful but hopeful Ron. "You're her world" he said with finality. "Now come on" he smiled, patting Ron's back. "Don't keep my sister waiting" he joked.

"Come along. Before I set Ginny and Luna on you. Not to mention Greengrass. I'll even owl Fleur if I must" Hermione teased primly.

"Well, when you threaten me" Vivian managed to sass, trying to swallow her nerves as best as possible.

She put on the good luck charm necklace gifted to her by Tonks.

She had on the family necklace left to her by Remus and Sirius. She liked having them close to her. Even if simply in memory. Harry had one too.

"You two coming?" Neville asked, checking on Ron and Harry. He shot them that kind, subdued smile of his. "You alright Ron?" he asked, that easy calm he now carried showing in his worry for his friend.

Ron nodded taking a deep breath and standing as he was made to fight a giddy grin. He realized this was really happening. He was really going out with Vivian. He felt his pocket watch, gifted to him by his parents.

He briefly squeezed it, thinking of the smiling Fred's portrait inside.

He was sure his brothers, those still with him and watching over from above, were having a good chortle at his expense.

"Yeah, I think I am" Ron said finally.

That was before their first official date. It was after the Battle of Hogwarts. There was hope and everyone was trying to rebuild their lives.

"That was one of my favorite memories" Ron said, still swaying with Vivian.

"Us both too nervous to stand still or after" she teased. Chuckling at his look, she nodded, cheek on his shoulder. "Mine too" she admitted softly. "Even with the mess. I'm surprised Madam Puddifoot didn't try and curse us" she reminded.

Ron groaned, laughing. "We should have never gone there" he mentioned.

"It's not very us, is it" Vivian knew.

The tea shop really didn't fit either of them.

Ron had been so nervous, he kept dropping things.

"I may be an oaf" he said, gently stopping her arguments at the very idea. "But you've got one mean right hook" he couldn't help but tease into her soft dark locks, ruffling the strands.

Vivian groaned, voice rumbling his collar bone.

In order to try to look good to Ron, Vivian had tried to catch everything he dropped and knocked over. That would have been fine had she not been a tad over eager. Ron went to bend over to also save another teacup.

Unfortunately, Vivian tried to grab it at the same time. Their positions landed with her popping Ron in the eye.

Hard.

Vivian had started crying.

Ron had felt like it was his fault.

He tried to rush to assure her that he was fine, he didn't mind a bit of a black eye. He hadn't even wanted to bother Poppy about it.

Vivian had taken off, thinking she was obviously too dangerous to be around Ron. Even without the full moon. He caught up to her in a side ally where she had stopped to catch her breath as more tears shook her fit frame.

As Ron comforted the distraught Vivian, they had both looked up locking eyes.

It was then they realized how close they were.

That led to their first kiss.

At least, the first kiss that wasn't in the middle of a life-or-death situation. Something that both had previously tried to wave off as a heat of the moment situation, almost dying and all. They did that in fear of how the other might reject their feelings. Though, Harry often reminded them that they had almost kissed during one particularly loud argument when they got in one another's faces.

That first real kiss though…that was something that neither of them had tried to excuse as something else. They didn't want to as both wanted to believe it for what it was.

They wanted one another. Loved one another.

"You know I love you. Don't you" Ron whispered down, rubbing his chin on her head.

"Of course," Vivian agreed as they continued holding one another. "Sometimes, I don't know why" she couldn't help but say.

Ron cupped her chin gently, making her look at him while causing her sentence to trail off.

"You are perfect" Ron insisted. "I'm the one who should wonder why you're with a bloke like me" he expressed.

Vivian cupped his cheek, shaking her head.

"Ron" she swallowed harshly. "I don't think I can ever explain just what you mean to me. What you've done for me" she tried to explain. He gave her time, knowing that sometimes words were hard to come by. He knew more than most how that felt.

"Even when we fought" Vivian tried. "You never…scared me" she settled on. "You never made me feel threatened. At the most, I was scared of losing you" she told him. "Remus saved me, true, but you saved me too. You made me believe that I was good enough for life" she told him.

"For a good life. For love" she went on. He ran his thumb back and forth over her sharp cheekbone.

"You made it so I could trust being with someone. Someone who I knew would never make me do or be anything I didn't want to be. You made me believe there was good out there" she expressed.

Now Ron was teary eyed.

"Viv" he tried to say, having to clear his throat.

It made him feel absolutely amazing that Vivian thought so highly of him. That he could make her feel safe.

That was all he wanted. He needed to keep her safe.

"I know" Vivian nodded, giving him a gentle, lingering kiss. "I love you too" she smiled, tired but obviously happy.

For a moment, the food was forgotten as the two were lost in one another's eyes.

####SCENE BREAK####

Fred, Lee, and George found their dorm silenced and covered in more spells and protection wards then they even knew existed.

Fred couldn't believe what he had just heard.

George couldn't believe it.

Lee thought he had to be dreaming. Perhaps one of their pranks had backfired? Maybe this was all in their heads.

That made more sense than the story Ron and Neville had just told them.

The boys hadn't held back. Neville felt it would be best if they were totally honest. Lee and the twins couldn't tell anyone. However, if they were ever going to really understand what the kids had gone through and why they were what they were, then they had to know everything.

Even the things that the boys wished they could spare them from.

"You've killed" Lee finally voiced just barely above a whisper.

"Yes" Neville did most of the talking.

Ron had his chin up but wasn't making any real eye contact.

"There wasn't another way?" Fred asked, running a hand through his hair. He didn't want to believe that his little brother, the little boy he played tricks on and loved teasing could do even half of the things that had just come out of the younger boys' mouths.

"Like what?" Neville asked, honest curiosity in his tone.

He knew there had been no other way. Not in the end.

George seemed to have his mind somewhere else completely. "Fred died" his voice cracked at the sentence.

The others all looked at him. George was looking out at nothing, brows drawn together as he tried to stop imagining such an event.

His brain wouldn't stop though.

Ron hated the look on his face. It was a look he saw on George often the following years after Fred's death. The only thing thankfully missing was the actual broken look, the look that came from actually witnessing and having to live with the murder of his twin.

The other part of him.

"Georgie, George" Fred rushed to his sitting twin, hands shaking George's arms. George finally looked at his brother. There were tears in his brown eyes that reflected in Fred's. "You're not gonna lose me Georgie" Fred promised as Lee looked down sadly.

Neville managed to swallow any expression.

Ron finally spoke. "No, he won't" he looked at his brothers. The young boy looked far more serious than any of them had ever seen him. Of course, that was excluding Neville.

The twins thought it didn't look natural on the usually easy going and smiling Ron.

Lee thought things must have been much worse than how the boys even described. He didn't know how, but something told him that he was right. "So, what do we do then?" he finally asked.

"Do?" Neville asked. "You don't do anything. Just" he inhaled sharing a look with Ron. "Just keep living. Be yourselves. Open the shop. We'll take care of everything" he promised.

"We can't just let you-" Fred went to say.

"You don't have a choice" Ron told him. There was no room for argument.

Instead of arguing, George tried a different tactic. "You can't do it alone" he pointed out. "There's only a handful of you".

"We're used to it" Ron told him almost sadly but with a note that told them that he was telling the truth.

Neville offered "You'd be surprised what a few could do".

"Ron-" Fred tried again but his brother cut him off, Ron was shaking his head. There would be no changing his mind. No 'talking sense' into him. Ron knew what had to be done and he was willing to do it.

"No Fred" Ron said in a soft but captivating voice. "I won't let you die again. Even if you hate me in the end" he broke his brothers' and Lee's hearts. "I won't lose any of you" he swore with his face taking on harsher features.

"You won't have to" Neville eased him, hand on his shoulder. He looked at the other three boys. "You don't have to like what we are doing. I don't expect you to" he explained. "But you will have to accept it. It is going to happen. We'll give you some time to think on things. If you'd prefer, we'll wipe your memories" Neville told them.

It was another subtle reminder that the boys would be unable to tell anyone of what they had learned.

They weren't even sure how, but given what they had seen and heard, they had a feeling that the boys weren't bluffing.

They weren't sure they wanted to test the group's magic either.

With that, Ron and Neville turned to walk out. It hurt Ron's heart, but he knew that it had to be done.

"Wait" George stood with Fred and Lee on either side. "Where are you going?" he had to know.

Neville and Ron shared a look.

"Are you…going after more Death Eaters" George asked, almost fearing the answer. He wouldn't be able to bear it if his brother or the others were killed. That hurt even more than the idea of the kids, who he knew were good kids, becoming murderers themselves.

Instead of answering, the two younger boys sent looks back before walking out of the dorm.

"What are we gonna do?" Lee asked his best friends.

Neither Fred nor George had an answer.

####SCENE BREAK####

Sirius and Remus met up with the kids outside of the Shrieking Shack.

Everyone was in their cloaks, hoods up and keeping them perfectly hidden. Harry still wondered if the castle was telling Peeves about any unusual movements, like students leaving the grounds.

It seemed Mrs. Norris and Filch were patrolling with keener interest, raising Harry's suspicion.

So, just in case someone did find out that they left, Harry didn't want anyone to see who they were. At least their identities would be protected, even if Albus would still eventually know that someone was leaving. For now, Harry knew there was no reason for him to suspect Harry himself.

If anything, the headmaster would think it was simply someone connected to Harry one way or another.

For now, that was acceptable.

"Do we have everything?" Harry's disguised voice rasped.

Getting agreements, he turned to who he knew was Vivian and Remus. For now, the others all had black cloaks. Except for Harry, Hermione, Ron and Vivian. Harry and Hermione were in a deep royal purple with Ron and Vivian in blood red. Still nowhere near their preferred armor, but again, doable for the time being.

"How are you? Both of you?" Harry asked. He didn't want to push them so quickly after a transformation.

"As to be expected" Remus assured. "The potions helped" he promised when Harry didn't turn away, shared thoughts showing his concern.

Not for their mission, but for the man himself.

His opposing figure turned to Vivian. "Much better, promise" she assured.

Harry gave a bit of a huff, not sure he totally believed either of them. Even so, after a moment, he turned to the group on a whole.

"I have found out about a raid that is to take place today. Some Death Eaters are going to attack a muggle town, hoping to do things I'm sure none of us want to think about" he gestured getting nods and sounds of agreement.

"The scum leading this get-together is Thorfinn Rowle" he said. Some of the children made noises.

"Tosser" Sirius could be heard muttering.

Remus and Sirius knew the man, unfortunately. They had fought him during the first war.

Both knew that a good amount of the people they were going after would be faces from the past. Faces of people who had killed those close to them.

They had many friends' fates to repay the Death Eater's for.

"He will apparently be with four others" Harry explained, filling the others in.

Sirius hated the idea of more Gryffindors linking themselves with bigoted bastards. It just reminded him of Wormtail.

Though Peter had been punished ten times over, that didn't totally ease the burn Sirius felt in his heart. The burn that came from the death of Lily and James. He knew Remus felt the same, but Sirius also had what felt like a lifetime of hell to pay back for.

He wasn't sure even Pettigrew's public outing and possible sentencing or even death would ever really ease that burn.

"Come on" Harry shadowed away, leading the others as they made their way to close to Bearsden. Thankfully it didn't take them too long to land at the location Harry had seen in the boy's mind.

The group silently looked around, following in a two paired, single file line.

It was late at night, so there was no real activity.

There weren't even any late-night stragglers about.

However, due to the lack of damage and magical signature, the group knew that the quiet was not thanks to any Death Eater attack.

'I know this town' Remus thought to the others. 'It's always quiet. Many older couples' he explained. 'It's where people either go to retire or raise young children'.

'So that's why they picked it. Cowards' Vivian mentally snarled, though the snarl did leave her lips and echoed down the silent road for a moment.

Luna looked around, trying to pick up any hint of where the Death Eaters were. She let her own magic pulse out without putting too much strain on her body. She just wanted to feel any other magic that would respond.

Neville and Ron soon joined her.

'What do you expect?' Hermione asked them. 'They wouldn't go after anyone else in such a small group. That would be too much of a risk for them. Too much work. Too scary. Someone else might fight back, muggle or not' she insulted the Death Eaters.

"There" Luna whispered out loud, bony illusioned finger pointing out towards houses down.

Not a moment later, a flash of light was seen along with a scream that was soon muffled.

In a flash the Knights were over and in the modest two-story home.

They didn't take in the décor or even really the victims. All that they allowed themselves to take in was that it was a young couple. The husband was convulsing on the ground as his wife silently screamed next to him, trying to shield their small son as two Death Eaters tried to rip her dress and drag her away.

Another tried to grab the eight-year-old who was also silently sobbing.

Not wasting any time, each Knight shot out stunners and curses catching the unaware assailants by surprise.

The five men were frozen on the spot. Luna and Remus quickly whisked the family away upstairs.

They didn't want them to see what was about to take place. Also, they needed to heal the father and make sure they were alright. After that, they would put the family to sleep and wipe this terrifying, though thankfully short nightmare from their memories.

It had been decided earlier that out of all of them, Luna and Remus would be the best to be able to calm and heal any victims. They would be able to show themselves, showing that they were much less frightening than the monsters who they were there to stop.

Hermione went around grabbing the men's wands and any weapons on them.

She then went around snapping the now useless wood.

Vivian kicked who was revealed to be Gibbon between the legs. He was still in the frozen pose of yanking the child from his mother's grasp.

The heavy set, older man could only moan in pain as his body was unable to respond as he wanted.

Sirius pushed who was revealed to be Selwyn over, smacking and breaking his nose on the hardwood floor.

He and Jugson had been going for the mother.

Seeing as Jugson's grip was tight on his wand, in order to help Hermione, Ron broke the man's hand. He didn't have his old physical strength, but he simply held on and sent some raw magic out to crush the bones.

William Anderson, the newbie to the group, watched with big frozen eyes as Neville walked around him contemplatively.

This was not how Rowle had described the night going!

'Why did I try to join his gang? I should have just sat by myself at work' the blonde man thought, though by now, it was too late. Even if he wasn't technically an official Death Eater, too young to have been marked by Voldemort himself.

It was too late for all of them, not that the Death Eaters knew it.

Each were trying to think of the best way to get out of this situation. With or without the others.

Harry went up to Rowle. "Well, well, well" he tsked in that raspy, unnatural voice.

Many of the men thought they still shivered from the chill that noise produced. Even without actually being able to move.

They didn't know that their thoughts were being read.

"Oh, how I hate Death Eater filth" Harry said, any smile in his voice dropping. Scorn was plain to hear. "And here you are Rowle" he said, green eyes becoming visible with that frightening glow. "I thought you were under the Imperius" Harry went on to taunt.

That got sarcastic chuckles and cackles from around the room.

"I wonder how he'd fair against our own Unforgivables" Hermione asked with some cackle trying to break in. "Not the ones their false Lord plays with" she added, joining Neville in circling some of the men, whispering in their ears then cackling loudly thoroughly disturbing them.

"I've made my own up" she told them, wispy aged voice somehow picking up some childlike tones. "Do you want to see?" she asked Selwyn.

It was obvious he was trying to move, fear shaking him. However, just as the muggles upstairs had been to him, he was now helpless to stop what was happening.

Hermione's own brown eyes lit up in vengeful glee.

Harry had decided that they weren't going to draw this out too long. The men weren't worth much of their time after all. Plus, Harry liked to think that he and his Knights weren't the same kinds of beasts as the Death Eaters. They didn't have to prolong a killing and torture to get a job done and be happy about it.

Though…he would admit sometimes he was happy about it. Those were more for personal reasons.

That was not the case right now. This was to save innocent lives, wipe out some evil and blow off steam so everyone could focus on even bigger evils.

Remus and Luna soon came back downstairs rejoining the others.

Luna noticed something, walking over to Rowle next to Harry. "Isn't he the one who killed his friend when trying to get Remus?" she wondered. Sirius and Remus shared a look then sent hidden smirks at the men. It was kind of funny.

"Hm, I remember that" Vivian huffed, looking at Gibbon with a hidden smirk. "He killed you" she said, confusing but terrifying the man. "Don't worry. I won't let your friend kill you" she pretended to reassure. "I'll do it this time".

Harry smiled with arms spreading wide. "This will not take long" he promised the men. "Though, that isn't to say it will be painless. That, I cannot in good conscience promise you" he offered with a faux regretful sigh.

"Allow me to offer you some solace at this time" Harry said as his Knights descended on the frozen, terrified men. "Though you will be dead and possibly forgotten, your bodies will serve a much higher purpose" he dropped his arms.

As if given the signal, each Knight attacked. Each Death Eater, and the group newbie, were dispatched quickly, their own silencing charms turned against them now muting their screams.

Pulling out a dagger, Hermione began her work. Cutting off one of the dark marks, she dropped it into an envelope for a certain reporter. Another, along with pictures of the men, arms exposed along with their faces was then put in a note for one Amelia Bones.

Hermione added an extra code on Jugson's chest. Though, the others' bodies went to another purpose that took time, dedication, power and a lot of bodies.

Jugson's corpse would be another clue for the Unspeakables. She was merciful enough to help them along with finally being able to read the Knights' messages.

The bodies were moved to outside of the Ministry. However, three were tagged so that after three days, they would disappear to Potter Manor. Kreacher was waiting for them.

The Death Knights weren't going to leave the Knight Knot on some innocent family's house after all. So, the dead men would have to do.

Seeing their work done for the night, the now tired but satisfied Knights took off for Potter Manor.

Ron smirked, shadowing with the others. He still had to tell Harry about what he had in store for the dementors.

He had a feeling his best mate would more than approve.

####SCENE BREAK####

"You can't invite him!" Severus raged to Albus, who sat calmly at his desk. He had just told Severus his upcoming plans, having already guessed what Severus reaction would have been. "He's dangerous" Severus went on.

"Nonsense" Albus waved away. "Must you still hold onto the past" he begged his friend. "Remus was very regretful. It was not his fault after all" he pointed out, seeing Severus unable to fight a flinch at both the reminder and the truth. "You don't seem to hold the same thoughts on Miss Lupin. Can you not spare that to Remus as well?"

Severus ignored what Albus said about the Slytherin werewolf. One of his snakes. He didn't want to think of the girl. Even if he found her both far too alike the last of his two greatest school enemies, but also too much like one sassy and brilliant green-eyed girl from his past. There was more though.

Vivian reminded Severus of another person from his past. A person he couldn't even think of lest he be swallowed by a whole other wave of depression.

Severus pushed those thoughts down, deep down. He tried to relax, letting the subconscious image of kind Luna roll over him. Still, Severus couldn't be too distracted from the discussion at hand.

"I can teach the class. Maybe then you'll see I should have been from the beginning" Severus tried to convince Albus.

"You are far too crucial in your current task" Albus once more reminded. "Not to mention how talented we both know you are in both subjects" he soothed. "Besides, we both know why you can't take on the Defense classes" he said.

That didn't sooth Severus any. "Oh, so are you hoping that Lupin will befall that damn curse" he accused. "Maybe then he'd be out of commission and Black would be so upset he'd join the Order again to protect his best mate" Severus sneered.

There was an odd burning in his chest at the idea.

He knew he shouldn't give a damn if Lupin was cursed by whatever Riddle had done to the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher position. If anything, he should be giddy that one of the men he blamed for all his childhood woes would be cursed even more then he already was.

Even if Remus was the least of the offenders.

Severus never allowed himself to think on the horrors that Remus must have had endured for most of his life. Not from Remus' point of view at least.

Still this anger, this righteous anger over Albus possibly setting Remus Lupin up burned within him.

It wasn't an overwhelming feeling, but there none the less.

Severus just didn't know where it came from. Before he could ponder it, telling himself that Lupin deserved to be hurt, one of those damnable, terrible migraines began to overtake him.

On instinct Severus thought, 'Well maybe Lupin doesn't deserve that'.

As if by magic, the migraine subsided.

His confusion must have shown on his face, though Albus took it as something else. "Of course, I do not wish Remus to have any more heartache. Especially not from something Tom did out of spite" Albus promised, feeling offended Severus would even suggest such an action from him.

The genuine hurt was plain on his face.

Severus didn't appear moved. "If only that dunce Lockhart would do his bloody job" he finally groused.

Albus rubbed his chin and beard thoughtfully. "Gilderoy is indeed having an even harder time than I would have ever anticipated" Albus admitted. "However, with this curse business, we cannot allow the children's studies to also be harmed" he put in.

He ignored the look Severus shot him. Severus and Minerva thought a good few of Albus' schemes, as they had taken to calling them despite his displeasure, always endangered not only the children's lives but their education as well.

"No, while we figure out this business with Lockhart, I will ask Remus if he would be available to take over at least as a part time professor, helping Lockhart with the load. Alastor can help as well" he decided.

He knew that Remus would be appreciative of the work and no doubt do an extraordinary job.

Albus had full faith in his abilities.

Deciding he would never be happy with the current subject, Severus brought up the other point of issue.

"What of what Peeves reported?" he asked. "Was it the castle, or one of the ghosts? If so, which one? None of them have reported to you" he added. "If not…" he didn't finish his sentence.

An unknown person in Hogwarts was both unheard of and unsettling. 'Then again, it has happened more than once around here' Severus couldn't help but think.

"I do not know" Albus tiredly admitted. "Hopefully when Alastor arrives, he will be able to help us figure out the situation. Such a declaration is more than upsetting" he went on.

No one wanted to imagine what horrors lied in the infamous legend of Slytherin's Chamber.

Severus had stopped pacing and instead approached Albus with a sleeping potion.

The old man gratefully took it.

"You are running yourself ragged Albus" Severus said knowingly though Albus heard a hint of worry in his tone.

He nodded, sighing while looking at the swirling potion bottle on his desk. "I know my friend. I know" he admitted quietly.

"What will you do?" Severus asked as the fire's light played over their features.

Albus shook his head. "What is there to do?" came the rhetorical question. "I do what I must" he added. "We all will" he answered looking up at Snape.

Severus didn't answer back, allowing them to sit in the silence. The heaviness of Albus' words weighed on them both.

####SCENE BREAK####

The answer to Harry's earlier query was simply. Dolores Umbridge was doing poorly.

Very poorly.

Though she wasn't in Azkaban, she was essentially under house arrest.

Dolores couldn't leave her home, even if Bones allowed her. Any time she left; disproving parents demanded she answer for going to use an unforgivable in the presence of their children.

There was a much worse threat to Umbridge out there though.

Lockhart's fan group.

Despite the rumors of the man running around, Dolores had received alarming countless threats both in person and in the mail. Someone had even mailed Bubotuber Pus.

That had been beyond painful.

Bones had been angry that someone would curse someone through the mail, even if it was Umbridge. Luckily for Dolores, Amelia was fair and went about blocking any further post from reaching Umbridge.

Dolores looked out the door making sure that nothing was left on her doorstep again.

'It's all that bastard Lockhart's fault' she told herself. She was still deeply wounded by the man's crude words. She went over to a mirror, adjusting one of the many bows on her jumper. 'As if he is any judge on who is ugly' she told herself.

Umbridge burned with anger and humiliation.

Rita Skeeter had published just why she had to step down from her post. People knew what Lockhart had said about her.

Dolores could only guess Skeeter had gotten such information from one of the little brats at Hogwarts.

Dolores was still sore over the lack of power she had had at Hogwarts. She had been hoping to get the Potter boy and some of his little friends into detention, or at least question them in private. She especially wanted the Potter boy and his new 'sister'.

The staff had known something about the girl, something Dolores had heard Poppy whispering to Flitwick about as he helped her prepare something for the girl.

However, they had spotted her and hushed up.

No one, not even Lockhart would say a word. Though his obvious nerves on the subject was telling in itself.

'Something isn't right about that girl' she thought, thinking back. She had been in the process of digging things up on the girl and Potter's new guardians when everything had hit the fan.

'After everything I have done for him' Umbridge mentally hissed thinking of Fudge.

He hadn't visited her even once!

Thoughts of revenge and blame were interrupted by a knock on the door.

Hesitantly, Dolores made her way to the window by the door.

Her brows drew together at who she saw. Still, she opened the door none the less with that put-on smile of hers. "Yaxley, what a surprise" she greeted her coworker. "What do I owe the pleasure" she asked, praying he wasn't here to take her in on Bone's orders.

"A social call" Yaxley assured her with that rough smile. "May I come in?" he asked hopefully.

When she fluttered her lashes, he managed to keep on his acidic grin. He walked in, ignoring all the dishes and paintings of cats in the too pink house.

From what he could see, every room was some shade of pink.

It kind of hurt his eyes.

Still, Yaxley was there for a mission. Until his master was at full strength, he needed people to help him. Those he knew would jump at the chance were in Azkaban.

For now, he grabbed any opportunity he could.

Yaxley followed Dolores to some overstuffed couches as she summoned some tea for them.

"Social you say?" Dolores looked at him with suspicion plain in her beady eyes, though her tone was still light.

They had never really socialized before. In fact, most people didn't call on her or the like unless they absolutely had to. She wondered what was happening here.

"Yes" Yaxley nodded, sipping from the light pink teacup. "See, I recently read what that awful woman, Skeeter" he began seeing her smile crack as her top lip briefly went up in anger. "Had written about you. Not to mention what that buffoon Lockhart said" he sighed with a headshake.

"It has been very…upsetting" Dolores admitted.

"Well, I wanted you to know you aren't alone" he promised seeing her dark gaze zero in on him. "In fact, I was thinking of you the other day. Thinking of some of the bills you thankfully helped pass" he went on.

Umbridge began to preen a bit.

Yaxley knew all the right things to say.

"What important work you've done. I don't know how anyone could defend Lockhart over you. Especially with the news I've heard recently of him" he leaned in a little with a conspiratorial whisper.

"Between you and I" he went on. "Alastor Moody is coming to investigate him".

Umbridge took that in. If Lockhart proved guilty of even half of the things that came out of the blonde's mouth, then she had a better chance of being in the clear.

'I could claim I knew' she thought, thinking of how it could be spun in her favor.

She looked over at the long haired and roughed up man across from her.

"Well" she decided to warm up to him just a little. "I do appreciate your kind consideration" she expressed.

Yaxley smiled wider, eyes sparking with pleasure. "Of course, any time Dolores" he assured. "Oh, there was one other thing" he added, seeing her eyes narrow slightly. "You see" he carefully worded.

"I am part of a very elite group" he saw her interest perk. Though so did her suspicion.

"Yes" she prompted him to continue. Was this one of the chances she always dreamed of? Was she dreaming now, she had to wonder. This could be her chance to finally be around the people and station that Dolores knew she deserved.

"Well, I was telling our leader about you. He wanted to know about some of the work you did as an Undersecretary and the unfair accusations against you" he told her. "He thought that you sounded like the perfect candidate to join us" he expressed. "We are ever expanding and, though he stepped away for some time, he is on his way to coming back better than ever" Yaxley promised.

"And he would love you to be a part of his vision" was offered.

Dolores looked at him for a shrewd moment.

This definitely sounded promising. Though, on the other hand, it sounded awfully dastardly as well.

It sounded perfect.

Slowly, a real smile overtook Umbridge.

"Tell me more".

A/N: What do you guys think? I hope you liked it. Sorry it took so long. A lot of stuff in my real life happened, so you know how it is. By the way, no; I will not be telling anyone what is happening to Bellatrix until just the right moment. However, please enjoy guessing. I didn't think we needed extra violence in this chapter with these Death Eaters. I'm kind of saving that for dire moments or important Death Eaters. If that makes any sense. More twists and turns to come. Some comedy coming as well, along with some scary stuff. Just a heads up. I want to say I love all of your feedback. It's always helpful and many of you brighten up my day, no joke. It means a lot. So, thank you again. As always, please review, ask, or suggest. Your suggestions are always so much fun and very welcomed. Even if I use them for other stories instead, I get a lot of great suggestions either in review or messages. Until next time, have a great day and please stay safe.