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! Also want to thank everyone for their patience, continued enjoyment and coming back no matter how long I take along with the kind words and support. It really means a lot. Soooo, the vampires were kinda bare minimum in the Harry Potter series. Thankfully that gave me a lot to work with. So… I decided to go with movie Lavender. Just a heads up. Enjoy.
Chapter 20: When Death Speaks. (Part 1).
As Harry walked into the Great Hall the next morning, he found himself in for a pleasant surprise.
People were glued to the Daily Prophet.
The same Prophet that had the capturing title: Death Knights Strike Again!
Taking the paper from Hedwig before petting the happy owl as Ron and Vivian did the same with their equally pleased owls, Harry went on to read the article. For once, it was not written by Skeeter. There was no article by Skeeter in fact. Perhaps she didn't have the time. 'She is going to be busy for a while' Harry held in a chortle. There were whispers all around the Great Hall. The Knights made sure to look as curious and nervous as their classmates.
The article went on about Crabbe and Goyle Seniors. How they both had the dark mark. Harry looked up.
Both Crabbe and Goyle Junior were missing.
The article went on about the odd writing that the ministry was still trying to decode along with the death knot left by the Knights. It also spoke on the other Death Eaters that Bones explained were handed over to her weeks prior.
Dead Death Eaters and a sympathizer of the cause.
It did briefly cover Sirius' upcoming trial and that the Master of Death had called Lord Black innocent. Then it went on to report that the dementors seemed to have abandoned Azkaban and warned readers of what to do should they come in contact with a stray dementor.
Internally, Harry was quite pleased over the coverage. Even with its limitations. Miss Clearwater, who he could only assume was related to Penelope, seemed to have a talent for not only the written word but more importantly, the truth. 'If only they had done this from the beginning' Harry thought reading over the recaps. 'Then they wouldn't be having to play catch up now' he huffed.
'Bit funny though, isn't it' came Ron's voice in his mind.
Both boys shared a secret look. They tried to ignore how the twins and Lee quickly looked at the younger teens before looking away. They were still anxious to see if Harry would take them up on their offer.
As Fred comforted Angelina, he didn't notice Vivian slip a note into his pocket discreetly.
'Bet the dementors are having fun with Skeeter' Neville thought to his friends. On the outside, he played the perfect part of scared, anxious Neville with teeth worrying his bottom lip. 'Do you think they found Umbridge' he asked as he once more nodded to Dean over the tall boy's theories on the Death Knights.
"A bit scary, isn't it?" Ginny asked from next to Vivian.
The red head looked a tad nervous as she read over the paper.
Vivian sent the younger girl a supportive look. "Only if you're a Death Eater" she joked. That did make Ginny smile a little.
"I guess you're right" Ginny nodded. "I guess the ones that got away must be in a state by now" she chuckled under her breath. Slowly, she was coming more out of her shell. "Do you think the Death Knights will get them all?" she wondered. "What about the ones that were under the Imperious?" was asked innocently.
"Maybe they have some way of knowing" Luna said from in front of Ginny.
Slowly, Ginny nodded. "Yeah. Besides, it's not like anyone can get in here. It's Hogwarts" she pointed out.
Before Luna could respond, Lavender cut in with "But what about the chamber being open?" she looked around nervously.
Hermione asked, "Does anyone know what's in the chamber?"
"No, of course not" the other girl responded.
"Then how do they know that it's something against the school? Who started that? Was it Gryffindor? Was it after their falling out and Slytherin left?" Hermione fired off.
Now Vivian jumped in. "You're right" she pretended to be thinking. "Who started these rumors in the first place? I doubt there's any proof".
Ron bit into a sausage to stop a laugh.
"It seems the Master of Death keeps leaving messages" Seamus cut in. "No one knows what it is. Bet it's something totally evil" he chuckled.
"Why would it be evil?" Vivian asked. Seamus tried to send her a flirty look which Ron did not appreciate.
"Well, it's from the bloke claiming to be the Master of Death" Seamus scoffed.
"Death isn't evil" Hermione said in her swot tone. "It is simply the next step in life" she sniffed, folding the paper. She cut off any arguments when she looked at the head table. "Is that Lockhart?!"
Now many students looked up.
"Oh no!" Lavender and Parvati whispered together. They looked beyond upset.
The man didn't look well. He definitely wasn't as polished and sparkling as usual. His hair looked…off. Many of the muggleborns thought it looked like a bad hairpiece.
His usually perfect skin…was pancaked in makeup. As if he was trying to desperately cover something up.
Many fan girls tried to waive that off. Lockhart had perfect skin. Everyone knew that. His hair... Now, that was a harder one to excuse. Some girls cried. Others prayed that this was just a temporary setback, whatever was going on with his hair. Maybe it was bad hair products?
They didn't know but the hoped his usual fabulous locks came back and soon!
"Nasty. Doesn't really pull off the bag under the eye look, does he" Ron spoke up. He made sure he could be heard, though pretended that he had no idea. "You lot think this has to do with all that slosh he's been spouting? Like, is any of it true" he put in.
"You mean someone wanted justice and activated a family curse?" Hermione jumped in. "I've read about that" she added smartly. "If that was the case, then he must have done some truly horrible things" she looked nervous.
Many of the students began whispering among themselves.
The whispers soon spread to the other houses.
The teachers saw, but none were able to make out what was being said. That made all the adults a bit nervous.
Especially the hot under the collar Lockhart.
The only thing that soothed him was the acceptance contract now resting in his robe pocket. This was the best hair piece he could find. Though Albus had promised that after the feast, he would do his best to spruce the wig up for Gilderoy.
'The girl will help. She can make a potion' Lockhart told himself. He looked to his right and saw Snape sulking. The sour man wasn't glaring or sneering. He looked miserable.
It was like he was a breath away from wailing.
That didn't go unnoticed by the students either.
Vivian ignored looking in Snape's direction. That still hurt. A lot. It was too confusing so for right now, she decided not to think on it at all. She'd do her best to block the issue out until she absolutely had to deal with it.
'It's the only way I'll be able to go on' she took a deep breath.
Snape's gaze continued to shoot to Vivian. Minerva looked at Severus with sympathy, hand going to his shoulder. He snapped his eyes back to his plate, though he didn't flinch away from the kind touch.
Albus wished he knew what was wrong with Severus. It hurt him that his friend was obviously in distress.
He was also a bit pouty over the fact that Minerva knew something he didn't. 'Yet' he mentally promised. 'For Severus' sake, of course' he corrected.
"Do you think this Master bloke is the one who cursed Lockhart?" Seamus gasped out, excited.
Harry didn't answer, trying to get his sight back after Collin had snuck over to snap another picture of the Boy Who Lived.
Harry didn't snap at the younger boy. His flat expression said it all. "Sorry Harry" Collin ran back to his seat.
Lee, George, and Fred looked at Harry curiously. They were still thinking over what Seamus had asked.
"I mean" Neville spoke up, stuttering a bit with a blush when all the eyes went on him.
Luna held in a snort.
"The only reason I can see the Master going after him is if…well if he was really bad" Neville finished softly.
"How could he be?" Lavender couldn't believe her ears. "He's gorgeous" she said as if that settled everything.
"Even now?" Ron almost chocked on his pumpkin juice.
Vivian went to chuckle, but a giggle cut her off.
Lavender giggled. She giggled and fluttered her pretty little lashes at Ron before going back to whispering with an excited Parvati. The Indian Gryffindor caught the look of annoyance that Vivian shot towards Lavender's back.
She whispered something to Lavender who went to turn around.
Vivian didn't hide her glare. Instead, she locked eyes with the other girl.
Vivian remembered their fifth year. She remembered 'Lav-lav and Won-won' all too well. Seeing the other girl already eyeing her boyfriend did not make Vivian happy.
She didn't hate Lavender. At least, not really. Though the reasons why she didn't were currently escaping her.
Ron easily placed an arm around Vivian in a loving, natural motion.
Lavender turned back to her friend with more whispers.
Vivian smirked at Ron, poking his side thankfully. Even as she rolled her eyes at the other girls' whispers. They didn't know she could hear them loud and clear.
Once more her frown was wiped off when Ron kissed her cheek sweetly.
Now it was Vivian's turn to blush as her friends chuckled at the scene. Some of the lions quieted down, looking behind Vivian curiously. The reasoning became clear when there was a small clearing of the throat behind the brunette.
Seeing Hermione's surprised expression, Vivian turned.
There was Tracy and Daphne with her little sister Astoria. "Vivian" Daphne greeted. "We wanted to let you know that there's a Slytherin girl meeting tonight. It's like a slumber party" she explained. "We wanted to know" she shot a quick look at Tracy who nodded. "If you'd like to be in our group".
Though surprised a little, Vivian smiled. "I'd like that. Thanks guys" she agreed.
Astoria smiled shyly as Tracy beamed. Daphne barely let her lips twitch, but she was always more closed off so Vivian didn't take it personally.
"Great. We'll meet you in the common room tonight. Later" Tracy took over before the girls nodded with cold politeness to the others then walked off.
'Unexpected' Neville's mind voiced all of their thoughts.
None of them could disagree.
'But good' Harry told everyone as actual conversation went back to classes and mundane things. 'Good for us' he went on. 'Early recruits. And friends of course' he told Vivian.
She gave a brief smile to show she understood.
It was nice to be invited to things. It made her feel kind of giddy in a way. She hadn't gotten to know her dormmates until fifth and sixth year. Then she had to run off with the others for the horcrux hunt.
Being part of something so much younger felt good. Vivian wondered if this was how normal kids felt.
Ron teasingly poked her side making her gently nudge him back.
Luna lightly gestured her head making the others look at the head table. Remus was already smirking at Vivian, obviously already in on the mental conversation.
Vivian playfully rolled her eyes.
However, her eyes then strayed a little further down the table. Towards Snape.
He too was already looking at her.
The sallow man looked as if he desperately wanted to go over and speak to her. Yet, he didn't. He held himself back. Snape couldn't stop the fidgeting of his hands though. The long thin fingers moved and messed with different pieces of food, though he didn't actually eat.
Albus looked at Severus worriedly.
"Severus, my boy, are you alright?" Albus asked the man at his side.
Severus shot him a side look before looking down at his plate. "I am fine" he answered in a quiet tone.
Vivian looked away as Severus once more tried to catch her eye.
He wasn't alone. Both Remus and Severus sent not so secret sneers and glares towards Lockhart who couldn't keep his bright blue gaze off of Vivian.
He ignored Remus and Severus. However, Lockhart did flinch when Ron's ice-cold blue eyes landed on the man.
Harry was still concentrating on the article in front of him. The writer, a Stephanie Clearwater was going on, questioning the Death Knights motives. He did give her points for actually mentioning that both Goyle and Crabbe Senior had the mark of a Death Eater.
Though Stephanie did say that many ministry officials weren't sure if the men were framed or not. That brought up her speculating on the truth of Sirius' innocence and the trial that everyone knew was upcoming.
Though no one was able to interview Sirius in the meantime. Madam Bones claimed he was in a safe house for his own wellbeing.
Harry almost smirked at the idea of someone trying to break into Potter Manor.
He knew it wouldn't end well for the intruder.
Reading the printed words, Harry began to think. The ministry was still having issues decoding his messages. Even the Unspeakables were apparently stumped.
'I supposed they do need some help. No one is able to say that I am not generous' he amused himself. 'Hmm' he kept a light smile on his youthful face. 'Perhaps Rita and this Miss Clearwater need a one-on-one interview with the Master of Death. Clearwater's will be a bit more cordial. She seems to be doing a decent job. Rita on the other hand... Well, she is sure to need a pick me up after last night'.
His Knights smiled from around the table. Remus hid his in his morning tea, ignoring Albus' gaze.
####SCENE BREAK####
Sirius sat slack jawed as he sat on the couch, looking up at the proud, not to mention amused, beautiful vampire woman before him.
Alex was gorgeous. Then again, from what Sirius knew of them, vampires usually were. Such an aspect was needed in order to hunt and feed.
However, he felt like Alex was beyond that.
It didn't help his attraction that she had been flirting with him nonstop since showing up at the Manor. She had big eyes, green like a dark forest though that color had lavender bleeding into it. A side effect from the vampirism.
Like her elongated top canines.
"On certain missions Vivian would pretend to be my younger sister" Alex pointed out some of the similarities between the two. Though while Vivian was pale, Alex was almost too pale. Deathly pale.
She also had a septum piercing along with multiple earrings. Not a very uncommon look in the vampire world. At least for some of the American vampires who liked to blend the old traditions with more modern fashions. He could see her dressed regally. She had the features for royalty. A tall statuesque hourglass figure. Her style seemed to be a mixture of vampiric styles. A dark poet shirt with leather pants. It was actually a lot like Sirius' style. Even the dark colors.
He really did appreciate the outfit she had on seeing as it gave a perfect showcase of her body. Something he didn't know that Alex was thinking about Sirius' relaxed state of dress.
Besides being a bit gaunt, Alex's tight clothing perfectly enhanced her womanly curves on her tall, fit physic. Deep red hair which only pronounced her eyes and skin further hung down her back in small loops of curls.
Sirius couldn't help but think her sharp nose was very cute when she smirked, briefly scrunching her nose up in order to tease him.
'Calm down' Sirius told himself. 'Just a gorgeous bird. Nothing you can't handle'. He hadn't felt butterflies like this since his school days. Even then, he didn't think the butterflies were as powerful as they were now!
'He does look delicious' Alex couldn't help but think at the same time. 'And not as a snack' she mentally chuckled at her own joke. 'Be cool' she told herself, battling the same butterflies as Sirius. 'It's your chance for a killer first impression. Don't mess it up!' she mentally hyped herself up.
Seeing him still flabbergasted, Alex took pity on Sirius. "I said" she sat at on the armrest of the couch. "That I remember. Everything".
It was true. Alex remembered her time with Harry Potter and his group. She remembered him saving her from a group of vampire hunters, who had attacked the committee for the Society for the Tolerance of Vampires.
Alex was a special case. There was only a handful of her kind around the world. She had not been bitten to be a vampire. She had been born as one. Or at least, as half. She had a vampire father and a human mother.
When Hermione had wanted answers on that Alex had simply shrugged stating some things could only be explained with magic.
Alex remembered her relationships, close friendships with the Knights. She remembered her friendship with Remus. With all of them.
She wondered if they remembered her like she did them. Her 'brat moments' as Vivian had playfully named the ageless young woman. Alex technically was thirty though she hadn't aged in quite a while. She stopped counting after she reached her early nineties. Which had been a while ago.
Even if Hermione often questioned if Alex actually matured as she aged. With love of course. Hermione often thought that if the marauders had female counterparts, then Alex was definitely meant to be Sirius'.
Humor wise, look wise and definitely in the ability to drive Hermione crazy while simultaneously getting her to love both Sirius and Alex with all her heart. Which both Sirius and Alex were experts at. Especially as Sirius was once more getting closer, even closer now, to the kids.
Remus had the ability too, though he liked to think that he was Hermione's 'favorite' marauder seeing as he too had read Hogwarts A History.
Hermione didn't have the heart to tell the men that they both drove her a little batty sometimes.
It was a talent that Alex had perfect and enjoyed quite often.
Though, she used her vast talents to tease any of the group whenever she was bored, or the fancy hit her.
Which was often.
"Oh Sirius" Alex all but purred. "When one has danced with death from birth, is it not logical that she would remember him?" Alex posed with a playful look.
Alex couldn't stop flirting with him. In all honesty, she had always been morose with only speaking to his portrait. After getting to know the man, or at least the painted version, Alex wished she had met him in person.
That grew now they were face to face. It made Alex even more hopeful and excited for the future.
Knowing that his portrait version of himself had returned these flirts, Sirius truly hoped that he could live up to the image. He felt a weird fluttering in his stomach and sweaty and heady and… The list went on!
Sirius didn't know what was going on, but it was kind of throwing him. He was used to being smooth with the ladies.
Yet, he had never met anyone like Alex.
He swore he could hear James laughing at him from the other side. 'Is this what James meant about Lily?' Sirius thought before trying to shake the thought away. 'I just met the woman, calm down' he told himself.
Fighting a smile, Sirius had to know "Does Harry know? That you are aware I mean?"
Both of their smiles grew when she shook her head. "I thought" she gave a dramatic shrug. "That I could surprise him" was hinted. Before he could answer she added "Have I mentioned just how cheeky your portrait was?" she posed, knowing she had. When Sirius opened his mouth to no doubt say something that would make her giggle like a fool, Alex tagged on "I do hope that life truly imitates art".
Now Sirius' smile was roughish as he looked her over noticeably. "Well Love" he teased. "If you're a good girl you might find out" Sirius' deep voice rolled over her.
Now Alex had to get ahold of herself. She silently thanked that she could not blush. The butterflies that Sirius was feeling was echoed throughout Alex's body. Tilting her head she asked, "What if I'm bad?"
Sirius' gaze further darkened at the obvious implications.
At her smile he all but growled out, "Don't bat those pretty lashes at me" he groused.
Alex laughed, not knowing if Sirius even meant to use the pun. "I can't tease you?" she asked, lips pulled up in a tiny smirk.
Sirius narrowed his gray eyes, standing so he was closer to her. "You…are a tease" he decided.
"No, no" Alex denied, playing with the bottom of his band shirt. "Being a tease means one does not deliver" she chuckled.
Only a day and this woman was… Well, she was doing a lot to him! Sirius didn't know it, but the feeling was beyond mutual.
"You'll definitely find out if you keep it up" he promised.
Alex smirked "Can't wait".
"So" Alex moved to stand with arms going around Sirius' neck. She bit her bottom lip as he placed his hands on her hips. "Are you going to help me with the others? They may play mad, but they'll love it" was promised.
He pulled her closer by the belt loops of her pants as a smirk rested on his handsome face. She looked down briefly as if flustered. "I do love a good prank" he said as if simply considering.
Alex began to giggle which Sirius soon joined in on.
####SCENE BREAK####
Umbridge was miserable. More so than ever before.
She was often sent out to get necessities for herself and Voldemort. Not to mention the Daily Prophet. Yaxley managed to stay away even more now as he continued spying at the ministry.
He was ordered to get as close to Amelia Bones as possible.
The last few times Dolores had gone out of the protected hideout, something strange yet horrible had happened. She had been attacked by dementors!
Umbridge had been excited at first to see the soul sucking beings. She had always felt a bit of a kinship to them. They spoke to her in a way.
It seemed that none of the dementors shared Umbridge's sentiments.
Umbridge was scurrying around the marketplace of Knockturn Alley. She was supposed to get a food and potions for Voldemort and Nagini. Umbridge was only allowed to get herself a low healing potion.
That was mainly because her twitching had begun to get on Voldemort's nerves.
She was covered in shawls and head wraps that hid most of her features.
Though money was limited, Umbridge decided to try her hand at theft. She wanted a few things for herself. Like chocolates. Bath supplies. Something she was in desperate need of. So, she inched closer to some witches who were carelessly browsing different potions.
They seemed exceptionally careless with their open money bags seeing as they were in a notoriously bad neighborhood.
It was almost as if they were begging to be robbed.
However, before Dolores could try her hand at pickpocketing, the women's conversation got her attention. "I always knew something was wrong with that Umbridge woman" one huffed.
"I know! I hope they catch her. Horrid woman" the other agreed.
Dolores tensed, muscle twitch leaving her every now and again. She knew she had to keep her temper. There was no way she could bring attention to herself. She was officially wanted now after all.
Dolores tried to memorize the witches' faces so that she may someday pay them back for affronting her.
'One must not tell lies'. She thought of a good use of her prized blood quills. One of the few things she had managed to take from her flat.
"And" the taller of the witches went on. "I doubt she was actually a pureblood. She'd go on and on, but I think it was a way to hide the truth" she nodded to her friend.
"Hum, hum" the prim fake cough left Dolores before she even fully realized what she was doing. She was used to people recognizing the sound and cowering.
The witches didn't pay the noise any mind.
Dolores was enraged! 'It is Knockturn Alley' she told herself, unable to fight the itch to reach for her wand in order to hex the women in the back. 'No one would come help them' she assured herself, once more disobeying Voldemort.
However, such subordination could not go unpunished. If such rumors got around, or worse the truth, then Umbridge knew she'd be in for hell from Voldemort.
Just as Umbridge wrapped her hand around her short wand, the witches and a few other nearby patrons began shaking before taking off.
Dolores stood a bit straighter with an air of importance. It seemed to escape her notice she was still covered up, so it's not as if anyone had actually recognized her. Not to mention that if they did, they would have called the aurors and she'd be up shit's creek without a levitation spell.
Yet, as other alley patrons fled, Dolores began to suspect that she was not the cause of panic.
The chill frosting over different bottles was another big clue as well.
There, starting in the shadows but slowly moving into the limited light, were three dementors.
What was odd was that they were ignoring everyone running from them.
The floating cloaked figures moved with slow purpose towards Dolores.
She tried to keep herself calm. Dolores knew she didn't have the kiss hanging over her. Yet. Not like how Fudge was still trying to push for Sirius Black. Despite the many reports of the man's possible innocence.
The new development of the strange behavior of the dementors confused Dolores. She was able to push down her own fear. After all, she still saw herself as very important. Above all others. Soul sucking demon like beings included. Even if they fascinated her.
Besides the fear she was battling and her confusion, there was also excitement.
What if she could actually control the dementors!? Her, Dolores Jane Umbridge take the dementors from the ungrateful ministry!
What a boon that would be for Lord Voldemort.
What power that would bring Dolores! The horror and respect she would wield, forcing people to finally bow to her excellence.
Dolores stood her full height ready to address the dementors. They didn't seem threatening for the moment, so she took that as a sign.
"I am-Ah!" she shouted. The dementors had circled her until one was able to put its hands on her shoulders. There was a strength to those bony hands that surprised her as it held her in place. It almost felt like someone had put dry ice on her shoulders. Like a burning through her many layers that was trying to give her frost bite or the like.
Umbridge had no way of knowing that the dementors were trying to get her to take them to her companions. She was one of the people on the list of targets given to them. However, once they got to her, all three smelled death on Umbridge.
However, it wasn't the Master. The Master had a comforting smell to him. It was cool, crisp. Like a fall or winter day where rain and snow covered the earth. Peaceful.
Umbridge had a scent on her as if she had been rolling around it. Yet, it wasn't directly coming from her. It was coming from someone she had been in contact with.
It was the smell of rotting meat. Rotting from the inside as infections and heat further corroded a corpse.
It was evil. Evil smelled like that.
It made the dementors think of someone trying to copy and corrupt the smell of death.
Having met their Master's newest vessel and his Knights, the stench of an imposter greatly angered the beings. They wanted Umbridge to take them to the imposter.
He had to be dealt with. For the Master.
"I command you" Dolores tried, still unsuccessful in getting out of their grips. When she didn't reply to the silent order to move, the dementors grew restless.
'She does not understand' Jedediah told his companions.
'That is not our concern' Sarah countered. 'Even the simplest of beings should follow if pushed' she blindly looked as David once more pushed on Dolores though she refused to move and follow the action.
This began to agitate the dementors.
Agitate them and anger them. That anger seemed to only intensify the ever-present hunger gnawing on their insides. In where their souls should be.
'Resist' David hissed at his companions. 'We must know where she resides. We couldn't find her until now. There must be a reason for such. The General' he referred to Ron. 'Would be displeased if she was to be devoured before we could explore whosever scent is on her'.
Jedediah mentally hissed as Rachel backed David up. 'We will eat plenty by the end of this week' Rachel tried to ease. 'We have been given the allowance. As long as we do not stray from our orders' was reminded.
Dolores began to sweat as it felt as if these dementors were attempting to herd her somewhere. She didn't know what they wanted, and she had no way to really protect herself. She had never done the Patronus charm before.
Before she could full out panic, spell fire made the dementors hiss and skirt away.
Though the one gripping her seemed resistant to release its grip.
The witches from earlier arrived with different people. That was when Umbridge took in the women's stances making her almost curse out loud.
The women were aurors and they had brought more with them. That was why they had let their money bags look so open. Umbridge realized she had almost fallen for an undercover operation! They would have caught her for sure.
The dementor holding her screeched, letting go as someone hit it with a non-corporeal Patronus in the shoulder.
The other two dementors grabbed their injured member before the three took off.
Before the aurors could approach her, Umbridge grabbed a bunch of potions then portkeyed away.
Voldemort had been less than pleased with what she had brought back.
He had showed his displeasure for many hours. Yaxley had responded when called and brought many gifts for his lord. And nothing for Dolores. He made excuses though she didn't believe any of them.
Thankfully though, Corban Yaxley had reported that no one knew that it was Dolores that had had a run in with the aurors and dementors.
That didn't matter though.
Three times after that in the last few days whenever Dolores went out, dementors seemed to be around. Around and waiting for her. What they wanted; she didn't know.
Neither Dolores nor Voldemort wanted Dolores to allow the dementors to lead her where they wanted her to go. Voldemort was worried they were coming for him while Umbridge was worried that… In all honesty, she wasn't really sure what she was worried about. However, the unknown was terrifying and that was enough to have her resisting any attempt the dementors made.
That also meant though that she could no longer leave Voldemort's side.
Voldemort was annoyed over this. Dolores was annoyed over this. Yaxley was also annoyed over this due to the fact that this meant he now was spending more time coming over to take care of any needs Voldemort may have. He wouldn't have cared about that, Yaxley truly was loyal to Voldemort.
It was just that in Voldemort's current state, Yaxley couldn't fully see him as the powerful man he knew before. Yaxley longed for when his Lord was back to his full strength. And height.
Umbridge wanted that as well. She needed someone to save her from whatever the hell was happening! Who else but Voldemort could do that?
The main downside of being constantly in Voldemort's presence meant that she could not go and deal with her brother. 'I have time' Dolores told herself while half listening to whatever Yaxley was reporting to Voldemort.
'I have time. Besides, no one else knows' she assured herself.
With that, Umbridge went back to helping figure out the best next move in order to weaken the Ministry.
####SCENE BREAK####
The dementors had been busy.
They were grateful though that their master and his general and Knights were not displeased with their inability to fully track down the one known as Umbridge.
It seemed at times that she simply disappeared.
For the time being, while they waited for another opportunity, the dementors focused on other targets given to them by their master and his many generals. Their queen had had very specific orders which none of them were willing to break.
Thankfully a good amount of their targets were still in Azkaban which made them easy to get. Not many of the guards actually checked on the prisoners unless for dubious reasons.
Reasons that Ezekiel had told his queen. He had been excited with the Mistress of Death's praise. Yet, he had been even more excited when she went on about making certain men lives hell. Many were added onto the dementors lists while she said some of the greater offenders were to be offered to the Knight known as Sirius.
Retribution.
That was what she called it.
Ezekiel led his small band of dementors down the wizarding street. The overcast gave them plenty of cover. Their powers further darkened and grayedt the world around them. They stuck to the side alleys to stay as far away from other humans as possible.
They were more than excited, though tried to keep their heads. For now, they would watch their prey. Then, tonight, they would strike.
Their hunger and duty to their Lord would be satisfied.
####SCENE BREAK####
Rita Skeeter had been feeling pretty pleased with herself.
Her stories were flying off the shelves like snitches! Especially now that she was able to write about the Death Knights.
'And I thought that finding out about Black's possible innocence was juicy' she thought. Whether Black was innocent or not didn't actually matter to Skeeter. She could work the story from any angle. She would admit though that having him innocent did make better sales.
With a little hum, Rita finished putting up her rough draft for the next day's paper. Once more, it was going to be about the Death Knights.
She was writing about people who had claimed to see the man. Of course, none of what she wrote was actually true or accurate. Rita gained all of her information from her animagus form.
Even then, Rita didn't believe half of what she had heard. 'But the readers will believe me' she had thought happily with a small simpering grin.
Rita's high was not meant to last, however. When she was walking home, just as she left the office, a beyond terrifying experiance happened to the blonde reporter. A dementor, and honestly it was the biggest dementor she had ever seen, had blocked her path. This dementor was huge.
True, Rita had never actually been face-to-face with a dementor before. However, something about this one just screamed power. Status of some kind. It was as if someone took a tall man and tried to stretch him further. Muscles on a skeleton that someone placed a cloak over.
It was beyond unsettling.
Especially since Rita didn't know the Patronus charm. Being as quiet as possible, Rita backed away slowly while feeling behind her for the door to the Daily Prophet's main office.
It was as if Rita thought she could sneak away from the being that was obviously looking right at her. She couldn't see the eyes, but it didn't take a genius to know it had Rita in its' sight.
The dementor slowly raised its hand to point at Rita.
She felt a sharp stab of fear run through her.
Letting fear blind her, Rita scrambled back.
The dementor floated nearer.
Rita almost laughed hysterically when she made it inside of the empty building while looking the door behind her. Just as she went to let out a breath of relief, noises caught her attention.
Breathing.
Not just regular breathing either. It was as if someone was trying to speak through gasps.
Shaking, Rita looked towards the windows before screaming.
Outside of every window were multiple dementors. Each pressed against the glass so tightly it looked painful.
Rita realized that the breathing was coming from the dementors.
Suddenly the door handle began to rattle.
Rita screamed again, taking off for the stairs. She just needed to get into her office. Then she could activate the floo and call for help or run. She could do something! She just needed to get to her office.
Rita came off the stairs so quickly that she almost smacked into the opposing wall.
Panting, she made it to her office before locking the door behind her.
Spinning, Rita grabbed some floo powder and tossed it into the fireplace.
Nothing.
No lights. No green flames.
Nothing!
She tried again with the same results. Rita held in a whimper realizing that she was close to tears as the awful truth hit her. She was trapped.
More panic rose as she heard those breaths now coming down the hall.
The dementors had gotten in and were coming for her!
Grabbing her wand, Rita spun to the window with a spell on the tip of her tongue. That was replaced by a loud scream as right outside the window was the big dementor.
He was still pointing at Rita.
"What do you want" she shouted, not able to think of a way to get away.
More breathy gasps left the being. Words that she could almost make out, yet managed to just escape her understanding.
Not knowing what to do the now crying Rita sunk down on the floor holding her knees.
She prayed that the beings would lose interest and leave. She didn't know any other spells that would work on them. Besides, her hands were shaking so much she worried she'd miss if she used her wand.
With a muffled cry, Rita put up the best shielding spell she knew.
With that, she pushed her eyes against her knees. As if she were a child that thought if she could not see the monster then logically it could not see her.
It wasn't till the sun broke into the room that Rita realized that somehow, she had fallen asleep! She was still on the floor which she scrambled to rise from.
Hearing noise from the hall she froze before relaxing a little. It was only her coworkers. Her totally human coworkers.
Stumbling to her chair, Rita didn't even think of testing the floo again. Her body was trying to come down from the adrenaline still coursing through her. Even more so now as her mind caught up to itself. Rita wanted to beleive it was mearly a nightmare, but was unable to accept that explaination.
Then…fear was replaced with anger.
Rita didn't know what had happened, but she did know one thing. Someone was going to pay for messing with her!
Rita filed a report with the aurors. She grew even more incensed when it seemed that no one believed her. Not only that, but when word spread around the office, Rita swore that she could hear snickers and even pleased smiles aimed her way. People were happy that such a horrible thing had happened to her!
'They'll all pay' Rita was thinking to herself. She was once more working on the articles from the night before.
Her mood didn't help with Stephanie Clearwater's praise around the office. That was who had covered Rita's section.
Apparently, everyone had tried to get ahold of her, not knowing she was in her office. When they couldn't, Stephanie was offered the spot.
'Just wait till tomorrow's article. Then she'll just be a coffee girl forever' Rita told herself.
Looking out of her office window, Rita noticed that the view was getting darker.
Not that it was becoming nighttime or anything, but as if something was fogging up the window.
Blocking it.
It was like a black cloth had been placed over her window drastically darkening the room. As Rita stood to light her office torches and check out her window, a voice broke the silence.
"I simply wanted privacy" the voice revealed itself as the source for the blackout.
Rita jumped, spinning around with wand out.
Nothing. However, she knew she had heard a voice!
It was obviously a male voice. It held power and strength too it yet wasn't overtly deep. The very sound, almost like a bored sigh, sent shivers down her spine. "Not again!" Rita practically begged.
Just as she thought to use a Knox on the darkened corner of her office, Rita's wand went flying out of her hand.
She called out in surprise. She hadn't even heard an incantation.
"Of course, not" the voice almost scoffed. "That only happens when one speaks out loud" the unknown speaker confirmed that they could do nonverbal spell casting.
"Who are you!?" Rita demanded with chin going up. Her beady eyes darted all over the room, sharp angular glasses moved down her nose slightly in her haste. "I demand you show yourself" she hissed.
Rita went to speak again, going to call out to anyone in the hall when the voice once more spoke.
"No one can hear you Rita" came an almost tsk like note in the voice. "I didn't want anyone to interrupt our meeting".
Rita squinted. She thought there was something floating in the corner, but she couldn't be sure.
"I am here" the voice confirmed. "Watching you".
Rita swallowed harshly as she realized that the intruder was reading her mind!
"Everyone is always so surprised by that. Hmm" the voice said as if thoughtful. "Anyway" came the sigh. "I have come to arrange a meeting between you and my Master".
Rita paused in her panic. "Master?" she asked trying to keep her tone neutral. Even as her voice shook, Rita couldn't help the gleam of interest in her gaze.
Though scared, Rita knew a good story when it came upon her! "Would you happen to be…a Death Knight" she asked the shadowy corner.
"I am" the voice answered. "I go by Thunderbird" he told her, confusing her with the name. "My Master read the article this morning" he told her. "This morning's coverage along with old stories written by yourself have gained his attention. He believes that you wish to speak to him. Not simply print your lies or skewed truths".
"I don't-" Rita bristled, hands clenching at the accusation.
"You do!" the voice suddenly rose in volume. Not only was the sheer power in the voice terrifying but also, if she wasn't mistaken, new pitches were added. As if the voice wasn't alone. "Do you think me so simple as to not have learned the truth of you before approaching!?" the voice hissed angrily. "Would you prefer another visit from my Master's legion!? A mere section of his army, but a useful one none the less don't you think?" came the mocking deep growl.
For the barest of moments, he sounded more like a bear or lion rather than a floating emaciated skeletal being.
Now, now Rita was silently crying but paralyzed, petrified to the spot. The dementors were with the Master of Death!? Rita tried not to faint. Now would be the worst time and she knew it!
As no one came barging in, Rita knew the voice hadn't been lying. No one could hear them. No one would come and save her.
She had no wand on her. No spare wand or way to protect herself.
The concealed Neville almost snorted. The fact that Rita didn't even think of physically defending herself spoke volumes on magicals like her.
Rita was totally at the stranger's, the Death Knight's mercy.
Neville smiled at that thought.
"Now, you have a choice Rita" Thunderbird told her diplomatically.
Rita swallowed, trying to calm her racing heart. She wanted the being the think that they were on equal levels. "A choice?" she posed. Walking towards her desk she asked "What do you mean? You said the…Master of Death wanted a meeting" she couldn't stop the waiver at her voice when saying the title.
"Yes" Thunderbird drew out the hiss. "He would like to speak to the people. It seems no one has been able to understand the messages we've been leaving" he told her.
Rita bit her bottom deep red painting lip. 'If I was the first to know what the messages said!' she thought of the attention and money that would bring her.
"However…" Thunderbird made sure she was listening. "There would of course be…conditions. We would also like you to have the Clearwater woman help you. My Master and Mistress enjoyed her writing" he went on. He knew that list bit would be salt in the wound.
Rita couldn't hide her frown. She wasn't used to being told what she couldn't write. She also didn't like the idea of Stephanie. However, Rita didn't think that the Death Knight was in any mood to witness her negotiating skills. Rita definitely wasn't in the mood to test his limits!
A boney finger, under a cloak that went almost to the too long of knuckles caught her attention. She took in the almost corpse like appearance of the small amount of flesh she could see. It didn't look human, but close.
Rita realized he was pointing to a chair. With another beat of hesitance, Rita sat at her desk in front of her pen and paper. The quill in front of her was a normal one, not a quick quill.
Rita picked up the pad then looked at where the hidden Knight was. Inhaling deeply, she picked up the quill and waited.
Suddenly she saw brown-hazel, almost golden eyes, from under a hood. The eyes lit up as if illuminated. They were the only visible thing now in that corner.
From the shape of the eyes, Rita could tell the Knight was smiling. Neville was smiling, and he let her know it.
Rita gulped.
####SCENE BREAK####
Vivian and Luna sent Neville's golem to History of Magic. Neville himself had slipped out to speak to Rita Skeeter on behave of the Death Knights.
As the girls turned the corner, they were suddenly face to face with Lavender Brown and her best mate Parvati Patil.
"Oh, we were just looking for you" Lavender looked at Vivian a little too happily.
Seeing Luna, Parvati added "Both of you" further confusing the other girls.
Luna and Vivian shared a brief look. "Really, and what can we do for you ladies?" Vivian asked curiously. It wasn't as if either of them really talked to the two Gryffindors often. They didn't hate them or anything. It was just that the girls were much different than Vivian and Luna. Besides liking Firenze as a teacher and basic morals, the girls never had much in common.
'Well, besides liking Ron' Vivian tried to fight off the moody thought.
"Neville said that you wanted to have girl talk" Lavender pointed out. "That you were both trying to make friends outside of your houses" she went on as her smile dimmed a bit.
Vivian had frozen as Luna fought off an amused headshake. They were supposed to make friends and connections in all houses. That was the plan all along. However, it was just like Neville to get the ball rolling and then 'forget' to tell them.
Vivian had to wonder if he thought it would be a funny surprise, or if he simply needed another remembrall. 'See if I don't get him one just for this' she thought before putting on a pretty closed mouth smile.
Luna looked as serine as usual, though she too was thinking of getting her boyfriend back for the small surprise.
Though Luna was thinking of kisses. A payback that Neville could totally get behind. If he knew what Vivian was thinking, he might have made a mental note to tell her about his plan.
"Yep" Vivian ended up blurting. Luna fought a laugh as Vivian briefly winced before forcing on a smile. She didn't hate Lavender or Parvati. She didn't even really dislike them. However, there was a reason they weren't close. The girls just didn't click well.
Plus…Lavender had never been Vivian's favorite person after the pretty blonde had dated Ron. Though, Vivian almost gave a real smile as she remembered Ron saying her name in his sleep after almost being poisoned.
"Uh, yes" Vivian got control of herself. "I recently" she thought of an excuse. "Have been trying to get into fashion" came the lie. "Hermione said that you two would be the best places to start" Vivian told them.
Besides being surprised, both Lavender and Parvati seemed pretty pleased.
"We love fashion" Parvati told her.
"We could even show you catalogs. We have makeup and samples too" Lavender began.
Vivian went to reply when suddenly, and she wasn't sure when the two girls had gotten so fast, but she suddenly found herself between Parvati and Lavender being all but dragged towards Gryffindor tower.
"I'll catch up with you later. I have class" Luna managed to dodge the attempt on her.
Vivian looked back at her blonde friend with eyes screaming both pleas and murder.
Seeing Vivian carted off by the still talking Lavender and giggling Parvati saw Luna send the green-eyed beauty a big grin.
Vivian's wide eyes narrowed as she realized she had just been played.
Luna waved her fingers, giggling at her friend's predicament.
As Vivian was forced around the corner, Luna started to whistle before skipping off to potions.
####SCENE BREAK####
Harry smiled as McGonagall left him in the hall. He had just gotten his official summons, along with Vivian due to her relation, to speak during Sirius Black's trial.
Harry couldn't be happier.
Sirius would be free. Everyone would finally know that his godfather was innocent. It felt good. It felt good being able to give Sirius his freedom.
Harry knew someone may try to stop that from happening of course. There were many variants who could try to sabotage Sirius. Even if simply by claiming that he should go to Azkaban for daring to be broken out in the first place.
That was why Harry had made over a dozen back up plans with Ron and Hermione.
Being a volatile mixture of excitement and nerves, Harry made his way to Defense class. He had it with the Hufflepuffs this time. Though the group would miss Vivian being in class with them, it wasn't the worse.
They were spared Draco for the moment.
'Then again, being around Justin and his group again isn't a positive either' Harry internally hummed.
Thankfully, despite rumors going around about someone mentioning the chamber, no one was looking at Harry as if he were Voldemort incarnate.
Why would they, no one had been attacked. It was going to stay that way. Harry was determined that nothing concerning the chamber was going to get out.
He was still trying to figure out if the castle had informed Peeves about the chamber. If so, what did it say exactly? Did Peeves know other things that he simply never told anyone about?
That got Harry thinking about Peeves the Poltergeist himself.
Peeves had come with the castle when it was founded. Harry knew that. However, Harry remembered Fred and George talking about how some people thought that Peeves was actually the manifestation of all the students bent up mischief.
'So the founders found the castle and turned it into a school' Harry thought. 'Who had the castle before them?' Harry went on. He had no answer for these questions.
'Maybe I could get it out of Peeves' Harry thought, making his way to class and his friends. 'Or maybe Remus knows? Maybe Dumbledore' Harry listed. 'Maybe Hermione knows any books on it'.
The only beings old enough to maybe know would be the dementors and he doubted they cared much about Hogwarts or its origin.
'Did the stairs already move? What about the Room of Requirement? Did Helga make that or was it already here' questions continued to run through Harry's mind. 'I suppose I could use my Bloody Baron voice and see if Peeves knows anything' Harry thought of his talent on impersonating the only ghost, or being, that seemed to have any real control over Peeves.
Harry had to wonder if that was due to the Baron's, and the Gray lady's, lives, and deaths.
Which Peeves would have seen.
Breaking him out of his thoughts and plots was a surprising person. Susan Bones walked up to Harry with a hesitant pretty grin. Her cheeks were aflame, but she held her ground. "Uh, Hello Harry" she greeted.
This was one of the first times she had ever addressed him. They usually only spoke if need be in class.
"Hello" Harry greeted politely.
Susan held her hand out which had some folded-up paper in it. "Cedric, Cedric Diggory" she went to say before making sure that he knew who she was talking about. At his nod she went on. "Cedric asked me to give this to you" she almost sounded to give a dreamy sigh at the end.
Harry fought off an amused grin.
He could now appreciate how funny it was that many, and he knew it was many, of the girls in Hogwarts of all class groups were Diggory fan girls.
'He is pretty fit' Harry had to admit. 'Ok, he's bloody gorgeous' Harry almost snorted. "Thanks" he flashed his own easy, unintentionally handsome grin as he took the note.
Susan's cheeks lit up even further.
With a squeaked "Bye" Susan ran off to the all but bouncing Hannah. The two girls began whispering furiously. The whispering doubled when Neville walked by before standing at Harry's side.
Soon Hermione and a somewhat sullen Ron followed.
"It is done" Neville lowly told Harry who smiled in reply.
"What's that Harry?" Hermione couldn't hide her curiosity. The others looked at the note which Harry now realized seemed like a card.
He opened it with brows going up. Harry had been invited to a party by Cedric. Apparently, the Puffs liked to come together with the friends they didn't get to see when not at Hogwarts. 'Very Hufflepuff thing to do' he thought with a smile.
Harry read the note.
Harry, thanks for the advice about Cho. She said yes! Still can't believe it, but I won't bore you with panic over her actually saying yes. I wanted to pay you back. She said she liked the purple as it meant I saw all of her. You were right. I suppose that means that Granger was right, huh? Anyway, I remember you saying you wanted to branch out. Domination, wasn't it? Well, bring your friends to the party! Trust me, you'll find out how loyal Puffs really are.
Till then; your faithful future servant,
Cedric
Harry smirked, chuckling over the note with the others. Cedric seemed to have a humor to match the rest of him. Golden.
"I suppose we're going to party with the Puffs?" Neville asked Harry.
He too thought the note was funny. Especially since Cedric didn't know how close to reality he was with the titles and ideas.
"Well" Harry pretended to shrug. "It would be rude to decline. Wouldn't it" he amused his friends. "Come on".
The children milled into the room. Harry smiled at the waiting Remus as the students took their seats. Moody was next to Remus as both men kept a noticeable gap between themselves and Lockhart.
Many girls perked up seeing Lockhart finally back in class. Even if the substitutes were still there as well.
Lockhart smiled happily. He was beyond rapturous that he had finally found a halfway decent wig. It was much better than the one that he had been forced to wear that morning. It almost looked like his real hair.
Almost.
Still, some glamor charms and beauty potions saw Lockhart looking all but back to his stunning self. Again…almost.
There was something a bit…off about his whole appearance. None of the students could fully put their fingers on it.
None but a group of time travelers. Now very grumpy time travelers.
Ron was incensed.
One on hand, he missed Vivian. Even one period away from her felt like purgatory. Like listless eternal waiting of never-ending suspense. He would have been glad that his wife wasn't further subjected to Lockhart, however that wasn't true. She still had his class later in the day with the Ravenclaws.
The fact that he wouldn't be with her, at least as far as everyone knew, felt like a purposeful move to Ron.
Like Lockhart was trying to split them up.
The man getting help with his appearance only further upset Ron. He knew Albus was helping him. Gilderoy didn't have the magical ability to keep those kinds of charms up.
'And none of the parents have pushed for his firing' Ron tried to hide a sneer. He knew that that was the excuse Lucius used to continue trying to get into Hogwarts, but Malfoy really didn't care about Gilderoy.
'Fine' Ron decided. His resolve solidified itself at Harry's mental go ahead and Remus' own mental offer of help seeing as he now had to work closely with Lockhart. 'Let Lockhart think that his looks are coming back. They aren't but that isn't important. Those charms will take their time and they will be perfect' he told himself, tuning out Lockhart.
Remus and Moody both rolled their eyes behind the blonde man.
Students around the room snickered.
Though some girls did look like they'd try to set the other professors on fire.
'Ah, good times huh Love' the thought made Harry tease Hermione who gave a muffled huff.
Ron began to draw on his magic. He was careful. Still, they had been secretly training their bodies and magical cores. Their whole group had. This meant that Ron was able to pull on more of his magic.
Magic that he used in order to manipulate the very air around Lockhart without anyone noticing besides a small chill in the air. Ron smirked, chin facing the desk though he looked up with blue eyes piercing the unsuspecting Lockhart.
Remus showed his own impressive power. Power that grew from his and Sirius' own training. He made sure to further disguise Ron's actions in order to confuse Moody who was looking around with magical eye going crazy and narrowed look in his regular eye.
The auror felt something off but couldn't put his finger on it. It was only years of practice and constant vigilance that told him that something was going on.
Thankfully Remus was doing a good job.
Ron decided that he had had enough of people excusing Lockhart's admittance of his wrong doings. It was time to turn the curse up.
As he smiled, Ron's friends had to wonder just what was in store for Lockhart.
Well, Neville did wonder before his eyes became comically large. 'Oh no' he thought in sudden remembrance. 'I forgot to tell Vivian about… Oh no' Neville slunk down in his seat.
Now Harry thought he had many entertainments to look forward to.
####SCENE BREAK####
Vivian felt as if she was going out of her mind. She had gone barmy; she was sure of it.
She had finally gotten away from Lavender and Parvati. Surprisingly, that hadn't been the worst experience.
It hadn't been the best either, but much better than she had originally believed it would be. Vivian had even started to discover something about herself. Something she hadn't been able to explore in the previous timeline.
Vivian might, and she mentally stressed the word might to herself, like some girl time.
She might like getting dolled up and taking care of herself.
Maybe.
It made her feel weird, so she wasn't totally sure. However, as she had been more or less pampered and dolled up by the other girls, Vivian had a moment to think that maybe it wasn't such a bad thing.
She knew Hermione would disagree. Still, it was something that Vivian wondered if she should explore. After all, besides trying to survive, hide her secret and then survive when everyone knew it, she hadn't ever really taken care of herself.
The most she did was healing potions in a bath after a transformation.
Fleur used to go on about having to teach Vivian the benefits of treating oneself. She hadn't been able to due to the war and all, but it was something that the stunning blonde had always told her younger werewolf friend.
Something that Alex had agreed on, swearing that she'd get Vivian to a spa day someday.
There had never been time before. After that, there hadn't been much of an appeal beyond learning some makeup in order to try and dress up for Ron. For her wedding.
'Maybe I can learn about that. At least, a little' Vivian wondered.
That wasn't driving her crazy though.
Her current classroom situation was the cause of her mental distress and if you asked her, deterioration.
She was in potions. She was faced with Snape again. Not only that, but Draco was all but glued to her side while Pansy continued trying to toss angry notes at her. Draco kept trying to snipe about Ron thinking that since the red head wasn't there then that meant that Draco trash-talking him wouldn't upset Vivian.
As if Vivian only liked Ron when Ron was around.
He also continued to slip insults about Hermione, Harry and Neville as well. Draco didn't mention Luna beyond going "Who? Oh, the Lovegood chit".
That didn't help Vivian's mood.
Pansy had tried to stick gum in Vivian's hair. Tried being the operative word. Vivian had pretended to sneeze while using a spell Remus and Sirius had taught her.
The gum got stuck up Pansy's left nostril.
"Miss Parkinson" Snape snapped cutting off Pansy's whines. "Go to Pomfrey. I have no time to handle your inability to properly chew gum" he groused.
He had put the charm for the shrinking potion on the chalkboard. With as little of information as possible.
However, he went around to the Slytherins in order to make sure their potions were just a little better than the Ravenclaws. Though he didn't have as much hostility towards the Claws as he did the Gryffindors.
The problem was that Severus was especially hovering around Vivian. He had gotten a boost of confidence and ease after Lovegood was in class earlier. He was trying to hold onto that feeling as he continued trying to be around Vivian.
It was beyond upsetting for her. To Vivian, it was as if Severus was trying to force her to speak to him. To make her remember him. To…well she didn't know but he was trying to do something, and it made her skin feel like it was going to peel back exposing her unsettled wolf form all over again!
"Vivian" Draco went on trying to whisper as he ignored Pansy's blight.
It seemed to escape Draco that neither of his friends were in class either.
Vivian looked behind her to Tracy and Daphne who nodded their heads to her. Vivian turned back around when Theo winked the pretty girl with a small smirk on his aristocratic face.
Draco saw too and moodily tried scooting closure to Vivian. He totally dismissed her briefly baring her teeth at him in warning.
"My birthday will be coming up before the end of term" Draco was going on. "I'd like to personally invite you to attend" Draco puffed out his chest.
Vivian paused. If there was one place she never wanted to go back to, it was Malfoy Manor. She'd take Grimmauld Place over Malfoy Manor. At least at Grimmauld Place she had good memories, despite the house trying to suck any happiness out of its inhabitants.
Malfoy Manor…
Vivian wanted no part in that. She was fine exchanging letters with Narcissa. Getting to know the woman. Getting to know her mother.
Vivian did not want to go to the Manor though. Even with Narcissa telling her that it would someday be rightfully Vivian's.
All Vivian could think of, all she could see when she thought of Malfoy Manor was being tortured with Hermione by Bellatrix and Fenrir. To a lesser extend the attack by Greyback when she was a child seemed to also be associated with the Manor.
Severus was on Vivian's other side.
Vivian looked ahead of her with a blank expression. She had no choice. It was that or blow her top at the feeling of being cornered and boxed in. Despite her impressive control, Severus still picked up the slight shake in Vivian's pale thin hands.
"Class dismissed" Snape suddenly announced.
Vivian went to stand, assuming that Snape would run away now. His fear of werewolves was something she greatly knew.
Yet, that wasn't what happened.
"Miss Lupin please stay behind".
Vivian obviously tensed with shoulders jacked up high as fist clenched around the strap of her bookbag. She was so stiff that it was a wonder she was a real person and not a gargoyle.
Ignoring the still whining Pansy that was trying to get sympathy from Draco, Vivian made her way back to her seat at a slow steady pace.
She ignored Draco trying to ask for an answer before Severus shooed him out.
She definitely ignored Theo's flirty look before Blaise managed to get the other boy out of the room with the other students.
Now it was just Vivian and Severus.
Alone.
Silent.
Neither bending, neither breaking. Both anxious for what the other may do.
Vivian tried to think only on her breathing as her large green eyes stayed glued to the tabletop.
After a moment Severus finally spoke though his voice was so soft that it was almost a whisper. "Are you alright?" he inquired. "Do you require…Lupin? Remus, I mean" Severus lightly stumbled over his words. "Or a rest" Severus went on.
Not answering Vivian asked in an equally quiet voice "What was it that you needed professor?"
Though she was quiet, that didn't take away from the solidity of her voice. She didn't sound meek. She sounded strained. Controlled.
It was as if Vivian would physically explode if she spoke any louder.
Her chest rose and fell steadily. 'In. Out. In. Out' she thought to herself.
Steeling himself Severus spoke. "I recently began the process of requesting to take on apprentices" Severus told her. "As has Lockhart" he saw her tense further at the name, a blink leaving her as her breathing was interrupted.
"It would seem though" Severus went on. "That Lockhart and I are competing for the same students" Severus told her. "I am…worried. I do not trust Lockhart" he revealed. He didn't know why he admitted that. "He has requested you and Dumbledore is considering this offer. He believes it may be best for the man given his recent…mishaps".
Vivian had looked at Severus sharply. "No" she said so sternly he fought the act to sit down. "I'm not going around Lockhart. He-" she cut herself off. She wasn't expose that she could read the man's mind.
Severus looked deathly serious as he now tensed. "Has he ever been inappropriate with you" he asked.
Taking in his apparently sincere worry, Vivian slowly shook her head. "He stares" she admitted. "It upset Ron" was added quietly. "I'll simply say no" Vivian decided.
"It may not be that interesting" Severus looked regretful to inform her.
Vivian's gaze flashed. "What do you mean?" she had to know.
Severus moved to the desk in front of her in order to explain. He didn't approve of Dumbledore's methods. Not this time. "Dumbledore is hoping that an apprentice would help Lockhart. Lockhart insists on it. Insists on you" Severus told her.
Vivian stood quickly. "I don't want to be his apprentice. You can't make me" she insisted as old fears surfaced.
Luckily, Snape was smart. He held his hands up calmly. "I understand" he tried to tell her. "Truly, I do" he went on. "That is why I have tried to supply an alternative. One that would keep you out of Lockhart's reach while I attempt to get to the bottom of the claims that he has been making under this so-called jinx" Severus divulged. Though distrustful of Snape, Vivian realized that right now, at least for the present moment, he was more or less on her side.
"What?" she posed.
Severus took a deep breath swallowing. "In order to deflect these ridiculous and quite honestly suspicious requests, I have requested myself that you and Miss Lovegood be my apprentices. You would have access to my potions supplies. I would continue making yours and Lupin's wolfsbane" Severus revealed.
Vivian wasn't thrilled with the idea. Even so, the Death Knight in her that tried to soothe the emotional child part of her being pointed out the avenue that this would open up for her cause.
Having access to Severus with Luna, to his knowledge and talents. Vivian knew Luna was right. It would be a huge boon for Harry and Hermione.
'And my godfather' Vivian held in a grimace at the thought. Though she wanted to deny it, the past continued to color certain parts of her future. Especially when it came to Snape. Vivian didn't want to dive too deeply into the mentality of that. All she was willing to assume was that Snape's actions had helped emotionally scar the already beat down child that she had been.
Even if Snape calmed down as the years went on. After he realized who she was though kept it for himself. Snape knew that he had hurt her. He also knew it was probably too late at that point.
Vivian believed Luna was right. Snape had tried to spare Vivian any memories from the night of Greyback's attack. He, like Narcissa, probably hoped that Vivian didn't remember anything of that horrible night. Him revealing the truth would not only reveal her parentage but the reason for her no longer being a Malfoy.
Snape had spared her that possible pain.
Once more Vivian felt herself becoming too emotional. She knew this offer was important though for multiple reasons. One being to keep her protected from Gilderoy.
Vivian would take any help she could get before being able, being allowed to take out the man herself. Or letting Ron take out Lockhart. She wouldn't deny her husband or her siblings the chance to protect her. Something she knew they were itching to do.
She wouldn't be surprised if Sirius or Remus tried to go for Lockhart. She wouldn't put the protective act past her father or uncle.
Severus had been quite for a moment allowing Vivian to gather her wits. Seeing as she was taking a bit too long to answer Severus became a bit nervous. "I know that-. Well, what I mean is-" he tried to explain. "I would like to get to know you" Severus now rushed through. "However, I understand if you do not want that or are not ready for that" he wouldn't look at her now. "I will not push for anything. I truly only want to help both your talents in potions and to watch out for Lockhart and his portrait".
Finding the safer territory Vivian asked, "His portrait?" a bit confused.
"Yes" Severus got ahold of himself. "I have recently been visited by one of Lockhart's portraits. Yet, this one is different. He cannot speak, but he has been communicating with book titles. He doesn't seem to care for Lockhart" Severus said before admitting. "He has led me to believe that Lockhart is not to be trusted, especially when it concerns you".
That honestly surprised Vivian. She had never heard of a portrait more or less becoming fully sentient and pulling away from whomever they were meant to emulate.
The fact that the portrait was trying to apparently look out for her was another shock.
"May I" Vivian began slowly. "May I think on it?" she found herself ask.
She needed to think on this and discuss this with the others.
Severus' shoulders eased some. Every movement was caught by Vivian's enhanced gaze. "Of course" Severus agreed.
They were both saved from further discussion as the noise of the next class was heard gathering outside of the closed dungeon doors.
"You are excused" Severus told her, once more retreating to his desk.
In an instant Vivian was out of the classroom and off towards the ROR. If there was ever a time for an emergency meeting, it was now!
####SCENE BREAK####
Amelia Bones was also having a crazy morning. Obviously, everyone knew that Sirius Black had a trial coming up.
It was also known that certain parties were not privy to such news until there was nothing that could be done about it. Despite what certain people thought, this fell totally under Amelia's jurisdiction.
If she so willed it, she could call Fudge or Dumbledore to be questions and they could not refuse.
A tempting thought to be sure. There were questions she had had for years. Questions that she thought a specific headmaster might have answers to.
For now, Amelia focused on what was important. Justice for Sirius Black.
She was determined to not lose sight of that.
There was something else that worried her though. After her most recent meeting with Sirius, he introduced a half-vampire woman to her as an 'advisor'. Despite the mooneyes the two kept sending to one another, the woman, Alexandra Debree, or Alex as she insisted on being called, had made a comment.
Alex mentioned how there were most likely still Death Eaters, forced and willing, in the auror corps.
Now Amelia had always thought such things though she never had any proof of such or the manpower or backing to find out. Still, something in the way that Alex mentioned such set off alarms in Amelia's head.
Surprisingly it wasn't alarms against Alex. Amelia liked to think she was a good judge of character. She had to be.
Despite the beautiful half-vampire woman's ever-present smirk, there was a goodness in those large, cat like mysterious green and purple eyes that shined out for Amelia to see.
Alex mentioned that she would worry over anyone trying to get too close to Amelia. Anyone going out of their way to earn her trust.
Something that had been happening lately.
A few people were vying for her attention. Like Corban Yaxley just to name one.
The man insisted that he wanted to support Amelia. 'Be a confident in your time of need. Every strong leader needs those willing to work and fall for them' he had said.
Alex's words made her think on Yaxley. Was he already working, already falling in line for another? Laying his safety down?
'Though Voldemort is dead. Right?' came the same nagging question.
Amelia never liked that a body was not found.
More and more worrying questions began to resurface in Amelia's mind. She decided that she would focus on Sirius' trial for now. Silently, she vowed not to let these questions be buried once again.
A knock came on the door. The person partially opened the door before she could reply. "Amelia, I was hoping you'd be here" Corban spoke putting on a smile.
She would have thought it was a kind smile but now…now she wasn't sure. How real was the smile?
How real was Yaxley?
"What is it Corban?" she asked with practiced neutrality.
"Well" Yaxley began. "I know you've been busy lately" he walked into the room. He held his hands up with a chuckle. "I promise I'm not here to grill you for information like Fudge" he went on.
Amelia pretended to chuckle though her eyes narrowed making her monocle catch the light.
"I simply wanted to make sure that you were alright. We both know you don't always take care of yourself" he spoke as if they were real friends.
Amelia would have said they were.
Now though… she wasn't sure. She was doubting herself, doubting him. She didn't like it but to ignore the feeling would be beyond stupid. 'Constant vigilance' Moody's teachings popped into her head.
"Perhaps I could take you out for dinner" Yaxley moved on for the next step of his plan.
He needed Amelia to trust him. Not only could he get information and use her then, but then it would be easier to take her out when his Lord instructed so. Yaxley knew it would be a while until he needed to kill Amelia. For the time being she had a purpose.
Besides, Yaxley would admit, Amelia was a very beautiful witch. The monocle and stern looks weren't able to take away from such beauty.
'Why not have fun before killing her' Yaxley smiled at the blonde.
Before Amelia could settle on an answer, two more people entered. "Boss, you alright?" came the voice of the pink haired Tonks who walked in with Shacklebolt.
"We have the…things you asked for" Shacklebolt didn't even spare Corban a glance.
He didn't like the blonde, long haired man. He made no show to truly hide such either.
Tonks tried to be polite but something about the older man had always rubbed her the wrong way as well. Maybe it was because of how he looked at her. The same look many people, especially men gave her, when learning of her ability.
'Not Remus though' she thought managing to use her metamorphmagus to keep down a blush that threatened to overtake her.
Yaxley forced the smile to stay on his face. "Perhaps later" he told Amelia who was more focused on Kingsley and the mystery folder he had.
With one last look at the room, Corban took off leaving a sneaky listening device.
He had no way of knowing that he wasn't as sneaky as he believed.
Not when one was really watching.
Or…when Death was watching.
A/N: What do you guys think? A lot of flashbacks but that's just what ended up happening so sorry if you don't like those. Wanted to touch of what had been happening to transition smoothly, nice and easy into the next chapter. Sorry if it seems a bit all over the place or quick or short for some perspectives. Those will be far more drawn out in the next one. Next chapter will have more of Alex, like a lot of Alex and you'll get a real feel for her and the like. Sirius' trial is finally next chapter! Finally. We'll also see what Vivian slipped into Fred's pocket, more of the Weasleys in general. More of the kids interacting, being kids while being…not kids. You know what I mean. More Remus and Tonks. More everything. Please review, ask or suggest if you'd like. Until next time, have a great one!