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 followed, and/or favorited. You guys rock! I see them all and I am so glad so many of you are enjoying my story. Enjoy.
Warning: This chapter depicts acts of violence and the like.
Chapter 27: Give Them a Show! (Part 2)
Voldemort's pension for killing those that upset him had not dissipated. If anything, he was killing his own people daily.
And it had only been two days.
"Is it too much to ask for some competence!" Voldemort shouted, trashing some of the walls of Malfoy Manor.
It seemed the only one that didn't upset him was Narcissa.
He even thanked her each meal, since he made her do the cooking. For someone who had always been waited on, she wasn't a bad cook.
He even made others thank her.
Now he was waiting for Lucius to head to Hogwarts and invite Severus. Only then would the Death Eaters attack Hogsmeade.
Right now, Voldemort was raging about Nagini. Pettigrew sent a report that he was still tracking her.
The wait wrecked Voldemort's already tense nerves.
He killed another seemingly nameless Death Eater that tried to offer to take Peter's place.
Everyone was getting desperate to keep Voldemort happy.
"We need new recruits. Willing recruits. It makes me stronger when they're not compelled or totally forced" the fake Voldemort lied. "I want those that claimed to be with me then denied me".
Now the others were working to stay hidden due to their wanted posters while going and recruiting those that had sided with Voldemort but never took the mark.
For those ones, they were allowed to use 'persuasion' as long as it wasn't the full imperious curse.
The Lestranges were tasked to find more to add to the now dwindled inner circle.
A job the three were taking seriously.
Voldemort went to his room as Rodolphus, who had just been napping for an hour, watched the door.
"No one disturb me, or else" Voldemort had to go 'recharge'.
With that, he left the room.
The present Death Eaters all sighed in relief.
Lucius made his way to Hogwarts under the hastily excuse of checking things out for the board of governors.
"Mr. Malfoy. I just received your letter. I would have expected a little more of notice, but it seems your passion for the welfare of the children couldn't be contained. How commendable" Albus said, with a smile. The look in his eyes though showed just how much he believed what was coming out of his mouth.
"I am simply worried about the children given their exposure to both Umbridge and Lockhart, both who apparently turned out to be dangerous individuals who were close to the children" Lucius sniffed his sharp nose.
"Ah yes, and I do believe it was the board that had Madam Umbridge here under your suggestion. If I remember correctly" Albus shot back, peering over his half-moon glasses. "Alas, we all make mistakes. It is unfortunately what makes us human".
"Unfortunately" was Lucius' pinched reply.
"It is such a shame you couldn't be here yesterday. There was a quidditch match, with your son as the new seeker. Though Gryffindor ultimately took the win, there was a close call. I'm afraid the new beater, Miss Vivian Lupin is quite competitive. Even against her adopted brother" Albus went on. "Thankfully, her and Mr. Potter seemed perfectly happy and at ease after, during the school party" he seemed proud. "Now there is a testament to Slytherin" was added.
"Lupin? She's related to Remus Lupin, isn't she?" Lucius pretended not to know. He pretended not to be interested at all.
"Yes, a very popular teacher here. He was quite unhappy with Lockhart's interest in the girl" Albus revealed.
Lucius froze. He had heard that Gilderoy had become obsessed with a student, but he never thought…!
"Vivian, she was the one Lockhart stalked" Lucius was tense, noticeably so.
"Oh, you know her?" Albus was slightly surprised. He guessed the man must have heard of her due to Harry. He never thought he'd hear Lucius call the girl by her first name.
Albus wondered…why was that? Why did Lucius seem so affected? Because an adult was after a child? Or…was there something deeper? Because the man had lost a daughter of his own?
Another mystery for Albus. One he felt might have some significance.
"I have met her. That's all" Lucius was a little too quick to attempt to cover up. He looked away. "I shall begin my work" Lucius strolled out of the room.
Albus stroked his beard, thoughtful. He knew Severus would watch the man, even if Lucius didn't know it.
Lucius knew he had a crucial mission. He had to find that blasted diary.
However, now his mind kept rolling over Vivian and Lockhart's obsession with her.
Lucius realized he was angry.
Angry that this grown man would dare to not only look at a child as a potential partner, but worse yet, his child!
'She hasn't been mine for a long time. Not since I gave her up' Lucius had to think.
Just then, he rounded a corner coming face to face with a taller man.
Remus Lupin.
"Ah, if it's not Professor Lupin. Black's friend" Lucius couldn't help but comment.
"I'm surprised you remembered me Malfoy. I didn't think you cared about underclassmen in other houses" Remus had hands in his pockets in an easy manner.
"Well, when one is so close to my wife's family, it is hard not to notice someone. Especially one so accident prone" he noted, critically looking over Remus' face holding some of his scars.
Remus gave a brief half smirk.
Once he would have stressed, been angry. Yet, Remus felt like a new, improved, even evolved man. He was a Death Knight. A father. An uncle. A brother again. The list went on.
Lucius Malfoy's fishing was more humorous than worrisome now.
"Yes, some of us are just a bit unlucky. Thankfully, what I lack in health I made up for in children. My daughter, Vivian. She's in the same house and year as your son. Draco is in my classes" Remus liked seeing Lucius tense.
He could tell it was over Vivian.
Remus quickly scanned the man's thoughts, and the blonde snake didn't even notice.
"Daughter" Lucius swallowed trying to hide any reaction. He was usually so good at this 'game'! Now though, his abilities were surely tested. It was like a gut, and even a heart punch having another man claim the role of father to Vivian.
His little girl.
'No…Lupin's girl' Lucius held in a flinch. "I just heard of Lockhart's unusual interest in her" he said out loud.
"Yes" Remus frowned. "But I plan to protect my daughter at all costs" was a warning and promise all in one.
"Your daughter" Lucius repeated softly.
"Yes, she's the light of my life. I'm lucky to have found her. She is a true blessing" Remus praised.
"Found her? So, she's adopted" Lucius wanted information. "Where did you find her? I'm not familiar with many magical orphanages" he added.
In fact, Lucius didn't know of any. He had never cared about asking those kind of questions before. Not since he was a young boy. His father quickly 'cured' him of wondering on the wellbeing of others.
"She had been in a less then pleasant situation. Thankfully, I found her when I did. For both of us" Remus all but teased the tidbit of information.
"Oh, is that so" Lucius had to pretend not to care. Yet, he desperately wanted more.
"Yes, but I'm sure I'm holding up whatever business you have" Remus held his hands up in mock surrender. "Good day Malfoy" Remus strolled off.
Lucius couldn't think of anything he could say to get Remus to stop while keeping his image in place.
Face pinching with hands clenching, Lucius all but stomped his way down the hall.
Remus smirked, whistling as he went about his day.
Lucius made it to the dungeons. There, he knocked on Severus' office door before going in without waiting for a reply.
Severus looked up boredly, as if this was to be expected.
Lucius transformed the chair in front of Severus' desk and sat with leisure.
"Hello, old friend" Lucius greeted.
"Lucius, and what do I owe the pleasure" Severus said.
Lucius was one of his oldest friends. However, he also counted Narcissa as a friend, even best friend as they found solace in one another's company given how their lives turned out. He felt a similar kinship for Minerva and even Albus.
He had other friends, but none as close.
"I came to invite you to the manor. Tonight. It's of great urgency. Before tonight would be best. Lunch time, if you're able" Lucius went on.
Severus had only seen Lucius so flustered on few and far occasions.
Though maybe only Severus would be able to tell when Lucius Malfoy was truly flustered as he still tried to act as an ice king.
"What is the matter? Is something wrong with Narcissa?" Severus asked seriously.
"…I can't tell you. I am sorry" Lucius looked down, shocking Severus.
Slowly, Severus answered. "Alright. I'll come at lunch. Though I must be back before tonight. I have another appointment" he thought of his upcoming meeting with Billywig.
Lucius simply nodded.
"So, did you only come to invite me?" Severus posed.
"No, I am also investigating" Lucius loosely explained. "I am checking on the students after their encounters with Lockhart and Umbridge. Also, I must find something. It is of upmost importance" Lucius explained.
"Perhaps I can assist you on your findings. What were you looking for? Something of Draco's?" Severus asked.
"No, not Draco's. I must find it though. I must" Lucius held his cane head, the head of his wand, with great anxiety. He almost hurt his hand with how tightly he held the snakehead.
"What is the item?" Severus repeated.
"…A diary. A small diary. I must insist that this stay between the two of us" Lucius added.
Severus merely nodded.
"A diary owned by Tom Riddle" Lucius saw Severus sit up straighter. "Yes, that Riddle. It came to the possession of Weasley's youngest" Lucius didn't outright admit his guilt. "Something should have happened, I'm sure of it. Yet, besides adult scandal, nothing happened. No purging of the unwanted in the school" Lucius slipped a little at the end.
Severus almost sneered. He knew who Lucius meant at 'unwanted'.
"Perhaps Lockhart or Umbridge came in possession of this diary?" Severus offered, showing his skill as a double agent spy.
"No, I do not believe so" Lucius shook his head. "I don't know exactly what was meant to happen, but nothing so far seems to have been caused by the book".
"And how did Ginny Weasley get the diary" Severus raised a brow as Lucius shot him a sarcastic look. "Asking the girl should be easy enough. Though we mustn't express the importance" Severus offered. He called an elf and requested Ginny Weasley.
Lucius frowned at the elf, thinking of the loss of Dobby.
Remus, who had been watching, intercepted the elf before it made it to Ginny. "It's alright, I'll go" Remus thanked the awed little elf.
Mentally, Remus revealed what he had watched from the shadows to the other Knights.
He could almost taste Ron's anger.
'I can go. I've gotten quite good at disguising myself. We've all been practicing so we can catch up to you lot' Remus promised.
With the go ahead, Remus walked down an empty hall and soon only the image of Ginny Weasley was there.
Ginny knocked on Severus' office door.
"Enter" came the drawled order.
Ginny walked in and took in the two men. She tried, and failed, to cover the contempt of her family when spotting Lucius Malfoy.
He held back a full-blown sneer. Even as he sat, he managed to look down his nose on the little first year.
"You asked for me Professor?" Ginny directed towards Severus.
"Yes, Weasley. Someone said you accidentally took their diary. It is needed back" Severus stated.
Ginny looked confused. "I don't have a diary sir. Not even one of my own" Ginny replied.
"That wouldn't be a lie, would it Weasley" Lucius looked at her with a hard stare.
"I'm not a liar, sir" Ginny was absolutely giving attitude.
Lucius sneered.
Severus cut in. "I am going to take your word Weasley. Now is the chance to tell me. I will give you a very limited option of telling me without consequences" Severus offered sternly.
It was still strict; however, Lucius had never seen Severus so lenient.
Ginny insisted, "I don't have it sir. I never even saw any diary, I don't think. What does it look like?" Ginny wondered.
Severus looked at Lucius.
"It is black with brass edges. It says Tom Marvolo Riddle" Lucius divulged.
Ginny brightened up. Lucius almost sighed in relief. Then Ginny spoke. "Oh, I remember that! Harry asked if he could use it. I gave it to him" she revealed.
"Harry…Potter" Lucius hoped that it was a different Harry.
Severus' thought one of Lucius' eyes was dropping a little. Like the man was about to have a muggle stroke.
Ginny held in amusement.
"You're excused Weasley" Severus said, getting a nod before Ginny left the room.
"Shite" Lucius all but gushed once the door was closed.
Severus barely allowed shock to cross his expression.
Remus, now back to Remus, from outside the door, heard and held in his humor. He'd be telling Sirius about this later, for sure. He let Harry know what happened then went to get ready for his next class.
Harry decided instead of waiting to see if he'd be summoned, strolled to the dungeons.
"I supposed this is a bad turn of events" Severus commented to Lucius. Lucius' glare made Severus' lips twitch in a brief smile.
"This is almost the worst turn of events" Lucius replied. "Just pray that Dumbledore didn't get his hands on it".
"Then I suppose-" Severus was interrupted by a knocking.
"Professor Snape? It's Harry Potter. Ginny said you might want to speak to me" he lied.
Despite Lucius' death glare, Severus called "Enter".
Harry walked in, looking confused and suspicious of Lucius Malfoy.
"Potter, do you have a diary that's missing? It belongs to another student and they must get it back as soon as possible" Snape cut to the chase.
"Diary, what did it look like?" Harry asked.
Lucius took in the lack of full malice between Potter and Severus. They still were stilted, but lacking the heat that Lucius expected.
Severus once more described the diary.
"Oh! Oh" Harry looked guilty. "I'm sorry, but I no longer have that" Harry revealed, hands in front of him.
"What do you mean" Lucius almost hissed every word.
"Well, it kind of got destroyed. It fell into one of Myrtle's toilets when Hermione's bag ripped and then I tried to dry it by a fire but it fell in" Harry shrugged. "It was blank though. Should I buy the student a replacement?" Harry looked at Severus.
Severus took a minute before saying "That won't be necessary. You may go" Severus dismissed.
"Wait, it was totally destroyed" Lucius held out hope.
"Yes" Harry nodded. "It was a bit frightful too. I think it was enchanted. It screamed" Harry shivered as if freaked out.
Lucius closed his eyes and rubbed his temples.
Harry shrugged before walking out. He mentally had Vivian mention Lucius' presence to Draco. He figured Lucius deserved a chance to see his darling boy.
Draco all but ran to the dungeons.
Harry grinned, ignoring the blonde when they crossed paths.
He could hear Lucius' frustration from here.
####SCENE BREAK####
Sirius had just finished checking on the occupants of the safe houses.
He sent out other broachers to the people on the list that Hermione had provided. How to avoid being imperious and the like. Directions for different spells that could be used to defend themselves and their homes.
All signed from 'A friend'.
The relocated prisoners were still on edge. Sirius couldn't blame them given how Azkaban could warp someone's mind.
Still, they were given access to stocked bathrooms, food and the like. Change of clothing and soft beds.
Though they had all panicked up seeing his disguise, Sirius had managed to calm them as Thestral. Claiming to understand the similar appearance with dementors. He hinted it was temporary and that the dementors were now under his control.
He once more stated that none of them had to do or join anything. Simply to wait.
Though suspicious and anxious, all of the decent sized group listened.
This was better than Azkaban by far.
Sirius went down to the dungeons, meeting Alex with Kreacher.
Using elf magic, Alex and Kreacher were able to basically broadcast scenes to Voldemort and the Lestranges. The real ones.
This way, the three turned elves and the little jar fetus were forced to watch their puppet golems.
Forced to watch how slowly, their precious reputations were tarnished.
Oh, the four still acted big and tough to really 'sale it'. But there was no denying how different the new and improved Voldemort and Lestranges were compared to the originals.
Alex hummed along to the screams of outrage as if they were her favorite song.
Leaving Kreacher to his fun, Alex went out of the cell coming face to face with Sirius.
Quickly, he kissed her.
Alex wrapped her arms around his shoulders and neck, keeping them connected.
Sirius eagerly dived into the kiss.
Of course, as time went on the two had acted almost like randy teenagers, always having to touch one another.
They were inseparable.
Sirius lightly pulled back, still holding her tightly to his trim body. "I have to tell you something. It's important" he said, pecking her lips again.
"You can tell me anything" Alex saw how genuinely nervous Sirius was. Taking a risk with her heart, Alex added, "Promise. I've waited lifetimes for you" she sent him a soft, warm smile.
Sirius' smile was blinding. He kissed her again.
"I just wanted you to know that I love you. I'm in love with you. You're it for me" he said seeing her close her eyes with a wide smile. Like she was basking in his words.
Though usually she'd tease him, Alex knew what Sirius needed to hear. "I love you too" she said.
Barely the words were out before he was kissing her again, swinging them around making her laugh.
"Now, not to dampen the mood, we do have a job to do" Alex reminded, kissing his chin while playing with some of his long hair.
"Murder usually isn't an aphrodisiac but suppose it'll have to do Love" Sirius joked.
Alex grinned. "Just think, some day we can simply run around on the beach or eat by a fire to get a night started. For now, this is what we have" she kissed the tip of his nose.
"It's a living" he teased the American tv term she had shown him making Alex chuckle.
They made their way up to the main manor. From there, the still happy couple picked out different names from the lists made out. The lists of all the Death Eaters.
At least, those whose names the group could remember. Some Death Eaters were seen as nameless as they were slaughtered or just in hordes.
Still, once they got rid of those they knew, the group knew that would be a huge dent in the Death Eater agenda. Then they'd deal with any nameless.
Though they kept their eyes opened. No one knew when a previous nameless might try to suddenly make a name for themselves.
For most of the list, Alex and Sirius, and sometimes Remus, would deal with them. Unless Harry decided it should be a full group outing. For now though, the adults dealt with it as the kids focused mainly on Hogwarts and everyone there.
"I'm sure they're over at dear Lucy and Cissy's" Sirius looked at some of the names.
"We'll just have the puppet send them on a mission. A suicide mission. We'll meet them there" Alex suggested.
"Brilliant, as always" Sirius wiggled his brows making her chuckle. "Come on then, who should it be today?" he put down the list for her to choose.
"I think for now, we stick to Death Eaters with the mark. We can monitor sympathizers" Alex suggested, tapping her chin as she chewed lightly on her lip ring. Green, sharp wide eyes scanned the list thoroughly.
"Dolohov is still alive. Almost thought we killed him already, but no" Alex pointed out.
"He can be the first. Maybe Rookwood? The world will be better once that tosser is gone" came the comment from Sirius.
"Alright, and then we'll finish the group off with Avery" Alex decided. She mentally sent the plan over to Harry, who sent back his approval. "Great, I've just eaten. I do love being recharged before a hunt" she winked at Sirius.
"Hmm, maybe I can chase you later. Once our business is done" Sirius gave her a smoldering look.
"You can chase me anytime Babe" came the reply as she swayed her hips, walking out.
With more back and forth, the two tossed on their Death Knight appearances. Thestral and Horntail took off.
Both of their magic, like everyone's, were entuned to all of the puppets at Malfoy Manor.
So, Sirius had phony Voldemort give the order of searching an old, secluded park for a very important artifact.
The three Death Eaters were both eager to please their master and to be momentarily relived of his presence. Though that last part wasn't said.
Though it seemed like a fish in a barrel sort of situation, both Alex and Sirius knew the danger of assuming.
So, once they landed in the dark, deserted forest, they waited in silence. They would take this seriously until they knew for sure they'd be no real threat. When their prey had no way to get away.
Charms were sent out to keep out muggles.
Animals already left this dead side of the forest. Though any stragglers kept hidden. Horntail and Thestral didn't give out a bad, unnatural feeling to the animals. Even as Knights.
However, the animals could smell death in the air.
That something was coming.
So, they waited and watched, hidden and secure.
Just as Thestral and Horntail did from the long shadows of the twisted, blackened trees.
They didn't have to wait long.
The sound of apparition was so loud, so out of place that it felt like a whip cutting through the air.
"What are we looking for again" Avery was already testing Rookwood and Dolohov's nerves.
"We are to find a chalice that the Dark Lord said he had hidden here. It's important. You shouldn't question orders" Rookwood spoke as Dolohov eyed their surroundings.
He thought he was so keen, so perceptive.
His eyes didn't make out the figures in the shadows blatantly staring right at him.
Antonin didn't even know how marked his days were. Especially given everyone's remembrance on the injury he inflicted on Hermione. Even with her managing to silence him and somewhat diminishing his spell's intentions.
"Do you think someone's enchanted the Dark Lord" Avery had to ask. He wrongly assumed that since they were all Death Eaters, then they were all friends. "I mean, I know I've been locked away for a long time" Avery went on. "But the Dark Lord is acting very different. Right?" he looked for confirmation.
Neither of the other two were willing to acknowledge such.
"Would you have preferred he left you on that damn rock?" Rookwood shot back with a scoff.
"No, but-" Avery went on before an annoyed Dolohov cut him off.
"Would you shut up!" he snapped. "We have to secure the area and make sure no one alerts the aurors. I can't do that if you won't stop yapping" came the hissed harsh words.
Avery looked shocked at being spoken to in such a manner by someone who he thought should have known better. He glared, sneering with top lip exposing some teeth.
Dolohov didn't look as though he cared.
The three men, begrudgingly in Avery's case, began scouting the area.
"There's already a Notice Me Not up. Must be the Dark Lord's" Augustus said under his breath to Antonin.
Antonin didn't let his guard down, but he did turn allowing Rookwood to take the lead.
With his wand, Rookwood began trying to scan for any magical items nearby.
Alex sent a hidden wink to Sirius before all but climbing up a tree, still unseen by the men below.
"Hmm" Alex began humming a haunting, wordless melody making the three Death Eaters jump and each spin around with wand at the ready. "Upon one summer's morning, I carefully did stray" Alex began to sing in her real voice.
She had a beautiful voice, Sirius noted.
"Down by the walls of Wapping, where I met a sailor gay" she went on.
The voice seemed to bounce around the trees making the men panic.
They couldn't find who it was, or even detect the singer with magic!
"Come out lass" Avery called before the other two harshly hushed him.
"Conversing with a young lass, who seemed to be in pain saying 'William when you go I fear, you will never return again'. My heart is pierced by Cupid, I distain all glittering gold. There is nothing can console me, but my jolly sailor bold" Alex continued to toy with the humans.
"Come out right now damn it!" Rookwood was now losing his cool.
Antonin began scanning up trees, trying to be sneaky.
Unfortunately for him, he pressed against what was actually Sirius, not a tree.
"Beautiful voice, isn't it" Sirius hissed using his Thestral voice. Alex had hummed trailing off.
Dolohov went to fire a spell at where Sirius' voice came from, but Sirius used brute force and his muscles to punch the man with the disguised boney hand.
Thestral revealed himself as Antonin fell before scrambling up as Rookwood went to fire off a spell. Avery tried to apparate away.
He couldn't.
"Oh, not very brave now. Are you?" Horntail's wispy voice was a contrast from the singing as she now appeared behind Avery.
Thestral had easily blocked Augustus' spell with barely a wave of his hand. The Knight then caused Rookwood's wand to burst into flames, terribly burning his hand before he could throw the wand making him scream.
Having all but tossed Avery against a tree, Horntail made sure to deflect Dolohov's attempt to curse Thestral. He was hoping that the being was properly distracted enough with Rookwood to not notice.
His cutting curse rebounded off an invisible shield and hit him full force in the face.
Antonin screamed out, hands going to his now bleeding nose.
What was left of it at least.
He was angry, afraid and in pain. He tried to jump back up, using all his sadistic training to push past the pain.
However, he was dealing with people who, unlike the Death Eaters, had something to lose. Something they would do anything to protect.
Even if that meant they had to become monsters themselves.
Thestral kicked Antonin in his face. So far, he was using physical violence rather than magic.
It was effective.
Horntail had Avery and Rookwood smack into each other before causing vines from the trees to wrap around them, binding them together and rendering them momentarily incapacitated.
"Come on you bastards" Dolohov scrambled to stand, clutching his wand. "You freaks!" he spat at them, blood painting his features.
"Freaks? You think so? Even after your reunion with your Lord? A bit off, isn't he?" Horntail asked, now floating next to the stoic Thestral.
Antonin glared hatefully. "He's better than your Master. The Master of Death, ha" he spat on the ground in insult.
Thestral struck before Dolohov even knew what was happening.
Horntail gave a hidden smile. She knew Dolohov was a sadist. Seeing him so out of his depth, despite his fight, it was a good feeling. "You'd do well to show respect. The proper sort, your lot likes to call them" she almost mocked the English accent.
Though her disguised voice didn't totally show her own accent.
"I am a pureblood" Dolohov boasted, chest puffed even now.
"You are obsolete. A dying breed. Killing yourself off and you don't even know it" Thestral finally spoke, now using magic to force Antonin to his knees.
The wand was ripped out of his hand to the earthen floor below him.
Antonin didn't know what a magnet was, but he was feeling the effect of one now. More or less, at least.
Thestral's magic had caused a gravitational pull against Antonin's body.
Soon any jewelry, like his family ring, were painfully dragged off of him. Taking some skin with it.
Antonin tried not to call out but couldn't contain a grunt of pain.
Clothing began to pull painfully against his skin, trying to reach the ground below him. He caught himself with hands and knees on the cold ground as his body was magically pulled down. Buttons tore at skin as flesh became indented with the almost indiscernible print of cloth.
Then…his skin started to try and pull away from his muscles.
Dolohov had to scream then as there were rips. From the sound, it could be confused with clothing tearing, but it wasn't. That was the sound of skin ripping apart. From the spine, the flesh of his back, arms and chest were ripped down like a vacuum to the ground around his wrists.
"No!" he called out.
The other two Death Eaters watched in horror. They were unable to break free from their viney prison.
"It should be comforting to know that your death shall at least serve a higher purpose. Like all things, you will be returned to the Earth. Though you barely thought of her in life, in death, your body will provide her and her innocent beings with sustenance" Horntail floated around the group as Thestral focused on Dolohov.
"You cannot kill us! Do you know who we are!?" Avery panicked as Rookwood's eyes were on the damage still being done to Dolohov.
And neither Knight had even lifted a wand yet!
"All I see are soon to be corpses" Horntail almost tsked at the outburst. "Flesh and bone, blood that will make the plants grow strong and keep the animals fed for the weeks to come" she sighed. "That's all I see".
Dolohov's attempt at a retort was cut off with a deep scream as his veins pulled themselves out of his arms, rolling like coils to his hands in useless piles.
How he didn't die, he didn't know.
Thestral knew. He wanted Dolohov to feel everything.
One specific talent entrusted to the Knights was being able to keep someone on the brink of death. Balancing in that curious space between life and death.
In a sense dead, but with a delay that would allow their conscious to absorb every little detail.
That moment that felt both like a lifetime and a second all in one.
That was where Dolohov was and all he could do was…experience.
Experience everything.
Muscle peeled down slowly, very slowly, exposing ligaments holding on for dear life before being ripped apart towards the ground.
Dolohov was being dissected alive in a very slow fashion.
Sirius channeled everything he felt, every little thought that had ran through his head when he had been trapped in Azkaban. All of that fueled his now enhanced magic.
"Oh, don't worry" Horntail told Avery and Rookwood. "Your turns will come. I'm afraid we're all in for a long, long afternoon".
####SCENE BREAK####
Amelia got a heads up from some anonymous source.
So far, not even the Unspeakables had been able to trace whatever magical source had sent it.
That worried Amelia, yet she couldn't risk just ignoring the message. It claimed that there would be a Death Eater attack at Hogsmeade today and that the Death Knights knew and planned on stopping it. However, the writer thought it would be best for there to be Ministry officials there to make sure someone like Fudge wouldn't be able to blame the event on any innocent parties.
Not to mention any Death Eaters that the Knights might decide to hand over to the Ministry.
Amelia knew this was her chance to not only see if it was Voldemort who had returned, but to also possibly speak to the Master of Death.
Though she'd be cautious, Amelia knew that the note had to be responded to with her presence as an at least neutral party.
"Tonks, Kingsley, you'll come with me. I also want a decent sized group of aurors to go to Hogsmeade. Tell them to blend in as best as possible. I don't want anyone to know we're even there till it's too late. Also, let's keep this as quiet as possible. I trust both of you to pick the most trustworthy. Crocker, do you think you can do the same?" she asked the unspeakable.
"I do" he nodded before letting his charm fall into place. That made him all but fade from view.
He left the room leaving them to finish planning.
"I want to be as ahead of this thing as possible. No one is to attack a Death Knight unless they're attacking random citizens. Our main target will be the Death Eaters" Amelia went on to order.
"You got it Boss" Tonks agreed.
"We'll follow your lead" Kingsley nodded.
"Good, let's go. It said it would be happening after lunch. We've got an hour to get ready" she rushed out of the office with them following.
####SCENE BREAK####
Harry had made sure that everyone was properly distracted.
Not only had he sent a letter to Amelia, but to Albus as well. Though he gave Albus an even smaller window of time, to give Amelia the head start.
He wanted to give the people a show!
All his life people simply watched and waited for someone else to do something.
For Harry to do something.
Muggles and magicals alike.
The ones that acted were murdered and had the masses turn on them in the blink of an eye without a second care or thought.
Everyday was some sort of witch hunt for the 'undesirables' in both the magical and mundane world.
They snapped at one another and found reason to hate with no reason and then screamed for rescue when that hate bred into something that could hurt them back. Then, when the threat was done they simply repeated the whole process.
They were mere spectators in the tragedy of the life of Harry James Potter.
So today, Harry would give the show of a lifetime!
At least, the first show in the long play that Harry planned on orchestrating. 'The death of the old ways' he liked to call it.
The Knights had timed it perfectly.
Most of them had Binns, so their absences would barely be noticed. The teacher never paid attention to them and the students all ended up falling asleep.
Even the most studious.
Luna managed get a note from Professor Flitwick. She had claimed to have studied too late the night before and had been unable to get to the dorms due to one of her classmates hexing the eagle's riddles.
She let Flitwick know about the blooming bullying. Though she left out Neville's handling of many of the issues.
That had Flitwick give her a full day of needed rest as he went on a little warpath to straighten out his house.
The group managed to sneak away from Hogwarts after meeting up with Remus. Once in a dark corner of Hogsmeade, Sirius and Alex also joined. Everyone hid themselves in the shadows and waited.
Harry gave the silent command to the fake Voldemort.
Soon, there were pops around the village followed by screams.
Voldemort had arrived with some of his followers.
Bellatrix began blasting at people's feet making them scream and run and attempt to dodge any flying stones.
The Lestrange brothers sent out noise spells to capture attention.
Many were frozen in fear at who was before them.
"Now, who wants to join the one and only fabulous Lord Voldemort?" Voldemort called with the poorly disguised Lockhart at his side. Lockhart was all but cowering even now.
The man hoped no one recognized him!
Gilderoy was still praying that Voldemort might allow him to go back to his normal life with the claim of being under the Imperious. Though, Voldemort had all but read the blonde man's mind and snarled that Lockhart could not claim that he managed to overcome Voldemort's magic.
Still, Lockhart could work with that.
"Stand proud you coward. They don't know who you are! All they know is you're a follower and my followers show no fear" Voldemort hissed at Lockhart angrily before striking a pose.
Instead of answering the question presented to the public, everyone screamed while running around like chickens with their heads cut off.
Most of them didn't even try to defend themselves, let alone others.
'Useless' Harry found himself thinking.
A few brave souls attempted to use shields over people.
Amelia herself was frozen before hearing a frightened child's scream.
Without thinking, Amelia revealed herself and charged the Death Eaters and their Lord. She began tossing out any spell that would take them down. Besides unforgivables, though that didn't mean it was any less painful.
Voldemort easily deflected her spells. That accidentally sent the spellwork to multiple Death Eaters around them.
Now some Death Eaters were flung about, screaming.
It almost made Ron think of a muggle movie he had seen once that had been full of explosions.
In mere moments, the village was pure chaos.
Albus and those he had contacted ran out to begin helping Amelia and the aurors.
Albus' group, which were mainly teachers minus Snape, used no lethals though. Besides Moody. Minerva might have snuck one or two in.
Remus' golem was there as Albus requested him.
Being so close, Remus had an easy time controlling his other half even as he prepared to use his real magic away from the golem.
Hagrid tossed Death Eaters.
The only ones that no one seemed to be able to really touch were Voldemort, the Lestranges and the man that looked sort of like Lockhart.
"Tom, I didn't expect such a bold entrance from you" Albus spoke to Voldemort.
"Oh, Dumbledore. You know, there's this saying about assuming things. It will make an ass out of you and me" Voldemort snipped.
Albus was slightly surprised.
"Different attitude than you remember? Different wit? Well, dying can really change a man. Even a God like me" Voldemort seemed to easily read Albus.
"You are not a God Tom" Albus said seriously.
"I agree" a voice of deceitful calm chimed in. Voldemort's eyes widened as he frowned.
The Master of Death, his Mistress and their Knights floated over. "Gods don't just destroy. They create" he said easily in that strong yet whispery voice.
Though none of their faces could be seen from under the cloaks, they still almost gave off dementor like appearances.
Almost.
Their glowing eyes could be seen though.
Lockhart gasped as a particular green struck a cord in him.
"You! The one that claims to have mastered Death" Voldemort spouted, ignoring the fight going on around him.
"You misunderstand my name. I am Death. Therefore, I am the master of it. If you had the power to ask the three brothers, then you'd understand in full" came the cryptic reply.
"Ah, the Master of Death. Perhaps you have another name, one with less formality that could be used" Dumbledore dug for information even now.
"I do not" the Master replied evenly.
Amelia tried to fire another hex at Voldemort.
"We were in the middle of a fight. Maybe talk less and cast more" she shot at Albus.
"I was catching up with the Headmaster, you annoying chit. As annoying as your brother" Voldemort was all but looking down his nose at her.
Even without a proper nose, Amelia could tell.
"Fuck you" Amelia surprised a few as she took a swing at Voldemort.
Her fist connected with his cheek sending him down as he made a balking nose.
Bellatrix sent off a hex sending Amelia flying. Kingsley caught her. He realized she would be bruised but not seriously hurt.
Strangely, Lestrange hadn't used her favorite killing curse.
Though puzzling, Kingsley and Amelia took it in stride as the blonde ignored her swinging monocle and was once more got ready to fight.
Albus sent a hex towards Voldemort who simply waived it away.
Without raising a wand, or saying a word, a light shot out of the Master's hand. It shot straight into Voldemort, sending him flying.
Bellatrix and the other Lestranges met the same fates from the Mistress, Cobra-Lily, and Acromantula.
Thunderbird then made Lockhart levitate and get stuck in the air, ass first.
Gilderoy shrieked but was unable to really do anything. He worried about speaking and widening the chance of being recognized.
Bellatrix sent the killing curse. Chimera seemed to absorb the curse with his hand as if it were nothing. He then gave a dramatic snap of his fingers sending a blast back to Bellatrix making her scream as her arm bent at a sickening angle.
Horntail then made a whip like motion to Rodolphus making him scream as an invisible whip tore into his back, ripping his shirt and bringing blood to the new back wound.
Thestral blasted Rabastan into the side of a building with only a quick look, having turned his neck to obviously spot then target the youngest Lestrange.
Billywig made sure that the golems all had realistic bruises and cuts, blood oozing out of any tear in the skin.
They were really selling this fight.
People actually stopped screaming. They hid and watched, like they couldn't help themselves.
Instead of running to find a safe place, they risked being hit just to hide in the open and catch what was happening.
Some even hissed shushes at those that tried to urge them to safety.
Not something missed by the Master.
"My Love" Mistress said before Voldemort suddenly began to scream, body spasming as he was on the ground like a bug under a magnifying glass. Some of his skin burned from the invisible magic she used.
"You spoil me" the Master showed it was the Mistress' doing.
"They must be caught, not tortured" Albus tried to order.
Amelia didn't speak up against whatever was happening to Voldemort. She was sure on some level that she should have. The reasoning on why she should currently escaped her.
"It would seem you and I have very different tactics, wizard" the Master said in an almost casual fashion.
Voldemort shot a spell off at the Master, yet it didn't seem to do anything. That made Voldemort scream in anger.
He then shot off two spells at Albus.
Though the Headmaster was able to protect himself, he did have to erect a shield and then take an abrasive step back in order to hold his own.
He found it so odd and even remarkable that the Knights managed to so easily defend and deflect.
Amelia managed to block a spell from Rodolphus before deflecting the next one at his own brother making Rabastan shout, clutching his now bloody sternum.
"No!" Rodolphus shouted, firing spells in every direction.
Amelia thought he had finally lost control before realizing that more people were screaming.
He was attacking different people who had stopped to watch.
Now Amelia had to make sure shields were being erected and try to stop Rodolphus.
Bellatrix mainly guarded their Lord as Rabastan seemed to make it his mission to keep Amelia from being able to help anyone. She constantly had to dodge him, dueling Lestrange as she tried to best him as quickly as possible.
'Time for audience participation' Harry thought with some bitterness as he had spells fired at anyone who simply stopped to watch without helping.
Nothing lethal from the golems but enough to hopefully send a message.
On an instinct he didn't understand, Chimera stopped a killing curse from hitting Tonks in the back.
She looked at the hooded figure surprised.
Tonks looked at those glowing green eyes shocked before she was pulled back into the fight.
She wasn't totally unaware that the green eyed being in the dark red cloak kept shielding her.
"Tom Riddle, I have come for your soul. Your time is near. Will you come to me with open arms or once more as a coward" the Master asked in a loud and powerful clear voice.
"No! No, I can't die! I'm too powerful" Voldemort began. Then, he fell into full tantrum mode. He stomped his feet, and even managed to fall on his belly flailing his arms and legs before he jumped back up. "I won't and you can't make me" he claimed.
"You are wrong on all accounts" the Master said. "It is I alone who will have you. Your days on this mortal plane are numbered".
Albus watched the exchange intently. He'd be overanalyzing everything later on. For now, he refrained from mentioning the prophecy or Harry Potter.
He looked around suddenly, making sure Harry wasn't around.
He knew the lad was too young to have been to Hogsmeade. Not to mention it wasn't one of the weekends allowed.
However, Harry Potter along with his best friends seemed to have the habit of always being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or, right place and right time given how the children somehow managed to defend the school and themselves last year and even this year.
Albus assured himself that Harry wasn't there. He focused back on Voldemort and the Master of Death.
'Eyes on me Albus. I don't want you to miss a moment' Harry thought.
Voldemort fired off fiendfyre. The Master contained it before Albus was able to, which meant that the Master had just saved Albus.
Master made sure to blast Voldemort through one of the buildings to another side.
He didn't say a spell, but added some colorings in the wind around them for dramatic effect.
Voldemort went to return fire before he fell over his own feet.
"This isn't fair! It has to be fair" Voldemort began stomping around like an angry child.
The Lestranges had gotten turned around and the three accidentally hexed one another at the same time. In a circle all three went flying through the air.
Bellatrix landed close to Aberforth's goats while Rodolphus smacked into a bookstore's window and landing on some hard book piles. Rabastan fell into a cart that was full of magical fertilizer.
Voldemort went to charge the Master before slipping on some rubbish and skating around like a fool.
A true spectacle.
Voldemort called out "Anyone who seeks to join me, simply seek me out and you shall be found".
Before anyone could stop him, though only Amelia and Albus moved to do so, Voldemort and the Lestranges disappeared.
They yanked Lockhart to them at the last moment.
Other Death Eaters saw their leader retreat and rushed to do so.
Some weren't so lucky.
They had either already been caught or were caught when they attempted to flee.
"Master of Death, I'd like to talk to you if able" Amelia jumped on the chance as the Master didn't disappear.
Some looked at him and his followers in fear, but none approached or attempted anything.
"I too was hoping for a word. Perhaps one in private" Albus asked, though it seemed more like an order on some level.
"I can meet with both of you, but I'm afraid it would have to be in a place I deem and together. One on ones are out of the question at this time" the Master ordained.
Out of seemingly thin air, a tear in the very fabric of reality seemed to take place.
"Follow me through the portal and then I shall see you both returned home safely" the Master claimed.
Amelia held her head high and was the first to approach.
Albus looked deep in thought. With one look at the worried Minerva, he too went into the portal.
The Knights and their Masters vanished.
No one was able to track or follow.
Amelia and Albus found themselves in a what had to be a throne room.
There were thrones set up for the Master and Mistress and then ones of lesser design, though still regal, for each of their Knights.
Nine figures were counted in total.
Neither Amelia nor Albus knew if there were others or if this court made up the full army.
"You have questions. I will answer to the best of my ability, though some things are not yet ready to be revealed while others hold knowledge that is best kept from mortals" the Master said.
"Do you always wear the cloaks?" Amelia had to know.
"For now. Someday I may reveal a different form" the Master said.
"Will you not reveal yourselves to us now" Albus tried his usual tactics.
"You would not be able to handle it" the Master claimed knowingly.
"I'm guessing you're not Death Eaters, but do you support their agenda?" Amelia cut to the chase.
"No" the Master revealed. "In fact, it is a short-sighted agenda. If a line is strictly pureblood for centuries, then they will begin birthing squibs. They are breeding out their own magic and refuse to see" the Master dropped on them. Before they could try to process that, he went on. "The half-blooded Riddle should know just how little power comes from blood. Magic itself has chosen the muggleborns. That should be respected" he answered.
"You know this for sure" Albus' fatherly demeanor temporarily put away.
"I do" Death said. He waited for another question.
"How do you know?" Albus asked as Amelia absorbed everything. "How can you be so sure?" he had to know.
"I have seen it. I have seen the beyond, the before and the after" came the somewhat cryptic answer.
"So then I can safety assume you are against Lord Voldemort" Amelia just wanted to be sure.
"Tom Riddle is no Lord in any form of the word" the Mistress spoke up.
"And you're name?" Albus asked.
"This is my Mistress of Death" the Master then introduced all of the Knights. They all sat, floating and looking down on the humans.
Amelia and Albus tried to make note of each color of each cloak and eyes to know in the future who was who.
Out of nowhere two chairs were conjured giving Albus and Amelia the chance to sit. Which they did with some caution.
"How exactly are you the Master of Death?" Albus asked.
"In multiple ways" the Master spoke. "Most you would not understand unless you lived it. I have defied death, even against my will, multiple times over. I also came into possession of the Hallows" he saw Albus freeze.
"They found me. I have had multiple vessels, all with a connecting soul. All reaching the same point of existence outside of your understanding of time. All leading to me finding my Mistress and Knights. To finally once more being known as a true form in this the world. The Hallows saw me as home. As Death. Their maker. I am the past, the present, and the future. Unless you are me or my chosen, I could explain it no further." came the reveal.
"And what is it you want exactly?" Amelia asked seriously.
It was silent for a moment. "Justice. Change. To force the bigots to evolve, kicking and screaming if I must" Death told them. "This world needs to change or it is doomed to repeat its mistakes until there is nothing but…me" he said. "I am here to right the wrongs of yesterday and tomorrow by fixing today".
Neither mortal knew how to exactly take that.
"The Ministry will rebel against me" the Master knew. "Most of them thrive off of the power of now. Of being stuck in the past, slow to progress. They will try to villainize me and resist. But you cannot stop change. No matter how hard you try" the Master knew. "I know, Madam Bones, that you are often limited due to the peace time Minister Fudge. Headmaster Dumbledore, I know that even though at times you have your own agenda" he saw Albus fight a frown. "When you have tried to benefit the beaten, you are met with equal resistance. You are seen as both a God and a false prophet all at once. I can understand that".
"You seem to know much" Albus began to stroke his beard.
"I do. For how much, that is for me to know" Master said.
"And me to find out, I'm assuming" Albus almost gave a wire smile.
"Perhaps, someday" was all Master said.
Amelia didn't correct Death's observations.
"In the future, it would be unwise to go against me. However, at least for now, I will attempt to be forgiving as I understand your jobs may come under fire should you join me so heartily now. I am aware it takes time. I have patience, to a point" he told them.
"We will defend our Master and Mistress if need be" Acromantula spoke up. "We too are to be patient. We will, for now" he told them. The General was obviously warning them.
"Understood" Amelia said after a moment. Albus didn't look pleased about that.
"You killed many men" Albus pointed out gravely.
Before he could go on, Cobra Lily cut in with "We killed monsters masquerading as men. It was a service, not a murder. Redemption will be offered to those that earned it. The next stage of life to those that don't" she almost chastised Albus.
"The next stage as in" Albus hoped they weren't going to say it.
"Death" Thunderbird's voice was cold and firm.
"For now, try to go on with your lives as usual. As I said, I will not hold it against you if you refrain from giving me public support. Know this though; someday a choice will have to be made. I hope you make the right one" Death's voice rang out clearly.
"Are you going to kill more people" Amelia had to ask. It was her duty.
"Oh yes" Horntail easily admitted. "A great many are destined to move on in these coming years. Some in peace, others…not so much. But fear not, each will pass as they should" the feminine voice told them.
"I can't just allow you to kill people" Amelia said seriously. Even if she wasn't totally happy with the idea of saving a Death Eater.
"Neither can I" Albus said in a stern voice as if it held some weight here.
The Master titled his head. "You assume you can stop me" came the chilling reply.
Before more could be said, both Amelia and Albus had the floor fall from under them.
Shouting, Amelia suddenly landed on her soft bed. She was at home, safe. Once more in the dimension she knew and away from the Death Knights.
Albus also landed in his rooms at Hogwarts. His somewhat harder landing in his desk chair felt a little personal, though he couldn't really think of why.
The Knights had sent them back showing once again the control they had over the very environment, time and space.
Now, Amelia and Albus both had to work out where to go from here.
And Albus had to check his wand again and see if he really was missing the Master wand!
####SCENE BREAK####
Vivian ignored Draco inviting her to his birthday. He seemed to think it meant something that they had the same birthday. She told him that if she couldn't take her friends, then she wouldn't be going.
However, as a small thank you for the warning against Lockhart, Vivian had sent Draco an invitation to her birthday party. She was celebrating a day early. Vivian knew Narcissa wanted to see both of her children together again, though she tried her best not to push Vivian.
When Vivian couldn't help but scan the surface thoughts, Narcissa was remembering the twins together.
"Ready for your first big party? This time around" Ron asked, sitting on a sofa, reading a magazine on quidditch. They were hanging out in the Room of Requirement.
It looked like one of the dens in Potter Manor.
"Bit nervous, actually" Vivian admitted, lightly biting her bottom lip. She sat, going over some invitations. It was looking to be a larger party than she ever expected.
People started to hint to invites around school and somehow, she had gotten roped into inviting a lot of them.
Though Neville had done a little spy work and given her a 'do not' invite list as well. Which she was grateful for.
Luna, Remus, and Narcissa were doing all the planning for Vivian.
It was bound to be festive. Despite their own personal feelings on attention and the like, the three definitely knew how to through a good party!
Ron scooted over to sit by Vivian.
"What's wrong?" he asked, waiting to hear her out.
"I mean, having Narcissa there. That's kind of showing that we have some sort of relationship. Doesn't it?" she asked, looking at him. Blue and green eyes locked.
"Yeah" he admitted. "Though it's no one's business" he assured. "And if Remus is in charge of the cake, then everyone might be too caught up in a sugar rush to really care" came the joke.
Viv smiled slowly, which had obviously been Ron's goal.
"I'm being silly, aren't I" she asked, sighing and leaning back a bit.
"No, it's a big step" Ron assured. "If you're not ready, we can always change things" he offered.
"No, no. Everyone's so excited. Remus is excited to do a major dad thing. Not to mention the Tonks invite surprise I set up. Narcissa…she wants to make up for the birthdays missed. Luna...well, as long as we distracted her with studying a gnome bite or discuss who is really on the moon then she'd probably be ok with it" Vivian chuckled knowingly.
"Besides, I think it's best for Narcissa to get away since her house is now swarming with Death Eaters" Vivian added, thinking of her mother.
"And what about you" Ron asked.
"I'm nervous about having the truth come out. But also excited to do the things I had to wait to do with people I love, so much sooner. Plus, with Sirius free and as himself, without any real hiding. You know what I mean" she waived at that last part.
"Well, no matter what I will be right at your side, and you know Neville and Hermione will beat up anyone who even farts crossways while Harry, Sirius and the others point and laugh" Ron made her giggle.
"You know what might make me feel a bit more at ease" now it was Vivian's turn to tease.
Ron grinned, "Ask and you shall receive" he gave playful bow while still sitting.
"Maybe, oh I don't know. A kiss or two" she batted her lashes playfully.
Ron was now beaming. "Yes Ma'am!" he pulled her into a kiss, smothering her laughter with his lips.
A/N: What do you guys think? Yes, I'm pretty sure I moved Draco's bday, but let's just go with it. Thanks. More soft moments and not so soft coming up in the next chapter. I thought I'd be done soon but it seems to be taking longer, so I'm just along for the ride. Hope you enjoy it. Review, ask, or suggest if you'd like. Until next time, have a great one.