So... yeah, much backlash over perceived issues of the Nobu'tan/Dumbledore exchange in 43... to most of those, at least the ones I did not yet have a change to reach out to directly, I urge you to reread that section slowly, and take note of the perspective and timing of events.

Remember that I write in 3rd person limited, meaning that I don't present the full unbiased truth through any character's eyes, only what they think and see. So if someone *seems* X, Y, or Z, then its means that the character whose perspective it is currently *thinks* that, not necessarily that it is the truth. Some Critical Thinking required, not that I suspect people lack the skill, perhaps they just weren't expecting to need it in the midst of a narrative.

Hopefully that leads to some more understand of my intent, and perhaps I could have presented it more clearly to how I meant it, but that's the glory of Fanfiction. I am practicing word-skill, and expressing enjoyment for a pair of series that I care deeply for. If the manner in which I do so is offensive to some, that is not my problem or concern. If it is a weakness in my writing skill however, state it as such, and offer *true Criticism* which includes a possible solution, rather than simply complaining about not liking something.

Nevertheless, thank you for the concern, and the many positive reviews that were also had in response to the chapter. Perhaps there might be answers to it further in this, please note that this was written months ago and is not any sort of attempt to patch perceived issues. So please, enjoy... ~F

Chapter Forty Four

'Prisoner'… Again

Dumbledore was not pleased with the behavior of this rogue student. Yes, he had expected that he himself would be the target of the boy's wrath, but did Nobu'tan lack the control that he couldn't refrain until they were safely away from innocent bystanders.

But even as he thought this, Albus knew that that was exactly what the boy had wanted, to make a great stage of it, before a wide audience, of the animosity between the mysterious figure and the Headmaster, which would hinder their ability to show that it was indeed Harry Potter, 'freed' from his captors and preparing to enter the tournament he was so wrongfully placed within.

It was a good counter to the political fallout that was sure to come once he was revealed, but there were many repercussions. Firstly, there had been Ministry members in the Great Hall, namely Ludo Bagman, who would be sure to blab back at his work, and that would circulate around until both Fudge and Amelia Bones heard of it, and together they would send legions of Aurors to either apprehend the boy, or at least cage him perfectly until they figured out what exactly to do with him.

It was almost more perfect than what Albus could have hoped for. There would be no easy escape for Nobu'tan now, once the word escaped that he was here alongside these creatures. Albus dared not mention any of this aloud, as the hulking, twin-headed trolls looked frightfully protective of their master, and more than able to break any of them with their bare hands alone, notwithstanding their magic, which Albus had no illusions that they were well proficient with.

If Nobu'tan was anything, he was a teacher, and delighted in instructing others in his magical arts. Alas, Albus mourned, if things had worked out differently they might have been able to do many great things.

They stopped in the middle of the grounds, "So, we are out of the earshot of your precious little ones," Nobu'tan said challengingly, "What was so important to discuss, aside from your clear and present displeasure at my choice of company, and the apparent 'lack of care' regarding the fate of your world."

The casualness of the words were like a slap to the face, but Albus endured it, waiting for his turn to speak, "We were going to inform you regarding the events that took place after you had so abruptly departed from us two summers ago, and their implications for you personally."

"Fine, start with this blasted Tournament, and how I might leave it so that I can continue my far more important work…" the warlock sneered in return, clearly enjoying being the one seemingly in power over anything else, but Albus was not swayed. Nobu'tan must have felt the stinging pain of the Goblet's wrath, if he had taken nearly two days to appear after his name emerged from the artifact.

"Even if such a method of escaping the Goblet's contract existed," Albus therefore said slowly, "I doubt it would be any sort of method that you would consider, if you think you can endure the violent loss of all magical ability as acceptable…"

Nobu'tan said nothing, silently fuming at him, and the Headmaster shrugged before continuing, "It is part of the magic of the artifact, forming a binding magical contract with whomever's name emerges from it at the beginning of a Tournament. To retain your magic and fulfill the contract, participation in the Tournament is required. The first task, which the others have been given no information regarding, begins on November the twenty-fourth…"

Typically, Albus would be required to offer room and board to a former student, but in this particular case, he was doing no such thing. The warlock and his guard were not welcome inside the castle, aside from those few instances where his presence was required. "You may make yourself comfortable wherever it pleases you, out here on the grounds," he said therefore, gesturing to the wide lawns. "I doubt that anywhere in the castle would be comfortable enough for your trolls otherwise…"

Again the boy did not respond, but departed to a far corner of the grounds, his guard in tow. Once out of sight, Albus let a sigh of relief escape, even as Alastor glanced at him, "Are you sure letting him have such freedom to move about the grounds is a wise move?"

Albus nodded, more sure of anything in these past few years, "He cannot leave, at least not long enough to accomplish his plans before the Tournament is ended, and if any of the students go to visit him, we will know of it. It's the perfect setup, keeping him close, yet isolated from the rest of the castle. Also, if and when the Ministry decides to make a move to 'capture' him, then the students will be safe from the inevitable battles that will take place on the grounds."

Even Severus was nodding in agreement to that concept, "But what if the boy wants to resume his education at the castle while he is here, slim though that might be?"

"I was already under the impression that he was not being given a choice in that matter, after we explain that he has to be in the appearance of a student…" Albus said carefully, "but in the end it doesn't truly matter, if anything the less that he knows of our world the better. I believe, however, that he is already too far advanced for the typical seventh year curriculum, let alone the fourth year that he would be going into. Still, a valuable siphon of his time, which would prevent him from being wantonly destructive I suspect."

"I disagree, Headmaster," Severus commented, "it would be far too dangerous to have him roaming the castle in close quarters to the other students, who will see that he is who they suspect already, and questions will be asked that you know exactly how he will answer."

Albus had to yield the point to his Potions Master, "you are right, Severus. That would do no one any amount of good. Leaving him here on the grounds would be for the best, aside from Tournament matters, and we will let the days unfold as they may. Hopefully we will discover a more permanent means of dealing with this danger before the end of the year."

Although, even as the three adults returned to the castle, Albus had a sinking feeling that in the end, it would come to a climatic duel in the end, between himself and Nobu'tan, with the fate of their world in the balance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Line Break ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Draco paced in the Slytherin common room, idly wondering how they might exchange messages back and forth to Lord Nobu'tan without the eyes of the teachers resting squarely upon them. when the young warlock had not returned to the castle with the Headmaster after their little 'chat,' Draco had suspected that Nobu'tan had been all but banished from the castle, along with his guard, which in Dumbledore's shoes was the right course of action, one that Draco himself would have taken, but still.

Now that he was on the opposite side, trying to break past this informational blockade from the most powerful warlock and his supporters within the school, Draco was unsure what they might accomplish in aiding him without the ability to directly communicate.

Owls were out of the question, as it would be obvious if the owls were going out of the owlery and straight to wherever the warlock was camped. But perhaps if they took a roundabout route, dropping something off at Hogsmeade for example, then it would be difficult to tell where the owl had come from.

Draco could tell that Granger was also desperately trying to make sense of what she had seen. It had been painfully obvious that she had recognized that Harry Potter was the dark robed figure that had attacked Dumbledore, but somehow Draco doubted that many others had spotted it. Wizards were rather dense in that fashion.

He was just starting to think of asking his father for suggestions in aiding their mutual friend, when the air before the fireplace suddenly went cold, even as a black rend in space and time was torn into it.

Having seen the warlock portals many times now, Draco was unafraid, although there were some of the other students that fled to their dormitories at the sight. Draco smiled widely as Nobu'tan walked through, almost shaking his head at the ease of entry that he had with the castle.

"It's almost as though Dumbledore forgets that I can do that…" he said sarcastically. Draco knew that the old man missed very little, and it was truly more likely that there was nothing that the Headmaster could do to stop Nobu'tan from using his power to move about as he pleased.

"We had just been trying to devise a way to contact you," Draco explained, smirking as the warlock took a seat in one of the green armchairs, looking very comfortable in their common room, as though he belonged.

"Well, that is mostly unnecessary, as Dumbledore has seen fit to isolate me from any human contact, aside from strictly Tournament business, much as he can actually do about it." Nobu'tan replied, scathingly regarding the Headmaster.

Draco simply nodded, it was a good thing that they had not made any move as of yet then, "What are your orders for us in the meantime then, aside from lying low and keeping out of Dumbledore's sight?"

"No…" Nobu'tan said, still smirking evilly at him from across the room.

Draco paused, not comprehending the word that had just been spoken. "What?"

"No," Nobu'tan reaffirmed, "now is not the time to hide our heads and pretend that nothing is going on. Rise up, actively seek out more members to the Order, and altogether undermine Dumbledore's authority on the magical learning of this school. The time for complacency has ended, and if it's a war that he wants with me, a war he shall get. And a perfect portrayal that will be for all his little foreign friends…"

Draco went from horrified to astounded, seeing the plot behind this move perfectly. "You want us to recruit members from the other two schools," he said, pinpointing the exact reason that was then confirmed by the smile on his leader's face.

"You may end up surprised how many potentials there are among the Durmstrang students, as they area already aware of the powers of the Fel, but have not had the opportunity to actually begin their training with me." Nobu'tan added, already turning to glance through the ceiling, "I believe it is time for me to depart before I am noticed within the castle once more… Snape and Moody are both Mages as well as Dumbledore; do not forget that, they are strong, possibly stronger than even you. Never be alone with them, stay together, and stay strong."

"As you command," Draco said, nodding slightly even as the cold of the void opened again with another portal, and Nobu'tan departed their presence.

Theo joined him then, having led with Blaise the removal of students who were not privy to the full extent of the workings of the Order of the Black Harvest, "So," he said slowly, having caught the tail end of the conversation, "How shall we proceed then?"

"Well, firstly, Slytherin is now our domain, and none shall enter here without our knowledge," Draco said, gesturing for effect as he summoned his personal Voidwalker, Klathkath. "Patrol this room, anyone who attempts to enter here without the green and silver trim of Slytherin, including adults, must be stopped, with the exception of any accompanying us or Lord Nobu'tan." He ordered the creature.

"You've called, and I have answered…" the Voidwalker acknowledge, before setting off around the room, almost in a near random pattern, familiarizing itself with the layout.

The others only paused momentarily before following suit, summoning assorted demons to protect the Slytherin common room, and openly defying the unspoken mandate of Dumbledore that no Fel magic be performed in the school. Granted, there was nothing official, so technically they were not in the wrong, not that they would be given such rights when they were caught.

As Theo was specialized in the summoning of many demons, Draco assigned him the project of keeping them all defended here in the house common room, even as he started to formulate with the other two how they would systematically destabilize the teacher's grasp on the control of their students, and spread the power of the Fel to all corners of the school.

There would be great plans ahead for them, just as Nobu'tan had promised from the beginning. Sleep came easy that night, and once the others had been informed of the plan come the next morn, they decided that a massive show of force would be required to make their first front against the oppressive governing of Dumbledore.

Together they marched up from the dungeons, every warlock of any caliber from their house, demons carried on shoulders or forming part of a large vanguard, protecting them mutually as they crossed the entrance hall, causing many of the other students, and some teachers, to halt in surprise and horror at the magnitude of creatures attending to the Slytherin students.

Dumbledore, Moody and Snape were all already at the High Table, speaking in low voices over something, likely regarding Nobu'tan from what Draco could guess when the precession of demons and Slytherins entered.

It seemed from their reaction, that they had known of their existence, but not nearly so of how many of their students had embraced the Fel, or how powerful they had become. Dumbledore stood, catching the attention of the multitude of Slytherin students, and they paused before taking their seats for breakfast, waiting for him to make his piece regarding their show of support to their leader.

"Mr. Malfoy… what is the meaning of this?" he asked coolly, as though unaware of exactly what they were doing.

"Just making sure that our knowledge of the true powers in this world is as adequate as they ought to be, Headmaster," Draco replied coolly, channeling every ounce of his father into his words as he could. From the slight tightening of his lips, Draco could tell that it had gotten under the Headmaster's skin, but what was there that he could do…

"I must insist that you all remove these creatures from the castle, as they pose a terrible distraction to you fellow students, and I must ask five points from Slytherin for each student that is in possession of one…"

Draco refrained from rolling his eyes. Taking points, seriously? Like house points mattered when the Burning Legion was about to enter their world and destroy everything that these fools held dear.

So, Draco shook her head, "Alas Headmaster, we will not be able to fulfill that request, as we no longer feel safe in the school, and have summoned these protectors to guard us while we walk the halls and in our common room. The… ah, security measures you and your have taken these last few years have proven to be… lacking…"

That barb had clearly dug deep, Draco surmised, as even some of the other teachers were looking vehemently at the pair of them, although he was pleased to note that many more looked at Dumbledore with angered glances, as though judging him for why nearly an entire house of students would need to feel such a way…

But whatever the old man might have used to save face or redirect the situation, Draco turned away from the Headmaster, and with their guardians standing around them, the contingent of warlocks took their seats and began to eat quickly, as they had planned.

They would never stay in one location for too long, as there was no doubt that the old man would indeed try something to prevent them from being able to move as they pleased or encounter other students while the demons of the Legion flocked around them.

Glancing across the hall, Draco was also pleased to note the furious look on Hermione Granger's face, as the mage was clearly greatly offended by the amount of Fel magic that was now freely flowing through the castle.

Sudden realization struck Draco, and he put down his fork and knife before he dropped them. Nobu'tan had planned for this action; he must have, in order to finally spark the animosity that was to inevitably occur between mages and warlocks.

Throughout the day afterward, Draco knew that they were being watched, indeed how could they not be, but the looks of shock and wonder were almost completely balanced by those of disapproval and outright hatred at them for their summoned demons.

Thankfully, the teachers were not willing to make such a large scene in front of their guests, especially when it would involve punished a large number of an entire house that for all intents and purposes, had done nothing wrong.

Still it was going to be a long haul of unpleasantness for all involved, but Draco trusted that Nobu'tan was already plotting for their endgame, and securing the last of the artifacts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Line Break ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nobu'tan wracked his mind as he paced the inside of the tent that he had had Teg'Ramm and the other ogre magi prepare for them upon the grounds. It was large and spacious, equipped with all the extra space that wizarding tents provided, so that even the towering ogres were comfortable, although they spent most of their time standing guard outside while their leaders plotted and planned for what they needed to do.

It was clear that aside from this tournament, Nobu'tan had been presented with quite an opportunity. He had never been closer to the Elder Wand than now, as it was in Dumbledore's possession, but the major mystery was how to get the man to part completely with it long enough for Nobu'tan to snatch it away and disappear.

This led to the first of many complications, namely the tournament itself. Nobu'tan couldn't actually leave until this childish game was completed, even if he had the Elder Wand in his possession, and the designated place to bring them was far away. Even the contemplation of departing the castle before the tournament was finished made Nobu'tan itch unpleasantly, the faintest of burning sensations spreading across his body, and he knew that it would not be a good idea.

Still, he was not completely walled off of what he could do or go, aside from inside the castle, although Dumbledore had made it clear that specifically he could not go in with his guards, not that Nobu'tan trusted the old man to not immediately attempt to entrap or defeat him the moment he was alone, so he remained out on the grounds as much as possible.

Leaving Teg'Ramm and one other to guard their tent, Nobu'tan would wander through the grounds, watching mutely as many of the students kept far away from them, and the now present guards for them tensed whenever they approached.

Still, Nobu'tan knew that it was only a matter of time before one of the three countries' Ministries got involved, and Nobu'tan was hardly surprised when it was the British one. A pompous looking young man with red hair came to the castle hardly a week after he had been forcefully summoned to the castle, along with a large group of the red-robed Aurors.

Nobu'tan knew that it meant trouble when Dumbledore appeared at the front doors of the castle itself, and the young man made overlarge gestures in Nobu'tan's direction, likely indicating the tent and the four ogre magi that were currently heavily in progress of creating their own Runestone. The magic was welling up between them as each head chanting a different verse of the incantation.

It was suitably quicker than if Nobu'tan was to do it himself, as they could perform the task without the added effects of a solstice or other celestial bodies waxing or waning. To forestall the unfortunate man from disrupting the ritual and throwing his minions violently out of their spell, Nobu'tan stepped between the man and his magi as he approached, the young man looking quite snooty as he observed the magic flowing through the massive hands of the ogres.

"What do you want…?" Nobu'tan said roughly, uncaring about the man nor his attitude. This one was hardly older than the warlock himself, so there was little need for him to even pretend to give any respect.

Clearly, the man picked up on the lack of respect, and drew himself up further in height, "You do realize that teaching magic to nonhuman creatures is against Ministry regulations…" he declared, as though the warlock was supposed to care about adhering to such a principle.

"Oh, is it now…" Nobu'tan replied, subtly allowing the magic of the Fel to build up inside him for what he felt was going to be an inevitable conflict. "Well, it is most assuredly a pity that these were not trained upon your country's soil, therefore outside of your jurisdiction. Therefore, I hardly see any need for you to come here, all ablaze in your unjustly appointed indignation, to do… what exactly? Kill them and arrest me for some violation that it irrelevant in the grand scheme of things?"

The young man stiffened at the confrontation, but refused to back down, clearly confident in his superiority against what to him seemed a young boy. "In addition, there are many accounts against you and these creatures in performing dark magic, whereby these Aurors have their orders to apprehend you and escort you to the Ministry and your hearing regarding these charges."

A silent gesture from Nobu'tan signaled that the magi needed to pause their ritual. Luckily due to the lack of need for any time constraining factors they could do this, so long as they were at a point where the stone was stable.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Line Break ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Teg'Ramm was the first to see the signal from their master that he would need their aid. Quenching the torrents of magic that were boring runes into the stone and charging it with Fel magic, he gestured for the other magi to turn and surround their leader, protecting him from whatever may yet come.

"Hold it right there Troll," one of the tiny humans before them ordered, wand raised and pointing at him, but the man was quivering, clearly ill at ease with the four powerful, twin headed creatures before him.

"You do not command us pathetic human…" Teg said, sneering down at the group of red clad wizards.

"We only obey the master," Ramm replied, finishing the thought.

They advanced, and that seemed to be the signal that the humans were waiting for the attack. Their leader, a young man barely older than Nobu'tan, yelped and fled while the others shot their weak spells at the ogre magi. Teg'Ramm waved one massive hand, conjuring a shield of Felflame to consume the lesser magic, waiting for the orders from Nobu'tan to attack.

"Destroy them," the young warlock commanded, and the ogre magi all roared their approval, storming forward with both spell and powerful hands to crush the half dozen wizards that threatened them. Teg'Ramm grabbed one of the offending people, heaving back and threw the man hard, hearing the satisfying crunch as he landed hard against another of his fellows, and lay sprawled on the ground unmoving.

Spells washed over the clearing where they had encamped, and the ogre magi held the clear advantage. They didn't even bother calling upon their demons, allowing their thick hides to simply absorb many of the irritating spells, before calling upon Felfire and void magic to crush their enemies.

Soon enough it was over, far sooner than Teg'Ramm had wanted, but in the end, none of the magi were even injured, while the humans were broken, some dead, the rest retreating with all haste to the castle.

Far in the distance, the old man that Nobu'tan feared to face alone stood stoically in front of the castle itself, as though he had expected such an outcome, but had no power to hinder it from happening. Teg'Ramm hoped that he had the opportunity to aid his master in facing this one when the time came. As it would be a pleasure to actually have a challenging fight for a change, rather than these inexperienced wizards and their magical toys.

Ignoring the remainder of the humans, Teg'Ramm and the others returned to their Runestone, recommencing the ritual they had paused, aided only by a spark of Nobu'tan's magic to rekindle the flames that they had been conjuring to create the runes.

Once completed, this stone would be the beginning of their Fel barrier that would protect their campsite for the remainder of their time here, and prevent any such attacks from occurring again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Line Break ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Albus watched in disappointment as the massive Troll-like creatures that Nobu'tan had recruited easily drove off the Aurors, killing a few in the process. While it was useful that the boy have such harassment from time to time, he was not pleased that it resulted in such loss of life.

The Ministry would be better served if it though about the consequences of their actions first. But alas, this attack had the stamp of Cornelius all over it, as Madam Bones wouldn't have dared challenge these creatures so boldly, especially with only a half dozen Aurors to back up the threats.

That poor Percy Weasley had gotten mixed up in this, assigned to assist in whatever ways he could by Barty Crouch Sr. was also unfortunate, as the boy was rather high-strung, and not an accomplished diplomat. The fact that he was the first to return and basically hide behind Albus was testament to that. "What are they, Professor," he had asked, watching the poor excuse for a battle in horror.

"Something that only those with specialized training have any hopes of fighting, and that is a lesson that Cornelius needs to learn quickly, or his days in office will be short lived indeed," Albus replied, watching as the largest of the two-headed creatures turned to look directly at him. Albus could tell from the bloodlust in its eyes that it wanted to test itself against what the creature thought would be a worthy opponent. Perhaps Albus himself, but without orders from its master, Albus was sure that it would be docile enough to be considered safe, unless it was threatened, which he had no intentions of doing personally.

"You should go and report this to Cornelius, and hopefully advise him to reconsider any retaliatory actions, as they didn't even bother to call upon the myriad of other allies that they possess in swarms." Albus advised, but he already feared the answer when the leading Auror opened his mouth.

"The Minister shall do as he sees fit, Headmaster, and neither you nor I have any right to advise him to do anything." He said roughly, forgetting who exactly he was talking to.

Albus just smiled pleasantly to the man, "Well, that would be his prerogative I presume…" he then turned to reenter the castle, stopping only as they started to follow him, "Oh, I suppose you'd want to hurry back and inform the good Minister of the situation, the apparition point is past the main gate…" he added, much to the dumbfounded looks of the Aurors, who had clearly expected to be able to use the Floo Network, and Infirmery, within the warm castle.

Solemnly however, they obeyed, and started across the grounds once more toward the direction of Hogsmeade, where the apparition point was located.

Albus was normally not particularly petty, but it paid to make sure that they knew from the beginning that Hogwarts was not subservient to the Ministry in all things, and to not expect the Headmaster to cater to their every whim when they came to call. The lead Auror was clearly new, and hadn't had any experience in making decision for a team, therefore Albus' response was gentle enough to be fair but still firm enough to get the point across. Although it was with some resignation that he watched those injured limping across the grounds for a time as they retreated. The lower ranked Aurors did not deserve this, not that Cornelius would care.

As he returned to the long corridors of the castle, and started his personal patrols, needful now that the Slytherins had revealed quite publicly their leanings toward the Fel magic, Albus considered the potential problems that were about to face the castle. The tournament was about to truly begin, with the first task, and he could only imagine what the reaction of the students at the castle was going to be.

Predictably, the Slytherins would be supporting Nobu'tan, probably viewed by the rest of the school as an unprecedented betrayal of their real champion, who would likely be primarily supported by Miss Granger and the mages, who clearly would do so just to spite those Slytherins that were using opposing magic to their own.

In all likelihood the events of the first task, regardless of the outcome, would potentially blow up into an all out war between the two factions, something that Albus himself would have to intervene in to stop. A grim prospect, but somehow Albus knew that this was Nobu'tan plan for a distraction while he accomplished whatever sinister plot he had in motion to counter his time here at Hogwarts once more.

What exactly that plan was however, Albus was not fully certain. Clearly it would be related to the overarching plot to open a portal for the Legion, but he had never been fully informed as to what that act entailed. Certainly powerful artifacts would be needed to tear open a hole in both space and time to allow such powerful entities entry to a world, but what could they possibly need.

At first Albus thought of the Elder Wand, but dismissed it. Even if it was an end goal for Nobu'tan, the idea that he had pieced together where the item had gone and that Albus had it now was slim, however he would still be cautious regardless, no need to accidentally allow it to fall into the boy's hands.

Questioning Nobu'tan directly would be a futile effort; the same with most of his followers, So Albus was left with nothing to go on at this time, which was extremely infuriating. He would have to consult with both Alastor and Severus to keep a stern watch on the Slytherins as well as Miss Granger's faction of the other three houses, to make certain that nothing outrageously untoward occurred without them close by to prevent it.

And that was the case for the next few days, luckily the pair of groups kept their distance, although Miss Granger and her mages had also started to showing off their powers at every opportunity, and large elementals of water would flank many of their members for protection through the corridors. It was a nightmare for the teachers, but there was little that they, or even Albus, could do without punishing nearly half the castle, which he was unwilling to do as that would play right into Nobu'tan scheme of making Albus look like a bad Headmaster.

Soon enough, the weighing of the wands ceremony arrived, and the warlock had to be summoned up to the castle, although Albus logically reasoned that his massive guards would not fit well within the halls of the castle proper, and he would simply have to leave them behind.

Albus made certain to be in the room before Nobu'tan arrived, along with the judges, other champions, and the unfortunate Rita Skeeter and her cameraman. The absolute last thing he was going to allow was any sort of individual interview with the warlock, whether Skeeter wanted it or not.

"Shall we send someone to fetch Mr. Potter?" Ludo Bagman asked, but Albus shook his head.

"He shall not be tardy, just give him some time, it has been over a year since he walked these halls," Albus explained.

"And why exactly was that, Albus," Rita commented, quill already to parchment as she awaited an answer.

"You are already well aware the reason, having written it for the Prophet yourself, Rita, the boy was kidnapped by some dark magical creatures…" Albus said, sticking with the original story that they had supplied to the ministry.

"Ah, but come now Albus, surely you know more details that the public would desperately want to know, especially when the boy's picture appears with the other Champions." She pressed, and that made Albus think for a time. Perhaps, if he played his cards right, he could allow Rita to have some information, in exchange for some concessions.

He was about to make such an offer, when the door to the corridor outside flew open, revealing a towering figure, shouldering a massive battleaxe, and grunting in some unknown diabolic language.

Rita shrieked, and her cameraman immediately snapped a photo of the beast, but it ignored the flash of light, walking in and standing aside to open the way as Nobu'tan entered. Albus sighed in frustration, taking note of the boy's standard raiment, quite unlike anything that the modern witch or wizard wore, but more archaic in nature, black robes that was decorated with trinkets and other highly magical baubles, grasping a solid-looking, yet gnarled, staff in one hand as he walked, head held high with pride for what he was.

He could practically feel Rita's desperation to get the scoop of why the Boy-Who-Lived was dressed as a dark wizard, and it was only the presence of the demon that prevented her from approaching immediately to try and drag the boy into a broom cupboard for a private interview.

Sending a pointed look at the reporter, Albus said calmly, "We shall speak of matters later," before nodding to Ludo to begin the ceremony. Trying to keep his own eyes on the demon in the corner, Albus gave a quick rundown of why they were gathered, and introduced Garrick Ollivander, who approached from the far side of the room, and curiously unaffected by the presence of the unnatural creature by the door.

He proceeded to examine each of the wands of the three original champions in a solemn state, as though expecting to not find anything amiss, and most certainly not disappointed with his discoveries. But finally, he turned toward Nobu'tan.

"Good," the man said, handing back the Hornbeam wand of the Durmstrang champion, Victor Krum, "Which leaves us with, Mr. Potter…"

The boy stepped forward, opening a portion of his robes, which revealed the jeweled dagger that rested over his heart, and withdrew not one, but two different wands, before handing them and the staff over to the wand maker.

"Oh my, that is a fair number of implements you have gathered young man," Ollivander said, but proceeded with his investigations nevertheless. The first wand he examined, which looked to have come from his own shop, was returned quickly with a small frown, and a comment that it wasn't being used enough, before the man focused on the other wand in his hands, turning it over and over while carefully examining it.

"It's made of metal…" he commented, stating the obvious that all could plainly see, "And I cannot identify the core as something that I'm even remotely familiar with, however…"

And the man gave the metal wand a small wave, before frowning again when nothing happened.

"Is this a joke young man?" Ludo said as Ollivander returned the metal wand, but Nobu'tan merely smiled without a word, and flicked the metal wand, causing a small bolt of arcane magic to fly out and strike the far wall, leaving a tiny scorch mark there for all to see.

"Curious," Ollivander stated, looking at the metal wand once more before, with some careful prodding from both Albus and Ludo, he returned to the work he had been summoned for, and started to gaze deeply at the wooden staff.

Only a few seconds more he looked at it, before dropping the staff to the ground with a sharp intake of breath. "My boy…" he gasped, staring with horror at Nobu'tan, who quickly had summoned the staff back to his hand, "The horrific things that this tool has gone through. Never in all my life have I…"

But Albus cut across him, "Thank you all," he said, forestalling anything that the wand maker might reveal to their eager audience, "I believe that the Daily Prophet wants to take some photographs to document the beginning of the Tournament, and then you are all free to return to your daily activities." This last part was given with a glance at Nobu'tan, which Albus hoped signaled the need for him to depart the castle immediately after they were concluded.

Albus knew that he was in for a most unpleasant discussion with the woman, once he saw that Rita wanted nothing more than pictures of Nobu'tan, although her contract demanded that she had a few of the other champions as well. Still, once the young people had been dismissed, and the horrid demon had left the room, Albus turned to her and motioned for her to join him, "My office, then, for your 'interview,'" he suggested.

Rita spoke the entire distance to the Head's office, but Albus remained silent. He had specifically warded his office from prying magic, knowing what Nobu'tan was more or less capable of, and it wouldn't do for the boy to learn of what was being devised against him.

"Alright Albus, enough of the cloak and dagger regarding this matter," Rita said the moment she took a seat before his desk, her cameraman idly snapping a few pictures of Fawkes, who preened and crooned at the attention.

Sighing deeply, and not liking that he had to deal with such an unpleasant woman, Albus sat and began slowly, "You know well enough that Harry had been kidnapped toward the end of school year almost two years ago correct?"

"Yes, yes, I know as much as the next person does, but that still doesn't answer the question of why the boy looks like he wants to become the next You-Know-Who…" she started, before pausing in her semi-rant. Her eyes widened and she turned to look at Albus with horror, "Are you suggesting…" she started

Knowing what she was already falsely concluding, Albus decided to prey upon that sense of fear. "He very well may have been 'convinced,' by one or more parties that had held him, to become some sort of conduit for them to rally around. Harry was gifted, even at a very young age, with all manner of magical talents. That was part of the reason that Lily and James hid him away from Voldemort," Rita shuddered at the sound of the name, "and why I continued in their stead when they were murdered. But something went wrong, and Harry vanished for nearly eleven years."

Rita slid forward onto the edge of her seat, her quill poised over parchment, a standard one and not her nasty Quick-Quotes variant that she used when she suspected that she was being lied to, as Albus elaborated on a story that more or less bordered the truth, only leaving out certain facts such as the plans of the Legion, and the overall motive of Nobu'tan himself, painting him as a misfortunate individual that had become wrapped up in something far greater than himself, with little means of escape. There may also have been hints of magical mind control, but Albus would wait to read what Rita was going to fully present in the next day's copy of the Daily Prophet.