A Marauder's Cub

by Starian NightZz

Dumbledore should have learnt that you can't keep a wolf's cub away from him. An angry Remus Lupin learned about the manipulations that have almost destroyed his life and his best friends, and decided that enough is enough. He soon became what he had been all along. A wolf. A guardian. A protector. A Marauder.

26. The Aftermath

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Aftermath

In Bulgaria, in Grim's Manor, Crow Armbrust as well as his mate, Rean, exchanged looks between themselves as they looked at the issue of Witch Weekly, a gossip rag from Magical Britain lying on the table in front of them, before they looked back up at the grim expression on the face of Sirius Black who does not look pleased. Next to him, Narcissa Black was sipping on her cup of tea, her expression cool. But to the two vampires, they too could tell that Lord Black's cousin isn't happy either.

"Well, to be honest, we knew that this might come sooner or later," Rean said at last, breaking the silence, and picking up the magazine in front of him. He had already read it earlier in the day even before Crow had received the message from Sirius Black, asking if they were free to meet up. Even still, Rean couldn't help the surge of anger that went through him as he read the article once more that portrayed Hadrian, and omegas especially, in a not-so-good light—typical of Magical Britain, really. And especially the way they demean the name of Lily Potter.

Rita Skeeter really has a death wish, Rean thought privately to himself.

"It really seems like Britain needs a…reminder of just why the Black family is so feared," Narcissa said at last coolly. Her grey eyes met with her cousin's and even the two vampires seated across them. "Just because we aren't in Britain doesn't mean we don't know what's going on over there, and unable to protect our children." Her eyes flashed.

Crow and Rean exchanged looks, with the latter shrugging. If they're being honest, no Downworlder hold Rita Skeeter, and especially Magical Britain in high esteem either.

"What are you asking us to do, Sirius?" Crow asked at last. The vampire lord however had a faint guess of just what Lord Black wanted them to do.

"I want that woman captured," Sirius said simply. "What you do with her once she's in your hands is going to be up to you. I just don't want her using her poison pen anymore. Magical Britain already had prejudice against omegas and even certain magical gifts as it is. She's only making that prejudice worse."

Rean nodded slowly. "Is this an official contract? Or would you prefer it as just a favour?" He questioned.

It is at this point that Sirius hesitated. Lord Crow and Rean could be considered friends of the family at this point, considering how often they've made visits over the years, and were constant presences at all the kids' birthday parties. Heck, Rean is a distant relative of Anastasia's.

And then again, they are also Downworlders and Shadowcloaks' agents. Getting a 'favour' from one is akin to signing your soul to the Devil. One never knows just what that 'favour' would have you doing in the end.

"An official contract," Sirius said at last after exchanging looks with his cousin, with a silent message passing between their eyes before Narcissa nodded. "I left Rita Skeeter alone for all these years, despite the articles that she wrote, as I honestly didn't care about her when I managed to get her fired from the Daily Prophet all those years ago when Andy did that house cleaning on my behalf."

"The Daily Prophet, huh?" Crow mused, drumming his fingers onto his lap as he looked at his mate. "Fenrir complained about that paper all the time before the house cleaning, as you said. You owned that paper, don't you?" He asked Sirius. "Along with the Potters and Longbottoms?"

"We do." Narcissa was the one to speak. "Though when Frank and Alice Longbottom recovered, they were in agreement with us on what to do about that paper. Either they report the truth as it is, or we shut down the paper." She had a cold smile on her lips.

It is also precisely why there was a string of firings all those years back, and even why Rita Skeeter was amongst them. Narcissa might find that woman's articles amusing at times. But even she disliked the way the sheep of Britain simply gobbled everything that the papers reported as the truth. Hence why Rita Skeeter is now working for a small-time gossip mag instead.

It might even be part of the reason why she had written the article the way it is—as revenge for what the Black family had done to her. If so, she is either very brave, or very stupid.

"But it doesn't stop Rita Skeeter's poison pen, as you can see." Sirius scowled. "Normally, I'm content to leave her alone, as what she writes in Britain is her business. But this time, she crossed a line for not just writing the way she did about my Bambi, but also insulting Lily!" His eyes flashed. "I won't be able to look James in the eye once my time comes if I don't defend my sister's honour."

Crow and Rean exchanged looks before both nodded. "This can be considered an independent contract, so we have no need to bring it to the attention of the Chief as long as we file it properly," Crow explained. "And to be honest, we would do it for free anyway, considering that we too have a bone to pick with her. Especially considering all those articles she did over the years about the Downworlders." His jaw tightened when he recalled some of those articles.

Gilderoy Lockhart was bad enough, considering his books about vampires and how he is portraying not just his kind, but also the other Downworlder clans. But with Rita Skeeter?

It took Crow everything he could to convince his kin not to hunt Rita Skeeter down and drain her dry a few years ago when she did that one article about vampires that saw an alarming increase in vampire hunts in Britain. Most of the victims were, however, vampire fledglings or children, which only infuriated the vampire community.

It is, however, also said article that finally got the Downworld Council all in agreement to move all the Downworld clans out of Britain. So if there is something good about that article, it is that.

Sirius nodded. "The contract?" He asked, directing this question towards Rean whom he knew was the more put-together of the two, and normally handles the details of the contracts that the vampire couple takes on. From what Sirius had heard, Rean is normally the one who handles the negotiations as well for Lord Crow when it comes to clan business.

Rean was quick to produce a familiar-looking contract that Sirius was quick to recognise as a Shadowcloaks' contract. He had signed one all those years ago when he had hired the pair in front of him to hunt down Voldemort's Horcruxes. From what is said, most have been found, and they are currently tracking down the last one which is taking some time to track down due to it being a living Horcrux aka Voldemort's snake.

All was silent for several minutes as Rean penned down the details of the contract, what was needed and what they had to do on the parchment before handing it over to Sirius. Narcissa leaned over Sirius' shoulder as the two cousins read it carefully to ensure that there were no loopholes or even anything in fine print.

Not that Sirius thinks that the Shadowcloaks organisation would. However, they're also an old and ancient organisation and known to be ruthless to the point of being cruel. And while they do have a code of conduct and a code of honour, their beliefs and ways are very different from humans.

Finally, both Black cousins nodded, satisfied with the contract. It is vaguely similar to the one they signed all those years ago that outlines what the Shadowcloak agents are required to do, and also acts as a non-disclosure agreement on the end of the person hiring the organisation, and even detailed the price of this contract.

Narcissa handed Sirius a Blood Quill silently, with Sirius ignoring the light sting on his hand when he signed his name before handing the contract back to Rean.

Both Black cousins are well aware that they're pretty much signing Rita Skeeter's death sentence at this point, considering how ruthless the Shadowcloaks' organisation are. But at this point, neither one of the two cousins cares all that much.

Rita Skeeter's days are numbered.

XXXXXX

Hogwarts School was dumbfounded when both Durmstrang Institute and even Beauxbatons School of Magic all marched out of the Great Hall as one, all with noses in the air even as they walked out without a second look back, with some of the students even giving them looks of contempt.

Sure, maybe they could have phrased things a little better, but it is the truth, isn't it? Besides, Hogwarts School is the best school in the world! Otherwise, why on earth would their school be chosen as the host for the Triwizard Tournament?

With the Gryffindors, Neville Longbottom exchanged grim looks with Susan Bones and his Hufflepuff friends—Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott. There are indeed international relations being made, but Hogwarts is being left behind.

With another look at each other, both Neville and Susan got up as one from their house tables. Hannah and Ernie exchanged bewildered looks before looking up at Susan.

"Sue?"

"Someone needs to do damage control before all of Hogwarts gets painted with the same brush," Susan said bluntly, shooting Zacharius Smith glares. She is relatively certain that he might be one of those who have hurled slurs at Hadrian, and it didn't just come from the Gryffindors.

Susan and Neville didn't fail to notice the several pairs of eyes on their persons as they walked out of the doors of the Great Hall, already seeing that the students of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons were having a picnic breakfast together in front of the area between the Durmstrang ship and the Beauxbatons carriage.

Goddess only knows where they got the food from, since after what had just transpired, both Neville and Susan knew that the students would rather starve than accept food from Hogwarts. Though chances are that Durmstrang, as well as Beauxbatons, might have exchange boxes installed and had the kitchens of both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons send them food—this might explain how lessons and assignments would still carry on as normal for the students currently at Hogwarts—especially those taking their OWLs and NEWTs.

Exchange boxes is another creation attributed to Marauders Inc., though in this case, it is more of a co-creation between Sirius and Barty Crouch Junior, the latter of whom was named as a junior partner in the business a few years ago.

Two people would have one box each, and anything that is put in the other person's box would be transported to the other box once it is shut. However, there are also family variations of the exchange boxes—with one 'parent box' and a few other 'secondary boxes', though those versions require the person sending the item to tap on the rune symbol of the box for the recipient they wanted the item to be sent to. Anything can go through, as long as it is an object, even letters and plants.

From what is said when the product first hits the shelves, however, it is a mixture of runes, wards and charms to get it working, and had an international patent registered as a result. Hence, the product isn't exactly cheap, even the two-person version of it. Despite that, however, the products have quickly flown off the shelves within the first few months. Despite it being nearly two years since its release, Neville knew that there was still quite a list of people on the waiting list for the products.

Neville had one such box that was linked with not just his parents, but also with Hadrian and the others which is a gift from Sirius for Yule two years ago. As did Susan, and even Hadrian and Draco. Privately, Neville suspects that Sirius had invented this particular item due to Hadrian mentioning how difficult it is to exchange regular correspondence and even gifts with his best friend (Neville) when he is several countries away.

Neville could already see Hermione looking at Mehen with awe, with the shadow snake several sizes smaller than he was in the Great Hall, and not looking as aggressive. Several other Durmstrang students too were looking with interest, as not many people even knew that Hadrian had a shadow snake familiar.

"He looks beautiful." Hermione is saying, "And he's a shadow snake?"

"The proper term would be umbra anguis," Draco chimed in from next to Hadrian. "It translates as 'snake in the shadows'. There are not many of them, hence why knowledge about them is so limited. Even Hadrian is taking it as a trial of error when Mehen first bonded with him."

"Hogwarts looked ready to all shit their pants when Mehen first appeared." One of Durmstrang's students snickered. "Though if one of them is stupid enough to challenge Hadrian, then I doubt they have much brains to begin with."

Susan winced at this description of her school and their students, though she can't say that they're entirely mistaken either.

Next to his sister, Lucas Michaelis sighed, and the students surrounding him gave him sympathetic looks. "If this is the reaction Hadrian got just from Mehen's appearance, they're going to lose their shit should they ever find out about me."

One of the older students from Durmstrang spotted Neville and Susan just then and nudged his companions. With a frown, the older students got to their feet, blocking Neville and Susan's approach.

"What are you doing here?" One of them demanded. Susan vaguely recognised him as Alec Vasilev—Viktor's best friend and also the older cousin of one of Hadrian and Draco's friends.

"Alec, it's fine." Draco was the one to tug on the sleeve of the older boy. "They're friends of ours." He gave Neville and Susan sympathetic smiles. "I guess you both are here for damage control?"

Neville nodded. "Not sure how much 'damage control' I can do, however. You know how Hogwarts is," he admitted. "But we thought we should at least apologise on behalf of our fellow students. There are still some of us who can think for ourselves, though that number is sadly quite low."

The foreign students exchanged looks.

"Headmaster Kostov is currently with the heads of both Hogwarts and Beauxbatons." Natasha Michaelis said at last. "Durmstrang's Head Boy, as well as Beauxbatons' Head Girl, are both currently in that same meeting as the representatives of the students. I don't know how it's going to turn out, but an insult like what happened earlier in the Great Hall is going to take more than just a public apology, considering the contents of that gossip gag."

Her fellow students all agreed with her.

Susan sighed inwardly. She had only seen half of that article when it was being passed around the Hufflepuff table, and even she agreed that it was really mean. International relations are really starting out great, and it's barely been a day.

"If it's me, I won't accept anything less than full disownment for that boy's words." One of the French students admitted. "But Hadrian is nicer than me." He teased, giving the mentioned boy a teasing grin. Beside him, Viktor looked very disgruntled. "Oh, give it up, Krum. You know I got no interest in your betrothed." He huffed.

Susan sighed. "Hogwarts is in for several very difficult days on the international scale, aren't they?"

XXXXXX

"It is just a slight misunderstanding." Dumbledore insisted for the umpteenth time in his office as he faced the extremely unhappy heads of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, along with the Head Boy and Head Girl of both schools respectively.

Ilian Rysinov and Adelie Rouseelot—the Head Boy and Head Girl of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons respectively, exchanged looks. Thanks to the Inter-School Tournaments over the years, the senior cohort of both schools have strong friendships with each other, and have exchanged letters with each other often.

When Ilian and Adelie both became the Head Boy and Head Girl of their schools, they ran a tight ship. The students of their schools too knew that they weren't to be crossed.

"Mister Ronald Weasley not only implied that the late Lady Lily Potter, may Hecate keep her soul—is a whore just because of her secondary gender status. He as much said that Hadrian is one too," Ilian almost growled, his blood almost boiling when he recalled those words. "I heard lots of stories about how backwards this country is, and the lack of respect that you give to women and omegas in this country is appalling."

"And that is not even touching on the fact how he pretty much accused Hadrian of being a 'Dark Wizard' just because he had an umbra anguis." Adelie's scowl is fierce enough to match Ilian's. "If your student isn't cowardly enough to try casting a Blasting Hex at Hadrian's unprotected back, his familiar wouldn't even have threatened that boy. To be honest, Hadrian is nicer than I am. If that boy had done and said such things to a student in my school, he would be lying in pieces now, and I wouldn't be stopping any familiar from tearing apart the one who had threatened their bonded, like any proper familiar would. And Josue, the Head Boy of Beauxbatons, would agree with me."

"As would Rayna, the Head Girl of Durmstrang." Ilian agreed. "Not to mention the umbra anguis is an internationally protected species, considering how few of them there are. Unlike what this backwards country thinks, umbra anguis are on the side of the grey. They are protectors first and foremost, and essentially guardians. If that Hogwarts student had tried to intentionally hurt Mehen, Hadrian and Lord Black are well within their rights to bring this up to ICW court."

The after-mentioned Head Boy and Head Girl aren't here at the moment because someone needs to take charge of their schools, considering how furious the students of both schools are. Someone needs to calm down the students.

Due to the Inter-School Tournaments, the students of both schools have close friendships with each other. Hadrian is one of the more popular students in Durmstrang, and most students of both schools loved him, especially the younger students whom he had always made a point to help and tutor.

Having stood there earlier in the Great Hall and having to listen to Hadrian being insulted didn't sit well with any of them, especially those in Hadrian's year. Viviane nearly had to drag Draco out of there earlier when both schools have marched out—the blonde was so furious.

Dumbledore bristled before looking at Nikolai Kostov as well as Olympe Maxime who both stood behind their students as a show of support.

"Are you both just going to stand there and let your students insult me like this?" He demanded.

"They didn't say anything that I would have said in their place. If anything, I would be a lot meaner." Madam Maxime looked down her nose at Dumbledore. "And when has either Ilian or Adelie said one word of insult to you, Dumbledore? They're quite polite, considering everything that happened."

"Agreed." Nikolai nodded. "But make no mistake, Dumbledore. I would be reporting this to not just my Ministry, but also the ICW. This speaks a lot about just what you've been teaching your students, and it doesn't bode good news for Hogwarts and Britain on the whole on the international scale."

"It's just children being children." Dumbledore protested. "Aren't you blowing things out of proportion? It's all just a slight misunderstanding."

The other two heads of both schools looked ready to hex Dumbledore at that moment. Whereas the portraits hanging on the wall looked as if they were ready to crawl out of their frames and throttle Dumbledore, especially Niamh Fitzgerald.

Nikolai took several deep breaths as if trying to calm himself down, with Madam Maxime patting Nikolai on the arm comfortingly. "I have no idea how you teach your students here in Britain," Nikolai said at last, "But in Durmstrang, we believe in not just nurturing their magical skills, but also themselves as people. When Durmstrang graduates walk out of our doors and into the big wide world, they bring with them skills to contribute to the magical world, and the strength as well as the will to help those around them. We prepare them for the real world. The senior cohort of Durmstrang, especially those sitting on the Student Council that are voted in by their fellow students have as much a voice on the school board as their fellow professors. We do not coddle our children."

"As did Beauxbatons." Madam Maxime added. "Our students are as much responsible for their actions, and we believe in them facing the consequences of those actions as a result. Coddling your students, Dumbledore, would not help them to learn right from wrong. I am starting to understand why your country has so many problems with Dark Lords."

On the wall, Phineas Black was listening with interest, as did all the other past headmasters and headmistresses. All of them felt it was a really interesting school system, and wished that they had the chance to implement that in Hogwarts when they were the headmaster or headmistress.

Even the power of the head boy and girl in Hogwarts was minimal at best, as professors could still override them. And prefects as well as the head boy and girl were selected by the professors and headmaster or headmistress, instead of being voted in by the student body.

During Phineas' time as headmaster, the head boy and girl and even the prefects still had some say in the punishments of students, and even how the school was run. It is also why Aria Michaelis had some freedom in her movements back then that she could even take down an entire poaching group by herself as a Fifth Year. But at some point, after Dumbledore took over, that system was changed entirely.

It is almost like Dumbledore wanted the students of Hogwarts to be trained or raised not to think for themselves.

"Mister Ronald Weasley is just a child!" Dumbledore protested. "Bringing this to the World Court… Aren't you blowing things out of proportion? Besides that, as the headmaster of Hogwarts, I cannot possibly allow such a dark creature like the one Harry carries to be around the school."

Now that he thinks about it, it is an extremely good idea. He can always say that snakes are forbidden in Hogwarts, especially something as unknown as that creature that Harry has. And if Harry wants that snake with him, he has to follow Dumbledore's orders.

Ilian and Adelie are now looking at Dumbledore like he's an idiot, as are their headmaster and headmistress.

Dumbledore almost gave a start when Nikolai slammed a hand down hard onto his desk, snapping him out of his daydreams and plans on how to guide his chosen hero onto the path that he wanted.

"Hadrian is my student, not yours," Nikolai emphasised on the name. "Besides, while he has permitted me to use his name, he did not permit you to do so. Furthermore, his name is Hadrian, not Harry! Besides that, you were once the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW. You know the international laws about familiars. They are not to be separated from their bonded. And unless someone is threatening Hadrian, Mehen wouldn't do anything. Hadrian has walked about in Durmstrang for two years with Mehen, and I have no complaints. Until that duel earlier, most of Durmstrang isn't even aware that he has an umbra anguis as a familiar! Hadrian isn't the only student in Durmstrang with a snake either."

Unlike Hogwarts, snakes are one of the more popular choices for pets or familiars. Durmstrang doesn't restrict their students' choices in the choice of pets that they bring to school either, as long as they can keep them under control.

"That…snake of his threatened a student of my school. I can't allow that snake to just wander about."

"Again, Mehen is part of an internationally protected species, and is registered with not just the Ministry of Magic in Bulgaria as Hadrian's familiar, but also the ICW. You do not have the authority to banish Mehen, as not only is his species protected internationally. He is also Hadrian's familiar. I can always invite one of the ICW Hit-Wizards currently stationed here to explain to you the current familiar laws if you like."

"Then what of what he did to Ronald Weasley?" Dumbledore is grasping for straws now to pin something—anything on Hadrian at this point, and everyone in the room could see that. Even the portraits. "Surely it can't be allowed?"

"As what your professors can attest to, it was a magical duel, one judged by Lady Magic." Madam Maxime injected. "Those laws take precedence above everything else, as it is part of the ancient magical laws." The French headmistress frowned when she saw Dumbledore about to open his mouth again, no doubt about to try to pin something else on Hadrian. "Enough. I have no idea why you're so determined to try to pin something on Heir Potter-Black, but it's only making you look like a fool, Dumbledore. Hadrian Potter-Black is a student of Durmstrang. Only headmaster Kostov had the authority over him. But we are not here about him. We are here about what your student said and did to Heir Potter-Black. Not just my students, but Durmstrang students as a whole are all furious. Your students will be in for a hard time should we not resolve this. We might be on Hogwarts' soil right now, but it doesn't matter. My students are resourceful."

"As are mine." Nikolai nodded.

"We can just take this as children being children." Dumbledore protested.

"I think not." Ilian shook his head, having stood by as he let the heads duke it out amongst themselves. "It's not just Ronald Weasley's comments to Hadrian, but also what the rest of your students said to not just him, but Durmstrang as a whole. And I'm not even bringing that gossip rag into conversation."

Though knowing Hadrian's family, Ilian is pretty sure that Lord Black would do something about that particular reporter and gossip rag, and it's not something he has to be worried about. And with that amused smile on Adelie's face, Ilian knew that his counterpart had the same thoughts that he did.

"Your students insulted Durmstrang's honour," Ilian said coldly. "We will not forgive such an insult."

"Neither would we." Adelie agreed. "Durmstrang is not just our brother school. We have been friends and allies with Durmstrang Institute for generations. Beauxbatons will not just sit by and watch as one of theirs is insulted to such a degree. Besides, a quarter of my school's students are omegas. When you insult Hadrian the way your student did, you're also insulting us."

No one missed the dark look that crossed Dumbledore's face the moment Adelie mentioned omegas. Ilian and Adelie exchanged quick looks, as did Nikolai and Madam Maxime. It is well known internationally just how Britain treats not just the witches in this country, but also the omegas.

Dumbledore sighed. He would rather not have Ronald punished over what he sees as a minor infraction, given how the Weasleys are his staunchest supporters. But with ICW agents all over Hogwarts right now, he can't afford to alienate himself any further, considering his power and influence in Britain isn't what it once was.

And with Adrick as well as Raisa smoking out and removing his supporters from not just the guilds, but also within the ICW, he doesn't have much reach and influence within the ICW either.

"What can we do to fix things?" Dumbledore asked at last.

"I do not speak for Hadrian or even Lord Black," Nikolai said at last. "I can only speak as Durmstrang's headmaster, due to the way your student insulted not just Durmstrang's honour, but also the way they turned on one of them." He looked at his Head Boy. "Ilian?"

When it comes to student matters, Nikolai and his professors normally prefer to let the students handle it themselves while keeping a close eye on them. It not only builds character but also teaches them skills they will need in the future. In Durmstrang, it is the Student Council that manages the student affairs and even school festivals as well as the wizarding celebrations. The professors only step in if the students ask them to.

"For starters, we demand a public apology, acknowledging his faults towards not just Hadrian, but also the way he insulted Durmstrang. In front of all three schools for not just his words, but also his actions." Ilian said after a slight pause. "And if I know the Black family at all, they likely already knew about this incident. I honestly won't be surprised if Lord Black visits Britain."

Nikolai nodded. He agreed with Ilian's decision, though he knew that the Head Boy would rather push for more, considering how insulted the entire school is. But since they are just addressing the issue of Ronald Weasley insulting Hadrian and Durmstrang and for that cowardly attack after the duel, it is not wise to push for more.

Though apology or not, and Nikolai is certain that any apology wouldn't be sincere in the least, there is no way that Durmstrang will accept it just like that. Hogwarts School is in for a rough few months, considering there are also mini tournaments set up between the three schools throughout the year to establish friendships, like how Durmstrang and Beauxbatons had with Ilvermorny for generations. Though rather than 'establish friendships' in this case, it might be more 'humiliating Hogwarts', Nikolai is certain.

Ilian and Rayna normally kept the student body's actions in check. But in this case, Nikolai is certain they would look the other way once Durmstrang's student body exacts their revenge. And knowing Beauxbatons, they would be helping.

Nikolai exchanged looks with Madam Maxime who seemed to have the same thoughts in her head. Whatever the students of both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons have in mind, Nikolai wouldn't want to be in the shoes of a Hogwarts student right about now.

XXXXXX

Despite it being a few hours since, Viktor is still furious. Instead of letting him engage in the usual duelling practice sessions that the senior cohort has planned, Hadrian wisely decided to take his betrothed with him for a short walk to clear his head instead, and also to calm Viktor down—much to everyone's relief, as they were getting tired of treading on eggshells around the Quidditch star.

With the mood that Viktor is in, he'll likely put his duelling partner into the Hospital Wing instead, if not worse.

Sadly, the only medical assistance they have right now is just Hogwarts' Medi-Witch, and Hadrian knew his schoolmates well enough to know that they would never seek assistance from anyone affiliated with Hogwarts even if they were dying. The team of Healers that would be getting sent from Bulgaria as part of the Triwizard Tournament preparations won't be in Britain until later tonight, after all.

"Come on, cool your head." Hadrian soothed, seeing the angry look on Viktor's face. And while he would never admit it, Hadrian can't help but feel touched by the reactions of his schoolmates on his behalf. When he had left the vicinity of Durmstrang's ship, Rayna was still trying to calm down his schoolmates, with Beauxbatons' Head Boy attempting to do the same thing with his schoolmates, with the assistance of Fiona and even Fleur. "What's the point of getting this worked up? We all knew, even before setting foot in Britain, exactly how they felt about omegas and even women in this country. The misogyny here is honestly terrifying." He muttered.

By this point, they were near the banks of the Black Lake. At this time of the year, the Scottish weather is indeed beautiful. And while nothing could beat the view that Durmstrang gets all year round of the mountains and even the lake that surrounds them, even Hadrian had to admit that the view that surrounds Hogwarts is a thing of beauty.

The artist in him itches to get out his painting supplies to paint this view. Maybe Lucas would like to join him too.

The couple gave a start when several tentacles rose out of the surface of the lake, waving at them.

"That must be the Giant Squid that Lord Black told us about." Viktor relaxed. Despite his mood, the relaxing atmosphere and peaceful view that surrounds them is quickly settling his bad mood. He is still angry however, when he recalls how this school had treated his betrothed the previous day, and then when they have shouted slurs at Hadrian just because he had a snake.

Mehen is the gentlest creature Viktor had ever known. Heck, when the shadow snake had first hatched from that strange egg that Hadrian had received from his late grandfather via a time-delayed package from Gringotts, the snake was so timid and terrified. Sad even that Hadrian would reject him.

Unlike Britain, the umbra anguis was known to the magical conclaves around the world. But due to how rare they are, not much information is known about them. It's really why they were all astonished that Charlus Potter had sent his grandson an egg that contained an umbra anguis. According to Sirius, the Potters are direct descendants of the Peverell line which were known for their magical abilities, amongst which includes the Parseltongue ability.

James Potter had the same ability. But due to Britain's prejudice against the snake speakers thanks to the Dark Lord they had at that time, he had kept it hidden. But he wasn't that surprised when his only son started speaking to snakes even when he was but a few months old.

Only James and Lily's closest friends knew about this ability for safety reasons. Hence when Sirius had met Emil Michaelis and knew about that family's connection to the Gaunt family, they concluded that the Michaelis family are very distant cousins of Hadrian's—with them being direct descendants of another brother of the Peverell line.

"Hey, what are you both doing there? Why aren't you in class?" A voice called out to them just then, and both Hadrian and Viktor turned just in time to see a tall bearded man with wild hair standing not far away from them, with a large black dog next to him.

Half-giant, Hadrian's mind supplied. No way a human could be this tall without having some giant blood in their veins, after all. Madam Maxime too is half-giant, and she is one of the kindest people that Hadrian knew. The woman was ready to go on a warpath on Hermione's behalf when she'd learned the girl's story when she had first enrolled into Beauxbatons.

And considering there is only one such person in Hogwarts' employ, this can only be one person.

"O-Oh, Durmstrang urchins, huh?" Hagrid, the groundskeeper, was taken aback when he realised that the uniforms both Hadrian and Viktor had on were that of Durmstrang's and not Hogwarts'. "Hmm?" Hagrid's gaze narrowed in on Hadrian just then. Viktor only frowned at the groundskeeper and partially pushed Hadrian behind him. "Harry! You're little Harry, aren't you?" The half-giant beamed at Hadrian. "I haven't seen you since you're a young' un, and then that godfather of yours took you away." He frowned. "Caused lots of problems for Headmaster Dumbledore in the process too, when he had good intentions for everything—"

"Let me cut you off there!" Viktor took a step towards Hagrid, his nose flaring, and letting out his alpha pheromones that made Hagrid nervous.

While Viktor is one of the taller boys in his year group, and practically towered over Hadrian that is one of the smallest in the school; compared to Hagrid, Viktor is barely tall enough to reach his chest. Despite that, however, the Quidditch star can be very intimidating and scary when he wants to, especially when it comes to Hadrian.

It is one reason why most of the students in Durmstrang didn't want to pick a fight with Viktor, as they knew he would just mop the floor with them. Valko Kovarev had tried enough times since they were both First Years, and then when he had set eyes on Hadrian, and Viktor had beaten him every single time.

If Viktor hadn't gone into professional Quidditch with Natasha, he could likely pursue a career in professional duelling or as a Warder, as is his intention once he couldn't fly professionally any longer.

"We know exactly the reason why Lord Black had taken Hadrian from Britain to begin with. Hogwarts is already on thin grounds with Durmstrang Institute, so I'll watch what I say if I'm you." Viktor's nostrils flared. And if not for Hadrian that is tugging onto his sleeve, he would have said more, and also added a whole lot of colourful language at the same time. "While not official yet, Albus Dumbledore is not popular in Bulgaria especially after what he tried to do. And I'll wager it won't take Lord Black much to declare him as an enemy of the House of Black and the House of Potter. And once he does, it won't take much for the rest of the House of Lords in Bulgaria to follow suit."

"H-How dare you—"

"You know, Sirius and Remus told me about you." Hadrian interrupted, seeing the half-giant slowly working himself into a rage, "As did Aunt Cissy and even Liese. They said that Dumbledore can kill someone in front of you, and you will still be convinced that he's doing the right thing." Hadrian's tone was disgusted. "Sirius had yet to push for charges for kidnapping against you for what you did when I was a baby. Aunt Andy and Uncle Ted wanted to, but Sirius didn't want to. For now. My parents liked you. For them, I'll give you this one pass. Approach me again about anything relating to Albus Dumbledore, and I'll have Aunt Andy press the full weight of the law against you for not just kidnapping, but also second-hand abuse and emotional neglect!"

XXXXXX

It is a very strange experience for William Weasley to be waltzing in through the gates of his old alma mater as a former student, and walking into Hogwarts as part of the team of curse breakers and rune masters sent by Gringotts as additional security, as commissioned by the ICW.

Next to him, Michael Fawley was also looking at Hogwarts with a strange look on his face. Unlike Bill, Michael's time in Hogwarts isn't all sunshine and daisies, especially when they were in the lower years. It got better after their Fourth Year when Michael proved that he isn't his family, and also not one to be pushed about.

And on Bill's other side was his younger brother, Percy Weasley.

If truth be told, Bill wasn't exactly planning to meet up with his younger brother when his and Michael's Portkey had brought them to England's Gringotts branch, and from there, had planned to just Apparate to Hogsmeade and make their way up to Hogwarts.

He had run into his younger brother by accident at the Apparition coordinates in Hogsmeade. And while Bill was surprised to see Percy alone, and not with the rest of the Ministry team; after he had heard the entire story from Percy, he was no longer surprised.

If truth be told, Percy isn't exactly popular in the Ministry. It is difficult to corrupt him, and he dares to challenge and question instead of accepting things as it is. If Percy had been in one of the sub-departments for the DMLE, he might have had a chance at promotion, as Amelia Bones is a known moderate and one of the few decent Ministry officials there is. As it is, Percy had the unfortunate luck of being slated in the Department of Magical Cooperation of all places, and serving under a department head who is absent for more than he is in the Ministry.

Despite being barely a year out of Hogwarts, it seems like Percy is doing the work of the department head, along with his duties for the Triwizard, as the rest of his colleagues are more than content to push everything onto the boy.

Not to mention that the Weasley name isn't exactly popular in the Ministry. And while Percy is also the known Prewett Heir, it doesn't change the fact that he still carries the Weasley name which is tantamount with blood traitors.

Bill hasn't seen Percy since the latter's graduation ceremony which he'd attended with Aunt Muriel, Charlie, and his parents—and that is one tense meeting. Fortunately, the professors of Hogwarts had the sense to seat Aunt Muriel away from his parents, and Bill and Charlie both opted to sit with their great-aunt instead of their parents, much to their disgruntlement.

At this point, Bill honestly privately suspects that the oldest five of the Weasley siblings would change their name to Prewett if they can. Percy can easily change his name to Prewett, considering that he's the named Heir in Aunt Muriel's will, and was also declared as such to the Wizengamot. With the rest of them, however, they're going to need the approvals of both Percy as well as Aunt Muriel—which Bill privately suspects they would get.

Aunt Muriel had been disgruntled for years with how their mother had treated the twins, especially, who were easily her favourites. Probably because Fred and George remind Great Aunt Muriel of their late uncles—their mother's older twin brothers.

Fred and George have all but moved permanently into Prewett Manor by the summer of their Second Year, considering Molly Weasley's reactions when they were Sorted into Slytherin, and were even fast friends with several of their house-mates, half of whom were from suspected Death Eater families, or even known dark families.

At this point, Bill knew that Great Aunt Muriel was one incident away from disowning their mother, considering everything that had happened over the years.

It is also this reason why Charlie is still keeping his relationship with Tonks under wraps and hasn't returned to the Weasley home in years, despite having returned to Britain several times over the years to visit his siblings and even his girlfriend. Their mother would never have approved of Tonks, Bill knew, given how Molly Weasley had taken an instant dislike to Andromeda Tonks due to the whole Howler incident from years ago.

"It's a strange feeling to return to Hogwarts," Percy said at last, saying what is on all their minds. He gave Bill a weak grin. "You should find the time to at least visit Great Aunt Muriel, Bill. You haven't been back to Britain in awhile."

Bill rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah, I guess I should," he admitted. "Come on, we better report our arrivals to Professor McGonagall, and find a place to set up the tent for our base of operations." He exchanged looks with Michael.

Their bosses at Gringotts were very clear on the fact that they have no wish to set up their base of operations in Hogwarts Castle itself—that is essentially the territory of Albus Dumbledore, and the goblins disliked him. Not to mention none of them could be sure that the portraits wouldn't report to him about their every move. Hence why it was decided to set up a tent on the grounds of Hogwarts to act as their base of operations instead.

The rest of the team sent by Gringotts would be arriving later that evening due to the time differences, and that gives both Michael and Bill the time to scout out everything, and also set up their base of operations, so to speak.

"BILL! BILL! PERCY!"

Both Weasley brothers blinked owlishly, along with Michael Fawley, even as they walked across the vast lands surrounding Hogwarts and towards the castle. Near the Black Lake, they could already see a gigantic ship, along with a carriage that the trio knew was what Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons used to make their way to Hogwarts.

And then, tearing towards them were the twins, identical grins on their faces as they tore towards them.

"Oof!" Percy let out a grunt as one of the twins rammed straight into him, hugging him tightly. "Why do I know that you will do this?" Percy sounded annoyed, but he had a smile on his face as the twin that was hugging released him. "It's good to see you again, Fred and George."

Bill exchanged amused looks with Michael. It almost amused him to see how attached the twins were to Percy. That never changed even as they grew up, and the twins were Sorted into Slytherin, and Percy was Sorted into Ravenclaw. If anything, their relationship as brothers improved and got closer, thanks to how offended their mother was at the fact that the three of them were Sorted elsewhere rather than Gryffindor.

"What are Bill and I, chopped liver?" Michael Fawley joked, even as the twins grinned at him. "Good to see you two imps again."

"And how do you both know that we're here?" Bill asked with a raised brow. He had been wondering for some time now just how the twins knew Hogwarts so well.

"A master prankster never reveals his secrets." Fred looked innocent, but all those present knew that he was far from innocent. "We know why Bill and even Michael are here. But what are you doing here, Perce?" He asked his brother.

Percy sighed, looking as if he had the world upon his shoulders. "I'm the Ministry liaison between our Ministry, the other two foreign Ministries, as well as Gringotts and even the ICW," he said at last. Though it's more like none of those in his department wanted to do this headache-inducing job, and Percy took it just to prevent any international incidents from occurring.

The twins winced with that list, and Bill grimaced, exchanging looks with Michael. The oldest Weasley brother is starting to wonder if he shouldn't suggest Percy come to work with him at Gringotts. The goblins don't just hire humans as curse breakers and rune masters, after all. There are humans they hired that acted as liaisons, and even as clerks for the paperwork that they need to file at the Ministry and even the ICW.

"I don't envy you there, little brother." Bill winced. "Though it is quite the post for someone barely a year out of Hogwarts. Are they paying you overtime for the amount of extra work you no doubt have to put in?"

The look that Percy gave Bill spoke volumes.

"Gee, what do you think?" Percy deadpanned, and the twins grinned.

"Oh boy." Michael shook his head, feeling sorry for Percy. The Ministry isn't a good place to work at as it is. But the department that Percy is in is also known to be one of the worst since the time of Barty Crouch. After his arrest and subsequent stay at Azkaban, the new department head that took over is worse than the man, if that is even possible. "If you would prefer, Percy, I can ask around to see if there are any open positions at Gringotts?" He offered.

"Nah, it's fine." Percy shook his head, waving off the concerns of his brothers, and even Michael's. "I'll be hopefully out of the Ministry by the end of the year." He said hopefully. "I'm already scheduled for the first stage of the bar exam at the International Law Offices at the ICW in May. If I pass it, I can then go into a full law apprenticeship. Ted Tonks said that he's willing to take me on. Penny too mentioned that she'll be taking her Healer exam in two years or so. She's saving up for that exam, as a matter of fact." He added.

"Seems like things are going well for you both then," Bill said, relieved that his brother seemed to have his life all planned out, and is already working towards his goals. And with Ted Tonks as his mentor, doors will open for Percy everywhere once he finishes his apprenticeship.

"So what's going on, you both?" Michael asked the twins who were listening with interest. "You didn't come tearing out here just to welcome us to Hogwarts, I believe?"

Fred and George exchanged looks—and it is the look that they exchanged that caused Bill and Percy to exchange contemplative looks of their own.

"It's about Ron. And even Ginny." Fred said at last, turning back towards his brothers.

Bill sighed a long deep sigh. Something tells him that this is going to be a long story. "Okay. How about you two imps help me and Michael to set up the Gringotts tent? Then you can tell me and Percy everything?" He suggested, exchanging looks with his brother who nodded. "Something tells me that this is going to be a long story."