The Ever Changing Face of Death (unedited)

by TheL0sts0uls

After passing through a Veil archway, Hazel Potter and her adopted son Teddy discover they are in the DoM of a parallel world in 1991. Deciding to prevent the events that resulted in a nuclear winter, Hazel becomes an Operative, facing the dangers and traumas that exist in the crossroads between worlds, as she tries to build a life for herself in the new world. Female Harry Potter.

3. Chapter 21-30

Chapter 21: Looking for a Book in a School

Croaker brought Hazel, Dora and Horatio to his office to discuss the matter of the attack at Hogwarts. "Last night, either before or during the Halloween Dinner Feast, the caretaker, Mr. Filch, and the Maledictus, Mrs. Norris, were found petrified in the corridors of the first floor of Hogwarts Castle. Beside them on the wall was a message written in chicken's blood declaring the return of Slytherin's Heir." Dora frowned. "Ok, so we have a wacko at the school claiming to be the Heir of Slytherin and the most likely culprit is a memory of the previous Heir possessing a student through a diary. Are you sending us on a book chase or a monster chase?" Croaker sighed and lowered his papers. "As of right now? Neither. Dumbledore has blocked all mail coming out of the Castle and he controls the Floo terminal access. We have no way of intervening without exposing any of the children as informants and our own operations." Hazel huffed. "We can still go in and scour the Castle and the dorms under disillusionment." Horatio shook his head. "No way of doing that without being noticed by someone or something. We have a better chance of succeeding if we do this under the cover of a DMLE investigation."

Dora sat back. "Which can't start without a witness from last night calling for help or us endangering the kids acting as our informants." Hazel looked at Croaker. "How furious is Amelia?" Croaker shivered. "Pissed. She wants to drag Dumbledore in to explain himself but she refuses to place Susan in the old man's sights." Hazel sat back and thought for a moment. "What's Hogwarts policy on family elves? I know we are breaking it with Dobby and I don't want to expose him, but is there a way the students could summon a house elf and send the word out through them?" Croaker shook his head. "The children aren't allowed to summon the family elves to the Castle. It's in the Charter." Dora frowned and thought back to what her father taught her about laws. "Wait, if they specifically wrote that in, there must be emergency measures that would allow them to use them. No one ever writes a law that they can't take advantage of in some way with a well worded exception." Hazel watched Croaker sigh as he pulled out a large book from a drawer. "If that's the Hogwarts Charter, we will be here a while."

Horatio rubbed his chin. "Even if we do find an exception, that doesn't solve the issue of exposing a child. None of the informants can call the elves without drawing attention to themselves as well." The office went quiet as Croaker searched the Charter. Hazel remembered something. "We could have one of the children approach someone else with an elf. It would draw attention away from them." Dora hummed. "Sure, but what's to stop them from telling Dumbledore under pressure. We are back at square one." Hazel had a smile grow on her face. "Not entirely. There is one group of students that Dumbledore has no influence over and whose families would defend them violently. He wouldn't dare to question them, even if he knew it was them that leaked the information. We just need a willing member." Dora thought for a second and nodded. "That could work, but who do we pick? The Malfoys are down one elf and we could get Dobby in trouble if one of the other Malfoy elves spots him at the school." Hazel thought back to her summer lunches with the Coalition members and looked at Croaker. "Would Lord Nott be opposed to letting his grandson summon the family elf for an emergency message? He is the only family the old man has left out of Azkaban."

Croaker smiled at her. "Oh, I don't think he would mind at all. I'll leave a message with Lady Greengrass so that her Heiress approaches Heir Nott. We should have a notification by the end of the day." Dora groaned. "Which leaves the suspect a second full night to hide any evidence. Great." Horatio sighed. "You aren't wrong, Tonks, but Dumbledore did have the students stuck in their dorms for all of last night with the Staff searching the Castle. Their movements have already been limited." Dora shrugged. "Still a crapshoot though. We lost two days because of Dumbledore's mail censorship and by the time we got there, the memory would likely have covered its bases. How are we supposed to find a single cursed book in Hogwarts though? The place is full of every type of book and probably a sizable amount of them are cursed." Croaker eyed Hazel. "We start with the students and work our way out. Since the anticipated target never got the book, we can't discard anyone else. Remember to handle it with extreme care. The book latches onto a person's magic. The longer in their presence, the longer the drain. Looking for signs of Magical Exhaustion won't help at Hogwarts, since it's a given a lot of the students will suffer the symptoms over their classwork alone, but it's a start. I'll get the ball rolling with Greengrass and Bones, you two get ready to leave as soon as the order is given."

Hazel watched as Albus Dumbledore approached Amelia and the Aurors that flanked her as they entered the Main Gates of the Castle. "Amelia? What brings you here? There is certainly no reason to bring such a heavy Auror presence to the school." Amelia glared at the Headmaster. "So you don't have your caretaker currently petrified in the Hospital Wing?" Albus blinked at her, seemingly confused as to where she heard the news from. "I will admit someone played a most mean-spirited prank on Argus, but nothing to involve the Aurors over." Amelia's foot started tapping on the floor and the Aurors gave her a bit of distance. They all knew Amelia's tells. "Really? Because I was told he couldn't be revived via standard means. There was also a threatening message on the walls. You may see this as a poor excuse for a prank, but this is grounds for an Auror investigation and my people are here to carry it out. We will start with the students as my Aurors check the castle's classroom and dorms." Albus tried to wave the matter away. "Now Amelia, this is a bit extreme for a Hogwarts matter." Amelia growled. "Albus, this investigation is happening. I have records from fifty years ago about a similar set of incidents that ended with the death of a girl. I am not looking to repeat history. Are you?"

Dumbledore seemed stunned for a moment as if not completely contemplating what the situation ment. He sighed. "Very well, but I will bring this up to the Board. Bringing Aurors to search the school isn't something that the Charter accepts easily." Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Sure. While we are at it we can also discuss your interception of mail, which is illegal outside of times of war. We aren't at war, Albus. Let's see who the Board finds acted out of their purview." Dumbledore seemed to age a bit before he walked away, probably to his office. Amelia looked at Hazel and Dora. "You two have your orders. Go and carry them out." Hazel and Dora nodded as they headed for the stairs that went down to the Dungeons. Dora eyed Hazel. "I like your eyes better in green." Hazel chuckled. "And I like yours better in purple." Dora blushed. "Is there a reason you change your eye color to blue for this?" Hazel hummed. "A certain Dungeon Bat was a close friend to Lily Evans. She, Harry and I share a similar shade of eye color and I was hoping to avoid having the double agent in the Castle make any assumptions that could lead to him and the old goat trying to impede us."

Dora frowned. "You said he is a double agent. For which side is he really spying for?" Hazel shrugged. "Not a damn idea. My money is on him being on his own side first, everyone else second. Old oaths compel him to serve one or both. On the plus side, if the Diary was made in the 1940s as suspected, old Voldemort's memory won't know about him and won't know to use Snape to suit his plans, which gives us a bit of an edge. By the way, you lead with him. I am half a mind to cut his throat open and walk away." Dora sighed. "Hazel…" The white haired witch hummed merrily as they walked past the Kitchens and deeper into the Castle. "Actually, I have Lockhart here too. What should I do to him, I wonder? Castration? Maybe. Cruciatus? Definitely. Leaving him covered in honey in a room full of fire ants? Decisions, decisions." Dora heard enough and whacked Hazel on the head. "We are here to hunt down a cursed book, not to get your bloodlust sated." Hazel pouted. "Spoilsport." Dora glared at her. "I'll tell Teddy what you were planning to do." Dora regretted saying that as soon as she saw Hazel's sad expression. "Fine. No tortures or killings today unless it's a memory in a book."

Bothered by her partner's expression, Dora squeezed her hand. "What did Snape do to you anyway? You had to be in school around the same time he was." Hazel shook her head, as if to chase away her emotions. "We met after he graduated. He was a Death Eater and one of Voldemort's spies. He was also a nasty Wizard to run into. He spent his years at school fighting with Gryffindors and inventing new curses for revenge. The war gave him the perfect outlet for his frustration. Voldemort had it out for me in that he wanted me captured, so Snape was his perfect sadistic retriever. He made sure I was never too damaged by the other Death Eaters. Last time I saw Snape out of Hogwarts I sent an AK at him and walked away. Guess I missed him. On the plus side, I doubt he could ever figure out who I am. I am very different from the girl I once was." Dora could tell there was more to what Hazel experienced but she imagined it had more to do with Hazel's secrets. Having a Dark Lord hunting you didn't seem like the best way to live and if Snape was in the Order, then Hazel clearly found no help there either. No wonder she hates both sides equally. "Alright, I will take the lead with him. All I did was almost kill him with a plant, so he shouldn't be too hostile." Hazel nodded and bumped Dora's shoulder with hers. "You also need to share that memory later. I want to see his face. Bet it was priceless."

OW April 1997

"Concentrate, Potter. The Dark Lord won't hesitate to peak into your mind and leave you a blathering mess. Control your emotions and concentrate!" Hazel felt her temper rising. She had been at it with Severus Snape as her Occlumency Instructor since last year. Nothing came of it except for migraines and a lot of sleepless nights. Feeling tired of dealing with him tonight she did the opposite of what he asked and filled her mind with rage, which seemed to force him out violently. "Enough! I've had it with your lessons." Snape snickered at her. "Just like your father. Lazy, arrogant." Hazel spat at him. "You would know, not me. You got my parents killed playing Death Eater. Tell me, does it still sting that she picked Dad over you!" Snape aimed his wand at her. "Legilimens." Hazel felt him enter her mind but she dug deep into her rage, feeding it to him. He got launched out of her mind as a guttural growl left her mouth. "I said enough! You don't care that I master it. You don't care that I survive. I don't need to see into that blackened skull of yours. All you care about is hurting me for my father's crimes. I am done! Take your Occlumency and Defense classes and count me out."

Hazel turned to leave before she felt the incoming spell from behind. She turned and avoided it. "Crucio!" Snape dodged her curse, sneering at her as he moved about his office carefully. "Please. As if you could manage to hold that curse long on me. I have been under ones cast by the Dark Lord himself." Hazel gave him a predatory grin. "So have I and you have given me six years worth of material to hate you for. Want to reap what you sow?" Hazel dodged a silent curse that carved a gash into the stone wall just behind her and cast the Cruciatus curse at him again, barely grazing him. Snape stalked towards her. "You think you know how to fight? Please. The lessons from Mad-Eye and your Godmother have gone to your head. The Order struggles because none of them have what it takes to fight back." Hazel eyes light up with magic. "Then try me. I avenged my Godmother's death. Try me so I can show you that I am not one of Dumbledore's pawns and I refuse to be your punching bag anymore. Avada Kedavra!" The Potion Master's office lit up a dark green color as the man dodged the curse by jumping behind his desk. Hazel swung her wand and smashed all the vials behind where the man hid, hoping the mixture of them was dangerous to him.

"Come on out, Snivellus. You wanted revenge on James Potter's crimes against you? Here I am. Try and kill me. I want to haunt you and see Voldemort tear you apart. Word is I am his after all. So which do you want, death at the hands of the girl you tortured for six years or death at the hands of the Master you keep swearing loyalty to, even as he has you licking your wounds from his lessons in discipline." Hazel heard a frustrated growl from him as the door behind her opened. "Severus. Dumbledore has called the Order. Voldemort's forces are attacking St. Mungos. Hur… good heavens! Miss Potter, what did you do!" Hazel took her bag and pulled out her cloak. "What I had wanted to do for years. Later, Minerva." Snape yelled out to her as she left the door. "This isn't over, Potter." Hazel pointed her wand back. "As far as I am concerned, it is. Later Snivellus. Impetus Tempestatis." Hazel smirked as she heard the door slam shut on the two professors as the wind threw the office into chaos. Once safely under the Cloak she pulled out the Marauder's Map and looked for her boyfriend's name. She needed a good snog and maybe a little something more to get her mood into a more pleasant state.

NW November 2nd 1992

Severus Snape had taken a lot of convincing about the search of the Slytherin Dorms, but he agreed to one eventually, calling the students to wait outside in the corridors. After scanning that none of the students took anything improper with them, Hazel and Dora sweeped the rooms. A few kids were cheeky, raising wards for their chambers but Hazel dismantled them easily enough. Her work with charms based wards had improved as Croaker kept lending her more and more books on wards, even rune based ones. At least her Futhark was improving. The best part of these lessons had been pulling Teddy in with her and the two studying Futhark together. It was a lot more fun and Hazel could make the lessons more practical by showing him how to apply Runes for wards on the spot. Teddy had been a bit worried when she made the cookie jar vanish but Hazel promised not to do that if he kept to the allotted amount of cookies per week. Her son hadn't given her a reason to conceal it since, though she did add a stinging ward on it. Dora had been stealing cookies from the jar too.

Despite the wards raised by the students, Hazel and Dora found nothing of concern through most of the dorms, just your typical things a student would conceal, like contraband alcohol, sweets and a few cheat sheets. One room, however, did have something of concern. Hazel could feel the binding and compulsion spells on it. She could also see traces of blood where the wrists would be placed. "Dora. You have been spending more time with the legal division. Care to look at this and check it for me? It isn't the book we are looking for but I am pretty sure it's illegal." Dora came in and cast diagnostic spells on it. She cursed. "The hell is an enslavement collar and manacles set doing here!" Hazel pulled out an extendable bag and dropped the cursed item inside of it before sealing the bag. She concentrated on her memories of seeing Teddy smiling up at her as a baby and Dora watched as a tiny Patronus manifested on Hazel's hand. It looked like a dragon, though it seemed off to Dora's eyes. "Director. We have a cursed object in a sixth year Slytherin student's dorm. Enslavement and binding curses on it, along with traces of blood. Might want to send someone to collect the student for investigation. Student's name is Marcus Flint."

The patronus took flight and vanished to deliver its message. After making sure there were no other cursed objects and finding trace evidence that the enslavement collar had been hidden in the same spot for some time, Hazel and Dora exited the dorms and ran head first into an irate Professor Snape. "What did you do? One of my students was just pulled away for questioning." Dora's hand on her back stopped Hazel from cursing him and made her think on what to say. "Your student was in possession of an illegal dark artefact, one designed to enslave and bind another person to his will. The artefact is very likely illegal in the Hogwarts Charter too. He will be processed as the DMLE determines what crimes he will be charged with beyond mere possession. There is also trace magic of it being there for years, so don't try to spin it as a plant by a fellow student, Professor." Snape stared at her and Hazel gave him a grin. "Bit of a warning, Former Death Eater. My Occlumency is designed to incapacitate trespassers violently. Care to try your luck?" The man lowered his eyes.

"You are aware you may be ruining a boy's future with this?" Hazel bared her teeth. "If the artefact was used on another person, he doesn't get to play the victim card. At some point we are all victims, professor. The question is when the person decides what comes next. To fight back or to become a victimizer themselves. By the end, it doesn't matter who suffers what, because everyone has already lost something. Your student may lose a promising future, another may have taken their life or have already lost any sense of safety a school should provide to them. So tell me, Professor. Do you want your students to be safe or to get away with anything they want? Because the latter is exactly what gave rise to your former pals. It's also the reason I have left every single Death Eater in my path with a one way ticket to a box six feet under. So, which are you willing to foster in this once noble House?" Snape stared hard at her for a bit but never dared to test her mind. He looked away. "You aren't any different from them, Auror." Hazel smiled. "I know. I stopped caring about being different. It's what happens when you can drown in the blood of the people you have killed. Your former Dark Lord had the same look, right?"

Snape stepped aside to let them leave. "I don't believe you know who you are talking about, Auror." Hazel hummed as she walked past him. "Oh, I am sure I knew him better than you ever did. I am also sure a smart man such as yourself knows exactly what he valued you as; a portable Apothecary. Must be nice, being no better than the corner stores at Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. Oh, I forgot. That tattoo you got also made you a dog. Be careful not to run wild though. I might just put you down. If you can prove to be a better person than the majority of the people who wear that Mark, you might just live to see old age. Do remember that for the next time we meet." Dora followed her out of the Common Room, leaving a pensive man behind as he summoned his students back inside the Slytherin Dorm. Dora kept walking beside Hazel in silence for a bit. "I didn't kill him." Dora squeezed Hazel's shoulder gently. "No, you didn't. So, want me to show you where Teddy will be sleeping for 7 years of his life?" Hazel groaned. "Fine, but stop reminding me of that. My future separation anxiety and concerns with the school's safety are not making the thoughts any easier to bear." Dora patted Hazel's back reassuringly as they approached Professor Sprout. Today was going to be a long day.

Hermione made her way up to the seventh floor and paced back and forward in front of the wall until a door appeared. She entered the small private room that she and Tom had designed to keep him stored safely. Tom had been worried when he heard how active the Aurors had been the last year at Hogwarts and asked Hermione to bring him here for safe keeping. When I crafted this book, I was barely sixteen, had just watched a building get blown up beside my orphanage during the Blitz and had failed to get permission to stay at Hogwarts over the summer. I watched as men, women and children died. Like with you, the purebloods did not care what happened to me. I was a wizard with a muggle's last name after all. So I looked desperately for a means of securing my legacy. I found some books that delved into places Dumbledore and the Ministry don't like for anyone to discover. I found a way to preserve my memories and my personality so that even if I died before the war ended, there would still be a record of Tom Riddle. I could prove to them I was smarter than the rest. And I did. I am asking you to hide me because they wouldn't understand why I made my decision, they would only destroy me. I don't want to die, Hermione.

So she did as he asked of her and placed him in a room he had discovered, a place where he would be safe from the staff and the Aurors. Hermione sat down and pulled open the Diary. "The Aurors are finally gone now. They arrested a Slytherin boy for hiding a dark artefact in his room on the first day, but that was it. They kept at it for a month and nothing came from it. No one knows who the Heir of Slytherin is and everyone is worried when he will strike again. Ron says it might be Draco Malfoy, since he is always spouting racist remarks he learned from his dad." Hermione smiled, seeing Tom respond to her quickly. There was an Abraxas Malfoy in my year. Blonde hair, Heir to an exiled French family. Bit of a snob but he always watched his words. Might be the boy's Grandfather. Such a shame, as the young man I knew mellowed out a little in his later years before I made the Diary. Unless Abraxas married into some really old and reclusive families, I don't think his grandson is the Heir. We actually had a similar set of events at Hogwarts in the year before this diary was made. I spent some time in the library and couldn't find much on the Slytherin line. Either the information was removed by the Heirs or by people who wanted to make sure the Heirs didn't discover their legacy.

Hermione dipped her quill in ink and responded. "Dumbledore got reprimanded by the Board for intercepting the students mail during the first few days of the incident. Could he have hidden the information on the Heirs from the school?" Tom took a bit longer to respond. Maybe. You said the only electives available now were Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy, Runes, Divination, Muggle Studies and maybe NEWT Alchemy? We used to have more in my time under Headmaster Dippet. Dueling, Healing, Spell Creation, NEWT Warding and Enchanting. There were also unused textbooks in the library for Wizarding Law, Rituals, Blood Magic and Wand Crafting. I think there were more but those were probably ancient courses, taught by the School closer to the Founders' age. I personally took Arithmancy, Runes and Dueling myself. Tried for Spell Creation but my schedule didn't allow for it. Regardless, Dumbledore likes keeping important information from people he can't trust, which is everyone. He probably ended the Dueling course to eliminate future threats that don't exist. Hermione thought about all the courses she could have taken and was missing out on. "I was planning to take Runes and Arithmancy but I don't know about the rest. Muggle Studies doesn't seem very accurate based on what I have heard the older students say. Divination doesn't sound very appealing beyond learning of the Ancient Oracles and such. Care, at least seems fine, since who knows what creatures one could run into."

Tom replied. Indeed. One of my schoolmates had an immature Acromantula with them as a pet. Don't know what he was thinking bringing that thing into the Castle. Read up on them after it almost bit me. Nasty spiders get quite big in a few decades. The school also hosts Thestrals and Hippogriffs, or at least it did in my time. The Thestrals pull the carriages that seem horseless, while the Hippogriffs keep the more dangerous creatures away from the school with their presence. Saw a few wild Unicorns once too. With your limited choices, I say that sounds like a safe class to take. Do be careful with the lake. Some nasty Kelpies swim in it and sometimes catch students that swim into the deep water. We didn't lose anyone while I was there but a couple out for a swim got killed some years back by them. I know there are Grindylows in the lake too, but they don't get too close to the surface. Hermione wrote back quickly. "Guess it's Care for me, along with Arithmancy and Runes. Thanks for listening to me and for sharing about how Hogwarts is different. Sounds like we are missing out on a lot of cool courses." Tom's flowing script answered back. Anytime. Actually, the next time you visit, I might have a surprise for you. Might make up for the things you're missing out on.

Hermione smiled, bid goodbye and stepped out of the room. She noticed that she was a bit later than she had planned on being but she still made it back to the Common Room before Curfew. She pulled out her seat beside Harry and took out her textbooks and parchments. Ron, across from her, eyed her. "Where were you? Harry went looking for you in the library and didn't find you." Hermione shrugged. "A small unused classroom. I like to just read and relax in a private space rather than focusing on homework all the time. It's getting quite exhausting and the Library has been quite noisy as of late." Both Harry and Ron agreed with her on that they all sat down to write their assignments, though Ron kept trying to copy from theirs. Hermione smiled at Harry, glad he was taking his courses seriously this year. She yawned as she wrote more of her assignments, wondering just why she was feeling so tired. She would have to ask her mom or Madam Pomfrey if periods made a person tired, since hers just started. The next morning, Colin Creevy would be found petrified, the photo he took of Hermione leading a Basilisk through the corridors destroyed by the creature's gaze.

Chapter 22: Yuletide Tales

"You sure you don't want to come with us for Christmas? Mom wouldn't mind. She would be delighted to have you as a guest again." Harry sighed. "No Ron, I don't. I'll be fine with my relatives and I have some things I need to look through back at their place. It's important to me and with the school closed for the Holidays this is my best chance for some peace and quiet." Ron didn't look happy but he left it alone as the line of students moved forward. The second attack at the end of November had really gotten the school into a frenzy. Lockhart had hosted a dueling club that was supposedly aimed at teaching everyone how to, in his words, fight a monster. All Harry learned is that most of the students didn't know how to defend themselves at all, not even some of the older kids. The only ones he saw being decent at it in his year were Susan Bones, the pretty redhead from Hufflepuff, Daphne Greengrass, a dark haired girl from Slytherin, Theodore Nott, from Slytherin as well, and, to his surprise, Neville. Neville had launched Draco far on the Dueling platform and was able to raise his shields quickly, knocking the prat out to everyone's surprise. Apparently he had received some tutoring in the summer and a new wand that allowed him to cast spells better. He was also exercising at the behest of his tutor. He had blushed when Harry asked him if he could join him on his morning exercises but Neville happily agreed to it.

Those exercises weren't exactly groundbreaking, with most of it being running, jogging and some stretches but Harry felt himself more wide awake on the mornings within a month and could now do the morning runs without breathing heavily at the end of them. He was also eating a bit more, which he was thankful for. Andromeda's medical report had made Madam Pomfrey apologize to him for not noticing his physical condition when he was brought to the Hospital Wing at the end of the last year and he was instantly placed on a bit of a nutrition supplement diet. His scars were treated once a week too and he was surprised to see how much they had faded away already. He certainly felt more confident and less anxious about his body when he showered among other students, which was all the time in the Gryffindor Dorms and in the Quidditch lockers. Despite some differences with equipment, Gryffindor won its match against Slytherin. There was no easy way for Slytherin to win with their team captain being dragged off by the Aurors. He had been surprised to see the two Aurors from the Alley come and inspect the Gryffindor dorms, but they left with only pointing out that the older students shouldn't share their alcohol with the minors and for the Weasley Twins to not bobbytrap their room again.

The Twins acted weird around the pink haired Auror and he later learned that she had dated their brother Charlie when they were at school. They tried their twin voice act to woo the white haired Auror but she simply silenced them and told them that if she heard them pranking second year and younger students, they would wish they could spend the rest of their lives separate from each other. The pink haired Auror pulled them aside and they seemed to have been spooked by whatever she said. The second and first year students had gone prank free ever since. When the two Aurors left, Harry had been surprised to see a few snacks added to his trunk with a note asking him to please stay out of trouble. He was happy knowing those two were friendly enough to look after him. His thoughts came back to the present he found in his trunk, a book on mental exercises to help with keeping calm in stressful situations, when he spotted the same two Aurors scanning the students as they boarded the train. He smiled when he reached the white haired Auror. "Hello. Still nothing?" Hazel shook her head. "Can't tell you kid. Just be careful. Heard from Andromeda you didn't take their Christmas invitation."

Harry blushed slightly and lowered his eyes. "I wanted to but it felt wrong. I haven't met the family yet." Hazel chuckled and pointed at her partner who was scanning Hermione, before waving his friend into the train after a few words. "That's Tonks. She has a first name but I am banned from saying it to another person within earshot of her." Tonks waved at him and he waved back. "Huh. I guess you are close to the Tonks family? Are you… are you aware of the arrangement around my custody?" Hazel smiled at him. "A bit. Also partners are encouraged to train and spend their free time together. Better trust, better results and all that. So, are you heading back to Surrey?" Harry nodded and Hazel hummed. "Then take care and remember that people are watching them. Be polite and respectful and if they start anything, you have the satisfaction to know you did nothing wrong. You're clear so get on board and Happy Holidays." Harry nodded. "Happy Holidays." He took a cabin with Ron, Hermione and Neville and the three chatted away merrily as the Hogwarts Express took them back home. Harry wondered how long the school would remain closed as it was searched in its entirety for the potential Chamber of Secrets he had been hearing about.

"Happy Holidays!" Dora pulled the warmly dressed Teddy into a hug. "Happy Holidays, kid. Welcome to our home." Teddy got pulled into a deeper hug by Andromeda as Hazel entered the House. Hazel glared at Dora, who tried to play innocent. "Next time you decide to prank Q before the Holidays, don't. She was furious with that stale case of beer you sent her." Dora laughed. "Think she will trust my real gift when she gets back from her vacation in Guatemala?" Hazel shrugged. "You'll know if the gun you eventually try out explodes on you." Dora blinked for a second before her hair turned yellow. "Oh. I forgot about that." Hazel hummed merrily at Dora's reaction, leaving her now cleaned boots beside Teddy's as she took her jacket off, revealing a black turtleneck with long sleeves that had Dora licking her lips. Hazel hugged Andromeda before turning to Ted. "Pleasure to meet you officially, sir. Your wife and daughter speak highly of you." Ted shook her hand. "And of you, as well. Dora especially. Come on in. I have some sparkling drinks here for the non-alcoholics in the house." Hazel breathed a sigh of relief. " Thank the heavens. I'll take some. That eggnog Dora gave me was sweet rocket fuel and I am not planning on getting drunk for any reason near her just yet." Ted chuckled and showed her into the house.

The group settled into the family room beside the Christmas tree as Andromeda brought a tray of cold cuts for everyone to eat as the presents were opened. Teddy went first, opening a small box that turned out to be a Wizard Wireless. Dora smiled at him. "Since you will be going to Hogwarts in the coming September, I thought you might like a little music with you." Teddy beamed. "It's great! Thank you!" Dora opened one of her presents and frowned at the keychain until she groaned and glared at Hazel. "You didn't." Her partner drank from her sparkling apple juice, a grin on her face. "What? You were cute as a bunny rabbit. I thought of giving you a rabbit's foot I made from a real rabbit myself but Teddy said it was in bad taste." Dora looked back at the key chain and then at Teddy. "You know what, thanks kid. I really don't want to know what a rabbit's foot made by a Blood Witch ends up doing." Hazel glared at Dora. "This Blood Witch might disable your balance charm at any moment, Bugs." Dora flushed, her hair turning red. "That is not my new nickname!" Teddy laughed and filled Andromeda and Ted in on the joke. "Dora was babysitting me when she did her Animagus exercises. I spent an hour alone with her as she ran around as a cute brown bunny rabbit across the entire apartment in a panic, since she couldn't switch back, until Mom arrived. Mom took a photo of me holding her before she turned her back and the keychain is that photo. We got a few spares if you want them."

The Tonks laughed while Dora groaned in embarrassment. "And I haven't been stuck in a form since!" Hazel chuckled. "True but you're still only a bunny rabbit. Shift to another form before Q picks it up as your new nickname." The gifts exchange continued with Ted Tonks getting some nice fountain pens from Hazel, a new coffee mug from Dora that holds heating charms better and some oddly colored socks from Andromeda that made everyone one laugh. Andromeda got her gifts as well, including a modern surgeon's book from Hazel and a new Healer's kit from Dora. Dora found two more presents, one being a box that made her blush at the lacy underwear inside of it, some new color changing socks from her dad and a final small box that had Teddy moving closer. Inside she found a handcrafted bracelet with three charms on it: a rabbit, a wolf and a tree. She hugged Teddy and eyed Hazel, who explained. "That's leather from a direwolf with a few enchantments on it. Most of it is standard stuff like poison and potion detection, plus charm resistance. I would list all the enchantments on it but I got a headache from the enchantress saying them. There is a note in the box with the list." Dora frowned. "How much was this?" Hazel shrugged. "The Enchantress got a large supply of direwolf leather in exchange so not as much as it should have been."

Dora shook her head as she tied the bracelet onto her arm. Teddy went to grab the rest of his presents, which included candy, a book on the Black family from Andromeda and one big box. He stared at his initials on the leather casing of the trunk before turning to his mom and hugging her. "It's for Hogwarts?" Hazel grinned. "Technically it's for the rest of your life. Lots of big compartments, room for improvements and lots of safety features. You didn't think I would send you off with some rickety old trunk, did you?" Teddy remained in a good mood as Hazel opened her gifts. Andromeda gifted her some very sharp looking kitchen knives, while she also got a book on Witchcraft curses from Croaker, a bottle of wine and some lacy underwear from Dora that Hazel hid from Teddy. The last gift made her look at Ted Tonks curiously, "You trying to tell me something?" The lawyer grinned. "Dora says you aren't the most law friendly person around. A self updating law book sounded like a good idea." Hazel hummed, eyeing the thick tome. "I hope you don't mind if I take my time reading this. Might finish it by the end of the next millennium. Or I could just go and torch the Ministry and reduce it down to the size of a brochure." The Tonks laughed as she placed the massive book away, the book making a considerable thud when placed on the ground, before she pulled the last gift onto her lap. Teddy spoke up. "Q helped me make it."

Hazel held up a similar looking bracelet to the one they gave Dora, but this one had her tree, Teddy's wolf and the Peverells symbol of the Hallows. Ted Tonks eyed it. "Grindelwald's emblem?" Teddy shook his head. "It belonged to the Peverell family before him. He stole it and made it something bad. I know you can't show it off but I thought you should carry it. We are the two living Peverells left after all." Hazel pulled Teddy to her and hugged him. "I love it. Where did you get the leather?" Teddy blushed. "I looked in your old trunk and found the scraps from the Hebridean Black you killed and had rendered down. Since you weren't using them… " Hazel kissed Teddy's cheek. "It's fine. It's better than the bootlaces I was thinking of making with them." Dora eyed them. "Wait, you killed a Basilisk and a Dragon?" Teddy giggled. "No, she killed a Basilisk and two dragons. A lot of scary monsters when winter got bad too." Hazel ruffled Teddy's hair and looked at the Tonks family, especially Dora. "Are you done with your Occlumency?" Dora nodded and Hazel sighed. "On New Year's Eve. When we get together then, you will know all about me. Then you get to decide for yourself what we mean to each other."

OW December 31st 1992

You know, I think this is the first time I have spent my birthday in someone else's company. Hazel stared at the page and wrote her response. "Happy Birthday then. I am sorry I can't get you anything though, since you are in a book and all." Tom took longer to reply when his next words surprised her. Would you like to see what it's like here? I promise you won't get stuck in the book or anything, but I can show you what my inner space is like. Hazel smiled. "Sure!" She felt magic wrap around her and she was momentarily blinded by a light before she could see again. She blinked until her eyes focused on the boy in front of her. He was clearly a few years older but wearing a similar uniform to hers. His Prefect's badge was clearly visible on his robes too. What surprised her most was his eyes. She had seen Quirrell's and Voldemort's eyes, so she was surprised to see some similarities there. Tom's eyes were a nice blue though and his hair had a nice wave to it. She was sure that if Lavender or Parvati saw him they would be salivating over him like they did with that Cedric boy. "A pleasure to finally meet you, Tom."

Tom smiled at her, a genuinely warm smile. "A pleasure indeed, Hazel. Welcome to Hogwarts, circa 1943." Hazel followed him around the castle's halls, seeing snippets of his memories manifest in every corner. Hazel beamed at him. "This is so cool! How did you manage this?" Tom blushed. "A bit of Occlumency and some rituals my family left behind. Took a lot of work but I can replay anything that happened to me since my first year at Hogwarts up to the end of my fifth year. Bit of the only thing I could do to pass the time." Hazel grew sad. "Must have been dreadful after a while." Tom nodded as they went up the stairs. "It was. Which is why I am glad to have met you, Hazel. Sure, you are a girl and some of the things you said went over my head." Tom chuckled at seeing Hazel pout. "But you've been a great friend and companion. I spent five years hearing about how great Dumbledore was from the other students and staff members. Most of my memories have those conversations. Hearing you see him as I did, feel how annoying he really is. It was nice not feeling alone anymore. After a while I thought I was imagining things."

Hazel chuckled. "I can only imagine how your living self had to suffer hearing about Dumbledore facing off against Grindelwald. They are still singing his praises almost half a century later." Tom shuddered. "Glad I personally missed that. Here we are." Hazel blinked as she stared out of the Astronomy Tower into a vivid night sky. Tom stood by her, his eyes scanning the sky. "The oddest thing happened when I and my living self made this place. While the school got that weird color loss, the night sky stayed perfectly normal." Hazel shook her head. "I think it makes sense. The halls and classrooms are all going to depend on what it is you experienced or how you remembered the events. The sky is just the sky. It changes by the hour and everything but it doesn't stop being any less beautiful, especially at night. I come up here all the time under my cloak to just sit here and watch the stars. It helps me forget about all the bad things in my life." Tom hummed and looked to the stars. "They helped me forget as well." The two sat down and tried to piece together what they remembered from Astronomy. Tom actually blushed when he realized he didn't have a perfect recall there because of how tired he got during the class, which made Hazel chuckle. As Hazel prepared to leave, Tom hugged her. "Thank you for tonight. Pretty sure this was my best birthday ever."

The next day Hazel returned at night, wishing to tell Tom of the strange happenings at the school. The weird message on the wall and the petrified bodies of Mrs. Norris and Zacharias Smith were bad, but it was worse when everyone started calling her the Heir of Slytherin. Malfoy had conjured a cobra against Zacharias Smith in one of Lockhart's stupid Dueling Club meetings earlier in the year and Hazel had tried to get the cobra to listen to her before it bit the Hufflepuff but it refused to pay attention to her, the snake being safely vanished away by Snape. The school had been wary of her since, including the Professors, but with the whole message written in blood on the wall, and the incident with the cobra, they all suddenly thought it was her. Dumbledore had been even more annoying than ever in his questioning of her. So she ignored everyone, ate her meals and did her assignment before returning to her dorm room. She opened her trunk and froze. The diary, her friend Tom, was gone.

NW December 31st 1992

Dora stared at Hazel, trying to wrap her head around what she just heard. "You were Harry Potter." Hazel bristled. "I was Hazel Potter, who lived a similar childhood to your Harry Potter, plus 16 more years of a very different life. I was never a boy." Dora shook her head, trying to make sense of her partner's words. "And you escaped into our world with your blood adopted son, to avoid dying in a Nuclear Winter?" Hazel nodded and Ted Tonks looked at Andromeda. "Your two patients from Chernobyl?" Hazel frowned and looked at Andromeda who blushed. "I read a bit of my order to Ted and Dora when Croaker called me to check you. The high radiation exposure made Ted think you somehow got lost in Chernobyl." Hazel sat back as Dora looked at Hazel for a second, remembering something. Teddy's eyes now held a whole lot more meaning to her. "Hazel, who are Teddy's birth parents?" Hazel eyed her carefully. "The woman was a friend, the man is immaterial after I replaced him in the Blood Adoption." Ted frowned. "How does that work exactly? I heard of two parents replacing the previous ones and a man taking another man's place, but never a woman replacing a man." Hazel hummed. "An old Blood Magic trick and the benefits of being a Metamorphmagus. Any more details are personal."

Seeing that Hazel was trying to avoid the subject, Dora growled. "Hazel, who was Teddy's mother?" A shiver ran down Dora's spine when Hazel's cold stare was aimed at her. They stared at each other for several quiet seconds. "Teddy was born to my world's Nymphadora Tonks in 1997, before she died a little over two months later." Dora felt things she noticed click into place. Teddy's purple eyes and the few glimpses she saw of Hazel looking at her with concern, almost fear, when she spent time with Teddy. Her partner had seen her with Teddy and a part of her had feared what it meant for her own relationship with the child. Dora closed her eyes as another thought filled her heart with dread. "What did she mean to you?" Hazel frowned. "She isn't you." Dora glared. "What did she mean to you?" Hazel glared back at her, feeling her emotions and memories acting up. "Nothing! Because she turned me down. I was too young for her. Instead, she went with a man a decade older than her with self esteem problems who, as far as I was concerned, was not good enough for her. I watched that man abandon her twice! The second time I personally dragged him back, bloodied and stunned, to Andromeda's home because if he missed Teddy's birth, I would have killed him! If he had survived at all after your death, I would have done just that!"

Dora stared at Hazel, seeing the pain in her eyes. She also saw something else. Her eyes started shifting colors, like hers did when she was upset. Hazel clenched her fists, her body shaking for a bit, as she seemed to struggle with maintaining what emotional control she had. "But you aren't her anymore than Dromeda is Andi. You are already so different from her. I came here with the intention of raising my son in a better world. I was given a chance to not only do that, but to keep the other versions of the people I cared about alive." Hazel stared at Dora. "For all of my insecurities, you aren't the woman who gave birth to Teddy. Teddy's Mama died and I accepted that. I met you and Dromeda and I knew it would never be the same. And I was happy about that. Because I died inside when she turned me down. I got into a relationship with the intent of drowning out all of my sorrows with a person who ended up only caring about what he could get from me. I was ready to go to my death happily before Teddy came along and gave me a reason to live. I will always care about Teddy's mother for that, but she isn't you." Hazel lowered her eyes as her body shook harder. "I think I need some freezing air. Excuse me."

Hazel walked out into the snow covered backyard and closed the door behind her, leaving the house in silence. Dora rested her head on the table and thought of all the times she and her partner had together, looking for any sign that Hazel had lied to her. That she had looked at her as if she was someone else. Because she couldn't accept that from her. Hazel demanded that she be herself. How could she if she was looking at Dora as another person entirely? Dora shivered as she remembered Hogwarts. How everyone wanted her for who she could become, but never for her. Dora stood up and left up to her room quietly, closing her door behind her. She froze when she forgot that Teddy had been left there while Hazel talked to them. She tried to leave but Teddy's voice stopped her. "She's hurting a lot. She doesn't know what to do. She likes you a lot but if you do not like her back, it would probably hurt her more." Dora sighed. "It's not that easy, Teddy. If she looked at me expecting to find her Dora, then she was living a lie. I can't care for someone who doesn't see me for who I am. I can't." Teddy shook his head, his purple eyes almost shining in the dark room. "You aren't her. She knows that. Mama died, you are still here. Mama never worked for the DoM and she was dumb for liking Dumbledore and his Order." Dora blinked. "You didn't like her?"

Teddy looked back at the window, snow falling softly outside of the pane of glass. "Grandma Andi told me about her. It was cool hearing about how much we were alike. For a while I wanted to be like her. But then I saw Mom suffering. I watched the Order try and steal me away from her. I watched her suffer because she was left alone to care for me when she could barely take care of herself." Dora saw a tear escape Teddy's eye. "I watched her kill someone once when we were still looking for a new place to live after Grandma Andi died. She didn't know I was there until she heard me move. Mom looked at me with so much fear in her eyes. She thought she had failed me, showing me a part of herself she does everything to hide from me. After that day I knew I loved my Mom, because she would do anything so that I had food on the table and I could smile without being afraid, though I was always scared of what could happen to her if someone managed to catch her. I am grateful for Mama for making her my Godmother, but Mama made a lot of bad choices that got her killed. Because of that, Mom had to keep getting hurt just so that I was happy." Teddy shook and Dora hugged him without thinking. Teddy hugged her back. "You aren't Mama. You are Dora. You are you and that version of you is the person Mom likes now. Please don't forget that. Please. Mom hurts all the time. My magic tells me as much, but she always tries so hard to hide it. She feels better around you. She feels right. So please, don't leave her."

Dora comforted Teddy as she felt her emotions spin wildly, even with her Occlumency controlling them a bit. She could see the few moments when Hazel seemed lost, as if she saw a memory in her. She saw the moments when she tried to kiss Hazel, and watched the change in her eyes. Hope smothered by a memory before Hazel pulled herself away. She always pulled away. Dora bit her lip. She was an idiot. Hazel knew she was having trouble separating her from her world's Dora. She knew it and fought it every time she noticed it happening. She clearly liked her but was constantly afraid of what she felt. She feared it wasn't real, that it wasn't fair to Dora. Dora kissed Teddy on the head and rushed through the house and out to the backyard, finding Hazel standing there like a statue, snow covering her head and shoulders. Dora steeled her resolve. "Hazel." Her partner turned and Dora shivered at the sight. She had never seen that dead look in her eyes. Dora grabbed a hold of Hazel's face and kissed her deeply, desperate to show her how she really felt. She knew she had pulled her partner back the moment she felt Hazel's arms circle her back and the kiss deepen. She stared into the now warm and hopeful eyes she loved the most, not knowing her own eyes had shifted purple.

"I am so sorry. I'm sorry for doubting your feelings for me. I am sorry I forgot how hard you tried to push me away whenever I tried to force you to accept me when I wasn't ready. When you held back as you looked at me and saw someone else. I can see you now, Hazel." Hazel lowered her eyes. "But not all of me." Dora lifted her by the chin. "No, not all of you. Not yet. But I want to. I want to see all of you. Because so far I am certain I am falling in love with you. I want to love all of you. Will you let me?" Dora watched as Hazel seemed to have a struggle with herself. She saw her partner's eyes turn red for a second, then iridescent silver before settling on glowing emerald green. Tears raced down her cheeks from her eyes. "You might not like what you find. I am not a good person Dora, no matter how much I try to be." Dora rubbed her back. "I think I will like what I find. Because even as you hide yourself, you always shine through. You do it all the time for Teddy and now for me. So, will you let me?" Hazel closed her eyes and her body stopped shaking. Those green eyes eventually stared back at Dora as warm lips pressed against her own. "Yes."

Hazel closed the door of her Apartment behind her and listened to Dora showering. She pulled her robes tighter against herself as she waited. Twenty one days since the start of the New Year. Twenty long days of tedious searches of Hogwarts Castle. Despite their best efforts, the search of the school had revealed nothing. No cursed diary, no parseltongue locked secret passages, no entrance to the Chamber. Hazel had been getting more and more frustrated. She could feel they existed. She even marked a few places on the static map of the castle Croaker provided to her that she was sure held an opening that was currently sealed. Most were unsurprisingly in the bathrooms. Hazel was certain that the moment plumbing was developed and applied to Hogwarts, an Heir, probably a Gaunt, went to the Castle and used the passageways created by Salazar to run the pipes throughout the school, before sealing them all again with entrances that were far more elaborate than receding stone walls or floors. That the Gaunts here might have implemented a better security system than the use of the word "open" had been a surprise. Either that or Tom added the changes himself. She knew from experience that the entryways could be sealed, but she wasn't expecting them to be sealed currently. She had been tempted to just blast open a wall she suspected, but the Hogwarts walls were reinforced heavily and the blast would have alerted Tom to their intervention, forcing him underground, which was too dangerous to allow. Hogwarts had already been closed for over a month and Dumbledore was pressuring the Board to let him reopen the school again.

How anyone thought sending the kids back to the school with an unknown danger still at large was a good idea was beyond her, but that was exactly what was happening. The parents wanted to send their children to the one place that could land their kids in the Hospital Wing or worse. Hazel couldn't understand such people. Amelia had delayed the situation as much as she could, but with the Aurors and Curse Breakers coming back with no success, she was also being pressured by the Minister to let the school open again. Hazel was reasonably certain Lucius Malfoy was manipulating him again, with the added problem of Dumbledore playing along. She really hated those two. She looked back at the door that led to her apartment and her sleeping son. She smiled. Teddy had been a bundle of joy since New Years, wanting to spend as much time as possible with Hazel and Dora together. Dora didn't know how to respond most of the time, especially now, knowing that they were related in a way. That he had given her permission to sleep in Hazel's bed permanently had thrown her partner completely for a loop, much to Hazel's amusement. She dreaded the day she would have to give Teddy "The Talk", but she knew it had to be soon. A school full of older hormonal boys and girls where he had to spend ten months of the year wasn't a safe place for anyone's innocence.

Hazel heard the water of the shower turn off and she swallowed her nerves. Dora, wrapped in a bathrobe stepped out of the bathroom and froze as she noticed Hazel in the apartment, her hand rubbing her pink hair dry with a towel. "Oh, did you forget something from the party earlier?" Hazel nodded. "Yeah, I did. I forgot to give you two presents." Hazel came up and handed her a small flat box with a bow. "Happy Birthday, Nymphadora." Dora flushed at hearing Hazel speak her full name, before taking the gift into her hands. She pulled out a silver locket in the shape of a heart, made with a lot of celtic knots and what she assumed was Druidic Script. "It's beautiful. Thank you." Hazel blushed. "It's known as a Promise Token. Lockets, necklaces and charms of the same design are meant as a promise." Dora blinked. "A promise of what?" Hazel's hair shifted to soft red, which made Dora feel very warm. Her girlfriend was smoking hot as a redhead. "That as long as you have it, there is hope. No matter what happens in the future, so long as I never ask for the locket back, you can be safe in the knowledge that I still feel something for you."

Dora looked from Hazel to the locket, her hair shifting colors. She finally pulled the locket over her head and felt it rest on her chest. She kissed Hazel. "Thank you." Hazel hummed and pulled Dora around, leading Dora into her own bedroom. "Your final present is right here too." Dora's mind froze as Hazel dropped her robe onto the floor and sat back on the bed. She locked lips with her girlfriend as Hazel pulled Dora by her robe on top of her, Dora feeling Hazel's warm and naked body under her hands. Hazel stared at Dora with a desperate need. "How do you want me?" Dora frowned. "As yourself." Hazel kissed Dora's neck, drawing shudders and moans from her. "You sure?" Dora's kiss was all the prompting Hazel needed. Dora found herself thrown onto her own bed and her mind began to fail as hands and lips explored her body vigorously. She felt driven to the edge over and over again for what felt like forever until she simply blacked out, a scream ripped from her throat. She woke up in the morning next to a naked Hazel, both their bodies marked by scratches and hickies. Smiling to herself, she tried to go to the bathroom but suddenly remembered Hazel's promise from last summer. Her girlfriend kept it and more, her steps uneven and partly painful as she reached for the bathroom mirror. Dora hoped episkey worked on all the evidence of their intimate night. She didn't want to run into her Mom or Teddy like this in the morning.

Chapter 23: More than one Monster

Amelia felt the headache building as she watched the Board of Governors deliberate. The end of January came up with no signs of the Basilisk she knew was stalking the corridors. Croaker's assessment that the creature had been sealed back up by the Heir seemed to have been spot on, as all of the Curse Breakers in the Ministry hadn't been able to find any way of probing the Castle's walls, especially nog with Dumbledore refusing to give them access to the wards. Even the experts called in from Gringotts, most of them familiar with cracking open tombs with some of the most complex ward schemes, hadn't managed to find anything beyond a few cursed objects in some disused classrooms. Amelia had been disappointed the object responsible for the so-called Defence Position Curse wasn't among those found, as that still left a major concern in the Castle unsolved, just below that of the current situation. Her eyes swept the Governors and she could see that many were actively considering reopening the school. She knew Julia would push for an Auror presence as a last ditch effort but at that point there was nothing else they could do. The trail had simply gone cold with all the kids at home. She hated herself for accepting that even as she wished she could keep Susan at home safely. Dumbledore looked amongst the Governors. "Shall we take it to a vote?"

Julia spoke up. "While I can see your point, Albus, the fact remains that you yourself aren't capable of securing the safety of the school. A staff member and a student, as well as a maledictus, are all petrified in your Hospital Wing. Letting you return everything to how it was in October won't solve the problem at hand. I believe that, at the very least, this incident and its unsolved status demands an Auror presence at the Castle to attempt to guard the children and continue the investigation. As much as I hate to assume the worst from our students, we can assume that one of the children is at least partially responsible for the Heir of Slytherin claim and that they have taken measures to conceal their Ancestor's secret chambers." The Board seemed to be receptive to the idea. Dumbledore was not. "Lady Greengrass, I refuse to believe our student body is capable of something like this. I also don't believe an Auror presence will be all that effective as a deterrent to the forces responsible for these attacks." Julia glared at him. "They clearly seem to be a better deterrent than you yourself, Headmaster. The two attacks were carried out with you in the Castle and no attacks happened when the Castle was being actively searched. As far as I am concerned, an Auror presence is merited."

Amelia could see the Governors warming up to the idea as several nodded to each other in agreement. Having at least two Aurors active in the Castle at all times would be time consuming, but it would hopefully help keep attacks from occurring. While she hated wasting resources, the students were worth it and Croaker had already promised her access to the two Operatives for the more dangerous mission of taking out the monster. This was the best they could get with no suspect and no beast cornered. Amelia and the rest of the Governors turned when her least favorite member of the Board spoke up. "Perhaps we could add another condition? I agree that an Auror presence, even if minimal, would be warranted, but we can't ignore the fact that our Headmaster wishes for the school to open again, on his word alone. Perhaps Dumbledore should assume full responsibility should another attack take place and step down, even if only temporarily, until the Board can make a more informed decision. It seems only fair, with his insistence that everything will be fine." Amelia narrowed her eyes at Lucius Malfoy. Hazel's own experiences pointed to the cursed item being placed on a student deliberately by a Death Eater. In her world, that had seemed to be Nott, with Lucius' blessing. Was he the sole person responsible here?

Dumbledore ran his fingers down his beard. "I am willing to accept that, though I still oppose the Auror presence." Amelia turned to him, her mind churning out possibilities. She cursed under her breath as she concluded that Hazel was bloody right about Dumbledore. The bastard was playing a game with the Death Eaters. While the school was closed, the game was stalled. He wants the students back, or perhaps more precisely, he wants the Heir and Harry Potter back on the grounds. The man was even willing to stick his own reputation on the line, as well as endanger his position as Headmaster to get it. Amelia spared a glance at the Board. While Dumbledore would lose some support, he clearly would retain enough that once the incident was resolved, he would come back to his post. Lucius would end up losing some respect from this and could see his position as Chairman of the Board of Governors challenged. It was all a game, played with the lives of children as collateral. Amelia grinded her teeth as the Governors agreed to a vote. The outcome was as expected, with the majority voting to reopen Hogwarts. Lucius turned to Dumbledore. "You are permitted to reopen the school but are required to host an Auror presence at the school with no interference on your part in their investigations. As the call for reopening started from you, Headmaster, you will assume responsibility should another attack take place and will be temporarily removed from your post until the matter is settled. This meeting is adjourned."

OW February 14 1993

"Dammit it, Tom! Where did you go?" Searching a thousand year old school for a single book had proven to be a difficult task for Hazel. As a twelve year old attending classes, she was simply kept from exploring the school in an organized manner, even with her Invisibility Cloak. This was made all the more difficult with the attacks going on, with Hazel being the primary target of the suspicions, even from her housemates. Since Gryfindor House had proven to be such a disappointment in the previous year, Hazel had looked to the Hufflepuffs since the beginning of the year in the hopes of maybe finding a place to belong. The Hat had said she might have been fine there too. At first the Badgers were distant to her advances and gestures and thoroughly unaccommodating with her desire to be closer to them, but they did eventually get friendlier with her, especially Sally. That all ended catastrophically with her speaking Parseltongue and Zacharias Smith getting petrified. Of the Hufflepuffs, he and Earnie McMillan had never really gotten along with her. They constantly tried to push her away from Sally. When she tried to save Zacharias from the cobra summoned by Draco, everyone misinterpreted what she said since no one else could understand her speaking snake. That he ended up as the first victim seemed to point to her as the perpetrator. Ernie and the Hufflepuffs came after her, including Sally, for something she didn't do.

The sudden petrification of Earnie some weeks after Zacharias only made matters worse for Hazel. Dumbledore had tried to take back her Cloak from her but unfortunately for him, the Cloak seemed to have a mind of its own. It refused to be summoned by the old man, no enchantments would stick to it and best of all to her mind, it simply appeared in her hands when she willed it. She wasn't sure how the Cloak did all these things but she didn't care. It was hers. It was the one thing in the world that refused to betray her. Which was part of the reason she was hunting desperately for the book with Tom inside of it. She needed to know. Did Tom get stolen from her or did he leave her on his own will, somehow? The boy had been a friendly ear and a pleasant conversationalist the half a year that they knew each other. They just clicked so well together, especially concerning old man Dumbledore's hypocrisies. He had even shown her the inside of his world. Sure, the castle of his memories was a bit dull from the bad experiences of his time within the stone walls, but the sky had been beautiful. So why? Why did he vanish after that pleasant night together on his birthday? Surely someone had to have stolen him from her. He wouldn't just leave her like that. Especially now with all the weird attacks going on and the weird voice in the walls that kept repeating "rend, tear, kill" that only she cou-

Hazel's mind crashed as a thought entered her mind. What if she wasn't the only one who could hear the voice in the wall? What if there was one other person? Tom had asked her to speak Parseltongue to him within his world and she managed it, even if it was just barely. The smile on his face felt like she had somehow given him a real present after all. So what if what she was hearing wasn't a voice in her head but Parseltongue or a snake talking? That meant the monster was probably a snake. A snake that she had no power over. But Tom did. Tom told her Parselmouths didn't inherently have Parselmagic. It had to be developed and practiced with the right instructions. He could only know that if he had developed the magic himself. Meaning he was the bloody Heir of Slytherin. Hazel wanted to smash her head into the wall. The bastard was the Heir. He had to be doing this, somehow. Which left the how and the why. How was something she would have to leave for later. The why was what she was having a hard time figuring out. So Hazel kept searching the castle, even with everyone acting all stupid on Valentine's Day. Really, what was the point of giving someone chocolates and asking to be their Valentine in return? Snogging didn't seem all that great. Thinking she might find something in one of the abandoned classrooms in the Dungeons, she gently pulled open a door and her eyes went wide.

She quietly closed it again, and kept on walking, happy her face was covered by the Cloak. It had to be really red. It certainly felt warm enough. Guess that answered as to why they would be giving chocolates out today. She knew from some science books she had read at the Surrey library that animals did it too but it simply didn't cross her mind that people went out of their way for it. Her relatives certainly never seemed interested in it. Shaking her to try and get the images of the two naked upper years out of her mind, she kept searching the castle. The only thing of note that she saw was a Sixth Year Gryffindor girl sneaking into the Defence Professor's office. What could she want with Lockhart so late at night? Hazel didn't find anything else of interest until she found another petrified body on the floor. She almost slipped onto it with how wet the surrounding floor was. She cursed to herself as she saw Sally Anne Perks frozen on the ground. She knew she was going to be blamed for this since their friendship imploded under pressure from the Hufflepuffs. Careful not to be spotted, she decided she needed a break tonight and headed for her Sanctuary. Slipping quickly inside, she just barely noticed as a grate moved back into position on the floor.

NW February 13 1993

"So that's it? Are we just giving up?" Croaker glared at Dora. "No Recruit, we aren't giving up. The Heir has a motive and he will see it through. We are simply unable to stop him right now. Amelia has secured two Aurors in the school at all times and, depending on the rotations, you two can eventually take the position and keep the search going. We simply can't devote all of our attention to this. Not now." Dora sighed as Horatio took over. "The investigation into the drugs being sold from the warehouse that Hazel marked has revealed a lead into the likely source of the modified Pepper Up Potion. To add insult to injury, the materials added to it include Coca leaves, which is a controlled substance among Muggle law enforcement. Our counterparts in the NCIS and Magical South America are not amused by this development." Hazel pulled open her folder and skimmed the notes. "Guess we have a mission to do while we wait for Tom to wake up." Hazel eyed Croaker. "We heard about the decision from the Board about reopening the school, but nothing about the victims. I know Sprout and Snape are working on a Restorative Potion at the school, but couldn't we just transport the potion from the continent?"

Croaker sat back. "That was debated in a later meeting with the DMLE and the result was disappointing. Amelia wants to awaken them to see if they have any pertinent information to share, but Dumbledore insists on handling it internally." Hazel frowned. "Wouldn't their families have something to say about that?" Croaker sighed. "They would, if they were being properly notified in the case of the boy. Filch and Mrs. Norris were both disowned by their birth families and are on their own. The boy is Muggleborn, which means that his Magical Guardian, in this case Professor McGonagall, would have final say on the matter. Amelia has tried appealing to her but the witch, while unhappy, does agree with the Headmaster in that technically the boy is safer petrified until the monster is caught. As for his muggle parents, they simply have no way of forcing the issue at all. Not without running afoul of the Statute of Secrecy, which tends to hit non-magical relatives hard with any infractions." Hazel huffed loudly. "One: that law needs to be reviewed with the UN being part of the discussion. Two: That woman should be removed as a Head of House. She is too strict to be anyone's caretaker or parental proxy." Croaker nodded. "Amelia did speak with her and Neville has seen some improvement with Gryffindor House, but clearly not enough has changed. For the moment, there is nothing left to do legally."

Dora pulled open her own mission file. "Are we making some reconnaissance missions on this warehouse first?" Horatio nodded. "We are. How is your Animorphmagus training going?" Dora blushed. "I managed to shift to a small owl but I need more practice with flying." Hazel chuckled. "Indeed. That crash into the training mats was a sight to see." Dora pouted at her partner. "All you told me was to stretch out my wings." Hazel hummed merrily. "And you did. Five seconds too late. We may need someone to cast a whirlwind spell while I show her by example." Hazel eyed Horatio who nodded. "I'll be there. R2, see if you can master that form and get another more infiltration friedly form, like a mouse, a snake or a smaller bird. The recon mission will be in at least a week. We are already contacting the relevant muggle authorities, those we know are not on the take, and are preparing for another raid. We will provide the recon information and you two will lead the assault before we send the rest in with Aurors, if required, to secure the criminals appropriately. Take this time to prepare and train adequately."

Hazel nodded and stood up as Horatio left the office, while Dora stayed behind. She eyed her boss. "You sure the DoM is ok with us being in a relationship? I know it's not against the rules but we are your only Operatives." Hazel waited by the door as Croaker leaned forward. "Partner based relationships are always a mixed bag. Your emotions will likely get in the way of rational decisions but at the same time emotions power our magic at times. Your primary order is to never leave your partner behind. That won't change with your new relationship. My request is that you two need to get better control of your emotions while under fire. You have improved a lot Tonks, but you are still skittish and Hazel is still too bloodthirsty. Work on that." Dora nodded and turned to leave before Croaker added one last comment. "And I better not hear about you two getting caught in an awkward position in a public setting." Hazel glared at Croaker from the door. "I would never." Croaker's eyes turned to Dora, who blushed. "No, but your partner has a record from Hogwarts about her last two years." Hazel eyed Dora whose hair was cycling through colors. "Dora, you and I need to add a few things to our ground rules. Come along. We also have work tomorrow." Croaker watched them leave as he shook his head, getting back to his papers.

"So, why are we sitting here disillusioned on Valentine's Day?" Hazel sighed, the noise blocked from within a few feet away as they stood on guard in one of the corridors of Hogwarts. "Because I remembered something from my world. I am hoping I am wrong, otherwise I am going to make Amelia pay me back in spades." Dora looked at Hazel. "Is that why you gave me such a great morning today? Because you knew you might ruin our night?" Hazel looked at Dora, feeling a bit guilty. "Yeah. This is our first Valentine's together and I am pretty sure I am about to ruin any mood you might have been in tonight. Still wanted you to have something worth remembering." Dora leaned over and kissed Hazel's cheek. "Ohh, I will remember alright. Quetz practically grilled me on why I had a grin plastered on my face the whole bloody day." Hazel chuckled. "You're welcome." The two sat in silence after that as the clock clicked ever closer to Curfew for the younger years, before the one for the whole school a few hours later. Hazel motioned for Dora to drop the noise cancelling wards as they watched an older student heading towards the Defence Professor's Office door, about an hour after he returned. Hazel made herself visible as she silenced the Professor's door.

"Excuse me, may I see you for a moment, young lady." The girl looked like a deer caught in the headlights. "I … have detention with Professor Lockhart." Hazel eyed her as a disillusioned Dora walked around to stand behind the girl. "Really? Because his detention registry is empty. It was so this morning and your year didn't have class with him today. How curious." The woman started shaking. "I … ahhh… I just… I am of age." Hazel eyed her. "Interesting thing to say. Which is funny because your behaviour just now wasn't entirely correct for a typical response. I am pretty sure you're currently under the effects of a compulsion and who knows how many other maladies. If you could please head towards the Hospital Wing, I will be happy to escort you." Hazel watched as the girl seemed to be fighting the compulsion until Dora flicked her wand. "Finite Enchatatum." The girl's resistance melted away and was replaced by fear. "I… what's been happening to me?" Hazel sighed and helped the girl move along. "Nothing good. Madam Pomfrey and a Mind Healer from St. Mungos will check you out thoroughly. Dora."

Dora went ahead to contact St. Mungos as Hazel tried to keep her emotions in check. She knew if she released the girl, she would go back and slaughter Lockhart. So she waited until Dora was with her before the two stepped out of the Hospital Wing. They stood in silent vigil until the sound of a girl crying announced the door being opened behind them. The Mind Healer, a woman, looked at them both with haunted eyes. "The memory crystals, for what it's worth. I got all the wiped memories back but knowing the perpetrator, I don't see how we will get this to stick, as memories aren't admissible as evidence currently by the Wizengamot. Especially not those from less financially influential families." Hazel held the crystals. "How many more Mind Healers in St. Mungos would be willing to scan the upper years? I have a bad feeling the bastard has a type that he targeted specifically. We need them all looked after. These memories would have resurfaced on their own in fragments and there is no telling what effect they could have on the girls then. They need care now." The Mind Healer squared her shoulders. "I'll round up my department and we will be here by morning." Hazel eyed the witch as she entered the Hospital Wing, probably to Floo out of Pomfrey's office. She turned around when her partner's arm stopped her.

"Dora." Nymphadora looked at her pleadingly. "You can't kill him, Hazel. Not right now. Think! If we kill him now, nothing gets resolved." Hazel felt her blood boiling. "I am thinking, Dora. You heard her, the bastard will do everything to weasel his way out of this mess and the laws are too loose for him to face justice. He will blame the girls all for something he did, despite the evidence he instigated everything. They are all going to be ridiculed, threatened and hated, all the while being the real victims. I won't let him get away with it." Dora sighed. "I understand, Hazel. But killing him now wont help matters. Amelia needs to handle this. If he gets away, Croaker could give us the go ahead to end him. Quietly." Hazel growled. "If we go after him after he is acquitted, It won't do the girls any good. He needs to be found guilty in some way. They deserve justice." Dora eyed her. "They might not get it." Hazel thought for a second, trying to remember what magic she knew. Veritaserum wasn't forced to be taken by anyone in the Wizengamot and memories could be dismissed as evidence, even with Mind Healer verification. She remembered something from one of the books in the Chamber, something she recently reread in a gift from Croaker. She grinned, her teeth looking sharp in the low light. "Fine. I need to head home for a moment. Make sure the bastard doesn't make a break for it." Dora watched her partner head for the castle gates, certain that whatever she was getting from home wasn't going to be good. Not for Lockhart at least.

Amelia wanted to scream. Over a dozen young women, all raped by the bastard Lockhart inside of Hogwarts. Hazel's warning had proven true and now she had to deal with the fact she had played a part in letting a serial rapist into the Castle in the first place, because she refused to forgive herself for not accepting Hazel's warning. This was all made worse by the fact the monster would walk free. Lockhart had been careful with the young women he picked. They were all of age, they were all Muggleborn and they had no real strong backers in the Wizengamot or the Ministry, despite their exemplary scores. They were simply the most vulnerable people to be targeted as they had none of the protections afforded to minors or the backing of a Head of House that would dare Lockhart to prove himself with Veritaserum or to provide his own unedited memories as evidence, lest the man be challenged to a duel. Hazel had glared at her the moment they passed each other as soon as the Courtroom was filled and Amelia couldn't bear to look her in the eye. She was silently praying that Hazel did something, anything to end the bastard within the courtroom. She deserved the humiliation it brought to her and her Department for not being able to bring justice to the victims. The man's solicitor stood up. "As all alleged evidence has been dismissed, I believe that is all? My client has a job to return to."

A woman's voice spoke up behind her, a bit muted and barely above a whisper. "Get him on the stand and ask him about every girl. Ask and make sure he answers. Get him to refute all crimes himself. You have the right." Amelia closed her eyes and sighed. "Mr. Rowle. I wish to summon your client to the defendant's chair to be questioned. As you have refused the submission of memory vials and questions under Veritaserum, neither will be requested, but your client must still answer my call and make a personal plea to all the charges." Rowle looked unconcerned and Gilderoy Lockhart stood up and sat on the chair at the center of the Courtroom. Amelia wished she could bind him with the chains. The scribe came up and placed the Wizengamot's Law registry book in front of the man. "Your oath please, binding or otherwise." Lockhart placed his hand on the Registry. "I, Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin Third Class, swear to speak the truth before this Assembly." Amelia looked at the man. "Then let's get started. You are charged with the rape of a woman on the night of October 20th, 1992 within the your offices at Hogwarts. How do you plead?"

Lockhart gave his award winning smile to her and the rest of the Wizengamot. "Not guilty." Amelia pressed on, asking him for every single girl they had accounted for, their names sealed by her order. She refused to get them lynched. As Amelia passed the third accusation, Gilderoy started coughing. After the seventh, the coughs were longer and she asked if he was alright. He dismissed it and said he wanted to be done with the farce. By the twelfth accusation and denial, the man looked ill. Amelia eyed him. "Do you wish to continue?" Lockhart coughed. "Yes. I won't have these women besmirch my good name. My adoring public demands to hear the truth spoken in my own words." Amelia looked at the list of charges. "You are charged with rape of a young woman on the night of February the 12th, 1993 in your office and the attempted rape of the same girl on the night of the 14th. How do you plead?" Lockhart got as far as saying "Not-" before he started having trouble breathing. He gripped his throat as his solicitor called for a Healer. Amelia watched as the Healers in the gallery refused to come to his aid, all but one who was at the furthest back row.

Dora watched from the visitor gallery as the Healer finally reached Lockhart, who had since stopped moving. "Funny thing. Hogwarts is known as a school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, yet the only classes that relate to Witchcraft are Herbology and Potions. At least, those are the only ones currently being taught. In the age of the Founders, the two branches of Magic were considered to be of equal standing, but over the centuries Wizardry became the standard. Understandable as it was easiest to teach and evaluate and everyone loves instant gratification. Witchcraft, however, is a subtler art. It requires some precise conditions at times. During the Witch Hunts, the real Witches watched as young women and older ladies were placed in mock trials and condemned for crimes they were innocent of, all for having different beliefs, opinions or more knowledge about the natural world than what a priest deemed necessary. The real witches paid the Church and Inquisitors back in full, by crafting some interesting curses. One in particular was very infamous. If a person lied after swearing to speak the truth a grand total of twelve times, they had one single chance of survival. They had to feel remorse for their crimes. No remorse, a thirteenth lie and the person would find their tongue would swell up in their throat. They would soon suffocate, killed by their own lies. As this was designed to target Inquisitors and priests, it was quite effective in eliminating the liars."

Turning to look at Hazel directly, the meaning of her partner's words sunk in. "He's going to be diagnosed with that curse and the conditions for it will be made known." Hazel grinned at Dora. "Exactly. Everyone will know he lied in the Courtroom about all the crimes he was accused of. There will be no accusations against his victims, the bastards in the stands are forced to watch as one of their largest financial donors is ruined, his estate will be charged for reparations and we all get to watch a free show as a rapist gets taken out by his own vanity. It also goes without saying: don't piss off the Healers. He might have survived if any of the St. Mungos' Healers cared to help but their Oaths bind them to not inflict harm. It doesn't, however, bind them to act. A serial rapist that has kept the entire St. Mungos' Mind Healer Department at Hogwarts for a week straight so far certainly didn't make him any friends at the hospital." Dora looked as a gurney was brought out, as well as a black cloth. She reached out and gently squeezed her girlfriend's hand. "You think Amelia will be mad?" Hazel chuckled. "She spent the entire trial wracked by guilt and self loathing since I gave her an early warning on this monster. Pretty sure she is going to be in a slightly more decent mood now, though I hope the guilt lingers. For now, let's be on our way. Croaker pushed back the raid for this. We need to get ready. Plenty of monsters need hunting, especially those that hide in plain sight as ordinary men and women."

Chapter 24: The Price of Success

The screams of one of the criminals made Dora's head snap to the side as she stunned another wizard before binding his hands. She watched as a wolf clamped its jaw deep into another wizard's wrist, the noise of bones snapping making her wince as she stunned the man, the wolf vanishing into nothingness. She took quick cover as she heard a spray of gunfire, a kinetic shield ready to be cast from her wand, when the bullets stopped abruptly, followed by a body being sent her way. It crashed into the aluminum wall beside her, just before stunned them. While they hadn't exactly settled on a routine, the one she and Hazel were using currently was quite comfortable for Dora. Hazel was simply more comfortable being in the field of fire and knew how to protect herself and avoid injuries accordingly, while Dora's cautious and restrained approach meant she could follow behind her and stun the targets that got incapacitated or launched out of the way. It certainly kept most of the criminals alive, especially as Horatio asked for minimal deaths on the mission today. Dora spotted movement out of the corner of her eye and dropped back, raising a kinetic shield quickly, just as bullets bounced off the solidified magical energy. Dora grinned when she saw a red streak take the gunman down, followed by some very tight ropes.

Hazel, the enchantment beneath her faceless hood active, looked around the structure, spotting movement. "R2! Back corner, gunner making his way towards us. Wizard in the far front, trying to break through the warded wall. No other active targets." Dora nodded as she disillusioned herself, Hazel doing the same. She took out the muggle from the back with a simple stunner and bound his arms and legs. She heard a loud thump against metal and her comms light up. "R1 to BM, warehouse is secure." Dora holstered her wand as Horatio responded. "Acknowledged. Aurors and MI5 will be arriving shortly. Did we get our Priority One?" Dora and Hazel turned over the stunned wizards until Hazel replied. "Oily grey hair, pale skin and a scar over his right eye. Yup, we got him. Tried to burn his workstation before I stunned him." Horatio sighed in relief. "Glad you were taking a less lethal approach. His intel will be invaluable concerning the supplier of the rarer materials." Hazel eyed the compounds on the desk that seemed to be covering his skin, some coloration growing slightly on the potioneer. "Any idea how to stop an acid burn? I might have stunned him right into a cauldron and it spilled on him. He is alive though, just in need of a weekend stay at St. Mungos if this stuff is what I think it is." Hazel could practically feel Horatio's exasperation. "Leave him be. The Auror field medics will look at him. Gather the wizards and muggles up in groups and have them ready for the locals. ETA 2 minutes."

Dora winced as she heard a few bodies get thrown around like ragdolls. "Might want to add gently to that request, BM." Hazel hummed merrily to herself as Dora heard Horatio drop the comm, probably to avoid cursing into the open line, even though he knew Hazel wouldn't kill them. Hazel bound the wizards together, minus their potions master. She eyed the man. "Still bummed about Snape not being our Potions Master. I know he is clever enough to get this mixture made." Dora shook her head as she heard car tires screeching to a halt and apparition pops from outside the loading dock bay door. She reached for the deployable wardstone. "R2 on wardstone, waiting to disable it." She looked at her partner. "Hogwarts is already down one full time professor and you want to add another one?" Hazel shrugged. "Please, it wouldn't be vacant for long. Slughorn is still around and he would happily take all his old positions for a year or five. At least until things get dangerous. He wouldn't resist the chance to teach the Boy Who Lived." Croaker's voice came from the comms. "R1 isn't wrong. The man would jump at the chance to get any new celebrities under his belt. Unfortunately, PMSS is currently keeping his hands clean. R2, disable the ward. Aurors are on site. Retrieve the equipment and apparate out. Amelia will be down here to take your debrief with me."

Hazel sighed. "Great. Any word yet from her observers?" Dora deactivated the wardstone and carried it with her to Hazel's side. Croaker answered the question. "Nothing yet. The castle is eerily quiet. Either we spooked the Heir or the unlucky passenger took a break. Either way, we are all stuck in a holding pattern. For now, you two have permission to aparate to the nearest safe house. Amelia and Scrimgeour are also eyeing another target so keep your training up the next few days and your schedules open." Dora cursed softly as she was apparated away by Hazel. The two made their way to their respective duties in the safe house, as Dora called in. "R1 and R2 at the safehouse. Depositing wardstone and preparing for return to base." Hazel eyed Dora as she pulled out a records book. "That Weird Sisters concert?" Dora nodded as she stored the wardstone in its equipment case. "Yeah. I was hoping to get a chance to see them live again. They got a few new singles out." Hazel went and noted down the return date and time, before checking the safehouse's security footage. "R1 and R2, waiting for techs to arrive." Horatio came back on comms. "ETA 1 minute. Permission to return is granted once the package is delivered." Hazel cast a silencing spell on herself and Dora before she pulled her girlfriend into her body and smothered her mouth with a deep kiss. They parted as soon as there was a knock on the door and Hazel dispelled the silencing spells. "Better?" The shifting hair color was all the confirmation Hazel needed.

Dora had to restrain herself as they apparated back and walked through the DoM before Hazel opened her apartment door. "Evening Andromeda. How did he do?" Andromeda smiled and motioned towards Teddy. Hazel watched her son wave her wand, his eyes closed in concentration. "Expecto Patronum." A brilliant shield of light came to life and Hazel smiled. The shield dropped after a few seconds, leaving a very winded Teddy stumbling back into the sofa. Hazel pulled him into a hug and kissed his hair. "That was great. A bit more practice and your proper wand and you should be close to a corporeal patronus." Dora blinked before she turned to her Mom. "I am seriously feeling like an underachiever with this kid around. Why does he even need to know the Patronus at almost eleven years of age?" Hazel released Teddy. "Because a messenger Patronus is quite useful and if my history repeats itself, there are going to be Dementors around Hogwarts this September. I am going to see if the other coalition kids can try it but out of all of them, Teddy has better control of his magic. Leafsby." The elf appeared. "Pretty sure we have some sponge cake in the fridge. Please have a small serving of it with whipped cream and milk ready for after Teddy leaves the shower." Hazel chuckled as Teddy yelled "Yippy!" on his way to the bathroom, with Leafsby taking the cake out and carving slices out of it in the kitchen.

Andromeda smiled as she watched the two but frowned when she saw a bit of blood on Dora's wrist. She drew her wand and checked them over. "You two are exhausted. Hard mission?" Hazel sat down as Dora went to the fridge. "No, just the usual drain from non-lethal spell chains, kinetic shields and binding conjuration. Dora is actually doing better in managing her energy." Hazel eyed her girlfriend and pouted. "Though not her stomach." Dora blushed as she pulled out some of the leftovers from Hazel's big chinese style lunch that had been stored in the fridge. "What? I'm hungry." Andromeda chuckled. "No fixing that, I'm afraid. I was at it for her whole life before giving up." Hazel sighed as she wandlessly returned the bottle of beer that Dora pulled out of the fridge. "Hey!" Hazel gave Dora a soft glare. "If you want me to finish what we started at the safe house, you're staying sober and definitely not drinking beer." Andromeda eyed her daughter whose hair went soft red. "That's my cue to leave. Be safe you two." Hazel waved at Andromeda as Dora called out "Bye Mom." She dug into her reheated meal with vigor as Teddy came out and ate his snack before heading to bed. Finally under the shower, Dora sighed in relief before she groaned in pleasure as her girlfriend joined her, cold fingers exploring her body thoroughly, her sultry voice sending shivers down her spine. "Now, where were we?" Dora closed her eyes and lost coherent thought for the rest of the night as those fingers found her more intimate spots.

"Interesting place for a meeting, Julia." Lord Theodore Nott looked among the gathered witches and gave them all a grin. "Though I can't fault the company. A pleasure to finally speak to you on cordial terms, Augusta, Amelia." The three witches stood up and waited for Lord Nott to join them at the meeting table before everyone sat down. Amelia passed him a folder and sat back. "It should tell you that our little Coalition has a silent partner, one that is willing to lend a hand when it's required." Theodore chuckled at that and eyed Augusta. "Saul finally getting his hands dirty for once? When we were kids I always wondered if I misjudged him. He might have been a Ravenclaw, but I always wondered if there was some ambition to him. You, Augusta, I never doubted. You were a Lion to your core." Augusta smiled. "I appreciate the compliment. Sadly, my brother still refuses to deal with the politics of our world. He and his department are more interested in doing things. The laws and politics only ever seem to be in the way for them. They are, however, not opposed to seeing said laws improve if it results in a more stable society. The current state of our government is one where they are willing to intervene, when required."

Nott hummed to himself. "Like with Lockhart's trial? A few of my less than pleasant associates were quite unhappy with how things ended for the poor soul. Their words, ladies, not mine. I would have cursed him on the spot if my own daughter had been treated as such, if I had one. His death and the mess that is building around his estate has thrown a few of my less than "noble" colleagues into disarray." The glares from the witches dissipated and Julia pointed at the file. "Lockhart's case is why we are meeting. The fact a curse found and outed the bastard as guilty while our own government was likely to absolve him of said crimes is frankly an insult. It undermines our entire government's credibility and has the population on edge. While we know the conservatives love to keep the law as is, this gross and vile loophole must be closed in its entirety. Along with every other method that puts a person's wealth and position above the evidence and the rule of law. " Lord Nott opened the file and skimmed the proposal. He eyed the three witches. "I see you have been quite busy reviewing all the old laws. My fellow traditionalists won't like to see their rights curtailed." Julia nodded. "We know, which is why we need your assistance in writing it in a way that appeals to them. The need for memory based testimony verified by St. Mungos' Healers, Veritaserum testimony or written confessions under binding oaths for all future criminal trials are non-negotiable. While a person may refuse to submit their memories or statements, the ones provided by others, verified to be unaltered, should be viable testimony, regardless of the source, so long as it was acquired legally by the DMLE."

Amelia drank from her cup of tea. "What we can negotiate is a shift in the sentencing and punishments of crimes. Certain actions can be reclassified as misdemeanors, certain curses changed from guaranteed Azkaban time from the act of casting it to the impact it has on others, magical and otherwise, and so on. Quite a few people have been fined and sentenced to Azkaban for crimes and misdemeanors that were pretty harmless. This punitive measure by the Ministry must become far more balanced out with the rest of the laws. For everyone's sake." Nott raised an eyebrow as he read through more of the file. "You're advocating for quite a large judicial reform. Far more so than has been seen since the end of Grindelwald's Terror." Augusta nodded. "Indeed. While we doubt we will get wide support on these reforms, we want to see sufficient change so that cases like Lockhart's are not repeated again. Another change we are willing to add to the pile is increased oversight at Hogwarts." Theodore looked from Augusta to Julia. "I am guessing this is aimed towards the Headmaster? Lucius was quite pleased with his hollow victory the other day. Lockhart's arrest may not have ruined Dumbledore, but his image as infallible has certainly been lost." Julia growled softly. "It is directed at the Staff of Hogwarts and at the Board of Governors as well. Dumbledore's ability to freely select Professors must be curbed before we get another similar incident. It would also help in raising the education level of our students." Amelia sighed. "We also need to improve the security of the Castle. Depending on the current staff alone will be a death sentence to kids if the staff is compromised. At the same time, we can't have Aurors remain as a permanent solution. There are simply not enough of them for us to keep posted at the castle indefinitely."

Nott drank from the tea in front of him and thought about ways to spin this to the traditionalists. "Increasing the oversight of the Castle denizens shouldn't be too difficult but Dumbledore's progressives will try everything to back him up. The current incident, however, does put them all into a corner. To do nothing will anger the greater population they supposedly advocate for, especially those with children at the school. The progressives will have to decide which is more important to them: their leader's independence or their own accountability to the masses. I can see a future review of the curriculum being quite the draw towards this shift from the traditionalists side. Dumbledore's tenure as Headmaster has seen many classes cancelled, which has forced several employers to take time training potential employees themselves." Amelia nodded. "The cost effectiveness of the reforms should appeal to more neutral Wizengamot members." Augusta sighed. "The progressives will complain on Dumbledore's behalf, but the likelihood the vote will pass without their support is high." Julia eyed Nott. "So, care to try at revising our work?" Nott grinned, feeling a bit younger today. He joined the Knights of Walpurgis to effect real change in their stagnated society, even if it was with traditionalist values at their core. While this Coalition was certainly far more progressive than he would normally like, he can't deny the need for real change. Especially not now. He finally had the chance to do that without getting his grandson or his family's legacy in danger, while also helping in reshaping the world for the better, without sacrificing their culture. He finished his cup of tea and looked at the pot on the table. "Perhaps you should call for a full lunch. We will be here for a while."

Hazel and Dora exchanged worried looks as they arrived at the forward operating post that the Head Auror had established in a Wizarding Tent somewhere in the woodlands near a large magical community in Nottinghamshire. Croaker had given them an order to help in this raid but as Hazel eyed the blueprints on the table, she grew more concerned. Dora spoke up first. "Head Auror, are you sure this is a good idea? Our Boss usually sends us in to do reconnaissance. All you have given us is a floor plan that hasn't been updated in a century." Rufus sighed. "I would love to send you two in to do a proper search of the Manor, but we simply don't have the time. Sir Louis Williamson, former Death Eater and a financier of the organization, has a warrant for hist arrest after the murder of two muggles. Attempts to arrest him at his last known location proved ineffective. We know he is currently in his family's home, we believe he has a small group of guards protecting him and we have it on good authority that he is planning to leave the country by tonight. We have an acquaintance of his detained currently carrying a legally procured international portkey. While it's illegal for him to have someone else use it, we simply can't charge him for anything as no one beyond Williamson has committed any crimes yet." Hazel felt a bit of dread building up inside. "Sir, we understand the need for expediency, but charging head first like this is dangerous. I can do a quick scouting mission."

Rufus shook his head. "And in that time the man's guards have a greater chance of spotting our Aurors moving into position. We have sealed the Floo Network to the manor and are placing anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards up. They won't hold for long the moment the people inside notice them." Dora looked at Hazel and wasn't happy with the concern her partner was showing. She looked back at the Head Auror. "Sir, is there really no other option? You're putting us and your Aurors in danger over this. Our Battlemaster always covers all the possible dangers and tries to mitigate them with his strategies. This plan of attack is filled with too many uncertainties." Rufus eyed them both. "This mission was cleared by Croaker who placed you both under my command for the duration. We need you to infiltrate first, disable the wardstone if you can and cause confusion. My Aurors can take care of the rest." Hazel looked at the floor plan of the mansion. If she were a paranoid homeowner, she would position it on the hardest to reach area of the house. The manor had three floors above ground and a basement level. Which meant she would either place it on the second floor or the basement, as entry into the third floor is too easy with brooms. The basement level was the better protected of the two, but the second floor had the least amount of conventional access points and greater point of access for the homeowner.

"Please tell me you at least know if the man has an office on the second floor? A place he usually only invites allies or family into?" Rufus looked through what they had on the man. "There is indeed an office on the second floor, why?" Hazel sighed. "Because in this Manor layout, I would place the wardstone either on the second floor or the basement level. Most modern wardstone schemes are with the wardstone placed at the closest point to the Head of House's office, usually behind a covering on the wall, below a panel on the floor, or in a drawer of the desk. The older houses have the stone at the basement level. As a Death Eater, he would probably have kept the house like his ancestors established it. As a man with paranoia and self reliance, he would have altered the scheme to have the wardstone as close to his person as possible. The question is which option did he pick." Rufus looked at the floor plan. "Hard to say. He is quite the traditionalist but he values his privacy a bit." Hazel, sighed, worried about the best approach. "Last question: are there non-combatants in the house? Children, elves?" Rufus shook his head. "No, there are not. The only child is at Durmstrang in his first year, the wife is currently an assistant teacher there, with her focus being in etiquette. The last elf was sold years ago."

Dora turned to Hazel. "I think we should do it. We've hit harder targets before." Hazel turned to her. "But we knew what and who was where when we went in. We had the wards down before we engaged in combat as well. Wards designed to repel intruders from inside are rare, as are lethal wards as they would need something to seperate a friendly from an enemy easily, but there are wards that interfere with certain magical properties." Hazel looked at Scrimgeour. "The guards. Are they former Death Eaters or are they new recruits?" Rufus checked. "A mix of both and a few that were unmarked at the end of the war." Hazel sighed in relief. "Ok, so the wards won't be able to pick us as exclusive enemies by not having a Dark Mark. This still leaves us with the danger of unknown numbers and the effect the wards will have on our ability to enter and leave." Hazel looked at Rufus. "Which is why we never used charm based anti-apparition or anti-portkey wards. You don't have the means to tune them to anyone but the primary caster." Seeing Rufus shrugging her comment off, Hazel turned to Dora. "We don't have an exit strategy beyond escaping the Manor. My gut says we shouldn't do it. Not like this. I should be able to sweep the floors for the wardstone safely enough." Dora could see the reasoning behind Hazel's words, but if Croaker thought they could do it with Auror aid, maybe it was enough. "I say we should. As Head Auror Scrimgeour said, time is of the essence and causing a distraction on the inside is part of the plan. The target is a future concern of ours and the DoM's primary mission anyways."

Hazel felt certain this was a bad idea, at least for everyone else involved, but Dora's willingness and the benefits made it hard to refute. She sighed. "Then we are sticking together. No heroics and Horatio's primary order is mandatory." As Rufus got his Aurors ready to push the building, Hazel and Dora, donning their Operative gear with their face coverings on, shifted into their flying forms. Hazel took a slightly larger eagle and her claws were primed in case Dora lost control in her owl form again. After finding an open window on the third floor and taking human form again, the two began to make their way through the house, stunning and binding a few guards along the way since Rufus had asked for a non-lethal approach. Hazel cursed under her breath as her revealing charms were useless in penetrating the walls under the wards. They were running blind. She wanted to pull Dora out but the sudden shift in the wards and the shouting made it clear the Aurors had either been spotted or had attacked too quickly. They were stuck inside the building now. Hazel and Dora took several men down on their way to the second floor, binding and disillusioning most of them. Hazel noticed that any movement made the disillusionment charm more noticeable, meaning the wards had a means of countering invisible targets. Down on the second floor, Hazel tried to feel her way through the wards' magics, trying to find the wardstone, when a door opened and slammed Dora on the face. "We got infiltrators!"

Dora tried to pull back but her mind was still fuzzy from the impact as the guards started casting curses at them. She felt Hazel pull her back and down onto the ground as several curses slipped right over her where she had just been standing. She watched several curses fired back past her as she tried to recover from the hit to her head and turn herself over on the ground. More curses came at her as a shield popped up protecting her. "Get into cover, R2!" Dora cleared her head and transfigured a table into a stronger slab of stone as she fired back. More men kept popping out of the door that smashed into her face and she watched as Hazel moved up towards the opening with a duelist's shield up on her offhand, pulled something from her belt and threw it into the room, before she then sealed the door. Those guards inside remained out of the fight but several more kept coming up from the hallways. Dora tried to reposition herself but suddenly felt woozy. She looked down and paled. Her Unspeakable tactical suit had a massive gash in it and she could see a lot of blood spilling out from a deep and open wound on her abdomen. "Hazel!" Her partner launched a massive Reducto down the hallway before conjuring a wall between herself and the enemies, after which she checked on Dora. She paled too at the sight of the massive gash on Dora's body. "R1 on emergency call. Healers 1 and 2, anyone! R2 has been hit by a dark cutting curse and is losing blood rapidly!"

Hazel pushed Dora onto the ground and looked her in the eyes. "Full occlumency training, Dora. Slow everything down. Now!" Casting her diagnostic charms as Dora slipped deeper and deeper into her exercises, Hazel paled further. "Curse is Sectumsempra. I don't know the counter. Anyone!" Andromeda's voice was fast to answer, filled with concern. "I do, but it's not something I can teach you over the comms!" Horatio spoke up, anger clear in his voice as Hazel's ear throbbed in pain from his voice. "Sit-rep now!" Rufus, who had been given a comm for the mission, filled him in as Hazel resealed the hallways and pulled Dora into a room before casting a small notice-me-not on the door. She forced some Blood Replenishing Potion down Dora's throat and applied a medical dressing and a bandage onto the wound. Hazel barely caught Rufus screaming at Horatio. "We can't get in far enough to extract them. The wards are still up!" Hazel eyed Dora, noticing that she wasn't controlling her emotions well as Horatio berated Scrimgeour. She needed to get her partner out of the Manor. "Andromeda, will the Draught of Living Death keep her vitals low enough for a delayed extraction?" Her frantic "Yes!" was all Hazel needed to know. She kissed Dora, filling her with her magic. "You will be out for a bit but I promise, you will be ok." Dora nodded before she drank the potion, her blood flow slowing down to a crawl as Hazel switched out the medical dressing again.

Tired of hearing Horatio and Rufus arguing, Hazel spoke into her comm. "R1 going Dark. Prioritizing R2's extraction. H1, get everything you need at the emergency portkey arrival point to transport R2 to the Medical Wing once extraction is achieved." Taking off her ear comm device before she could hear any responses, Hazel touched the walls. The wards were reinforcing them, the outer walls even more so, to keep the Aurors out. Roof too. She had no way to safely extract Dora through them without putting her at risk. That wardstone had to go down to extract her partner safely and get her the medical attention she needed. After placing her Cloak over Dora and laying down some charm wards on her to keep her safe, Hazel drew the Elder Wand and the Resurrection Stone. She could feel her own magic diminishing as she started to envelop herself with the Peverell Family Magic. Taking a deep breath, her world started to shift around her. Gone were the vibrant colors of the extravagant room and curtains. Everything her eyes could see turned black, gray and white. The only source of color was Magic, a mix of colors flowing freely in a dark world. Her eyes, now turned a glowing silver, focused on the magic in the walls. As her mind began to clear of thoughts and feelings, the need to destroy the wardstone remained her main focus. She left the room as another thought began to intrude, one that threatened to consume her. She refused to surrender to it entirely, but she made sure to give it what it wanted along the way.

Every guard that appeared before her, their pulsing mass of magic, cast towards her every curse they knew. Her shields on her right hand, sustained by the content Resurrection Stone acting as a foci, batted them all away from her. Her Elder Wand, singing in absolute joy, saw curse after curse unleashed from it's tip. Hazel looked on impassively as she moved further into the building, leaving behind a trail of blood, severed limbs and withering bodies in her wake. She had no reason to spare any of them. Her Family Magic craved death and she was supplying it gladly. All she needed was to get those who shared the Family Magic out of the building. They had to be kept safe at all costs. Hazel followed the trail of the house's magic to the basement where she found a greater concentration of souls. Taking back a bit of control over herself, Hazel conjured thin metallic rods over their heads before transfiguring them, her ears filling up with screams that slowly turned to gurgling and then silence. Hazel made her way forward slowly, pulling herself further and further out of her Family's Magic, the world returning to colors as she stepped through the small forest of impaled bodies she created, the wizards and witches twitching as the spears grew thorns, roots and branches that pierced their extremities, thin pieces of sharp metal poking out of their orifices, binding the people in place from within. She reached the wardstone, feeling her magic draining quickly. "Ignis Obscuras."

The black flames greedily devoured the wardstone as she fished out her ear comms unit and returned it to its place. As soon as the wards collapsed, she focused what little of her magic remained and apparated to Dora's side. Removing the Cloak, Hazel pulled back some of her family's magic from her. Andromeda would need a more accurate reading to heal Dora and the alieness of the Family Magic would only get in her way. She took the cold and still body of her partner into her hands and spoke into her comms at last. "R1 here. Wardstone destroyed. Extracting R2 to base." She ignored the replies she heard as she pulled the keychain off her belt and gripped it tightly as she hugged Dora. "Brigid's Blessing." The tug of a portkey almost unbalanced her enough to disorient her before she felt her feet hit solid ground once more. She felt Andromeda and the other Healer arrive at her side, casting diagnostics on Dora. Andromeda sighed in relief. "The Draught has kept her bleeding minimal and the Blood Replenish Potion did its job. She will be fine as soon as we apply the counter curse." The other Healer, a dark skinned woman with short black hair, cast a diagnostic on Hazel and frowned. "Your magic is low. Lower than normal. How are you still awake?" Hazel gave her a bitter smile. "Had a priority order to keep." She felt Quetz and Horatio arrive and they helped carry Dora on a gurney as Hazel followed slowly behind. The moment Dora was being applied the counter curse in the Medical Wing, Hazel's head hit the medical bed she took a seat on and blacked out.

"Gods damn it all to Hell, Saul! I didn't get two Recruits to get this far into their training for you to get them killed on a blind mission!" Croaker shrunk back into his seat as Horatio turned to Scrimgeour. "From now on you are forbidden to ever give orders to any of my Operatives. I don't care that they agreed to go in, even if both had done so begrudgingly. This operation was a disaster waiting to happen and it bloody well did. I swear if any of my people had died, you wouldn't be leaving this bloody room intact." Rufus glared back at him. "The mission became a disaster because of one of them. Did you see the images we took of the crime scene? The manor's second floor and basement levels looked like a butcher's shop! The target was found impaled in the basement along with a full dozen other witches and wizards, all dead." Horatio's magic flared, making Croaker wince. "The hell that was a disaster. That is exactly what was going to happen. R1 is a lethal force equalizer and she did her bloody job when her partner went down. She could have done it a bit more cleanly but under the circumstances I can't disagree with the results. R2 is alive, her injuries are being looked after and the main threats were neutralized!"

"As is our entire case …" Amelia slammed her fist down, interrupting her Head Auror. "Enough! Rufus, next time you want to use our Aurors on blind missions like these, you run it by me first! We are probably lucky none of our people were caught in the crossfire. However, we still had five Aurors die and ten others are currently recovering from severe curse damage in St. Mungos. Things could have been a lot worse." Amelia looked at Horatio who nodded. "They could have been. R1 confirmed that what she did required her to lose most of her consciousness to achieve. She wouldn't distinguish friend from foe at all except for those who share her magic, something only two people do right now." Amelia glared at Rufus to stay quiet before she looked at Horatio. "The DMLE will try to minimize the fallout on this but there will be some questions asked, especially by the Minister and the Chief Warlock. We can't just say this was special forces work, as they will try to out your people as a threat. The deaths of forty one criminals, one being a known Death Eater who claimed the Imperius Defence, and a strong financial supporter of the Traditionalists, will cause the members to look for a threat. We need to find a way to get ahead of this mess." Croaker sighed, having already given this some thought as word of Hazel's creative way of executing people reached his ears. "The scene isn't fully cleared. Place your officers under oaths and torch the place with Fiendfyre."

Scrimgeour looked about to complain when Horatio spoke up. "Agreed. Gather what evidence you can that is paperwork and torch the building. Claim it was either a guard or Williamson himself, trying to erase any evidence before getting caught by the flames. It wouldn't be the first time someone miscalculated casting Fiendfyre." Scrimgeour shouted. "Are you two insane? Do you have any idea how much physical evidence we will lose from that?" Amelia sighed and looked at Moody. "You are unusually quiet, Alastor? Any thoughts on this whole situation?" Moody shrugged. "Not much to say. Rufus jumped the gun, I can see Croaker walking with a limp for a year at least after this and the spooks have a point. Silence the more outrageous parts of the story, gather what evidence you can, set the place on fire and leave the Operatives out of it. The truth of the raid remains close enough to the official story that it should hold up." Amelia sighed and turned to Scrimgeour. "Get the Aurors together and reapply the oath for operational security. As much as I hate this, the safety of our personnel is paramount and I can't disagree that you made a mistake in moving too fast too aggressively with regards to this case. The Operatives took their primary orders and completed them. We can't fault them for that."

Amelia watched Rufus get up and leave, before she turned to Horatio. "Your Operatives, how are they really?" Horatio sighed and sat down. "R2 was hit by a Sectumsempra curse and went a few minutes bleeding out before she noticed it. She also had some burns on her chest from a fire spell that just barely grazed her. She's currently recovering from the curse and the Draught of Living Death her partner fed her to keep her alive. The effects were a bit stronger than anticipated since she was weakened from the curse and she will remain in the Medical Wing for a week in observation. R1 is suffering from severe magical exhaustion and magical backlash, not to mention some mental side effects. We have to be careful in entering the section of the wing set aside for them as R1 is still having issues with control over her instincts. Healer Johnson almost took a curse to the face when she went to check on R2." Amelia sighed. "I promise, we will keep Dumbledore, Fudge and the Traditionalists out of this mess." Horatio nodded and watched as Amelia stood up. "We will keep a close eye on what's happening at Hogwarts, but everything has been surprisingly quiet these last few months. We will keep you apprised of any changes." Croaker nodded. "Agreed. We will get Legal on setting up a comprehensive oath for your Aurors. I will go let them know." Horatio glared at Croaker, who also stood up as Amelia left the room. "We aren't done, Saul. We have a few more things to discuss later."

Teddy shot to his mother's side as soon as Andromeda opened the curtain. "Mom?" He hugged his mother's legs as she sat with her face in her hands besides Dora's sleeping body. He watched her lift her head up and stared at his eyes. He almost never saw his mother's with a silver coloration. Especially with that distant look as if she was struggling to recognize him. He squeezed her hands and looked at her. "Mom. It's me. Teddy. Snap out of it. Dora is ok. You're ok. You don't need the Family Magic so aggressively. Let go." Teddy watched as those eyes focused on him and saw them shift in color repeatedly between silver and green. His mother closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she looked at him and smiled. Her eyes were green again. She pulled him into a hug and he hugged her back. "Hey you. Thanks for helping me there." Teddy nodded. "I am glad you're feeling better." Pulling back from the hug, he looked at Dora before checking with Andromeda. The older witch gave him a weak smile. "She's ok, just really tired. Hazel did good work keeping her from getting worse but the medication she took will be in her system for a while. We could flush it out but it would negate the healing potions she's under for days, so we have to wait till she is better physically to clean her out."

Hazel breathed deeply. "How are you, Andromeda? I can't imagine my emergency call gave you much to be happy about." Andromeda shook her head. "No, it didn't. It was a good thing I was here or Teddy would have heard quite a few choice words from me." Hazel rubbed Teddy's hair gently. "I can imagine." Andromeda looked at Hazel. "Care to tell me why you carry Living Death with you?" Hazel blushed. "To be fair, I carry a lot of potions on me, mostly for healing. I can manage Episkey and resetting bones and dislocations, but I have a hard time healing in general so I keep a steady supply of potions on me at all times. I also keep a few other offensive potions, draughts or magical powders. Used Knockout Powder on some punks in a room last night. I know some counter curses too, but that particular one I never got the chance to learn. Everyone who knew the curse in my time besides me was dead and the counter curse went with most of them." Andromeda nodded. "Understandable. I will try and teach it to both of you, as the Death Eaters here took a liking to the curse and most can cast it. I got a few salves and ointments I want to add to your mobile Apothecary just in case." Hazel gave her a soft smile. "Sure. Just give me a few days. My magic will be out of sorts for a bit."

A soft voice spoke up from the bed. "Could you keep it down? Some of us are trying to sleep. Ooomf. Who transfigured a Teddy bear and dropped it onto me? It feels heavy." Hazel sighed in relief as Teddy jumped onto the bed with Dora and hugged her. She watched as Dora hugged Teddy back. "Hey kid. Think you can let me breathe for a bit?" Teddy shuffled back to the side of the bed as Hazel leaned forward. "Hello partner. Should we add a chestplate and a helmet to the list of things to ask Q for?" Dora ruffled Teddy's hair with a smile. "Sure. What happened anyway? After my potion induced nap." Hazel leaned over and kissed Dora softly. "I ignored Rufus and got through the locals to the wardstone before breaking it and dragging you out. Your Mom took care of your wounds but it sounds like you will be out of commission for a week. You can get the long version of it from Horatio and myself, after he is done ripping Croaker a new one. The Boss apparently forgot to run the mission by our BM first." Dora yawned. "Kay. Do I get to go to my own bed for this week of rest?" Andromeda glared at Dora over Hazel's shoulder. "No. If you did, I wouldn't be sure you are sleeping properly. You're staying here for the full week." Dora blinked at her slowly before yawning again. "Kay. Nighty night, Teddy." Teddy kissed her cheek. "Night Dora." Hazel kissed Dora on the lips softly. "Pleasant dreams, partner."

Chapter 25: Death in the Chamber

Hermione opened the Room of Requirement with a bit of guilt. She had left Tom with the intention of coming back right after the school was opened but after the two months had passed and she finally returned to the school, the Professors had taken the student's absence hard and increased their workload to compensate. Then the whole scandal with Lockhart's affairs and his subsequent death happened. The idea that Lockhart was a rapist never even crossed her mind and she, like everyone else, had defended him at first. He was an established author and hero after all. His death during the court hearing came as quite the shock but the article that soon followed detailing all the authors, witches and wizards that he obliviated and then took credit for all their hard work shattered her perception of the former professor. When she first came to Hogwarts, she had thought of magic as just another tool to use. Sure, she knew there were people who abused magic and everything but it all seemed so distant to her. Even the war she had technically been born during was something most people of the magical community treated almost like it happened a long time ago, with Grindelwald's War being even more distant in people's memories. She knew that Harry had been orphaned by the last war and that Neville's parents were in St. Mungos, something her friend admitted to when he left to see them during Easter Break, but even then she had felt that things like that couldn't happen anymore.

Learning about deadly curses had been surprising to her and the lesson was reinforced when a Senior Auror, Kingsley Shaklebolt, took over the Defence position for the remaining months. He taught them about a few more defensive and offensive spells and actually taught them how to duel properly. Then someone in class, a Hufflepuff called Sally, asked the Auror about the curse that killed Lockhart. He explained that the magic was something called Witchcraft which, unlike the magic studied in school, required several magical ingredients, a lot of now lost incantations and a good understanding of the practice to manage it successfully. The curse had been placed on Lockhart at an unknown time by an unknown person, as there was no way of tracing back how long it was in him, meaning it could have been on him for years. There were no real known Witchcraft practitioners in Wizarding Britain at all that could have been responsible for the curse; the specific ingredients, incantation and delivery method lost to time. It was considered a mostly dead craft, even by the ICW, which made the DMLE and Wizengamot restless, but unable to do anything about it since there was nothing to trace except that it existed at all. What was known was that the curse could only trigger if the person lied after swearing not to and that it turned fatal after lying repeatedly without a shred of remorse or guilt about said lies. Lockhart's solicitor was besieged by many angry witches and wizards after the news of the curses conditions broke out, so many people disgusted that he almost got a serial rapist free of all charges and back into the school. He closed down his business and his license was terminated by the Ministry.

The change in Professors, the heavy course load and the constant concern over the Heir of Slytherin making another attack made Hermione completely forget about Tom until the end of April. She promised herself to visit him and she finally made the time for it as people were forced to skip this year's Easter Break to catch up with the classes. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the book was still in the specific room Tom had set up for the book and started writing in it. She was surprised how mad Tom sounded with his words at first but he eventually settled down and apologized. While five months may have felt like nothing to you, it felt longer to me. I spent decades sealed away, not hearing a word about anything until you came around. The thought crossed my mind that I may be lost once again, this time permanently, and it festered as I waited. My apologies. Hermione wrote back to him. "I am sorry. It just never occurred to me that magical books could think about such things. I tried looking up facts concerning magical books but there wasn't a lot on them, beyond the ones used to conceal the things the owners wrote in them. Though apparently there is a Care of Magical Creatures book that behaves exceedingly like a beast itself." Tom took a second to respond. That is an odd way of enchanting a book, though I can see some educational value to it. Anyways, apology accepted. Now, what has happened while you were away?

Feeling relieved, Hermione told him about the things going on at Hogwarts, covering the story of Lockhart and his death. "There is also word that the Board of Governors is unhappy with the Headmaster about Lockhart and the petrifications. The older students find it odd that the Board is so actively engaged with the school, since they usually allowed Dumbledore to handle the school on his own. They were bothered enough by his response to the Heir that they allowed him to reopen the school only after he agreed to stepping down if he didn't put a stop to the incidents himself. The whole Lockhart scandal has apparently made him even more unpopular, especially with the former Slytherins on the Board." Hermione could see a few ink points appearing on the page, almost as if he was tapping in thought. The situation with his Defence Professor and the chaos of the Heir of Slytherin seems to have eroded his image quite a bit. If what the students say is true, and the man could be fired after another attack, then the school could be closed down by the Board of Governors for a while soon afterwards. Such a shame. Still, nice to hear there are people out there that still practice Witchcraft in Western Europe. I heard the practice was more common in the Eastern edge of the European Continent and in the South American Continent, but that the practitioners kept to themselves. Oh, I almost forgot. I promised you a surprise. Care to see a class of Spell Creation? I had the chance to sit in one for a bit.

After Hermione agreed, the book glowed and her mind was drawn inside. Meanwhile, the diary was closed softly and someone sighed. "That could have gone better. Still, despite the delay, it seems we have much to benefit from. Dumbledore's reputation is damaged and the school could be closed quickly without much effort. What a shame that would be." After storing the Diary in a pocket of the girl's robes, a mirror appeared in the room and Tom looked into it, his eyes taking in the girl's form again. He tries to focus his magic to sense what he might still gain from her if he decided to devour her essence soon. "Not a lot of magic, but more than enough for what I need. I had planned to use her more, maybe twist her mind into a disciple, but the girl is far too academically minded, especially if her studies were justification enough to leave me alone for months because of classes. Keeping her around would be too much effort and require way too many questions that I don't need to be answering." He pulled the girl's wand out and felt how sluggish it was in his hands again as he cast a Tempus spell. "Hmmm, perhaps I should keep her in the memory for a while longer. Depending on how many people the Basilisk petrifies on this night, I might get the school closed down soon. A shame I couldn't gather any more information on Harry Potter, but I doubt the boy was able to actually defeat me himself." He fixed Hermione's tie and skirt and stepped out into the hallway, making his way down the Dungeons. He had a snake to release.

Horatio stared at Croaker. "Well?" The Director of the DoM sighed. "The cover up of the aftermath is complete. All the Aurors are clear on what the official statement is, they are aware that Director Bones understands their concerns over the deadly nature of the incident but were warned that the fault on the degree of violence fell on the unplanned and unexpected complications that arose in the mission. The Manor is currently a pile of ash and stone, minus all the paperwork Williamson had in his office. The DMLE has years of paperwork to sort through and a dead Death Eater financier. No one is particularly displeased, except for Scrimgeour. Rufus was always politically minded so that's no surprise since he fears a potential scandal from this." Horatio grunted. "The Minister and Dumbledore?" Croaker tapped his fingers on the desk. "Informed of the revised facts. Amelia shared some of the man's records and the photos of the dead muggles. The Minister, while hesitant, did accept the story and has distanced himself from Williamson and his crowd. Even Lucius has been getting a bit of a cold shoulder of late." Horatio snorted. "The bastard deserves it. He's lucky the arrest in the Illegal Dueling Circuit didn't ruin him. Still, those Malfoy Vaults should be rather short on Galleons by now."

Croker nodded. "Indeed. As for the Chief Warlock, he gave his standard disappointment on the loss of life speech and Williamson's own crimes didn't seem to face him all that much." Horatio stared at Croaker feeling his stomach churn. "Hazel's assessment of her own Dumbledore doesn't seem so distant from the man in this world now. He clearly cares about the magicals that get killed but not the non-magical population. Certainly explains his hesitancy to disapprove of Grindelwald and his war. At least at first. The moment the magical population was targeted, he finally started to take notice and advocate against his old flame." Croaker lowered his papers. "So it seems. At least the Board has taken advantage of the Lockhart fiasco. All future Professors will need the appropriate NEWTs or Masteries to take the job and while Dumbledore may recommend candidates, the Board now has final say on who gets selected and can submit their own candidates for consideration, ignoring the Headmaster. Augusta's handling of the Wizengamot has been a sight to see too. We might get the Judicial Reform proposal finalized before September." Horatio hummed. "Good. So, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Should I slug you or stun you before you try and run away again? It's been three days and I am not dropping my concerns." Saul rubbed his eyes. "Very well. What exactly do you want to change about our arrangement with Operations?"

Horatio leaned forward as he placed his hand on the desk, his eyes staring deep into Saul's. "I have final say on any and all missions for my Operatives from here on. You and your trust in the DMLE almost got my Recruits killed. Sure, they knew the risks going in and accepted the mission, one of them clearly more concerned than the other, but they were there because of your approval. Any missions go through me and are approved on by myself and the Recruits independently of any interference. I won't have Aurors on site guilt tripping them into agreeing into a disaster again." Croaker stared at Horatio before lowering his eyes. He sighed deeply. "You are right. Rufus' proposal was too scant on details and I agreed to their deployment too easily. You know what to ask and what's at stake better than me. I will leave deployment of the Operatives, including DMLE assignments, to you." Horatio sat back down onto his chair. "Good. As for my Recruits, R1 will soon be ready to be upgraded to full Operative status. She handled the crisis well, focused on the main priority, her partner's safety and her own, and has shown the skill set needed. Sure, she is a walking death sentence, but her control has improved, though I still need to curb some of her violent tendencies with regard to her creative interpretations of orders. Andromeda is looking to expand Hazel's healing capacity but she has admitted it may be limited completely. She has attention to detail, magical control and the power to do it but she lacks one aspect the magic needs to work."

Croaker thought about Hazel. "Empathy. She can't feel the need to care well for another unknown person and fails at it because her will and intent don't align with her magic." Horatio nodded. "Indeed. I believe she may advance further with Nymphadora's aid, but she will never get Field Medic certification. Neither will Dora, if Andromeda is correct. She has the empathy but lacks the discipline." Croaker tapped his desk and looked at Horatio. "A third Operative?" Horatio shook his head. "Maybe, but unlikely. Those two have bonded well together and the memories from this last botched mission showed that they are only getting better working as a team. Getting a third person into the mix could be disastrous. We will keep an ear open for potential Field Medics but I won't hold my breath on a third Operative for a while." Croaker nodded. "Ok, so Hazel Peverell could be promoted soon. What of Nymphadora?" Horatio crossed his arms. "That is harder to say. She is much better than when she started but she still has a confidence problem. This last incident could slow her down, though I see her partner dragging her through it safely. I am willing to give her a break to recover from this ordeal and re-evaluating her in a few months. Depending on their situation, however, we could delay both their promotions for a bit longer, just to be on the safe side." Croaker nodded in response. "Very well. I will get the paperwork started and leave their final assessment to you."

As Horatio stood back from the desk, Croaker's Floo Terminal lit up, followed by Amelia's voice. "We have another attack at Hogwarts. Three students petrified, two are Prefects. Dumbledore is being summoned by the Board and we expect Minerva to take over as Interim Headmistress until the matter is settled. Call me when you have a response in place." The green flames died out as Croaker looked to Horatio. "Our Operatives?" Horatio raised an eyebrow. "R1 is partly drained magically though showing decent recovery and R2 is still recovering from the Draught of Living Death's effects on her body. Andromeda is already sharpening her scalpels for you, so I would avoid visiting the Medical Wing until R2 is discharged." Croaker shivered. There were times when he regretted signing up a Black as a Healer, but Andromeda was too good a Healer to pass up. "Ok, so R1 is our only possible response. But why would the Heir attack now? Is he making up for lost time?" Horatio thought for a second. "How widespread was the news of Dumbledore's likely removal from Hogwarts after another attack? Especially after Lockhart's trial?" Croaker frowned for a second before he cursed. "He heard. He wants Dumbledore out of Hogwarts and Lockhart's trial gave him the appropriate backdrop for it to happen quickly. But what does he gain from it? What good does Dumbledore out of the Headmaster's office do to Riddle now?"

Horatio thought back to Hazel's debriefing. "Hazel's Riddle needed a living person to take back physical form. This one must be trying it too, though the timelines don't match up well. While the school is open, he can't settle down and act, but what if he forces the school to close, with Dumbledore kept away from the wards, and takes a victim? He would have months locked within a secure position to devour their soul and magic and integrate themselves into the flesh. By the time the school opened again, Tom Riddle could be alive once more, remade." Croaker nodded. "Ok, that seems the likely target. So, what's our response? We can't leave the school open and the students there as a deterrent. He'd just get more violent with the attacks." Horatio smiled as a thought occurred to him. "Close the school. Today." Croaker looked at him and blinked. "Why?" Horatio sighed. "Get him to panic. Close the school, have the students ready to leave by dinner tonight and have the Potter elf watch the students. Someone will make a break for it and if the bastard is keeping the openings for the Basilisk sealed, expecting another attack, he would go straight for the Chamber's entrance to lock himself away." Croaker eyed his Floo Terminal. "This is going to be a hard sell to Minerva and the Board." Horatio opened the door of the office. "Too bad, that's your job. I have an Operative I need to check on. We are going to need her there to finish this mess."

OW May 1993

Hazel stood stunned as she entered what she assumed was the Chamber of Secrets. It had taken way too long for her to get in. She knew the passageway in her Sanctuary had to open up, but for months it seemed to be locked. She hoped it being open now wasn't a bad sign of what she was about to encounter as the last door opened slowly after she asked it to open in Parseltongue. The darkly lit area was sure to be interesting, but Hazel wasn't looking at the architecture or at the still body of Lavender Brown on the floor. What held her attention was what appeared to be a somewhat solid looking Tom Riddle who was passing back and forward, muttering to himself. "Tom?" The boy stilled as he heard his name and turned to her. He smiled at her warmly. "Oh, I suppose I opened the entrances too early. At least it's you here and not Dumbledore. Tell me, did you like my gifts?" Hazel stared at him before the events of the last few months clicked into place. "Wait. The Hufflepuffs and the dead Lockhart. Those were gifts for me?" Tom nodded. "Of course, you told me how they treated you. As a fellow Parselmouth, I had no intention of letting you suffer that disgrace further. As for Lockhart…" Tom had a distant look on his face. "Finding my possessed body getting pulled into a classroom and stripped by the man wasn't all that pleasant. I stunned him and summoned the Basilisk to me. I wonder what bothered Dumbledore more, the fact I killed a rapist in his school or that several young girls probably got their innocence stolen from them under his nose?"

Tom watched as Hazel moved up and checked on Lavender, before Hazel stared at him. "And her? What are you planning for her, Tom? Also, why did you possess her anyways? Weren't you happy staying with me? We had a great time on your birthday." Hazel watched as Tom's face shifted, as if he wasn't entirely sure why he did what he did. "Oh Hazel, I was quite happy. I never lied to you. Though I will be honest and admit I tried to possess you a few times. Yet nothing happened. Even when I pulled your mind into the book, your body remained outside of my influence. It was frustrating at first but I can't deny that I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations." Hazel shook her head. "Then why? Why leave? I could have taken you safely out of the castle." Tom frowned. "And then what? For me to remain inside the book for the rest of my days? My true self may have been happy to abandon me as a mere trinket he made, but I want something more for myself." He smiled. "I want to live again. To start anew." He eyed Hazel. "And I want you by my side. Think of all the interesting things we can uncover as a pair of Parselmouths."

Hazel felt torn. What he offered her was tempting. It was better than everything the wizarding world offered her. But she had felt that way before. She had been betrayed too many times by people saying things that were too good to be true. "Did you consider what I may want out of my life? That I might want to be left alone? What my plans for the future might be?" Tom waved his hand dismissively. "Come now, I can offer you a treasure trove of ancient books, magics lost to time and the pleasure of my continued company. Why would you even need to to think about it?" Hazel stilled. She closed her eyes and wanted to scream. Because he was the same. The bastard was the same as Dumbledore, as Voldemort and as this godforsaken world. They all had plans for her but no one cared what she wanted. She was just a tool to them! She clenched her fists as she opened her eyes. "I met a man who seemed a lot like you before. He made similar promises and requests of me. He went by a weird name. Voldemort." Tom blinked at her. "Oh, my other self is still alive? Well, that's interesting. I suppose I am going to have to find him and deal with him. Can't have two of us running around carrying out our own plans. That would probably end badly. Not to mention it could get quite confusing. Anyways, please wait one moment while I make sure the school stays closed. You're welcome to spend the next few months with me here."

Tom turned around and spoke in Parseltongue towards the massive carved face on the wall as Hazel knelt down to the girl. Was it worth it? Having another Voldemort in the world? She remembered what Quirrell was like and looked at Tom. They were the same. They didn't care about anyone but themselves. If he got a body again, he would be just another person trying to use her. Sure she could learn much under him but she would probably become just a plaything to him. He probably wouldn't think twice to dispose of her, just as he planned to dispose of his other self. How the hell is it that the two people she ends up liking the most are not only the same person, but both of them view her exactly the same? Was she cursed? Shaking those thoughts away, Hazel pulled the Diary from under the girl's body and held it gently, feeling the magic from within its pages. Tom turned around as he sensed a shift in the magic of the book. "What are you doing with that?" Hazel looked at him, her eyes beginning to shed tears. "I really liked you, you know? I thought we could have helped each other. But I am just another tool for you to use. Everything you did, you may have been inspired by me, but it was never about what I wanted or needed. Sorry Tom, but I refuse to be just another puppet to be cast aside when you have no further use for me."

Hazel watched as Tom rushed to her, but it was too late. "Ignis Obscuras." The black flames jumped from her fingers and latched onto the book and devoured it hungrily as Hazel watched Tom become enveloped by the same black flames, his voice filling ears with an unearthly scream. "Bye Tom." Hazel looked down as she felt the book turn to ash before she looked up again at where Tom had been. She cursed under her breath as a huge snake licked where Tom had once been before its head looked towards her. She remembered Hermione saying that the creature was probably a Basilisk and averted her gaze as she ran for the nearest bit of cover, the sound of sloshing water letting her know the creature was right behind her. "Shit, shit, shit, shit!" Hazel dove when she felt the ground shift, the Basilisk head just barely missing her as it struck the ground where she had just been. She ran from cover to cover, spying on the creature's large body before moving again. "Dumbledore, if you or one of your spies is watching, a bit of help would be appreciated!" Her prayer was partly answered when she heard the song of the damned phoenix echo in the room. She did, however, scream internally as the only thing the bird dropped for her was the Sorting Hat.

Placing the Hat over her head, Hazel barely slid into one of the Basilisk's tunnels, as the massive snake's head struck the outer wall. Please tell me you have a plan to survive a Basilisk! The Hat hummed quietly. I see you still don't fit in well with any of the Houses. How distressing. Hazel wanted to just drop him down one of the passageways right then. You are not here for a Sorting! There is a Basilisk trying to kill me for ending it's master's life! The hat chuckled. It chuckled! She bit her tongue trying not to give away her position as she fled from tunnel to tunnel, the giant snake causing the stone to shake around her as it followed close behind. True, but I am the Founders' mouthpiece. I was here when Salazar bred Meret. Have you tried talking to her? Hazel sighed in exasperation. Sure! Hey big snake, I know I just killed your master. Care for a chat? You know, after you stop saying, "kill, rip, tear, devour" over and over again. Are you bloody mental? The Hat sighed at her mental tirade. Well, you certainly don't fit well anywhere but you are just stubborn enough to match Godric on his worst days. Do try and avoid drinking like he did. Here. Hazel felt an object smack her in the head, hard. "Ow!" She lifted the rim of the hat and stared at the sword she drew out. A very small sword. You know, if it weren't considered a sacrilege or that my kids, if I somehow have any at all, would be mad at me, I think I would burn you just like I burned Tom. The hat laughed in her mind. Trust me, dear. You wouldn't be the first to try. Though if your memory is any indication, you just might be the first to manage it.

Hazel wanted to respond when her latest turn landed her in a far more inclined tunnel than the rest, where she was forced to slide down in the barely lit passageway. She landed straight into the pool of water within the Chamber, the hat slipping from her head in the water. Gasping for breath, she lifted herself over the edge and tried to move as she felt the Basilisk splash down into the water behind her. The snake lunged at her, but Hazel slipped on the wet ground after taking a few steps away from the edge of the pool, falling onto her back and being spun around as she tried to get up. The creature's maw and belly slipped past her, just a few inches above her body. Hazel, in desperation, thrusted the sword into the creature's underside. She held on for dear life as it tried to pull away from her, the sword tearing an even bigger gash in the soft hide as the creature screamed in agony. Hazel closed her eyes as soon as the maws of the beast appeared in her vision and she pulled her sword back. Her eyes flew open and she screamed in pain when she felt several fangs pierce her body as the creature picked her up into its mouth, before it started shaking her around.

Not wanting to become a Basilisk's last meal, Hazel desperately jabbed the inside of the creature's mouth with the sword until the beast opened its mouth and she was unceremoniously dropped onto the floor, her body wracked with pain from the impact. Hazel heard the Basilisk give a final death rattle before it's head slammed into the ground beside her. After waiting a second to make sure it was dead, Hazel tried to stand up but her body felt almost numb, her skin a mix of burning fever and cold clamminess. She started coughing heavily, blood leaking from her mouth, as Fawkes landed beside her. She looked at Dumbledore's bird and gave him a bitter smile. "Sorry Birdie, but your master will have to find another saviour. Take care of Hedwig for me, would you?" Soon enough, she lost all strength in her extremities and she laid back down fully, her head hitting the wet ground harder than she would have liked. Hazel felt her eyes grow heavy as her limbs stopped responding to her at all, a bitter coldness settling in. She smirked as she thought that maybe dying down here wasn't so bad. Maybe she would finally get some peace. She closed her eyes, a smile spreading gently on her face, before drops of piercing heat suddenly started landing into her open wounds. She screamed again, louder and louder, as Fawkes kept crying onto her. Her screams of raw agony filled the ancient Chamber for many hours to come as Hazel begged the bird to just let her die.

NW April 1993

Harry followed the trail of Hermione's footsteps on the map as he rushed down hallways within the Castle. His best friend had been acting weird ever since yesterday night. When the announcement came of Dumbledore being summoned by the Board in the morning after another attack that saw Percy Weasley, Penelope Clearwater and a girl from Ravenclaw petrified, she had looked strangely giddy at the news, as if she was happy Dumbledore was going to be sacked. When McGonagall said at lunch that the school would be closing and that all students were to prepare to leave after the Dinner Feast, Hermione suddenly looked panicked. She brushed him off saying she simply didn't know what she would do as she lived with muggle parents, but Harry could tell it wasn't the whole truth. He kept his eye on her until she vanished around a corridor near Gryffindor Tower as McGonagall brought them up to pack. After informing his Head of House, McGonagall searched frantically for her as well, but Hermione was just gone. The Professor vanished into her office to call the Aurors when Fred and George pulled him aside. "Hermione is rushing down hidden passageways, probably heading for the Dungeons. Take this and see if you can catch up to her. We'll tell McGonagall where you are heading towards when she returns."

Rushing desperately through more and more hidden corridors, Harry kept his eyes on Hermione's name on the Twins' map. He grew frantic when her name suddenly vanished off the map right nearby where the Slytherin Common Rooms were marked. He rushed as fast as he could until he barely caught a glimpse of a stone wall moving into place, before becoming flush with the rest of the wall. He slammed into it and looked desperately for a way to open the wall back up again. "The Great Harry Potter should go no further. Bad snake hiding behind the wall." Harry turned around and saw a familiar looking elf. "Dobby?" During the Summer, Dobby had intercepted his mail and tried to tell him to not return to Hogwarts. The elf appeared again on Christmas at the Dursleys, dropping off a picnic basket full of Christmas desserts for him with a note saying that he was now working for the people keeping Harry safe. He had caught a few glimpses of the elf since, but this was the first time he responded to him since Christmas. The house elf nodded. "The Great Harry Potter should wait here. Scary Mistress will be along to help." Dobby popped away as Harry tried to control his breathing. He was really glad Neville had been pushing him to run for longer periods of time, or he would have missed where the door was. Dobby popped back, with a familiar looking Auror holding his hand. She was also holding her stomach. "Dobby, reminder to not do that with me again without warning. I don't think elf magic and mine mix all that well." Dobby nodded as Hazel's eyes locked with Harry's, the familiar shade of green making him pause for a moment. "So, this is the wall?"

Harry pulled away from it as Hazel pressed her hand against it. "Yeah, Hermione had been acting weird today before the announcements about the school closing came up. She vanished as soon as we were close to Gryffindor Tower." Hazel hummed to herself before Harry heard her say "Open". He blinked. "Wait, you're a Parselmouth too?" Hazel nodded. "Speaker yes, but not a caster. Never did find any books on the subject back home. Sadly, good old Tom here is a paranoid bastard. It's locked." He watched a wand snap into her left hand. "Though fortunately for us, the full castle wards aren't up on this wall just yet. Get back and cover your ears." He took several steps back as Hazel aimed her wand at the door. "Perrumpo Expugnatio!" Even with his ears covered, he felt and heard the impact of her magic into the wall as a cloud of dust and pebbles rained down onto him. He watched as the cloud vanished at the wave of her wand, revealing an open passageway that seemed to suddenly stop. "Dobby, fetch Harry's Invisibility Cloak." The elf popped away as Hazel cast a few spells into the passageway before she sighed in relief. "No traps. Guess they never expected someone to breach the stonewall and the wards." She took the cloak that Dobby handed to her and wrapped it around Harry, looking him in the eye. "Stay here and under Cloak. Don't trust anyone except for me, Andromeda or Madam Bones. She's a scary redhead that looks a lot like an older Susan Bones. Stay here and be safe."

Hazel turned to the opening and descended quickly. She knew her siege spell would have been heard by both the Basilisk and Tom. She had to hurry. Finding her comm not working because of the heavy wards and the thick walls of stone, Hazel lifted her hand up and summoned her Patronus into it. A small ball of light took the form of a small, skeletal dragon. "Dungeon Level, near Snake Pit. Big hole in the wall. I'll send another once everything is cleared." The little dragon took off towards Horatio as Hazel found the second door to the Chamber proper. It was locked as well, but unlike the wall, this one had no connection to the Castle's primary wards. Hazel pulled her Cloak over herself before she blasted the locked door into smithereens with another siege engine spell, sending a cloud of dust into the dimly lit room. "Do you have no respect for a Founder's Legacy!?" Hazel cast a spell on her voice that would make it echo across the chamber, hiding her location. "Sure, but I am not the first to desecrate Salazar's noble beast and neither are you, Tom Riddle." Hazel watched as the sixteen year old apparition waved a wand around, clearing the air around him, the Basilisk towering behind him. She also noticed Hermione Granger laying on the ground next to them. She focused her eyes on the creature. "Does the Gaunt Heir follow in his forefathers' footsteps or in Salazar's, Meret?" Hazel watched as the creature reared its head, looking around. "Who?! How?! My name gifted to me by my massster! Where did you hear it, Ssspeaker!" Hazel hummed, glad their worlds were close enough to match that fact down as true. "I read it from Sssalazar's notesss. I know why he raisssed you. You are no killer of children, Meret."

Tom hollered, sending curses flying everywhere but missing Hazel entirely. "Silence! I am Salazar Slytherin's Heir. I am the master of the Chamber. The Basilisk and its purpose are mine!" Hazel eyed the snake, seeing the weight of her master's words trying to settle onto her. "You were born to protect Sssalazar's nessst and the nessst of hisss ssstudents from thossse that sssought to harm the nessstlings. Two leggersss who dared to condemn the gift of magic asss blasssphemy. You, named after a Goddessss from the endlessss sssea of sssand, were meant asss thisss Sssanctuary's final guardian. No two leggersss could sssurvive your gaze, the ssstudents would find sssafety behind your ferocity. You are no killer, Meret! You are a Guardian. Do not anssswer to the Gaunt'sss Heir. Essspecially not thisss fragment of hisss." Tom reared up in surprise when he heard that. "You know! I will end you now, traitor of our blood. Basilisk, I forbid you to listen further. Find them and kill them!" Hazel watched as the Basilisk shuddered, fighting the orders as she reached the still form of Hermione. She dug into the girl's robes and pulled out the Diary, feeling it's familiar magic. Hazel smiled to herself. "I know you quite well, Tom. I know your fearsss and your ambitionsss. I alssso know jussst how far you are willing to go to achieve them. Don't worry, fragment. I will sssend the ressst of you to hell sssoon enough. Ignis Obscuras."

Hazel felt her memory resurface as she watched Tom die to her flames one more time. She bit her lip, forcing the feelings she had about her Tom down. This fragment wasn't hers and didn't deserve the pity she once felt as a child. She turned to the Basilisk as soon as the apparition was gone for good, seeing it's movements being more fluid now. "Will you ssshield your gaze for me?" The creature nodded and Hazel removed her Cloak. The Basilisk looked at her closely, it's forked tongue tasting the air around Hazel. "I sssmell… my kin. How?" Hazel reached out and touched the Basilisk gently on the snout. "Once, in my youth, I too faced another of your kin. I besssted her but sssuffered greatly from the venom within itsss fangsss. A ssstubborn phoenix denied me a fitting end, for ssslaying a beassst driven mad by age, compulsssions and violence." Basilisk looked into her eyes, it's deadly gaze averted by thin, almost transparent membranes. "Would you honor me with the sssame fate?" Hazel's hand stilled. "Why?" The Basilisk turned towards the still living body of Hermione. Hazel also frowned as she saw Harry, under cloak, checking on the girl. Bloody Gryffindors. "I wasss born to protect the hatchlingsss, yet I have harmed them. Another of the True Ssspeakers may compel me to harm them again. I do not wisssh to betray my father'sss wissshes again." Hazel sighed and pressed her head against the Basilisk's. "Are you certain of thisss, Meret?"

Meret's tongue licked her softly across her neck. "Yesss. Aid me asss you aided another, Ssspeaker. Free me from the burden of a life lived againssst my wissshes." Hazel breathed deeply as ran her hand down the Basilisk's scales. "I ssswear to you, Meretseger. Your fangsss, your venom and your ssscales will ssserve your father'sss purpossse for you. Hogwartsss will be sssafe for hatchlingsss like my own to learn and grow with the great gift." The Basilisk closed its eyes. "My gratitude, ssspeaker. May your ssstrength never waver in the protection of your hatchlingsss." Hazel looked deep within herself, searching for that one small piece of her capable of granting Meret a fitting end. Her Godmother's face flashed before her eyes, Hazel taking in her beautiful brown curls and those dark grey eyes from her memories. Her voice echoed in Hazel's mind and her heart. "Death isn't the worst fate you can inflict onto another. It can be mercy. An act of love. When the alternative lies between a prolonged torment or a swift end, remember this, my dearest sapling. Look deep within yourself, find the person you love dearly and find the courage to send them on their way. Let the last thing your heart knows be the love you have for another as you cast the spell that has been twisted and warped by hate."

Taking a deep breath, Hazel brought her fingers to a seam in the Basilisk's scales. "Fair night to you, Meret. May your father welcome you in Anwn, beloved daughter and Guardian of Hogwartsss." Her Godmother's smiling face flashed one last time in her mind and Hazel whispered the incantation. "Avada … Kedavra." A brief flash of cyan light lit up the room as Hazel felt the Basilisk's body relax and grow slack. The head hit the ground with a soft thud as a single tear escaped Hazel's eye. She brushed it away as she went to Harry, who stared at her. He looked a lot more surprised when she pulled the Cloak from his body. "Sorry kid, but I am the one of a few this cloak cannot hide you from." She knelt down and checked on Hermione, as Harry looked from Hazel to the snake. "That was Salazar's monster?" Hazel pulled the unconscious body of Hermione into her arms, burying any lingering feeling of hate that resided in her towards the girl. This wasn't the person who betrayed her. Hopefully, she would never become that person again. "No Harry. That was Salazar's final contribution to the castle's defences. A guardian meant to protect the children from muggle religious zealots. The Gaunts, the forebears of Lord Voldemort, twisted and warped Meret and her father's legacy to one of prejudice and hate. Her name was Meretseger, named after a goddess of Egypt. A protector of the great works of the ancient crafters." Harry followed Hazel as she headed back towards the entrance. "Binns hasn't covered that in History." Hazel chuckled. "No, I don't suppose he has."

Chapter 26: The Burden of Another's Soul

Hazel lowered Hermione's body onto the nearest medical bed of the Hospital Wing as Madam Pomfrey came over to check on the child. "What happened?" Hazel eyed the matron. "Contact with a cursed object, likely possession over a period of twelve hours, maybe longer. Possible compulsion charms and other forms of Mind Magics." Pomfrey sighed as she started scanning. "I am not certified for Mind Magic maladies. The best I can do is diagnose her." Hazel stood up and summoned her patronus into her hand again. " All clear. Possession victim in Hospital Wing, send Healer expert in Mental and Soul Magics. Prepare a retrieval team for Xtimes5 carcass and summon DMLE1 to arrive first. I will try to get access through the Floo network. Standby." Pomfrey froze. "Soul Magic?" Hazel allowed her dragon patronus to take flight before she looked over at the girl. "The cursed object had signs of Soul Magic and carried out a partial possession over her. The damage can depend for how long she was in possession of it and how long the object affected her." Harry chimed in. "She's had it since September 19. She got it as a birthday present from Ginny Weasley." Hazel turned to him, making him feel a little uncomfortable under the scrutiny of her green eyes. "That object wasn't bought in a store and I doubt Mr. Weasley has cursed objects like that lying around in his home. We are also going to have a word about following instructions. The Cloak keeps you effectively safe from humans, not creatures. At least not until you realize just how they can perceive the world differently than you. Got that?" Harry lowered his eyes and nodded.

The sudden opening of the Hospital Wing's doors drew Hazel's attention and on seeing the arrivals, she made sure to switch her eye color to blue. "Surprised to see you here, Chief Warlock. The Board hasn't reconvened yet." The old man looked at her with curiosity. "I don't believe we've met, Auror." Hazel gave him a toothy smile. "We haven't and it's Hit Witch. Sorry, but my name is currently not available to you. I am, however, going to have to ask you to leave. The Castle is an active crime scene until the Head of the DMLE signs off on it and you have no reason to be within its walls currently." He stared at her. "Young lady, while I have been removed, it is only a temporary measure. I have a right to check in on the wellbeing of my students." Hazel resisted the urge to draw either of her wands. The Elder Wand would be a dead giveaway to him that something was off and the Holly Wand right now might be too familiar to him if he spent any time with Olivander checking for Voldemort's brother wand. Instead she waved her hand and banished him out the doors before sealing them with a charm ward. She turned back to three people looking at her with surprise. "What? He was notified that he wasn't welcomed here. I won't have him impede our investigation. Now, Headmistress. As a bit of warning, you might want to be careful how much support you provide your old boss and mentor. You have had the position for a day and granting him entry violates his removal."

McGongall clenched her jaw. "I understand that, Auror, but the man is among the most knowledgeable wizards in the country. He could be of help with the girl." Hazel chuckled. "I'll be sure to tell the experts that when they arrive." Hazel eyed the Hospital Wing's office door and turned to Madam Pomfrey who was writing her diagnostics down. "Mind if I use the Floo?" Pomfrey eyed her carefully. "It's warded to my magical signature. Only the Headmaster can change that." Hazel nodded. "Right then." She poked the Healer with a needle, eliciting a soft yelp from her and left towards the door. She spied Harry looking at her and held a finger to her lips. "Never try that yourself. I am a bit of an expert and as you can see, I can deal with most people who decide to be… difficult." She winked at him and stepped into the office as Pomfrey rubbed her hand over the site of the jab. "She… oh! Of course she wouldn't give her name." She looked at Minerva. "Don't say a word about that to Albus. I can't begin to guess how much trouble he would cause her and she to him. As a Hit Witch she is sure to have permission, but the Blood Magic she practices isn't a pleasant one in the eyes of others." Minerva sighed before looking at Hermione. "How is she?" Pomfrey cast another diagnostic spell. "Magically drained severely, but not to a deadly degree, signs of Compulsion Charms that became partially unravelled. The witch mentioned another layer of potential damage, but I don't know how to check for it."

The door to the office opened and Andromeda Tonks rushed forward to the bed, her healer's kit in hand. "Poppy, Minerva. Is this the girl Hazel told me about?" Pomfrey looked over Andromeda's shoulder and spotted Amelia stepping out with the Auror she assumed was called Hazel. "She is. Her assessment is distressing. Are you…?" Andromeda placed her Healer's kit down and drew her wand. "Certified for Mind and the other magic she mentioned? Yes. The latter I got recently. If you excuse me." Amelia signalled McGonagall over and the Interim Headmistress stepped up to her. "When you told me there was a plan to end the threat quickly, I was expecting in a week, not within the day of my announcement." Amelia gave her a smile. "Sorry about that, Minerva, but we had to move quickly. Now, my Hit Witch here tells me the entrance is in the Dungeons, opened but warded and concealed by her. I can assume Albus will be pressuring the Board to be reinstated soon. Can you grant access to a certain group of people to secure the scene and retrieve any dangerous artefacts before the Chief Warlock gets his position as Headmaster back?"

Minerva eyed Hazel who seemed to be moving one of her hands oddly. "Are you alright?" Hazel chuckled. "Peachy. Just cycling wards on the door as the former Headmaster keeps trying to unlock it. He's getting quite frustrated. It's actually quite fun." Amelia pinched the bridge of her nose. "She isn't fond of the Headmaster and, right now, neither am I. An answer would be most welcomed before she goes for the direct approach and I get to file a few new stacks of documents concerning the Chief Warlock's wellbeing. Well?" Minerva looked between the two before turning to her student lying on the bed. She frowned sadly and nodded her head. "Do it. I'll cordon off the area and you can place your wards. Get it cleared out quickly. Albus won't wait long at all." Amelia nodded and tapped Hazel's shoulder. "The Floo?" Hazel waved her towards it. "Opened completely until I or Pomfrey relock it. Call our people in and send Alastor to the front door. That should get the old goat's attention." Amelia nodded and left for the office as Minerva looked closely at Hazel. "Were you one of mine?" Hazel bared her teeth at her. "Yes and no. I look very different from the last time I walked these halls as a student. As you can guess, I am not willing to give my old or new identities away. Not just yet." Minerva closed her eyes. "Are you the one Amelia mentioned? The one who hated me?"

Hazel sighed and looked towards the two Gryffindors as Harry watched Andromeda work on Hermione. "I used to hate you. Lately you have been doing better, or so I hear, but clearly not enough. You still depend too much on the old man." Minerva looked at her closely. "We owe a lot to him." Hazel blinked at her. "You owe your students more, especially him." Hazel gestured with her head to Harry. "Two of your students were dragged into the war, were forced to go into hiding and gave their lives for the boy. Have you sat down with him for tea? Told him about the stunts James pulled to catch Lily's eye even as all he did was piss her off more? Or how despite all of that, Lily still would laugh at his antics in private, especially after James matured in his later years? The boy lost everything and you, the woman Lily considered as a possible godmother to him, did nothing to give him something back in return for what he lost. Tell me, Minerva, how much more do you think you need to do to be a proper Head of a Hogwarts House, let alone a pseudo family member, to a boy who lost everything as a one year old?" Minerva lowered her eyes. "Not nearly enough, it seems." Hazel nodded. "I hope that by September you do better. If my son, who will be entering the school then, ends up in your house by a stroke of luck and you fail him, disappointing your mentor will be the least of your concerns." Minerva watched a line of Unspeakables, covered head to toe in their cloaks, walked out from the office and headed straight for the Hospital Wing doors. Hazel dropped her hands. "Now if you excuse, I have a few spooks to send towards the Chamber of Secrets. Good evening to you, Headmistress."

Deciding to let the Unspeakables handle Dumbledore first after she gave them the directions to the warded wall, Hazel went to sit down by Harry. He lowered his head. "I… am sorry I didn't listen to you. It's just… if she had that book for so long, if she was behind the whole Heir of Slytherin mess…" Hazel sighed, shifting her eye color to green for him. "Harry, what exactly would you have done? You saw the Basilisk. It refused to respond to me completely until the book was destroyed. It could never have responded at all. A thousand years is a long time to be alone, buried under the castle." Harry shivered at the thought. " I just wanted to help." Hazel lifted up his chin and looked him in the eyes. "And you did. You went after her and pointed me at the right wall to break down. She is alive as much because of you as because of me. The watchful eye of a guard can save a thousand lives, before even the first soldier raises his weapon." Harry stared at her, seeing the truth in her eyes. He nodded. "What happens now?" Hazel lowered her hand and looked towards Hermione. "Her family will be notified, the people petrified will be restored and the students will go back to classes, while the victims recover." Harry turned to his friend. "I wish I could have spotted it sooner." Hazel looked at Harry from the corner of her eye. "If you did, any number of things might have happened. You could have been killed. The girl could have been dragged down earlier and her very life essence stolen from her. As much as we might want to end things quickly, sometimes you have to let events play out so far. For everyone's sake."

Getting a tentative promise from him to be careful, because she knew that was the best she was going to get from him, Hazel stood up and walked up to Andromeda. "It's a bit early to tell, but it seems her mind was locked up. I got through to her but I am keeping her asleep for now." Hazel nodded. "Probably for the best." She eyed Andromeda. "Make sure she has no other compulsion charms or potions in her from … other sources." Andromeda nodded. "I will handle her continued medical attention. The damage to her mind doesn't seem excessive but she has to be devastated by this." Hazel thought back to her own days with Tom. "She will be. Tom is very good at integrating himself with people. Make them dependent on him. She will feel betrayed and lost. Also, please tell me you can inform her parents. Dumbledore will try to bury this, them being muggles and all." Andromeda smiled at Hazel. "Trust me, they will be informed. Unlike Pomfrey, I have no restrictions beyond those you are aware of. Now go. It looked to me like Dumbledore was making his way to his office to summon the Board. Get that Chamber cleared out and sealed up tight before he gets his position back." Hazel chuckled. "Yes ma'am." Hazel left the Hospital Wing and found the Unspeakables dismantling her ward. It gave her some pride that it managed to survive their concentrated efforts as long as it did. Leading them in, the hooded figures got to work, as Hazel eyed the walls. Time to see if this Salazar was as careful about his legacy as hers was.

Croaker eyed the two witches at the table. "Well, I will get started. The Department of Mysteries, despite Dumbledore's protests, removed the carcass of the Basilisk from the school and is in the process of rendering it down safely. The scales and hide will be preserved and studied to see if they can be adjusted beyond what typical dragonhide gear can manage. The blood, eyes and venom have been stored for further study and the fangs are being worked on as potential tools or weapons. The organs are being studied as well, but the meat proper has been divided. Some of it has been sold to the Goblins, who were quite displeased about not getting the full supply, but they paid well for it. The rest is being traded to the Centaurs of the Forbidden Forest." Augusta looked at him oddly. "Why trade with them?" Croaker chuckled. "Hazel initially gave her original Basilisk's meat to the Centaurs due to limited resources and fear that her world's version of Dumbledore would try and appropriate her earnings. The Centaurs took the gesture well and made sure to keep her safe at all times in the forest. Hazel is currently negotiating with them for a similar arrangement and in hopes of further cooperation in the future. Despite the Acromantula colony within, the forest is mostly Centaur territory and securing it will be important for the safety of the school."

Amelia smiled as she drank from her tea. "That's good to hear. The DMLE and the DRCMC have always had trouble with the Centaurs on the Hogwarts grounds. Having friendlier relations with them will come in handy in the future, especially as Crouch and Dumbledore are already making their request for the reinstatement of the Triwizard Tournament." Croaker winced. Hazel would not be happy about that last part. She hardly spoke of her time as a champion beyond the fact she killed the dragon she was tasked with, the only Champion to do so. "Amelia, do me a favor and warn me if Crouch starts looking for Dragons for his Tournament." Amelia eyed him, having a good idea as to why the specific nature of that request. "I will. Anything else of note from the Chamber?" Croaker lifted up his report. "Hazel uncovered Salazar Slytherin's repository and we retrieved all the books and scrolls in there. We intend to return them to the school, once they have been evaluated. No point in submitting a book back to Hogwarts, only for it to be locked away to never be seen again. So far some of it matches the ones Hazel hand copied and brought over with her, with a few interesting exceptions. Helga was apparently quite the Animal Tamer and Salazar had a copy of her efforts to tame various creatures. She was also looking for a way to learn Parseltongue or receive the gift herself, but there were no further notes on that."

Augusta chuckled as Amelia choked on her tea. "Well, the DoM certainly came out well from the situation." She turned to Amelia, who was cleaning her face with a napkin. "What of the DMLE and the Ministry?" Amelia lowered her hand from her face. "The Aurors have cordoned the Chamber off for now. We are waiting for DoM cartographers and map makers to come in and document the tunnels, pipes and passageways that are tied to the Chamber. Our Curse Breakers aren't sure if they can disable any of the Parseltongue wards in place without a Parselmagic practitioner around, especially since most seemed to be actively tied to the Hogwarts wards. This leaves the main entrance as the only access point. We will bring this up with the DoM to figure out whether we seal the entrance or have it accessible to a select few." Croaker tapped his chin. "Keeping it sealed will be the best for now, with the DoM maintaining control of who can access it. Perhaps once we have the texts verified and translated, we could potentially open it to the school to showcase a Founder's legacy but until then it's best to leave the Chamber alone. Any idea on potential charges being filed?"

Amelia sighed and checked her papers. "We applied the Restorative Draught you provided to the victims and most confirmed Hermione Granger was the only person they saw before they were petrified. However, the clear evidence of possession and light compulsion charms makes any potential charges against her mute, which they ought to be. The question we have left is the matter of Lucius Malfoy. When Hazel questioned Ginerva Weasley, the girl mentioned she had thought the book was a present from her mother but after verifying with Molly Weasley, the girl only remembers having the diary appear among her books after they were looked at by Lucius Malfoy. Harry confirmed the incident, as did a few other witnesses and he mentioned he thought he saw a new book being added by Lucius but wasn't sure what it meant or if he saw correctly. Hazel's elf, Dobby, confirmed the book was in his former Master's possession." Augusta drank from her tea. "I get the feeling we won't manage to charge Lucius with much?" Amelia shook her head. "Possession of a cursed item, perhaps. Fudge, despite the recent tensions, will delay the process in the Wizengamot for sure or dismiss it. I mentioned it to Julia, who will be addressing it to the Board. Though with the judicial reform coming up, Lucius might push for a trial earlier, before he gets caught by the new rules coming into play. He might not see Azkaban for this, but the incident will diminish his standing further among the Wizengamot."

Saul chuckled. "Worthless evidence in the current court, but plenty of value in removing him from his position on the Board. Lady Greengrass must be quite pleased with that. We have a bit more on Lucius currently, thanks to his elf, but our Legal Division has suggested we wait for a more appropriate time before revealing all of our evidence, with any charges being brought up after the reforms are approved by the Wizengamot. So, Augusta, anything else from the Wizengamot about the issue?" Augusta nodded. "Sure. You want to submit your Operative to an Order of Merlin award?" Croaker shuddered. "I have nightmares about the potential danger she brings to the Wizengamot alone as a guard. Thank you for those, Amelia. No, I am not placing her in the spotlight surrounded by the very people she has on her shit list." Augusta smiled. "Then not really. A few might request a report on the findings of the investigation, but your Department isn't required to answer in a speedy manner. The only thing I expect is the Chief Warlock trying to find out the name of the Auror that banished him from the Hospital Wing." Croaker shook his head. "He can ask all he wants. We are keeping her identity secret until the boy's Sorting on the first of September. Until then, he can enjoy being denied by the Ministry. Might do him some good to know he isn't all powerful." Amelia stood up. "Well, if you excuse me, I need to go verify a few things before dinner with Julia. I imagine she will have a lot to share concerning the Board's decisions."

"I protest! Those accusations are nothing but slander." Julia raised an eyebrow at Lucius' outburst. "Really? Care to submit your memories of the event? We have the memories of several people who confirm your actions in the bookstore and the placement of the cursed object that was destroyed in the cauldron of a young girl. Care to submit your own to refute their claims?" Lucius huffed. "I have no need to do such a thing." Julia nodded. "You do not, but the law is changing since the last time you were accused of a crime, Lucius. Just because you refuse to provide evidence of your innocence doesn't mean you are free from being charged through the verified memories of another. The Minister may keep your case from being seen in court fully but the evidence has been provided to us by the DMLE, as this was an action that threatened the life of a student. It's sufficient grounds for dismissing you of your position and seat on this Board." Lucius stood up. "You do not have that authority." Elphias Doge spoke up. "But we as a whole do and I agree with Lady Greengrass. There is sufficient evidence for us to make our own decision, regardless of whether this case finds its way to the Wizengamot Court. I vote for Lucius Malfoy's eviction from the Hogwarts Board of Governors."

Julia sat down. "I second it." Doge nodded. "All those in favor?" Julia smiled as all but Lucius raised their hands. Doge pressed on. "By unanimous decision, you, Lucius Malfoy, are hereby removed from the Board of Governors of Hogwarts Castle. Please leave the Castle grounds." Lucius stood up and glared at them all before leaving the room at a brisk pace. Doge sagged in his chair. "Good bloody riddance. I couldn't stand that man." The room chuckled and Julia stood up. "As the Board now holds an empty seat, I vote to leave the selection of the next chairman until said seat is filled and we focus instead on Board member nominations. Preferably someone that won't make Lord Doge here want to curse them in every session." Doge smiled at her. "I second the motion, though I believe you should take the position as Interim Chairwoman for now, Lady Greengrass." Julia had to forcibly close her jaw as the rest of the Board agreed. She never expected to be chosen. Doge was clearly the favorite for the position. "I am honored, Governors. I suppose we should get started on the next pressing matter." The Board summoned Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall to the meeting.

Seeing the expecting look on Dumbledore made her want to glare at the man, but Julia kept her face impassive. Her daughter took after her, not her dead husband, for a reason. "Firstly, the Board wishes to thank Professor McGonagall for her expedient acceptance of a DMLE proposal to solve the situation within Hogwarts quickly and decisively. The matter was taken seriously and her expediency ensured the safety of the student body of Hogwarts in its entirety." The members applauded as Minerva blushed under the praise. Julia read from Amelia's report. "The DMLE will maintain the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets sealed separately from the rest of the school's wards as the connected tunnels are mapped and explored. Curse Breakers have confirmed they are sealed with the aid of the Hogwarts wards, but until we can summon a Wardmaster to the school, that matter will be set aside for now." Julia noticed Dumbledore looked relieved. She would have to see if they could commission a Wardmaster soon. "This leaves us with the matter of the position of Headmaster of Hogwarts. While Lucius Malfoy, who has been dismissed from this body, made the proposal, I am hesitant to give any support for the reinstatement of Albus Dumbledore to his previous position."

Lord Doge looked at her with interest. Julia knew the man was a supporter of Dumbledore and a former member of his Order. She was certain her objection would fail but the pensive look on everyone was good to see. The Board could potentially be swayed in time. Dumbledore, however, was not pleased. "On what grounds?" Julia leaned forward. "The actions against the student body were analysed by the DMLE. The last massive attack took place after news of your agreement with the Board was leaked to the students. The perpetrator acted with the intention of harming your position, Dumbledore. I am concerned they won't be the last to target the school simply because you are employed there. While you were hired as a Master of Transfiguration, you remained at the school during your participation in Grindlewald's War and were even awarded several political positions for said participation. Who is to say the next person won't seek to attack the school and it's students for your policies and behaviour on the Wizengamot or on the ICW Assembly? You are by your presence alone a danger to the school." Dumbledore stared at her. "By that logic, Harry Potter himself is a danger to the school. Would you ask him to abandon his education for the safety of the other students, Lady Greengrass?"

Julia shook her head. "Not at all. He is a student and the Charter is clear that all students who conform to the rules of conduct and meet the appropriate academic requirements may stay, regardless of their personal situation. The same cannot be said about you, Headmaster. You are an employee of the Castle and were selected to represent it. I simply question whether you should continue to do so." The Board remained silent as they contemplated Julia's words before Lord Doge spoke up. "You raise an interesting argument, Lady Greengrass. I vote for it to be shelved for a later meeting, one where we have the empty Governor seat filled." Julia sat back. "I accept the request. I merely wished to voice my concerns of the matter before any other decision was made that could have been seen as an act of support. I believe the time that the Board of Governors remained silent concerning the future of Hogwarts should be at an end." The Board voiced their agreement of Julia's position and Dumbledore was reinstated as Headmaster with a clear understanding that his continuation in the position was not a guarantee. Julia pulled up a bit of parchment. "Now then, let's get onto the matter of the Professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts. Have you located someone who matches our new standards for the job?" Julia smiled, as seeing the obvious signs of Dumbledore's irritation was something she was enjoying greatly. "I have. He is currently completing employment in France and should return to the country before the first Board Meeting during the Summer Recess, along with the appropriate documentation of his NEWTs."

Hazel swallowed the rest of the contents of the bowl before returning it to the female Centaur who bowed her head softly to her. She was glad her body had become a bit less susceptible to poisons since she held the Hallows as she could feel the growing numbing effect of the concoction in her stomach and through her throat. Not that it was a poison. Based on the way it behaved, she could imagine that a heavier dose would have either hallucinatory effects and a severe numbing agent. The Chief Elder nodded at her for taking the ritual drink without complaint. "We thank you for respecting our ways, Witch. The proposed trade is quite tempting." Hazel heard a dismissive snort. "Her kind will seek more "trades'' with us. Today they ask for safety within our forest. One day they will ask for the land itself. Then they will ask us to leave. When will it end? When every single one of us is dead?" Hazel kept a watch on the young Centaur male as another, a female Elder, spoke up. "Is that something you see your people doing, Witch?" Hazel sighed. "I will not lie and say they would not. It is in the nature of the corrupt and the greedy to crave that which is not theirs, especially when they are told not to desire it. Sadly, even what lands that are yours by blood and right may yet be taken from you by those who see not living souls but mindless beasts."

The Centaur she was sure was Bane came forward. That centaur had never been fond of her, even in her old world. "See? She admits it. What do we gain from this trade but the threat of greater loss to our Herd? The loss of the meat she offers is nothing compared to the damage we do to our people." The Chief Elder eyed her carefully. "But you do not speak for the corrupt and greedy." Hazel didn't dare to drop his gaze. "I try never to do so. The offer comes to you from a group that seeks a change to our world. This includes respect for magicals and non-magicals alike, regardless of their form or way of life. The offer comes from a branch independent from the Ministry. Our oaths are our own and we choose to keep them. Should the Ministry betray you, we would come to your aid against them as we would expect you to come to the aid of the innocents that live at the edge of your lands." The Elders deliberated as Hazel saw Bane move closer before another Centaur stopped him. "Enough Bane, let the Elders decide." Bane huffed and returned to the circle as Hazel felt a memory surface. The person she remembered as Firenze looked at her. "You know me." Hazel shook her head. "I know of one who looked like you, but in a different life." Conversation around her ceased as Firenze came closer to her.

"The stars speak to us. A change occurred almost two summers ago. The stars dimmed and rippled as Vega brightened. Many fear what the bird of the heavens brings in its wake, but we believe some good may come of it, as Mars has dimmed and Venus has remained steady in her warm embrace." Hazel tried to remember what little she knew of Divination but nothing Firenze taught her for those brief months she spent chatting with the Centaurs came to mind. "I am afraid I am not versed well in interpreting the stars, Observer of the Sky. All I can ever do is be honest to myself and protect my son. I have long abandoned any faith in prophecy or humanity as a whole." Whispers broke out around her as Firenze nodded. "Then you have no more to hear from me, Witch. Your words hold much truth and pain, yet there is more there for those deserving. That you speak my title reveals you know of us, even if only in shadow. That is enough. Good hunting, Witch." Hazel watched him return to the Herd as the Chief Elder rose. "We have agreed to accept the trade and agreement and look forward to a beneficial arrangement between us in time, Huntress. Firenze's kindness to your kind is known to us but his choice to share a vision speaks well of you. Go in peace, Witch. Your younglings will be safe on our lands."

Hazel stood up and bowed. "Our gratitude, Chief Elder and fellow Elders of the Herd. A bountiful harvest to your families for the coming years." Hazel walked away from them as the Centaurs opened a path for her as she left the village, her thoughts turning to another problem. Harry had shown her the map he used to track Hermione to the Dungeons but when she checked the names, she had been confused. She could recognize only one name, the one she knew was James Potter. One was obvious enough that it was likely to be Remus. How they thought naming him Moony was a good idea, she honestly couldn't imagine. The other two, however, made no sense to her. Were the Marauders here different from hers? Is that why the map had somehow been left in Filch's office for the Weasley Twins to find? Hazel sighed as she thought back to the day her godmother gave her the map. It had made sneaking into Salazar's repository a lot easier. It gave her a safe place to train and prepare for the Triwizard Tournament. Hazel had confiscated Harry's map but she assured him she would return it. The DoM just had to inspect it first. Her map had not connected to the wards here, but with one map they could compare to and another fully functional, Hazel was sure they could duplicate it. It was just a matter of when.

"Dora!" Nymphadora felt the kid tackle her and she wrapped her arms around him. "Hey Teddy. Mom finally allowed me the chance to leave the Medical Wing. How are you?" Teddy smiled. "I am good. Mom's been in the kitchen the whole day." Dora heard her stomach grumble and Teddy laughed. "Yup, mine's been doing that too. Come on! Q is here too!" Dora followed him down the hallway until they opened the door to Hazel's apartment. "Found Dora!" Quetz stood up and pulled her into a hug. "You best not be pulling stunts like these often, coneja. My nerves won't take it. When you are back on duty, drop by Appropriations. I got your suit fixed up and reinforced a bit." Dora hugged her back. "Thank you. I'll get it soon. Also, what did you call me?" Quetz laughed. "Nothing for you to worry about, amiga. Come on, your amada has been cooking your favorites for you all day." The moment she heard the oven door open, the room was filled by the scent of meatloaf and roasted vegetables and Dora sighed. "I am going into a food coma tonight."

Hazel laughed as she placed the meat on the countertop. "We will see. Maybe Andromeda allowed you out of her sight, fully aware you'd be unable to move today." Dora pouted. "Traitor." Hazel came around the corner and pulled her oven mitts off her hands. "For you? Maybe." Dora whined as Hazel gave her a very deep kiss. They pulled apart and Dora watched as Hazel ruffled Teddy's hair. "It's safe to look now, son. Mushy stuff is over." Teddy lowered his hands from his eyes and headed for the living room. Hazel gave Dora a smile as she summoned a bottle of beer. "You get two tonight and no more." Dora hugged Hazel warmly as she took the bottle. "I think I might be falling in love." Hazel pulled back and lifted an eyebrow. "You better. I don't let just anyone into my bedroom. Dinner will be ready in five minutes so go wash up and maybe switch into more comfortable clothes." Wearing her favorite Weird Sisters t-shirt and a pair of jeans, Dora returned to the table and dug into her food hungrily. She eventually sat back and felt a belch leave her but was surprised by how silent it was. She blushed when she felt Hazel dispel a silencing spell on her with a wave of her hand.

Quetz sat back, a bottle of beer in her hand. "Por el amor de la diosa, you certainly gave the DoM a lot to work with. I got a fair bit of scales and hide to work on but I am waiting to hear from Research before I start working it into anything. The fangs though are being shaped and formed into knives. I recommend you don't go out with them every day. Getting a prick from those will be the last thing you do." Dora hummed. "I'll leave mine with you then, since it's not a priority of mine. What about you, Hazel?" Hazel nursed her glass of sparkling grape juice. "I'll leave mine behind too. I got a safe means of cursed object destruction already and I can conjure any weapon I need. Might stop by and check it though. I am curious if I can match the toxic venom properties with Conjuration." Quetz chuckled. "Claro. I make you a fine piece of craftsmanship and you duplicate it for your own use." Hazel hummed. "Will you forgive me if I swear not to make it identical to your work and that I am doing it because conjurations are expendable but your work isn't?" Quetz pouted. "Low blow, amiga. Can't stay mad for that. You got yourself a sneaky bruja, Dora."

Quetz left for her apartment soon after and Dora watched Hazel tuck Teddy into bed before closing the bed. She noticed Hazel looked sad. "What's wrong?" Hazel shook her head. "In two months or so Teddy will be getting his Hogwarts letter. I … don't like how empty this place will feel without him." Dora watched as Hazel shivered and she pulled her in for a hug. "It's not just about Teddy, is it?" Hazel took a deep breath, Dora's scent calming her down a bit. "I've been in a lot of places that have been great to me at times, but they all became empty eventually. My Godmother's home, Andi's, even Hogwarts. Something always happens and the place changes for me. I am worried the same can happen here." Dora rubbed her partner down her back. "I promise it won't be the same. You'll have me here, and Quetz and Mom. Teddy will be back for the holidays." Hazel hugged Dora to her and guided her gently to her room, kissing her lips gently. "I left you behind for the Basilisk. I feel like I cheated you out of something." Dora breathed deeply, feeling her girlfriend's body rubbing against hers. "It's ok. I know you had to go or risk losing the trail again."

Hazel pushed Dora to sit on the bed and straddled her, her hands cupping Dora's face. "Try and stay safer for longer. I want you by my side Dora, and not just when I need you." Dora nodded and kissed her warmly. "I promise I will be safer. Might need some lessons in wandless casting though." Hazel sighed and nodded. "I'll try. I can manage it because of the excess energy running in my body. You might manage it but it could mean less shifting. The magic inside of us has a limit after all." Dora ran her hands up Hazel's body and felt Hazel grind down on her. They both groaned. Hazel bit her lip in thought before shifting her position and dragging Dora on top of her. Dora looked down at Hazel and shuddered as her girlfriend's hands began to dip beneath her clothes. "Hazel." The white haired witch smiled at her. "For tonight I think we can go a bit differently. I want you to take me." Dora stared at her. "You sure?" Hazel pushed up and kissed Dora. "Yes. Make love to me, Dora. Show me how badly you want me." Dora's mind melted and she pushed her lips and hands roughly onto Hazel's skin. Her girlfriend's voice and noises made her crave her more and she gave in to her need to taste her. The next morning Dora tried to apologize to Hazel for the amount of bruises and hickies but her girlfriend refused to accept it. She settled with casting as many episkeys as she could on her. Neither of them wanted to be the one to explain to Teddy what those meant. Not yet.

Hazel eyed the familiar room as Dora came up behind her. "So, why are we here?" Hazel moved deeper into the piles and corridors of junk. "Hermione Granger's testimony said that she used the Room of Requirement to hide the Diary while we searched the castle. Though the room she used was a specific one and not the entirety of the Room of Requirement, I am wondering if the Room of Lost Things could hold a few more Dark Artefacts. We were sent to the school to hunt them after all. Especially now that I know where the stupid room was. Back home it stood in a hallway opposite to a tapestry of dancing trolls. Who the hell places it in an intersection where anyone can see you opening it if they bothered to look?" Dora looked around the massive piles of books, brooms and desks, her frown growing. "Hazel, this place is massive. How do you expect us to find anything Dark here? It's probably full of them. We could be here for ages." Hazel hummed, and lifted her wand. "Fiendfyre?" Dora slapped her partner's hand down. "We are here to save the school, not burn it down." Hazel pouted at her partner. "It would make my September a little more enjoyable." She looked around as she walked further in between the rows of junk before she froze. "Oh, I just remembered something that could be here. Something a lot more specific that needs to be handled now." Hazel rushed through the stacks of junk, her eyes darting everywhere. "Where are you, you hunk of junk." Dora tried to keep up. "What are you looking for?"

Pausing for a second as she cast a detection spell, Hazel made a right turn. "You know how I said I know Voldemort pretty well?" Dora huffed behind her. "Yeah? Not seeing the point there, Hazel." Hazel slowed down, her eyes sweeping a stack of vertically placed tables before moving on. "I don't know about your Voldemort but mine had an ego that was bigger than the size of Hogwarts. He loved to talk, especially to me." Hazel shuddered. "The bastard managed to sneak himself and a few Death Eaters into the Castle. They damaged the Castle's wards and killed Dumbledore." Dora blinked. "Ok, and we are talking about this, why?" Hazel glared at her. "Because the bastard was so sure of his victory, he told me how he did it. And that was through an object in here. A Vanishing Cabinet. His Death Eaters had it's twin." Dora felt her mouth clamp shut. "Right. We need to find that." The two of them searched separate sections of the massive expanse of lost items, storing anything they detected as dark into the expanded bags Croaker sent them out with. Hazel just finished storing a book when Dora's voice called over. "Found it!"

A few minutes later, Hazel stood with Dora right next to the thing. Dora eyed her. "Now what?" Hazel shrugged. "Normally I'd destroy it but maybe having the Unspeakables checking it over could be a good idea. Maybe they could set up a ward that blocks the blasted things. I mean, we literally found this here. What's to stop someone from bringing another one into the school?" Hazel cast a diagnostic on it. "And a working one." Dora raised her wand. "Point taken." A few waves and the shelf was shrunk down to the size of a box of lenses. Dora stored it into a bag and turned around, noticing her partner had left her side. "Hazel?" Turning a corner, she found Hazel staring up at a manikin. "Hazel, what is it?" A banishing spell launched Dora back a few feet, forcing her to land on her rear. "Dora, stay back there. I need you to leave the Room and call our Boss. We have a complication." Dora stood up and dusted her pants. "Ok, what's the complication?" Hazel turned around. "Make sure no one hears you. If you need to deliver the message in person, do it." Hazel turned back and looked at the mannequin. Or more precisely, what was on top of it that felt familiar. She knew what the piece of jewelry contained. She carried one on her person for almost a whole year. Hazel rubbed her hair and sighed. "Tell him it's a complication in our long term plan, one that needs to be looked into. Quietly."

Chapter 27: Awaiting News

Hazel felt her bed dip slightly before it did so repeatedly. "Mom, It's here. It's here! My letter is here!" Hazel buried her head in the pillow and mentally screamed her heart out. She had spent the last few months expecting this moment, but it didn't mean she was ready for it. Teddy would be going to Hogwarts in September. She was honestly waiting for the other shoe to drop, expecting to hear news from Azkaban about an escape, but so far nothing really seemed to be happening. She buried her concerns over Teddy going to Hogwarts at a time when she also knew a certain bastard would be at the Castle. Well, a certain bastard beyond just Dumbledore and Snape. At least Teddy going there would give her a pleasant excuse to visit. If the Potions Master and Defence Instructor both ended up lost in the Forbidden Forest while she was at it, who was she to complain. Hell, she might even get away with having the Headmaster disappear. Burying her bloodlust, trepidation and the beginnings of separation anxiety, Hazel got up from the bed and hugged Teddy, kissing his cheek before sitting beside him comfortably. "Congratulations. Can I see it?" Teddy nodded and handed the letter to her.

Hazel had to laugh softly as she read the letter's address. "A P.O. Box. Croaker must love bothering the hell out of people with that. At least they got your new name right." She handed the letter back to him and kissed his hair. "Go ahead, open it." Teddy sat down on the bed beside her as Hazel sent her magic down to her extremities, before crossing her legs in front of her on top of the bed. Teddy read the letter and looked at her expectantly. "Can we go get the supplies today? You can send the letter back at the Post in the Alley." Hazel ruffled his hair. "Sure, but let me get breakfast started first. Do you want to go with anyone else?" Teddy shook his head. "Maybe next year, but I want to do this with just us. Like old times." Hazel stretched her arms over her head and felt all her bones pop into place. She heard most of them pop too. Feeling better about waking up so early, Hazel stood up. "Sure, I will send a message to the others and we can spend the day out in the Alley. For now, breakfast. Go wash your face and I will get started. Do you want pancakes or scrambled eggs?" Teddy thought for a second. "Both?" Hazel shook her head as she smiled. "Fine. But you get to tell Dora she missed out on a heavy breakfast." Teddy jumped onto the floor. "Deal."

Teddy blazed through his meal as Hazel wrote several messages that Leafsby went out to deliver, before they got dressed comfortably for the warmer weather and headed up the Ministry lift. Hazel felt more comfortable about the day as she noticed that few people were wandering in the Alley today. She knew the Hogwarts letters were sent out in tiers, with the muggleborns sent out first and usually staggered in such a way the Professors can personally deliver them. While Teddy's last name was one from a Magical family, the address must have confused the Deputy Headmistress and she must have sent it out early, unsure if she needed to give the child time to respond. Hazel hoped Dumbledore didn't hear about the fact that a Peverell was coming to the school soon. At least not until the sorting. She had at least made sure to keep Teddy's rights and safety secured independently from the school with the added legal documents she got signed with Ted Tonks' help. She refused to place her son at the mercy of the old man or any of his employees. The moment he tried anything, she would show him just who he was messing with. The fact that her world's Dumbledore escaped his just punishment at her hands made Hazel all the more determined. Once they had clear evidence this one was a manipulative bastard and all other concerns about colateral were lifted, she would finally get her chance.

The day in Diagon Alley went smoothly after dropping off the letter at the Post Office. Teddy got his text books, instruments and potions materials and Hazel placed it all in her trusty expanded shopping bag. The fact the stubborn thing kept working after seventeen years made Hazel all the more happy she kept it. Teddy spent a bit longer at Madam Malkins as his status as a Metamorphmagus meant that Hazel asked the woman to spend a bit longer fetching robes and clothes that could expand a little bit to accommodate minor changes in his frame. Teddy laughed when Hazel stared at the pointy black hat that Malkin added to the pile of clothes. The woman tried to tempt her with a few new boots but Hazel turned her down. Her Godmother spent a lot of Galleons to get her custom Basilisk-hide boots made in such a way for them to never need changing, only cleaned and treated every once in a while. She wouldn't change them for the world until they fell apart. She'd probably cry that day but until then she wouldn't worry about it. The moment Teddy pulled her to a familiar looking store after leaving Malkin's, Hazel sighed. She kept her holly wand holstered but made sure the Elder Wand was safely within her body.

Teddy pushed the door open and the sound of a tiny bell ringing echoed in the store. The boy looked around expectantly as Hazel heard a few footsteps approach from behind the counter. "Curious." Hazel looked at the old man that had to be Ollivader. He looked a little younger than she remembered. Then again, she only saw the man four times in her life, the last while he had spent a rough two years as a guest of the Death Eaters, making replacement wands for them. The man's light blue eyes went to them both before he smiled. "It's a wonder when someone enters my store and I don't recognize them. May I have your names?" Hazel watched him carefully. "Under the condition you don't share them freely. It comes with some notoriety among those we count as enemies. They will be known soon enough but I would rather not lose the element of surprise." Ollivander thought for a second and nodded. Hazel gently nudged Teddy forward. "This is Edward, my son. He's here for his first wand. My name is Hazel Peverell. I don't need to explain why I want our names kept quiet for now, do I?" Garrick Ollivander hummed, his eyes taking them both in. "My family never had the pleasure of crafting wands for the Peverells. They were prodigious crafters and wandsmiths themselves, after all. The last of the family bearing the name carried personally crafted wands. It's an honor, young lady, to be the first wandmaker for your family in centuries."

Hazel watched as the old man measured Teddy. He rubbed his chin. "Two years ago I was seized by the impulse to try out some unusual wand cores. A few odd ones came up successfully, while many failed spectacularly. I think one of those might be just what the boy needs. One moment." Hazel eyed the store, letting her magic sense a bit of the area. She quickly pulled it back. The place was too full of magic from the wands and she felt a slight headache build up. The old man returned, his eyes on her as he chuckled. "Yes, being a wandmaker is a bit of a double edged sword. We need the means to sense magic and its interactions with objects, but places like this are difficult for those finely attuned to the flows of magic such as yourself, Miss Peverell." He placed the box down, opened it and with some cloth on his hands, drew out a carefully sculpted red wand. "Rowan, 12 inches. Flexible. Its core I believe is one familiar to your family." Hazel looked up with surprise before checking on Teddy as he grasped the wand. A soft wind blew in the shop, flowing softly around Teddy before it dissipated, as clear white mist flew out of the tip of his wand. Olivander smiled at the boy. "Rowan is not known to mix well with the Dark Arts yet a Thestral's Tail hair is known to be capable of unleashing curses with ease. A wand of contradictions, yet in surprising harmony."

The old man turned to Hazel and she felt a touch of magic. "A bit like you, Miss Peverell. Familiar yet unknown. Dangerous but kind. May I inquire as to your wand?" Hazel shook her head. "Mine is one made by the family. It answered me with joy and now rejects all others who would wield it without my permission. I would rather it remained a secret, never truly known or spoken about." Ollivander hummed. "Perhaps it's for the best. I crafted young Mr. Peverell's wand on a whim and was surprised by the magic it holds. Yours must be quite the artefact. Perhaps it is best left forgotten in the end." Hazel looked at Teddy and noticed his frown. "What's wrong?" Teddy shook his head. "I read about Rowan wands. Doesn't it mean I will hurt you?" Hazel knelt down to his eye level and caressed his cheek softly. "No, it doesn't. You know me, more than I ever wished for you to ever know about what I have done. I am Dark but you are my light. You've helped make me a better person. Rowan means that. You are a good person and you will help many stay that way. You have nothing to worry about." Teddy nodded and placed the wand in its box as Hazel turned to Ollivander. "A Rowan care kit and two wrist holsters, please." Ollivander nodded and provided the rest as Hazel paid him. He smiled at the boy. "Head your mother's words well. The wood of your wand ties well with your character, but it doesn't mean you will always harm those who walk a different path."

Hazel followed a pensive Teddy to the Owl Emporium and tapped him on the shoulder. "Remember what I taught you. Focus your magic and see if a trail leads to one of them." Teddy nodded and the two entered. The owner looked up and smiled. "Ah, back again. The boy has come of age?" Hazel nodded. "Hope you don't mind but we are more interested in finding a familiar, not a post owl." The young woman looked on as the boy moved through the cages. "Not unusual among these parts. Sadly, not everyone binds well with owls." Hazel shuddered as a memory of her Hedwig flashed in her mind. "No, but they are beyond loyal if they do." The owner was a bit disappointed when Teddy returned and didn't find any owls that could work as a familiar. They tried the Animal Menagerie next and Hazel made sure to ignore the snakes talking to each other. Teddy seemed confused as he stayed in an area with other birds before shaking his head. "It's weird. I felt some thin connections but nothing called to me." Hazel guided him out. "We can check Edinburgh or with some Sanctuaries before school starts but perhaps it's best to simply wait for you to find it on your own if none come by then." Teddy nodded and looked at Fortescue's Ice Cream before turning to his mom. Hazel sighed. "Fine, but only two scoops."

"Thank you Minerva, that will be all." With his Deputy Headmistress out the door once their meeting about the coming new year was settled, Dumbledore managed to sit back and sigh. Two years. Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived and subject of a Prophecy with the fate of Britain at stake, and in those two years Dumbledore was no closer to figuring out what to do with the boy. Professor Quirrel had been possessed, the wards told him as much, but he wasn't exactly sure if it was by Voldemort. The clues said it might have been him but there was no real evidence. He had hoped the Mirror would have delayed him enough that Harry would have encountered him, discovering the wraith's identity in the process, yet it didn't happen. Someone stunned the boy, disabled the traps as if they were meaningless obstacles and then did away with Quirrell and the Mirror. He was keeping an eye out for Tom Riddle to just materialize or for the market of gold to suddenly become flooded, but there was simply no evidence that anything actually happened with the stone. When he spoke to Nicholas again, his old mentor had simply ignored the loss of the object, telling him it was no longer a concern of his and his wife's.

Then there was this year. He had selected Lockhart as a plant, someone to tempt Voldemort for either another possession, or for him to replace Lockhart after an unfortunate accident. Dumbledore knew the man was incompetent but there was some value in using him as bait. At first he thought the plan had worked. Someone was attacking the students, even using the same method Tom once used when he was a student: Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk. He had no idea how but not only had Salazar protected a massive system of passageways in the school with the Hogwarts wards, but he did so beyond even the Headmaster's ability to detect them. The vilest of the Four Founders even protected the Basilisk from being located, as Dumbledore could find no trace of it in the wards. He had hoped Harry would be drawn into the situation by providence again, to actually face Tom and allow Dumbledore to see exactly what made them equal. Yet the DMLE acted too quickly. Theodore Nott managed to summon his house elf and contacted his grandfather about the mess concerning Filch and his cat. He tried to reprimand him but the Charter was clear that under emergencies, the personal house elves could be summoned by the students. Dumbledore was forced to settle with some points deductions. Deductions Snape did away with far too easily.

The DMLE had proven to be a lot more effective these last two years and every attempt he made to figure out who was behind it all was blocked. Amelia had taken her animosity towards him and doubled down on it, ignoring his authority over the school and carrying out investigations of the students. Poor Marcus Flint was arrested and found guilty of using a cursed object on another student. Dumbledore shook his head. The boy needed time, not a cell in Azkaban, to turn away from his path. Why couldn't Amelia see that? He stood up and paced in his office. The DMLE ultimately succeeded in defeating the Basilisk and the source of the threat: a book. Dumbledore knew the books Tom read. He must have found the mention of Horcruxes. But did he make one? The remnants of the book would have told him if it hadn't been destroyed in its entirety. Miss Granger's medical diagnostics were sealed and Pomfrey was unable to tell him the girl's full condition. She could have been a victim of a Horcrux exerting its will but he wasn't sure. He hated not knowing. Attempts at requesting the files concerning the incident at Hogwarts by his contacts in the Ministry all hit the same wall. Amelia Bones had been securing her department from leaks. It clearly seemed to be working, if many of his contacts weren't able to get access at all.

Lucius' own removal from the Board had been a pleasant surprise. Sure, he expected the man to lose his position as Chairman, but to lose his seat was unexpected. That he had been the one to be in possession of the book made him a possible lead on whether Voldemort succeeded in creating a Horcrux. Then again, he did potentially allow a dangerous artefact trusted to him by his Master to be found and destroyed. If Voldemort gave it to him for safe keeping, he clearly didn't tell Lucius what it was. Dumbledore looked out the window and sighed. Dead ends. Voldemort's survival seemed to be full of dead ends. The Troll, the Mirror, the Book and the Basilisk. Every potential source of information on Harry's destiny or Tom's present state had been destroyed or blocked by an unseen force tied to the DMLE. This special force of Hit Wizards that were being used seemed like a likely source of the interruptions, but there was no proof. Even his attempt to goad Fudge to give them an Order of Merlin for the death of the Basilisk was ignored, with a request for the money to be donated to St. Mungos. Dumbledore reached the Sorting Hat on one of the nearby bookshelves. "Won't you give me anything on the Potter boy? I had hoped he would have had a need for you and the weapon you guard, but nothing came of it."

The Sorting Hat chuckled. "Oh Albus, the more time passes, the more I feel I misplaced you. Such cunning and ambition. The Potter boy's mind is not for me to speak of. He is a Gryffindor, that is all I can say of him. As for the sword not being used to harm the Basilisk, then all I can say is that the Founders would have been happy that their treasures weren't used to destroy each other's legacies, though the students are free to make their own choices regarding their forebears' remnants. Nothing, after all, is meant to exist without change." Albus sighed and sat back behind his desk. He pulled out the notice about the reactivation of the Triwizard Tournament. It was initially going to be nothing more than a friendly competition but recent events would require a more direct approach. He needed to make sure the boy was being prepared for his task. Remus should be able to draw the boy with stories of his father and offer him tutoring in Defence. The Tournament would have to be his test. He pulled a quill and started to write a letter to Crouch and the other Organizers. The event would need to be made more difficult and more observable. He needed to see the boy prove himself. There was no other way to be sure. He would have a year to prepare him through Remus. He hoped the training and the Prophecy were enough to see young Harry through to his destiny, whichever end it might lead to.

"You ok, Dora? You are walking funny." Dora winced. Last night she might have allowed Hazel too much freedom. Sure, she didn't regret it. The screams of pleasure and the blackouts were always welcomed, but her girlfriend might have overdone it a little. Now Dora had Teddy asking her about stuff he was too young for, while Hazel showered, unaware of her son asking tough questions. She really needed some coffee too. A cup appeared in front of her and she sighed in relief. "Thank you Leafsby." She took several sips of coffee, feeling her stomach warm up, as well as her toes. She looked at Teddy. "Your Mom would probably be mad if I told you so maybe ask her?" Teddy frowned before he remembered something. "Is it about what Mom said I should know but not try until I am older? Sex?" Dora coughed repeatedly as she inhaled the hot liquid down the wrong pipe, Teddy tapping her back until she stopped coughing. "Wait, wait. What has your mom told you about sex?" Teddy made a somewhat unpleasant face. "She told me a few days ago. It's something teens and adults do, mostly for pleasure but it's for making babies too. Usually involves lots of kissing and being naked and…" Dora waved him off. "Ok, ok. Your mom clearly went into a lot of detail."

Dora felt a cold hand touch her neck and she shuddered even as her voice made her warm up at the memories from last night. "That I did. As much as I wanted to spare my son from "The Talk," Teddy is going to be spending ten months of the year in a castle full of hormonal teens experimenting and acting irresponsibly. After the Lockhart fiasco, I wasn't taking any chances about any of the older students taking advantage of him." Dora drank from her coffee a bit more gingerly, trying to keep her eyes away from Hazel's jean clad rear as she went to the kitchen. "I see your point. How much detail did you go into?" Hazel shuddered. "More than I would have liked but Teddy handled it well." Teddy smiled and kicked his legs playfully under the table, while Dora sighed. "Thank goodness." Teddy looked back at her. "But that doesn't answer why you were walking funny." Dora groaned. "Because your mother is a bit aggressive in bed." Teddy blinked. "Oh. Is that bad?" Hazel placed the plate of scrambled eggs and diced slices of ham on the table in front of him. "Depends. Remember the first rule. Everyone has to be fully aware of what's happening, be of age, have romantic feelings for each other and agree on every little detail. Dora here agreed to it all, she just got a bit more than she planned for. Not that she ever complained at the time. She also didn't complain this morning."

Teddy wisely dropped the subject as Dora turned bright red in embarrassment. Her mood improved at the large serving of breakfast placed in front of her and everyone dug into their food. Teddy looked at his Mom. "Should we get a regular owl that I take with me to school? We looked at all the magical districts and no one had a bird that was capable of being my familiar." Hazel hummed. "I want to try one last place. It's a Magical Sanctuary in Ireland. While it mostly cares for magical creatures that lost their masters, it also breeds them, so we might find a familiar there. If not we can see if they have an owl that would want to be our messenger." Teddy smiled. "Think they might have some magical birds? Like Phoenixes?" Hazel chuckled. "Maybe. The only phoenix I know is Fawkes. I swear he better be a nicer bird here." Dora swallowed her fork full of food. "What did the phoenix do to you?" Hazel eyed Teddy and sighed. "A good thing in the long run but I seriously don't recommend having a cocktail of Phoenix Tears and Basilisk Venom running through your veins at the same time. I was mute for a week after damaging my voice box from all the screaming." Dora winced. "Yeah, I will keep that in mind."

Leafsby dropped the morning paper and letters to both Dora and Hazel. Hazel pried open a letter from Amelia. "Susan and her Aunt are going to be in Diagon Alley on the 31st. Are you interested in going with them? She is going to be looking after you in Hufflepuff." Teddy looked at Dora for a second before shaking his head. "No, I am fine. We could maybe meet up for a luncheon again though." Hazel nodded and summoned her fountain pen and letter paper to respond. "I do have a request to check them out three days a week in August so we can certainly see them there. Neville, Daphne and Astoria should be there too. Might even see a bit more of Tracey and now Theodore Nott." Teddy, having finished his breakfast, went to place the dishes in the sink, where Leafsby popped in and started cleaning them. Dora hummed as she read her own letter. "Horatio wants to see us as soon as we can manage about… something. He is also asking us to keep our schedules free after the 1st of August as well. He does want us to start firearms training sometime this year though." Hazel finished her last bite of toast and drank from her mug of coffee. "Sounds fun. I'll probably stick to pistols and maybe a shotgun." Dora chuckled. "Of course you would." Dora pulled up the Daily Prophet and was about to turn it around when the sound of breaking glass stopped her. She saw Hazel staring at the paper, her hand having crushed the mug she had been holding, as blood dripped onto the table. Dora checked the headline as Teddy rushed with a paper towel to his mother's side.

Notorious Mass Murderer Sirius Black

Escapes From Azkaban Prison

OW July 1993

Hazel grinded her teeth for so long on that day, she was sure she would need a dentist. She wondered if the wizarding side had dentists for all of a second before she remembered the stupid conversation she heard between Ron and Hermione as Hermione tried to explain to him what a dentist was. So she started wondering if she would need to go see a Healer about her teeth instead, as she was sure she broke something. There was no way there was no damage after grinding them for so long while Vernon's sister kept insulting her by every means possible. She remembered a memorable night when Marge used dog metaphors blaming her dead parents for how bad she somehow turned out to be. It would have been insulting and believable if she had been raised by them at all, but to Hazel the insults were just worthless. She had endured another awful end to her year at Hogwarts, most of which she spent in the Hospital Wing after enduring days of endless pain in her veins. She had actually cursed at the bloody phoenix with her black flames the moment she saw it next, much to Dumbledore's displeasure. Not that she cared. He could keep the bloody sword too.

Tricking Lord Malfoy out of his elf had been fun, especially when he realized the book she gave him was a really weathered divination book she took from Dumbledore's office. The tie inside of it did the trick as Dobby cheered. The little elf then told her about how elven magic worked. She knew the workaholic was trying to guilt her into taking him in and it bloody worked too. She accepted him as an elf for the House of Potter and set him about taking care of what little property she knew of was hers. She barely managed to give the Basilisk meat to the Herd of Centaurs before she had to get her trunk ready to leave on the Express. She spent the whole night wondering if it might have been worth staying in the Chamber of Secrets until the beginning of next term, but the need to buy the new books and maybe some new clothes won her over. And she really didn't want to see how determined Dumbledore could get in fetching her. So she left Hogwarts for Surrey again and bid her time. She spotted that Vernon kept her trunk locked in the booth of his car so she wandlessly practiced opening and closing the locks of the vehicle. Whatever happened, she had a means to get her stuff in an emergency. She was also getting better with the banishing and summoning charms, which were exceedingly tempting to test on Marge and her drink of choice.

Hazel barely heard about a report on the tv about two escaped felons before Marge huffed. "See that girl. That's the sort of life you will live one day. Mark my words, you will be chased down like a rabid dog and locked away once you piss off the right people." Hazel couldn't resist. "Sounds like it could be worth it. Weeks of getting away with everything you want, painting the walls red with the blood of a victim before they send me off to a house with a gym, three full meals a day and a bed in a locked room." She eyed the old drunk and gave her a toothy smile. "Scratch that, it sounds like it's completely worth it." The woman snorted. "Please girl, you are nothing more than a troublemaker, just like your dead parents. You were lucky my brother bothered to take you in at all." Hazel hummed as she placed the last of the dishes away. "Sure, it certainly wasn't the 25,000 pounds that gets deposited into his bank account from my trust fund every month." Hazel smirked as Vernon paled. "Took some time but I finally got one of my bank statements. So tell me Vernon, what was that about me being an imposition on you? A burden?" The man's face grew purple as the woman glared at her. "As if you were worth all those pounds."

Being done with the dishes Hazel took her shopping bag, loaded with a decent amount of scraps of food and headed for her room. "Wouldn't know. I personally think your mutt of a dog is not worth the price of a vet's injection, let alone what you charge the possible owners. You claim to care, but how many get sent to illegal dog fighting rings? Or are you just a hypocrite and actually bet on them yourself?" Marge stood up from her seat, shaking the table with her fat stomach. "How dare you! Those dogs go to good, fine people!" Hazel chuckled. "Like you? If you and your brother are the bar for good, fine people, then there is no doubt in my mind I am living in Hell. Still better than getting my stomach ripped out by another dog. Is that why you called that mutt Ripper? Because it's either that or he must leave your furniture in tathers. Do you use the hide from the dead dogs by the way? Because it would explain that disgusting purse." Marge exploded. "That's it! Ripper, attack! Show her what you can do!" The dog charged at Hazel who stared at it before waving her hand. "Depulso." The dog whined as it got sent to the nearest wall. Marge pulled her purse, searching for something. "I knew it! Vernon didn't call you a freak for nothing. You are the Devil's child."

Hazel laughed at that. "I wish I were. I might actually have some real power to do shit if the devil was my father. But no, I am just a witch." Vernon laughed at her. "And a stupid one at that. You'll be barred from school now, freak. Using magic outside of school." Hazel bared her teeth at him. "Might surprise you, Vernon, but I actually bothered to read the law. I can use magic all I want, I just can't use a wand." She twirled her fingers. "No wand, no letter, no luck for you. OWW!" Vernon had apparently distracted her long enough for the blasted dog to bite her. She felt its teeth digging into her leg and she cursed. Pulling its collar and banishing the mutt did nothing so Hazel did the only spell she knew would settle the problem. "Ignis Obscuras." The dog yelped as Hazel was forced to sustain the spell herself. Despite the animal burning, it refused to stop it's attack on her leg, so Hazel was forced to feed even more magic into the flames.

Marge charged at her with a spray bottle of what she assumed was pepper spray, but Hazel wandlessly launched her into a wall hard, before she returned her attention to the incessant dog digging into her leg. The dog had no magic to speak off and that meant keeping it lit with the cursed flame was a lot more difficult than lighting Tom's book or the Mirror. Hazel, however, was just as stubborn and certainly in enough of a bad mood to put the dog out of its misery. Eventually all that was left of the mutt was a pile of ash and bones. A bit winded by the exertion, Hazel smiled at the horrified Marge who was staggering to stand up. "Sorry I couldn't put him down quickly, but I haven't learned a spell for that yet. Now, I think I am going to take the rest of the summer off. Hope to never see you again, ever." Another banishing spell knocked her out as well, before she went for the door that led to the garage. Wrenching her trunk from the back of Vernon's car was easy enough after she banished the man against a wall the moment she tried to leave. She pulled her trunk behind her as she made her way down the road before stopping at the nearest bus stop.

She sat down and dug into her trunk to pull out a map she had bought of the bus routes of Surrey and the nearby areas, checking the time when the next bus was due, before sighing in resignation. Feeling lightheaded from the excess amount of magic she used earlier, Hazel pulled out her wand. The blasted thing still hated responding to her, even now. Even after the mess in the Chamber. She was already at the point where her wandless spells were equal to if not better than what the wand produced. She grinded her teeth, feeling the day's worth of anger building up inside of her again. She was happy Quirrell taught her wandless magic. It was literally keeping her alive and whole. But she hated the fact that nothing she ever did satisfied the stupid wand that was meant for her. She held the wand in her hands and pressed her thumbs into it. She felt its magic react to what she was doing before a loud cat's screech stopped her. The next thing she knew a pitch black cat jumped onto her lap and it pressed its paws into her chest. Hazel was about to ask what was wrong when she heard a guttural growl that made Ripper sound tame in comparison. A large wolflike dog stepped out of the bushes on the other side of the road, its teeth bared at her as its saliva dripped from its opened maw.

Hazel held the struggling cat to her as she stood up. "I am really going to Hell for doing shit like this." Hazel lifted her hand up over her head, planning to cast a banishing charm at the dog before her wand in her other hand caused something in the bus stop to react. A loud horn rattled Hazel's ears and the dog rushed back into the bushes. Hazel watched as a purple triple decker bus pulled up in front of her, a man hanging from the opened door at the front. "Good evening. This is the Knight Bus, emergency transport for Witches or Wizards who can't apparate, use a broom or otherwise travel. The name's Stan and I will be your conductor for the evening. Where to, miss?" Hazel stared at the man and laughed. "You know, it would have been nice knowing you and your bus existed two years ago." Stan blinked at her. "Ah, Hogwarts student, ey? Should have been on your introductory pamphlet." Hazel sighed. "Sure it was. Too bad I never got one. How much is it to the Cauldron or the nearest and cheapest place I can rent a room for a few weeks?" Stan laughed. "That'll be the Cauldron, miss. Careful with the pea soup there. You never know what they put into it. Still the cheapest dump for a room this side of Edinburgh. By the way, you seem to be bleeding. Might want to see a Healer." Hazel looked at her leg under the dim light of the bus stop and she noticed she was in fact bleeding from Ripper's bite mark. While she could feel an injury just fine when it was made, prolonged pain had become harder for her to notice since the Chamber. She sighed. "The Cauldron it is."

After she paid the man, Hazel sat in the furthest seat on the back before caressing the cat that was still attached to her chest. "So, care to join me for the rest of the way? Might get some milk, though I doubt they have lactose free milk where we are going." The cat blinked at her with beautiful gray eyes before it started rubbing its head against her hand. Hazel smiled. "Guess I am stuck with you then. I'll try to come up with a decent name for you in the morning. I am bloody tired after today." The cat curled up in her lap for all the good it did in the nauseating ride from Surrey to London. Hazel watched her trunk slip back and forward a bit until Stan came over, handing her a newspaper, before tying the trunk down to the floor. "Figured you'd like to read the Prophet. Everyone else is done with it." Hazel nodded and looked it over. "These Blacks that escaped. They're that bad for a kill on sight order?" Stan shrugged. "Sure sounds like it. Ernie says they killed loads of people for You Know Who back in the day. The Blacks were mostly Death Eaters, except for a lucky witch that got out just in time. Her daughter was in my year at Hogwarts. Weird witch with pink hair in her later years. Good for laughs though." Hazel handed him back the paper and sat back, waiting for the ride to end. She wondered if these Blacks would try to kill her too, though the name Black sounded familiar to her.

NW July 1993

Harry sat down on the bench at the bus stop and sighed. He hated when Marge came for visits. She always tried to get a rise out of him. Tonight though she had insisted that he probably had some other family out there and that they clearly didn't want him if he was with Vernon. That he was lucky he hadn't been thrown out to the streets. The thought of her insulting Andromeda and his mysterious guardian angel angered him and his magic acted out on its own. Seeing Marge swell up like a balloon had been quite funny until Vernon started yelling at him to get her back down. He tried to stop him from leaving but Harry had had enough. He was glad Hedwig was out delivering letters as he took her empty cage and school trunk with him and left the house, until he reached the nearest bus stop and sat down. Harry tried the exercises Neville taught him and that the book he got for Christmas covered to calm down and eventually he felt a little better. He sat at the bus stop, waiting for the next bus to come by, when he heard some bushes moving. Harry watched as an emaciated black dog looked at him for a second before it snapped it's head to the side and hid back out of sight. He pulled his wand out of his pocket as he heard some heavy steps coming up to him from down the sidewalk. "We need to get you a holster. If I was a cop, I'd be whacking you over the head thinking you were pulling out a knife or worse on me."

Hearing the voice of the white haired Auror made him sigh in relief. "Yeah, not sure I will get the chance to use it." The Auror sat beside him on the bench. "Why, because you turned that nasty woman Vernon calls a sister into a balloon? Nice accidental magic by the way. I had a nasty aunt with a dog too. I ended up slamming her back into a wall and torching the mutt. Had a nasty scar on my leg for a while from where it bit me first." Harry shook his head in amusement before he looked at her with concern. "So, I am not in trouble?" Hazel looked at him and he felt so lost when he saw the same green eyes as his own again. Whenever he saw her, it always felt like there was more to her than just an Auror. She smiled at him. "You draw your wand? Attacked her without reason?" Harry shook his head. "She'd been bad mouthing me all day." Hazel chuckled loudly. "Then not only are you not in trouble, kid, but you can say goodbye to Surrey. If that's what you want." Hazel stood up and stretched her arms. "Accidental magic happens all the time and even wandless magic is effectively untraceable. Sure the DMLE will get word of a woman floating in the air like a balloon and they will trace it to your Uncle's house but they can do nothing about how your magic reacted."

Harry stood up. "Then why did I get a letter for the magic Dobby did around the house last year?" Hazel sighed. Croaker had never mentioned that. Then again, he probably thought it was actually Harry's fault. She herself had broken the law several times, minus the need for a wand. "Dobby probably cast it with enough strength that the magic registered at the Ministry. I could light that bush on fire over there and no one would know. Conjuring a dragon or casting a Fiendfyre curse would register quite easily since it uses a lot of magic. Dobby probably made his magic seem strong enough to need a wand and yours is the only wand in the house with a trace, so it must have resonated. Remind me to check with Amelia to get that cleared out. Some nasty people out there don't care to hear shit about the truth and we can't have them use that as an excuse." Looking around and making sure there was no one in sight, Hazel wandlessly cast a notice-me-not charm on the spot they were standing on.

Hazel then waved her hand at the birdcage and the trunk and shrunk them down before summoning them both to her hand and dropping them inside her jacket inner pocket. Harry stared at where his trunk had been for just a second before he looked at her. "Wait. You didn't use a wand." Hazel waved her fingers playfully at him. "Bit of an open secret. Wandless magic is very real, can be useful and can't be traced if used with enough control. Now then, ready to head out? Or do you want to wait for the next bus, which is in about an hour or two?" Harry looked at Hazel's eyes, unsure on what he should do. "Where would we be going?" Hazel smiled at him. "Technically it's up to you, but Andromeda has kept her guest room ready for you for two years now. Even decorated it with some Gryffindor banners and a few photos she had of your parents. With the Contract broken, she is officially your guardian. She would never force you, but Andromeda would be delighted if you could call her house your new home for the summer. Interested?" Hazel presented her hand to him. Harry felt tears forming in his eyes as he took her hand. "Sounds perfect."

Chapter 28: Waking Up to Family

Harry walked up towards the front door of a nice looking two story house, with flower boxes on the upper window sills and soft hedges around the front, as Hazel seemed to check something with her wand, before making it vanish. She walked up to the door and stood there waiting for him. Harry suddenly felt nervous. "I wouldn't want to impose. Especially at this hour." Hazel blinked at him for a moment before she sighed. "Harry, the woman and her husband have been fighting for custody over you since the day Dumbledore dropped you off at the Dursleys. They have waited for nearly twelve years to welcome you to their home. You want to make them wait longer?" Harry felt his cheeks warm. She was right. Andromeda said as much to him the few times he saw her. Taking a deep breath, he walked up to the door and knocked. The door opened a few minutes later to a surprised looking Andromeda. Her eyes went from Hazel to Harry and back. "What happened?" Hazel smiled. "Vernon's sister couldn't resist misbehaving. She broke the contract. Harry is officially your ward. If you will have him." Harry barely had a second after Hazel spoke those words before Andromeda pulled him into a hug. "Of course he's welcome here. If you're willing to join us for the rest of the summer." Harry nodded and Andromeda smiled.

Andromeda moved to the side. "Then come right in. We are actually running a bit late with dinner tonight. My daughter should be dropping by with food. Are you hungry?" Harry felt his stomach growl. He had forgotten to get his serving at the Dursleys earlier. "Famished." Andromeda looked to Hazel who raised her hands. "Don't look at me. Dora said to keep out of the kitchen for tonight. I'll be here since Teddy is with Dora getting the food. Though I need to step out for a second. I have a last bit of work to do so the Headmaster is forced to keep his trap shut about all this." Andromeda nodded. "Then go. I'll show Harry to his room and get him ready for supper." Hazel apparated away silently from the edge of the wardline as Andromeda took him up the stairs. She opened the door and turned on the light into a comfortable room decorated with dark wood furniture and maroon paint on the walls, with a hint of golden yellow trimmings.

Harry's eyes took the whole room in as he stepped inside before turning to Andromeda who gestured with her head to the dresser and mirror. "This was our guest bedroom for the longest time. We kept a box of photos, toys and sculptures for you for as long as we can remember. We added the Gryffindor trimmings as soon as we heard what your Hogwarts house was, though we went for a softer red. A bit easier on the eyes if you ask me." Harry nodded as he moved gingerly further into the spacious room, seeing the Gryffindor posters and touching a few figurines on top of the dresser carved out of wood. He looked at one which showed a Griffin, it's posture restful but alert, something Andromeda noticed. "That was a gift from the woman who dropped you off. She'll introduce herself properly when she's back here for dinner. She used to be in Gryffindor during her school days too, but times were different then. She has no fondness for her former house and gave us some of her old stuff for you. We hope you don't mind."

Shaking his head, Harry tried to surreptitiously remove a tear from his eye. "It's brilliant. Thank you." Andromeda smiled and pointed at the door next to the window. "The closet is yours, as are the dressers. The bathroom in the hallway is your standard shower and bathtub set. You're free to use it. Though if my daughter is staying over, make sure you knock before going in. She never locks it." Harry blushed lightly at the thought and went into the bathroom to wash his face before he walked back down the stairs. A man with brown hair and eyes came up to him and smiled, offering Harry his hand. "Hello again, Harry. Ted Tonks at your service. Solicitor and Andromeda's husband. I can help you with anything, minus murder. The wife has exclusive rights to that." Andromeda whacked her husband on the head, who yelped softly, before she looked towards Harry. "No scaring the boy. Don't mind him, marrying a Black requires a level of madness and my husband has his fair share." Harry chuckled at the two and shook the man's hand. "A pleasure, sir." A knock on the door drew Ted's attention. "That's probably Dora." Ted looked through the peephole and opened the door for his daughter. Dora shook her bags. "Delivery. Hey, you know why Hazel sent her Patronus to Teddy? No one saw it since it was tiny but she ordered an extra serving of food." Ted stepped aside. "See for yourself." Dora blinked for a second as her eyes got drawn to Harry before she smiled. "Hey there cous. Welcome to the family."

Dora dropped off the food in the kitchen as Harry stared at a dark haired boy that looked a bit like him. The boy smiled. "Hey Harry. Names Edward. Teddy to my family." Harry smiled at him and shook his hand. "I am assuming I am family." Teddy nodded. "Mom is, though not through the Blacks. Is she here yet?" Andromeda touched Teddy's back. "She had one final errand to run but she will be here soon. Help us set the table. Come along Harry, so you can take your pick of the food." The table was set quickly as Harry took his pick of the chinese food before he felt something odd. He looked around and Andromeda noticed. "Dora, your partner is outside setting up the wards. Let her in and show her to the wardstone." Harry watched as the white haired witch came in and closed the door behind her. "Evening everyone. Harry, I fetched the other trunk you left back at the Dursleys." Harry flushed in embarrassment. "I … forgot about it." Hazel smiled at him. "I figured when you walked out with only one. I'll drop them both off in your room and resize them for you. Dora, the wardstone please. I am feeling like a livewire right now with a full ward running through me without an anchor."

Hazel and Dora disappeared down the basement before Harry felt the shift in the magic around him again. The white haired Auror waved at him as she came up from the basement. "Good news. The wards Dumbledore placed at the Dursleys for your safety against Voldemort and his Death Eaters are now safely and properly added to Andromeda's. There is now no reason to send you back to them at all." Harry froze for a second before he rushed forward and hugged her suddenly. "Thank you. I honestly hated the place." Hazel patted him on the back. "No problem, Harry. Anything for a friend." Harry froze and looked up at her. Hazel's smile grew. "How was Newt's book? Bit drier reading than the Potter family history but the man knows his magical creatures. Same for the mental exercises text, but it does help with curving some bad habits. When you want to, of course. I myself am a good example of poor impulse control so I wouldn't know." Harry felt tears running down his cheeks. "It was you?" Hazel grew a little sheepish. "Yeah. Name's Hazel Peverell. Me and my son are the only living relatives you have from your paternal great-grandfather's side of the family. I've been keeping my eye on you for the last two years. Hope you don-" Hazel was silenced as Harry hugged her for dear life, repeating "Thank you" over and over again as he cried into her chest.

Harry sat down next to her and asked her about who she was. Hazel sighed. "I can't tell you everything because not all of it is good. I was only seventeen when Voldemort vanished and I was a favorite target of his for most of the war. My father can trace back to Henry Potter and even further back to Iolanthe Peverell, hence the family name. When the war ended, I was young, deeply troubled and powerless to do anything about anyone other than Teddy. Trust me, if I could have taken you from the Dursleys earlier, I would have." Harry finished his drink and smiled. "I am just glad I don't have to go back there again." Teddy, who was sitting opposite of him, asked him about his classes and the adults sat back and watched as the two kids discussed Hogwarts happily. As the evening grew darker, Hazel, Teddy and Dora excused themselves, hugging Harry and wishing him a good night. Andromeda pulled Hazel into a hug and whispered to her. "Thank you. For everything." Hazel hugged her back. "You are all family, Dromeda. There was no other choice. There never should be." Hazel ruffled Harry's hair. "Take your time and relax, ok? You have a home and family now. Just take it in and enjoy it all." Harry nodded, brushing away some tears. "I will. See you soon."

"Morning. Good night's sleep?" Harry rubbed his eyes as he yawned, his steps taking him into the kitchen in his pajamas. "Yeah. Best night's sleep I have had since Hogwarts." Andromeda nodded. "Trust me, I know the feeling. Best night sleep I had out of Hogwarts was after my seventh year with Ted after we eloped. Sure, that became more of an issue as Dora grew in me but it was better than being back home with my parents. Please sit down." Harry sat at the table of the Tonks' residence and heard a screech before a familiar white bird landed on the table in front of him. Harry rubbed the owl's feathers. "Hi Hedwig. I am happy you found me here." Andromeda came up and caressed the bird as well. "She's been added to the wards so she can come and go safely. We did have to remove a tracking charm from her. We think someone was trying to find out where you were sending your mail. Our Best guess is that it was Dumbledore. The wards should isolate any foreign magic on her and her packages from now on, so she will be safe." Harry smiled as Hedwig nipped his fingers playfully. "I gathered from Hazel you aren't fond of Dumbledore?" Andromeda sat down beside him on the table. "The man was celebrated as almost a second coming of Merlin, but he still has his share of problems. We don't think he is malignant, not all of us anyways, but he has been breaking the laws to keep you isolated. Recent events have certainly done a number on his reputation, which is something we are quite happy about."

Harry thought back to his first summer after Hogwarts. He had asked to stay at the school but Dumbledore denied him, saying he was safer at his relatives house. That there were wards there that he needed to keep charged for his safety and theirs. "What will happen now?" Andromeda drank from her coffee. "Well, your parents Last Will was sealed at the Ministry but you might find a copy in your family Vault at Gringotts, so we can check there. After that we can see if there is enough evidence to strip Dumbledore of his illegally obtained Magical Guardianship over you. Everything after that is just us keeping him away from you as much as possible while you spend your next few years at Hogwarts." Harry thought for a second and nodded. "Ok, I am fine with that. When do we go to the bank?" Andromeda chuckled. "Well, technically we could go today, even if it is your birthday." Andromeda passed him a few letters. "Your friends are meeting up in Diagon Alley today, with Florean Fortescue making a birthday ice cream cake for you. Care to go?" Harry smiled. "Sure. Are Hazel and Teddy coming over too?" Andromeda gave him a sad smile. "Not today, though three of the letters are from them and Dora. Teddy completed his Hogwarts shopping with his mother early and aside from today being your birthday, it's also Hazel's. Dora and Teddy focus on her exclusively today. Maybe next year."

While he was a bit disappointed they couldn't come, Harry could see why. Hazel always felt odd to him. She always smiled for him and he always found it sad. Like she knew something was wrong. He always assumed it was about him but last night he remembered seeing the same sadness there, except when Teddy and Dora were with her. "She had a hard life, didn't she?" Andromeda nodded sadly. "She did. She hardly speaks about it openly, but aside from a Godmother who loved her as her own child, she had no one to care for her. Said Godmother died before anything could come of their relationship. If it wasn't for Teddy, I am not sure she would be here at all." Harry smiled a little at the wistful look on Andromeda's face. "He has that way about him, doesn't he? He likes seeing people happy." Andromeda smiled. "He does, but I am sure it's mostly directed to his Mom. Those two care deeply for each other. Since he is going to Hogwarts this September, it might cause a bit of trouble for Hazel, but her boss has been checking with me about how to ease their discomfort. So Harry, how about a light breakfast while Ted gets all the paperwork in order for today?"

Harry's morning went quickly after that, finding himself at Gringotts where he was presented his parent's will. Gringotts warned that the one in the Ministry was far more recent, so the section awarding gifts to others was unenforceable for now. Andromeda pointed out the names of the people in his parent's life. He was surprised though, when he read the name of a person he heard on the news. Andromeda sighed. "Sirius Black was a close friend of your father and my cousin. He worked with him at the DMLE as an Auror and was part of the Order of the Phoenix, the group Dumbledore organized to fight the Death Eaters. We aren't sure what really happened but people accused him of betraying James and Lily Potter, killing another wizard and thirteen muggles on a street, and he was sent off to Azkaban for all of it. Without a trial." Harry looked at her. "You don't think he did it?" Andromeda looked at him sadly. "I don't believe he did. My cousin was like me in a lot of ways. Knowing him, something else happened but until he is captured by the right people, we won't know for sure." Harry thought about Sirius Black until he saw his friends waving at him. He decided to focus on them first. After all, this was the first time he could celebrate his birthday properly.

Hazel slammed her hands on Croaker's desk. "Why did you rescind the kill on sight order?" Croaker eyed her, feeling the flow of magic shift around him as he spotted arcs of making moving down her bare arms. He knew this was going to be a sore subject as Hazel had refused to speak of what happened in her third year beyond the fact two people escaped from Azkaban. Only one person did so in this world. "The escape of Sirius Black opened up his files in the Ministry Archives. All of them. A good number had been surprisingly, though expectedly, sealed after his imprisonment. Care to guess what we found?" Croaker dropped a folder in front of Hazel who opened it. She skimmed over the two documents. "The arrest record and the transfer record from the DMLE holding cells to Azkaban." Croaker nodded. "Indeed. There is nothing else in the documents at all. No charges, no trial, no verdict and no legal representation." Hazel pulled away from the table, her eyes reading the papers thoroughly. "If this was an isolated incident, Arcturus Black would have rained hell on the Ministry for imprisoning his Heir. It wasn't, was it? There are other criminals and Death Eaters in Azkaban under similar circumstances."

Croaker sighed. "Dozens of them. The policy was put in place in the final days of the war by Minister Bagnold, DMLE Director Barty Crouch Sr. and Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore." Hazel snorted. "Doesn't sound like his style. Was he under pressure or did he have a need for it?" Croaker gave her an approving smile. "Legal is in agreement. Crouch headed the initiative several times but was denied by the Chief Warlock and the Minister. This changed in the later days of the war, but the measure was rescinded months later. After Sirius Black was sent to Azkaban. The next group of Death Eaters brought to trial were the LeStranges and Igor Karkaroff, all of whom received full trials." Hazel sat on the chair, even as her magic grew wilder inside of her. She kept her jaw clenched as much as possible. "In theory most of the dangerous Death Eaters got put away and locked up, but you are suggesting Dumbledore agreed to the change to potentially remove an obstacle. Which reminds me, in which period did Snape face the charges for his crimes?" Croaker shook his head. "None of them. He never saw the Courtroom. Dumbledore vouched for him and several Death Eaters went to Azkaban, not to mention a certain counterspell was made known to Healers, at least surreptitiously. The ones caught were minor Death Eaters, but still Marked. As for Dumbledore's machinations, we believe he was after this."

Hazel watched as Croaker pulled another file out and opened it. "By record of St. Mungos, Harry James Potter was born on the 31st of July 1980. On the 2nd of August, Alice Longbottom and Sirius Black were named the boys godparents." Hazel felt her thoughts stop for a second. "Are you sure about that? What about Frank Longbottom? Neville's godparents?" Croaker waved his hand. "Frank remained on active duty as an Auror after Neville's birth, which made him a target. He didn't have a godchild. James became Neville's godfather since he and his family went into hiding. The godmother was Marlene McKinnon. You know what happened to her." Hazel nodded. Marlene was a relative of hers she never got to know. She had been a potential godparent to her but that honor went to her Neville as well. Hazel closed her eyes, trying to get a hold of her magic. "So, Albus Dumbledore agreed to a change in the rules around the time the war became more violent. The Potters were attacked, Sirius Black got arrested and the Longbottoms were incapacitated permanently. Yet he changes the rules before the criminals who attacked the Longbottoms were brought to trial, but not before Sirius BBack was shipped of to Azkaban."

Croaker sat up straighter in his chair. "That's why we rescinded the order. He is now a priority target of interest and we need him alive for interrogation. The timing of the changing of the laws, his imprisonment and his position as Harry's primary guardian make him Dumbledore's greatest counter. I also don't have to remind you of the benefit this could have for Harry's legal situation should Sirius be innocent." Hazel gritted her teeth as a memory flashed in her mind, something Croaker noticed. "Fine. Take me off the hunt for him. I can't be impartial with him." Croaker eyed her, feeling the magic in the room shift again, the air becoming thicker and the hairs across his body standing up on end. "Why?" Another memory surfaced in Hazel's mind, one of an insufferable laugh. Hazel clenched her fists as her body started shaking. "Because if I see him I will kill him. Now if you excuse me, I need to head to the training chamber." Hazel exited the room as quickly as she could as Croaker tapped his comm on the desk. "BM, R1 is heading to the Training Room exhibiting signs of distress. Get there with R2, quickly."

Hazel tuned all noises out as she entered the Training Room, her magic screaming inside of her. Arcs of green light shot out of her hands as she cast curses towards the targets used for practice, striking every target on the wall, every hit leaving a bigger and bigger scorch mark as images played before her eyes, feelings long buried rising up to the surface. Biting her lip hard enough to draw blood, she conjured several human-like golems dressed in Death Eater robes before she drew on her magic and unleashed a killing curse that she kept sustained. An arching beam of blackish green light dropped the pseudo life forms she created, some even being torn in half as she did everything in her power to sustain the curse. She released it as the last golem collapsed, the ground littered with black cloaks as her body trembled. She lifted up her hand and looked at the charred flesh, though she knew it was just her skin, as she could still move her muscles easily enough. Memories bombarded her again as she reached up to hold her head in pain. Voices filled her ears but she wasn't sure which were real and which were her memories. She collapsed onto the ground, hearing her name being screamed.

OW June 21st 1996

"No! Stop it!" She screamed as she watched Voldemort place her Godmother under the Cruciatus Curse. His voice echoed in her ears. "She's yours but I must have the Prophecy. Bring it to me and this will all come to an end." She spent the next hour hearing her Godmother's screams in her head as she rode the back of a Thestral, three morons following behind her. She had refused to be part of their little Defence Club and she was still constantly targeted and followed by them and the pink toad's cronys. Why couldn't they just leave her alone! They tried to stop her, telling her it wasn't worth it. That Dumbledore had a plan. She didn't care about Dumbledore's plan. Her Godmother was the only thing that mattered to her. So she ran head first into the Department of Mysteries, unconcerned with the absence of people around her. She finally found the Hall of Prophecies and searched desperately for where her's was. She found it easily enough. No other bastard had a name as long as Dumbledore. She took it without a second thought and looked desperately around. "I have it. Just let her go!"

A voice answered her. "Too bad, the bitch ain't here. We'll take the prophecy though." Hazel growled and hurled curses at the source of the voice. Time seemed to speed up around her as she dodged curses and Death Eaters until she reached the room with the creepy Archway and a mess of rocks. She glared at the bastard Malfoy holding her at wandpoint until a voice made her heart sing. "Oy, Lucy! Get away from my Goddaughter!" A red spell pushed him back and Hazel looked into the concerned grey eyes of her Godmother. "I am here, my sapling. Don't worry, we will get you out." Hazel stood by her side as the fighting resumed around her as more and more people showed up. Hazel deflected a curse coming towards her Godmother before she felt herself getting pushed back, a nasty purple curse missing her face by a hair. The fighting continued until a loud voice uttered a curse and Hazel froze. "Avada Kedavra!" Hazel watched as the green curse came straight at her before a hand pushed her aside. Dark brown curls filled her view as she watched the curse being intercepted by her Godmother's body, before the now cold empty eyes remained fixed on her as her Godmother fell into the Archway, vanishing on the spot. The world turned silent to Hazel, even as her heart seemed unsure about whether to beat loudly or stop beating at all.

"… no…"

"You know, James once tried the whole long haired look. The girls seemed to like it but Lily hated it. Pretty sure her first compliment to him was that he looked better with short hair. On you, though, I am sure she would have loved it being long." Hazel looked at herself in the mirror, her hair exceedingly uneven with the edges dulled in color by the fire damage. "So, any idea how to regrow it back?" Her Godmother smiled. "I have just the thing."

"Please… no."

Her Godmother hugged Hazel to her, the dusty old place of her family looking festive with Christmas decorations. "I know it's not our home yet but I think you deserved a proper celebration." Hazel hugged her back tightly, tears running down her cheeks. "It's perfect."

"No…"

Hazel watched her Godmother pull a tarp away, showing Hazel her pride and joy. "Can't believe Hagrid kept this. He even did a good job tuning it." She pulled out a helmet and tossed it to Hazel who caught it, as her eyes took in the motorcycle with it's side car. "So, what do you say, kid? Roadtrip?" Hazel was sure she heard her jaw crack with how wide she smiled. "I wouldn't miss it for the world!" Her Godmother smiled at her, those grey eyes filled with warmth. "Hop right on then. Next stop, wherever the sun sets." Hazel laughed in utter joy as she jumped into the side car.

" … Please… No…"

She got pulled into her Godmother's arms. "I promise you, Hazel. When I am cleared and a free woman, I will blood adopt you. You, me, Dobby and Kreacher will be a proper family. No more old goats, no obsessed Dark Lords. Just you, me and some cute boys and girls." Hazel buried her head into her Godmother's chest. "Promise?" Her Godmother rubbed her head, kissing her softly on her hair. "Promise."

Her Godmother's face flashed before her eyes, that beautiful smile aimed at her. She had never not smiled at her. Her heart sank as all her eyes could see was an empty Archway, the battle going on around her all but forgotten as her world shattered completely.

"Noooooo!"

NW July 31st 1993

Hazel felt a weight on her arm as soon as she recovered consciousness. The warmth and the feel of his magic were as familiar to her as her own. Hazel opened her eyes and looked around, seeing the curtains she knew were from the Medical Wing. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply as her mind settled back into place, her magic drained but recovering. She lifted up her left hand and saw it wrapped in bandages before she brought it up to her mouth. Hazel tore through them softly with her teeth until the flesh underneath the bandages was uncovered, a bit red but definitely healed over. Using her now uncovered hand she reached over and gently touched her son's hair, causing him to stir. "Five more minutes." Hazel chuckled. "If we were back in your room, I would say you could have the rest of the day." Teddy lifted his head and looked at her sleepily before his eyes woke up. He threw himself at her and she hugged her son. "You collapsed in the training room! Dora was so scared. She said your arm looked bad." Hazel rubbed his back. "I am better now. My arm is just a bit red."

Teddy nodded as he looked the arm over before he turned to look her in the eyes. "What happened?" Hazel sighed as she rubbed his cheek. "Bad memories, Teddy. About the day the light went out in my world. Before you lit it up again." Teddy looked at her sadly. "Your Godmother?" Hazel swallowed the lump in her throat. "Yeah." Teddy hugged her harder. "I'm sorry." Hazel chuckled and rubbed his hair. "I should be saying that. I probably ruined the surprise birthday you and Dora were planning." Teddy shook his head. "It's ok. You're ok now. That's more important." Hazel tried to sit up and Teddy sat on the bed. Hazel looked around. "Andromeda?" Teddy shook his head. " She's with Harry. The other Healer, Johnson I think, took care of you before she got called to St. Mungos." Hazel nodded and pulled her legs over the side before stepping on the cold floor with her naked feet. After getting dressed she left with Teddy towards her Apartment, finding Dora reading over a Healer's textbook. "Just so you know, those are nice and all but they aren't going to turn you into an instant Healer. My Andi gave up on me after three years of trying."

Dora tackled her into a hug as soon as she registered who spoke. "You scared the shit out of me!" Hazel pulled her head back and kissed Dora on the lips, drawing a whine out of her. Hazel touched Dora's hair gently. "Sorry for ruining your plans. Think we can spend the day watching some movies?" Dora kissed Hazel on the neck. "Sure. You sit. I'll get the popcorn." After Leafsby blocked Dora from the kitchen after her first attempt at making popcorn set the pan on fire, the three settled in front of the tv to watch the movies. Teddy sat on the floor with Hazel's arms hugging him from behind. Dora kept eying the two throughout the evening, watching as Hazel slowly seemed to come back to a more jovial state until they both fell asleep just after the second movie.

Not wishing to disturb either of them, Dora cast a few cushioning charms and conjured a blanket that she draped over both of them before she left the apartment, her eyes fixed on the two out of concern before she closed the door and made her way through the Department of Mysteries. She opened Croaker's office door and found him and Horatio talking. "The hell happened?" Croaker sighed. "Hazel has strong feelings about Sirius Black. I'm under the impression he means something to her. Something terrible. She willingly stepped down from the hunt for him after I changed the order to capture him alive at all costs." Horatio grunted. "Must have buried a lot of frustration as she and you talked. Her Killing Curses were causing physical damage to the Training Room, without her using a wand. I reviewed the security system. I've never seen anyone use the killing curse the way she did. If Hazel used that in an enclosed area, we would have dozens or more dead instantly. I am almost glad she stuck to conjuration as her main means for killing people." Dora winced at Horatio's tone. "Alright then, what's our standing orders then, because Hazel is currently asleep and I don't know if I can stop another incident like this on my own."

Horatio looked at Croaker, before turning to Dora. "We have an idea that should reduce her stress levels for the coming year, but it will require your cooperation. The few sightings of Sirius Black had him close to Surrey, before he started heading North." Dora blinked for a moment before she sighed. "Harry. He's going after Harry." Croaker looked over the papers. "Twelve years in Azkaban is a long time. We aren't sure what that has done to his mind. We know he whispered Hogwarts all the time just before he escaped. If he heads up there, we need our non-lethal expert to handle it." Dora felt her stomach sink. "Me." Horatio nodded. "Exactly. Catching up to him seems impossible so far to the Aurors, even with Mad-Eye directing them. So we will be posting you at his likely point of interest. Hazel will be there as backup, though we want her to be kept busy, which we have a plan for as well. Just make sure you keep her away from the action. We will probably have other missions throughout the year for you two, but this will be your top priority." Dora nodded and headed for the door when Horatio stopped her. "Oh, and make sure you have the Patronus Charm down. The Minister isn't being rational right now and his Undersecretary isn't helping." Dora whined. "Great."

Chapter 29: The Peverells Return

Andromeda kneeled down to hug Teddy, kissing his cheek, as they stood on the edge of the platform next to the Hogwarts Express. "You be a good badger and show the rest of the Houses that Hufflepuffs can do just as well academically, ok?" Teddy nodded, trying not to think about his Andi and what she would say to him on this day. He swallowed the lump in his throat and smiled. "I will." After she stood back up she hugged Harry next. "And you try to stay out of trouble. You gave a good show of yourself this last year. Lily would have been very proud of your hard work. Taking two elective courses isn't bad, especially as a Quidditch player, so don't let your mother's choice to drown herself in work get to you. You do well and remember that you have people looking after you. We'll see you at Hogsmeade when you have a day off." Harry hugged her back. "I'll be there. I'll look after Teddy when I can too." Andromeda chuckled. "Hazel will appreciate that. Now go boys, find yourself a cabin or two." Harry and Teddy waved at Andromeda as they boarded the train before looking for a compartment, with Harry pointing out where the bathrooms were located. Teddy looked at Harry as soon as they found an empty compartment. "You sure you want me with you? I can go find the others. Astoria is a first year student too."

Harry smiled at him. "Up to you but I don't mind. Besides, won't Astoria get dragged into the same cabin as Daphne and Tracey? There might not be much room there for you. Not all of them are friendly." Teddy frowned. "You sure you aren't projecting your fears about the Slytherins? Not all Slytherins are bad. You met Daphne, Tracey and Theo at the get together." Harry sighed. He could admit to himself that Teddy had a point. He had heard from Ron and the other Gryffindors that Slytherins tended to be dark witches and wizards. Draco was certainly a good example of just how bad some of the Slytherins were. Daphne, Tracey and Theo had surprised him when he showed up at the summer get together with Neville, Susan and Hannah. They were very polite. Well, most of them. Tracey seemed to be a ball of energy that was only matched by Hannah, the two jumping from one conversation to the next and the next. Of the girls, she was the one that struck him as odd since she only ever seemed to observe the niceties of etiquette once. Daphne surprised him by being a bit like Hermione, obsessed with learning everything and anything about magic. Astoria seemed to have a similar interest in learning, but she was more laid back to Daphne's mania.

Theo Nott had been the biggest surprise. He was a lot like Neville, quiet and reserved, but he loved Quidditch and was trying out for the Chaser position this year. He could quote just as much Quidditch stuff as Ron, but he was always rational and collected. He also told him about Blaise Zabini, another Slytherin, who wasn't like the rest, though he tended to keep to himself for the most part. He was boisterous like Tracey but was more interested in the Dueling Circuits. They all avoided Draco and his group as much as possible but since it was a rule that Slytherins didn't argue in front of the other houses, they couldn't exactly act too friendly towards Harry without causing a scene. Tracey did say they would make an effort to be more forward and friendly towards Neville, Teddy and himself but they had to do it quickly. Harry had smiled at her logic. If they couldn't argue with Draco, they simply made Draco be the one to start the argument, getting him in trouble. His compliment on how utterly Slytherin of her that was earned him a blush from the brunette. Of the group though, Susan had been the big surprise. He remembered her being very shy when they were just first years in Quirrell's classroom. She was really outspoken and forward now, very confident in herself. She said part of that had been from the tutoring Hazel had given her, making her feel like she didn't need to hide who she was anymore.

That his relative Hazel was the tutor to most of them had been an eye opener, but no more so when he watched everyone training under her instruction. She was fast on her feet and seemed to glide around the room at times. What really surprised him was just how skilled she was with Transfiguration. He had thought McGonagall was the best in Britain, but Hazel seemed to defy that by conjuring lifelike animals in mid air without so much as a word. She was ridiculously good without a wand, something he asked her about. Hearing that her wand had rejected her for three whole years was a surprise and that she was forced to learn wandless magic to compensate was understandable. Her smirk and claims of being a lot more sneaky in practicing during summer without her wand made him smile. There were times when she seemed really sad, though, as if a thought seemed to sap all the joy out of her. That never happened around Teddy or Dora. The odd time she seemed happy alone was when she was thinking of breaking or taking advantage of the rules. A little light seemed to shine in her eyes then. He wondered if she would have gotten along with his dad and the Marauders he read about in his Mom's journal. Though it was for just a few days out of the weeks of summer he still had, Harry learned a great deal about magic from her, along with Theo who was the closest to him in skill with the little amount of time either spent training with Hazel.

Harry shook his head and looked at Teddy. "Ok, maybe I did a little, but you do have your classes to be with them. With you being a shoe in for Hufflepuff, when am I supposed to get to know you more?" Teddy smiled. "Ok, but you keep the Lions off my back. I am going to be a Hufflepuff like Mama and Dora and show everyone that we can be just as good as everyone else." Harry laughed merrily and watched as Teddy silently lifted their trunks up to the rack over their heads once they entered the cabin. "If you teach me how to cast silently." Teddy chuckled. "Sure, but Mom might try showing you first. She got good at it for a reason." The two sat down and chatted away as the time of departure neared. Teddy noticed that Harry looked worriedly at the clock. "Nervous about Hermione?" Harry nodded. "Her parents were really mad about what happened to her at Hogwarts. I think if Andromeda didn't explain the situation to them clearly, they might have sent her off to Beauxbatons. She said she would be here, but you know parents can be." Teddy hummed. "I heard of the school. Mom had a friend from there who had a kid close to my age. Our families got into a fight and I never got to meet her, not before she died." Harry often didn't know what to say to Teddy when the subject turned serious. He thought his life was bad but Teddy's was rough and Hazel's was apparently worse.

His gloomy thoughts ended when Neville opened the door. "Hey Ted, Harry. Look who I found." Harry smiled as Hermione popped her head in. "Can I join you?" The two Gryffindors sat opposite of Teddy and Harry as Neville helped Hermione with her trunk. Teddy stood up and gave Hermione a soft bow. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Granger. My name is Edward Peverell. Ted to friends. Harry has talked a lot about you." Hermione blushed. "A pleasure, Edward. You're Harry's cousin, right? He mentioned you in one of his letters. You look a bit alike." Teddy sat back down. "Mom looked a lot more like Harry, before her hair went white. She had our same black hair once upon a time. Hers got damaged by a curse and it's stuck white now. Mostly." Hermione descended into a discussion with Teddy about curses, which apparently Teddy knew a bit about. Harry eyed him oddly and Teddy flushed. "Mom is a worrier, so she taught me how to spot cursed objects." Hermione sighed. "That would have been handy last year." Harry looked at her. "How are you?" Hermione shrugged. "I feel depressed at the weirdest times. I have a Mind Healer appointment once a week at Hogwarts. Part of the reason why my parents allowed me to stay at all. I am also supposed to check in with Hazel Peverell about once a month for something."

Teddy smiled. "That's Mom. She has an eye for curse damage. She's probably checking that there are no lingering effects on your mind or spirit." Hermione blinked a bit before she smiled. "Oh, I hope I get to meet her soon then. Do you think she can teach me how that works?" The group looked up at the roof when they heard the train whistle blow in warning. Teddy looked at Harry. "Aren't you waiting for someone else?" Harry chuckled. "Trust me, they are always late." A few minutes later four redheads opened the door. "Oh, what do we have here, George?" The other twin hummed. "Looks like Harry has a little brother. Too bad the scary Aurors gave us an order or we'd offer you a deal. Right Fred?" Teddy chuckled and waved at them. "Hi Weasley Twins. Mom and Dora say "Hi" and that I am considered off limits. Dora says she'll tell Charlie to stop sending you materials for your experiments and Mom says she still dreams about checking your insides to see if you're identical all the way through." The twins paled. "Gred, I think we found the scary White Haired Witch's kid." The other responded. "Agreed Forge. Tactical retreat." The twins left, leaving Hermione, Neville and the other two Weasleys flabbergasted. Ron looked at the kid. "Your Mom is that scary?" Teddy smiled. "Only to mean people. Though waking her up early is always bad. Dora learned that the hard way a few times already."

Harry smirked. "Watching a bunny being chased around the Tonks residence by a badger was funny though." Ginny waved at Harry. "Well, I am going to find Luna. Take care, Harry." Ron looked at the group and the small amount of space and sighed. "I hope you don't mind, but I might go sit with Seamus and Dean. They were talking about the Quidditch World Cup coming up next year." Harry nodded. "Sure, we understand. See you at the feast." The train started moving as they started discussing classes. Harry and Hermione laughed a bit at how much Teddy and Neville liked Herbology while Teddy and Harry bonded over Care. Teddy sighed. "I wish I could take that class early. Mom says it can be fun, especially when they bring out the Hippogriffs and Thestrals, but that's all years away." Hermione shuddered and Teddy noticed. "The Thestrals?" Hermione bit her lip. "Tom … taught me about them." Teddy frowned. "Oh, I'm sorry." Hermione shook her head. "It's ok. I took the class anyway, along with Arithmancy and Runes." Harry and Neville shared a look. "Well, two out of three for us ain't bad. I am just glad I got out of Divination." Teddy shuddered. "Mom hates that class after she was made to sit in a few lessons against her will. Says the best teachers for the class are Centaurs." Hermione's eyes lit up. "Do they teach it?" Harry sat back, watching Teddy and Hermione chat away. It was going to be a long ride.

The train lurched to a sudden stop and Teddy looked out the window as it started frosting over. "Mom's going to be mad." Harry turned to him. "What is it?" Teddy looked to Neville. "Dementors." Neville cursed. "Damn, Miss Peverell tried teaching us the Patronus but none of us had the strength to cast it just yet. Only Daphne got the furthest along." Teddy drew his wand out, feeling it connecting his magic better than his Mom's ever did. "I know I can make a shield but I tire quickly." Neville nodded and looked at the other two. "The guards of Azkaban are Magical Creatures. They like hurting people. Voldemort used them in the war before they were controlled again. Stay away from the door and behind Teddy." Teddy stood in the center of the cabin, his wand drawn. He started to feel the cold digging in. His breath started being visible and he felt the tug on his mind just as the dark shape appeared behind the pane of glass. Thoughts and images started racing in his mind as the creature opened the cabin door. He felt his body hollow out like it did in his other world, as magic left him powerless. A memory surfaced that he wished he would never see ever again but the Dementor was relentless in his assault. Eventually the memory surfaced, making his heart ache.

The Goblins had been mad at his Mom for what she did to their bank and they came after her in broad daylight. They didn't care that Teddy was with her, one of the few times she brought him outside of the wards at his Grandma's place. They had gone out to Sydenham Hill Wood in London when they were attacked. His Mom was quick at casting curses and throwing weapons at them, but they fought as a unit, wearing her down. Desperate to keep him safe, his Mom pulled her Cloak over him and flooded him with magic over their bond. The next thing he knew his Mom had a spear sticking out of her chest as she pushed him away. She led the goblins further away from him as she snapped the ends of the spear against the trees, before she retaliated, leaving several goblins impaled behind her, many going still as blood stained the ground beneath them. Then his Mom screamed. He ran to her under the cloak and felt his legs give out from underneath him at the sight of her injured body. His Mom had been caught in a ward, the Goblins having impaled her extremities to the ground as soon as they could. He watched them tie ropes to her before one of the Goblins raised an Axe. He remembered screaming. The next thing he knew was his mother was cradling him in her arms, her face covered in tears. He never bothered to ask her why she was covered in blood. The memory's end ripped him out of the Dementor's loop.

Steadied by the thought his Mom would never leave him, even in the face of death or worse, Teddy raised his wand towards the creature. An image of his Mom, utterly happy and smiling at him filled his mind, her laugh filling his ears and warming his heart. The few times he saw her in that state were the happiest moments of his life. "Expecto Patronum." Teddy felt the drain instantly as a shield of light magic filled the space between him and the others. He pushed forward, forcing the Dementor to retreat into the hallway of the train, even as he felt his arm shaking. He felt his vision blurring but he pushed harder, supporting his wand arm with the other one. He then heard another voice, it's power shaking him to his core. "Expecto Patronum!" He dropped his shield as his vision was filled with the bright light of his Mom's Patronus, his exhaustion almost melting away. He sat on the floor as screeches of pain from the Dementors filled the air. The light passed over him several times, each one filling him with joy. He managed to stand up when the Patronus returned, now the size of a little bird. It landed in his outstretched hand and growled playfully at him. "Hey Aithusa. Thanks for pushing them away." Teddy sat on his seat as everyone else did the same, the danger now gone as the train began moving again, their eyes on the white dragon in his hands.

Neville stared at it. "How? It was the size of the train earlier." Teddy rubbed the partly physical patronus on its head, earning a purr in return. "Mom can channel the magic into it better, changing its size and even making it solid." Hermione closer. "Is that… a dragon? It looks weird." Teddy winced as Aithusa turned around and growled and hissed at Hermione before it dissipated. "Ah, never say that to Aithusa. She's sensitive about the way she looks." Neville's eyes widened. "It's sentient?" Teddy shrugged. "Honestly? I'm not sure. I think she has a bit of Mom's personality. She's aware enough she knows to avoid people and is only playful with me. I don't even know if Mom does it on purpose." The door to the cabin slammed open and Hazel looked inside. "Everyone ok here?" Teddy and the rest nodded, with Neville adding in a few words. "Teddy shielded us with his Patronus for a bit before yours flew by and chased the Dementors." Hazel growled. "That's the last time I negotiate with those creatures. I wasted too much time trying to get them to leave." Hazel dug into her jacket pocket and pulled out some bars of chocolate. "Eat these. It helps with the aftereffects. I need to go check with… everyone else." Hermione blushed under Hazel's sudden scrutiny.

"Miss Granger, step closer." Hermione moved out of her seat and approached Hazel, who drew her wand. Teddy noticed it was her Holly wand and remembered she was hiding her Elder Wand from Dumbledore. She waved it over Hermione before she sighed and dug in her other pocket before pulling out a vial. "This is a Calming Draught. Take it if you feel the onslaught of a panic attack or ask one of the other's to empty it into your mouth if you can't do it yourself. You are to check in with Madam Pomfrey as soon as you are inside the castle. The Dementors effects may have pulled some memories loose that you aren't interested in revisiting again. I will call the Mind Healers to see you and the rest of the students in the morning." Hermione nodded and sat down as Hazel kneeled in front of Teddy. They stared at each other for a second before she leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead. "You did good today. Please try and stay safe. Dora wont forgive me if I wreck the Castle because you boys get into more trouble." Teddy giggled. "I promise." Hazel turned to Harry and nodded at him. "You too. I have been on the receiving end of a mad Tonks and a Black before. I don't need a repeat." Harry nodded. "I'll stay safe. Promise." Hazel sighed and stepped out of the cabin. "See you all at the Sorting."

"There you are. I was wondering where you went." Teddy smiled at the young blonde. "A pleasure to see you too, Astoria. How was your ride on the Express?" Astoria huffed, her hands on her waist. "Stuffy. My sister didn't leave me out of her sight." A girl giggled. "Already itching to step out of Daphne's shadow, what would she say?" A brown haired girl with blue eyes grinned as another identical girl scrutinized Teddy. "And to complain about it with a boy, what would the others say?" Astoria sighed and rubbed her eyes, waving her hand at the identical looking girls. "Ted, these are Flora and Hestia Carrow. They are being sorted with us." Teddy curtsied to them and blew on their knuckles. "A pleasure to meet you, ladies. Edward Peverell." The two brunettes blinked before they turned and narrowed their eyes at Astoria. "A gentleman, in a sea of kids." The other continued. "Has little Astoria already made her claim?" Astoria blushed. "No, but he is off limits to you two." The girls giggled. "Oh what fun, sister." The other responded. "What fun indeed. Come, Mr. Peverell, would you kindly lead three ladies to a boat?" Teddy blushed slightly. "If you will have me." The Carrows grinned together and spoke in stereo. "Oh, well taught indeed."

Teddy helped Astoria and the twins onto their boat before joining them. He went through quite a bit of teasing until the Castle appeared in view. Teddy had to admit it was beautiful, yet somehow the ruins of The Isle of the Blessed seemed more so, as a place preserved in quiet, ethereal beauty. He had helped his Mom replant some of the flowers they recovered from their world and resealed them properly a few times, making sure they were ok. He wanted to study them one day, maybe with Professor Sprout's help, as it was the only other living thing that remained of their world. As they approached the dock, he used a bit of wandless magic to steady a boat that almost tipped over before they arrived safely at the docks. Astoria pulled him a bit aside as they walked up the stairs. "Careful with those two. They love to tease. They were awfully bored at home since their parents were sent to Azkaban. I met them through our homeschool tutors when they decided the girls needed to meet some other kids their own age." Teddy nodded. "I gathered. Mom made sure to warn me about people teasing me to get a reaction." Astoria hummed. "Daphne did the same. I am about to break expectations, so she's worried about how everyone will treat me." Teddy squeezed her hand. "You know I will be happy to help." Astoria smiled. "Thanks. Enjoy your own little storm."

Waiting just outside the Great Hall was interrupted by a group of ghosts who flew about them, describing their old houses. A few looked at Teddy oddly and he wondered if they could feel the Peverell Magic in him. His Mom wasn't sure how they would react to it. The Peverells were tied to Death in some way, they both knew that, but there was little to nothing else about them, as the connection happened a full three generations before the main line ended abruptly. The fact there were no other Family Magics in this world had been a concern as well, something Croaker had placed a team in the DoM to study, getting almost nothing but vague references in return. Hearing McGonagall call them to the Great Hall, Teddy did his calming exercises as everyone else was staring up at the enchanted ceiling. Eventually the Sorting Hat stopped its song and McGonagall started calling out names. "Flora Carrow." Teddy watched as one of the twins sat on the stool and the hat placed on the head. A minute later it shouted. "Slytherin!" Hestia was called next and was also sorted into Slytherin, both to little fanfare. "Astoria Greengrass." Teddy watched as Astoria sat with the Hat on her head for three minutes before it shouted. "Ravenclaw!"

The Ravenclaw table gave a loud response as Astoria joined them, while half of the Slytherins looked on with clear surprise. Teddy made a note to remember the faces of those who looked displeased. The sorting continued until it happened. "Edward Peverell." Teddy walked steadily forward, feeling his mother's magic reach out to him through their bond in comfort. He caught a few conversations as he walked up to the seat, probably from children of magical families. Other than the few he heard, the hall was very quiet. "Peverell? As in the Dark Wizard Hunters of legend?" … "Didn't their line go extinct centuries ago?" … "He sorta looks like Harry Potter." … "Look at those purple eyes." … "He's going to be a heartbreaker." Teddy breathed deeply as he sat on the stool before the Sorting Hat was placed on his head. Oh, what do we have here? That's a nasty defence someone placed in your head. If I were made of flesh and blood, I might be needing a Healer's attention. Mind if I look inside, young man? Teddy relaxed as he remembered what his mother taught him about the mental shields she placed on him. The Hat slipped in as he lowered them down. My, my. You have come a long way, haven't you, young man. Lupin, Tonks, Black, Potter and now Peverell. All you but the latter two more so, by your own choice too. You have much potential in you, and I don't say that simply because of who your parents are. And by that I mean all of them.

Teddy felt the eyes of the Hall on him, but he also felt his mother touch the Hat through their bond. The hat sensed her. Well protected, aren't you? What I see of her through you is interesting. You are so alike, yet so different. With you I too have a bit of trouble sorting, but because you have traits of three of the houses in such great quantities. You have the nobility of heart and spirit of a Lion, brave enough to face danger head on, especially when it concerns your family. Godric would have liked you. You have some cunning, but your ambitions are subtle and understated. Salazar wouldn't know what to do with you. You thirst for knowledge. A good book and a quiet night are a part of you. Rowena would have welcomed you warmly. But we both know where you belong, don't we? Your loyalty is not freely given, but to those who hold it, it is absolute. You have seen your mother struggle and suffer but you have seen her succeed where all others would have failed. You know the lesson she paid for dearly because she has shown it to you freely, in the hope you may never suffer as she did. Keep it close, young man. Hard work will follow and there will be struggles, but you will prevail in… "Hufflepuff!" The Hall seemed to sputter as the Hufflepuffs clapped warmly while the other houses looked partly confused. Those that knew the name probably expected a Gryffindor or a Slytherin out of him.

Moving down the side of the Hufflepuff table, he sat close to the Prefect. The boy smiled at him. "Welcome to Hufflepuff. My name's Cedric Diggory, Prefect and Quidditch Captain." Teddy remembered his name. His Mom mentioned him once in passing, about the events of the next year. He smiled. "Edward Peverell, a pleasure." Cedric shook his offered hand. "You were a bit of a Hat stall, but I suppose being the first Peverell in centuries here would leave even the Hat unsure what to do." Teddy shrugged, as he raised the defences in his mind back up. "My family has had people in all the houses, so no one should be surprised. We were never too stuck in following a specific set of characteristics as others tend to do." Feeling the defences securely in place, he dared to look at the Staff Table. Professor Snape was easy to recognize and he had to bite back a snarl as his eyes spotted Remus Lupin. He smiled at Professor's Sprout and Flitwick before he made his expression unreadable as he looked at Albus Dumbledore. He knew the man her mother cursed at repeatedly and he could see that there seemed to be some reason to doubt the man in this world too. His chair was austentatious and gaudy compared to the rest and he wore robes that screamed Wizard to anyone who saw him. His eyes caught on him for a second before he felt his barriers being touched.

Teddy smirked as the man winced in pain. The defences his mother found and applied to both of them were designed to be violent and aggressive on intrusions. The better and stronger the Legilimens intrusion, the more damage they suffered. The old man was lucky he didn't try harder. Beside him was McGonagall and to the end he saw who he assumed was Hagrid. At his side were two people he was happy to see. The Sorting completed, Dumbledore walked up and stood on the Speaker's Stand, his head shaking as to clear away the headache he had acquired. "Welcome all to another year at Hogwarts. I have a few announcements to make. Firstly, Professor Kettleburn has officially retired, wishing to leave before he suffered any further loss of limbs. In his place, please welcome Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be teaching Care of Magical Creatures from this year forward. Secondly, please welcome Professor Remus Lupin, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Best of luck, Professor. A few starting of year reminders. The far corridor in the Dungeons is off limits as the Chamber of Secrets remains under study by order of the Ministry. The Forbidden Forest remains forbidden to all students. We also have one final announcement to make."

The Great Hall went silent as they watched the Headmaster. "As you all experienced, the area beyond the Hogwarts grounds will be guarded by the Dementors of Azkaban. They will remain in place until Sirius Black is arrested by the Ministry. Please be wary. They are among the most dangerous creatures and are not known to be forgiving once angered." Teddy felt the students talk amongst themselves as Dumbledore sighed. Teddy smiled, knowing what was coming. "Due to the danger posed to the students by Black and and the Dementors, the DMLE has posted two Aurors to the school for the duration of the year, or until the fugitive has been caught. The rotation may shift, but the two primary Aurors are here with us today. They will also be hosting Dueling Club meetings every week, one for each academic tier of study. Fridays will be NEWT students, Mondays will be OWL students and Wednesdays will be first and second years. All students are free to participate or not at their discretion. There will be no academic reward beyond House Points for those participating. I now leave you with a few words from them."

Teddy watched as his Mom walked up and stood at the center of the raised platform, her voice echoing across the Hall. "To all students, please be sure to report any unusual happenings around the school to myself or my partner. This includes unusual behaviour from the Dementors. These are dangerous creatures that prey on the most vulnerable. All those who have had a difficult childhood, a traumatic memory or a grave loss are to be especially wary. Contrary to popular belief, the Dementors do not feed on happy memories. They seek the worst you have within you and force you to relive it as long as possible, feeding on the pain and suffering you endure as the memory repeats itself. One of the final expectations of the Club will be the successful casting of a Patronus Charm. Until then, please come to us for aid." Hazel drew her Holly wand, which Quetz had altered slightly with softly carved druidic swirls, to be less recognizable. "Expecto Patronum." A large skeletal dragon flew across the roof of the Great Hall, silencing everyone and spreading its pleasant aura around, deafening everyone with a decent roar, before it dissipated. Everyone turned their gaze back to her, now convinced a bit as to her power, many remembering seeing said dragon on the train. Hazel eyed all of them. "I don't expect everyone to have a fully Corporeal Patronus, let alone one of that size, by the end of the year, but I will try my best to teach the spell to you all. Now, I believe we should introduce ourselves."

Dora came forth and Hazel pointed at her. "This is Hit Witch Tonks. For those who know her first name, good for you. Don't repeat it within earshot of her." Some of the older students chuckled, as well as a few of the teachers. Hazel looked over the students. "As for me, I am Hit Witch Hazel Peverell. Yes, that Peverell. Yes I am a Dark Witch or Wizard Hunter and currently employed by the Ministry. I am a survivor of the last war and I will make this clear. I will not tolerate discrimination, belittling or bullying of any student, regardless of the reason, in my presence. If you are from an ancient family or the first magical born child in your family, you are both the same to me. If your family has a history of noble deeds or your parents were former Death Eaters, I will treat you the same until you give me a reason to do otherwise. I am here to see to your safety and the safe capture of a fugitive, I am not here to give a damn about your parents Vault size. If you want to learn from me, prove you are not going to become a future problem for me to solve. I have the intention of beating Alastor Moody's record in all regards, including his body count. That should tell you what you need to know. Stay safe, be respectful and I will see a few of you on Friday."

The Hall remained silent for a few minutes after Hazel walked off the platform and sat besides Hagrid. Teddy had a smile on his face as he watched Dora and Hazel argue for a second before Dora gave up and started eating. Cedric tapped his shoulder after a bit. "I have a distinct impression that she is related to you." Teddy chuckled. "Yup, that's my Mom." The table went silent as they looked at him. "How good is she as a teacher?" Teddy smiled, drew his wand and silently summoned a loaf of bread from down the table. He started cutting into it with a knife. "Pretty good. I got a bit of a crash course because things were rough for a while at home but the last few years I was able to learn a bit more. Mom was working on teaching me wandless magic lately. It's harder than it looks." Cedric closed his jaw, as did most of the students. "Well, I don't suppose we have anything to worry about. We all thought we were getting another Lockhart." Teddy shuddered. "I wouldn't compare her to him. She will take that personally. She has a habit of not lying so she meant every word of what she said. Now you all know what you are signing up for with her as an instructor." Cedric eyed the two Hit Witches. "Good to know."

Teddy got pulled into a hug by Susan as soon as the orientation for first years ended within the Hufflepuff Common Room, the chamber warmly decorated in yellow tapestries and dark, almost black woods. "Yes, we got Ted. See, I told you he wasn't a Gryffindor." Teddy blushed as Hannah sighed. "Damn, I have a few Galleons to give out. His Mom can be such a Gryffindor at times I thought for sure he would get dragged there. Especially as Harry's cousin." Teddy pulled away and shook his head. "Nope, I am Badger through and through." Teddy watched as Professor Sprout came closer, a smile on her face. "Well, I am glad to have you here, Mr. Peverell. These two talked about you a bit in June. Now, out of curiosity, do you have an owl or a bird? Due to our placement in the Dungeons, we and Slytherin have our own smaller Owleries a few floors above us, up the stairs just outside the Common Room entrance. You can send your bird there." Teddy nodded. "Sure, Nova will like that." Susan blinked at him. "Oh, you finally got an owl? What was it?" Teddy blushed. "Nova isn't an Owl. We found her at the Ballycotton Magical Sanctuary in Ireland. She's probably flying around the Castle, getting a feel for the place."

Before Susan could ask anymore, the Common Room door opened up and Hazel walked in. Teddy hugged her as soon as she was inside. "Hi Mom." Hazel ruffled his hair. "Hello Teddy, congratulations on making it to Hufflepuff." Hazel pulled out an envelope and handed it Sprout. "McGonagall has a copy but I wanted you to have one too. My son's legal protections as covered by the Ministry and Hogwarts Treaties, as well as the Hogwarts Charter." Sprout shook her head as she took it, eyeing the other two ladies. "Lots of families don't seem to trust the school anymore." Hazel hummed as the two girls looked apologetic to their Head of House. "Are you really surprised, after last year? As an Auror, especially the lead Auror for the case, I know you had a few of the girls who were assaulted by Lockhart." Sprout sighed. "No, I don't suppose I can blame any of you. I imagine you will be handling any other improprieties?" Hazel nodded. "As far as the law allows or what Dora lets me get away with." Sprout chuckled. "What times we are in when Nymphadora Tonks is considered the voice of reason in a partnership. Still, it's good to see her again. She looks much more confident than when I saw her last."

Hazel smiled. "I'll send her your way for a chat. Also, if you know her old haunts in the Castle, it would be appreciated." Sprout nodded. "I'll let you know." Hazel kissed Teddy on the head. "You three take care of each other." Teddy nodded and Hazel looked at Susan and Hannah. "See you two on Monday. I want you to show the other kids what you have learned, at least up to Owl level." Susan pouted. "No conjuration?" Hazel smirked. "You can practice at your own time. Now if you excuse me, I have a patrol around the Hogwarts perimeter and a few Dementors to yell at for their stunt on the train. I think I will let them have some more time getting acquainted with Aithusa. See you all around." Hazel watched the Hufflepuff Common Room door close as she started doing her rounds. Checking the wards at the Chamber entrance were still untampered, Hazel ventured out into the grounds, feeling the chill in the night's air from the Dementors. She was glad the bastards never seemed to tug on her mind much anymore. Her own first experience with them had left her in hysterics as she was forced to remember the bloody mirror and the false image it showed her.

A soft screech made her look up, the noise dissipating a bit of her dark thoughts. A white eagle-like bird with horizontal golden stripes in its plumage landed on her shoulder and bit into her hair. Hazel pouted. "You know, when I went looking for a Familiar for Teddy, I wasn't expecting you to baby me." Teddy's familiar gave her a merry shrill that made Hazel sigh. "Fine, but you are Teddy's familiar. You keep him safe before worrying about me. I don't care what he orders otherwise until he is of age. After that, you can ignore my orders." The bird gave her a happy shrill before it took flight again. Hazel kept her eyes on it. She had a distinct feeling the magical bird was going to be bugging her a lot in her life but she couldn't blame it. Its bonding with Teddy had been a surprise to everyone, as the people of the island reserve had been looking after the bird for centuries. It simply flew away from the island almost weekly and returned, never satisfied. That it accepted Teddy yet could still interact well with her was something she ascribed to their Family Magic and how it was interacting with the bird. At least she knew Teddy was in safe hands. Nova would look after her son at Hogwarts while Hazel did her own part in keeping everyone else safe. Even from meddling old goats.

Dumbledore sat, feeling far too tired for the first night of the new Hogwarts academic year. He had arrived at the school as soon as the Wizengamot meeting had concluded. And what a disaster that had been. The Assembly started like any other day until the Scribe spoke up, saying there were outstanding requests to be considered. An empty Seat from the Ancient Families section was requested and its reinstatement had been approved. Dumbledore had sighed at the time. "Very well, may the Head of House or their Proxy enter to claim their seat." He watched as Theodore Tonks entered the Chamber, several folders in his hand. "Good day everyone, I am here as Proxy to claim the vote and seat of my sponsor." Dumbledore frowned and looked at Narcissa, sitting quietly as the Proxy for the House of Black. Ted Tonks shouldn't have any other political families tied to him. He waved him closer. "Present your proof and the ring." Ted handed him a folder and showed that he was wearing a wooden ring on his finger. Dumbledore visibly paled. Only the truly Ancient Houses used wooden rings, though most had updated them to metal, but what made him pale was the emblem on it. Ted spoke up for the Chamber. "I stand as the appointed Proxy to the Ancient House of Peverell, now restored after centuries of silence."

The gathered witches and wizards started murmuring to each other, the more traditionalists looking worried. The Peverells had a reputation prior to the legend that claimed their end: Hunters of Dark Wizards and Witches. They were known as the contradiction. A family that studied and wielded the Dark Arts as a counter to all those who dared harm the people of Wizarding Britain. The Sacred Twenty Eight were only that number because the Peverells had gone out of their way to eradicate several families prior to the naming of the list over their centuries worth of slaughters. Dumbledore looked over the documents and sighed. Everything was in order and the ring, possibly among the oldest Proxy rings in the Chamber, was genuine. "Very well. The Wizengamot recognizes the return of the House of Peverell. You may take your seat." Ted smiled at him and presented another folder. "I am afraid I have more to deliver. Due to my house's relations with other families, a few irregularities were found. The House of Peverell wishes to file an injunction, demanding the Proxy of the House of Black be removed and the Seat left vacant." Lucius Malfoy stood up. "House Malfoy objects. The Proxy for House Black is perfectly legal." Dumbledore sighed and looked at Ted Tonks. "On what grounds?"

Theodore placed the folder in front of Dumbledore. "The House of Black Proxy was selected after the death of Arcturus Black at the request of House Malfoy, since their son was the expected Heir. Recent events reveal that the assumption was false. The Heir to the House of Black and Lord Presumptive remains Sirius Orion Black." The Chamber erupted into chaos as Dumbledore tried to silence them. Minister Fudge stood up. "Sirius Black is a convicted Mass Murderer. He lost any right to his family's seat." Ted looked at the Minister. "Really? According to the files, you yourself were at the scene. Tell me, Minister, were you summoned to present your testimony? Did you see that this Chamber sentenced him to Azkaban?" The Minister frowned. "I… no. I did not." Dumbledore stared at the Tonks Solicitor, feeling a mounting dread, as the man spoke up again. "As per the laws of this Chamber, a Lord or Heir cannot lose their claim to their seat and vote if they haven't been charged, tried and found guilty by the Assembly. Sirius Black was sent to Azkaban without any of that." Barty Crouch Senior stood up from his seat. "The law allowed for that at the time!" Ted nodded. "It did, in the case of sending criminals to Azkaban. Not for dismissing them from their seats. No such law was passed."

The Chamber descended into discussion as Theodore looked at Dumbledore. Sighing, Dumbledore read through the injunction and the provided evidence. Everything was in order. Madam Bones stood up. "The DMLE has reviewed the law and agrees. Despite Sirius Black's imprisonment, he remains entitled to his position as Heir and Lord Presumptive." Dumbledore looked up and was surprised to see Narcissa Malfoy standing up. "I recognize the law and my cousin's legal claim and step down from my position." Lucius looked flabbergasted as Narcissa left the chamber. Dumbledore sighed. "Very well, the Seat for the House of Black is to remain empty until the matter of Sirius Black's heirship is settled." He hammered the gavel onto the desk and was about to continue when Ted Tonks handed him another folder. Dumbledore felt a headache building. "What now, Proxy of House Peverell?" Ted smiled at him. "An injunction against you, Chief Warlock and Proxy of House Potter. Madam Bones." Amelia came over and took the folder. As she looked through it, Ted Tonks addressed the Chamber. "The House of Peverell recognizes Harry Potter as a descendant and a member of the family and as such checked his legal status. They discovered that he was illegally placed in a home declared by the Potter Will as unsuitable for him by one Albus Dumbledore, who also took over as Magical Guardian without notifying all other named candidates."

Dumbledore bristled. "The Potter Will was sealed by order of the Ministry. Opening it without authorization is a crime, Mr. Tonks." Ted eyed him. "Are you saying that my description is accurate, Chief Warlock, and that there is indeed a will? Because you testified to no such will existing before this chamber when you took the Proxy Seat." Dumbledore paled as the Chamber turned to him. "No, of course not." Ted hummed. "Then why is Amelia Bones in possession of a will from Gringotts and that Gringotts itself denotes there to be an updated will at the Ministry?" Dumbledore felt the entire Chamber staring at him as he realized he fell into a trap. "The end of the war was a dangerous time, Mr. Tonks. Your family was not a safe place to care for the child." Theodore smiled with a bit of anger in his eyes. "And the family you selected was not fit to raise one either. Your argument is also mute as my daughter graduated with honors and is currently employed by the Ministry. My home was plenty safe and capable of raising a child." Amelia closed the folder. "The Proxy of House Peverell has submitted ample evidence to support his claim. Due to a conflict of interest, I order the removal of Albus Dumbledore from his position as Proxy to House Potter and as Magical Guardian to Harry Potter. Ted and Andromeda Tonks are named as Interim Guardians until the investigation is concluded, with the Seat to remain vacant."

The Wizengamot Chamber carried on with its regular duties after that, with Ted Tonks using his legal expertise to question and essentially derail several laws that would have been beneficial to the Traditionalists and seemed to be fair in wording only, while helping to push through the massive Judicial Reform bill. The vote was exceedingly chaotic, but with just enough for a majority, the bill passed. Dumbledore then came back to the Castle, hoping to relax with the Sorting, only to be given two more surprises. The Witch who had barred him from the Hospital Wing was one of the lead Aurors assigned to the safety of the school, the other being Nymphadora Tonks. He had hoped to cultivate a relationship with the Metamorphmagus as Alastor's protégé, but the woman took her career elsewhere. When Minerva called out the name of Edward Peverell he had almost choked on a lemon drop. Dumbledore's attempt to read the boy's mind only resulted in him getting a headache, which was compounded when the White Haired Witch introduced herself. Hazel Peverell, a self described Dark Wizard Hunter. Dumbledore had wanted to scream in frustration. He fingered his wand, wondering if the Witch knew he carried it. He hoped not. The legend of the Master of Death may not have explicitly stated it but many believed only a Peverell could claim the mantle. Now… now there were two of them in his castle.

The documents Minerva dropped onto his desk confirmed the worst. Both Harry Potter and Edward Peverell were legally excluded from In Loco Parentis by all staff members. Their Guardians needed to be informed the moment something happened to them that wasn't a point deduction. Hazel Peverell had been granted In Loco Parentis over Harry Potter and was the parent of Edward. Everything now had to go through her. Dumbledore sighed and pulled out his papers on the Tournament. The boy would likely take part in the Dueling Club, meaning he lost Remus as a tutor and influence over him. Lupin's status as a werewolf also denied him any right to the boy under the current laws. He could only appeal to the boy's need for family. Dumbledore began to continue his revisions. He now had two full priorities as the events in the Wizengamot stripped him of any influence over the boy. The Triwizard Tournament was absolutely necessary to test him and he needed to uncover who Hazel Peverell was. She was clearly too dangerous to leave as an unknown.

Chapter 30: Difficult Lessons

Teddy sat down and sighed beside Harry at the Gryffindor Table as they enjoyed their Monday Lunch. Harry smiled at him. "Trouble with the Badgers already?" Teddy frowned. "No, Hufflepuff is great. Mom taught me the silencing and deafening charms so I can ignore the snores from my dorm mates." Neville choked on his lunch. "Please teach us those. Ron and Seamus are bloody loud." Ron went "Oy!" and Harry chuckled at his friend. "Neville is right, Ron. You'd wake up the dead." Harry turned to Teddy. "What's keeping you on this side of the Hall, then?" Teddy looked to the other end. "Astoria and the Carrow Twins. The Twins have been teasing me mercilessly, trying to see when I break. Astoria keeps yelling at them to leave." Neville chuckled. "Let me guess, the Badgers are letting you deal with your girl trouble on your own." Teddy slumped the table. "No, Susan and Hannah simply refuse to be out done by first year students. They are teasing me too. Cedric just looks on and tells me to deal with it." Harry padded him on the back. "I think I dodged a bullet, not being raised a pureblood. I don't know what I'd do with that much female attention."

Neville eyed Harry. "You know half of that is the fact the Chasers look out for you, right? Angelina, Alicia and Katie practically glare the others away." Harry blushed. "Remind me to thank them later." Harry dug into his meal as he saw Angelina and Oliver coming over. "Hey Harry. We'll be doing a rotating practice schedule for a bit. Make sure you keep those exercises though. If Instructor Peverell keeps her Club time similar for you guys, she'll be having you run quite a bit." Harry nodded and Teddy looked over at them from the table. "How was Mom?" Oliver looked between them for a bit. "I swear you could be brothers minus the eyes." Teddy shifted his eyes to green. "Better?" Wood stared at him as Angelina chuckled and ruffled his hair. "There is first year Harry again. Though a bit less scrawny." Teddy's eyes shifted back to purple. "Well?" Oliver shook his head. "Your Mom is something else. The Club for NEWT is mostly Auror Academy hopefuls and a few others. She took them all on, one by one, and left them all on the ground stunned. Tonks kept score and time. She gave them all tips on what to improve and how much exercise to do."

Teddy smiled. "Yup, that's Mom. She likes practical lessons. How did you two do?" Wood shook his head. "Oh, no. I just watched. Angelina went for it. Last less than a minute." Angelina pouted. "Alicia dared me! I thought my shield could last. Instead Peverell summoned my shoes and stunned me on the ground." Harry blinked. "Huh, sounds like a useful trick. We will have her later today." Oliver chuckled. "Well, best of luck. The teachers were there to watch her and Professor Flitwick looked giddy as hell." Angelina laughed. "The retired Champion probably wants to test his skills against her. He must be so bored after years as a Charms Professor and Peverell is probably the type to keep up with him, if his skills are about the same as years earlier. Anyway, I am starving. See you later. And you. Don't have the Potters gift for flying. We need Hufflepuff to just have Cedric as their star." Teddy shuddered. "I won't be on a broom. Mom had a meltdown last time I flew one. I was six and I might have gone too high up in the air." Angelina ruffled his hair. "Good. Gryffindor got the Trophy last year and we want to keep it. Later." Teddy looked at Harry a few minutes after the older students went to sit down further out on the table. "You had Care today, right? What was it like?"

Harry hummed as he bit a slice of toast. "I thought it was fine. We stayed inside for the first class, going over the importance of the class and the jobs that hold an OWL and a NEWT as a requirement. She then went over the Ministry classifications and mentioned we would be getting to handle X to XXX Creatures through to our OWLs, with maybe getting a XXXX towards our fifth year. The NEWT courses are the ones that deal with XXXX creatures exclusively and then train people for how to handle the XXXXX creatures." Teddy frowned. "Darn, that's a long time to get to Griffins and Dragons." Ron shook his head. "He sounds like Charlie. He couldn't wait to get to the wizard killers." Teddy dug into his meal but noticed Harry looked sadly at Hagrid. "What?" Harry sighed. "Hagrid was hoping to get the job for Care, but the Board's regulations stopped him. He doesn't have an OWL and a NEWT in the course, since he got expelled, so he can't teach it. He says he will be helping Grubbly-Plank with the animals but he wanted to try to teach the course."

Teddy hummed and looked at the Half-Giant. "He can request to take the tests at the Ministry. After that he could maybe get an Apprenticeship with Professor Grubbly-Plank." Harry looked at Teddy. "He got expelled." Teddy nodded. "Yeah, Mom told me. She also told me the case was reopened and his charges were dismissed. He can take his OWLs and NEWTs at his own pace now and go get a proper wand again. Didn't the school notify him?" Harry turned to Dumbledore, feeling something in him shift slightly as he thought about the Headmaster. Maybe Hazel had a point about him. "I don't think so. I'll let him know after lunch. When can he take them?" Teddy thought about what his Mom said. "I think it's December and May at the Ministry. Mom took hers in December." Teddy smiled. "She skipped Care though, saying that she was sure the evaluators wouldn't like her tendency to focus on how to kill the creatures." Harry frowned. "Why did she focus on that?" Teddy brought his hands up and counted with his fingers. "Dementors, Acromantulas, two Trolls, two Dragons, two Basilisks, a Direbear, a pack of Direwolves, a black panther she has no idea how it found her and one Barghest. She ran into them all and most of them tried to kill her. She kind of took that personally."

Harry turned to the empty seats where Hazel and Dora would be sitting if they came for lunch. So far they would show up in shifts, with Hazel in the mornings, Dora in the afternoons and neither at lunch. "Ok, I can't blame her. I saw that Basilisk in the Chamber and I don't have a clue how to fight that thing." Teddy nodded and raised a slight privacy ward. "Mom actually hated killing that Basilisk. She said she talked to snakes a bit as a kid in the garden so she had a bit of a soft spot for snakes, but she could never get them to obey her. The first Basilisk tried to kill her in full force. The blackish green jacket she usually wears is made from its hide and scales. It's also a gift she got from her Godmother." Harry nodded and went back to eating before it was time to head to class, with Teddy dropping the ward. Harry found Runes to be a lot more interesting and he took plenty of notes. He still had his Mom's notes as well and he wondered if she had any tricks to learning Runes better. Eventually the time came for him and the other OWL students to gather in the Great Hall for Hazel's Dueling Course. He noticed a few of the Slytherins showed up. Blaise looked really interested and Theo looked calm. Harry knew that Theo started getting some lessons from Hazel earlier this summer along with the girls and Neville, so he was probably confident, more so than Harry felt. He also noticed all the Heads of Houses and Professors Lupin and Dumbledore were in attendance.

Hazel stood at the raised platform, her boot tapping on the ground as her arms were crossed. "Welcome everyone to your OWL level Dueling Club meeting. As mentioned by the Headmaster, you will be seeing me here on Mondays if you are interested. You can also show up and watch the NEWT meetings on Friday, for those curious as to what it takes to do well at the Academy. Dora behind me had the pleasure of leaving a good amount of the Cadets and Academy Staff stunned on the ground so she will be the one evaluating things from a more academic view, while I handle your practical evaluation. Now, my first suggestion for everyone here is to take between thirty minutes to an hour of your time everyday to have a jog or a run either on the grounds, the Quidditch pitch or through the hallways. We will do a few warm up exercises here when we get further into developing your skills. The point of all this exercise is to build up stamina. Professor Flitwick can probably tell you the thing all Duelists lack the most is stamina, with common sense being a close second." Harry watched the diminutive professor grin at that. Hazel paced in front of the students. "The better your stamina, the better your chances to avoid a fight in the real world, dodge a rampaging creature, or avoid a bottle of liquor being thrown at you at a bar." The students chuckled at that. Hazel eyed the professors at the back. "Dueling Champion Flitwick, would you join me up here please? I want the students to get a proper demonstration."

As Filius moved towards the front, Dumbledore interjected. "Wouldn't your partner be a better challenger?" Hazel stared at him for a second. "If I wanted everyone here to learn choreography, sure. My partner and I have been practicing together for a while now. We have gotten to the point where we anticipate each other's moves. Not a proper display of skill, I am afraid." Dora blushed and glared at Hazel. "You say that despite winning all our bouts." Hazel waved her comment off. "Again, not a proper display of skill. Don't worry Headmaster, we will stick to OWL level spells only. Though I think keeping up the silent casting is fine as fifth years are expected to get started on that towards the end of the year." The fifth year students paled at that as Filius stood opposite her. "At begin." Filius nodded and the two took their positions. Dora looked between them as the students came closer to get a better look. "Three, two, one. Begin!" The collective mouths of the students dropped, with the exception of Hazel's tutored students. Hazel waved her wand around and practically glided around the platform, dodging every spell Flitwick sent her way. She took to the air a few times, casting stunners and binding spells at the Professor.

The Charms Master sliced through all the ropes and shielded plenty of stunners. Hazel lowered her center of gravity by spreading her legs further and forced Filius to adjust as her spells were coming from a lower angle. Hazel then tried the trick she used on a few students and summoned an article of clothing, in the Professor's case his jacket. The Quarter Goblin yelped as he got pulled closer before dispelling the charm but Hazel countered with two banishing spells, one hitting him and the other launching her forward and over his head. Landing behind the man, she started casting more binding spells and stunners, forcing Flitwick to cycle between cutting charms and shields. Hazel tried a different approach and levitated his shoes, causing the Professor to yelp again before he dispelled it. Deciding to end the fight, Hazel went for a chain casting of stunner and banishing spells before surreptitiously sending a binding spell and banisher straight at his legs. The ropes latched on but he was more distracted by the banisher to dispel them before she levitated the bindings, sending him high in the air feet first before a stunner took him out.

Hazel released a heavy breath as the Hall stayed silent, while she lowered and revived the Charms Master. "And that is how two Duelists can take an OWL curriculum of spells, charms and hexes and use them in a serious fight." The Charms Professor came up to her and offered her his hand. "Miss Peverell, if you need a different training partner every once in a while, just ask. I haven't had that much fun in decades." Hazel nodded. "Sure, I am sure Dora would welcome the challenge as well." Dora rubbed her face. "I am going to regret this assignment." Turning back to the students, Hazel smiled. "I am sure some of you were expecting to see more curses, but you don't exactly need to use them in a Duel. As I said, this was limited by the fifth year and OWL curriculum. I won't be teaching anyone here any new spells beyond OWL level except for the Patronus Charm. What I will be teaching you is how to use the spells Professors McGonagall, Flitwick and Lupin will be teaching you to their full capability. You will also learn better magical restraint, as I am sure most of you would have passed out by the amount of spells I used. Lastly, I will get you started on silent and point casting. These are all useful techniques everywhere, so if you stick around, you might find your usual classes to be a lot less difficult."

Motioning for Dora to come up, Hazel summoned a bottle of water with her bare hand. Her pink haired partner spoke up. "Alright, we are going by year. Third year students, up front. We will start by seeing what spells everyone knows and work from there." Harry wasn't surprised when Susan, Daphne, Neville and Theo cast the spells perfectly, matching many of the fifth years, though she noticed they all held back a little. Harry personally tried a lot harder and his spells came out well, though Hazel tapped his shoulder. "You are going to need some magical control practice. Your spells were overpowered. Useful at times, but ultimately more trouble for you." Harry, feeling winded, could only agree. He sat down and Susan joined him. He smirked. "Got overzealous?" Susan stuck out her tongue playfully at him. "So did you!" Harry blushed. "I felt a little envious I guess. You all got to practice with her for far longer than I did." Susan smiled softly at him. "I guess I can see that. She's your family and you've only known her for a few weeks." Harry looked back at Hazel and felt his heart warm up a bit. He had family and they were here at Hogwarts with him. He couldn't be happier.

OW July 1994

"Again!" Hazel flicked her wand and cast stunners, binding and banishing spells as quickly as possible at the dummies. She kept at it as her Godmother cast stunners towards her, making her dodge and weave out of the way. Eventually she felt her vision blurring and a stunner took her out. She felt gentle fingers holding her head and massaging her temples as she woke up. She could also feel a slight lump on the back of her head. "Did I hit the ground hard?" Her Godmother sighed. "Yup. I forgot to put cushioning charms on the ground. Sorry." Hazel smiled at her, but winced slightly. "It's fine." She lifted up her wand and felt its weight. "It still refuses to cast properly. It feels like every spell takes everything out of me to cast." Her Godmother took the wand and flicked it, casting a stunner. "Same for me." She took out her own wand and cast a diagnostic on it. "It seems to be in working order. No imperfects, no foreign magic. Nothing. It just doesn't want to cast well." Hazel sat up and took it back from her Godmother. "I don't know what to do. We have a ton of crazies out there casting Unforgivables and all my spells feel too sluggish to work."

Her Godmother stood up. "You need to give it and yourself time. You're still only thirteen." Hazel sighed. "You say the same thing when you refuse to teach me curses." Her Godmother frowned. "Hazel…" Hazel snapped at her. "I know! I am too young and we aren't at war. I get it! But they don't care. I met Voldemort twice already. Once at wandpoint. He didn't care that I was his favorite student. He didn't care that he was hurting me. He still cast an Unforgivable at me. Who cares at what age I learn them if I can still be cursed regardless. None of them will care that I am a thirteen year old girl with a faulty wand." Hazel breathed deeply as she stopped, feeling tears building in her eyes. "What does it matter if I wait? I am already a killer." Her Godmother pulled her into a hug. "No, you are not." Hazel shook her head. "I am. I watched a man burn to death from my cursed flames. I destroyed a memory of the same man a year later. I stabbed a bloody Basilisk in the mouth repeatedly as it bit me. I am a killer." Hazel felt those soft fingers rub her hair gently as she sang her a song.

She felt her heart grow heavy. "I am sorry. I am not the little girl you wanted to find after Azkaban." Her Godmother kissed her hair. "And I am not the person you expected either. This war, like all wars, changes people. Then again, I was always a bit of a screw loose. I loved driving people insane, no one having a clue it was me. Your Mom knew of course but she could tell it was all for fun. She yelled at James all the time because at that point it was expected of them. James made a prank, Lily yelled and I laughed at the two idiots too stubborn to see that they were both behaving the wrong way to make any real progress with each other. It was my own private comedy show." Hazel giggled. "Sounds like Ronald and Hermione. The two are polar opposites in everything. He's lazy, she's hardworking, he's messy, she is organized. They both argue over everything, even the stupidest thing. They were both arguing over Trelawney's class. Who argues over Divination?" Her Godmother shivered. "I am so glad I took Dueling. I would have left my Divination teacher traumatized with the weird stuff I could make up."

Hazel sighed. "Better than getting your death predicted every day. Her last one before I quit showing up to class after Dumbledore forced me to take it was "You will die, alone and betrayed by all who should have cared for you. You will know true pain for as long as you exist in this world."" Her Godmother tensed before she hugged Hazel tighter. "I won't let that happen Hazel. I promise you." Hazel closed her eyes. "I would have let them take me, you know? The Dementors. If you hadn't stopped them I would have been gone." The hug got tighter. "Though dying by hugs sounds nicer." Her Godmother laughed. "I am sure it does. I hope you understand I am never going to apologize for saving you. It was selfish of me but I do love you Hazel. I want to see you happy, no matter what." The two lingered quietly in the training room for a bit before Kreacher popped in. "Dinner is ready, Mistress and little mistress." Her Godmother patted her on the back. "Let's get some food and if you do the exercises for the next two weeks, I will let you practice some curses." Hazel looked at her Godmother's grey eyes. "Promise?" Her Godmother smiled. "Promise."

NW September 1993

Dora breathed deeply as Hazel pushed her further and further until she cried in pleasure. She felt Hazel drop onto her back, breathing heavily and kissing Dora's skin. Dora tried her best to recover her senses. The evening had gone about the same as the last few weeks. They finished their rounds, checked a few of the tripwire wards and made sure all the students were in their dorms. They kept finding a few amorous stragglers, which only served to get Dora further and further into the mood. Hazel made it clear they would not be doing anything in a broom closet. Dora complained at first until Hazel made her move as soon as the door of their chambers was locked. They hardly ever reached the bed before Dora felt Hazel's lips devouring her skin and leaving her at the edge of release. If there was one thing that Hazel knew how to do, it was driving her over the edge. The more surprising moment had been after they had a run in with Professor Lupin. Hazel kept quiet the whole time, which was odd, so Dora spoke to him for a bit. When they got back to the chambers, Hazel had asked Dora how much she trusted her. Dora said completely.

The next morning, Dora woke up exceedingly tired, sore and well beyond satisfied. She tried to get Hazel to say if she was feeling jealous but she always refused to answer. Dora made sure not to give Lupin any further unneeded attention and Hazel seemed to calm down and be a lot more affectionate. There were times when her girlfriend just needed to talk to her. This morning was another one of those moments. Hazel had woken up with tears in her eyes and Dora tried to get her to open up about it. Hazel dodged the question repeatedly before she pinned Dora to the bed. The position and whatever bothered her in her sleep made it so that she decided to distract Dora and herself. Dora was happy to comply. Until now. She shifted around and made sure to press Hazel onto the bed before pinning her in place. For a single second she thought she had made a mistake. Hazel's eyes shifted into red slitted eyes before they turned green again. Green eyes that flooded with tears. Dora leaned down and kissed her. "It's ok. It's ok. Everything's fine." Hazel glared at her through the tears. "Damn it Dora, I almost killed you. Everything's not fine! You pinned me down and I forgot who you were."

Dora rubbed her nose with Hazel's. "Is that what bothered you? Were you thinking about your ex?" Hazel pouted. "Not until a second ago." Dora sighed. She added avoiding sudden and aggressive actions to the list of things to be careful of. Then again, that was a rule out of bed too. Maybe she should just blend the rules together. Less of a headache. Still, she was here and Hazel was strangely cooperative. She hadn't tried dislocating her joints yet. That was a trick Dora wasn't sure she ever wanted to learn. "Your Godmother then?" Hazel turned away. "Yes." Dora hugged herself tighter to Hazel. "And?" Hazel sighed. "Teaching the Dueling Club… she taught me everything I am teaching them. How to move, how to whisper, how to use spells creatively. That was all her." Dora nodded. "And it made you remember." Hazel's eyes watered. "She was the best. It took a while though, for us to click together. She was this positive ball of energy and I was a depressed thirteen year old who was more interested in hurting others. Despite twelve years in Azkaban, she was always so positive. I didn't understand how she could smile all the time. Not at first. Not for years."

A smile grew on Dora's face. "Not until Teddy." Hazel smiled and nodded. "Being here, having Teddy and the students learn as I learned, it's bringing it all back." Hazel hiccupped, something Dora had never seen her do before. "I miss her so much." Dora kissed Hazel on the forehead. "I wish I had a chance to meet her." Hazel laughed. "God, you would have been inseparable. She loved rock music too, though she only ever sang Scottish Folk Songs to me. We spent a whole summer on her bike going to different muggle places, from Cornwall all the way to Ireland, with the radio stuck on the Rock n Roll channels for the most part. She introduced me to Andi that summer too. They were not able to get along. Not at first." Dora kissed Hazel's cheek. "Better?" Hazel seemed to do a mental inventory before she nodded. "Yeah. Sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to force you." Nymphadora hummed. "It was still good. Different but good." Hazel blushed. "Still… you get a pass. It's only fair. Pick something you want to do and do it. Just no public indecency, please." Dora smiled. "You are going to regret it, you know?" Hazel pouted. "Maybe, but I need to pay you back." Dora kissed her. "Deal." Dora's stomach growled aggressively. "But first, Breakfast."

As Hazel whisked the eggs while Dobby chopped the meat and vegetables beside her, Dora looked back at their interactions with Remus Lupin. Hazel was always reserved in what she said, regardless of how important it was. The way she almost always had her eye on Lupin when he was around, constantly expecting something, anything to happen with him around Teddy gave her pause. A thought occurred to her. "Is Remus Lupin Teddy's…" The words were silenced in her mouth. In fact, every single noise in the room was utterly muted as Hazel placed the bowl down, leaving the rest of the cooking to Dobby. Dora's heart started beating wildly as her girlfriend's eyes shifted in color before her eyes, her usual red and silver colors seemingly fighting for superiority. A deep breath later and the sound returned to Dora's ears. "Hazel." Her partner glared at her after she opened and revealed her now green eyes. "I told you. The sperm donor is irrelevant. The blood adoption erased all traces of him and Teddy has no desire to ever know him. That is all that matters." Dora sighed. "Hazel, you can't keep secrets from me again." Hazel raised an eyebrow. "It's not a secret, it's the truth. There is nothing for me to say on this matter."

Dora rubbed her hair. "And if Lupin recognizes something from Teddy? Werewolves do have better senses than Witches or Wizards." Hazel chuckled to herself. "Sure they do. Mine are better. Or did you forget what we are?" Dora blinked for a second. "Ok, fair point. But you sure you aren't worried about Lupin catching on?" Hazel shook her head. "Trust me, there is nothing there to be found. The only scent he might catch is that we might smell of Lily Evans. As far as I can notice, our scent and Harry's is off, probably because of our slightly different Potter family tree. I also did a little search with Legal and we were able to claim a close family relation to the Evans family, so I don't have to hide my eyes anymore. As for Lupin…" Hazel sighed and shook her head. "Whatever he could have been or once was, he means nothing to me or Teddy. He isn't Teddy's father because he wasn't there. That's all." Dora nodded and kept quiet after that. Later in the day she watched as Teddy was sitting through a lecture on ghosts and poltergeists in Lupin's class, the boy giving no attention to Lupin beyond what was needed. Lupin, for his part, showed no sign of recognition and seemed oblivious. Maybe Hazel had a point. The man who might have been the boy's father didn't raise him.

The same could be said for herself. Teddy never once mistook her for his Mama. To him, she was just Dora, a woman that was like his mother but not the same. Never the same. Dora didn't give birth to him, she didn't raise him or tucked him into bed. That was all done by Hazel and her Andi. Hazel, who had been forced to be the sole parent to the boy she was growing to care for deeply. Yet, despite everything, Teddy didn't seem to be missing out on anything. Hazel was his Mom, the only immediate member of his family left. His only parent. Maybe that was the reason Hazel never acknowledged Lupin as the boy's father. Because there would be no reason to do so. Teddy was her son and he loved her as a son loves their mother. There was nothing else there for Lupin to be a part of. When Teddy turned around to look at Dora, she smiled at him. His smile in return warmed her heart. She would never be his Mama and she doubted the kid would ever see her as a mother, but Dora still felt a connection to the kid. She loved being a part of his life. She turned around and left the classroom, agreeing with Hazel's view on the matter. There was nothing there for Lupin to find. Teddy was a Peverell by choice. He would never be anything else to a man that meant nothing to him.

Teddy eyed the wardrobe in front of him as all the students talked excitedly around him. He was sure this was a bad idea. His Mom said her first Boggart was in her third year. Now this world's Remus Lupin was having first year students try it. He wondered if maybe hers did too and she just didn't hear about it. Said Werewolf walked in front of the students, his hands behind his back. "Now everyone, please form a line and remember, the spell is Riddikulus. Be clear in the pronunciation. Now step up." Teddy watched as several kids tried it, most getting the typical fears. Snakes, spiders, a creepy old man. A few of them were their parents yelling at them. Teddy watched as the Carrows stepped up and each of them had the same; their parents cursing at them with the Torture Curse. He was going to tell his Mom as soon as he could about that. He knew the older Carrows went to Azkaban for a few years but recently got released. If they were still bad, his Mom could do something about it. Eventually it was his turn and he swallowed the lump in his throat. He looked at the Professor. "I don't think I should do it." The Professor eyed him. "There is nothing to be ashamed of, kid." Teddy bristled as the others snickered. Only Dora called him that.

"I am not worried about being humiliated. I am worried about bothering everyone else. I don't think mine will be pretty. I am pretty certain Mom will be mad too." Lupin sighed. "You are going to have to step out of her shadow some time, Mr. Peverell. It's not healthy." Teddy glared at the man before he turned towards the front, swallowing a lump in his throat. "Fine, but you get the blame for what's about to happen. I warned you." Breathing deeply, Teddy moved closer to the closed wardrobe before it opened. He knew what he would see. He saw it a few times in his nightmares. He never doubted his mother's love. Or that she could survive anything. He was worried what it would cost her. The horribly mangled body of his mother stepped out of the wardrobe, broken bones peeking out of the split open flesh, holes carved into her neck and chest, entrails dragged on the ground from her ripped open stomach. Her eyes were the same eyes he hated seeing on her. Those cold dead eyes she got whenever she lost herself. Teddy heard a few students scream in terror as others puked behind him, the Professor too stunned by what he was seeing to do anything. Steading his feelings, Teddy drew his wand. He hoped his Mom wasn't offended by what he was about to do. "Riddikulus." The body shifted into the form of a puppet held up by strings before dropping on the floor. Tired and mad at himself and the Professor, he flicked his wand. "Depulso."

The Boggart got launched back into the wardrobe, before Teddy sealed it up, before turning to look at the shocked Professor. "I warned you." He stepped to the edge of the classroom and picked up his bookbag before leaving the classroom entirely. He made his way through the Castle until he reached the Dungeons. He was about to open the kitchens when a voice stopped him. "I do believe you are out of your assigned classroom, Mr. Peverell." Teddy sighed and turned around to look at Professor Snape. Of all the Professors, he was the one he had the hardest time placing. He could see traces of what his mother told him about the man she met: arrogant, self entitled and overly critical. At the same time, he did seem to care about the students safety, making sure they all learned what not to put in the cauldrons at the worst possible time. Too bad he also neglected to teach anyone not wearing green how to prepare a cauldron before turning on the heat. Andromeda had to teach Dora that and had made sure he learned it too. All of that told him the man, while careful, still loved playing favorites with the Slytherins. He wondered which was the act and which was the real person.

"My class had a Boggart for today's entertainment. I dealt with mine after warning the Professor it was a bad idea. I decided to skip the rest." The Potions Master stared at him before breaking eye contact. "Your mother seems to think she has faced horrors beyond mention." Teddy shrugged. "I think she's telling the truth. You can tell sometimes, when you look people in the eye. You have it sometimes at dinner, whenever you look at Harry." The Professor seemed to restrain a wince. "You have an interesting imagination." Teddy shifted his eyes to green and saw Snape wince properly. "No, I am observant. Especially with the way people look at my cousin." Teddy's eyes shifted back to purple, which seemed to confuse Snape more. "You may like hiding who you really are, sir. My Mom and I are good at that too, but we learned a lesson. The longer you wear a mask, the harder it is to tell the difference between it and the real face. Mom has refused to hide who she is anymore, and I made sure I behave how I want to be. Can you say the same? Or is the mask getting harder and harder to pull off your face for you already. I would be careful though. Because if the mask you wear is that of a Death Eater, my Mom won't care who you really are underneath it. You will end up with the rest of them."

Snape stared at the boy for a solid minute before he sighed. "You Peverells are something quite interesting. I thank you for the advice, young man, but I will warn you not to try and skip one of my classes. I am not forgiving of those who dismiss the value of Potions." Teddy smiled. "I won't, sir. Oh, and if my Mom irks you because she doesn't know anything about potions, it's because her own instructor never bothered to teach her anything. She tried learning afterwards but she chose to focus on the things that mattered to her more." Snape gave him a small nod. "I will keep that in mind. Good day, Mr. Peverell." Teddy made it into the kitchen and sat down to drink a cup of hot chocolate. He waited for a bit before he sighed. "I know you are there." Hazel pulled her Cloak off from her body and sat down beside him. "You have been mad for a bit. Was it Snape? Do I get to take him to the forest and give the Headmaster and my Boss a new headache?" Teddy giggled. "No, it wasn't him. I faced a Boggart today." The growl out of her throat raised Teddy's hackles. "It's ok Mom. I am ok."

Hazel knelt down in front of him and waited. Teddy sighed. "Ok, I am getting better." Hazel kissed his head. "Good. Now, what happened?" Teddy eyed her carefully. "I saw you, your body broken and your eyes dead." Hazel closed her eyes. She breathed deeply. "I am doing everything I can so that never happens. You know me." Teddy nodded. "I know. I just hate it when you get hurt." Hazel ruffled his hair softly. "I hate it when you are hurting too, Teddy. Dora hates it when I am hurting too. She was very mean to me the other morning when I almost harmed her." Teddy giggled. "Bad dream?" Hazel nodded. "Too many memories here. But in the end, I need to be here. For you, work and school. And maybe for me too. To let go of some things that follow me around." Teddy nodded. "Ok, but you have to let Dora be mean to you. She makes you behave when she's mean." Hazel pouted. "Fine." Teddy smiled and the two sat down to drink some hot chocolate. "Can I still go and skin a werewolf?" Teddy shook his head. "No, otherwise you'd be forced to take his job. You don't want it. Besides, don't you have enough direwolf pelts stored away? You don't need a werewolf one." Hazel sighed. "Fine, fine. I won't skin him." Teddy giggled and watched as the elves brought them food. He didn't mind having a quiet meal with his mom. It certainly made the day much better than how it started.

Albus Dumbledore waited until all his staff were seated before starting the staff meeting. "It's good to see you all in high spirits. Now that we have had a chance to see all our students after the summer break, are there any standouts? Let's start with first years." Filius hummed. "Of the first years in my class, I would say the definite standouts are Edward Peverell of the Hufflepuffs, Flora and Hestia Carrow of Slytherin and Astoria Greengrass from my House. They were all quick to cast the Lumos Charm and had decent control of it. The Carrows were able to cast it without difficulty and seemed to spend the class adjusting the brightness. Interestingly enough, both Greengrass and Peverell started doing whispering exercises towards getting the spell done with silent casting. I believe Mr. Peverell succeeded, much to my other students' dismay." Dumbledore frowned. The young Peverell seemed to be a lot more advanced than the others, including the children of Purebloods who were likely to have received private tutoring. It was odd since the Peverells, based on his research, weren't Purebloods. What little he found showed them to be either second or third generation magicals. He turned to Minerva. "Are those four also showing promise in your class?"

Minerva shook her head. "Not entirely. Flora and Hestia have not completed the small transfiguration exercises. Like most students, they have trouble with Transfiguration. However, Astoria Greengrass did the exercise well from the start. Edward Peverell did it as well, though his spells were cast silently. He repeated the exercise over and over again, with a clear focus on refining the design and shape of the needle. I asked him at the end of class how much he knew of the curriculum and the boy said he was somewhat ahead. His mother tutored him in Transfiguration quite well it seems." Dumbledore sighed. He was sure the boy was going to be trouble for the school. Nothing good came from teaching students magic too early. Aurora spoke up. "Everyone is pretty much the same in my class. Mr. Peverell knows his stars well, though his education was geared towards recognizing them and one's cardinal directions based on them. A few other students had a similar upbringing, mostly muggleborns." Dumbledore nodded, feeling more confident in his deductions about the Peverells.

Pomona Sprout was giddy as she looked around. "I am glad to hear one of my newest Badgers is doing so well. He's quite the budding Herbologist, much like Mr. Longbottom. His approach is quite interesting as he likes to draw the plants ahead of time, something his mother encouraged for memorization. He was able to identify all the plants in Greenhouse 1. As expected, Miss Greengrass has quite some knowledge in the field as well, though not the passion for it." The staff turned to the two remaining Professors, both relatively quiet. One did seem to sport a reason for his silence. "Professor Lupin, has Poppy checked your jaw? That bruise looks quite painful." The Healer huffed. "I did look at it, Headmaster. Miss Peverell is quite talented with curses apparently. There is curse residue on him that is resistant to Healing Magic. He will be sporting the swollen jaw for at least a week, if not more." Dumbledore sighed. "Should I inform Amelia that she should remove her Auror? She seems quite dangerous if she is willing to harm a professor like this." Pomona and Poppy glared at the Headmaster, with the former speaking up. "Were it unwarranted, I would agree. However, Professor Lupin was warned that a Boggart for first years was possibly too much for them to handle. Mr. Peverell warned him that his Boggart's form was possibly quite gruesome, especially with an audience around to see it. Almost all of my first years were traumatized by what they saw."

Poppy glared at the Were. "My stores of Dreamless Sleep potion are quite low because of your little stunt." The Professors looked at Snape who sighed. "My Slytherins are not known to be squeamish. That said, my own stores of Dreamless Sleep are also quite low. For… obvious reasons." The Potions master glared at the Were who shrunk in on himself. "It seemed like a good idea at the time, to help the kids bond early. They were also eleven and twelve year olds. They shouldn't have had fears greater than mild phobias. Certainly not one as gruesome as that." Dumbledore looked at Poppy. "Perhaps the boy is in need of a Mind Healer or Child Services?" Poppy shook her head. "Mr. Peverell came to me and I did a bit of checking of his state of mind with what little training I have. He has a strong bond to his mother, but no outstanding trauma. As for Child Services, we do have one of their officers coming over to check on Mister Potter as per the Wizengamot's custody deliberations. I could ask but I see no reason for the boy to be questioned as well." Pomona glared at the Headmaster. "I have plenty of experience with children from difficult homes. Edward is not in need of Child Services. He is in need of Professors to actually listen to him. Something I hear is a recurring problem among my fellows."

McGonagall and Filius both lowered their heads as Pomona looked around. Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Well, let's move on. How are the second year students?" The meeting dragged on a bit, especially as Dumbledore tried to gauge any changes in Harry Potter. His academic work seemed to remain steadily high among his year mates, which was promising. Dumbledore asked Remus to linger as soon as the meeting ended. "You haven't mentioned what Harry Potter's Boggart was." Remus looked away, his face looking quite guilty. "Himself, locked away in a cupboard alone. There was nothing else. I thought it was going to be Voldemort but clearly I was wrong." Dumbledore didn't catch the pain Remus' words carried in them as he left the meeting, his thoughts lingering on his run in with Peverell a day earlier as he rubbed the swollen and tender skin on his face. Hazel Peverell had done more than slug him in the corridor of the school. Feeling his jaw dislocated by the impact, he watched as the white haired witch stared him down. "I swear to you, Lupin. You cause harm or pain to my son or Harry, physical, mental or emotional, a dislocated jaw will be the least of your concerns." Remus had glared at her, his voice muffled by his injury. "I would never do that to James' son."

Hazel had laughed at him bitterly. "Really, so you didn't abandon him for twelve years of his life? Two of which he spent aware of magic? No visits, no checks on his physical or mental state? Congratulations, the moment you die, be sure to prepare for the beating James and Lily Potter will visit upon you. You left their son abandoned in a home that didn't want him, among people who could care less about the boy and cared more about the gold Dumbledore fed them. You've already harmed Harry, by doing nothing. Harm him or my son again and I will not hesitate to end you. I don't care what Order you once belonged to. I have slaughtered Death Eaters without a shred of remorse. You will be no different." Hazel stared at him with those green eyes that reminded him of Lily before she stomped away. Her warning had almost slipped from his mind until Harry met his Boggart. The sight of a scared little boy huddling in a dark corner broke him. Hazel Peverell had been right. He had failed Harry. He had failed James and Lily. He deserved their anger.

Unbeknownst to the Professors, a rippling shadow slipped through the walls and halls before reaching a guests chamber. Dora watched as Hazel took off her Cloak. She frowned. "You look rough." Hazel shrugged. "These walls are filled with magic to the brim. Crossing through them is like walking in deep snow. I'm sticking to the doors from now on." Dora nodded. "How was the staff meeting?" Hazel sat down and rubbed her eyes. "As expected. Dumbledore refuses to assign fault for the mess made by Lupin, Snape seems to have some semblance of a heart when it comes to Slytherins and Dumbledore remains fixated on Harry. Watching Pomona Sprout guilt trip McGonagall and Flitwick was cool, though." Dora chuckled. "Oh, she's good at those. You should have seen her when Charlie and I got caught with our pants down in a broom closet." Hazel eyed Dora. "We are not having sex in a broom closet, no matter how much you bring it up." Dora pouted. "Not even for my pass? Some free pass that is." Hazel sighed. "Fine! But you pick a distant one and you give me a day's head start." Dora glared. "Warding it isn't fair." Hazel raised an eyebrow. "I can selectively Obliviate you so you don't know I have done a thing to it." Dora sighed in exacerbation. "Fine. No Obliviation. I'll let you know. Spoilsport."