296I DON'T OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF ITS ORIGINAL CHARACTERS, ONLY MY OCS AND THE SITUATIONS I PUT THEM IN. WARNING: There will be cussing, lemons, and violence. (Also, someone said I should put please don't steal. Didn't think I needed to, but ok. Please don't steal my stories.)
Some characters may seem OOC at some points at different times in the story, but I hope I explain that in the story when the time comes. Some things happen pretty fast at first (like certain relationships or legal stuff), but again I try to explain it. Some people may go back and forth at times, but I'll explain it! You get the idea. Spelling and grammar errors, I recheck constantly, so sorry if some slip by. Some character bashing in the beginning and for a little while, but that doesn't mean it will last the whole story. I don't hate certain characters though it may seem like that at times. THIS IS A WARNING. Though I will put a warning at the beginning needed. I do not condone all of these things, but my mind can be really fucked up, I apologize now. So, I am mixing both movie and book but I'm mainly following the movie. Though I will try to make a good blend between the two. Big thank you to everyone who followed, and/or favorited. You guys rock! I see them all and I am so glad so many of you are enjoying my story. Also want to thank everyone for their patience, continued enjoyment and coming back no matter how long I take along with the kind words and support. It really means a lot. Enjoy. All of the positive reviews are so appreciated, you don't even know. I save all the emails that show me I got one, though sometimes it doesn't always tell me. I'll try to be a bit faster with the next chapter, but no promises. I think the story may be coming to an end soon, but I don't want to rush it or anything. If it does take a while again, just please continue to bear with me. I really do appreciate all of you. Hope you have fun with this chapter. I actually really like this chapter, even if it fills a bit more like a set up chapter. It gone me back into the rhythm of the story. So, hope you like it too. Enjoy. (Also, for those of you who asked about my break, thank you!)
Chapter 24: Little Marionettes. (Part 3)
Rita Skeeter found herself in a bit of a pickle. On one hand, she had witnessed something beyond juicy. On the other hand…she hadn't been able to leave the room. She was still stuck in her animagus form.
The moment that Umbridge's body had erupted from the present on Yaxley's desk, alarms began blaring and charms came down keeping the blonde man from leaving.
Then, aurors burst into the room.
They were led by Amelia Bones. She was glaring so hard that Rita was a bit surprised that her monocle didn't crack.
"Amelia, Love- er I mean, Director" Yaxley backtracked while stumbling over his words. Her glare intensified at his attempt to use a pet name for her. "You know me. You know I had nothing to do with this. She just showed up. Someone's framing me" he tried.
As he held his arms out as if to ward everyone away, Tonks moved.
With some fancy wand work, she got his left arm exposed.
There, for all to see, was the dark mark. It was dark, active and proud.
Many gasped and some stood painfully straight. It had been part of training to know the difference between an active and dormant dark mark. The fact that this one was dark… The notion was terrifying.
"I was forced" Yaxley immediately declared. "We wouldn't want to go through another innocent man in prison" he said before realizing just a moment too late the anger he brought out of Amelia.
She couldn't believe that he would dare compare himself to Sirius Black!
It turned her stomach. The fact that this Death Eater was here, in the government and had been as a free man for who knew how long drove her mad. Though she had to wonder if that was also because she was trying not to panic over thinking on what the dark mark's activity must mean.
"Oh, you can be sure that I intent to be thorough when investigating all and any of your Death Eater involvement" Amelia got out through her clenched jaw.
In desperation, Yaxley went to go for the unlicensed wand hidden in the holster on his wrist. A strong, painful grip on his wrist forced him to hiss in pain and drop the wand.
Kingsley was the owner of the iron grip. His eyes screamed pain and disgust over Yaxley, though his face was stone as he did everything by the book.
Two Unspeakables went to wrap up Umbridge's body. Rita realized they must have been higher ups. Some Unspeakables were recognizable. The higher on the chain, the less the unspeakable revealed their identity.
One suddenly paused and looked towards the big fern in the corner.
Right where Rita was hiding.
Skeeter tried to act like a normal, unsuspecting beetle. Even if she was shaking in her transformed boots.
"There is another heartbeat in the room" the Unspeakable said. Rita couldn't tell their identity or even their gender as they had a hood up to properly disguise their looks and even their voice. A gloved hand came out, holding a strange looking watch that was spinning quickly.
Rita could only guess that it was something designed by the department of mysteries or the like.
She adjusted as Amelia came over.
"That beetle?" Amelia asked though it wasn't said mockingly or with distrust. Amelia would listen and see what they were talking about. It was their job to figure out the impossible after all.
Suddenly, Beetle Rita was zooming though the air and into a jar that the Unspeakable conjured. "We received an anonymous tip which mentioned this ingenious advanced spell on the containment jar. Nothing can escape. If this happens to be an animagus, as I suspect, then they will be unable to turn back" they went on to explain the jar's ability.
Rita was buzzing around the jar in a panic. She didn't even think of turning back, hoping that her disguise would fool them. She couldn't really hear what they were saying though she could still breathe.
Then, a wand was waived, and she heard about the jar killing her if she was an animagus that attempted to turn back.
Rita thought she was about to have a heart attack!
What the hell was she supposed to do now!?
####SCENE BREAK####
Albus felt like he was missing something obvious.
He had pulled young Harry aside for a talk every once and again.
Still, the boy said and did everything Albus expected from him. Yet, there was something else, and not just the usual something extra that Harry Potter seemed to naturally have. A special something Albus had seen in the boy.
Albus desperately tried not to compare Harry to another young orphan. Another powerful child that was beaten by the world but went in a vastly different direction that young Potter. The light way that Albus hoped Harry was heading.
Tom Riddle took the pain of his life and decided to find someone to blame. He then worked to punish any he believed was responsible for his problems.
Albus often wondered what would have happened if he had caught Tom early on. Before…or after Myrtle's death. Or…an even sadder thought visited Albus.
What if he had allowed Tom to stay at Hogwarts for the summer all those years ago. The boy had hinted to a bad environment at the orphanage. Even if he didn't out right say it.
'Though, there were signs with Harry as well. Before he said anything. I just thought it would be different since they were his family' Albus thought.
He hadn't wanted to believe it, but Minerva forced him to face the truth.
She wasn't letting him get away from it any longer.
That meant that not only had he possibly failed Harry Potter, a child under his care for most of the year, but Tom Riddle as well. Children who grew up alone and unloved. At least, until Harry found loved ones. And Tom made followers.
They got from others what Albus had to think, that he had denied them both for too long.
A disturbing thought. One that he couldn't shake lately.
'Am I doing the right thing now?' he had to wonder. He had left a spy to keep an eye on Harry. However, that had proved useless.
Albus hadn't braved asking Harry for any details on his years before Hogwarts.
He worried over what he'd hear.
'I didn't ask Tom either' Albus had to acknowledge. He knew Tom acted against others at the orphanage. Albus had always focused on the fact that they were muggles that couldn't magically defend themselves.
However, Albus knew better. He knew that muggles could be dangerous. So, he was doing which he hadn't allowed himself to do previously. He was asking himself if Tom had had reason to attack any of the children from his youth.
If he acted out of evil, or in defense and learning from those around him.
Albus didn't have an answer.
So, he tried to focus on figuring out Tom's secret.
Albus was sure that Tom wasn't dead. There had been no body. Just his cloak had been left beyond. Even his wand had been nowhere to be found.
Albus knew Tom was still around somehow. He wasn't sure if he had a physical form or not, but he was sure that the man wasn't actually gone.
That also left open the question everyone had.
How did Harry Potter survive the killing curse. Albus had an idea. He was sure that Lily sacrificed herself for Harry. He couldn't imagine her doing anything less. The same reason as to why James was found dead on the first floor.
Albus was sure that the man had tried to hold off Voldemort to give his family a chance to escape.
Lily's act of love saved Harry. 'If Harry has to face Tom again, will he have to do the same to save his friends? Does that mean Harry has to die?' Albus thought worriedly. He stroked his beard, looking at nothing as his nerves were on edge.
Needing to ease his worries and mind, Albus sent for Minerva. Yes, she had a class, but he really needed her right now.
He prayed she would understand and not press for details. He also hoped she didn't scold him the whole time. Minerva was his best friend and at this point, she might have been his conscious.
He needed to speak to her, even if he wasn't sure he'd like what she might have to say.
####SCENE BREAK####
Severus felt better than he could ever remember. Maybe even better than he had ever felt, even when Lily or times with his mother.
He felt freer than ever before.
And his mentor, as he had taken to calling the figure named Billywig, promised him true freedom.
The name seemed to fit the being. Lithe and almost unassuming but knew exactly how to cause the worst pain.
Severus truly admired her.
His spirit was also light as he was invited to Vivian's future birthday party. Severus had been surprised by the invite, since it had been signed by Remus, but then he also saw Narcissa's name.
He and Lady Malfoy had always had a special bond over the loss of Vivian.
People used to think that the elder Malfoy twin was lost to dragon pox and didn't bring her up, hoping to spare her grieving parents and younger brother. Draco was led to believe he was an only child.
Something that no one ever dissuaded him from.
Severus wondered if that was another mistake. He saw Draco's crush on Vivian. Severus tried not to grimace. He knew just how 'pure' some purebloods were. However, he knew that the Malfoys never wanted that for their children.
No matter what Bellatrix had said.
Now Severus wrote Narcissa, wondering just how to stop Draco's infatuation. Severus knew that Vivian and Remus knew of her heritage now. Though Narcissa seemed to still be filling the girl in about her past.
Severus was both hoping that Vivian would question him, while simultaneously dreading it.
He wanted to tell her about all of his good memories with her. Severus was anxious that she would blame him for her fate. That she would echo his own thoughts. That he should have been faster, been stronger that night and saved her.
Severus had tried his hardest. It had not been enough.
Vivian had been taken away and obviously, if Narcissa's hints were correct, had a painful life before Remus found her.
'She's happy now. She's safe now' Severus told himself, once more grounding himself.
With a deep inhale, he went in to teach his next class. He lashed out less. He usually ignored or barely acknowledged Longbottom and Potter.
They did the same, doing their work and not causing problems.
Severus was fine with that. 'Get through class and you'll have a lesson with Vivin and Lovegood and then your own lessons tonight. Wandless, we're doing wandless' Severus hyped himself up before beginning the lesson.
####SCENE BREAK ####
Luna was beyond happy.
Neville's parents were doing well. They were still getting better, but it was clear that more of their minds had returned.
Both were shocked over the time that passed. They were given news of what had been going on little by little to ease them into things.
Luna's father had stepped in to help. Lady Longbottom thanked him, even if she didn't believe half of his conspiracies. Then again, since Sirius' trial, Lady Longbottom had to admit that at this point, maybe anything was possible.
The Quibbler was going very well. Many of Luna's new friends in Ravenclaw tower were subscribed.
She had many more friends now. In all the houses. Though none of them would ever be able to come close to being on the same level as Luna's first friends. Her first real friends. She counted Ginny in that too even if the fiery redheaded girl didn't know the full extent of their friendship.
The youngest Weasley was already defending Luna against the lesser offenders against the blonde.
Even if Ginny didn't believe all of Luna's conspiracies, like frogs on the moon. That didn't mean she'd let anyone bully Luna.
Anyone who was too rowdy? Well, Ginny never knew about them because Neville got to them first.
Luna skipped down the halls. It was one of her free periods.
She had another private lesson with Vivian and Severus later on. Though she wasn't Severus' apprentice, she got most of the perks as both he and Vivian wanted her around.
Luna was beyond proud of Severus.
He was an adapt student. His mood had also improved quite a lot since their first lesson. He seemed happier. More at ease. Luna was sure of it. She had asked him instead of just reading his mind.
He had begun confiding in her about things.
About his past and his feelings about Albus. On almost everything. Even things about Vivian and what he hoped would happen.
Luna, still disguised as Billywig, made sure he never felt judged. Even if she didn't agree with everything he said.
That made Severus feel safer.
Though Harry had left the final say to Vivian, Luna hoped that Severus would get his chance to show his advanced talents.
She thought given the right motivation along with finally having some open discussions and moving on from the past, then Severus could show great promise to be a part of their army.
He might have even had it in him to be a Death Knight.
Luna hoped she would get the chance to show her prized pupil off.
####SCENE BREAK####
Draco was walking the halls alone. Lately, he didn't feel like being around his friends.
He also more or less left Potter and his group alone. Though Draco still watched them. He couldn't help it. It was almost a habit by now.
That's how he knew about Granger's wicked right hook. Goyle had been running his mouth about Hagrid, the groundskeeper.
Though it seemed to rile up all of Potter's friends, Granger had been the one to snap first. Not something usually seen.
She spun and punched the bigger boy square in the nose sending him flat on his back. If she used accidental magic in the punch, no one knew.
Milicent and Crabbe had had to drag the boy to the hospital wing.
Right now, Draco had a problem.
He had a major problem actually.
Lately, Draco had frequently been having a familiar recurring dream. One had had since what felt like forever. Yet, it wasn't going away now. It got even worse after a rather mundane interaction with Vivian.
He had silently handed her a book she dropped.
Though she eyed him, she ended up giving a bit of an awkward thanks with a brief flash of a half-smile. She had said "Thanks Draco" before walking off with Weasley.
His first name paired with that brief grin had done something. Clicked something that felt so familiar yet wouldn't properly reveal itself to the blonde. He had been prepared to right the feeling off as part of his crush.
Yet, he just knew that that wasn't it.
After that, the dreams became nightly.
Usually, he'd have the dream then either tell or write to his parents, depending on where he was when it happened. His mother would send treats that his father bought specifically for Draco. The dream would go away then he'd have to redo the process the next year.
It usually always happened around his birthday.
It always revolved an imaginary friend that Draco used to have but could never make out in the dream.
The biggest problem now?
His mother had responded without the treats. She claimed that he had to grow out of them and face his dreams.
Draco didn't really understand that, and he didn't want to. He didn't like the feelings he got from the dreams. There was intense fear and sadness and longing and confusion.
It was awful.
He had hoped that Lucius would return to Hogwarts for his job, but it was not to be. His father paled whenever it was brought up in person. Then he had to fix his hair and change the subject.
It was all beyond annoying to the young Malfoy.
Snape was becoming a bit concerned over Draco's unusual withdrawn attitude. However, with his now nightly visits from his hidden 'teacher' Severus didn't have much attention for anything else. He was too absorbed in the wonderful, hidden knowledge mixed with the power the figure promised. Between that and his time with Luna and Vivian, Severus was pretty busy.
Yet, unlike his usual work for Albus, this didn't feel tedious. It felt like his choice. Like he finally was getting something he wanted.
It felt amazing!
As Draco rounded another corner, a loud voice caught his attention.
Lockhart was talking to himself in an old room, pacing the floor with the door cracked open.
Nervous, but undeniably curious, Draco looked through the opening to watch the professor who had a whole conversation with himself out loud.
"They just don't understand. I don't deserve anything! I especially deserve this curse. Damn it. It's still happening" Lockhart raged. Obviously, he could now tell when he was forced to tell the truth yet was still unable to do anything to prevent it.
Ron thought it was even funnier than when Lockhart didn't hear it.
"This is fair! Come on!" Lockhart pushed some stacked tables making them fall in a big heap. "All I have to do is somehow get the girl. I know that that won't fix anything but at least then she'd be mine. Mine. Vivian. She will be mine. I will make her mine. No matter what I have to do" Lockhart went on, beginning to repeat himself before words became incoherent mutters.
Draco felt a spike of dread in his heart.
He knew it was normal to be horrified over an adult speaking about an underage student in such a fashion. But there was more. An intensity that Draco could not identify yet which forced his legs to work faster than his brain.
He ran down to the dungeons, through the potions lab and into Professor Snape's study.
Snape raised a dark eyebrow, seeing the usually posturing Draco out of breath and red in the face.
"Uh, Lockhart" was all Draco got out before Severus was up and ready. Draco tried to explain what he saw.
"What!?" was all the girls heard in the classroom. It had been Snape shouting. That actually made Luna jump and Vivian almost dropped a potion tube.
Severus went storming past the girls and out of the room.
Draco went to follow before spotting something he had previously missed. Someone was there. Two someones in fact.
Luna Lovegood and Vivian Lupin.
The girls watched as Professor Snape stormed out of the room like a bat out of hell. They then turned to Draco silently waiting for answers.
Draco didn't know what to say.
With a panicked look, Draco instead ran after Professor Snape.
Luna and Vivian shared a quick look before running after the duo.
Snape surprised the following children by going to the defense classroom. He barged in, looked at Remus and simply said "Lockhart" prompting Moody's magical eye to go wild as Remus all but trip over himself running into the hall with powerful strides.
He and Severus were neck in neck as they stormed up Albus' tower, not waiting for permission to enter.
Albus looked curiously at the decent sized group. He greeted them as if they hadn't just come in unannounced. "Professor Snape, Professor Lupin. Young Mister Malfoy, and Misses Lovegood and Lupin" he chimed.
That made Remus and Severus realize that the children had indeed followed. Remus looked over his daughter making sure she was fine. Beyond confusion, Vivian didn't stop her father from assuring himself of her safety.
It looked as if Snape was managing to hold himself back from doing the same. If only barely.
Albus' brows raised at the observation.
"To what do I owe this surprise visit?" Albus looked over his halfmoon glasses at the two adults.
Remus and Severus conjointly snarling "Lockhart" as a single explanation wiped off Albus' budding smile.
Draco couldn't help but think that that name had been used quite a lot in the last few minutes and never for anything good.
With that, Severus relayed what Draco had witnessed.
####SCENE BREAK####
Harry fired off some more owls before making his way back to the library to finish his herbology paper.
Sprout allowed them to pick a plant of their choosing to study.
Of course, Neville was already done.
Harry was happy with the letters he had just sent out. One went to Madam Bones. Hinting to being a letter from the Master of Death but not outright saying it, he was trying to get Hagrid's name cleared.
Hermione had already had a conversation about it with Myrtle.
The ghost hadn't believed her at first but had eventually been persuaded. She said she never did anything against Hagrid because she never really blamed him. Even if she, like most, had been lied to that it was his 'monster' that led to her death.
Hagrid was too distraught and purehearted for the ghost girl, even after just losing her young life, to take out her pain and rage on.
When she really thought about it, she wasn't surprised it was Tom's doing at all. He had a pretty face that always said the right words, yet there was also something off. Something one could almost catch when going back over interactions with the ambitious Slytherin.
Myrtle did hope that this gave Hagrid some peace. Even if she thought no one would listen to a dead girl.
Harry wanted to officially clear Hagrid's name. Maybe he could then get a new wand and finish his schooling. At the very least, it would be corrected on his record.
Harry thought that the kindhearted man deserved that much at least.
The other letter had two purposes. Work and some matchmaking. Hermione, Luna, and Vivian had had their turn. Even if all they had had to do was really introduce Alex and Sirius. Everything after that had come naturally to the two fun adults.
Now was Harry's turn to try his hand at matchmaking. He didn't really count Cedric asking out Cho. Though he took the light praise from the older Hufflepuff for any advice given.
The other letter sent out was to one Bill Weasley. The eldest Weasley sibling had indeed taken the Death Knights up on the job offer. He was working on Hufflepuff's cup. Bill had to see if there was any way that that cup could be saved while still getting rid of the horcrux.
He had recently been introduced to a bright new witch. While she finished her last few years of schooling, she had also been contacted by Gringotts over an internship.
Fleur Delacour.
And the blonde beauty was proving to have just as much talent and brains to match her looks.
And a wit that caught a certain long haired Weasley's eye.
Harry was pretty happy with that set up. He hoped that they would fall in love again but tried to let it happen as naturally as possible.
He left the twins' future romances to Ron. How did one explain that one brother's current girlfriend ended up as the other's wife?
Harry didn't envy that future discussion.
After his homework, Harry had to get to quidditch practice. Though his captain was in a 'secret' relationship with the Slytherin captain, that didn't mean that Wood wasn't head over heels in love with the game any less.
Harry thought that quidditch was some kind of foreplay for Oliver and Marcus.
Harry winced as the thought left him. 'Wish I didn't think that. Now I'm really not happy with my involvement in the whole mess' he gave a shiver. He liked both blokes well enough. That didn't mean he wanted to be a prop to help them rile each other up.
Shaking the thought off, he went back to more pleasant thoughts.
They had set up a lot of 'safe houses'. Filch surprisingly agreed to their offer. He was now receiving secret lessons on everything that was denied to him before.
An education.
He still couldn't do everything that most magical students could, but spellcasting wasn't all there was to be a magical. He could do potions. Herbology. He could have the knowledge even if some of it he couldn't use.
Filch being one of the few magicals around to have a full-on familiar spoke volumes, even if everyone was blind to the very simple truth.
Harry smiled and nodded to various students and ghosts as he made his way around. He had found out that Hedwig and the other animals were meeting in the chamber with the basilisk.
They had apparently built up a bit of kinship. Harry was still working on being able to read animal minds.
It was harder than human minds. More complex yet startling familiar all at once. It was something he was interested in cracking. Despite Sirius and Remus' teasing whines, Harry had this project on par with learning to be an animagus.
Something they were all intent to do for Vivian and Remus.
Sitting next to the happily reading Hermione saw Harry smile. He slid in between her and Ron before beginning his work. Though he and Ron cracked jokes, both were quiet. They were far more afraid of Hermione's ire rather than Madam Pince's.
That didn't mean they wanted to invoke the stern librarian's wrath though.
Harry was really doing anything he could to distract himself.
They still had yet to find Nagini.
Torturing Voldemort hadn't brought up any helpful ideas for the snake's location. That didn't mean the Dark Lord was no longer tortured. It just wasn't about the snake now.
The Lestranges had turned to attempting self-mutilation as they were still unable to save their beloved master. It made for an enticing sight. Still, Harry made sure that none of the Lestranges or Voldemort died.
A task that Dobby and Kreacher worked together to oversee.
With a thought to Sirius, Harry decided that while they looked, he would go ahead with his plan. Tonight, they would find a way to activate the golems. Now, they just had to find someone to use in order to 'bring Voldemort back'.
####SCENE BREAK####
Vivian was taking deep breaths in and out. Doing her best to stay calm.
It had been so long since she had felt genuine fear. Felt like a child that needed protecting. It had been so long since she felt like a small child that needed her father's protection against the big bad world.
Yet, coming back, it felt as if she was experiencing that every other day.
She had become so used to doing the protecting…
It was a serial feeling, being on the opposite side of fear again.
And scary.
Yet… The feeling was also oddly heartwarming. It kept her present. Reminding her that this new reality, the new timeline was real. Real and not some desperate elaborate dream.
Though there was a fear that was not new to the young girl with the rough past, there was so much more. With Remus defending her, loving her, that gave her the strength to not fall victim to fear like before.
She wasn't alone.
'I can do this' she told herself. 'I am not the same frightened, beaten down child' repeated a few times in her head. In and out her breathing kept her grounded. Vivian battled with her fear.
Fear of the past. Fear of herself. Fear that had been repeatedly driven into her by others. Fear of others and the world.
Fear that Gilderoy now tried to instill within her. Fear she thought she had long ago concurred.
Vivian refused to ever be cowed by another ever again. Especially Gilderoy Lockhart and his dark, horrific plans due to his own twisted nature and obsession with her older image.
She would not let anyone hurt her. Never again.
'I am not alone' she thought again. Vivian opened her eyes. There was a strength, a light in her deep green gaze.
A light strengthened and fanned by her family. By Ron.
A light that Vivian refused to allow anyone to dim.
Ever.
Mentally speaking to her boyfriend along with her father and everyone else, Vivian made an announcement. 'Tonight, Lockhart finally pays for his crimes. In full. Tonight. I think I know the perfect person to awaken 'our' Voldemort. He will serve his final purpose and Luna will have Snape's initiation' she spoke on the decision Harry had graciously left to her.
As the word mentally echoed, Vivian heard a sea of cheers in her head.
Slowly, she smiled.
####SCENE BREAK####
Gilderoy was called to the Headmaster's office. He was hoping that Albus had found a cure for his ailment.
As he walked in, Gilderoy froze.
Remus Lupin and Severus Snape were in the office. So was Vivian and Luna Lovegood along with Draco Malfoy. What concerned Gilderoy was the fact that Albus was speaking to an attractive woman with a monocle that had on Ministry badges, as did the two aurors at her side.
He made sure his face and hair were still covered as he was now in front of Vivian and more women.
"Oh, hello? Was this about my attack? Albus, I do wish we could have kept this a private matter. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to catch them on my own. I'm not good enough" Gilderoy said before squeezing his eyes tight as the truth hit his ear.
"This is actually about charges being pressed against you Mister Lockhart" the blonde began. "I am Amelia Bones" she made him feel faint. Why was the head of the auror department here to arrest him?! If anything, a simple auror should have worked!
"Charges, what charges?" Gilderoy couldn't believe it. Anyone he had ever done anything against shouldn't have remembered and been able to go to the authorities.
"A student reported you planning on attacking another student" Amelia didn't give names yet. "Seeing as these are serious accusations and are paired with your…erratic and possibly cursed behavior" Amelia reasoned. She stayed impartial, even if the accusations were being taken very seriously.
"It would be best if we could have an official questioning. Headmaster Dumbledore has offered his office unless you would prefer to go to the Ministry" Amelia gave his options.
"Would we have to do it right now? I am nervous and need to go hide" Lockhart tried not to flinch.
"I'm afraid it would be best to not put such affairs off" Albus answered for Amelia. "If you would just have a seat, we can begin" he gestured to a chair while offering his own desk and chair to Amela.
"Well, then I suppose I have no choice" Gilderoy said carefully. He couldn't control what he said but he could restrict how much he said. The less said the better.
Vivian, Remus, and Luna began reading Lockhart's mind and the panicked plan he was about to fall prey to. 'Don't stop him' Vivian mentally sent out. 'Ron' Vivian called. "I need you to wear a glammer' Vivian mentally prepared everyone.
"I'll just-" Lockhart made a mad dash for the floo.
Needing him for the plan, Vivian used wandless magic to give Gilderoy enough chance to escape.
Shouting, Amelia and the aurors took off after him as Albus followed.
Ron, who was already tailing Lockhart, would make sure to get the man to where they needed him to go.
Lockart wasn't sure where he was. It seemed to be a back ally. He had tried to floo to his publishers so he could run from there, but someone had intercepted it.
"Hum, hum" came that tale-tale cough. That let Lockhart know that it wasn't the aurors who redirected him.
Afraid, Gilderoy spun around.
However, Umbridge wasn't trying to curse him or the like. She shot him a knowing little smirk.
"Well, it seems like we might be friends after all Gilderoy" she teased using his first name. "The aurors won't find you here. Not if you stay with me. I'll protect you", she assured, though that smile was anything but comforting.
"What do you want?" Gilderoy swallowed, face mask falling some though he currently couldn't do much about it.
"I want you to join me. I've recently became part of…a special group, you could call them" Dolores inspected the tip of her wand making Lockhart sweat. "And with all of your accomplishments, well" she reconnected their eyes. "We want you to join" Dolores laid out.
"You want me? I'm useless" Lockhart hadn't even tried to lie. He was scared.
"No, you're not. You just need someone to believe in you" Dolores cooed. "My master can give you everything back and more. Your wildest dreams come true" she promised with eyes seeming to begin to glow.
Lockhart hadn't noticed that she had blue eyes before.
"…He-he can?" Lockhart had to question. It sounded too good to be true.
"He's far more powerful than Dumbledore" she scoffed at the name. "All he asks is for loyalty. The rest he can do" she told him.
"You-you saved me from the aurors?" Lockhart sussed out.
"I did" Dolores nodded. "And I can help bring you your heart's desires. You just have to do one little thing for me" she offered. "Just one and then everything will be as it should" she held her hand out, waiting.
Swallowing anxiously Lockhart looked behind him then back to Umbridge.
Still holding out her hand, Dolores reminded "You do have very limited options right now" she gave that simpering little giggle.
That was beyond true.
'I can just run later. Use the toad woman now and then get away… After I see if this master of hers can restore my looks. My greatest wish… My face? Or the girl? Both?' Lockhart thought. Seeing Dolores raise a brow, Lockhart finally shook her hand.
Before he could let go, she apparated them to a tiny shack.
"Is that…a baby?" he asked, looking on a ratty reading chair.
#### SCENE BREAK ####
Fred, George, and Lee had a mission.
Thankfully, it was nothing bloody.
Right now, they were planning their joke shop. One that Remus said the Knights would fund in order to bring some more humor back to the world. Fred, George, and Lee would be working with the Marauders. The figures that had been all but heroes to them ever since the twins had nicked the marauders' map from Filch.
So, right now they were working on aspects of the joke shop that they had had in the future.
The twins were ecstatic that they had actually followed their dreams and made it, in the last timeline.
The two were also determined to do it again.
Comedy was their passion.
While they worked on aspects for the shop, the three bright teens also worked on 'pranks' that could be used for self-defense. That, along with finding ways to distract different adults paired with their actual school lives had the three boys pretty busy.
However, it did feel as though they were helping the Knights and Ron in the best way they could. The best way they knew.
Each boy had meant it when they said they would do whatever they had to in order to help Ron with his burden. That being said, neither Fred, nor George, nor Lee could say they were too disappointed about missing out on murder. Even murder for a good cause.
Something they tried not to think about too often. That was a challenge at times but again, they were kept busy.
Hearing some students use the term mudblood, the boys realized they had perfect guineapigs already at their fingertips.
"Well Forge?" Fred asked.
"Ready Gred" George replied.
####SCENE BREAK####
Severus was anxious, yet excited.
His mentor, Billywig, was formally introducing him to the other Death Knights along with her Lord and Lady.
He would get a chance to be approved for the full knowledge she had promised along with deciding if he were to join them or not. He knew Albus wanted him to spy but… Severus didn't want to disappoint Billywig. Severus felt as if that would be betraying the one person who gave him a meaning. A meaning besides his self-assigned debt to Lily. Someone who promised him a means to officially avenge Lily.
Apparently, tonight had some significance, though Severus had yet to be told why.
Leaving in the middle of the night, Severus met up with Billywig who moved by floating. She then introduced him one on one to all the Knights.
With hands on his shoulders, Billywig stated "I am most proud of Severus. He is an apt and brilliant student" she told them with prideful joy.
"We meet again Professor" Death strode up, floating in front of Severus. Those green glowing eyes…
They were so familiar. However, it was as if there was something stopping Severus from making a connection of recollection in his head.
"All in good time, all in good time. Then you shall have more answers than you will know what to do with" Death revealed reading Severus' mind with ease.
Severus stood his ground, hiding any reaction.
"I told you he's perfect" Billywig praised.
"Well, tonight is a good night. You will see the next step in our plan. I do hope that you understand that you will be unable to tell anyone what you see tonight. Simply a precaution" the Mistress of Death now come over, hand posed on Death's like royalty.
"Of course" was Severus' simple response as he gave a stiff half bow.
"Splendid. Please, stay close to Billywig. Today you will witness what we have set up. We have captured the split soul of Tom Riddle" Death dropped on Severus who almost cracked his blank mask. "We have set up a decoy. Tonight, the fool Lockhart will unleash our decoy. He is designed to bring shame to the Death Eater name and everything that goes along with it" Harry gestured to Severus' covered arm.
The one bearing the dark mark under his sleeve.
"We will eventually have to find a way to wash away that shameful mark" Death said, though he was speaking more to Billywig.
"I would be most interested if that were an option" Severus spoke.
"I knew you would" Death said easily.
"Now, we have learned of your valiant attempts to capture Lockhart. Tonight, if Cobra Lily and Chimera allow it, then perhaps Lockhart will be the first test of your possible initiation should you so choice to finally join" Death mused.
Severus did perk up. Lockhart had gotten away from them earlier. He wanted the man gone. Whether it be Azkaban or death, Severus did not care. He also wondered just what they meant by replacement of Voldemort.
"Come, come and get your answers" Death shadowed away with the others following.
Billywig took Severus with hand on his shoulder. He was amazed at how they seemed to blend into and then bleed out of the very shadows of the world.
They arrived on a small hill outside of a very shabby and eerie-looking shack.
"One of our members is disguised and leading Lockhart to his doom as we speak" Thunderbird revealed to Severus.
Just then, Severus saw a smirking Dolores Umbridge turn on the lights of the shack from inside. The group had a clear view inside.
Lockhart looked anxiously at something on a chair.
"What do you know of golems Severus?" Death asked after a few moments.
Severus' couldn't stop the widening of his dark eyes. "You mean-" he cut himself off.
"Yes, that is what I meant. Now you understand. If you'd like, you can meet Riddle again, and the Lestranges, before their untimely ends" Death offered.
"He's activated it" Thestral pointed out.
"Acromantula is having fun, isn't he? Never thought I'd be happy to see Dolores Umbridge. Even a copy of her" Horntail joked to the others.
That gained chuckles from the rest of the group, minus Severus who took in some of the dynamic between the group.
"Acromantula is my lover" Cobra Lily spoke to Severus, capturing his attention as she divulged more. "He and Chimera have first claim to Lockhart. If you'd like to join and begin your trials, then they will be the ones to lead you in the destruction of the conman" her voice was feminine, though cold like crisp ice breaking on frozen flowers.
Severus nodded to show he understood.
Besides floating and not outright welcoming him, the group was still being far more hospitable than Severus had actually expected.
He thought he'd only be personally interested in getting to know Billywig. Yet his curiosity over the individuals that made up the group grew by the minute.
Suddenly a pale, adult snake-like humanoid sprung out of whatever had been on the chair. The brief smoke of the transformation evaporated leaving Voldemort in his full glory for Lockhart's viewing displeasure.
The being was naked and had his arms up and out to proudly display such. "I'm here!" came the practically sang declaration.
Severus' mouth dropped open as he took in the copy of Voldemort.
Lockhart shielded his eyes looking as if he would pluck them out if he could.
He should have been paying attention to Dolores.
Smirking, she began to shift from right behind the withering Lockhart. Though the face became covered by a hood that appeared, Severus managed to make out an adult male's body that seemed strong and unyielding.
Shockingly, as more of the Death Knight robes surrounded him, the body gave way to the floating hint of a skeletal figure that all the Knights resembled.
'So the dementor like appearance, that's an illusion. They are human' Severus thought.
"Well, I wouldn't say human" Billywig spoke out loud on Severus' thoughts. Slowly, he nodded. He found himself eager for answers.
"Why don't we take Lockhart to a more secure location. Then you can begin the tests. I believe in you" Billywig stated.
Severus felt his chest fill with pride at her confidence in him.
"Now, Severus" Death chuckled at the image of a dancing naked Voldemort. Thankfully the chair placement through the window meant he was spared the full view Lockhart was forced to endure. "Would you like to join?"
####SCENE BREAK####
Alex walked off from checking on Dudley. Given her long life, she knew more muggle teachings than Sirius or the elves. Besides Petunia. Though, given the vampire's knowledge, Petunia eagerly took any lessons from her for her son.
His grades were speaking for themselves. For now, he was doing half home schooling and half public school. He also made new friends. Ones that were vastly different than the ones he used to have.
Dudley was happy.
He got to see Harry and the other children sometimes on some weekends. Life was good. He still missed his father, but he understood things much better now.
Alex wrote a quick letter to Harry about Dudley's improvement. Harry liked being in the know.
Sirius came up behind Alex, wrapping his arms around her in a loving gesture. "I'll join you in a moment love" they shared a steamy kiss that both thought didn't last long enough. With a wink, he ran his errand.
Though the relationship was still relatively new, it felt like it had been forever. Almost like a past life situation, which Alex joked about. It felt right.
Hence they already said 'I love you'.
It wasn't scary, like each had previously thought falling in love would be. It was amazing.
A part of Alex couldn't help but wonder if she and Sirius had met in a previous life. True, she had been around for a very, very long time. However, that didn't mean she was around forever. There was a chance they could have met. In a different life.
'That different life was almost this one' Alex knew.
Alex was happy. Really happy.
She sent Dobby to check on Lockhart, who was being held as Severus prepared for his trials. He had agreed to join. It was his decision in the end, and he took it.
Billywig was giving him last minute preparations.
Winky kept the manor as Petunia helped her and got the same time for herself as the elves. Even if the elves didn't always want to take time for themselves.
Alex smiled, thinking of Sirius as she went about picking which rooms to go through next. They had slowly begun exploring more rooms in the huge manor.
Rooms that Harry and the whole had not explored in the past timeline due to the pain of what could have been.
Rooms that Remus and Sirius hadn't even gotten to in their school years.
Alex also thought of Remus teasing her and Sirius. That was why Alex began helping the other girls with setting up Remus and Tonks. Then Alex could tease the other man back. She knew how lovesick he was for Tonks, even if he didn't know it yet.
Sirius had told her that Remus and Tonks had exchanged some official Ministry letters. Letters where they progressively added more personal, teasing little notes for one another in the corners or on a small note pad.
Even if Remus denied the tone of the letters. He definitely denied flirting.
Alex's only concern with Sirius was an obvious one. He was a mortal. Sure, magicals lived far longer than muggles usually. However, they weren't like vampires. Though Harry, who knew of her concern, assured her that one day, they'd all be their full status before.
That state between life and death. Suspended. Alive yet not.
Harry was trying to explain it to Remus and Sirius as easily as possible. They could still have children; they just weren't affected by a mortal's death.
Alex believed in Harry. She had to for the sake of her heart.
As Alex moved deeper in the manor, something caught her attention.
Noise.
Voices.
Voices that were not supposed to be there. Her advanced hearing picked them up.
Alex moved against the wall, slowly moving towards a room that had a dimmed, golden door.
"I don't know how long it's been. The window isn't finished. Ow!" one voice wisecracked. A man.
"This is serious. Don't!" another voice, a woman cut in. She sounded worried. "What if something happened? Someone should have come for us".
"I know" the man replied, sighing. "But there's not much we can do till we're found" he said.
Alex slipped into the room with wandless and silent magic.
Then she heard. "It's alright Lily-flower. We'll figure something out. Even now".
"You're right. I'm sure you're right" the female said hopefully.
Alex paused in her tracks, becoming visible in her absolute shock making the two others call out happily.
"Finally, someone!" the woman called.
"Do us a favor love. Either finish or move the painting? Please!" the man asked.
Alex was looking at a half-done painting. Half done as in there were only two solid figures, the rest were just very, very broad outlines.
How the painting was already conscious, she didn't know.
Alex was looking at a very conscious, very anxious painted James and Lily Potter.
(A/N: Hey guys. I hope you liked that update. I'll keep checking it over for spelling and everything as it always seems I miss something. Still, wanted to get this out to you. I know it's a bit more like a set up chapter, sorry if that's not your thing. However, I hope you still like it. Obviously, back from my break. Next chapter has a lot more going on and more details on everything and other people. Sorry about the cliffhanger but you know it's what I do. If you'd like please; review, suggest or the like. Thank you. Until next time, have a great one).