I DON'T OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF ITS ORIGINAL CHARACTERS, ONLY MY OCS AND THE SITUATIONS I PUT THEM IN. WARNING: There will be cussing, lemons, and violence. (Also, someone said I should put please don't steal. Didn't think I needed to, but ok. Please don't steal my stories.)

Some characters may seem OOC at some points at different times in the story, but I hope I explain that in the story when the time comes. Some things happen pretty fast at first (like certain relationships or legal stuff), but again I try to explain it. Some people may go back and forth at times, but I'll explain it! You get the idea. Spelling and grammar errors, I recheck constantly, so sorry if some slip by. Some character bashing in the beginning and for a little while, but that doesn't mean it will last the whole story. I don't hate certain characters though it may seem like that at times. THIS IS A WARNING. Though I will put a warning at the beginning needed. I do not condone all of these things, but my mind can be really fucked up, I apologize now. So, I am mixing both movie and book but I'm mainly following the movie. Though I will try to make a good blend between the two. Big thank you to everyone who followed, and/or favorited. You guys rock! I see them all and I am so glad so many of you are enjoying my story. It's come to my attention I've been spelling Viktor Krum's name wrong in previous stories. I'll try to eventually fix it but it's not my top priority, though did want to let you know I realized it. Thank you. (someone asked this, yes thanks to better environment, Sirius is back to his usual beautiful self). I really appreciate all of your guys' support. Means a lot! I may not always respond right away to everything, but know I see it and appreciate all of you! Enjoy.

Chapter 25: Bad Reputation.

Mrs. Norris watched the big ginger cat with an almost squished looking face.

Crookshanks licked his paw as if he had no care in the world. Impressive given the offer he had presented the red-eyed magical feline.

'You do want your human happy, don't you' he almost taunted her with a low purr. At her slight glare, he went on. 'You remember as well as I. Your human has been through so much. If mine had not come back, he would have had to witness you being tortured daily. Students being tortured in front of him as punishments for him attempting to save them from torture. I know, Trevor told me all he saw while his human was here, coming into his own' Crookshanks reminded.

'If I remember correctly' he tilted his head. He knew he was right.

'…My human has been treated quite unfairly by the other humans' Mrs. Norris finally agreed. At least to an extent. 'It is a blessing that he does not remember all that I do' she looked away briefly, obviously reliving some memory that had yet to happen now.

'Then' Crookshanks straightened out. 'You must remember what my humans did after. Now yours has a chance to be a part of that from the start. A chance to finally know his place in the world without having to struggle again' he tempted.

'All you have to do' Crookshanks walked, somewhat rubbing in a playful manner against the guarded Mrs. Norris, 'Is look the other way when my humans are about. Let them do what needs to be done' he purred.

'I will…consider it and let you know' Mrs. Norris finally decided.

'Take your time' Crookshanks began to strut away. 'Though, you should know, we managed to bring in Fawkes, without his human knowing' he said making her eyes widen at the implications. 'Not to mention the basilisk that had been used against you previously'.

'He has not told the long bearded one?' she tried to dampen her obvious impress.

'Hmm' Crookshanks told her. 'So, take your time' he repeated, still strutting off.

'Just remember, right now you have some time. The world does move on though' was thrown over his shoulder.

Now Mrs. Norris had some serious thinking to do.

####SCENE BREAK####

"You look like you've seen a ghost Pads" James' portrait joked, confused over the teary-eyed Sirius. Seeing tears fall, James' expression softened. "Hey, it's alright Sirius. I'm here. Haven't we…talked? The real me…" he trailed off, now worried over his fate if Sirius was reacting so strongly to his mere painted presence.

Still, painted James had the same love for his brother as the real James had. He didn't like seeing Sirius so sad.

"How long has it been? How long were we hidden?" Lily asked eager for information.

A crying Sirius was frozen, unable to move.

Alex decided it was up to her to comfort Sirius as best as possible given the circumstances and fill in James and Lily.

'Harry, Remus, come now. Vivian, I'll need your help' Alex sent out.

"I can tell you a lot and then when Harry gets here, we'll fill in…everything" Alex worried her bottom lip with her teeth. "I'm Alex" she introduced herself.

Sirius spun and clung to Alex like his life depended on it as more tears escaped him.

"Are you Sirius' bird?" James still tried to lighten the mood as Lily smacked his arm.

"Yeah" Alex answered simply.

"Did you say Harry? How old is he?" Lily asked as her and James walked closer to the front of the painting. Both were obviously worried, despite James' attempts to make Sirius laugh.

"It's been twelve years and thirty-four, all at once" Alex dropped on the now confused Lily and James. "Harry's almost here, then we'll be able to explain everything. He's bringing Remus and his daughter Vivian".

"Remus had a daughter! Go Moony" James couldn't help but smile, though his painted dark gaze kept shooting to Sirius who had yet to pull away from Alex, who held him securely.

Alex then gave an abridged story of everything that had happened.

Sirius wasn't any better by the time Harry, Remus, and Vivian showed up.

"What hap-" Remus stopped, catching what had obviously sent Sirius into a state.

"Remus?" Harry asked, still behind the now frozen stiff man.

"Dad?" Vivian asked, hand going to his arm as Remus fell to his knees, crying. It was so sudden it was almost scary.

Vivian rushed to make sure he was ok but besides hugging her to his side, still on his knees with eyes on the painting, Remus didn't move.

"Moony, and this must be the mini-Moony" James didn't know how right he was.

"Dad? Mom?" Harry now saw. His green eyes, so like Lily's, immediately filled with tears as he took in those faces he had only ever seen in pictures and dreams.

Vivian looked between her father, brother and uncle then Alex in worry.

Seeing as no one else was in the mind to do so, Alex gently began explaining the whole truth and everything that had befallen everyone since that fateful Halloween night. Vivian helped with spots on before Alex had appeared, in either timeline.

By the end of the tale, James was back on the painted sofa. He had his elbows on his knees and head in his hands.

Lily looked deeply saddened, yet sympathetic.

Sirius had turned to drag Harry to him as he all but collapsed on the spot by Remus.

None of the men or young boy had spoken the whole time.

"My poor Love" Lily's eyes were on Harry at first. "All of you. I can't even fully imagine what horrors you have been forced to live through. To act on" she looked between all of them.

They knew everything now. About Vivian, and the Knights, and Albus and their deaths, about Peter, about everything.

"I'm so sorry that I-, that we didn't plan more. That I let James and Sirius talk me into hiding the secret keeper. I'm sorry about doubting Remus, even a little" she began listing. "We should have put our foot down with Albus more. We should have-. I should have-" she stopped, sighing almost defeated. "I don't know, but I am so sorry".

Lily sat next to the silent James.

That made her husband look up. He looked tired, almost aged by the information. "Moony, Padfoot-" James paused again. He went back to his previous position.

"Do you hate me?" Harry reflected the true child he was.

"No" Lily quickly assured, once more up and close to the front of the painting. Close to Harry.

"I could never hate you. Neither of us could" she spoke for James with confidence. Her hand pressed against the 'face' of the painting. Harry returned the action, hands touching as best as possible.

"We couldn't hate any of you" Lily further assured Remus and Sirius as best as currently able.

"I know it's a lot to take in" Vivian said. "It's a lot to live" she reminded making James look up slowly. "But…there was no other way. We've lost so much" Vivian tried to explain.

James' eyes went to her neck, seeing the scars usually hidden by blazers and fabric necklaces, yet exposed now due to her rush to appear at the Manor.

"Perhaps we can move you to the main hall while everyone collects themselves" Alex suggested. "I've done some studies on magical paintings over the years" she revealed. Given her vampiric status, no one questioned the time she must have tried to fill.

Anything to fill the long days of a forever, lonely life.

"We can work on finishing the painting. Maybe make a connecting one that has everyone else. We could all have our own portraits… They could interact" Alex suggested. It was at least something to think about.

"For now" she levitated the portrait to the main family room.

It was a slow process, but Vivian eventually got Harry, Remus, and Sirius to follow.

"Perhaps you're right. But don't leave yet! It's been so long" Lily almost pleaded.

James didn't even currently have it in him to make a joking comment about being her only company.

"Well, the kids were meant to return to Hogwarts with Remus, but maybe we can just use the golems tonight. Vivian, go back and tell the others. They'll probably want to be here" Alex suggested.

Vivian nodded, looking worriedly between Harry, Remus, and Sirius. Even so, with words of a speedy return, she rushed to shadow back to Hogwarts.

"James! I-" Sirius stopped, still an emotional mess and not sure what to say.

Remus wasn't much better.

Alex led them and Harry to the couch closest to the painting.

Once back at the castle, Vivian ran to find her boyfriend. "Ron" she ran into the Great Hall to see him playing chess against himself. He went to smile before seeing the panicked look on her face.

Ron jumped up but before he could speak, Vivian rushed out "Get everything ready. We're spending the night at the Manor" she managed to whisper, even as her words were rushed.

Trusting Vivian, Ron ran to help her gather everyone.

It wasn't long before the group made it back to Potter Manor. Hermione beat everyone to Harry with Ron and Vivian close seconds.

Neville and Luna went between everyone trying to make sure they were ok.

"Um" Alex looked at Sirius, so open and broken that it hurt her heart. Going back to his side, she suggested "We can eat in here. Petunia and Dudley can eventually say…hi" she ignored Lily's surprised look at the mention of her sister.

"Yeah, dinner" Alex said again.

With that, she had Luna and Neville help her get everyone situated.

####SCENE BREAK####

Albus Dumbledore decided to skip dinner. He ate alone in his office, devoid of even Minerva or Severus' company.

It was just him. Even Fawkes had left for what Albus assumed was a stretch of the wings.

Albus had requested privacy from the portraits. Many had grumbled and complained, or pretended to be asleep, before Albus used his status of Headmaster to block them out. He couldn't force them from their frames, but he could make it so that at least temporarily, they wouldn't be able to hear or see him.

Albus picked at his food. He was too drowned in thoughts tonight and not all of them were pleasant.

Albus was trying to work out how to set up a meeting between him and the Death Knights, or more importantly, their Master.

To his surprise and worry, Severus had been very tightlipped about anything he had learned about the Master of Death. He told Albus some, yet it was obvious to the old wizard that Severus was not telling him everything.

When Albus probed, Severus denied. Albus was hoping that Severus would snap out of whatever was happening and talk to him.

Albus had to wonder if the Knights made it so Severus couldn't give certain details. A worrisome possibility indeed.

Albus wondered if he would get any other information from Argus.

"Something must be done. Perhaps they can be saved from their murderous ways" he spoke out loud to himself about the Knights.

He still had to handle Ministry business, along with Hogwarts. Minerva usually handled everything Hogwarts for him, but lately, she had insisted he do it. 'It's your job. Either do it or give it to me officially' he remembered her saying.

Albus felt spread thin these days, almost to the extreme. He felt a bit like a small pad of butter spread over too much bread.

He had to wonder if Merlin or any of the founders ever felt the same.

'I have to keep going' Albus told himself. 'I know some day that Tom will return. I just can't figure out how' he mused, leaving his still full plate and scrolls in order to begin pacing again.

'I must prepare. Must make sure that Severus and Harry are in position to take on their needed roles. Prepare them for the long, hard road ahead' Albus thought. He knew that to be true even if Albus didn't have a fully formulated plan yet.

It was ever changing, never feeling like the right path. Like he was always just slightly off.

'I have time. Not much, but some' Albus assured himself.

It was as if Albus had most of the pieces to the puzzle that was Tom Riddle, yet he was obviously missing a least a few crucial details.

These new players, the Death Knights with their Master and Mistress of Death, they definitely threw in new components to the future confrontation that he was sure had to take place between Harry and Tom.

'He had one last year. How do I know that wasn't it. A bit anti-climatic though, not like Tom at all. Then again, he's not a real man anymore' Albus wondered.

Even so, Albus was sure that the prophecy wasn't fulfilled. There was a final battle to be had, he just didn't know when or how it would take place.

Albus wasn't sure how the Master of Death factored into the great chess game known as life.

'Don't need any more enemies' Albus knew. However, could one ever truly be friends with someone that identified as the Master of Death? 'If he truly is Death then he would be the last friend a man could ever make' Albus mused.

Albus wondered how much like Death this 'Master' actually was.

'Does he believe himself to have concurred the three hallows?' Albus continued to theorize. 'Impossible. Especially given how sure I am about Jame's ancestorial cloak being the one owned by the last brother. The Potters were definitely one of the decedents' Albus went on.

'It took forever to convince James to agree to lend me the invisibility cloak. He wanted to hold onto it for emergencies, but I thought I had time to study it' Albus thought. He was soon plagued by other thoughts that he had had for twelve years. 'Would…James and Lily have been able to survive Voldemort with Harry if they still had the cloak?'

There were a lot of things that Albus wished he could change.

He wished he had pushed even harder to question Sirius. He wished he had reeled in the Marauders and Severus' rivalry a bit when they were in school. Along with some of the other students when they were given second and more chances without any real consequences.

Albus wished that he had listened to Tom Riddle and got him out of the orphanage. That he had pushed for magical orphanages.

He wished he hadn't been so full of anger all those years ago when he fell for Gellert.

'Did my taking the cloak make the Potters' death certain? I should have allowed Remus to talk about his missions to the last bit of family he had left' Albus was remorseful. 'It only spread distrust and gave Peter the chance he needed. I don't know what even happened to Peter' Albus shook his head.

'Should never have asked Remus to go on those missions. Around that monster Greyback. It did no good. I should have gone and not sent someone that was such a target of Greyback' Albus almost all but collapsed back in his large chair.

He looked his age as the decisions and time caught up with him. Due to every action and reaction that he ever caused.

Trying to get his Order to not use lethal curses when the Death Eaters were out for blood. Now Albus was sure that they'd face foes from the past once again.

'I should have trusted Sirius. Even with his faults, he should have had the same chance that I gave Severus and the others. The others that didn't deserve a chance. I denied Sirius the one thing I am constantly trying to grant others' Albus admitted with a heavy heart.

Albus tried to tell himself that the past was just that, the past. He could not change it, even with all the time turners in the world. Albus could only hope to learn from his mistakes and do better going forward.

'Have you truly learned' self-doubt and hate crept in. 'Harry Potter could have ended up as another version of Tom Riddle. You heard what was said at Sirius' trial. All of Alexandra Debree's accusations against the Dursleys that Harry confirmed. Doesn't sound like you've learned anything but how to convince others to follow you. Blinded by your own reputation. Blinded by your sense of what needs to be done. Just like Gellert' the little voice hissed in his brain.

These thoughts and feelings were not new to Albus. He could hardly remember a time without them.

'I wish I could talk to Abe. I took all of those talks for granted, thinking that they'd always be there when needed. Thinking that I didn't really need them' Albus felt himself tear up.

Albus missed his brother. He missed his sister. He missed his family before his father got vengeance for his sister. Before his family was torn apart and his little sister traumatized. Before Albus grew a hatred for others due to his father's and sister's fates.

Albus missed being able to not think that the world was on his shoulders. Where he was free and the harder decisions were left up to someone else.

Albus wished he could run home, hide in his childhood room with Abe and Ariana at his sides as his mother and father made sure everything was alright.

All Albus had now were memories, memories and pain.

'Now I'm just an old man, all alone. Perhaps this is what I deserve. All my good intentions, they always seem to hurt someone innocent' Albus clenched his eyes closed as silent tears rolled down his cheeks to his beard.

'You did this' a voice all but slithered through his mind.

It made him think of Gellert. Someone he hated that he missed.

The love of his life and the one whom almost destroyed Albus in every way possible.

'Focus' Albus tried to center himself. 'Perhaps this Master could help me with Tom. Perhaps he knows how Tom escaped death. I would prefer more friends over foes' Albus leaned back, shaking his head a bit to clear it.

Albus had a hearing in the Ministry coming up.

Goyle Senior had survived a Death Knight attack. It became painstakingly clear that he was left alive on purpose.

His dark mark was on display and slightly moving. That made everyone who was trained to understand very worried.

Goyle was alive but he was not unscathed. He was severely, severely damaged. The healers had a hell of a time trying to fix him. Though they saved his life, Goyle senior could no longer walk. One of his arms was also permanently lamed.

Though his personality was just as nasty as ever.

Amelia did not care about his new physical disabilities. He was going to be questioned, with Veritaserum, and if he were found guilty then he would pay the price.

Even if that meant the Amelia would have to petition to have a new ward of Saint Mungos open specifically for criminals that needed intense medical care.

Though some would think to just deny them that and toss them in Azkaban. Amelia would put the option up to a vote.

She had also given Dumbledore and other officials a long list of every name she had gone through in Azkaban. Some were innocent, others not.

There were still many, many more names to get through. Amelia was determined and not letting anyone sway her on her mission.

The Death Knights were still hunting Death Eaters, that was obvious.

'Do they know who was forced? Do they care?' Albus had to wonder. It wasn't for the first time he had asked himself that.

Albus had written Sirius about joining the Order of the Phoenix again. Sirius declined.

So had Remus.

Sirius also declined on behalf of his solicitor Alexandra Debree. Albus had wanted to meet the young woman. He wanted to get a feel for her and see if she'd be a good addition to the Order. Not to mention if she was a vampire as he suspected, then he'd have a possible ally in the vampires. Someone who could do missions and trying to convince the vampires to join Albus' side…

'There you go again' that same dark thought tsked. 'Never learn' was hissed.

Doing his best to ignore that for now, Albus asked himself 'Do Miss Debree and Sirius know the Knights personally? They did free Sirius after all' these were questions he asked himself repeatedly.

'That would finally confirm my suspicions that Remus does as well. Is that how he found a daughter? Vivian said Remus saved her but didn't go into too many details and neither did Remus. Did the Death Knights unite them?' Albus thought.

That once more concerned him that Harry would know them. That the Knights may have been the ones to bring Remus and Harry back together.

It wasn't that far-fetched of an idea.

Albus had requested to talk to Harry a few times. Usually something always came up or the talks were cut short. The boy seemed happy, not traumatized from the year before. Or from his home life.

At least, Albus didn't think he was.

Albus rubbed his temples. Another letter caught his eye.

Lucius Malfoy was talking about sending someone to inspect the school again for the Board of Governors.

Albus knew the man had to be looking for something. That was obvious.

Yet, the question was what? What was Malfoy trying to find at Hogwarts?

Albus never believed Lucius' claim to imperius when it came to joining the Death Eaters, yet he had no proof.

Still, Albus was sure that Lucius was up to something. That made him think of Tom. Was Lucius doing something for Tom? Did he know Riddle wasn't dead and was trying to bring him back to full power? Like Quirinius?

Albus had to figure that out. He didn't need another incident like last year!

'There's just too much to do. Not enough time. Not enough me" Albus spoke quietly out loud.

Even if he used a time-turner, Albus was sure that it wouldn't be enough.

With another long suffering sigh, Albus sent a letter requesting Severus before he officially went to bed.

He'd try Severus again before summoning Argus.

####SCENE BREAK####

Gilderoy was having a terrible time!

Umbridge had ditched him with Voldemort, and he received the dark mark. It wasn't very good and Lord Voldemort claimed it was the new and improved dark mark. It looked like a child's drawing of the dark mark with a few hearts and rainbows around the edges.

Voldemort tortured Lockhart for not seeming the like the tattoo enough.

He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, or Voldy as he addressed himself as, was not what Gilderoy had been led to believe.

Sure, he was scary, terrifying even at how easily he could use painful curses. But there was…more.

Lockhart wouldn't even think the word 'goofy', afraid that Voldemort could read his mind, but if he were to think of a word to describe the Dark Lord, that one would definitely fit.

Voldemort conducted himself like a powerful, evil child.

"And tonight we will break out some of my most loyal. Oh, and some useful background characters. Obviously, I'm the main character" Voldemort was saying.

The snake like man was sitting in front of a conjured vanity, posing.

"Yes, m'lord" Lockhart tried not to sound as depressed as he felt. He didn't want to be cursed again. He sat meekly in a corner.

"I guess we'll have to fix your looks" Voldemort made Gilderoy perk up. "You're hurting my eyes" Voldemort shooed Gilderoy out of the line of the mirror's reflection. "So hard to look at".

Gilderoy tried not to show how insulted he was. Especially given Voldemort's odd appearance.

"Though" Voldemort went on. "You'll have to prove yourself before I completely restore them. I know all about being beautiful, obviously" Voldemort boasted.

Gilderoy remembered Voldemort used to be quite the handsome young man. Before all the dark magic twisted his looks. That was before and during the first war. Now it was clear that dark magic could affect one's appearance drastically.

"For now, we'll figure something out" Voldemort began applying face creams he had made Lockhart steal.

"How will we get the others my Lord?" Lockhart asked. "Azkaban is on high alert since the Dementor attack" was pointed out.

"…Are you doubting me Gilderoy?" Voldemort suddenly radiated the level of danger he was known for, and far more serious than Gilderoy had yet to see from the man in person.

It was like he flashed into the Voldemort that everyone knew.

That everyone feared.

The one that was now glaring death at Lockhart with deep red snake eyes almost glowing.

"No, no! Of course, not my Lord. I merely worry for you" Gilderoy rushed to get out, falling on his hands and knees in a bow.

"Hmm" Voldemort huffed yet accepted the answer. "We shall break them out. Leave the how to me. The dementors dare not defy me. In fact, in a few short weeks I'm sure they will join my army" was boasted.

Standing regally, he made Lockhart shakily follow him.

"Oh, and Gilderoy" Voldemort said conversationally. "If you run, I'll track you down and make you wish for death. That's a promise" Voldemort finished prepping himself.

"W-wouldn't dream of it my Lord" Lockhart managed to choke out.

As he helped Voldemort with his robes, Lockhart tried not to shiver. It reminded him of the sponge bath he had had to give Voldemort.

That image would not be leaving him any time soon. If there was ever a time that he wished he was obliviated, it was now.

Now Voldemort was robed. He didn't seem to care over lack of shoes or the like.

Gilderoy kneeled when instructed. He was given new 'hair' and a glamor for his face.

Not to mention a tightening on all the gauze keeping multiple body parts attached and working, thanks to magic.

Now Gilderoy looked like someone who was related to the handsome Lockhart, instead of the man himself. Like a dulled down version of himself. Not as polished or good looking as he was used to, but better than looking like a walking, decaying corpse.

'Someday he will restore my real looks' Lockhart soothed himself after thanking the priming Voldemort. 'He promised to track down the woman as well and her accomplice. He even promised me he would eventually give me Vivian someday, should I desire so' Lockhart went over the game plan.

He followed behind Voldemort who apparated them to a broken off part of the stoney ground of Azkaban Island.

This gave them a full view of the large prison looming before them.

It was storming and there were suspicious, terrifying wails of some unknown creatures from the sea. The water was especially angry, worked up by the storm.

Lord Voldemort knew that he was the most dangerous being present tonight.

Lockhart stuck close Voldemort, afraid and trying not to slip on the wet rocks.

He was afraid of Voldemort, but decided it was better to be the left hand of the Devil than in his way.

With a grand gesture with his wand, Voldemort blew off a decent sized chunk of the converted prison.

Voldemort began to laugh, the sound loud and somehow carrying over the winds and waves. He was already making plans on finding some Death Eaters that turned tail on him. Not to mention his loyal spy Severus Snape. Then there was his slippery friend Lucius Malfoy.

He would make all those who renounced him pay.

Laughter, past the point of insane, echoed through the halls from many cells. The loudest was from a woman with matted raven curls. Her once beautiful features now more resembled a skeleton due to improper care and challenging the dementors.

The madness within was definitely reflected on the outside now.

She eagerly licked her dark mark before tiptoeing to the now opened part of her cell. With no care over the height, she eagerly looked out into the night. The fresh air hitting her for the first time in what felt like forever.

Two men in their own cells on either side of her also cried out in rejoice.

Once handsome, aristocratic features were weathered away to mere whispers of what they once were.

The three Lestranges yelled out in fierce joy.

Peter Pettigrew clapped happily, turning back from rat to man. He seemed more unhinged than any of the Lestranges.

More prisoners called out in glee as others trying to be invisible.

The ones that shrank away were those who never wanted to be a Death Eater in the first place. They were all unaware why the dementors had suddenly left them alone. The guards were no longer going around beating people.

Decent meals and real blankets were provided.

They were unaware of the why but grabbed the changes with both hands.

Azkaban had a habit of driving one mad.

Those chosen were unaware of the good fortune headed their way.

Guards rushed to different open cells trying to contain prisoners and find out who was breaching them now.

The image was clear.

It was not the Death Knights.

As he called out for his followers, who all screamed his name, it became clear that this was Lord Voldemort!

People literally fainted, others ran. Some brave few tried to fire off spells.

Voldemort easily deflected them, though didn't return fire.

With some fancy wand work, the guards were knocked back into Azkaban and unable to stop Voldemort from levitating different people down.

Lockhart had avoided any wayward spells by all but hiding behind Voldemort.

It wasn't long before Voldemort was leading a decent sized group away from the island.

He didn't seem to notice that it wasn't as large of a group as it should have been given the people that had been forced had not joined him.

Once on grounds away from the ocean, Voldemort address the celebrating group. Bellatrix was all but hugging Voldemort's legs as Rabastan and Rodolphus did a sort of dance around the smiling Voldemort.

Though such an act from the Lestrange brothers surprised some of the Death Eaters, none of them thought too deeply on it given their recent liberation.

"Pettigrew, you will monitor the shack we used and sent me an alert the moment Nagini returns from her long hunt. She's been gone longer than usual" Voldemort ordered. "Bella, I'm sure we can use your house or perhaps we should drop in on our old friend Lucius. I'm sure he'd love to play host to his old comrades" Voldemort said making Bella laugh.

The sizable group departed before the aurors could be alerted and track them.

Peter eagerly went back to the shack with his retrieved wand in hand.

He cackled over some of the jeers and sneers many of the others sent him.

Peter knew the truth!

Peter had one goal and one goal only. Catch that damn snake. Then he could give her over to the Master of Death.

Peter was excited and anxious and eager. However, due to Remus and Sirius' strenuous 'teachings', Peter knew patience was key.

He would not fail them!

It didn't take long for Voldemort to get to the Malfoy Manor. With more nonverbals, the wards fell like tissue. Voldemort strutted up to the front door with everyone eagerly following.

Voldemort gave deep, playful knocks to the large dark doors.

He then waited a moment before blasting the doors open and walking in as if he owned the place.

Lucius Malfoy came storming in, pj clad and wand at the ready.

Seeing who could only be Lord Voldemort along with the Lestranges and others, Lucius came to such a sudden shocked stop that he almost crashed into a side table.

Lucius faltered with words failing him. He didn't even think of yelling out to stop Narcissa from calling the aurors about a home invasion.

Lucius was having issues coming to terms with what, with who he was seeing.

"Lucius" Voldemort all but purred. "Miss me?"

####SCENE BREAK####

Harry couldn't sleep.

Making his way back to the family den, Harry saw he wasn't the only one.

Remus and Sirius all but ran into each other in the hallway.

Alex watched from a side chair, already guessing what was happening. She had been studying the painting, using her ability to go days without sleep. She hadn't left Sirius' side until he fell asleep, and even then, she kept checking on him. She sat back, more or less unseen by the others.

She had been quiet already, unnoticed by the portraits occupants.

Though Sirius, Harry, and Remus shared looks, words were unneeded.

They moved until back fully in the den. Alex was seen but all of their focus' were elsewhere.

"Of course I still love them Lily! But it's a bloody lot to take in-" James could be heard before noticing the new arrivals.

A few wall torches lit themselves.

"Couldn't sleep? I used to walk around Hogwarts at night. It was easier after your father let me use the marauders' map" Lily smiled gently at Harry.

"I do that too" Harry admitted quietly. He was still trying to keep control of his emotions.

Not an easy task. Remus and Sirius were having the same issues.

Alex watched on sympathetically.

"Padfoot, Moony-" James began again before stopping, not sure what to say.

"Prong, you don't understand" Sirius tried, tearing up again while feeling helpless.

"…I know" James admitted after a moment. "You're still my brothers though. I'm allowed to be worried about you" he said with his own hidden emotion. That simple sentence almost knocked the wind out of Remus and Sirius.

It was like a weight was being lifted off of them.

Sirius wiped his slightly running nose, clearing his throat. Remus conjured up some hankies.

"Are you serious" Harry weakly attempted.

James have a half smile. "Serious" he returned with a slight nod.

"That's me" Sirius managed to get out making them all give little chuckles.

"Why don't you tell me about Little Moony" James hinted to Vivian. "Then we'll learn more about Miss Granger and one Alexandra" James tried to tease.

Alex couldn't help but smirk, winking at Sirius who looked back.

Playfully, she shadowed away to her and Sirius' room, giving the group a little privacy.

Lily jumped in with "I want to know everything about your friends" she tried to keep on pleasant topics.

It worked.

Slowly but surely, the group grew more comfortable with each other as more teases and stories were swapped.

The conversation went well into the early hours. Harry knew that his parents, what version he had now, still had a lot to process.

They all did.

But this, right here, it was a first step.

For Harry, that was all he could ever hope for.

####SCENE BREAK####

"Now that Lockhart's done a runner, we'll need a different test subject for some of these" Fred told George and Lee as the three stayed up late, all on George's bed planning and plotting while trading sweets.

"I know when we're given busy work" George claimed. "Ron's a bit sneakier about it than Mum, but that doesn't change the fact he's trying to keep us distracted" he huffed.

Lee looked up from playing with his pet spider, Spike. The spider usually stayed in the dorm room, but lately he had been disappearing.

The boys assumed he was just hunting bugs, especially since they never heard Ron freaking out over seeing him.

Sure, a lot of things were different, but Ron couldn't have gotten rid of his arachnophobia, right?

"We need to do something to show Ron and the others that we can be serious. Not just in the way" George added.

"Well, we're working on your shop, with me obviously being the employee of the month forever" Lee joked using the term he had learned in Muggle Studies. "But what if we can show them, really show them that we can be serious and maybe…" he thought out loud. "Maybe show that pranks can be used to kick some serious butt, like some of what Neville said we did before" Lee skirted around the future talk. "That way they'll see that we meant what we said".

"Alright, yeah" Fred nodded, excited over Lee's suggestion with George. "That could work. We'll start smaller, obviously. Eventually though, if or when the chance arrives, and we know it will" he said, "Then we can show them just what we can do".

"We just have to find someone to practice on besides each other" was added.

"What if" now George began. "What if we worked on a prank that was triggered by a specific word?" came the thought.

Seeing where his twin was going, Fred picked up "So then we can make certain words, like an unfit name for muggleborns, taboo".

"Like what Harry said You-know-who-did for his name?" Lee clarified getting nods. "Alright, well it's got to be something that gets the message across. Something that Ron will realize is us but not so much that we get caught" he told them.

"Maybe we can use what Professor Moony gave us? He did say it was to be for a good use" Lee cheekily tweaked Remus' title.

Fred and George gave big matching grins full of mischief. "Wicked" was chorused together.

####SCENE BREAK####

Amelia Bones was pissed, pure and simple.

Lord Voldemort was not only alive and back, but he had broken out many of his followers from Azkaban.

"Guess I'm lucky I wasn't there, huh" Rita Skeeter dared to say.

She wasn't using total attitude. Technically, she meant what she said. Still, it was daring for someone currently under arrest for being an illegal animagus. One that had just been forced out of her beetle form in a room full of powerful law enforcement agents.

Rita held her magically cuffed hands up in surrender when Bones glared bloody murder at the blonde.

"Just saying. I could have been there and forced to join" Rita defended herself.

"Then you are lucky" Amelia stated with her well-known stern look. Monocle reflecting Rita's frown. "Instead, you're being questioned while doing your best to try to avoid jail time".

Rita tried to play off how scared she was. "You know, there is a chance I'll simply receive a fine. No Azkaban time" Rita pointed out. "If that's the case, it would be best to get your opinion on the breakout. I can help spread the word to my readers".

"Spread panic, you mean" Amelia cut through the bullshit.

Rita briefly scowled. "People have the right to know" she tried.

"They'll know plenty about their 'favorite' reporter come morning" Amelia promised before turning her over to Crooker for booking.

Rita was magically pulled behind him, trying not to trip over her heels as she was unable to flee or even speak.

Amelia rushed to gather up forces with Kingsley and Tonks.

The Ministry had to get ahead of this.

The public panic over Lord Voldemort alone could be deadly.

Amelia believed in warning the people, yet Amelia also wanted to have a team ready. They had to try and track down Voldemort and stop him.

Her mind couldn't help but wonder over Harry Potter.

Would he somehow fit into all this again?

He was a child, so she hoped not. 'But he was a baby before as well when he…stopped Voldemort. What did happen the night? If Voldemort died, how is he back?' were thoughts running through her head.

No matter what, necessary steps had to be taken. Not political ones, but for the safety of the magical world. Voldemort was a threat to all, even if some believed themselves safe.

'We have to protect the public. They won't be happy about this. That's an understatement, this is about to get bloody mental' Amelia knew.

Then another thought hit her.

The Death Knights.

So far, they had attacked only Death Eaters and apparent supporters along with people whom they claimed were also wrong doers. Of course, they were wanted for murder, but they clearly not the world's biggest enemy. Powerful, but seeming to lack the agenda Voldemort had.

'Could a trade or truce be made?' Amelia had to wonder.

It seemed like a desperate move, for sure. However, when a supposedly dead Dark Lord suddenly shows up alive and well with his favorite supporters again, desperate times called for desperate measures.

Now Amelia had to add trying to contact the Death Knights to her ever growing to do list.

####SCENE BREAK####

Luna and Neville waited until things 'calmed down' at Azkaban after the break out.

They then shadowed into different cells.

True, Amelia was doing her best, but she had a lot of different hoops she had to jump through to try and make sure there were no more innocents at Azkaban.

Neville and Luna didn't have those obstacles.

The two were speaking to anyone forced to join Voldemort and the like. Certain fates they hoped to save others from like Stan Shunpike and Pius Thicknesse.

"Sh, I am a Death Knight. I come with the promise of freedom and the chance of vengeance" were the words whispered all around the prison for the next few hours.

Some immediately took deals, some were more hesitant, certain that it was a trick or just another Voldemort situation. Others needed time to think.

No matter the choice, they were all whisked away to their own little safe houses.

A little note, signed by the Death Knights with their now signature seal and unreadable scriptures were left in the empty cells.

It was a long night. Yet, by the end, both Neville and Luna felt rewarded for their efforts.

More elves had been hired to take care of the recently released prisoners with Dobby keeping checks on everything as head elf.

Back at the Manor, Luna and Neville collapsed in a bed, more than ready for at least a few hours of rest.

Tomorrow, Luna had another meeting with Severus.

She was most excited with his progress.

Especially after witnessing the fake rebirth of Voldemort.

Finding James and Lily's active portrait had sent everyone into a tizzy.

Still, this didn't change any plans. Bigger plans that they had spent too much time on to just abandon now.

The elves were asleep. So were Petunia and Dudley, still unaware of Lily's 'reappearance'. Many of the pets were in the house already. Visiting the much bigger Romulus.

Lily and James still had yet to meet the Chimera.

Those in the dungeon tried to scheme and build up enough power to escape only succeeding in exhausting themselves.

Remus, Sirius, and Harry were asleep on the couch, tended to by Alex and Vivian. Even James and Lily were asleep on their big painted soft with the 'blob' empty space meant to be baby Harry slept in his simple outlined crib.

The night because still and at ease.

Tomorrow was guaranteed to bring more storms.

####SCENE BREAK####

Percy was going over his career choices late at night, like the overthinker he was.

Everyone 'knew' that Percy was destined to work in the Ministry at some official, probably desk, job.

Even Percy was sure of such.

Yet…there was a small dream he had never allowed himself to take seriously. The dream that maybe, just maybe, being something like an unspeakable would be interesting.

Cool.

Fun.

Percy always said he preferred rules over popularity. Procedures over pranks. Order over even the chance of breaking a possible rule.

Still, sometimes he dreamed.

Like everyone, Percy had heard rumors over what happened at Hogwarts last year. Over what Harry, Ron, and Hermione did. It was said they saved the sorcerer stone from Quirrell who was trying to resurrect a dark lord. Who was trying to bring back Voldemort!

Hard to believe, especially when you didn't want to, but still.

The rumors went wild.

They seemed to only be confirmed by Dumbledore given out those ambiguous points last year, making it so Gryffindor could take the house cup.

Ron had had stories too, though their mother tried to right him off in secret fear, his siblings heard him.

Even if it scared them.

Percy tried to deny it all, but there was no reason for Ron to lie about that.

Percy liked to believe that he'd be like his parents and older siblings if he ever ran into a Death Eater, or Merlin forbid, Voldemort.

He liked to think he'd stand up proudly and fight instead of running to hide under his protective mother's apron.

Percy would much prefer Voldemort stayed dead.

He also worried over the children being put in such a dangerous situation. Especially his little brother.

That had Percy doing the unthinkable. He began to slightly question Albus Dumbledore. Something he would never have ever dreamed of doing before.

However, if it was the Philosopher stone last year, then Dumbledore had a highly sought after item hidden at Hogwarts.

People literally killed to get that kind of magic and he just kept it around children.

Why was it kept at Hogwarts? Surely Flamel had been able to properly protect his most prized possession.

Why was Hogwarts the best place to guard such a thing, or anything besides children.

All of his life, Percy had been told that there was no place safer than Hogwarts. His father and mother said so because Dumbledore told them so.

Still, it was supposed to house and protect children.

And…Percy couldn't help but think, how safe could Hogwarts really be if Professor Quirrell ended up being a dark wizard and wasn't stopped until the end of the year?

How come he wasn't dealt with by the staff and Ronald got close enough to a potential host for some weird wraith thing!?

These questions wouldn't leave Percy and he didn't like it.

Percy was sure his family was right, and Dumbledore knew what he was doing. Even so…were house points enough to cover the possible danger the three first years had been in? Were their lives and bravery only worth so much? Should it have been handled by them when there was a castle full of powerful and known wizard and witches that made up the teaching staff?

Percy didn't think so!

The idea of being an unspeakable and being able to protect those he loved from unknown dangers sounded more and more appealing as the year wore on.

Especially with Ron willingly spending time with Percy again.

The youngest Weasley male had invited his older brother to a few study groups and the like. He even formally introduced Percy to a lovely girl named Audrey. He had seen her a few times but the Ravenclaw usually stuck to herself.

Percy found her funny, witty and of course beautiful even as she was still growing into her looks like him.

Percy still liked Penelope, however, he had an innocent, small crush on Audrey.

Percy didn't think anyone could know Audrey and not feel the same.

Where anything went, he didn't know. 'If anything, I'll have another friend. One who can make me laugh, a lot' Percy thought.

Ron and his friends made quite the impression on Percy and even on his friends.

Though happy with Ron's great attitude, Percy couldn't help but feel as if he were missing something about the younger boy.

He had worried he was going to be at the end of a prank from the twins. Yet, as time went on, that feeling went away.

The other Weasleys at Hogwarts seemed to take after Ron's attitude and tried to see things from Percy's point of view. Why he had an almost obsessive need for order.

The very pretty and beyond witty Vivian had actually made a comment about Percy being a great auror or unspeakable.

That he'd know all the rules and procedures and make sure what happened to Sirius Black never happened to another person.

None of the aurors had followed protocol that day. Not even Moody had been able to.

Vivian thought Percy would have been able to ensure such a thing wouldn't have happened.

"No matter what he'll do, he'll be great" Ron had confidently stated.

That had truly touched Percy.

He distractedly worked on his defense homework, late night studying.

So far, this was turning out to be a good year for Percy.

With a shy kind of look and checking to make sure he was alone besides his sleeping dormmates, Percy pulled out another scroll on Unspeakables.

It was on special request loan from the restricted section. Unspeakables were pretty unknown. They had to be to properly do their jobs. Some were able to show their faces and names, while others had to live in complete ambiguity.

Still, what there was available to the public was given to Hogwarts for future career path options.

Though usually, you had to be sought out to be an unspeakable after being an auror or the like. Unless you were really talented and they recruited you from anything.

Though Percy hadn't read any specific accounts of that yet.

Percy spent the rest of the night for once neglecting his studies in order to get lost in the lore and allure of Unspeakables.

####SCENE BREAK####

Minerva was having something that Vivian Lupin referred to as 'me time'.

Not something that the wise and talented witch was used to.

Still, it seemed to have it's perks as she prepared her tea with her special biscuits in her little reading nook by the fire. She had on her dressing gown and slippers with hair in a loose braid down and over her shoulder.

Minerva was usually busy running Hogwarts for Albus without being able to implement any of her ideas. She was always trying to care for the students along with her best friends Albus and Severus, not to mention the rest of her friends that made up a good chunk of the staff.

Trying to keep the children safe was something tested as the years went on. With the marauders against Severus and other Slytherins.

With the Lestranges being creepy.

With the Weasley twins.

And now…Harry Potter.

Harry Potter was proving to be potentially the most drama Hogwarts had seen.

At least since Minerva's own school years right after Riddle.

Of course, Minerva didn't blame Harry Potter. In fact, the boy helped save countless lives last year, even if she wondered if he fully understood that. Potter, Weasley and Granger.

Even if Minerva was a bit sore over Weasley managing to overcome her obstacle when Quirrell and his dark master had to try to blast their way through.

Minerva actually blamed Albus and…herself.

First off; Minerva regretted ever leaving Harry at the Dursleys. She regretted not believing in Sirius. In not reeling Albus in about Remus' missions, which she knew about. She regretted not stopping the marauders and Severus and some of the other students.

Minerva wished she had given damaged children like Sirius, Remus and Severus someone to talk to when they were young and needed it.

Even if Albus told her to not get too attached, it was hard not to.

'I always follow Albus. Him and his 'it's a secret, trust me. I know best' attitude' she thought. 'I should have listened to Potter and the others about Snape. They were wrong but on the right track. I could have assured them better and investigated. They shouldn't have had to go through that. Especially with Harry facing that monster'.

Minerva sighed, leaning back. 'Had all of those children around monsters. Severus, Remus, Sirius…countless Slytherins' Minerva knew.

"I should have insisted that night. I should have-" Minerva sighed again. "I should have done a lot" Minerva shook her head.

Potter seemed to already be showing the spark of a hero's complex. Despite what Minerva showed, she was very proud of Harry Potter.

She was proud of him and Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

Minerva had recently worried about the children needing councilors. After all, Granger was almost killed in the girl's bathroom by a troll let in my Quirrell.

That would mean Hogwarts would have possibly had two young girls killed at Hogwarts in the bathroom. There would have been another Moaning Myrtle and it sent chills down Minerva's spi ne.

She already felt bad for Myrtle, having met the girl once the ghost was forced back to Hogwarts.

'Should have just shot Riddle when seeing him working at that dingy shop' Minerva huffed to herself.

'I miss Elphinstone' Minerva tried not to tear up. Even after all this time, her heart belonged to her husband. "El" Minerva spoke outloud. "If you're looking down on me, help me. Help me help everyone" Minerva said squeezing her eyes closed.

Feeling a little bit of peace fall over her, Minerva let a small smile rest on her pink lips. She was still a beautiful woman, though Minerva simply dressed sophistically and conducted herself in a way she knew would have made her family proud.

Romance wasn't in the cards again for Minerva, she was sure.

However, she had other love in her life. Love for her friends and the family she had created. For her students. And the students that grew up and became friends.

Minerva smiled still as she remembered Harry on the broom she had bought him.

He was even better than James.

Minerva was proud of many of the children. Even if she rarely showed as much. She was even proud of the marauders, Severus, the Weasley twins. The list went on.

Minerva was proud of children in all the houses. 'Vivian Lupin, a fine example of how a house's reputation shouldn't define its members' Minerva thought of Remus' daughter. 'A shining example of a Slytherin's wonderful and useful traits with a modern world view' Minerva thought.

Minerva wondered if that was due to Remus and Vivian's condition, or Remus' parenting along with who Vivian was as a person. It could have been a mix of everything.

Remus had hinted to having rescued Vivian from a horrendous situation. One that Minerva realized coordinated with the burning of a disgusting magical circus. One that had been known to house a 'werewolf' girl for torture.

Though it hadn't been around too long. Almost fourteen years in fact and the 'attraction' was fairly young.

Though those were just whispers from the darkest of corners. Albus had assured her that things like that were what the aurors were for.

After the whole Sirius fiasco, Minerva was losing more confidence in the Ministry by the minute.

She knew there were good people there, but good people could only do so much in a bad, broken system.

Minerva didn't ask Vivian for too many details, wanting to spare the young girl.

She and Remus held Albus back as well. He thought it best he knew everything while everyone else was in the dark. Minerva was sure that that was how Albus' mind worked.

Remus and Vivian would be back at the Shrieking Shack during the full moon. Minerva had full belief in the two.

Secretly, Minerva thought Sirius might be sneaking out to guard them.

Long ago, Minerva had suspected that the Marauders had gone under the transformation of becoming animagi. They were all brilliant and powerful enough to do so. Even if Remus couldn't partake.

Minerva had never said anything, secretly proud, though as an animagus herself obviously knowing the steps required.

There was a reason three of the four boys didn't talk for a while. And sometimes had animal ears, or antlers in James' case.

She thought they did it for Remus. That had always touched Minerva's heart, so she never told.

Even after Sirius' false betrayal, Minerva never found it in her to say anything. Maybe because she thought it was too late. Or…she still saw them as her lions, even when they hurt her.

Minerva wondered if saying anything would have helped Sirius. 'Or, they would have ignored me and used it against Sirius before his trial' Minerva couldn't help but think.

'Tomorrow, tomorrow I will work at doing better. Doing my best. Albus' 'secrets' be damned. I'll do it for you El' Minerva vowed to herself.

Putting off grading papers, Minerva started on the newest book that had her eye. Minerva settled down for the first relaxing night in a long time.

####SCENE BREAK####

Severus was excited, plain and simple.

He had seen the true, raw power that the Master of Death had.

Severus had met powerful wizards and witches before, but this! These beings were beyond anything he could have imagined. He wondered if they would have given Merlin and Morgana something to worry about.

'A fake Dark Lord' Severus thought of what he had seen.

He had been understandably stressed and unhappy when learning of Voldemort's horcruxes but honored that Billywig deemed him worthy of such secrets and knowledge.

Billywig had then explained their plans. How they had the horcruxes under control, already far ahead of Dumbledore who was still trying only on the track of figuring everything out.

They had even captured the real Voldemort and Lestranges, assuring they were neutralized as the horcruxes were handled.

Insane didn't even begin to cover the situation he found himself in!

Tomorrow, Billywig promised surprises. A reward for his hard training along with Severus' progress.

He hoped he never let her down.

Billywig said that she knew about Severus' past. All of his mistakes. All of his progress with spell creation and the like. She knew that Severus was flawed yet was targeted by Voldemort at a young and vulnerable time in his life.

Something he regretted every waking and sleeping moment.

Even if Severus regretted more than he let on. Like trying to bargain Lily's child and even James.

James and saved Severus. 'That's the only reason I regret him dying. He was horrible' Severus still told himself.

It escaped his current notice that like Severus, James also made big mistakes. Mistakes he too ended up regretting, but not knowing what to do about it. Especially with a war going on.

Severus knew joining the Death Eaters wasn't excused to Billywig, but she said she could understand.

Severus just wanted to make Billywig proud. Make the Master proud. He hadn't felt so alive in years. He hadn't felt so present and real in such a long time.

It was an addicting feeling almost. Being able to focus on anything but self-loathing.

Severus never wanted to let the new feelings go.

This was a chance at a new lease on life. He'd finally avenge Lily and then he'd get to live. Live and maybe, somehow, be forgiven.

Severus laid in bed, also excusing himself for an early night. Propped up on his pillows, Severus held a hand in front of him and conjured a blue flame in his palm. Billywig had taught him.

He let the flame run over his hand like water droplets, though it never left his skin.

It didn't burn or spark.

The small flame was almost like a little pet.

'Powers are growing daily' Severus thought. 'Power I used to dream of. Billywig has such command over her abilities. Infinity abilities' Severus thought. 'She's amazing' he sighed.

Severus let a small relaxed smile settle on his fave.

In private, he didn't fight it.

Though he wouldn't dare hope, it almost felt as if Lily was watching over him. He was sure she watched Potter. He could hope she saw all of Severus' attempts.

'She's probably steaming over the treatment of the boy though' Severus knew.

'At least I can make Billywig proud' Severus flicked the flame, extinguishing it for the moment.

Severus turned all the lights out and snuggled down in his bed.

Tomorrow would have simple lessons, he decided.

No one would ever call him perky or at ease, yet all the students of every year had started to notice Snape almost mellow out. Even a little.

He wasn't targeting Potter and Longbottom anymore. He didn't snap at Granger. He didn't even show overt favoritism to Malfoy.

In fact, if Snape had favorites, it seemed to be Vivian Lupin and Luna Lovegood.

Severus more or less ignored everyone else. Especially Longbottom and Potter. Billywig had 'encouraged' such early on.

Severus didn't question it. Once he had embraced the pain, he saw that there were more important things to learn.

Severus dreamed of Luna helping Billywig and Vivian show him amazing magic as Lily watched on approvingly. As he was pulled deeper into the dream, Severus was filled with a sense of genuine peace.

####SCENE BREAK####

Cedric Diggory was also having a very good year.

He and Cho were official.

She was bright and kind, not to mention beautiful. The girl was so sweet and charming, a perfect match for the handsome, popular, and kindhearted Cedric.

Cedric felt lucky and hopeful over the blossoming romance.

Cedric also thought of the many new friendships he had managed to make this year already.

He had made many, but right now he was thinking of Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived.

Cedric used to hear stories about the lad when Harry Potter seemed to disappear from the magical world as a baby. Cedric and his friends would trade fanciful Potter stories as a game.

Harry Potter, the actual boy, was a bit different from all those myths. Especially with what he had had to endure, which had been published after his Godfather's trial.

Cedric thought Harry must be a resilient person to survive what was even hinted to in the papers.

Harry was nice, down to earth and had a definite humor about him. He was brave too, and fiercely loyal.

Something Cedric learned from being around the boy.

Potter didn't confirm nor deny the rumors from last year. Neither did Weasley or Granger.

Cedric couldn't help but feel the rumors leaned closer on the side of truth.

At least he was sure they were far closer to reality than the stories about Harry from before he even attended Hogwarts.

Potter stuck up for his friends, seeming uncaring of many other people's opinions of him.

Cedric had seen as much when Potter defended his new adopted sister Vivian Lupin, as well as defending his friends Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom.

Harry had been unaware of Cedric observing these times.

Potter seemed to think highly of Cedric. Treated him as if he truly appreciated the friendship.

Cedric really appreciated and tried to repay him in kind.

It wasn't only Potter that made an impression on Cedric and his friends either.

Granger was brilliant, scarily so with so many questions and ideas it made his head swim. Cedric also noticed that her smile, while a bit bucktoothed, was still pretty adorable.

Simply as an observation of course.

Weasley was funny and easy to talk to, as if he reminded you that you were still young and right now, everything was ok.

Lupin was witty and sweet, not to mention already very beautiful. She also had a humor to her that seemed to rival Harry's sarcastic wit.

Longbottom was calming, a good listener and always happy to help.

Lovegood, had an almost enchanting fae like beauty to her. While a bit excentric, did have a fresh view on the world that made Cedric have to admit perhaps in their world of magic, maybe the impossible was still possible.

Cedric couldn't help but notice the kids were already all starting to come into their own looks. Cedric was known for being a 'pretty boy' himself.

Yet the younger children treated him like a normal person, which was nice.

With Cedric's popularity, some people had started to make him feel a bit awkward. There were girls seemingly building him a fan group.

He wasn't sure how to respond to that. Cedric was told he should be flattered, but it was a little embarrassing. Plus, he didn't want to get a big head!

So, Cedric found he really appreciated these easy new friendships.

He could only assume it was the Hufflepuff in him that got on so well with all the houses.

Though, Cedric did have to think on Granger's words. 'No house is inheritably evil. We all have the possibility to be good or bad, it's what we choose that matters. No house sorting can decide that for us. None of us are the same we were when first judged by the hat'.

No house was free of evil, despite what people liked to think.

Pettigrew's exposed betrayal was proof of even the 'best house' being as potential for good and bad as the others.

Cedric had to agree with that. He knew he had grown as a person. He hoped for the good.

'Houses cannot be good or evil. Only people can' Cedric remembered.

Snakes were usually seen as dark while Gryffindor's were always the heroes. Ravenclaws were only interested in the written word and Hufflepuffs were the leftovers.

None of those common beliefs were true though. Cedric knew that. Even more so now, he knew that Granger was right.

Your house placement could help you, but at the end of the day, you had to decide who you were and what you stood for.

There were many long-lasting friendships between Hufflepuffs and Slytherins. Though, if Cedric had to pick a 'Slytherin Buddy' he'd probably pick Vivian Lupin.

She was open minded yet obviously cunning.

Not to mention powerful. He could tell even as it seemed she tried to rein herself in.

He didn't know much about her past before meeting Potter but believed maybe one day she'd tell him.

Cedric put Cho's gift in his trunk.

He had bought one of the toys the Weasley twins were selling. It was a little dragon figurine that blew rainbow bubbles.

Cedric thought Cho might like it as he saw her smile when the twins were presenting them to everyone.

With that done, Cedric grabbed his potions book and began to get some late night studying in.

Cedric had never paid too much attention to Professor Trelawney before. Yet, he couldn't help but think she might have been onto something last class. Something big was happening, Cedric could feel it.

Cedric hoped it was something good. He thought it would be.

He could fell that too.

####SCENE BREAK####

Sybill was pouting into her cup of sherry.

Albus had invited the centaur Firenze to keep giving divination lessons to the children along side Sybill. A suggestion that came from someone else on the staff, though Sybill couldn't figure out who.

Sybill was also warned by Minerva to cease her racist remarks about Firenze. Minerva said that if she ever found out Sybill called him a horse again, she would personally work on firing Sybill, Albus be damned.

Flitwick had backed her up with the rest of the staff. Flitwick, Hagrid, and Filch had seemed especially upset over Sybill's behavior.

Albus had not come to her rescue.

In fact, he said if Minerva saw it fit, then Sybill would simply be moved to an unused section of the castle for her protection. But she would not be paid and would not teach.

What was worse, even her most loyal students seemed to favor the centaur.

Sybill suspected that Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil had started a fan group for Firenze!

Firenze didn't seem to share Sybill's hatred. He was always polite and tried to share lesson plans with her. When she rebuffed him, he was comforted and further befriended by other members of the staff. Severus even invited him to the Head's private dinner.

Sybill was left alone.

No one wanted to listen to her or shared her views. The only one who did was Umbridge. But Umbridge had also hated Sybill.

Madam Pince had even banned her from the library, tired of her moaning.

She didn't even try Hooch or Poppy, afraid of both women's patented glowers.

Desperate for a sympathetic ear, Sybill had tried to go to the ghosts.

None of them had shared her views. Not even the Bloody Barron. He also seemed mad that she was interrupting his talk with the Gray Lady.

Something that had just finally happened.

He tried to control himself. He was finally eased when Helena suggested they continue their conversation away from the living.

They had been gone for a while. However, Luna Lovegood assured anyone who asked that things were going very well.

No one knew how she knew.

Albus seemed to simply trust that the strange child knew such and accepted that as the truth.

He had suspicions about Luna's ability, due to her mother.

Sybill worried about that as well.

The other ghosts now fled when she approached.

Peeves had tried to chase her with scissors, mentioning something of her not getting away like Lucius Malfoy. She didn't know what that meant and she didn't want to know.

Moaning Myrtle had banned Sybill from her loo. She said only one of them could go around bemoaning life, or death, and Myrtle had already called dibs.

Tonight, the staff were having a nice private dinner together away from the students. That would lead to a few drinks.

Though some were missing, having called it an early night.

Sybill had not been verbally invited. Usually, she would just show up, but this time she waited for an actual invitation.

She wanted to know that everyone, or anyone, wanted her present.

Then she found out that the 'horseman' was going to be there and made a point to not go.

No one seemed to care. If anything, it backfired.

When she went to sneak a peek, everyone was having a great time. Firenze was the life of the party!

'It's simply not fair' Sybill sniffed, opening a new bottle.

No one asked about her or sent word for her.

Sybill spent the rest of the night with her crystals and many sherries. She would feel that in the morning. Sometimes, even pepper-up potions couldn't work on the world's worst hangover.

####SCENE BREAK####

Vivian stayed up later than the others, making sure everyone was comfortable and covered with Alex.

She knew finding this portrait meant the world to Harry. It meant the world to Remus and Sirius too.

Though, the Knights had prolonged their own lives before, being mere beings that were always between life and death, they had not brought back the actual dead.

There was a reason.

Harry had done it once. He had learned a valuable lesson.

He had used the resurrection stone so easily before because he wasn't trying to bring back the dead, only to have a word before giving up his life.

To actually summon the dead though, someone who had moved on…

Lily had shown up as a ghostly figure screaming in unimaginable pain.

Those who moved on could not come back to this realm. It was painful for them, and for their loved ones.

The first owner of the stone learned that the hard way, and so had Harry.

Lily had managed to cup a sobbing Harry's cheek before he let her disappear, at rest once more.

The dead were best left that way.

Hence, Harry's eagerness for time travel. It was a miracle they were powerful enough to come back as far as they did.

Vivian was sure that the real Lily and James were looking down, aware and full of love for Harry and the men.

'Maybe, in a way' Vivian thought. 'They're communicating through the portrait. Anything is possible. It's a nice thought at least' Vivian told herself.

Make sure everyone was good, Vivian finished up some letters. She was inviting Tonks to her birthday party personally. Vivian smiled, sealing the letter.

She also had to finish some writing for Snape.

Severus was hesitant, but still tried to get to know Vivian.

Vivian wasn't sure what to do about that. Time around him didn't help her decide.

Narcissa had written Vivian about Snape. About how he had been cursed the night Vivian was taken, just like Narcissa.

She thought he tried to look for her, but was unable to find her. The blonde also hinted to believing that Lucius might have looked as well, despite the spell on Narcissa. As if Lucius tried to find Vivian, but it was too late. She had been moved.

Narcissa theorized that Lucius gave up Vivian in a panic, trying to save her from the Lestranges in only the way his panicked mind knew how. He regretted his decision, at least Narcissa thought he did.

Vivian wasn't sure she believed that. Any of it.

As far as Vivian was concerned, Remus was and always would be her father.

She wasn't ready to think too deeply on either Snape or Malfoy.

Someday… but not tonight.

Putting aside her notebook, Vivian pulled a blanket over her and the sleeping Ron, who cuddled her as she moved to his side.

Vivian rested, wondering like the others what new surprises tomorrow might bring.

'Like I said, anything's possible…'.

A/N: What do you guys think? I hope you liked it. Trying to get into some more of the side characters a little bit to talk about some of the things I hinted to before. Any questions, suggestions or reviews are always appreciated. Though, of course, please be positive and kind. It's very appreciated. Everyone usually is and it means a lot. Next time, some big stuff with Voldemort and more. Until next time, have a great one!