Chapter 39 – Batten Down the Hatches

A Manor House

The man knelt on the freshly cleaned wood floor of his home. His head was bowed, his eyes focused on the wood grain in front of his knees. While magic had been a part of his life since birth, he had not cast a spell on the floor to relieve his aging, aching knees. It was not unheard of for those of his kind to spend a considerable amount of time on their knees, bowed before one who was greater than all. The longer one could spend in supplication without the aid of magic showed your dedication to the cause. Those who cushioned the floor were looked upon as weak.

It was dangerous to appear weak to anyone. Appearing weak before the man holding court was both expected and suicidal.

The resurrected Lord Voldemort stared down at his host. He had not been sure what the man's reaction would be upon learning the names of those who had perished in his recent venture. It seems he had killed the man's wife. Edwin Parkinson had been loyal to a fault when he had first reigned supreme, that much he did remember and his journal did not indicate a change in that particular attitude. When he had arrived at the Parkinson holiday manor Edwin had ranted at the audacity of the Black family for abandoning their honor. He had seethed, knowing they no longer sought to bring the mudbloods to heel and to rule the vermin that lived without magic. What surprised him most was Edwin thanking him for dispatching his traitorous wife.

Elanor Parkinson was from a weak family. They believed that magic was sacred even if it came from mud. It was not surprising that she had at one point believed this. What was surprising was that Edwin had not been able to beat that notion out of her. The dark lord had not struck with deliberate intention; he did not know it was Edwin's wife when he killed her. The intention of the attack on Diagon Alley was to cause Narcissa Malfoy pain before ending her insignificant life. Though it was an accident, he would take the praise for it pulled one of his chosen closer into his net.

Perhaps he should kill the daughter too? If he had learned anything from Tiberius Nott, it was that mothers who opposed their husbands damaged their children. Tiberius's second wife had ruined all of his children. Narcissa had ruined Malfoy's spawn and it was all but a forgone conclusion that the Parkinson girl would turn from him now.

His eyes moved from the prostrate man before him when the door opened. The appearance of Tiberius irritated him but he was almost pleased to see Aldridge Crabbe following a step behind him. Though he had gone to school with Tiberius and he was one of his first supporters, the man was almost more trouble than he was worth. Tiberius needed to remember his place.

Tiberius had always thought himself above the others because of that early connection and long lineage. He thought himself too valuable to take on certain tasks. Too good to be assigned certain jobs. This was not the case. While his age may prevent him from being successful in some tasks, it did not mean he was incapable of fighting. Voldemort was an intelligent man; he had scored more NEWTs than any in his year after all, and more than just about everyone before him. He knew how to read his minions, how to judge their worth. Tiberius was connected and rich, or at least he had been before pissing off the goblins and the DMLE. Now Nott had nothing save some unplottable properties and some rare spell books. Since he had no money, and his connections would not speak with him, he would need to fill a different void, or die refusing orders.

It had been harder than he thought possible to convince Nott to accompany him to Diagon Ally. Nott did not want to be caught. He feared their opposition more than he feared his lord and soon he would learn the error in his thinking.

"Tiberius," he breathed just barely above a whisper but all heard him. To not hear him when he spoke was to invite punishment. "Join Edwin." His eyes focused on Aldridge Crabbe. "Come Aldridge." He extended his hand toward the once younger man.

It did not take Aldridge long to pass the two kneeling before him. The fact that Crabbe instantly bowed his head when he stood close enough and kissed his ring gave him additional points. "You have done well. Everything I have asked of you has been done with no question. For that, your lord will reward you greatly when we are once again in power."

Aldridge did not rise from his bow until he had stopped speaking. "I live only to serve, my Lord. What is it that you need from me? What more can I do to bring the blood traitors and mudbloods to heel?"

"Do you hear that, Tiberius? So eager to please. I cannot remember a time when you respected me as much." He glared at the man, who was no longer looking at the floor. It would be a costly mistake. "I need information, Aldridge. Information that none of my other followers seem to be able to give me at present."

"If I am able, I will get you any information you need."

Voldemort tilted his head, sizing his minion up. "I need information on Hogwarts. All of Nott's children have abandoned me and I cannot trust Parkinson's daughter due to how close she was with her mother. Is your son loyal? Will he spy for us?"

A most glorious and wicked smile crossed Aldridge Crabbe's face. "My son would do anything to take down our enemies. He has been feeding me information on his classmates since he entered the school. I can tell you which of the Slytherin students are loyal, which could be turned and which are beyond saving. My son has crafted his persona to perfection. He is not the mindless oaf many think him to be. He observes, he listens."

This was a surprise. The Dark Lord knew there was more to Aldridge than his simple features suggested but he thought perhaps his son took after Aldridge's airheaded wife and not Aldridge himself. "Bring me all the information you have. I will review and see if there is anything lacking in his spying efforts. It will also show me what sort of spy he is and what exactly he is capable of." He allowed a small, almost feral smile curve his lips. "It seems I was correct to call upon you. Though you were not in my inner circle, you have done more to aid me than nearly all of them and unlike Nott, your family has done nothing to disappoint me. Let's hope this trend continues or I will have you on your knees like Nott."

He turned his attention back to the other two. "Edwin, I thank you for the use of your summer home. I hope there is no way anyone can surprise us?"

Edwin lifted his head, "I changed the wards to their most severe. The only ones who can enter are the ones listed on the log, as requested, and at present there are only four names, the four here right now. Additionally, I only allow two house elves to leave this property and they are my personal ones. The rest do not leave the property and are actually forbidden to do so. If they did leave, they would be subject to grave magical consequences activated when the moment their magic touched the wards."

The Dark Lord nodded. His notes had not lied about Parkinson. He was actually more inventive with controlling those beneath him than Lucius Malfoy was. It was a pity his original self was so stuck on the Malfoy name and family. While Abraxas had a genius mind for strategy, that did not mean his son would be of any use. He should have dissolved his trust in the man the moment it was clear he was nothing like his father. The death of Abraxas was a tragedy but it was long past time to forget about the Malfoy family; their only use was as examples for what happens when you are no longer valuable subjects.

"Stand Parkinson. I expect you will continue to impress me or you will find yourself enjoying Nott's company." He rolled his shoulders, "Aldridge, Edwin, you may leave but do not go far. Aldridge, retrieve your son's missives and then return immediately. Edwin, I am starting to feel famished, see to dinner."

The two left the room leaving behind their Lord and Tiberius.

"Now," Voldemort sauntered to the still kneeling man, "I think it is time we discussed your failings, my old friend. If you continue on this path, I may not be able to continue looking the other way."

Throughout the manor, a man's pained screams echoed down the empty halls.

Hogwarts, Teachers' Lounge

"If I could, I would rip Riddle's throat out with my teeth," Aria ground out as she slid into a chair in the teachers' lounge. It had been just over twenty-four hours since the attack and she was still in incredible pain. Severus had decreased her potions dosage to counter Cruciatus exposure, she now had to have three swallows every four hours for the next day and her aftershocks happened less often, but she was still miserable.

"I would be glad to bring you his head," Remus whispered into her hair, nuzzling her, "but I doubt he would let me get that close when the moon was calling."

"A girl can dream," she leaned her head on his shoulder.

Classes had been canceled for the day due to the attack on Diagon Alley. Headmaster Dumbledore had made an announcement at breakfast that morning. He calmly, and remorsefully told the students of Hogwarts and their guests about the attack. Though he admitted to casualties, he did not give names; by that time, most of the students knew who had lost someone already so there was no need to bring up their pain in public. Albus had also announced his relief that she and Narcissa had survived the attack relatively unscathed; the students had taken a moment of silence for the fallen and many had made a point to visit the staff table to personally ask after the blonde and redhead.

"I would take your pain if I could," Remus looked at her with his sad eyes.

"I know," she let out a huffing breath, "I'm irritated at myself. I sound like a whinny baby complaining about the pain. Pain isn't new; this shouldn't be that distracting."

"The Cruciatus curse ignites every nerve ending in your body, and each one tells your brain that it is experiencing excruciating pain." Severus led Narcissa into the room, "From how you have both explained the transformation, the pain you feel as you change is localized to what is altering. Yes, your entire body changes in a relatively short time but some things only shift, which causes very little pain. Other changes cause more pain, particularly the limbs, but the pain is instant and is then dulled by the wolf mind. Additionally, while you may feel the pain in the morning, it is dulled to something akin to extreme muscle fatigue compared to the initial pain of the change."

Both werewolves nodded when he paused to pull out a chair for Narcissa, before sitting next to the pregnant blonde. That was as accurate as you could get without feeling the pain yourself.

"With the Crucio, on the other hand, each aftershock hurts less but each is still an ignition of every nerve ending in your body so it takes considerable time to actually feel the difference between the curse and the after effects. You do not get a reprieve as the wolf takes over either. The pain is continuous." He took Aria's hand, "It is no wonder you are still considerably affected even after a day. Potions masters continue to look for something better to fight the effects but are stumped. The only thing that helps with the pain is the potion you are taking and it is designed to fix damage done to the nerves, not to dull the pain. Pain potions, even the one designed for after the full moon didn't do anything, even though I hoped they would. For some reason, the curse just does not allow pain control potions to work."

"I still feel like an annoying whiner."

Narcissa placed her hand over Severus's, "Don't. We all know you can take pain and we all know how long you suffered. Riddle has always held great power and an unnatural amount of rage. You saved me and our daughter by pulling me out of the way. I can't thank you enough, Aria."

"Before anyone else gets here, we did wish to ask you something," Severus spoke before the others could. "We would like to ask you to be the godmother for our daughter."

"You have already saved her once, Aria, and we know that if anything were to happen to us, you would take on armies to protect her." She looked at Severus and he nodded, "Remus, we would like to officially ask you to be Roderick's godfather."

"Like Aria, you are protective of your family and fierce in their defense."

"We wanted to do it this way to keep you both in their lives and to also honor Bill and my niece. Andromeda has already insisted that I chose Dora to be Roderick's godmother so she can be a doting aunt; Dora agreed this morning when she stopped by to check on me."

"We thought Bill would also be an ideal choice to be our daughter's godfather. His strength and connection to the goblins are a comfort to us."

"I am honored, Cissy," Aria wiped a tear from her eye. "I will be the best godmother and aunty to those kids and if dark lords think they are going to come for them, they better fear the wrath of Accalia."

Remus stared quietly at Severus. "I have regretted our beginning for a very long time and never thought there would come a time when you would trust me completely. There are no words to describe the honor and relief I feel that you would trust me, not only to watch your back, but most importantly, your belief that I could properly protect your children."

"Both of us were at fault back in school."

"Barely."

Severus nodded, most of the fault lay with the Marauders, "While that is true, I am also aware of what how your contributions differed in those times. If there was anyone in your group who was in it for the fun and laughter it was you. Your pranks were in fun and never singled out a person or group. You were the voice of reason, of tolerance." He met the werewolf's eyes, "Like me, you feared being ostracized by your friends so you did things you regretted. You and I are very much alike."

Remus nodded, "I have to agree, but perhaps we should table this heart to heart. Albus is already crying and I don't think I will be able to see him in the same way if he starts blubbering."

The four turned their attention to the door fully to find the Headmaster and the remaining Heads of house waiting just inside the room. Each had tears in their eyes, Filius and Pomona were dabbing at their eyes with handkerchiefs and had only just managed not to make a sound. Minerva's eyes were glistening but she had yet to allow a tear to spill over, she had a reputation to uphold after all.

Albus let his tears run freely; he was so immensely proud of his boys. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve, "Well done, boys. I think perhaps we should get this meeting started before the rest of the staff arrives. I wanted each of the Heads and Remus present to start as we discuss security of the students. Alastor has given me his recommendations while he patrols the grounds looking for weak points." He looked at each of them briefly, "Who would like to start?"

"I am going to say that Narcissa will be spending most of the remainder of the school year here. I won't be able to focus if she is outside the wards here or Grimmauld."

"Of course, my boy. I expected to see more of Miss Black and Miss Thorne. I understand your reluctance to allow them to be far from you and it is completely reasonable for spouses to live at the castle while school is in session. Both these women are essentially your spouses, as you are two happily engaged couples. We have all received the invitations to Remus and Aria's wedding and are simply waiting for your lovely fiancé to work out the details of your own wedding." The old man raised an eyebrow, daring the man to challenge anything he had just said. "Did you have anything else or was that all you wished to add about safety?"

Remus, knowing Severus needed assistance, spoke up, "Actually, Severus and I have been passing around an idea that I think we should implement now and potentially keep after the danger is gone." He took a quick breath, "We thought that it might be a good idea to have two professors in charge of each house, we are already partially doing this with the Gryffindors. The reason we have this in place for the lions is to free up Minerva to assist you more but also helps for the nights of the full moon."

"I would have to agree that this is helping my lions." Minerva nodded, "with both of us available, they have two people they can approach when needed. There are some students who find me overly intimidating but are completely comfortable bringing their concerns to Remus. If we ensured that there was a male and female head then that might add comfort to some students in all houses."

"That was one of the reasons I felt it would be beneficial," Severus agreed. "I am not the most liked professor and some of the younger years find me terrifying. I am trying to be less of a dungeon bat, as many call me, but my class is dangerous so I don't feel comfortable losing all of my edge. I have also noticed that a few of the older students will tell the more timid snakes to talk to Aurora if they are uncomfortable coming to me. I have been thankful for this and see that she enjoys helping where she can."

"I would be honored to have someone help with my students," Pomona smiled, "I don't think I have problems with students not approaching me but additional eyes would help."

"With the staff we currently have, I would recommend Bathsheda to be my second for Ravenclaw."

Albus smiled, "This is a sound idea and we will implement today. I would like Gryffindor to continue as they are. We shall ask Aurora Sinistra, Bathsheda Babbling and perhaps Charity Burbage? We appear to have more female members of staff and while I trust Hagrid with my life, I do not think him suited for this sort of thing plus he is busy with the grounds."

"Charity would be wonderful with the children," Pomona agreed. "She is a very good listener."

"Perfect," Albus made a note, "other ideas?"

"Do we continue Hogsmeade visits?"

Albus looked surprised at Pomona's question for a moment but then looked thoughtful. "I think, for the safety of our students, we should consider stopping them now before something happens. There are enough activities every weekend with the tournament in full swing that many would stay on grounds anyway." He ran a hand down his beard, "Most who did go into town went for short visits, food and beverage have always been most popular. I could open up discussions with business owners; we could invite them to open stalls around the grounds to continue selling to the students."

"I agree that it would be best to err on the side of caution," Severus steeped his hands, "If we did allow businesses onto the grounds, I think we would need to require they and their products are scanned prior to entry to ensure they are who they claim to be."

"We would also need to verify that no one was using Polyjuice," Remus added. "That is easy enough to determine with the right equipment," he thought of the map. He really did need to finish the copies he was making for himself and Severus.

"Our guest students would need permission from their Headmasters to leave and technically we can't keep the students who are of age on the grounds during the weekend." Minerva tilted her head, "If we screen everyone who enters the grounds it would be best. All individuals would need to have tickets for the events, be a student or an authorized business representative."

Albus nodded, "Alastor will be pleased with these additions. He has been demanding much more security and while this doesn't quite cover what he has demanded, it will appease him to a point. I agree that we need to put the students first, so if outside individuals have to spend a bit more time at the edge of the wards, so be it. I am meeting with Amelia later today to discuss added security for the tournament. Tomorrow is the second to last quidditch match, Basilisks verses Unicorns, and last I heard, the stadium was nearly sold out."

"I will have something for whomever is covering the check point at the border of the wards that will show the name of the individual the wards are feeling," Remus added quickly.

Albus's eyes twinkled at him, "I would love to see your notes on that particular project. A map of Hogwarts showing the current locations within her borders; I really would love to study it in depth. I am extremely impressed that you managed such an undertaking during school."

Remus shifted in his seat, unsure of what to make of the glances he was getting from his colleagues. It still surprised him that very little escaped Albus; none of them had any idea that he had known of their little venture and it was equally surprising that he allowed them to keep it once finished. Minerva was giving him the most accusing glare of his adult life, he honestly felt like he was twelve and she was reprimanding him for the applesauce incident all over again. Filius had a look of both confusion and anticipation; no doubt the little charms expert would demand to see his notes and discuss every detail of the map's construction. And then there was Severus's smirk. He just had to look so smug seeing Remus get singled out for something whose usage probably should have seen him in detention every night of his schooling all those years ago.

He cleared his throat in discomfort, "I would be happy to show you what I have from back then and discuss the changes I am making to improve our little project. Hopefully, with some help from Harry's explorations, the entire school can be mapped and no one, save the ghosts can escape our observation."

"Very good, my boy. I can hardly wait."

Albus resumed the meeting after that. Additional changes were discussed. Student progress was evaluated. Harry and Cedric were discussed at length; their Heads of House reporting on any concerns they had with their overall state of mind and course work. It was decided that the two of them could be excused from end of year exams if they so choose but both had assured their professors they would still be sitting exams; Cedric because he was just that dedicated and Harry because Hermione would kill him if he didn't.

Remus was nearly out of the staff room when Minerva finally addressed the earlier comments about his activity in school. "Mister Lupin," she said in the same manner she did when catching the Weasley twins red handed. "Am I to assume that you and your friends managed to create a map of the school that informed you of the positions of all people within the school?"

Gulping, he nodded. "We did, yes. It was completed before Christmas holidays sixth year."

She nodded, her face set in stone. "While I applaud your inventiveness and the complexity of the work required for such a task, I have half a mind to assign you and Sirius detention for the remainder of your lives for using such a genius piece of magic for pranks. Equally, I would like to assign all of you lines and make you clean the dungeons with your toothbrushes for losing this masterpiece which, I am guessing, found its way to the Weasley twins." She strode up to where he was frozen in the doorway, "I blame the marauders for every gray hair on my head."

Had it been Sirius standing there, he would have said something to question whether she had grey hair, which in and of itself was not bad. What would have been bad was him calling her Minnie or Professor Kitty. If there was one good thing about growing up, it was that you didn't have to work with your friends, so you weren't punished for their complete lack of tact.

Muggle London

Sirius Black was a nervous wreck. Had teenaged Padfoot seen his adult self like this, he would have mocked himself mercilessly. The Black heir had been a lady's man; a smooth talker. For a young man who had dated four girls at once, two Puffs, a Claw and a Lion with no repercussions, he was not holding up well with waiting.

To his great surprise, Liz had called. While he had sent Dobby to her home with the mirror, instructing the elf to leave it where she would easily find it, he had not expected her to use it. During the horrors of the aftermath and the nightmares that kept many of their group from sleep, Sirius had managed to convince himself that he would never see her or her son again. He was sure that he did not deserve her; his mistakes with the Potters meant that he could never have her. Allowing her to be touched, even just through knowledge, to the darkness in his life meant he was the worst man in the history of men.

His letter to her had been beyond emotional, stopping just short of begging and admitted to how deep his affection already was. Honestly, he was rather embarrassed by what he had written.

Liz

I wish I hadn't had to run off on you and Chris. You and your son were the bright spot in my day; actually, I was the bright spot in my month. I completely enjoyed myself, though I feel I may have shared a bit too much. Sometimes I just don't seem to know when to shut up; my cousin tells me that all the time.

In the spirit of sharing too much, I will give you an update on what happened before and after we parted yesterday. A man who wishes to rule over all, Tom Riddle, attacked our biggest shopping district yesterday, targeting my family. He and his companions did not care who they hurt in their quest to take down my cousin Narcissa, they left behind a number of casualties, including several of those they claim to champion. Narcissa survived unscathed. Her niece Dora had only minor cuts and scrapes. My friend's fiancé is in a great deal of pain but will be fine in time with no lasting damage. The worst bit is that my other cousin, Andromeda, lost her arm in the confrontation. She will live but will have to relearn everything. I will say that my cousins did manage to take down one of the individuals so there is a bright side to all of this.

Enough of that. As promised, I made you a mirror of your own. It does not require magic to work, only what is already there. All you will need to do is say my name and your mirror will call mine. As I don't know who is around you at any given time, I will leave first contact up to you. I will answer any time you call.

I know that my life must seem overly complicated and even dangerous, so I wouldn't be surprised if you decided you needed to stay away for the safety of you and your son. Despite knowing this, I would still like to get to know you and your son and at the very least I would like for you to have the ability to call someone if find yourself confused by the magical world.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours,

Sirius Black

When the mirror, tied only to hers, had buzzed in his pocket he had nearly wept with joy. Dmitri, who had been sitting at the kitchen table with him eating a late lunch due to their disturbed sleep the night before, had given him a confused look, thinking that something was wrong. The younger man had been all smiles while he shamelessly listened into the conversation before Sirius left the room.

Liz had apologized for not calling him that morning! She hadn't wanted to use the mirror while her ailing mother was hovering and then she had been with a room full of loud, nosey five-year-old children. Her students, being so young, left earlier than the rest of the school, meaning that she was alone in her classroom until she had to collect Chris from his own class.

They had talked for nearly an hour. Sirius filled her in on the status of his family; she had been glad to know they had survived but extremely sorry that Andromeda had lost her arm. After that depressing topic, they had moved onto her life story, or at least part of it. Learning her mother had been very into the Swinging Sixties movement, despite being a bit older than the majority of her friends. The woman took it a bit farther than most too, hitting the drug scene off and on for the fun of it. This had been the reason Liz's parents divorced and she had gone to live with her father when he got a job in America.

It was in America where she met her husband. They went to the same college, though he was only attending to appease his parents before joining the police force, while she was fulfilling her dream by going on to become a teacher. Brandon Walker had died while off duty during a robbery at a convenience store before Chris's fourth birthday.

Moving home had been the best move both for her and for her mother. Gwen Roland, Liz's mother, was paying the price for her free lifestyle. She was sick. Muggle Healers didn't give her all that much time until she wasn't able to function without the aid of a nurse.

Sirius had asked about Chris's assignment and the teacher. Liz had happily told him that she had spoken to the other teacher that morning before classes started and the teacher was forced to adjust the assignment for anyone who didn't feel that they had a male parental figure in their life; those students would be able to speak to their mother figures instead.

After a bit of nonsense, Liz had, unfortunately, had to go but had invited him to join them for pizza that night. As per tradition, Liz and Chris went out to Pizza every other Friday. Normally this would not be pizza Friday, but due to his argument with his teacher, he was getting a pizza pick-me-up. The single mother thought Sirius also needed a night out, and hoped he would enjoy a night with her and her son. The Grimm Animagus had asked for the time and place almost before she had finished asking him to join them.

Now he waited. He had gotten to the pizza place half an hour early; he had slightly miscalculated the distance. Sirius had irritated his house guests due to his anticipation for this little date and had decided to walk a portion of the distance to get rid of some excess energy. Unfortunately, he chose a public floo only ten minutes from the pizza place so he was exceptionally early and chose to get a table as opposed to walking around outside like a crazy person. Sitting in the booth by himself made him anxious so he ordered some soda, and had since drank several glasses. Perhaps not his best plan, the excess caffeine in his system made him feel slightly sick.

He knew the second she arrived. The feeling of the room changed, at least for him. All it took was looking into her eyes and he settled. While by societies standards she was not the epitome of beauty, to him she was stunning. The fact that her kid, who looked just like her, lit up like a Christmas tree when their eyes met made him feel like a hero for the first time in his life.

The Walkers were good for him, even if this never went beyond friendship.

Sirius stood, a hesitant smile on his face, and sighed in relief for what felt like the hundredth time that day when she smiled back at him.

"Sirius," Chris said excitedly before rushing, not running as his mom told him not to, across the room. He stopped right in front of the wizard and grinned up at him. "Hi."

He laughed softly, "Hi, Chris, how was school?"

"Good. My teacher apologized for assuming things. I told mom today that maybe I could have talked to you about the assignment," the boy spoke quickly and missed the shocked look on Sirius's face, "but mom said that might make you uncomfortable and it was too soon to do that. I thought that was silly but she's my mom so I kind of have to listen to her." He plopped down into the booth and grabbed the menu. "I'm hungry."

Liz smiled up at Sirius, "He really likes you, and he really did want to talk to you about that assignment. If we had met you more than a day ago, I might not have felt so conflicted about that. Maybe someday." She studied his face carefully, "How are you, really?"

He leaned down and kissed her cheek, "I'm better now that you're here. To be honest, I felt like James when he had his first date with Lily. Like him, I kept thinking I was going to get stood up because I am such a moron." He looked at Chris who was studying the menu very seriously, and it appeared he was looking at the dessert portion, not the pizza, "I wish I could feel as sure of this as he does. I've become a pessimist and tend to expect the worst."

"Being a parent did that to me. I'm one of those crazy parents who hears a siren and panics thinking there is something wrong with my kid even when he is in the next room. You're definitely not alone in the pessimism department." They both looked over at Chris to see he was staring at them with a demanding look. "We should probably sit before he starts to riot."

"Probably a good idea," he grinned as he slid back into the booth across from his companions. "Alright, let's get some pizza and then maybe, if your mom says so, we can play some games."

Both boy and man looked at Liz, hopeful, puppy dog eyes pleading. She rolled her eyes, smiled and shook her head slightly, "Fine, but only if you eat your dinner first. That goes for both of you." The last she aimed as Sirius, causing them both to laugh while Chris cheered in glee.

'This.' Sirius thought, soaking up the light hearted, innocent feeling around him, 'Right here, this is what I have been missing.'

Come and Go Room

Harry Potter sat staring at a fire made by the castle in a room that could be anything they wanted or needed. Beside him sat his girlfriend, his best friend, Hermione Granger. She sat with her head on his shoulder, her arms around his chest, holding on tightly.

Around them were those they were closest to.

Neville Longbottom was to Harry's right, slouched in an armchair, staring unseeing into the flames. Fay Dunbar, sister, friend and werewolf, lounged on the floor on a pile of pillows, one of those pillows clutched tightly in her arms. To her left, his hip by her head, sat her Russian werewolf boyfriend. He sat with his feet on the floor; his knees up with his arms draped over them.

The twins also sat in armchairs, side by side on the other side of the couch Harry and Hermione sat in. Fred was alone; Angelina had decided to break up with him due to his betting on the tournament the week before. George had his girlfriend in his lap. Nicole was new to the group but with recent events, she and the redheaded jokester had been rather reluctant to be apart.

Harry and Hermione were not the only ones on the couch. Curled into a ball at Hermione's feet was a quiet Luna Lovegood.

Draco Malfoy was never far from this group and sat in a chair next to Neville, completely lost in thought; his eyes distant. Theo sat on the floor at his feet, leaning his back against the chair, his legs fully extended.

The last additions to the group were Blaise Zabini and Daphne Greengrass. Blaise had always been a quiet young man; living his life with dignity and honor. In the past day, he had become like stone. He sat on a second couch Daphne at his side. The Greengrass heiress was much like the Italian boy, holding her emotions in check and living by the old laws of magic and chivalry. Daphne was also an extremely loyal friend. She had attached herself to Blaise to ensure he had a shoulder should he ever need it.

"What do we do?" Hermione asked the silent room.

For a time, the only sound was the cracking of the fire. It was Harry who finally answered, "We keep going. We learn, we train and we protect each other."

"We have faith," Fay added, her eyes meeting Harry's. "We believe in the adults we know are trying to end this. Remus, Sirius, Professor Snape."

"Amelia Bones, Narcissa, Bill," Neville added quietly but firmly.

"My father, Blaise's family, and the rest of the teachers." Daphne placed a hand on Blaise's knee as she spoke. "They do not want to see us fighting their battles so we let them fight. But while they fight, we learn and support each other."

"It would be a smart time to bring down the barriers between houses," Luna sat up, her eyes clear. "Fighting within Hogwarts only makes them stronger. If we can leave rivalries on the pitch, perhaps we can stop our generation from repeating the mistakes of the past."

"Instead of thinking of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin," Hermione continued, "we think of Hogwarts. We don't think of blood status but of acceptance. What does it matter who my father is? Why does someone think poorly of Harry's mother's parentage when in the same breath she is a hero for protecting her son?"

"My father is a pureblood but he kidnapped and attempted to murder someone. Most condemn him as they should but, in certain circles people would still respect him more than Hermione or professor Flitwick." Theo frowned as he spoke, "These are the things we should be fighting. Shouldn't the actions of a person mean more than where or how they grew up?"

"I grew up being treated like a house elf," Harry added. He had not shared that with many people. Hermione and Neville knew the whole sad tale; Fred and George had guessed at much of it due to the rescue before second year. "I didn't have a bedroom until I got my Hogwarts letter. It was addressed to the cupboard under the stairs." He shook his head at the memories of that time; his family had been ridiculous. Unfortunately, he could do nothing to attempt to fix that relationship because of Nott. "If my upbringing should define me, then I should be cleaning the castle with the elves while getting sandwiches and soup every day. If I missed a spot, took too long, was too loud, I would be denied meals."

Draco hid his shock well, but was sick on the inside. That was no way for any child to grow up. "I was raised to act as though everyone was beneath me. By my father's insistence, I should be the top student in this school, no matter the year or experience. Hermione outscores me in every class. Neville outscores seventh years in Herbology and Harry is insanely good at Defense, though Blaise has more knowledge of curses."

"If my father had his way," Theo admitted, "I would have been dead long ago."

"I'm a muggleborn," Nicole Frey grinned. "According to many I am not worthy of being here, and yet I am the best potions student in the school."

"Our mother has been telling us we would end up in Azkaban because of our pranks."

George nodded at his brother's admission. "She says that the only way to be respected in society is to work for the ministry. The funny thing is, our brother Bill is a very respected wizard. He works for Gringotts as a curse breaker and has been working closely with the ministry and the staff here to bring the Dark Tosser down."

"We want to open a joke shop," Fred smiled. "Because even in times of darkness, people still need to laugh."

"Traditionally, coming to Hogwarts is how a young witch finds her husband." Daphne looked at her nails, "while my father is not so archaic as to believe that is all school is good for, there are others who think just that. Tracey walks around attempting to be the perfect pureblood princess so she can gain the best match. Young ladies of foreign bloodlines act silly around the oldest families so their parents can gain additional contacts. There is a reason Cho Chang worked so hard to get Cedric to notice her; he is just lucky she actually likes him."

Blaise frowned, "There are some wizards that actively seek out desperate girls and trick them into relationships while at school with the intent of ruining their reputations so that they will have a more difficult time finding a respectable match." He shook his head, "It is mostly out of practice because there are some fathers who will ruin the wizard in retaliation, but this is still happening. It should not."

Fay had sat up to lean on Ilya, "I was bitten by Fenrir Greyback on a full moon before third year." She saw a sliver of shock on Blaise's face, while Daphne simply raised an eyebrow. Nicole had lifted her head from George's shoulder momentarily, but shrugged, not concerned. "My mother decided I was no longer welcome in their house. If it weren't for Hermione, and by extension Harry, I would not be here right now."

"I was born a werewolf," Ilya took Fay's hand, proud that she would share. "My country is attempting to work with the packs to allow werewolf children an education. Those of respected tribes that have the backing of the Alpha could be allowed to attend school so long as their change is not on school grounds and it does not interfere with classes; they started with me as a trial. If I fail, all others will he stuck learning from parents and books."

"The student body sees me as crazy because I say things they don't understand." Luna could see the wolf in both so was not concerned with their secrets. "What they don't realize is that most of the time I'm just saying that to keep them away. I see truth. When I look at someone, I can see to the heart of their person; to the potential. From the first moment I saw Harry Potter, I knew he was a genuine person, who spoke truth because that was his identity. I looked at some in my dorms and saw they were unable to decide for themselves and in others I saw fear of the unknown. It is because of them I am Loony Lovegood. They labeled me that before I started talking about Nargles and Wrackspurts."

The group was silent a moment. Neville decided to share what he had only shared with Harry, "I didn't show obvious signs of magic when I was little. It was actually a well-known fact in the magical world because Uncle Algie used to rant about it at the Leaky; it's why Draco called me a squib when we first got here in first year."

"Sorry about that, Neville."

Neville waved him off, "You apologized already, Draco. What only Harry knows is that Uncle Algie tried to force the magic out of me. He threw me into a lake before I could swim, and 'accidentally' dropped me while hanging me out a window by my ankles. Had my magic not shown itself, my great uncle could and probably would have killed me."

"This," Harry said simply. "This is what the school needs. I don't think there is a person here who thinks poorly or less of anyone in this room after what was just shared. Am I wrong?" He searched faces but could see no argument. "I am sure there was shock but we are also intelligent enough to think. You may not know Ilya, but you all at least knew of Fay during the last school year. Did anyone suspect that she was a werewolf? Does anyone think she needs to be caged now that you know?"

It was Blaise who finally answered, "Had I known at the beginning I would have had questions. I probably would not have approved. Hearing that you have been affected for over a year, and I have not heard anything about werewolves in the area, other than the death of Greyback, means those objections are groundless. Our society is ruled by fear. Fear of the unknown. Greyback was a monster, I suspect, not because of the full moon but because he wanted more and chose violence to get it."

"Information is the key to understanding," Daphne agreed. "My father actually has ties to Alphas from international packs. They have explained certain things about the transformation to him and it is up to the individual to choose their path. One path leads to destruction, the other leads to an understanding of self or inner peace." She studied the Gryffindor girl, "I suspect you have begun on the second path. Whoever is teaching you is wise and I assume respected internationally."

Fay smiled, "You are correct Daphne. My Alpha is the first respected Alpha in Britain." She turned her attention to Blaise, "I had hoped that would be your conclusion when I shared. I was not worried about Daphne, mostly because I knew of her father's connections. Theo had figured it out and the others have been in on my secret for some time. I had hoped you were a person ruled by logic. I hoped, that knowing how long this has been my life, you would come to the conclusion that I am essentially the same as I was when I first walked through the doors of the great hall. If four Slytherin students can accept that, then why can't others?"

"I think the biggest problem," Nicole mused, "is that everyone puts on a mask when they walk through the halls. If you're a Gryffindor, you have to be brave, so therefore you can't show fear. You also can't be overly studious or you just don't fit in."

"That was my problem before Harry became my friend. And honestly after."

"If you are a Hufflepuff," Nicole continued, "you have to be accepting. The only problem is that no one can accept everything. And, though they are typically hard working, even a Puff can be lazy."

"Ravenclaws may be more studious," Luna grinned, "but that doesn't mean they understand life outside that knowledge. And just because someone can't write a dry, fact-based paper on how to transfigure a mouse into a snuffbox, that doesn't mean they aren't smart. There are things Harry knows that I will never really understand. Neville will always know more about plants but he may not be able to write a book on them right now."

Draco gave a wry smile, "Just because you are sorted into Slytherin does not make you cunning. I was probably the least cunning of the four of us when we got here because I just expected things to be handed to me. I honestly think Daphne has us all beat there. And just because you are cunning and ambitious does not make you evil."

"The stereotype that all the evil came out of Slytherin needs to stop," Harry said quietly but firmly. "My parents were betrayed by a Gryffindor; a Gryffindor that had no family ties to the pureblood movement. Sirius, Narcissa and Andromeda come from one of the most feared families but they want this darkness to be defeated." He smiled ruefully, "I am a Parselmouth. In Britain, that typically means I am a dark wizard; in India, that means I have a revered gift."

"Fear. This society is ruled by fear."

"And they alienate those who aren't the same," Luna added when Hermione finished. It was no wonder the girl was the one to voice this; seeing as her house and alienated her for her father's reputation.

"So, we make a change." Harry looked around the room. "We have a start here. Slytherins and Gryffindors, and Luna. What about the Puffs and Claws? Cedric sometimes spends time with us but that is really only when the other champions are around. Who else out there could feel like we do and be brave enough to cross house lines?"

"Roger Davis," Fred said instantly. "The quidditch teams actually spend a lot of time together and get along well. Also, Fleet."

"The other Puffs will follow Fleet and Cedric," George agreed. "I don't think there is anyone on either of the teams who would go back to ignoring their team members just because they were from a different house."

"Susan Bones," Neville added. "Her aunt has always advised her to look beyond houses. She just hasn't really succeeded because Hannah can be rather shy around non-Puffs."

"Padma," Hermione smiled. "She has been spending a bit more time around her sister, though she mostly talks to me."

"You know," Fay added, "we did that one girl's night, but never did another one. If went fairly well, so why did we stop?"

"Pansy and Millie," Daphne sighed. "Pansy in particular was rather horrible when you weren't around Hermione. For some reason she fears you more than me now. Millie is just fine when she is alone but Pansy likes to keep her close so she has someone to agree with her on everything."

"I hope Pansy is alright," Draco sighed. "I may not have wanted to marry her, but she is going to be so lost without her mother. Most of the 'horrible Pansy' is a result of her father. She did whatever he wanted but she wasn't as bad after she talked with her mother. Having a version of the Dark Lord kill her mother will destroy her life as she knows it. It will prove everything her mother has been saying, quiet as it was, and she will lose all faith in her father. That is if he ever shows up."

"They still can't find him?" Hermione wondered.

Draco shook his head, "I talked to mother this morning and she heard from Sirius that he is still missing. No one is sure where he is."

"How are you doing, Blaise?" Harry asked quietly.

"I am…" he paused unsure how to put his emotions to words. "My mother may not have been the most affectionate mother but she is the reason I survived this long. She had a reputation of causing the death of every man she married, that was partially true." He looked off, staring at nothing. "My grandfather heads a large organization; known for having absolute power and control. Many sought my mother's affections to attempt to gain from her position as princess of the family. Some of those men she thought loved her and she liked well enough so she married them. There always seemed to come a time when they would decide that I was no longer needed. My father died protecting me and my mother from a rival; my mother's other husbands died while trying to kill me.

"It is hard knowing she will not be there. My grandfather is destroyed; she was his heart. He and I are both sad, but mostly we are angry. Tom Riddle does not know what he has brought upon himself by taking my mother from us. The wrath of the most powerful familia will rain down on him." He looked up from his hands, "I stand with you, Harry Potter." Blaise got to his feet and placed his hand over his heart, "Your enemy, is my enemy. My wand is yours to command. Should you need me, I will come without hesitation."

Harry, sensing the seriousness of the moment, stood, "Your loss, is my loss. I fight for those who have fallen, but more, for those who remain. I will not rest, while he still walks." Harry extended a hand toward the Italian. "I am honored to have you by my side."

Blaise placed his hand in Harry's, gripping it tightly. "You are an honorable wizard, Harry. I regret not getting to know you before now."

Draco stood next, "My wand will always point toward a man who would target women and children."

"My wand has been turned to this evil since I was a year old." Neville stood, placing himself at Harry's side. "His minions took my parents just as he took yours."

"My allegiance is yours," Daphne rose to her feet. "Though he claims to fight for tradition, he destroys as much if not more than he protects. He knows not what we stand for, so should not be someone a traditionalist follows. Additionally, children are innocent. They are the future and should be revered."

"A Weasley always stands for what is right," George stood after helping Nicole to her feet, holding her hand.

Fred joined him a moment later, "House Weasley has already pledged their wands to this fight; Fred and George pledge theirs to our honorary brother, Harry Potter."

Luna hopped to her feet, unable to speak with the emotion she was feeling but she was nodding with a determined look on her face.

"All I am and all I have; I pledge to this fight. The one who killed my grandfather followed this madness," Fay stood, Ilya behind her his hands on her shoulders. "The children of the moon do not need to be seen as mindless animals who seek blood and destruction; my wolf follows you, my brother in heart."

Hermione was the last to stand. She moved between the boys, placing herself in front of Harry. "Where you go, I go." She took his face in her hands, "Anything you need, I will be there to help. If you need research, I will there. If you need a shoulder, mine will be there. Planning, training, a sounding board, anything, I swear that I will be there. I will not lose my best friend. I love you, Harry Potter."

Around the room, the group connected. Fred threw an arm around his brother's shoulder, who continued to hold Nicole's hand. Daphne took Blaise and Draco's hands. Theo dropped his hand on Blaise's shoulder and reached for Fay's hand. Ilya left his arms wrapped around Fay's waist as she took Draco and Neville's hands. Draco placed his free hand on Hermione's shoulder. Both Fred and Neville placed a hand on Harry's shoulders. Harry, his face still held in Hermione's hands, cupped his girlfriend's cheek in one hand and reached for the lone Ravenclaw.

Luna watched as magic flowed through the room, the vows they made to each other connecting and flowing about the room. The magic built with each connection and it was beautiful. Seeing the open ends of the chain, she reached for and clasped Nicole and Harry's hands at the same time, completing the circles.

Though only one could see it, they all felt a rush of power, pure and clean, sweep through them. A promise was made; pure and selfless. If their elders failed, they would be the end to the darkness that hunted them, one and all. Tom Riddle would not run free while they held breath. One day, they would stand, free of the darkness; allies, friends, family. The beginning of a revolution, the end of Lord Voldemort.


A huge thank you to Draconin who is helping me with past and future editing!