The Family Name

Sixth Year

By Elbereth in April

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter (JK Rowling) or Artemis Fowl (Eoin Colfer) nor do I profit from these stories. I just love the books.

Chapter 1

Three weeks after the start of summer holidays, Artemis Fowl stood facing Voldemort in a graveyard. He was flanked by Butler and an Invisibility-Cloaked Sirius Black, with an invisibly shielded Holly Short hovering just above. Voldemort had brought along three masked Death Eaters he was pretty sure were the LeStranges, and Snape, who had set up the meeting.

"Albus Dumbledore has been conspiring with one of my associates. I'm sure you can figure out which one."

Artemis nodded. Koboi. He himself had faked the vision for Voldemort, through Potter.

"He's a dangerous wizard. I think the time is near to—put him down. Are you the killing type, Fowl?"

"Are you asking me to kill Albus Dumbledore?"

But Voldemort shook his head. "No, no. as clever as you are, you're still a boy. You couldn't out-magic him."

"I wouldn't use magic to kill Dumbledore."

"I can't simply have your bodyguard gun him down. He must die at wandpoint. No, I'll kill him myself. But there's nothing wrong with cheating. You have access to Dumbledore. You could… weaken him before then."

"A poison, then. Administered so as to be undetectable."

"Which is where your genius comes in."

Artemis's mind was racing. "What would my compensation be?"

"Severus told me you're interested in alchemy. And I have Grindelwald's notebook. What it doesn't say on Dumbledore's chocolate frog card—" definite sneer "—is that he and Grindelwald were studying alchemy together before he ever joined up with Flamel."

"One notebook, and five new spells," Artemis countered.

Voldemort smiled. "One notebook and three spells. Plus you have the summer to plan the method."

"Oh, I already know how I'll do it. You have a deal."

At which time, of course, both tried to Legilimize each other again. Voldemort proved much more resistant this time; he'd obviously been practicing. Artemis tried to dig further into the maniac's plans with Koboi, but he didn't have time to get deep enough before Voldemort managed to push him out.

But he'd given Slytherin's locket to Regulus Black.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Later that same day, Snape summoned Artemis and Butler to Grimmauld Place to meet with Dumbledore.

"So, Mr. Fowl, you have been instructed to poison me."

"Strange, really. I would have thought he'd have the Potions Master do it."

"I don't really know much about Muggle poisons," Snape admitted, shrugging. "Dumbledore would sense a magic potion. Besides, it's as much of a test for you as anything."

"Did you really decide the method of poisoning in approximately twenty seconds?"

Artemis lifted one eyebrow. "No. I made various contingency plans regarding various people when I first came to the wizarding world. Just in case. Things have changed since then, of course."

Dumbledore unsuccessfully tried to ward off a twitch. "In the lemon drops?"

"Too obvious. Plus you offer them to too many other people. In your laundry. Your socks, to be specific. The poison I would use is slow-acting and builds up over time. You wouldn't show any symptoms for three months, and then it would be too late."

"It's a good thing for me you won't actually go through with it, isn't it?" Dumbledore smiled, seeming to shrug off his unease.

"A very good thing," Artemis replied, completely serious. In point of fact, he wouldn't use the socks, either. He would filter a chemical in through the air in the Headmaster's office, combining it with a separate reactant in his beard cream so that only by being exposed to the two together would he be infected, slowly but with no possible antidote. "You can fake the symptoms, though, to keep the act going until the last possible moment. Once he fails to kill you, I will be revealed."

Dumbledore nodded, becoming grave himself over that. "We will have to make every moment count."

"He gave Regulus Black Slytherin's locket. He was supposed to put it in that cave by the sea you told me about."

"How—"

Artemis tapped his forehead.

"Ah." Dumbledore contemplated him a moment, then nodded. "Very well. We'll work out the details of the subterfuge. Were you able to determine the exact location of the cave?"

"Pretty closely. I'll need to see a map."

"All right. I plan to visit the old Gaunt home within the next few days. I assume you'll still insist on accompanying me?"

"As will Potter, as you are no doubt aware."

"I will entrust Butler to keep you both a good dozen feet behind me," Dumbledore smiled. "If that is agreed, you may come. If that visit proceeds well, we will go to the cave later on."

"Fine." Artemis just wanted to see and know, after all.

When Artemis went back into the living room, Potter was waiting for him. "You're coming to find the Horcrux, yes?"

"Yes."

"I took Malfoy's suggestion, you know. Sirius stayed with me the week I had to spend at the Dursleys."

Artemis slowly smirked. "How did it go?"

Harry grinned hugely. "Brilliant. They were terrified of him. I didn't have to do any chores while I was there, or give up my trunk and magic books or my wand… but don't tell Malfoy that. Just say it wasn't a bad idea."

"He doesn't need an ego boost, I agree." Artemis suddenly decided he would like to meet the Dursleys sometime, and ruin them. He imagined it would be incredibly easy. "Bring the basilisk fang to the Gaunt house. If all goes well, we'll need it."

SSSSSSSSSSSSS

Accordingly, three days later, Dumbledore, Butler, Artemis, and Potter were walking down a dirt path in between overgrown hedgerows to reach a house in a small copse in the woods. The house was old and mostly fallen apart, with holes in the roof and walls and broken-out windows.

Butler and the boys stood just outside the foundations as Dumbledore made his way over boards and weeds into the main room. "I am going to cast a charm to reveal magical concealments and curses," he told them.

They watched as he did so. There were quite a few curses and wards, in fact, but only one concealment charm. It covered a section of floor in the very center of what must have been the kitchen. Something had been buried there.

Artemis observed with interest as Dumbledore cancelled the curses and broke down the wards, memorizing a couple new incantations. Then the old man cast a digging spell and levitated an iron box out of the hole he'd made. He unlocked the box. Inside was the ring.

"Success," Artemis breathed.

Harry grinned. "How did you want to destroy it, Professor?"

But Dumbledore was still staring into the box and did not answer.

And then they all heard the voice. It came from the ring. "I have seen your heart and it is mine."

"Get the fang out," Artemis instructed Potter immediately. "Headmaster, while I have utmost faith in you"—he managed the lie with a straight face—"I must suggest that you do not listen to it."

Dumbledore didn't even blink as the Horcrux continued, "I see your guilt and regrets, Albus Dumbledore. I see all your hidden desires, your needs. And I have seen all your fears and mistakes. So many mistakes…"

"Butler," Artemis ordered. The bodyguard moved forward and slammed the lid of the box closed. The lid rattled.

Dumbledore drew a deep breath. "Indeed. Harry… how long have you been in possession of that? No, never mind. Let me have it for a moment… right. I'm going to lay the box on the ground. Then I'll open it again and stab the ring with the fang. Ready?"

They nodded. Butler took a step back, but remained close enough to intervene if necessary.

Dumbledore opened the box. He raised the fang in preparation to strike. "For the greater good," the ring said. "What about the good of your sister?"

Dumbledore's hand paused in bringing the weapon down. "Ariana?"

"Gellert Grindelwald was charming, wasn't he? And handsome. Of course you wanted to impress him. And his thoughts made sense, didn't they? Wizards should have control over Muggles and Squibs."

"Fascinating," Artemis muttered, determined to research Grindelwald, Dumbledore, and his sister at the first opportunity.

"Professor, don't listen to it!" Potter called in alarm, forcing Artemis's mind back to the more urgent issue at hand.

Artemis gave the man a few more seconds, then motioned to Butler.

Butler stepped forward and placed one of his large hands on Dumbledore's still-raised arm. "Stab the ring, sir," he said, applying pressure.

Dumbledore blinked and his conscious mind took over his automatic movement. Butler quickly removed his hand just before Dumbledore stabbed viciously down. The ring screamed and everyone shivered at the long, drawn-out noise.

Then the ring shattered and everyone sighed in relief.

"That was exciting, wasn't it?"Artemis remarked calmly.

Harry gave a slightly hysterical laugh.

Dumbledore smiled, but his heart wasn't completely in it. "Yes."

"Will the Horcruxes all have that same effect?"

"They will try to entice anyone they come in contact with, yes," Dumbledore answered. He examined the ring and the fang for a moment, then returned the fang to Harry. "You retrieved that from the Chamber, I presume?"

"Yes, when we started researching Horcruxes."

"Well thought. Alright. Later in the summer, we will attempt to find the locket in the cave."

"You don't think ol' Tom can tell we've just destroyed one?"

"N0—maybe with the last one or two, he will be able to sense something, but not yet."

"Does the ring have any other power left to it? Or is it—well... dead?"

"It's harmless at this point," Dumbledore assured them. "I will dispose of it." He put it in his pocket.

Artemis narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

Dumbledore Apparated them to a place where Artemis and Butler could Floo back alone. The Headmaster and Potter could walk from there to Grimmauld Place.

Butler blinked at Artemis once they were safe at Fowl Manor. "I predict you'll want me to help you find any information on Albus Dumbledore's background and the life of Grindelwald."

"Spot on, old friend. I believe I will email Hermione, as well."

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Artemis ordered a number of books on Grindelwald and pureblood genealogies. Dumbledore also had a younger brother named Aberforth, who as it turned out, ran the Hog's Head pub. According to gossip, he didn't think much of his older brother.

At the beginning of July, Draco called Artemis and informed him that he had arranged their trip to the Muggle movies in London for the next day. "Everyone was very excited."

"When you say 'everyone'…"

"Crabbe and Goyle, Pansy and Millicent, Zabini, Hermione and Ginny, and Lovegood. Unfortunately, Eva and Marie are on vacation with their parents and can't come. So that makes ten of us."

Artemis sighed. "All right. Do you know what's playing?"

"Nah, I'm leaving that up to you and Hermione. You're the only two who will know what's going on and what we should see."

"Right. I'd better consult with her, then."

Accordingly, Artemis flooed to the Leaky cauldron and took a taxi to the movie theatre. Butler accompanied him to make sure the theatre was secure, but he wasn't going in with them.

Ginny was bouncing around excitedly, Luna looked starry-eyed, and Hermione was regarding everyone with bemusement. The Slytherins were trying to look cool and aloof, but anyone who knew could tell they were fascinated by everything: the screen, the sound system, the popcorn, the Muggles seated around them.

"So explain the movie we are seeing," Blaise requested.

"We decided to expose you to pop culture," Artemis answered. "Although neither Hermione nor I read Muggle comic books, this character is generally known by the majority of both the UK and the USA. He has also been on TV."

"I assume Muggle comics are essentially like wizard ones, just without moving pictures?"

Artemis nodded. "The name of the character is Spiderman. He was apparently a normal Muggle teenager until he was bitten by a radioactive spider and subsequently acquired the ability to crawl up walls and shoot webs from his hands. He also gained increased speed, strength, and intuition."

"Could that actually happen?" Pansy asked, appalled.

"No, no, this is all fictional," Artemis assured her.

"What does 'radioactive' mean?" Millie asked.

Artemis paused, wondering how on earth to explain to someone with zero knowledge of science. He looked at Hermione.

"Something that has been… exposed to… you know what, don't worry about that," Hermione said.

Artemis was still trying to explain how the film itself was projected when the previews started. Artemis himself thought the basis of the movie was preposterous, but the purebloods kept whispering questions throughout, which was amusing enough to make up for it.

He did feel sorry for anyone sitting near them, however.

When the movie was over, the group walked to a nearby Subway chain restaurant, where the purebloods were once again enthralled by the ordering and sandwich making process, causing Hermione to have a slight fit of giggles.

Draco stuck his tongue out at her. "Wizards do eat at restaurants," he told her, "but I've never seen one that works quite like this." Potato chips were a novelty, as well.

"This isn't exactly my normal fair, either," Artemis said with a bit of a turned-up nose.

"Yeah, yeah, rich boy." Ginny poked him in the side.

The movie was discussed, of course, and then Hermione complimented them on their Muggle clothing. "Usually wizards have a bit of trouble blending in."

"Ah, that would be thanks to Draco and Ginny."

"We researched on the internet," Draco explained. "Ginny came to visit me, and we looked up popular fashions for our age range. She had some ideas from Muggle Studies to help guide us. Then we just ordered something for everybody."

"You did well."

"Speaking of doing well… can I finally ask what you got on your OWLs?" Hermione burst out. They had received their results yesterday but Draco had forbidden any academic talk until after the movie.

"Yes, OK. Yours, first."

"Eleven Outstandings," she admitted. Top score.

"Well, Artemis? O's all around, yes?"

"He had a note with his saying he had the highest marks Europe has seen since Merlin," Draco spoke for him, with a smirk.

Artemis actually flushed just a little bit at the heaps of praises and good-natured teasing that followed. Hermione and Luna were both extremely impressed.

"Did Merlin actually take OWLs?" Zabini cut in.

"How did the average mortals amongst us do?" Millie asked, ignoring Blaise.

"We got E's in Defense!" Vince grinned widely, indicating himself and Greg.

"That's wonderful," Pansy and Millie both gushed over them.

"We got A's in Potions and Muggle Studies," Greg continued the report. "And Vince got an A in Care of Magical Creatures, and I got an A in Charms."

The others dutifully reported their scores. Blaise was quite pleased to report his failure in Divination and his O's in Astronomy and Defense, Millie had O's in Charms and Defense, Pansy had a P in History of Magic but an E in everything else, including Divination and Care of Magical Creatures, to her complete shock. "I'm dropping them anyway."

"What about you, Draco?"

"I got E's in History and Care of Magical Creatures, but O's in the other eight."

Ginny clapped. "Good job," Luna said with her dreamy smile. The girls all congratulated him, and Crabbe and Goyle looked as proud as if it had been them.

"Did they make you Quidditch Captain?" Millie asked Draco, who nodded.

"We have to fill all three Chaser and the Keeper positions," Draco moaned. "Our team is going to be inexperienced and probably not very good. Start planning strategies to make up for that, Artemis."

"Do you have any people in mind to fill the spots?"

"Well, Botolph and Urquhart are both Quidditch nuts, but I don't know how well they actually play. Morann Warrington will only be a Second Year, but she might be good. I'm going to make sure Aurelia Pucey tries out, too. The Slytherin team has been male-dominated too long."

"Good for you, Draco," Hermione applauded.

"Are you going to try out this year?" Greg asked Ginny, who nodded.

"I think Chaser would be fun. We're going to have to replace most of our team, too. Both our Beaters and two Chasers."

"That's the only thing that gives me any hope at all," Draco said.

"We'll need two Chasers, as well," Luna pointed out. "The Hufflepuffs will have the advantage there."

"First time for everything," Vince muttered, and Pansy snickered. The three non-Slytherins present rolled their eyes.

"Who do you think will be Defense professor this year? Is there any chance Dumbledore'll ask Sirius Black?"

"If so, he hasn't given any hints—Sirius, I mean," Hermione volunteered. "Unless it's supposed to be a surprise."

"Perhaps he doesn't want to submit Black to the curse on that job," Draco suggested. "Although it's just as likely he's still mad at Sirius for inviting himself to stay with the Dursleys for a week."

They had received their Hogwarts letters along with their OWL scores, so after they'd finished lunch, they walked back to the Leaky Cauldron to buy their school supplies in Diagon Alley. Artemis and Hermione pointed out things along the way, the purebloods continuing to ask questions about Muggle London. Pansy almost got hit by a car when she tried to cross the street without looking. Only Draco's quick Seeker reflexes saved her.

When they arrived in Diagon Alley, they noticed everyone seemed a little on edge—paranoid, looking over their shoulders. The windows were covered with posters containing personal protection advice against attack, and photos of wanted Death Eaters.

"Where to first?"

"We'll need to visit Fred and George's fledgling shop. I think you'll like it," Ginny smiled.

"Right. New shop first, books last—they're heaviest."

As they approached the shop, the boys (minus Artemis) all started laughing. "That cuts through the air of solemnity," Blaise said.

The windows of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, in direct contrast to the rest of the street, were full of color—a large variety of items were on display—revolving, popping, flashing, bouncing, and shrieking.

"Brilliant," both Crabbe and Goyle breathed.

The place was packed. Boxes were stacked to the ceiling: Skiving Snackboxes (as tried on Hogwarts students), trick wands, Spell-Checking and Smart-Answer quills, Hangman with an actual doll on real gallows, Daydream-Charms, Muggle card tricks…

"Some of this is quite clever, imaginative, and useful," Artemis commented thoughtfully. "I'm impressed."

"Oh wow, to hear you say that," came Fred's voice from behind a stack of Edible Dark Marks. "Let me show you some products in the back."

As the others wandered around the store, Draco followed Artemis, who followed Fred, into a smaller room behind a curtained door. George was sorting through some things there.

"Apparently even Ministry workers can't do a decent Shield Charm, so they ordered 500 of these… Shield Hats. We just made them for a laugh—you know, challenge your mate to jinx you and watch his face when it bounces off…"

"We're still getting massive orders," George continued, "so we've expanded into Shield Cloaks… gloves…"

"I mean, they wouldn't help much against Unforgiveables, but for minor to moderate hexes…"

"So then we started thinking up other Defense products. Look, this is Instant Darkness Powder—handy if you want a quick escape."

"These are Decoy Detonators. You drop one and it'll run off and make a nice loud noise out of sight, if you need a handy diversion…"

"And if you have any clever ideas, we'd be willing to work on producing them for you."

Artemis smiled with deep satisfaction. "I'll make you a list. In the meantime, I want a Shield Cloak for Butler."

"And one of each of those other two," Draco added.

They bought a number of things before they were through. Then they all continued on with their school shopping. Before they hit the bookstore, Crabbe and Goyle convinced them to stop at Florean Fortescue's for ice cream.

They were standing in line behind a Second Year Hufflepuff and her parents when a man and woman barged to the front of the queue and began arguing with Florean. Draco went stiff and Vince and Greg turned pale.

"It's the Carrows," Draco hissed. "There's going to be trouble."

Artemis whipped out his cell phone and sent off a text to Butler, who was waiting for them in the Leaky Cauldron. The Slytherins were drawing out their wands as Hermione stood on her tiptoes to see what was going on.

"Leave at once!" Florean suddenly shouted clearly.

"Get back," Artemis ordered the family in front of them. "Get clear."

The father, obviously a Muggle, scooped up the small girl and ran to the other side of the street, while the mom pulled out a wand and turned back to them. "You must get back, as well; you're only children!"

"Nonsense, madam," Artemis replied. "We'll be fine. Go protect your daughter."

"There's sure to be more of them," Draco added.

The woman wavered, then retreated to her family. The teenagers cast shield charms around themselves and waited.

Amycus Carrow grabbed Florean by the arm. "You're coming with us," he snarled. "Someone wants a word with you."

His sister had her wand pointed between Florean's eyes.

"What seems to be the trouble here?" Draco spoke up loudly. The three adults turned their attention on the blonde and his friends.

"Even better," Alecto cackled. "He'd very much like to talk to you, too."

Florean used his free arm to take out his own wand. "Unhand me and go away," he ordered.

Instead, Alecto pointed her wand upright and let off some sparks. Obviously, she was signaling for reinforcements.

"Incarcerus!"

Amycus dodged, dragging Florean with him, and Blaise's spell hit the ice cream counter, wrapping it in chains. Alecto's hand shot back out, casting a curse that would have peeled Hermione's skin from her bones if her shield had been less strong.

"Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy, Millie—keep the shields up," Artemis instructed. "Draco, Luna, Hermione, Zabini, Ginny—cast. Four more Death Eaters coming up from the alley—watch out!"

In a coordinated movement, the girls stayed facing the Carrows, and the boys turned to face the inrushing Death Eaters. Spells began to fly fast and furious.

That's Marcus Flint, Draco thought, eyeing the Death Eater at the back of the group. I think Rosier Sr.'s the one on the left… and the ancient looking one is Clarence Avery… "Why is this group made of the young and very old?"

Artemis chanced a glance at him. "Because the best fighters are elsewhere. It's a diversion."

"Somewhere else in Diagon Alley? Or—someone else?"

Artemis's mind worked quickly as he cast a very strong Stupefy, hitting Flint and rendering him unconscious. Who in Diagon Alley would be important enough for Voldemort's attention? "Olivander."

Luna and Ginny were sending out spells in tandem, hitting Alecto Carrow with double the strength each time, causing her to falter. Hermione was working with Florean to take out her brother, alternating spells.

Draco was focusing on Rosier, and Blaise on Avery. Although they had slowed with age, their knowledge of spells was fairly vast.

Artemis turned his attention to the unidentified Death Eater. Well, they might as well find out who he was, Artemis decided, using a trick Draco favored. "Accio mask!"

The young man yelped when he felt his mask fly off. Artemis quickly followed up with a Stupefy while the stranger was confused. Artemis didn't recognize him, but maybe Draco would. The Irish teen thought he might have been a Seventh Year when they were First Years.

Rosier was wearing down. Artemis sent a very strong Confundus at Avery, who accordingly was struck by Zabini's next spell. Draco got through Rosier's defense with a temporary blinding spell, and then Stupefied him.

The Carrow siblings suddenly Apparated away, leaving the girls and Florean with no opponents. The adult looked very impressed. "That was amazing! How old are you?"

Butler rounded the corner then, out of breath. "You're never going anywhere without me again!"

Artemis quirked a smile. "Probably wise. Put on this Shield Cloak." He passed over the Weasley invention. "Now we need to go see if it's too late to rescue Olivander. Mr. Fortescue, we leave the job of calling the Aurors to place these Death Eaters into custody up to you."

"Wait—what? Olivander?"

"Yes. I'm assuming none of you will want to miss out?" Artemis asked the group.

"No way, we're with you," Hermione answered for all of them.

"I thought so."

"Oh, well—next time you're in, ice cream's free," Florean offered, calling over a timid looking shopkeeper who peeked his head out from the nearest store. "Floo the Aurors! I'll stand guard here."

"I think you should all go straight home," Butler said. The teens stared at him impatiently. "All right, fine. No running off alone."

They all rushed together in the direction of the wand-making shop. The streets were suddenly deserted, the shop doors closed. Everyone had either boarded themselves inside or Apparated away.

"Keep your eyes open," Butler instructed as they walked, his own eyes darting back and forth, calculating ambush points. "I don't suppose you'd at least move into the middle of the group?" he asked his employer.

"Sorry, old friend. I actually have a different idea." He looked at the sky in thought. "I could scout ahead."

"Out of the question."

"I wouldn't even be noticed; this is Diagon Alley." Owls were everywhere.

"No," Butler repeated firmly.

"It's a good idea," Draco murmured.

"You see?"

"…but if I was Butler, I wouldn't let you, either."

Artemis pouted a bit, although he would deny it. But he agreed to stay with them. It would take too much time and effort to win this argument.

They reached Olivander's store relatively quickly, but the man in question was gone. Clear signs inside showed a struggle had taken place. Presumably, he'd been dragged away. They questioned the shop owners on either side, but both claimed to have seen nothing.

"No Dark Mark over the scene, though," Draco remarked. They stood in silence and frustration for a moment, sparing some worry for poor Olivander.

"We still don't have our books for next year," Artemis said even as he still contemplated the situation.

"Everything's over and quiet now, we might as well get them and be done with shopping."

"Recommendations, Butler?" The bodyguard's instincts would be superior in this matter.

Butler's nerves wanted to get them out of there, now. However, that would mean a return trip, which could also be unsafe. Right now, immediately after the Death Eater attack when they would be unlikely to return, was probably as safe as it got.

So they continued to Flourish and Blott's, who didn't want to open their doors for customers. There were enough of them to finally persuade the owner it would be financially wise—he knew Hermione Granger and Artemis Fowl by sight now and they always made extensive purchases—plus the rest.

Butler stood by the door, guarding the premises, which also made the manager feel safer.

The teens stood close together, discussing the fight and why Olivander might have been kidnapped and what would happen next. Artemis kept one ear on the conversation as he thought and perused a volume called Mind Over Magic: Advanced Wandless Magic.

"Olivander's the best wandmaker around," Blaise said. "Do you think You Know Who will have him making wands for all his lot?"

"Quite possibly… at the very least, he won't be making wands for our side," Millicent replied.

Artemis and Luna exchanged glances. "He wants the Elder Wand, doesn't he?" she asked him.

"I think so."

Hermione made her way over to a shelf of dusty, older books. She pulled out The Ancient Craft of Wand Making, So You Want to Create Your Wand: A Practical Guide, and The Myth of the Deathly Hallows.

Artemis smirked at her. "We'll trade off," she said, adding a book to his stack.

After they had all bought their books, Butler walked the group back to the Floo at the Leaky Cauldron and watched them all go through. He felt responsible to see that they made it home safely.

"Email me what you learn from your books," Hermione instructed Artemis.

Ginny and Draco shared a kiss before she left. Zabini slapped him on the back and smirked at him.

Luna was the last of the others to leave. "It was fun," she informed Artemis, patting him on the shoulder. "Well, although sad about Olivander, of course. Next time we should invite Neville, don't you think?"

"…maybe…"

"Congratulations on your scores again, Artemis. You don't mind if I tell the other Ravenclaws that much, do you?"

Artemis preened just a bit. "I suppose not. No pictures."

"See you, then. Watch out for Nargals." She kissed him on the cheek and stepped into the fire.

Artemis blushed deeply and Butler grinned at him.

"Charming more ladies, are we?"

Artemis groaned. "Puberty's setting in with a vengeance. I find girls are on my mind more often, despite all my best intentions."

"That one in particular? Or Miss Granger?"

"Both," he sighed, "as well as any number of pretty Slytherins. But don't worry, I shall not allow it to affect me."

"Course not. That kiss didn't affect you, either, did it?"

"It made my toes curl," Artemis muttered, then shook his head hard. "Let's go."

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

A/N: The descriptions of the Gaunt House and the Weasley store are from HP: Half-Blood Prince and the bit about Artemis's surging hormones is from AF: The Lost Colony.