Chapter 39: Message at the World CupNotes:Here is the next chapter. Hope you like it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Dora felt her feet land steadily on the ground as the Portkey dropped them off at the arrival point just outside the field of tents, all stretching seemingly endlessly around the tall stadium built on wooden beams that rose over the horizon. She felt slim hands wrapping around her waist and warm lips kissing her neck. "You take care of the kids today." Dora turned around and kissed Hazel back on the lips. "And you don't get into too much trouble." Hazel chuckled merrily as she turned to Harry and Teddy. "You two have your cloaks and holsters. Keep your bearings, follow Amelia and Dora and enjoy the game. Oh, and be careful with betting. The Irish love their leprechaun gold, which makes for some unfair trades. My godmother was very annoyed when an Irish man tried to con her with it on a visit to Ireland with me." Hazel hugged the two boys before vanishing into the throng of people as Dora guides the two towards the tents. Harry looked up to Dora. "Will she be ok?" Dora looked at Harry and ruffled his hair. "Trust me, Hazel will find us with maybe a scratch or two. The next day's headline will probably show the aftermath, unless Bones deems the images too graphic." Teddy bumped Harry on the shoulder. "Mom feels great actually. Been a while since our magic has been so happy."
The kids' eyes darted everywhere as they made their way to the tent assigned to them. It was not hard to spot. "Over here, Pup!" The waving arms of Sirius Black, standing beside Amelia and Susan, drew their eyes. After hugging the boys, Sirius turned to Dora. "The Weasleys and Miss Granger are a bit further in. We can go check on them after you drop off your gear. Maybe get the kids to wear a team color?" Teddy shook his head. "I am just here to watch. I don't care who wins." Harry thought for a second. "I wouldn't mind wearing an Irish scarf." Sirius nodded and pushed them inside of the tent, with Susan following close behind them, as Amelia checked with Dora. "Your partner?" Dora gestured to the Stadium. "On her way to meet the other Aurors. She spent quite a bit of time practicing her translation charm. Either way, an ICW Observer is on site to keep an eye on the evening's events." Amelia nodded. "Depending on how things go, the Observer will be crucial. If the bastards do come and decide to start early while the crowd is still in the stadium, you might need to help me cover Fudge's exit." Dora made a disgusted face. "Can I stun him and portkey him away? Maybe down a cliffside?"
Amelia sighed. "I wish but no, we will play our part tonight and keep everyone safe. Besides, he has been behaving himself for the most part." Dora sighed but nodded. "Fine, but Harry and Teddy are my top priority. I don't want to ever give Hazel bad news." Amelia shuddered at the thought. "Agreed. Come on, let's see what the kids decide to wear before we group up with the Weasleys." The invitation to the World Cup had been given to most of the Coalition, but the Longbottoms weren't fond of the sport, neither were the Abbotts and while Lady Greengrass and Astoria wanted to go, they decided to stay at home. Lord Nott and his Heir would be at the event, but they went separately, keeping much of their cover and apparent neutrality concerning the Coalition. As the group weaved their way through the masses, Dora saw the familiar sea of red hair. The Weasley kids and Hermione chatted away with the boys as an older member of the family checked her out, spotting her dragonhide jacket. "Please tell me that's not from one of mine." Dora smiled at Charlie. "Nope. My girlfriend's gift. Hebridean Black, I think." Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Haven't heard of anyone using those for jackets. Most people prefer Horntail hide. How are you, Tonks?" Dora hugged the man. "Good. Got myself a great job, found a loving girlfriend and my Mom isn't yelling at me as much."
Charlie gave her a soft smile. "Well, I am one for three on those goals. Still, a World Cup is worth coming back home for. The Twins mentioned you worked security at the Castle last year. Any chance I will see you this year at the Castle? Got a request from the Ministry and everything for it." Dora felt her stomach flip. There was the hope no Dragons would be used in the tournament being shattered. Hazel might be pushing Harry harder on those final option spells when Dora managed to break the news to her. "I'll be around but mostly to see my girl and run security." Teddy and Harry both said "Oi!", getting a thumbs up from the twins as Dora blushed. "And to see these two boys. This is Harry Potter and his cousin, Edward Peverell. My girlfriend, Hazel, is Ted's mom. Oh, and don't go hitting on her or me. We are happily steady and she has a bad habit of cursing people." Teddy giggled. "It's not a bad habit if they deserve it." Dora pouted. "You're supposed to be the reasonable Peverell." Teddy smiled. "Right, and you somehow skipped the Black Madness." Dora stuck out her tongue playfully at Teddy as the Weasleys laughed. They all pressed their way up to the stadium and started making their way up the stairs. A voice she hadn't heard in a while broke Dora's good mood. "They just let anyone in here, don't they?" She gave Lucius Malfoy a smile. "Sorry Lucy, but we got the tickets fair and square. Think we can be civil for the night or is that too difficult for such a gentleman like yourself?"
Lucius' eyes narrowed but a hand stilled his response. Dora bit her tongue as Narcissa Malfoy turned to her. "I am sure we can be civil. We are family after all." Dora smiled. "Right. Even the Weasley's have some Black blood on both sides of the family." Lucius seemed to redden before Narcissa's glare silenced him. She turned to Dora and nodded softly. "Indeed. Is my sister doing well, now that she and you are back in the family?" Dora nodded. "We all are, though we were fine prior to being restored. Glad to see you are doing well, Narcissa. Please see if you can remind Draco not to antagonize family at the school this year. Blacks look after their own, not turn on each other." Narcissa's face saddened for a moment. "Of course. Lord Black was kind enough not to disown us. It's the least we can do. Come along, husband. The Minister awaits us inside." Dora watched the three Malfoys enter, Hazel's wand safely stored in her holster. While she had better control of her magic now, the spells still felt overpowered with it, making the use of the wand more likely in an emergency. She turned and saw Harry's concern. "Is it ok leaving them tied to the family?" Dora smirked. "Ask Sirius. They are a lot more restricted in their behaviour this way. They attack you or him and it is grounds for something far worse than a disownment."
With Harry's fears handled, everyone stepped into the VIP Box. The Minister turned to them and smiled. "Ah, Mr. Potter. A pleasure at last. How are you, my boy? Hogwarts treating you well?" Dora kept a close watch on the Minister, or more exactly the Minister's Undersecretary, as they stood near Harry, the Minister listening to Harry with a surprising amount of interest. Dolores Umbridge looked towards them with clear disdain, her policies being constantly curtailed by her Ted Tonks' legal arguments and the Coalitions' votes. The Coalition knew she was a potential threat from Hazel's warnings but had been hesitant to antagonize the Minister's most trusted aide. That changed when she tried to pass policies that would block anyone not of a Pureblood Family or having the backing of said families to obtain a higher position in the Ministry. Her dad had made an exceptional argument on the financial impact that the policy change would have on the Ministry, which stilled the support of quite a few traditionalists. The Neutrals didn't need to be told twice. The measure was defeated and the woman grew ever more venomous with her language towards the Peverell Proxy. Dora was glad it was her Dad in the Wizengamot and not Hazel. The woman might have never made it out the door after the long winded insults she sent his way.
As soon as the announcer, Ludo Bagman, arrived, everyone in the Minister's Box sat down and settled in for the game. "Surprise you allowed Susan to come." Amelia looked towards Susan, her niece's eyes following the action on the Pitch as well as talking with her friends. She sighed. "I was being dragged here regardless. It didn't feel right not letting her have fun. Besides, with her favorite boys coming, I couldn't think of a reason for her not to come." Dora chuckled. "Careful, Astoria might take that the wrong way." Amelia smirked. "Good thing she isn't here then. I almost threatened to tie up her mother. Goddess, I forgot how much of a handful she could be when she got something that interested her." Dora hummed merrily. "Well, at least Hazel got to avoid that headache." Amelia looked over for a second before looking at Dora. "Don't be too excited. I had to promise her pictures of the aftermath. I swear, her tastes are hard to swallow sometimes." Dora shivered. "Still safer than Lady Zabini and her own acquired tastes. So I am told, anyways." Amelia went a little green. "Don't get me started on that." The game proceeded nicely as Dora kept watch, the kids having a blast. They deserved it really. She hoped it proved to be more memorable to them than what was about to happen.
-∞-
Hazel knew it was time the moment she heard the first screams. The Aurors had been stationed at all the key points, guaranteeing safe exits for every person around. The tents were positioned for ease of movement should people be forced to flee and the stadium itself was safe enough with guards inside. This left two groups with freedom of movement in the mostly empty grounds. The Death Eaters, who would have to get dressed inside of the enclosed area, and herself. She fingered her wand, feeling it's magic react to hers. Hazel knew she had to be careful. Her Holly Wand was powerful, but the wellspring of magic within her was greater than what the foci could handle. She knew she could overwhelm it again. So Hazel decided on showing some restraint today, which was perfectly fine by her. Though not too much restraint. Binding the morons by their feet and slicing them down their midsections would be tons of fun but a bit boring really, same with impaling them. Tonight was to be more than a tactical strike. It was a message. A message she intended to deliver perfectly to everyone who needed to hear it. So Hazel was leaving out her traps and much of the offensive Conjuration attacks she normally used. She needed to keep some things to herself after all. Sitting under a disillusionment charm, her fingers twirling a small stone in her hands, Hazel waited for the Death Eaters to make their move.
While three turns were the usual means to activate the Resurrection Stone, Hazel had no need for the power for which it was known for. The dead here weren't her own and she had nothing to seek from them. She had made her choice when she battled Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest of her world. She chose to live. The countless dead that hungered for her own damnation would have to wait a lot longer before she joined them. Especially now. Hazel sighed to herself. She had never intended to fall in love again. All her prior experiences with romance ended in disaster, each one more painful than the last. But this Nymphadora was different. She was growing wiser, warmer and more centered. There were still demons that haunted her just as there were those that haunted Hazel. But the nights when they were together helped ease each other's fears. These last few months had been almost blissfully quiet for her mind. She wasn't optimistic though. She knew the Tournament would draw out her memories again, as would Voldemort. More than that, she knew that Dora was now someone she couldn't bear to lose. Giving her the Elder Wand was the best she could do to keep her safe.
Of the Hallows, it was the least stubborn one when it came to another person wielding it so long as her magic ran through their body. The Cloak would always protect those of her magic, like Teddy. The Wand would give Dora the strength to face any opponent head on and succeed. The Stone… would never leave her hand if she could help it. Cadmus' Bane was too dangerous in the hands of others, mostly to themselves. The temptation to summon the dead, to bind them to this realm, was all too real. She had struggled for years not to summon Bella. She knew she could never part with her again if she did and she would never forgive herself for hurting the woman that she loved as a mother. For Hazel though, the stone would serve its other intended purpose. She felt it melt into her skin, it's magic weaving itself into her right hand. Her own Holly Wand may not be the best weapon, but it wouldn't matter with the best shield in her other hand. Hearing the screams, Hazel tapped her comm earpiece and lifted her wrist as her eyes latched on to the procession of cloaked figures. "O1, in position. Targets moving into the central area." A man's voice responded. "Observer, in position. O1, you are cleared to confront DEs. Be safe out there." Hazel smirked. "O1, acknowledged."
She walked up to the Death Eaters as they threw fires towards the tents, muggles floating in the air to their sides, their screams piercing to everyone's ears. Hazel silenced the poor souls before dropping them to the ground. The muggles scampered away as Hazel dropped the Disillusionment charm around her. "Sorry boys, but you guys are in the wrong place. The nearest magical prison is quite a few miles across the open ocean. Want a lift? It's a free one way ticket. Or would you all care for more permanent accommodations? I know a place down under with room to spare." The Death Eaters laughed at her and one of them pointed his wand at her. " Imperio . You should have known better, Auror. Now how about you turn around and cast some Cruciatus curses on the nearest civilian. We will give you a prize if you get them to scream themselves loud enough to lose their voice." Hazel felt the familiar touch of the curse and she smiled as she drew her wand. " Diffindo ." The Death Eater's wand fell to the ground sliced in half, accompanied by several of his fingers, as the others drew their own wands. Hazel dodged as blood boiling and dark cutting curses went her way. She reflected several into the ground with her right hand as she slowly advanced before she looked around. Hearing confirmation that all Death Eaters were gathered around her, Hazel showed them just what was in store for them. " Protego Diabolica. "
The cursed black flames spread out from behind her and circled around until all the Death Eaters were caught inside of the massive circle of flames. Hazel stretched out her glove on her right hand, feeling the Resurrection Stone singing in joy as it sustained the deadly barrier. "Alright, morons. Lesson One in the Dark Arts. This spell works even better as a trap than as a defence. You are all welcomed to try and flee. You might find that your Portkeys, Apparition and brooms don't work either. Only way out of here is through me." One of the Death Eaters, a woman by her voice, cackled. "Not a problem. Avada Kedavra! " The Death Eaters watched as a slab of stone blocked it before it turned to dust. Hazel chuckled to herself. "Lesson Two. The Unforgivables are not the best spells the lot of you can do, but it is all the justification I need to get started on more painful responses. Let's see if all of you were worth the time your Dark Lord wasted with your recruitment." Hazel took off at a running pace towards them, deflecting spells and conjuring barriers at the Unforgivables before jumping and disillusioning herself. Landing unseen behind them as the bastards with the pointy hats lit the area like a fireworks show, Hazel turned around. " Sectumsempra Dissicio ." The modified curse lept from her wand and scattered, its magic striking several targets at once. She watched as a few stumbled around from the sudden loss of blood.
More of the Death Eaters casted killing curse towards her direction, all which she dodged or blocked, until a voice called out to her through the comm. "Observer to O1. All targets have casted a Killing Curse or comparative lethal spell. Full lethal force is now authorized." Hazel's smile turned predatory. "Your third and final lesson, morons. Don't go trying to kill others just to make yourselves feel better. You might just find a real killer up and about and we don't hold back, especially not with scum like you." Stretching out her right hand, a tendril of dark flames reached out to her from the barrier and snapped it's connection to the wider circle. As the black flames wrapped around her hand, she swung her arm around, her new flame whip getting caught on one of the Death Eater's neck. The man's head popped clean off his shoulders and bursted into black flames, his scream lasting but a second. Hazel charged straight at the others, her wand spinning in circles as nearly invisible cutting curses tore through the Death Eaters, many of them dropping their appendages as they stubbled. A few sought to escape and jumped over the black flames, their screams ending as their charred remains hit the ground on the other side. A few of the survivors tossed their wands aside as Hazel tore through the rest. She turned back to the ones who surrendered as soon as everyone else was silenced and lying on the ground in pieces, her spells prying off their hats and masks.
Hazel stared at them all before coming to the first one, summoning his wand to her hand. She eyed him carefully, recognizing him. "Amycus Carrow." She turned and saw his sister not far from him, holding onto her bleeding arm. Hazel turned back to look at him. "I was going to give this back to you. I am not a fan of killing unarmed people, you see. But you aren't just an unarmed person, are you? You dared use the Torture Curse on children barely capable of defending themselves. Worst yet, they were your own flesh and blood. If anyone here is deserving of the term Blood Traitor, that would be you and your sister." Hazel raised her right hand with the whip behind her. "Whatever discomfort your execution will bring me will be made up ten times over as your children will sleep safely for the rest of their lives, knowing neither of you can hurt them ever again." His head and arm bursted into flames as the whip tore through him, just as his sister picked up her wand and casted the Killing Curse at Hazel. Using her feet, Hazel lifted Amycus' body up, forcing it to take the curse for her, before the whip took Alecto's head and wand arm clean off. The rest of the Death Eaters scrambled for their surrendered wands. Hazel gave them just enough time to aim the wands towards her, before they all suffered the same fate.
The ring of black flames faded as Hazel sighed, rubbing the sweat off her brow with her arm as she looked up at the sky, seeing an eerie and familiar mark. Letting the other Aurors under the Observer's command deal with the corpses, Hazel aided in the search of the grounds of the campsite for the one Death Eater she knew was ordered not to take part. She had hoped he would have been close enough to get caught in the Hellflame Barrier, but that didn't prove to be the case. As she searched around Hazel noticed that most of the tents were still intact, the fires contained at the edge of the area. Still, it was a good thing that the stadium had delayed the release of the spectators to avoid getting them caught in the crossfire, as had been planned. Her revealing charms showed no people left behind as she deepened her search before she noticed a pale body lying on the soft grass of the field. She approached it and touched its skin. She closed her eyes, tears threatening to come out as she recognized who it was. " Child of the woods, renowned for your people's songs, return to your ancestors tonight. Your service to the unworthy is now at an end. Rest in peace. " Closing the elf's eyes, she looked up and sighed. Bartemius Crouch Junior was definitely here tonight. Whether in anger or accident, he took the life of his family's elf, cast the Dark Mark and fled. Hazel searched around for more bodies but found none. He had entered the area and fled without being spotted or stopped. At least no one else died for it. Still, one innocent life was too much.
"Dobby." The elf popped in and his eyes were instantly drawn to the still figure. He started to cry. Hazel kneeled down and rubbed his head. "She is at peace now. Let her enter the ethereal woods of her ancestors and find rest. Look over her body as it's transferred into DMLE custody. I will have it turned over to you and the other elves as soon as possible. Bury her as is your custom." Dobby nodded. "Thank you, Mistress Peverell. Dobby will watch over Winky. Winky deserved a good family." Hazel aimed her wand up towards the Dark Mark in the sky. "We all did, Dobby. We all did." Feeding on the warmth of her love for Teddy and Dora, Aithusa erupted from her wand with a deafening roar, it's wings stretching wide as it rose into the sky, its white shape lighting up the campsite in its entirety as it pierced through the Dark Mark, dispelling it. Hazel allowed Aithusa to fly through the skies of the area above the stadium, spreading comfort to those who lingered and those who remained safe within the structure, the night briefly turned to day for all of them. It was going to be a long night and they would all need a bit of support to cope with the coming days.
-∞-
OW April 1998
Hazel rushed down the streets of London, her long hair painted blonde and left loose, as she ran from one street corner to another, her breaths heavy and uneven. She felt her heart grow heavier and heavier until she turned on a familiar road and stared at what was left of the only place she could call home. The area that was Grimmauld Place looked as if it had been blasted from the inside of the building, bodies and debris littered across the street just outside of it. Hazel made her way through the rubble before reaching the entrance. Feeling a trace of the old house wards, Hazel added her own charm based ones to seal the gaps and block the area from view before she dared to look inside. The walls and the furniture were completely destroyed. The stairs, strangely enough, looked somewhat intact. The paintings, however, were utterly ruined. Over five hundred years of the Black Family's history, destroyed in a single moment. Yet that wasn't what made her heart beat wildly. Hazel breathed deeply as she raised her voice. "Kreacher! Dobby!" Neither of the elves answered and Hazel felt her heart sink further. She called them out repeatedly until she pried open what she assumed was the door to the wardstone room on the basement level. Tears filled her eyes.
"No…" she reached down and touched Kreacher's chest, her eyes losing focus as she found no pulse. Half of his body was burned from what looked to be the partial destruction of the wardstone. She struggled with the rubble to reach the other form. She lifted him up slowly. "Dobby. Dobby. Please wake up." The elf's eyes opened and he looked at her. He smiled weakly. "Bad toad woman came to steal Great Hazel Potter's home. Dobby and Kreacher sealed the house but Aurors and Curse Breakers came after. Wards buckled and weakened. Kreacher said it would fail. Kreacher refused to surrender the House of Black. Dobby helped Kreacher activate the old ward that would harm the enemies outside. Dobby and Kreacher had to stay, to keep bad people out of Mistress' home. They did something to wards that hurt the house, but the wards held." Hazel's tears landed on Dobby and his thin arm reached up and touched her cheek. "Mistress should not cry. House elves must protect our family's home. Kreacher and Dobby kept bad men from stealing it. Did… we do good?" Hazel closed her eyes. "Yes. The bad men would have turned this house into a place of evil. You and Kreacher saved it from that fate. Thank you Dobby."
The elf smiled with fareoff eyes. "Dobby resting now, Mistress." Hazel nodded, her breaths turning into sobs. "Rest Dobby. Mistress will protect her house now. So please, rest." The elf's eyes closed and Hazel hugged his now limp form to her chest. "Winky." The former Crouch family elf arrived and looked around before seeing Hazel and the elves. "Miss Potter. Winky is so sorry, Miss Potter. Dobby was a good house elf." Hazel nodded. "Kreacher too. They both were. Could you… could you take them and bury them in the Potter Manor grounds, as is elf custom?" Winky nodded, her little face covered in tears. "Mistress should go. It is not safe here." Hazel lowered Dobby down and waited for Winky to leave with the bodies. She stared at the damaged wardstone and with her blood, Bella's ring and the Black Family Magic's permission, warped it into her control. She replaced the Fidelius Charm on it, feeling how it covered the entirety of what was once Grimmauld Place. She doubted she could ever restore the townhouse fully to what it once was. Those thoughts were the furthest from her mind at the moment, as Hazel took a blade and carved marks into her arms. Without her wand, she was limited to how well the replacement wands lasted. For this she needed full access to her magic, even if it was only a temporary measure, one that would leave her vulnerable for weeks to come, if not months. As far as she was concerned, this was worth draining her magic.
The Ministry guards hardly had a chance to raise their wands as waves after waves of scarlet flame smothered the Ministry Atrium. The witnesses watched as Hazel walked at the core of the flames as a massive dragon made of flames roared, the windows shattering under its power. Spells aimed at Hazel started being consumed by the black flames that engulfed her as she turned to the group of Aurors that arrived from the lower levels. They came with the person she wanted to see. As the dragon rained flames into every office of the Upper floor of the Ministry, Hazel casted Killing Curses, piercing and cutting hexes through her bloodied hands until all that was left was the god awful toad in her pink clothes. The woman kept casting curses at her. "You will pay for this, wretch! The Purebloods will teach you your rightful place soon!" Hazel whipped her hand, slicing the woman's legs at the knees. She fell onto her back, before Hazel crushed the awful woman's wand and hand with her boot. Hazel's face, still marked with tear tracks from the loss of her family and home, loomed over the woman. "You attacked the last place I called home. I lost my two elven friends to you. They may mean nothing to you, but they were everything to me. So, how about I take everything away from you now? If blood matters so much to you, how about we get rid of it all? What do you think, Dolores? Does it sound fair!"
The woman screamed for as long as she could as Hazel held her under the Blood Boiling Curse until there was nothing left in her veins. Dispelling the Fiendfyre, Hazel observed the charred remains of the Ministry before she apparated away. She remained quiet as she carved a few more wooden charms with the names of Dobby and Kreacher for the next few days. Her companions yelled at her for what she did when the news broke out but she didn't care. The message was well received as soon after the remaining Aurors took care not to engage her directly. Tom, for once, didn't enter her mind to gloat or to dismiss her actions. You know, I spent decades planning the take over of the Ministry. Planted dozens of followers in every department under Whitehall, made sure that nothing that happened there went without my notice. One year of open warfare and it fell as easily as a house of cards. You, my dear, tore through its upper floors in less than an hour, leaving unfixable gaps in the wards and dozens of my servants and their collaborators dead. All that just to deep fry a toad of a woman with her own blood. Bravo, my dear. You are truly my equal. Hazel had chuckled at that, but any merriment died quickly as her hands rubbed the carved names of her two house elves. She swore she wouldn't forget them. They stood by her as she mourned the death of her Godmother. She would mourn them as she would mourn any other human being. They deserved that much.
-∞-
NW August 1994
Hazel sat beside Ted Tonks in their seats in the Wizengamot Chamber as the session got underway, her fingers tracing Winky's freshly carved name on the charm she had made after she came back home. Like the first night since Harry came to visit, Hazel and Dora spent the night together with the kids. She had hugged Harry to her as they slept, knowing what was to come. Voldemort didn't disappoint. The boy screamed in her arms that night as she cooed and whispered reassurances for him before he finally settled down. The humiliation of the Death Eaters did not sit well with the Dark Lord turned into an incompletely homunculus. Based on Croaker's report, with the exception of a few of the more Noble Traditionalist family members like Malfoy, Rowle, Travers and Yaxley, the senior Death Eaters that weren't in Azkaban had been effectively slaughtered at the World Cup. The deaths would have lasting consequences for the remaining family members, most of which she hoped would be positive. Lord Nott and Lady Greengrass would approach the families and offer them the support they would need for the coming years, in exchange for a more neutral stance and for them to distance themselves from other known Death Eaters. Hazel didn't put much faith in the now weakened Crabbe and Goyle families, as their ties to Malfoy were greater, but the others would be looked after. Julia had personally taken the reins on the situation for the Carrow children as they were brought into the Ministry's Department of Child Services.
A few heavy thuds of the mallet by Dumbledore finally brought order to the session. "Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot. Today's session has been called to address the recent events at the Quidditch World Cup which lead to the tragic death of dozens of witches and wizards." Ted rested his hand on her shoulder as she was about to yell at the man. "Don't. Let him make a fool of himself. You and I both know that only one life died that night tragically, but few of them will care." Hazel glared at him as the chamber was filled with loud discussions. Lucius Malfoy stood up. "I petition the Wizengamot that the perpetrator be summoned before the Assembly and be charged accordingly. Witches and Wizards of good standing died in an unprovoked attack!" Amelia spoke over the whispers of the traditionalists. "Really, then why were all of them found wearing Death Eater robes and masks, their personal wands showing signs of heavy curse use? Witnesses placed the Death Eaters at the event tormenting the muggles before an Auror intervened. They then proceeded to cast ever known Unforgivable towards the Auror. You call this behaviour fit for people of good standing?" She turned to Dumbledore. "You call the deaths of criminals guilty of carrying out a violent attack against the muggles of the area, who then attempted an attack on civilians and attempted a lethal attack on a member of the DMLE, tragedies?"
The chamber erupted into loud squabbling until Dumbledore shouted. "Silence!!! Director Bones, the loss of any life is a travesty." Amelia gave him a smirk. "Then please amend your statement. Among the casualties last night was an elf murdered without signs of self defence. If the loss of any life is a travesty, then the death of the elf should be counted. Or are you going to claim that your latest statement was false?" Dumbledore looked conflicted, which made Hazel smile. Her smile ended as soon as Dolores Umbridge spoke up, that voice making her arms itch. "Madam Bones, are you suggesting we count a… a creature among the dead? Surely you know they are not anywhere near as valuable as witches and wizards whose lines stretch back centuries." Ted ignored the back and forward between them as he watched red tracks of magic arching across Hazel's fingers. "Hazel, keep that temper down. She is too high profile right now." Hazel turned to him. "No different than last time I took her down, though I think Amelia would be mad if I wrecked her office." Ted arched an eyebrow. "I am going to assume that your list of property damage is a lot more impressive than Moody's." Hazel chuckled. "Well, counting Hogwarts, Gringotts, the Ministry and a few other places… yeah. Probably." Ted rubbed his eyes. "Why am I here again?" Hazel hummed. "Because Andromeda would be awfully cross with you if you left me to be Amelia's concern."
Dumbledore seemed to rub his face after the two witches finished arguing. "Madam Bones, will you summon your Auror to face charges?" The dark skinned man in a business suit besides Amelia finally spoke up. "There will be no charges leveled against the Auror responsible, Chief Warlock. The Auror acted under the purview of ICW law and followed its guidelines to the letter. All the deaths attributed to them on the night of the World Cup Final are ruled as acceptable by the ICW." The Traditionalists yelled as Dumbledore tried to silence them. Dolores was the first to speak up. "The area of the World Cup is sovereign British Ministry of Magic territory; the ICW has no precedent to overrule us." The dark man turned to the Minister and the Chief Warlock. "Really? Is Britain not a member of the ICW? Perhaps I should ask for your resignation as Supreme Mugwump then, Dumbledore. As for the venue, it became an ICW concern the moment the Minister solicited foreign Aurors to help in its security. That was the point, correct? To improve international cooperation? Were your words false, Minister Fudge or is your Undersecretary uninformed?" The Chamber descended into whispers as Fudge swallowed visibly. "Not at all, Observer Badawi. But you must understand how violent this incident was." Badawi nodded. "Indeed. I personally watched as several lethal curses were sent towards the Auror. They only responded in full when ALL the Death Eaters used a Killing Curse or comparable spell."
Lucius stood up amid the murmurs. "The Death Eaters are extinct, Mr. Badawi. This Auror murdered several upstanding members of our society, all possibly under the Imperius curse." The observer turned to Dumbledore. "The designation of Death Eaters as terrorists has not been struck from the ICW registry, so Mr. Malfoy's argument is moot. They wore Death Eater robes and masks, used curses, including the Unforgivables, and were all locked within a Hellflame Barrier, which can and will cancel any external influence on their person. They all still proceeded to attack the Auror. My observations and the report submitted by my fellows will corroborate this. The Auror acted well within their legal rights and cannot be charged with any crimes associated with the deaths of the terrorists." Badawi sat down as the Chamber deliberated, Dumbledore seemingly at a loss for words, especially the mention of the Hellfire Barrier. That bit of dark magic hadn't been used since Grindelwald. He turned to Amelia. "Won't you reveal the identity of the Auror? Their actions deserve some degree of correction. Behaviour such as this cannot be tolerated." Hazel decided to speak up. "And what behaviour is that, Chief Warlock? According to the Director of the DMLE, an ICW Observer and several Aurors from other ICW member states, the Auror acted within their rights. Should you be arrested for carrying out your duties to this Assembly? That is what you are suggesting we do. Do we as an Assembly dare to question and charge a witch or wizard for the fact that they carried out their duties as we ask of them every day?"
The Chamber turned to her and the Traditionalists hollered. Lucius stood up. "It was you, wasn't it, Peverell? You are responsible for the extinction of several Magical lines of the Sacred 28!" Hazel raised an eyebrow and conjured a long scroll into her hand. "You might want to be more specific. My family ended many lines prior from the founding of the Wizard's Council and quite a few more before and during the formation of the Wizengamot, long before the Sacred 28 was even put into writing by a less than accredited propagandist." She made it as if she was reading the list, causing the progressives to snicker, as well as the neutrals. Lucius seemed to grow even redder in the face. "I am talking about the dead men and women from last night!" Hazel vanished the paper and tapped her finger before looking towards Madam Bones and the ICW observer. "Boss, you wouldn't know where my last assignment was? I sort of tune most of them out after I give my debriefing. They all tend to blend together after a while." Amelia looked over at Badawi, who nodded. She sighed and turned to the Assembly. "Lady Peverell, in her capacity as a Hit Witch, was the leading British Auror at the scene. She followed British and ICW procedures during the incident. She has the full backing of the DMLE on this matter."
Hazel waited as the discussion settled down before a familiar voice spoke up. "Miss Peverell, do you have anything to say about your unbecoming conduct last night?" Hazel stared at Dumbledore. "Chief Warlock, I followed the rules set out by this Assembly, laws that you signed into law decades ago. Are you saying the laws you yourself supported at the time are wrong? That response of equal degrees of force, whether it's lethal or otherwise, is against the rules? Because I can assure you, I spent quite a bit of time reading the laws before I signed up with the DMLE. Observer Badawi can tell you that I went into excruciating detail about ICW rules of engagement prior to the incident. I take my profession very seriously when I am out in the field. Can you say the same? Or are three full time jobs too much for the Great Albus Dumbledore? Because you certainly love to waste your breath over matters already resolved by the rule of law." The Chamber was left in stunned silence as Hazel sat back before they started discussing the matter among themselves. The session ended without any formal or informal decision being made, with the Traditionalists eyeing Hazel warily. Hazel ignored them. The message was delivered to everyone that mattered and with their coalition in place, the laws couldn't be altered in any way further without negotiations. The risk free attacks for the Death Eaters were a thing of the past now. They now knew the price of waging war. As far as Hazel was concerned it had taken too bloody long to sink in.
-∞-
"Damn!" Dumbledore slammed his fist onto his desk as he returned to his office in Hogwarts. Fawkes was startled awake and gave Dumbledore the stink eye before burying its head in its wing, hoping to catch some sleep, as Dumbledore fumed over the recent events. Decades of work, all ruined in the last few years and it all stemmed from the same person. Hazel Peverell. He had done his best to research her origins but aside from a fragmented family tree in the Ministry records, possibly due to marriages with muggles or even squibs, Hazel remained a mystery he couldn't get through. Her position as a Hit Witch with ICW certification made her practically untouchable politically unless she acted in a way that violated the laws of the ICW. Even as Supreme Mugwump, he was only capable of exerting power as the head of the International Assembly, not over the collectives' Departments that tended to run independently. They existed as the means of securing the Statute of Secrecy and helped make sure the International Agreements were sustained. Gellert had practically obliterated them during the war and they were barely recovered when Voldemort started his assault of Wizarding Britain, but now they seemed to be fully recovered and exercising their power.
Peverell presented so many complications to his plans. She successfully removed Harry from the safe isolation he had prepared for the boy with the Dursleys, integrated him with other children born to Old and Ancient Families and helped to secure Sirius Black's release. His means of control over the boy were practically nonexistent, even at Hogwarts. Harry Potter was safely protected using the old treaties that allowed students to study at the school, even while members of the Staff were currently in a Blood Feud with the children's families. The rules were never rescinded and were now being used by several Old and Ancient Families, keeping their children away from the control of the Staff. It was absolutely galling. Worst of all, the woman had become popular among the children of the school as she taught them how to get better practical control of their magic. Seeing so many Corporeal Patroni being performed by the students wasn't a bad thing, but that the favorable instruction came from a Dark Witch was. There was no doubt in his mind Hazel Peverell was a Dark Witch. The slaughter at the World Cup proved it. The curses used against the Death Eaters weren't anywhere near as Dark as Voldemort was known for, but their use was brutal and effective. Damage from several of the bodies even showed traces of Severus' cutting curse, as reported by Shacklebolt. That meant one thing.
She was a survivor of the war. He tried to use the Family Tree in the Ministry to uncover her birth name, but nothing came from it. Was she the sibling of a member of the Order of the Phoenix, a former Death Eater that Voldemort groomed in secret like Barty Junior? He had no idea. She was a phantom that clearly knew the Death Eaters. She knew them enough to face them with lethal efficiency and then appear at the Wizengamot Chamber as if nothing important had happened. Her disregard for life and contempt for him reminded Dumbledore of Tom Riddle and the thought froze his heart. He poured over his files from his investigation of Tom during and after Hogwarts. There, in the family tree, was a familiar name. Peverell. Dumbledore sat back, trying to see how this bit of information aligned. Was Hazel Peverell really Voldemort, utilizing the body of a distant relation of his? Was this his way of not only returning but also besting Harry Potter? It would be a master stroke. The boy clearly cared for her. They only grew closer yet this following year as she acted as a guard for the school. She disabled the curse over the DADA position with relative ease and, if the word of the young Mr. Weasley was correct, she was also the one that defeated the Basilisk and rescued young Miss Granger from a cursed book.
Was that the point of possession? The book? It was after that moment that Peverell seemed to appear on the scene causing chaos and undoing the work of the Purebloods. Dumbledore rubbed his eyes. She was either Voldemort himself or a rising Dark Lady. There was no doubt of that. As an ICW certified Auror, she was certainly in the best position to be selected as part of the Triwizard Tournament's security team. He had no way of banishing her from the grounds and if he did, Harry Potter might just disappear with her, leaving Voldemort's victory all but guaranteed. He had no choice but to observe her and to continue to test the boy. The modifications to the Tournament had been less than what he had hoped for but there was only so much they could do safely with the rest of the organizers approval. He hoped that the changes were enough to have a good understanding of the type of person the boy was. If he proved to be the Champion he envisioned, then Voldemort's fate was sealed. If he failed, then Dumbledore would do what was necessary. He stared at the Elder Wand on his desk, strengthening his resolve. He had already allowed two Dark Lords to rise within his lifetime. He refused to allow any more of them to do so. He would do whatever was necessary. For the Greater Good of all Wizarding Britain.
Notes:So, how was it? Do you all hate me yet? Casualties are a part of all situations, wether its war, law enforcement or acts of terror. Even in a perfectly exceuted plan, you can't account for everything and the evil within humans will always exist. Also, if you were curious as to why the OW Ministry didn't like Hazel... now you know. Wars do terrible things to people and morality is one of the first things to be lost. Hazel had lost the ability to care about anyone who served the Ministry during Voldemort's Reign of Terror. She embodied death to all who stood in her path. That fear would linger in the Ministry long after the war ended.
Next Chapter?: Returning to Hogwarts
Two chapters left to write before the end! Ah!!!!! (Reminder, the story goes on until ch 70. You all don't have to worry about anything yet.) I have to say that I am happy with the remaining outlines, I just have to find the time and motivation to so when I am not falling asleep. In the mean time I have been doing plenty of editing so I hope these next chapters are satisfying to you all.
Leave a comment, discuss and see you all in three days.
Chapter 40: Another Year at HogwartsNotes:Here is the next chapter. Hope you all like it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"This way." Saul followed after his companion from across the Channel, Director Chatelain, as they made their way through the upper levels of the French Ministry of Magic. "Were you able to review our report?" Chatelain nodded her head, her long red hair held up by a clip. "We have and it was quite the tale. However, our own information networks agree with your conclusions. Though you could have dealt with the situation at the World Cup with less publicity." Croaker chuckled. "If that was our goal, then yes, we could have." Chatelain looked at him and smirked. "I suppose so. Our Observer friends are at least pleased with the developments. We are hearing of increased requests for mediation and observation from our former colonies, with Aurors and their departments looking to gain ICW certification and aid. There is much beginning to change out there, with the ICW getting a bit more involved in internal issues." Croaker hummed. "Internal issues don't tend to remain that way for long whether in the non-magical world or our own. Better to have a more competent ICW that can help end dangerous flashpoints than the option of a Nuclear Winter." Chatelain nodded. "In that, I believe most people are in agreement. Here we are." She stood by the fogged glass door and knocked. They both entered as soon as they were summoned inside.
A man wearing a grey business suit and signing mountains of papers looked up, his sandy blond hair peppered with touches of grey. " What can I help you with, Chatelain? " She gestured to Croaker. "My counterpart in the British Ministry brought some concerning information to us. It involves the safety of the students of Beauxbatons, especially those heading to Hogwarts at the end of October. As the Chairman of the Beauxbatons Board of Governors and the former head of our DMLE, we thought you ought to be informed and we may need to request some assistance." The man sighed and placed his fountain pen aside before standing up and presenting a hand to Croaker. "Name's Jacques Delacour. What trouble endangers the Triwizard Tournament Delegation?" Croaker shook his hand. "Director Saul Croaker, of the British DoM. We believe the Triwizard Tournament's details have been leaked to an assumed dead terrorist and that two of the organizers, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and Headmaster Igor Karkaroff, might be compromising the safety of the students participating in the tournament in some way." Jacques sat back onto his desk and crossed his arms. "Explain."
Croaker eyed Chatelain, who nodded, before he began. "The terrorist Lord Voldemort is not quite dead. Our Department received the information three years prior and has been working with the British DMLE and the ICW to prevent a resumption of hostilities on the Isles since. Through this investigation, we have discovered several improprieties done by the Hogwarts Headmaster that have endangered the safety of the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, all related in some part to Lord Voldemort. Based on past experiences, we believe the Headmaster wishes to use the Tournament for his own ends, potentially endangering the Champions in the process. We also believe Voldemort seeks to use the Tournament to enact his return, with both men placing one Harry Potter in their sights. Dumbledore will seek to guarantee Potter's involvement in the Tournament and Voldemort may seek to guarantee Potter's victory by any means necessary, before striking him down himself." Jacques winced. "Ahh, I see the concern. And Karkaroff?" Croaker shrugged. "A former Death Eater. A potential entry point for Voldemort's machinations."
Jaques rubbed his chin and looked at Croaker. "I am assuming you have taken measures to mitigate the danger?" Saul shook his head. "Not as many as we would like. The Tournament was founded prior to the Boards of Governors being introduced. The Headmasters and the Organizers have had full independent control over its development. We have seen records of requests for the preparation of pens for dangerous magical creatures but none have been brought into the country so far, so no major paper trails to follow just yet, beyond a possible request for a Dragon. Karkaroff has possibly been all too happy to increase the difficulty, thanks to his school's focus on the more aggressive forms of magics and Maxime has likely been outvoted." Jacques thought back and nodded. "Olympe has looked a bit haggard the last few weeks. That would explain it. The secrecy of the planification has kept her from voicing her concerns to us." Croaker sighed. "We thought as much. As it stands, the only ones who have the information on the tasks will be the organizers and the participants. We can't obtain anyone in the former and the Headmaster will be too on guard for potential interference of his school's Champion in the latter. Karkaroff won't be much different and any attempt to reach out to him could alert Voldemort to our activities, which has to be avoided at all costs." Jacques rubbed his eyes. "Which leaves the Beauxbatons Champion. What's the plan?"
Croaker handed him a folder. "We have a candidate and an alias that will suit us. That leaves securing the position for Champion. Ordinarily that wouldn't be a problem until we did a thorough search of the Beauxbatons records and found one seventh year student who shows to have received additional training, possesses magical talents beyond the norm and is the prime candidate for Champion. We are also concerned as to how the Goblet of Fire might interpret certain rules through magic. A student's skill is unlikely to pose a threat to our candidate but if the Goblet deems her unworthy for any number of reasons, the local student could be left in danger. So tell me, Monsieur. How likely is your daughter, Fleur, to seek the position of Beauxbatons Champion?" Jacques whined. "Apolline is going to kill me." Croaker chuckled. "Perhaps, but if you can help us get Fleur to step down and not submit her name, it would be appreciated. While we are certain our candidate surpasses your daughter's skills, we are concerned over the Goblet of Fire as a selection method making its own judgement as to who should represent Beauxbatons. Your assistance can help keep your daughter safe and your wife from retaliating against you for the oversight." Jacques looked over the file detailing the alias of the Operative, spotting a familiar name. "My daughter is an excessively proud witch. A price of her heritage and the burden it and my job has placed on her. She won't surrender her position without a fight or a suitable replacement." Croaker turned to Chatelain. "We were thinking of offering her a position within our Department of Mysteries. If she impresses our Operatives, that includes the Operations Division."
Chatelain nodded and turned to Delacour. "We will match that offer. Our Operations Division hasn't seen much action since it got gutted during Grindelwald's War, but we are always on the lookout for potential members, though our DMLE has been more than up to the task of keeping our people safe. Either way, her scores in sixth year Enchanting and Charms were quite high. We would welcome her within our Enchantment Division as well." Croaker turned to Jacques. "If the job offers are unsuitable, then she will come with high recommendations to any career or apprenticeship she may see fit." Jacques clicked his tongue. "I will let her know. Is your Operative willing to welcome her into their own training regimen? Fleur would welcome the challenge. She may also be thrilled to take part in the academic competitions that have been added to the event, and will likely end up sweeping the seventh year examinations and practicals as compensation." Croaker rubbed his chin. He eyed Jacques. "That would be fine. Just one question. What are her… preferences in mates?" Jacques stared at him for a second before he swore. "I take it you Operative is… receptive to female company?" Croaker shivered. "Not her I am worried about entirely. Her girlfriend, and partner, is deeply territorial in nature. Any improprieties between your daughter and my operative might result in more… dangerous consequences. Potentially worse than having a Dark Lord on the loose." Jacques nodded. "I will let her and Apolline know."
-∞-
Harry sighed to himself as Hermione looked on. "What's wrong? Not looking forward to the rest of the year with the Quidditch season being cancelled?" Harry gestured at the staff table of the Great Hall and the retreating figure of Albus Dumbledore. "I just have a bad feeling that I am going to get dragged into this." Neville patted his shoulder out of sympathy. "On the bright side, Hazel is still around as a guard for the school. She looks to be in a foul mood though." Harry winced when he saw the frown on Hazel's face as she sat at the Staff Table. "Her girlfriend Tonks got reassigned to another mission. She won't be around as much until after the schools arrive and even then she is being kept busy out of the Castle. Hazel has been irritated for the past few days from that." Ron scoffed. "Thought it was from all the bad publicity she got, getting called a Dark Witch and all." Hermione frowned. "Doubt it. She's never been all that shy about addressing herself as Dark. Even if the entire country believes it now, I don't think it would matter to her. She doesn't strike me as the type that cares what others think of her." Harry nodded, giving his cousin a brief smile when their eyes locked for a second. She gave him one back in return.
Having Hazel in his life the last few weeks had been great. In a lot of ways she was like Andromeda, always checking with him and Teddy about everything. She was a great cook who always made time for them, even showing him around the Department of Mysteries less top secret areas. She had explained a bit of what was going on after Harry agreed to a removable but weaker version of the Occlumency defence she and Teddy shared. He was constantly working on his Occlumency exercises to make sure that the next time she had something important to share with him, she could trust him. The last thing she told him about was the Tournament and how both Dumbledore and Voldemort might try to get him into it. She warned Harry that there was no way to get him out of it if the Goblet selected him, so instead she was focused on teaching him the skills he might need to survive, including a few spells that were for emergency use only. They only practiced those spells on the weekends because of how magically drained they left him. Learning basic wandless spells like summoning, banishing and levitation were some of his most memorable times in the DoM training rooms, especially when he and Teddy got to show off a bit at the last tutoring meet up. Playing dodgeball using the banishing and summoning charms with everyone was a lot of fun, even if no one tagged Hazel, as she was too fast to pin down.
The first day of school had crept on them quickly and he knew he was going to miss the closeness he felt at sharing an Apartment with her, Teddy and Dora, even if Dora's music made him question how she still had functioning ears. Yet the moments he would miss most weren't the ones where they practiced magic or visited Merlin's Cave in Cornwall or walked through the magical districts of Edinburgh, though the visit to the Ballycotton Magical Sanctuary was amazing. Both Nova and Hedwig had a lot of fun flying with the other birds in the warm and clear blue sky just at the edges of the island. No, what he would miss most were the quieter moments when everyone sat down to watch movies, listen and chat about music or when they were all preparing for dinner, with Hazel letting him and Teddy help while Leafsby complained. It never felt like he was imposing or was an outsider. He felt like he belonged there with them, enjoying just another carefree day. He hoped Hazel didn't mind if he dropped in on her every once in a while. Might even help improve her mood, really.
Harry felt Ron shoved his shoulder for a bit. "Well, are you signing up for the Tournament or what?" Harry sighed. "No Ron, I don't want to be part of it. I would really like a quiet and peaceful year at Hogwarts. No Trolls, no Basilisks, no Dementors, nothing. I doubt I will get it but that's what I want." Ron shook his head. "Sounds boring, to be honest. Think about it! Eternal Glory and a thousand galleons." Harry made a face. "Don't want the galleons and name one person who was a previous champion." Ron made a face as if he would answer before he frowned. He shrugged. "Well, you'd be the first since the Tournament was restarted. That would make it memorable." Harry waved the comment away. "Not interested." The time for the students to head to the Common Rooms arrived and he saw as the first years started to line up as he made his way out the hall. He watched as Teddy came up to him and hugged him. "Stay safe?" Harry nodded. "You too." They parted ways as he watched the Badgers head down to their Common Room. He sat at the Gryffindor Common Room, his hand absentmindedly playing with the charms on his wrist when the Portrait Door opened, revealing Hazel.
She handed papers to Professor McGonagall who eyed them. "Same as last year?" Hazel nodded. "All set. Also, an extra bit of Parchment. None of us wanted there to be any doubt among the Faculty over the coming event." McGonagall read it and sighed. "You don't trust the Champion Selection?" Hazel raised an eyebrow. "Only thing I trust in this world is Death, because let's be honest, you can avoid taxes with the right amount of gold and solicitors. Death can't be bought, cheated, stopped or ignored, only delayed." McGonagall gave her a look. "A bit morbid." Hazel shrugged. "Peverell here. Death and my family are old friends." Hazel walked over to Harry and hugged him. "You try and have some fun this year. Next one is OWLs and it will likely be a bit boring." Harry squeezed her back. "I will." Hazel was about to leave before she turned around. "Careful with your DADA Professor. He's called Mad-Eye for a reason. Expect the unexpected and check for traps on the doors, floors, desks, seats and even the ceiling. You will thank me later when he doesn't use you for target practice. Ask Tonks when you see her next. She spent months with him at the academy. Night, Harry. Professor." Harry waved at her as she left, McGonagall giving him a soft smile. "Go on, Mister Potter. She will be around by morning."
Harry sat on his bed, fully changed into his pajamas, as he pulled out a charm carved out of wood that Hazel made for him. It wouldn't stop a nightmare or a vision, but it would give him enough control to detach himself from the moment. The feelings and emotions that tended to wake him up feeling cold and dreadful were reduced by it, though he would always have trouble sleeping right after. He wrapped it around his arm and felt the magic settle into him, Hazel's always feeling cool and comfortable to him. Harry extinguished the candle and pulled the cover over his head. He dreaded the coming year at Hogwarts but he knew he wasn't alone. His circle of friends had grown and he had a family looking after him. He took a deep breath and turned over, falling fast asleep.
-∞-
OW September 2nd 1996
Hazel rubbed her eyes as she sat in the library, checking over the Potions book she found in the Potions Classroom after McGonagall forced her to take the sixth year Potions Class. How the new Professor Dumbledore hired would even allow her near a cauldron, she had no idea. The bastard of an old man had seemingly forgotten to take the hint that she wasn't interested in his games, especially after the disaster in the Ministry on the Summer Solstice. She watched as a few Slytherins came up to her table, the Malfoy brat looking her over. "Well, aren't you going to say anything, Potter? You are standing before the new Heir Apparent Black after all." Hazel turned the page over. "Congratulations Malfoy. Bother me a few more minutes longer and I will personally show you what I did to the previous Lord Apparent to the House of Black. His mother apparently fried his brain a few too many times under the Cruciatus Curse, so he wasn't as satisfyingly in pain under my curse as I would have liked. A spoiled and well groomed Heir such as yourself would be a more satisfying experience, I believe." Hazel turned to the next page as Malfoy seemed equally part terrified and insulted. "You have a lot of nerve, being from such a lowborn House. You know the Dark Lord will be coming for you now? He might even let me have a taste of you first."
Slicing her thumb on her canine, Hazel began to focus the magic into her blood and drew it out. " Fill the blustering boy with fear. " The old Druidic Blood Magic triggered, causing Draco to pale as Hazel responded. "Funny, according to my Family Tree I am also the Heiress to the Ancient House of Peverell, one of the Founders of the Wizard's Council, while your main family line were either farmers or nobodies. Then again, I highly doubt Malfoy is your real family name. People say it's a Blood Curse placed on you, with your platinum blonde hair too, kept on for centuries as your family seems utterly incapable of fulfilling the conditions to lift it. Bad faith indeed. As for your Dark Lord, I think he will take that last statement poorly. From what I hear he has declared me and Dumbledore to be his to deal with personally. So why don't you run along now before I show you what I spent my summer learning all about before your Lord hears about your words." The Slytherin ponce and his bookends fled as Hazel licked her thumb clean of blood. " Episkey. " Hazel watched as the wound healed, even if it was a bit slowly, before she looked up. "You have anything to add about my treatment of your fellow Slytherins, Heir Serpens?" The young man with dark brown hair smirked. "Not really. They came in to gloat and presumed they were your superiors and you handled yourself to perfection. May I?" He gestured to the seat in front of her and Hazel shrugged your shoulders. "Your funeral."
Hazel looked over at the young man as he sat down. Tamlane Serpens joined the Slytherins as a sixth year this September and was a bit of an odd one. He was charming and polite but there were times when he had a hard edge to his blue eyes. Malfoy seemed to have trouble getting him to follow along with the other Slytherins. Serpens turned to look in the direction of the retreating Slytherins. "Is this a common occurrence for you? Slytherins coming to wave their Houses' influence and wealth in your face?" Hazel flipped the page, finding a heavily edited Potions recipe. "Most of my time here, especially Malfoy and his minions. Heir Nott has been a bit more respectful but will still join Malfoy in the end. Had a bit of peace after the dead Dragon in the First Task of Tournament last year, at least until just after the mess that was the Second Task." Serpens hummed. "Odd. I was under the impression Slytherins were supposed to be full of cunning and ambition." Hazel snorted. "You forgot to include Pride. There is a reason the muggle faiths describe it as a sin. Too much of it will see you cut down by your own hubris. Then again, it doesn't take much to die in this godforsaken world." Serpens sat back. "Quite morbid of you. Worried about the Dark Lord coming after you?"
Deciding not to dignify that question with a response, Hazel returned her attention to the Potions book filled with annotations, flipping the pages as she scanned the few spells listed on the edges before she froze. She flipped the pages further and further. She knew these spells. Her Godmother had taught them to her. According to her they were made by a certain greasy bat who then proceeded to share them with certain Death Eaters. Hazel flinched at the memory of her Godmother as she slammed the book shut, starling Tamlane. She bit her lip as she stood up. "My apologies, Heir Serpens. I am afraid my family situation this summer changed and has left me in an improper state. As for the Dark Lord. I honestly don't know and don't care. The man will do as he always has done and everyone else will have to make their own decisions afterwards. Now if you excuse me, I need a moment to myself." He gave her an understanding look. "Of course. My apologies, Miss Potter. Take your time." Hazel pulled her bag on her shoulder as she made her way out of the library. She felt tears starting to leak from her eyes as she pulled the Cloak over her body. It took her a bit before she reached her second floor Prefects' Bathroom and burst inside, making a beeline for the opening of the Chamber. " Open ." Hazel's emotional crisis was delayed as she looked at the entrance, noting a lack of reaction. " Open !" Try as she could, her means of entry to the Chamber remained sealed.
"Dobby." The elf popped in beside her. "Great Hazel Potter summons Dobby. What can Dobby do for his mistress?" Hazel felt her earlier problem slipping further and further away. "Are you able to enter the Chamber?" Dobby looked towards the opening and nodded. "Yes, Mistress but wards prevent you from entering." Hazel sighed. "Can you retrieve all of my belongings and the Dragon and Basilisk parts? Make sure no one else has tampered with them either." Dobby popped away as Hazel pulled out another bag from within her school bag. This particular one was a gift that Bella commissioned for her. Using the softer scales of the Dragon's belly, crafters made a bag with a near bottomless extension charm, combined with other charms that kept the contents from smashing into each other and for the weight to be reduced considerably. The outer layer had then been coated with the dragon's scales, protecting it from damage. Hazel had complained to Bella on what was surely the most expensive gift ever but her godmother had shot her down. The money came from the Black Vaults and she felt it was better spent on her safety. The massive multi-compartment trunk and sets of Basilisk hide clothes and armor that were still too big for her came soon after, though the boots she would be able to adjust effortlessly. Hazel's comments on the extreme spending habits of the Blacks had only made Bella smirk at her.
For now though, she was grateful, as Dobby pulled all of her belongings out of the Chamber and into the bag. She would sort through them later when she had the time. Once the elf was done, though he noted the vials of Basilisk Venom and stored fangs were missing, Hazel casted every detection spell Bella taught her on the entrance. Nothing was revealed. The entrance was there, as Dobby saw it from the other side, but it was locked for anyone else using it. Hazel sighed before looking towards the rest of the bathroom. This area wasn't safe anymore. With the Chamber entrance beyond her control, the rest of the Prefect's Bathroom was also vulnerable. She approached the area that held the wards that changed the password. She left her password intact but made sure to add further traps and wards to it, hopefully leaving the next person to modify it to pay the price for running her out of her safe place. Leaving her Sanctuary behind, Hazel wandered the empty hallways under her cloak looking for a place to make her own. Sadly, she knew none would truly be hers. Any place within Hogwarts' grounds would betray her location to Dumbledore and the rest were probably known to Tom, including the Room of Requirement. Even if she could make a safe place for herself there, someone could just block her access to the Room at all. "Dobby." The elf appeared again. "Yes?" Hazel sighed and checked for eavesdropping spells and paintings. She found one painting looking at her funny after she briefly revoked her Cloak and blacked it out while blocking its ability to hear as well. "Take me back to Grimmauld Place. Dumbledore assumes I will spend my nights in the Chamber. Let's not correct him." The elf nodded and apparated her away.
-∞-
NW September 2nd 1994
Hazel placed her cup of coffee down. "Hogsby, another please." Sprout looked towards her with concern. "Late night patrolling the grounds?" Hazel sighed. "I wish." She scanned the Great Hall, feeling Teddy's concern for her through their Family Magic. Last night had been the first time she dreamt of her ex. She had a good feeling as to why, considering the empty bed she found beside her in the morning. She had grown accustomed to sleeping beside Dora. It was a comfort to know she would be there for her, a constant source of warmth, love and levity. Now that she wasn't there, it left her feeling empty again. Just like the last days after her previous relationship. She couldn't stop the shivers that shook her body at the thought of comparing her two long lasting relationships. Dora didn't deserve that from her but the fear that clawed of her mind and heart refused to go away. Living months on the run had been surprisingly easy for her, even more so when she started killing. The loss of Grimmauld Place only made it more so. It wasn't until Teddy entered her life that she realized why. She had accepted her end and even looked forward to it.
Teddy filled a place in her heart and gave her meaning again, a place she knew he always would fill. Now Nymphadora had done the same and she was terrified. The magic she had been feeding to her gave Hazel some brief glimpses into her heart, but nothing as deep as the bond her Family Magic gave her and Teddy. She craved that connection with her but she couldn't force it onto Dora. So she was stuck with her insecurities while Dora was off at Beauxbatons completing her assignment. Seeing Sprout eyeing her, expecting an answer, Hazel drank from her refilled cup of coffee. "Just feeling a bit of anxiety with my partner getting reassigned to escort the Beauxbatons delegation. First time we have been given separate assignments. I know it's a relatively safe and simple assignment but it's still a concern to me." Sprout smiled at her. "I can say that the next words are quite a bit new to me, but trust Nymphadora. She will be back, safe and sound, before you know it." Hazel sighed but nodded. "Only thing I can do really. Any of your Badgers looking to throw their name into the Tournament?"
Pomona sighed and nodded. "Sadly yes. One of my sixth years and quite a few of the upper year students are considering taking part in the main event. I have warned them it can be dangerous but you know how young people tend to be." Hazel eyed Dumbledore. "That I do." She looked back over the students, smiling at both Teddy and Harry before finishing what little bit of breakfast she usually ate. "Well, if you excuse me Professor, I have to check on the grounds a bit more. Have a good day." Pomona nodded as Hazel pulled on her jacket before stepping out the side door of the Great Hall. She did her best to not think about her fears and instead focused on sweeping the area with her detection spells before checking her map. A soft shrill preceded Nova landing on her shoulder before it started pecking her head with her beak. "Oww, oww, ok. I get it. Stop worrying about Dora and making Teddy feel sad." Nova chirped happily and ruffled Hazel's hair with her beak before settling in on her shoulder. Hazel eyed the bird and smiled, rubbing its chest. "Thank you. Think you'd be willing to take a letter from me to her soon?" Nova nodded and Hazel felt her anxiety lower slightly as she approached the edges of the Forbidden Forest.
Looking over the vast fields she remembered were once used for the Tournament in her world, she started walking along the perimeter, her Holly Wand swiftly casting the familiar spells. She could do them wandlessly but she didn't know who was watching her at the time, even if her magic said no one was, so she kept her more exuberant displays of magic tied to her wand. She noticed a Centaur approaching her from the edge and moved closer, concealing herself from view by anyone watching from the Castle. She smiled when she recognized him. "Have the last few seasons done well for the Herd, Firenze?" The Centaur nodded and walked pace beside her, eying the bird on her shoulder with curiosity. "It has, Huntress. The meat did good to us and the rest was used as fertilizer for our crops. We have passed the last winter without much trouble, beyond the discomfort of the floating creatures of cold and pain." Hazel eyed him. "Was the barrier successful in keeping them away from your homes?" Firenze smiled at her and nodded. "It was. Our mothers were most happy to not have lost any babes to the cold or the dreadful creatures or the winter. We still hunt the Acromantulas away, but we all feel safer within our borders." Hazel nodded but frowned. "Has the Headmaster approached you about the coming months?"
Firenze sighed, his eyes turning towards the Castle. "He has. He has requested we help secure the edges of this area for the construction of a large structure and for the respectful distance of the Herd for the storing of several dangerous creatures within the Forest. He has also asked for our thoughts on the dangerous creatures that currently reside here, and locations that may present difficulty in the cold months at the end of Winter." Hazel frowned. "Well, that is a concern. I will not ask your herd to endanger its relationship with the old man, but be wary. A remnant of an old and dangerous foe of our people seeks to intervene. Keep our young ones safe, but never at the expense of the herd." The Centaur bowed his head. "I will inform the Elders. May your hunts be fruitful, Witch. Fair skies, Harbinger." Hazel and Nova nodded. "May the stars be ever kind to the herd, Stargazer." Hazel watched the Centaur leave as she pondered the last bit of information, with Nova taking to the air and circling the lake, probably looking for anything to hunt after. Hazel eyed the surface of Black Lake as she pressed her comm device to her ear. "O1 to base. Do we have anyone there that knows Mermish willing to go for a dive into the Black Lake? We might have a bit of unexpected intel and it should be verified."
-∞-
Teddy sat down at his usual table in an unused classroom they had appropriated for studying when he felt two people come up behind him. Keeping his magic safely in his hands he waited for them to strike. They gripped his arms and two warm lips pressed into his cheeks from either side. His face and hair shifted colors repeatedly as he released his hold on his magic. "What was that for?" Flora and Hestia moved away from him and sat on the other side of the table, giving him identical smiles. "You know why, Lion who hides among Badgers." The other, Hestia if he was right, continued with a wink. "You said we would be safe and you were right." Flora hummed. "Lady Greengrass managed to get Nana Fawley to come back and care for us again. Greengrass has also been appointed as our Regent until we reach seventeen years of age." Hestia continued as she pulled her books out from her bag. "All the Traditionalists have been shown the door and told to stay away. Very amusing." Flora chuckled. "Very amusing indeed." Another voice spoke up from behind him. "Oi! You two are here early." The twins gave Astoria a smirk. "Now, now, Astoria. We were only showing our gratitude to the gentleman here."
Astoria sat down beside Teddy and looked at him. "Right, so he is shifting colors because he is bored?" The two girls giggled as Astoria glared at them before Teddy controlled his blush and shift. "It's ok. They were just being friendly. Which class assignments do you all want to start with?" Astoria eyed him before she sighed. "Let's start with Defence. I don't want to think about Moody till our next class." The Slytherins smiled. "Got caught by his trap, were you? What would your tutor say?" Astoria blushed. "I was tired and half asleep!" The twins giggled before looking at Teddy. "Our Badger here spotted the trap on the doorframe and helped us and his friends avoid it. Moody was very happy with him." Astoria glared at him and Teddy blushed. "I warned you about the trap. Mom did too." Astoria dropped her Defence book and slumped on it. "I forgot about the warning. Woke up stunned and hanging upside down by my ankle. Daphne will be impossible in the next few months." Teddy nodded. "Probably. Everyone my Mom tutors got the warning. Remember to do it every time and practice it here and elsewhere where it's safe to try it."
They all started to work as Teddy though back to their first Defence class. Moody felt surprisingly more fun than Lupin had been. He had them all stand up and practice all the spells they should know as second years. He had been pleasantly surprised when everyone got them down perfectly, a few even doing it silently and with point casting. His artificial eye spun around in his head. "The Headmaster had informed me about the little Dueling Club our current resident Hit Witch ran last year. Good to see she got you all to exceptional levels, for fresh second year students. Let's see if you guys have read ahead. How many can do the disarming spell?" He had been practically giddy as everyone got it on the first try after the entire class raised their hands and he asked for a practical demonstration against dummies. "Good, good. Guessing you all got your Shield charms down. So, how about we do this. As this is a regular class length course, you will all spend the next thirty minutes doing some practical work with either dummies or volunteers before you spend the rest with me as we go over the Dark and Dangerous Creatures out and about. Remember, watch those feet of yours. You don't want to get to my age and have a prosthetic. Trust me, it's not the worst thing, but it's certainly an annoyance first thing in the morning."
The class went relatively well after that before he sat everyone down and checked their knowledge on Hexes, Curses and counters before going into the dangers most witches and wizards could encounter in their daily lives, from the Boggarts, to the Hags, Weres and Vampires. He spent a bit of time covering the tells of each: from a Hag's near constant stench of blood of blood and general emaciated appearance, the Weres having injuries and being irritable just after the full moon, to the Vampires and their stiffer movements in daylight and lack of bodily functions such as regular breathing and blinking. He left them all with assignments on the next Dark Creatures they would be covering, those being the artificially created creatures known as Gremlins and how they are known for causing a great deal of damage to muggle technologies, with information on how to spot them and banish them safely, a job usually handled by the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and the Obliviators. Teddy and the girls covered that assignment quickly before going over the rest. Astoria looked over at Teddy. "Is your Mom going to host a Dueling Club this year?"
Teddy shook his head. "Don't think so. She has a lot of work to cover alone and her Boss could summon her for any reason, so she might just give a few uncommon lessons. She said she found an old dueling chamber in the Castle and the elves agreed to clean it up for the students. She was going to ask the Heads of Houses and Moody about keeping it open to students but she doubts Dumbledore will agree." Astoria rested her chin on her hand. "Here is hoping we get it. Dumbledore mentioned we would be having academic competitions with the other schools. I doubt they'd bring the younger year students, but Durmstrang and Beauxbatons are both known for having a dedicated Dueling class. If the students compete for the Defence course, there won't be a lot from Hogwarts that will have the right skillset to win, and that's without Durmstrang's Dark Arts course being considered." Teddy shrugged. "Mom might help with some tutoring but she wants to focus on Harry." Teddy clamped his mouth shut as the twins looked his way curiously. "What's happening with your cousin?"
Astoria gave Teddy a shrug. "It's up to you if you want to tell them." Teddy thought for a second. They were in Slytherin but they were closer now to Theo and Daphne. He knew they wanted nothing to do with the blood purists and were happy to be away from the whole Death Eater situation. It would be fair to let them know a bit. "No repeating this to anyone in any of the houses, minus us, Daphne and Theo." The twins nodded without hesitation. He told them of the concern about the Tournament and the likelihood Harry would get dragged into it. The twins grew pensive and Hestia spoke up. "Malfoy will try to turn the Slytherins against Harry with this." Astoria nodded. "Lady Peverell will be running interference soon, making a public statement that Harry isn't interested. We are hoping an oathbound signed document from Harry will keep the disbelievers away, but Daphne and Theo still expect some attacks from Malfoy." Flora looked at Hestia for a second and the two nodded, Hestia speaking up. "We will keep the first and second years in line. They won't follow Malfoy blindly with us running interference." Teddy smiled and Astoria chimed in. "Me and Luna will cover Ravenclaw with Professor Flitwick's aid. You should see if you can have Hufflepuff get ready, especially if Cedric signs up, and spread the word." Teddy hugged her, leaving the young blonde blushing and two Slytherins smirking. Teddy had a smile for the rest of the day, happy Harry had the support of his friends. He wasn't going to handle being a Champion without their backing.
Notes:So, how was it? Sorry if I am a few hours later than usual, I sort of forgot about the chapter being posted tonight until my schedule alarm kicked in. We have finally met Hazel's ex and get to see all the familiar faces again back at Hogwarts. Next chapter will be a little bit different, as we take a peek at a certain French Academy of Magic.
Next Chapter?: A look at Dora at Beauxbatons
Just finished another scene/section from the penultimate chapter. That leaves six sections before this story is safely concluded. Been a bit slow because of the near constant heat. Not to mention some small bouts of anxiety. I am so glad the chances of me suffering a panic attack are near zero, but even base anxiety can be just as frustrating, especially in the dead of night. Leaving that aside, I hope you have all been enjoying this story as we get started on the Triwizard Tournament and delve deeper into Hazel's formative moments.
Leave a comment, discuss and see you all in three days.