Thank you everyone who reviewed the last chapter. Due to non-negative responses, I think it safe to assume that you all like my OCs. Sorry to break it to you but they'll die eventually. It's the main reason why I didn't use preexisting characters. But who's to say when? *shrugs*
Anyway, I am pleased at the response to Anthony. This chapter moves the plot forward by a mile. A lot of info is given here so pay very close attention. And don't let the extra set of names confuse you; they won't be popping up…often. Otherwise, enjoy!
Chapter 5 - Deals, Detention, and Dickery
I'm tellin' ya Darien, they might not take this too well, said Damien early the next morning. She and her brother were currently in the fifth-year girl dorms, mentally arguing, quite literally, over what they were planning to do. Darien rolled his eyes.
Do you trust me? he asked instead.
Since the bond came to fruition, she replied with a tired sigh. He always did that when they were arguing and she always caved every time. It was truly her one weakness, her love for her brother. Bad part was that he knew it too and generally wasn't above using it when the situation called for her to bend. And bend she did.
Then trust me now and do it. Without further argument, she waved her hand in front of her, feeling the energy and magic that tied the wards to their beds, the items giving off a similar energy signature. She grabbed his arm and pulled him a foot to the left.
They must really not trust the other two girls. The wards extend in a semicircle about three feet in all directions. They're tied to bracelets both girls wear so they'll know if someone takes the wards down, despite how rudimentary it would be to remove them. Actually, I'm impressed at the sheer complexity and the forethought that went into putting these wards up. Had I not been a master, I'd say it was impossible, at least for their age.
Darien cursed. Darion just had to get the easy one didn't he? But of course, you are a master. Any other surprises?
Yeah, the moment we step foot in the boundaries of the wards, it'll wake up them both, and I'm pretty sure they're not holding teddy bears under those covers. He cursed again.
Just move as fast as you can and disable their hands, alright? I'll get Granger, you get Potter. She nodded and with an unspoken cue, ran full tilt towards the beds. Just as the girls were bringing their wands up, vice-like grips grabbed their hands, and covered their mouths. Their eyes flew open with a snap, panic clearly reflected back at the twins. However, both girls quickly got a hold of their emotions, and watched the intruders warily.
Interesting. I can sense no fear in them, only annoyance and slight curiosity, commented Damien. Darien couldn't help but agree. It was rare to meet a female that wasn't instantly frightened of them. Especially in a situation like the girls now found themselves. Quite a refreshing change, if he did say so himself.
"Now, I'm going to release you and I don't want you to scream or hex me to the next millennium, understand?" questioned Darien calmly. Hermione's eyes flicked over to Cody, and after seeing the other girl in a similar position, nodded carefully. He drew back slowly, taking care to remain within reaching distance in case something unexpected happened. Hermione took several deep breaths, placing her hand over her heart, glaring at him.
"Can you possibly think of another way to wake me up next time? Merlin, I think I just lost five years off my life!" Damien snorted but moved away from Cody as well. If it was possible, she was sure Cody's red hair would be on fire to match the anger in her eyes.
"We probably could but time is of the essence today." Cody fingered her wand as she stared at them. Darien could tell she was itching to curse them, probably out of reflex if Jonathan was anything to go by.
"And what exactly do you want?"
"Information. About your brother," said Damien.
"He's missing and has been for some time now." Damien threw an unreadable look in Darien's direction but he subtly shrugged his shoulders.
"I thought he was in the infirmary?"
"Oh you're talking about him." She waved her hand in dismissal. "I thought you meant Harry. Jonathan is not my brother, he is my sibling and nothing more than that; someone related to me by blood alone. My true brother Harry is missing and has been for a while. However, I digress. Why do you want to know about Jonathan?"
"Because, he plans on attacking us later by what you said to us last night was anything to go by. We like to be prepared and aware of our opponent's weaknesses before the actual confrontation," said Darien. When the two girls gave each other weighed looks, he couldn't help but feel slightly worried.
Scheming females was something to always be wary of.
"Fine. We'll do an exchange," said Hermione slyly.
"What kind of exchange?" he replied cautiously.
Cody smirked. "Information. You should know better than anyone else that you all are very mysterious. And we are very curious. So we'll tell you what you want to know and you will satisfy our curiosity."
Couldn't we just break into their minds and get it over with? asked Damien.
It's better to have allies our own age here. The contact can't help us with everything. Besides, you have the subtly of a tank when it comes to mind arts. If it ever comes to that, I'll have Darius do it.
"Fine, but we reserve the right to not answer extremely personal questions. And do be mindful that some of what you could ask might be forbidden from being spoken," said Darien, waving his hand, and creating two chairs for he and his sister to sit in.
"Also, once an answer has been given, if you want to know more information, you have to waste another question. Remember, every question you ask us is another one we get. So choose carefully."
"Let's leave a question limit at five per round otherwise we'll be here all day," added Darien.
"First question: how did you do that?"
He smirked. "Magic of course."
The girls blinked in surprise. "What?!" Never would they have thought that such a blunt answer would be given, despite the fact that it was true.
"I told you, I created the chairs with magic."
"And for you: what's Potter's biggest fear?" interrupted Damien. Unluckily for the girls, they never thought to magically bind them into telling the truth or compel them to do so. Not that the twins were that absentminded...they never noticed her other hand waving slowly in both their directions.
Cody snorted. "That's easy, being embarrassed in front of the whole school." A wicked smirk spread across Damien's face and her brother grinned next to her.
"This is gonna be good…"
"Why are all you of named in a similar way?" asked Hermione.
"Because it sounds cool."
"Our question: what's his biggest insecurity?"
"His sexuality. The Slytherins love to take the piss out of him about appearing gay since he spends so much time with blokes."
"Were you all adopted since you all carry the same name but don't appear to be related?"
"Yes." In truth, anyone who attended Gekko was adopted. One of the main, albeit unspoken, requirements of acceptance was to have a more or less horrible family that you wouldn't want to return to. Training at the school was harsh and draining in every sense of the word. They had to maintain an image of strength and couldn't have students running away just because the work was too hard. Those that survived were the best in their fields, as such with the twins' mother who was a world renowned master at potions and Gekko Alumni.
"What time does Potter usually show up for meals?" asked Damien, tapping her finger on her knee irritably. She never was one that could sit still for long, much to Darien's amusement.
"About twenty minutes in generally."
"What are your real names?"
"I'm sorry but those are unknown even to us."
"What do you mean you don't know your real name?" screeched Cody reflexively, clapping her hand over her mouth. In the other bed, Hermione groaned, rolling her eyes.
"And that's it for you. What are Potter's favorite foods?"
"Anything with salty meat in it, specifically bacon, sausage, and steak."
"If you'll excuse us, I think that'll be all for this session," said Darien, banishing the chairs as he and his sister stood up abruptly, much to the girls' surprise.
Damien smirked at Cody. "Sorry If we need more information, we'll let you know. See you in the Great Hall."
"How do you know we'll not go blabbing what we've learned to anyone?" asked Hermione. They really wouldn't as they wouldn't have anyone to tell nor were they that type of people but were interested about why they were trusted so easily.
"You've already been magically silenced. Here's a snippet of knowledge to keep in mind in the future: always have all limbs accounted for. Especially hands. Later." They left the room swiftly, leaving no sign of their presence. Hermione and Cody just sat up in their beds, staring silently at the walls, wondering what the hell just happened.
"Athena my dear, I think we've been duped."
"I do believe you're right."
***
"Surprised?"
Darien nodded, slowly sliding down the wall behind their guardian portrait to land on the floor. He silently stared at his hands for a moment in wonder, his heart clenching a bit. "She still doesn't believe I'm dead."
"Well, you didn't break all bonds with her, just most of them," she pointed out with a shrug.
"But she doesn't even know what I've become and she still considers me more of brother than the one she's grown up with."
"Which only shows how much she really loves you, Cameron." He looked up sharply at 'his' name, the one he himself chose to replace his old one. A cheeky grin was on her face, one eyebrow higher than the other in her patented look of 'are you really that stupid?'. "So get off your ass so we can do the damn thing. Maybe once we're finished, you could tell her the truth." Her hand was extended, waiting for him to take it. With a rueful grin, he grabbed it, allowing her to pull him to his feet. If it was one thing he could always count on his sister for, it was being able to say the right things to get his sluggish mind working again.
"What would I do with you, my Anya?" She punched him on the arm playfully, understanding the sentiment anyway. He had really been broken when he had arrived at Gekko and had only begun to heal after the ritual to bind them as twins was completed.
"Hell if I know. But then again, I don't want to find out either."
"Sure you're okay with that? I mean…she is my sister. Biologically at least." One of her main personality flaws was her extreme possessiveness. Which when combined with her temper spelled out lots of explosions. Or just things on fire. Or usually a combination of both.
"So what? You're my twin. Mind, body, heart, and soul. I'll always have you close, no matter what, and we knew that from the beginning. If having her around will make you happy, then I'm okay with that. But you're still my brother, my twin."
He shook his head in amusement, more relieved by her support than he originally thought. Tugging on her hand, he pulled her into a hug, smiling slightly when her grip tightened minutely around him. "You really are my better half."
"And don't you forget it, dumbass."
***
The Outcast Trio walked into the Great Hall cautiously, wary of the Tsubasas who were calmly sitting in their usual spots. A quick glance showed that Jonathan and his group were already there as well, their leader shoving down food in a similar manner to Ron, with no manners whatsoever. Hermione led the way, easing down into her seat slowly.
Darien snorted at her wariness, although mentally commending her for said caution. One honestly couldn't be too careful. "Calm down. Nothing is going to happen to you. By our hand at least."
"Yeah, you're not the target for this," added Darion. Cody and Hermione shared a look.
"Still, it pays to be slightly paranoid when you're us. Let's just say that besides the Slytherins, we're Johnny's favorite targets." They nodded to Neville, the boy waving his wand over the food in their reach, relaxing when nothing glowed other than the four boxes.
"Your boxes are magical?" asked Cody curiously as she began loading her plate with food.
"Technically, they're called bentos. It's basically a localized portkey, or something similar to it. Honestly we have no idea how it works, just that when we open them, a meal is there, ready for consumption," replied Damien.
"Must be handy."
Breakfast continued calmly, conversation going back and forth, mostly questions about school and work. It wasn't until they were leaving for Transfiguration that Hermione realized nothing had happened, either to them or anyone else.
"Why didn't..."
Darien grinned sadistically. "Something happen? Trust me, we'll get him but he's going to kill himself in anxiousness. We'll have him almost begging for us to do something, just so the stress of waiting would be gone."
"Don't mind him, he is very malicious when revenge is about to be served," commented Darion idly.
"How come you're not like him? I'd think you would be almost giddy?" asked Neville to Damien.
"Don't have the patience for the waiting game he's gonna pull. When the actual -"
"Come now, no slacking! We've got a fun lesson planned for today and I'd hate for you all to miss it!" interrupted a cheerful voice before Damien could finish.
"Uncle Sirius, we're coming! Don't close the door yet!" shouted Jonathan, him and his posse running past them to the door. Darius waved his hand in their direction discretely, cracking a wide grin when they all tripped and fell to the ground. Everyone in the corridor started laughing, none quite as hard as Cody though.
"You might want to rein in that ego of yours brother dearest," she called down to him as she stepped on his fallen body. "Accidents are prone to happen if you can't see around it." The others had enough common sense to walk around them, despite how they wished to (pun intended) kick them while they were down.
Thankfully, for Darien at least, Professor McGonagall did not want a practical demonstration of their skill, and instead launched into her usual start of year speech before moving directly into the theory behind small animal to inanimate object transfiguration. Darius was hanging on most of her words, which was expected since he planned on gaining his first Mastery in the subject anyway.
As the lecture was winding down, Sirius Black popped up out of no where, a face splitting grin upon his face.
"Well, thanks Minny, I'll take it from here!" he cried cheerfully, ignoring the glare she sent at him. He rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Now let's get to it. You know the theory so let's see some imagination here! I don't care what you transfigure, so long as its properties are what they should be."
The next hour was filled with the murmuring (read: shouting) of the students, the most noise coming from the Gryffndors while the Puffs worked diligently, but quietly. Darius had already changed his mouse to a fine quill, a pen, a hair tie, and everything in between. He eventually stopped on a very real dagger with wavy edges and a rather fine leather grip. Black, having been nearest, came over to investigate, grabbing the weapon from Darius's hands as he was examining it.
"A little crude, don't you think?" he asked, scorn upon his face as he stared down the side of the dagger, using a finger to glide across the edge. "Bet it's dull."
"I wouldn't-"
"Do that," finished Darion as the stupid man cut his finger. Damien shrugged, shaking her head, her own half-size tan baseball bat lying on the table.
"If Darius is the one doing the transfiguration, then believe me when I say 'what you see is what you get'," she added, unnecessarily hitting Darion upside his head with the bat, smirking when it made a solid 'thunk'. "If it looks like it can cause you harm, then it most likely can."
"What the hell Damien?!" cried Darion, clutching his head. "Why me?!"
"Because you annoy me?" she replied in a `no-duh' tone of voice. Darion looked ready to attack her when Darius placed a solid hand on his shoulder, holding him in place.
"Be happy she didn't use the cast-iron pot again," pointed out Darien. The other boy shuddered in remembered pain. He hadn't been able to feel his ass for weeks after.
"What is going on here?" demanded McGonagall, eyes moving between them and the other professor suspiciously.
"He cut me!" whined Sirius, despite having already bandaged the wound. She uncharacteristically rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue, saying "Well what do you expect when you run your finger on a blade? Ten points to Ravenclaw, Mr. Tsubasa, for excellent transfiguration and another five for design. Ms. Tsubasa, please refrain from using your item as a weapon upon other students please."
"What? I had to make sure it was solid wood on the inside. Professor Black even said we could do what we want as long as the properties were as they should be," she replied innocently. Hermione snorted from in front of them, her own dartboard in front of her, a set of darts courtesy of Neville and Cody.
"I hate to admit it professor, but she is right, technically," said Neville, a wide smile on his face.
"Gotta love them technicalities," added Cody with a grin.
McGonagall raised a single eyebrow. "Technically...the three of you can take five points for group work. Leave them here after class," she added in an undertone before walking away. All three blinked in surprise. She wanted their dart set?!
"Did she just ask for your project?" asked Darien, leaning forward to whisper in Hermione's ear. She nearly jumped in surprise, managing at the last second to not flinch.
"I don't quite believe it myself either, but there have been weirder ones."
"Like what?"
"Like the time I jinxed Jonathan by switching his wand with a big black dildo. He never saw it as a dildo but everyone else did. Sinistra, the Astronomy Professor, happened upon me after I had spelled him and asked if I could teach her the spell," replied Cody with a straight face.
Darien didn't have anything to say to that.
***
"So...what were your impressions of the Tsubasas?" asked Dumbledore at the weekly staff meeting after dinner. Most of the staff had already left, leaving only James, Lily, Sirius, Sprout, Flitwick, Snape, and McGonagall. Remus was the only one missing due to the approaching full moon.
"I found them to be a perfectly well behaved lot," started off McGonagall. "If a bit mischievous at times. Otherwise they are pleasant enough."
"You'll hear no foul things from me," said Snape, much to the others' surprise. He rolled his eyes, crossing his arms defensively. "They were very helpful in making sure the chaos in my room was kept to a minimum and they're not complete dunderheads either. I have not had an explosion in that class since they started. For example, when Potter was making his potion, Apprentice Tsubasa kept telling him he was doing it wrong and had he continued, the potion would have blown up in his face. I am most happy to have them and for once actually look forward to that particular class." His fellow teachers blinked in shock.
Severus never liked any of his classes besides the NEWT seventh year class. The fact that he did like a class, a Gryffindor-Slytherin one as well, was a very glowing mark on their records.
"Unlike Snape, I'm not biased because one's a Slytherin. They're rotten to the core, every single one of them. I don't like having my daughter associate with them," grumbled James, a sour look upon his face. He could still feel the blow to his pride from when they took down his best duelers the other day, despite he having taught them, especially Jonathan, himself.
"Well if you didn't get your kicks from bothering them, maybe they wouldn't be so bad. And before you jump to me being biased towards them, remember that two of them, the same two that so happen to be in charge, are also lions."
"Shut up Snape," snapped Sirius, still feeling the pain in his finger. No one knew what Darius had charmed it with but despite the wound having already been bandaged and healed, every now and then the phantom pain would reappear, reminding him of his foolish folly. Snape had almost cracked a smile when McGonagall had related the story of how exactly his finger came to be the way it was.
"I didn't have much of a problem. I think they only react to the aggression shown them by others. My Ravens didn't have an issue with them. In fact, in their practice duels and in class, they were even teaching them how to overcome their flaws."
"So it seems that only you have the issue," said Sprout. "My Puffs get along with them perfectly well, especially Darion. That boy's got a green thumb to match Neville's and you know I've been singing his praises since his first year."
"Personally, I think we should withhold judgment until next week," said Lily just as James was opening his mouth. She shot a glare at him to make sure he remained quiet. "First impressions are rarely correct in portraying the person people truly are underneath. I happen to believe that Pomona is right. We did come after them rather harshly and I should have expected no different. As you said Severus, they are lions." James shot her a betrayed look, one that she ignored.
Dumbledore sighed. So I guess I won't be getting the information I want just yet. Oh well. I am a patient man...
"Very well. Keep me informed of their progress, especially if they seem to be having a problem in class."
"That reminds me Albus. Aren't they going to be punished for yesterday?" asked James. Snape rolled his eyes, a disgusted scoff escaping his lips.
"Must you be so petty Potter? It was a duel, things happen. If he didn't want to be hurt, he shouldn't have volunteered."
"Now now gentlemen, let's not get out of hand. But he is right James. No, I believe if Mr. Potter has a problem he will sort it out himself. In one way or another."
***
"Oi! Cameron! Your father wants to talk to you!" called Darion, standing in front of the special projector. The device was a small box pointed at the wall where the image of a slender man waited in a chair. It was just one of the many inventions the Technomagi had created with the help of their muggle relatives.
"Thanks Caleb. I'll take it from here." As he walked away, Cameron bowed to the image of his father. The man nodded his head in return, a slight smirk twisting his mouth.
"I see you haven't killed anyone, or caused any trouble. I don't know whether to be pleased or appalled, my son."
"Sorry dad. But we are planning something for dear old Johnny," he sneered slightly in reply, his green eyes darkening as his brow bent over them, throwing his face in shadow.
"Cameron, remember, it's not his fault he's a grade A git, it's mine."
"Don't flatter yourself. You only spelled Lily, not either of them. What they did to me was of their own free will." His father sighed tiredly, running a hand through his long black hair.
He had done his best to make sure his son was not driven by revenge against his former family, and had largely succeeded in a positive manner. Now all that was left was intense dislike that often evoked his tendency to make their lives living hells.
"Let's leave that for now. I didn't call just to start an old argument. How has Anya been handling things?"
"Better than we expected. It was a near miss the first day but she's doing well."
"The sooner you four find the remaining Guardians and the Gatekeeper the sooner we can relax. He's moving you know, far faster than master Lenneth had predicted. You'll need that power, and soon."
"I know dad. Personally, I think we're wasting our time."
"You only say that because you want to leave," said Anya, walking up to him and bowing to her `father'. "Hi dad."
"My little Anya. Behaving yourself?"
"If by behaving you mean I haven't blown anything up, then yes." He threw back his head and let out a deep belly laugh.
"That's my girl. Don't worry though. You shouldn't be there the whole year anyway. By December, the missing will reveal themselves from being around you four for so long."
"Prediction?" asked Cameron.
"No, the archmagi have Seen it and know it to be true. Master Lyon was the anchor."
"Guess that makes it true then. So does that mean we can stop looking?"
"No, you lazy brat. December is when they will appear if they haven't already. You can speed up the process if you narrow things down. Anyway, your lessons will continue nevertheless starting next Monday."
"How will we get there? I very much doubt the old man will just let us walk out."
"Not that he could stop us unless he really tried," added Anya with a smirk.
"Joshua will be escorting you to and from and if not him, then one of the Generals or Rangers." A bright grin spread across Anya's face, her eyes glowing red again. "Control yourself little one. While I know it may be hard, you must try. Until the-"
"Gatekeeper is found, I know father. I don't need you or anyone else to remind me of that!" she snapped. Cameron laid a calm hand on her shoulder. Their father sighed again. While he couldn't really fault her, as others like her suffered from the same affliction, she was in a very sensitive position.
"Would you stop antagonizing my daughter Nicholas? I just might get annoyed and you know what happens when I get annoyed..." The twins couldn't help but grin to themselves as their mother appeared next to their now sweating father. While he was a very brave man, like any other red-blooded male, he feared the fury of a female like no other. Specifically this one.
"Mia...I-" She shut him up with a sharp glare from her oriental light brown eyes. Her hair was a dark, earthy toned brown and extended to just above her ribs. A small smirk was always pulling at her lips, making everyone think she knew something they didn't. Truth was, she usually did know something they didn't and rather often too. A tiny beauty mark was off the center of her face, right under her lip. All in all, she was a very captivating woman, and she knew it too.
"We'll be having a talk later, you and I, while I kick your ass in a duel," she informed Nicholas, her tone leaving no room for argument. She turned and smiled at her children. "But the two of you look well and I'm proud of the both of you."
"Thanks mom/mommy," from Cameron and Anya respectively, practically glowing under her praise, which was given out few times and far between. She didn't neglect to tell them such but refrained from saying it too often, in which case the words would have become empty and meant nothing.
"Anything interesting happen with your former family?" Cameron looked down, not wanting to speak, to which Anya rolled her eyes in amusement.
"Apparently, his sister Athena considers him merely missing rather than dead and more of a brother than Jonathan. Although, that's not much of a compliment considering how he is. I just thank the Powers that we will still be continuing our own schooling. I don't think I could tolerate him day in and day out nonstop." Mia's eyes widened in surprise while Nicholas merely smirked.
"I told you they weren't that bad." Without looking, she hit him in the back of his head, the force of the blow sending him forward and out of the chair, which she promptly placed herself in. The pair snickered at him, as he slowly came back into the picture, standing behind the chair cautiously.
"You said Lily wasn't that bad and I agreed. James on the other hand..."
"Might I obtain permission to do something...not nice?" asked Anya, smiling wickedly. Mia seemed to think it over for a while before answering.
"When you're returning home. I expect it to be good and I expect there to be pictures. And I have a special message from your father Anya." Predictably, her eyes shined a vibrant red but neither felt the need to chastise her about it. "He says he misses you and wishes he could send a message but he's in the middle of a mission right now and can't risk communication. He expects you to raise all kinds of hell and do him proud as a member of the Sirea clan." As expected, she straightened her posture and nodded resolutely. "That's my girl. Now, bring Caleb and Dante. Their parents want to speak to them as well."
***
The rest of the week continued normally, the Tsubasa quartet becoming better friends with the Gryffindor Outcasts and their Slytherin associates. Jonathan had tried to prank them early on by making them use enchanted quills that forced the user to randomly curse out loud for no apparent reason. It didn't work of course, Darius switching the quills when no one was looking. It was rather amusing to watch Snape take 200 points from Gryffindor in one class period and hand out enough justifiable detentions to last a week. James had whined and groused and made a general annoyance of himself but not even Lily would agree to removing the detentions. She, like many, believed it was a suitable punishment for a botched prank. Everything was normal, at least until their first theoretical DADA class.
Umbridge had started off the class by lecturing them with her annoyingly high simpering voice, slowing grating on everyone's nerves.
"Welcome class. I hope you will all be quite happy with the changes I am going to make here. Due to the nature of this course and its importance with it being OWL year, Monday Defense will be half theoretical and half practical while Friday Defense will be all theory. You all will be reading from your Ministry approved books for the entire time, in preparation for your OWLs. The books are very self-explanatory so it should not be difficult to understand the material. Trust me when I say that if you read these books and study hard, you will get at the very least an Acceptable. "
"For the theory maybe," muttered Cody with a grin. Neville and Damien had to work hard to hide their snickers.
"Excuse me professor, but isn't the practical section of the OWLs weighed more heavily than the theoretical?" asked Hermione, her face set in a frown. Umbridge turned to look at her, carefully concealed hatred in her eyes. But of course, Darien had spent a good portion of his life studying people and thus made a mental note against the toad.
"Yes, but theory is still more important in the real world. Thus you will not need to bring your wands to class, only your books, parchment, and quills."
"Despite the fact that we still have practical exams to take? How are we supposed to pass that part if we don't know what it feels like to cast the spell?" drawled Darion dryly. "People are only good at magic from practice. What good is theory then?"
"Enough questions. Just open your books and read," she snapped in reply, turning her back to them as she marched over to her desk. Most of the students did as she asked, albeit grumbling a bit. Darien flipped through his quickly, his frown deepening.
How old are we? Twelve? sneered Darion.
I thought this was an important year for them. The spells, what little there is, are so basic a third year could do them.
I say we get out of here, this is so unnecessary, replied Damien. While I understand the need for theory, making that the majority of our time is ridiculous. As one the four rose from their seats, drawing attention of the class.
"What do the four of you think you are doing?" demanded the toad-woman, attempting to stare them down but failing magnificently. It didn't help that she was also shorter than them all, even Damien at her modest five foot three inches.
"We're leaving. This is crap we learned in our second year of school. I'm not going to waste my time dealing with child's play," snorted Darien. "I came here to learn, not tolerate ignoramuses. I don't know about you but I don't think Voldemort and his Death Nibblers are going to be intimidated with me spouting off random theory of spells." Her eyes flashed triumphantly as she said with glee, "Detention! For all four of you. I expect you in my office after dinner tonight. I will teach you not to spout lies in my class." To everyone's surprise, Darius began laughing, shaking his head in rueful amusement.
"You might as well do whatever it is you do when a student skips a detention because we're not going," said Darion blandly.
"Besides, we're not lying. Voldemort's back and it's far better to be prepared for the worst than getting caught unawares," added Damien.
"A week's worth then."
"You add on more time like we'll care," said Darien, rolling his eyes. The class looked at the four in slight awe, flabbergasted at their audacity to argue with not only a professor but a Ministry official.
But Umbridge only smiled secretly. "We'll just see about that now won't we?"
***
"I'm sorry Professor Umbridge but there's no real legitimate reason to make them go to detention, besides their initial refusal to go to the first one," concluded Dumbledore with a sigh, much to her surprise. Just like she had promised, she had gone to their heads of house and the Headmaster to get them in detention. However it was proving harder than she had initially realized as all of them agreed. Because of how Hogwarts was structured, if enough of the staff were in agreement, there was little one professor could do. And now the Tsubasas were not being punished as all four heads agreed that `telling lies' was not good enough for a detention.
"But they should be punished for their belligerence!"
"That's what points are in place for Dolores," said Snape dryly. "The best way to take the brats to task is to let their house mates take care of the punishment for us."
"Fine, they'll just serve the single night of detention with the three of us," put in Lily before the arguing could continue. They had already been at it for at least an hour and she was getting tired of it.
"I have no problems with that," agreed Flitwick quickly. "Although I don't know how I'm going to communicate with young Mr. Tsubasa."
"I'll lend you Mr. Tsubasa in the beginning before he reports to me," said Severus, eager to leave the room. He had seen, heard, and done a lot in his life as both a former Death Eater and a spy but just being around Umbridge was making his skin crawl in disgust. A feat in and of itself for the man with legendary control over all parts of his body. Umbridge sputtered about uselessly for a moment, her argument momentum gone.
"But-"
"Just let it go for now Dolores. Their heads are in agreement so I see no reason to prolong this meeting any longer. I do believe it is rather close to supper and I am quite eager to feast this night."
***
"So are you going to go?" asked Hermione, idly pushing her food around her plate. Darien shrugged.
"Might as well, I just didn't want to be stuck with her for an indeterminate amount of time. That woman just rubs me the wrong way and it has nothing to do with her abysmal fashion sense."
"Well, at least it is with the House heads. That way you know it won't be too bad."
"It's still detention though. I wonder what they'll make you do?" wondered Neville.
"Probably nothing too serious, mom has always been soft with hers," replied Cody.
"Speaking of, we'll need some escorts to their offices, would you mind?" asked Darien. The trio nodded.
"I just wonder why you got off so easily. Any other day I'd have said you were looking forward to a week of detention but now I'm not so sure."
"Were you really planning on skipping?" asked Neville.
"Of course, we don't usually go back on our words," said Darion.
"After all, what more could they do to us?" snorted Damien.
"Take away house points," pointed out Hermione.
"We don't rightly care," shot back Darien.
"You can't join your house Quidditch team."
"Darien's the only one who likes to play."
"You can't go to Hogsmeade on weekends."
"If we wanted to, we would find a way."
"Tell your parents?" tried Neville feebly. The four started laughing again.
"In which case we would be praised for telling the truth and causing chaos at the same time."
"Like I said, there's really nothing they could do to us as punishment," ended Darien with a smug grin. Cody sighed wistfully.
"If only that applied to me as well…"
***
"Since it seems like our favorite bookworm wants to talk to you privately, I'll just stay back here," said Damien cheerfully, moving far behind Hermione and Darien. He watched her go in surprise before turning to the other girl. Darius had warned him that this would happen, partially why Damien had been so eager to leave.
"Yes?" She bit her lip in nervousness, seemingly in a fight with herself. One side emerged victorious as she cast a privacy bubble around them with a flick and wave of her wand, and started walking. He silently fell in step with her, noticing Damien following along.
"How are you able to do wandless magic?" He grinned, inwardly sighing in relief. The small week he had spent with the girl allowed him to know that she was very perceptive and very likely to start seeking answers to questions she should really leave alone.
"It's not, despite what you see." He pulled back the sleeve of his jacket, revealing the leather bracer on his arm, and the wand that was attached to the bottom. She didn't need to know that the wand was actually a blank and as dead magically as an ordinary piece of wood. "You don't really need to hold your wand, per se, to get the results you want. We actually hold them in the bottom of our hands."
"I don't understand."
"As I expected. Here's an example I've noticed. I've seen a majority of the students here use the Banishing and Vanishing charms interchangeably. Banishing sends the object away from you while Vanishing gets rid of it completely, right? While the intent might be to vanish, they'll use the incantation and wand motions of the banisher, but still get the same results. Why do you think that is?" Hermione chewed her bottom lip a little, her arms going into the `thinking' pose, one hand cradling her chin.
"Because…the intent was there?"
"Correct. Same thing with our wands. While we do get better results when we actually hold them, naturally, it gets the job done and intimidates our opponents. They of course think we're doing wandless magic and already believe in their minds that they will be defeated." She smiled at him slyly.
"How awfully Slytherin of you." He shrugged.
"Slytherins are just Gryffindors who like to think and use subtly rather than charging in blindly."
"That's…a very astute observation. I've never thought of it like that before. Kinda describes me actually."
"Which is the good part about bring in those who have not grown up with the rivalry. We bring in non-colored viewpoints."
"That reminds me of my other question. When are you guys going to tell us the real reason why you are here?" He blinked wordlessly for a moment.
Well, we had only hoped she wouldn't notice, muttered Damien. Too damn smart for her own good.
"I told you, we're here on a foreign exchange program." She shook her head.
"A likely and legitimate cover story. But it's obvious that you four are way ahead of us, both in academics and magically. Besides, I translated your school name. Magic School of WAR ring any bells?" He observed her quietly for a moment, a smile spreading across his face.
"Congratulations Hermione. You're right; we're not here for the program, although one does exist. The real reason why we're here is to protect Jonathan Ares Potter." She stopped in astonishment, her jaw dropping open. He himself was surprised he chose to tell her so bluntly, although he hid it well, but the damage was done. Besides, she might actually be able to offer some sort of assistance. Chuckling lightly, he closed her mouth. "Don't seem so surprised. You know better than anyone that Voldemort is really back. The Potters wanted extra protection for their son so Dumbledore used his contacts to get that protection. So here we are."
You are so vague with your words brother dear, sent Damien, grinning in the silence of the corridor.
She doesn't need to know the specifics; we don't know or trust them enough for that. They don't need to know our protecting Jonathan is only in exchange for coming here to find what we're missing. Or rather who.
"That makes so much, and yet so little, sense at the same time. But you never seem too interested in him, nor do you protect him as you say you do. I don't understand." He sighed and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Hermione, you're a smart girl and seem reasonably street wise too. But listen to me well." His eyes hardened as he became serious, something she took note of immediately. "You're not meant to know or understand everything. No one is. Believe me when I say you're treading amongst things that are way over your head. LEAVE IT ALONE." But despite that, she kept pushing, much to Darien's rising annoyance.
"But if you four are so powerful, why don't you just defeat him on your own?"
"Because we're not that strong. Stronger than the rest of you? Without a doubt, but Voldemort is in a class all his own. It'd be suicide and just plain stupid to face him as we are."
"But why you? Why not someone older with more experience?" He let the barb go. It's not like she knew, or needed to know, that they were actually the best in their year. Or that that year was also the highest they could go without their Gatekeeper.
"Because he's not supposed to know. Hermione, maybe if we can trust you three more, I'd tell you more but as I don't, I'm asking you to let it go." Either it was something in his tone or the way he was glaring at her, but she did stop questioning him, despite the fact that he could tell every bone in her body was screaming at her to learn more.
"Fine, but I won't stop until I get to the bottom of this," she hissed. Darien barely withheld the urge to scream.
"Hermione, there is no bottom! We're here to protect him without him knowing, period and point blank, end of story. You're a smart girl, I know you are, but it's best you learn this lesson now. You are not entitled to know everything." But to his confusion, she merely started grinning victoriously.
"Which simply proves to me that there is more going on besides you protecting him. But don't worry; I've long since broken out of that habit to need to know absolutely everything. I'm just letting you know that I'm aware of things that go on around this place that might affect me and my friends. And I'm telling you now." This time, she glared at him, and to his surprise it wasn't half-bad. Naturally, his teachers were ten-times worse but she was coming along. "I personally don't care what happens to that boy but if this ends up hurting Neville or Cody, I'm coming after you and you know what they say, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
Darien just looked at her silently before he smirked, stepping in to whisper in her ear, purposefully dropping his tone to a husky timbre. "I think I'd look forward to it. Fiery bookworms are said to be great in bed," and he pulled away before she could swipe at him, laughing loudly. Damien dispelled the privacy bubble with a wave, feeling this was as good a time as any to step in.
"Do I even want to know?" she asked, watching as Hermione tried to hex her brother, he dancing out of the way nimbly.
"He is so crude and I want to inflict pain upon him!" roared Hermione as she chased him down the corridor. Damien kept up with her pace easily.
"Is that all? I want to do that everyday. Aim for his torso, that's harder to move as quickly. But remember, we are in the corridor and-"
"What in Merlin's name are you three doing?" asked Professor Evans, looking at them in surprise from her office doorway. The trio froze, Darien grinning like a madman, Hermione huffing angrily like a mad bull, and Damien just looking mad amused.
"My brother's a dick. Often, he finds himself at odds with those who don't appreciate his dickery for what it is and thus he ends up running from those that would also do him harm. Nothing out of the ordinary and nothing to be worried about. They'll get used to him eventually," she explained with a shrug. The woman just sat in silence for a moment, shaking her head.
"I don't want to know. Just get inside. Thank you, Miss Granger, for escorting them. You may leave now." She nodded, tossing a promise-of-pain-filled "See back in the common room Darien" over her shoulder as she left. Lily sighed to herself, closing the door, and turning to the twins who were now on the defensive, she noted.
"So what are we going to be doing? Writing lines?" scoffed Darien with a sneer usually found on Darion's face. Damien elbowed him in the side.
"Be nice……………er," she added at his glare. Turning to the professor, she continued. "Ignore him, his daily dosage of dickery has been denied and he's descending deeper into the darker depths of withdrawal." Despite herself, Lily snorted in amusement, shocking them.
"What? I can't laugh at a good joke?" She made her way over to her desk, waving them into the chairs in front of it while seating herself on the corner of said desk. They sat slowly, suddenly wary. "Now, I want to hear it from the two of you why you saw fit to argue with Dolores about Voldemort's return and you can speak freely here without threat of repercussion."
"Because she's a Ministry lapdog and she gets on my nerves. Besides, we wouldn't be here if he really wasn't," replied Darien.
"So you four are the guard Albus was talking about…well, from a mother's point I want to thank you personally. I know Johnny isn't the easiest of people to get along with, gets it from his father, so I know he's not making it easy to do your jobs. Now, what can we do to diminish the conflict between you and some of your professors?" Damien twitched.
"How do you know about that?"
"You four have been the topic of discussion all week in the lounge and in the weekly meetings. Severus, Minerva, Pomona, and Filius generally sing your praises, although that coming from Severus only reinforces it greatly. It seems however that there are continued problems with my husband and Sirius, Dolores notwithstanding." Darien crossed his arms.
"If they weren't so interested in trying to defeat us or make us look bad we wouldn't have a problem." Lily nodded.
"I had thought as much. Both of them are very prideful men and getting knocked down by a group of fifteen-year-olds is a hard pill for them to swallow. If I can assure that they shall leave you alone, do you think relations will improve?"
"Most likely. Although it might take an act of God to get us to be nice to Umbridge," sneered Damien and Lily only agreed.
"If it makes you feel any better, no one else likes her either. It is the first time we've ever had a theoretical professor for Defense as James switches out with Sirius and Remus to avoid the curse on the position. As long as your offenses aren't too great, or damaging, I don't see why the staff can't turn something of a blind eye if…let's say Dolores started croaking in the middle of class or came into the Great Hall wearing naught but a bed sheet," she said lightly. To say the pair was surprised would be an insult to the word. Hit with a Stunner might be more apt to describe them.
Did she just…
She just gave us permission to prank that woman…
"Professor? If…something like that were to happen, what would the punishment to the offenders be?"
"Most likely detention with me or one of the other House Heads. At least that way they'll be forced to do something more productive than just writing lines or cleaning things, as they will be supervised." All of the implications made their head spin with the various possibilities.
"Professor, I think we're going to get along just fine," said Damien, grinning wickedly. Darien didn't say anything, putting up the mask of agreement so she wouldn't think anything was off.
***
I don't mean to be so blunt, or crude, but you need to get over yourself, quickly, Darion sent to their leader in annoyance as they made their way back to their rooms from detention. It seemed as if the Heads had planned their detentions from the beginning, all of their `punishments' being remarkably similar in encouraging them to deal with Dolores on their own. So long as they were never caught of course.
:For once I agree with Darion. This is unhealthy brother. You can't hold a grudge against her forever, especially since you know it was not her fault, or her doing.:
Besides, she seems like an okay person to me. Hell, god forbid if you actually give her a chance you might like her. Perish the thought! Damien spat sarcastically. Darien twitched from the bombardment of his team, holding back the urge to snap at them because in his heart of hearts, he knew they were right. Didn't mean he had to like it, or how they were going about it.
Alright already! I get it! Jesus fucking Christ man!
What does he have to do with this? inserted Damien, just to piss him off. She received a none too gentle punch to the arm for her cheek.
Good, now stop being a pussy and start being that dick we all know, love, and despise, added Darion and he could tell the boy was grinning. Darien only sighed tiredly, willing himself mentally back to the Gekko and his mother's arms. While Lily might have birthed him, Mia would always be his mom. And nothing they could say would make him change that.
***
It wasn't until the next day that the Tsubasas made any sort of progress on their search mission. They had been about to enter the Great Hall when they crossed paths with the most curious looking girl.
:Darien, the supernal connection with this one is strong, far more than with anyone else we've come across.:
"Cody, who is that?" murmured Damien, gently feeling the same link pulling her towards the girl that Darius had reported. The female Potter looked to who Damien had nodded discreetly at.
"Oh her? That's Luna Lovegood, a year below us in Ravenclaw. Kinda wacky with a few twigs short of a steady broom, but alright overall. Hey Luna!" she called, causing the mostly confused looking fourth-year to approach them.
Her light silvery grey eyes were impossibly wide with a slight glazed look as if someone was home, just not paying attention. Her hair was waist-length, straggly, and a dirty blonde. She smiled absently at Cody.
"Athena, have the snorgleborks been pestering you again?" Despite the confusion of the four, Cody, Hermione, and Neville only grinned indulgiently.
"Good morning to you too Luna, and no they haven't but thanks for asking." Luna nodded, moving her gaze over onto Darien. For a moment her eyes focused, only intensifying the slight pull into more insistent tugging. Only diamond-hard and rock-solid control kept the four from reacting visibly. But she only focused for that split second, continuing to smile in her odd way.
"I hope you find what it is you're looking for. And everyone deserves a second chance, whether they're worth it, or not." With that cryptic statement, she turned around and skipped into the Hall, drawing the amused looks and jeering laughing of her schoolmates.
"What…the hell was that?" mumbled Darion, still reeling from the parting shot. Hermione shrugged.
"Luna's been like that since we've known her. Just take what she says in stride and keep going. I find that works best."
"Don't take what she says too seriously though. She often mentions crazy creatures that only she and her father seem to know about. But I've noticed that she is also surprisingly observant, for all her show of not paying attention," added Neville, the three of them following after the young Ravenclaw.
Did you all feel that? asked Damien as they entered as well.
:How could we not? Even me with my limited abilities can see it clearly. We are linked together, one way or the other,: Darius scoffed in reply.
But the question is, which role might she fill? We feel tugs to many of the students here, if only because our magic is compatible. It's too early to say anything, inserted Darion logically. Darien dropped his shoulders as if the weight of the world was upon them.
It's at times like these that I miss the Gekko. At least there everyone's magic is clearly labeled. But Darion is right; even now I can feel a tug from even Potter but whether it's because of blood or something else I have yet to discern.
It is still early though, said Damien with finality. Every one of our teachers has said the same thing. When it's time for us to know, we will with absolutely certainty and absolutely no doubt. Father said we'd be influencing the latent magic in those around us. The process has only begun. Besides, you'd think we'd have stronger pulls with Hermione and the rest rather than a girl we randomly bumped into.
They have not the potential anyway, Darion dismissed. You might as well strike those three from the list as well. Hermione wouldn't fit, Neville's not cut for it, and Cody has attachments she cannot abandon.
So three more down at least. We're making good progress. Only seventeen more to go really. Thank the Powers, said Darien with a smile. Considering the incident, I say we look more into the younger years. The tugs are generally stronger there anyway.
***
And that's that. How was that for moving the plot along? It may take a while longer for the next chapter, but only because I'll be covering the Gekko and the people who work there.
But I've left enough bombshells to keep your minds occupied until I can finish. And to help you along:
Notice the differences in Darien and Damien's interaction with Mia and Nick. (Spoiler to the reviewer who can tell me where I got the names and character design from)
Who is Nick really? (Hint: Nick is not his real name and it should be fairly obvious)
The group feels pulls to all people, just some more so than others
Seems everything will be resolved in December, if the magi are to be believed (BTW I don't own the magics that will eventually be discussed. I'd tell you where it came from, but that would be spoiling the plot a little too much for my tastes but I will officially name the group when the magic is revealed)
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