Hogwarts' Champion

Awareness came to Harry slowly as he woke. He felt warm and boneless, the bed beneath him seemingly a cloud. He was completely rested and he barely felt the bone deep ache that usually greeted him the morning after a grueling training. He sighed and burrowed deeper, not wanting to go out and face more of the same treatment when he could just curl up and sleep on his cloud all day.

‘I can tell you are awake little one.’ Laughed a soft female voice he couldn’t place.

“I’m not little.” He grumped.

Light laughter trickled around him, ‘I am made of millions of pounds of stone and can feel everything from the edge of the Dark Forest to the depths of the Black Lake. To me, you are little.’

At the description Harry’s eyes shot open and last night came back to him in a rush, he drew in a breath and sat up, “Good Morning Hogwarts.”

‘Good morning Harry.’ She said with amusement thick in her voice. ‘It’s 11 am. I changed the room a bit so the Masters and Mistresses could speak without waking you. They are through the door.’

Harry nodded and got out of the bed, “Thank you.” He walked to the door and opened it to see the ghosts of the Founders hovering around a single chair and a table that was loaded with a breakfast spread. “Um, good morning.”

They all turned to him and smiled, “Good morning Harry.” The chorused, Helga motioned to the table, “Why don’t you sit down and eat. You are much too thin.”

Harry blushed, “Yeah I get that a lot.” He said but he sat down and began to eat slowly.

The Founders all settled in spots around the table, “Harry we have come up with a plan and we would like to tell you and then see if your willing to go through with it.” Godric said, getting right to business.

Harry nodded, “I’ll consider, but if it involves my family and friends being in danger I will have to refuse. I am sorry.”

“No need to be sorry dear.” Helga said with a wave, “We understand family ties.”

“Yes.” Slytherin said, “And while they will be in a bit of danger if they choose to help, we did take their initial safety into account when we planned.”

Harry nodded, “Alright then.”

“Good.” Godric said with a smile, “Now we need to get the corruption out of the school and preferably get rid of the Headmaster all together.”

Harry calmly cocked his head, “Are we talking send him to Azkaban or just kill him?”

Eyebrows all around the table went up but Slytherin responded, “I was thinking discrediting him and death.” Harry nodded and Slytherin gave a small smile, “Are you part of my house child?”

Harry choked on the grape he had just popped into his mouth at the question, ‘Little one!’ Hogwarts exclaimed, she flicked him hard on the back with her magic, making the small fruit dislodge and fly across the room.

Harry coughed, “Sorry. Um, no, I’m not technically a Slytherin.”

“Technically?” Rowena questioned.

Harry rubbed at his neck, “Yeah, technically I’m a Gryffindor.” Godric drew himself up proudly, “But during my sorting the Hat initially was going to put me in Slytherin. I asked him not to.”

“Why not?” Slytherin demanded indignantly.

Harry’s eyes widened, “No fault of your own sir! I mean no disrespect. It’s just, well do you remember me talking about my cousin Dudley?”

“The spoiled round Muggle child.” Slytherin said with a nod.

“I met someone who acted like that and he got sorted before me. I didn’t want to be in the same house as the prat Malfoy, especially after I realized we might share rooms. I had enough of that behavior the first ten years of my life. I didn’t want to continue to live with it in school.” Harry said sheepishly.

Slytherin settled, “Is that it?”

Harry nodded, “Yeah, I didn’t learn about the House prejudices and stigmas until afterward and they seemed silly.”

“We’ve been asleep so long I’m almost afraid to ask, but what they’ve come up with?” Rowena asked.

“Like I said most of its silly or to general to really matter.” Harry started, “But the big ones are that everyone in Slytherin goes Dark. Ravenclaw’s are egocentric snobs. Hufflepuff’s are lazy and over emotional. And we Gryffindor’s are reckless and arrogant.”

The Founders looked exasperated, “And these are accepted?”

“Yeah, the teachers like to preach school unity but House loyalty pretty much destroys that.” Harry said, “Like I said, it’s pretty silly. Like, I get House loyalty but to be so overtly invested in the House rivalries that we shun one House, ignore another, and can at times get violent with one another is ridiculous. You four may have had fights but you were obviously friendly enough to start a school together where you would have to be in close proximity to each other.”

The Founders stared at him as he finished his assessment, ‘You will be a good Headmaster little one.’ Hogwarts piped up.

Harry frowned, “Headmaster?”

The Founders seemed to shake themselves out of their surprise. “Urm, yes.” Godric said clearing his throat needlessly, “That’s part of the plan. We need to clear the school of Corruption. To do that we need Hogwarts to regain her full awareness and someone to channel her power.”

Slytherin took over, “Yes, you are ideal to help with that. However the Corruption has caused your magic to pull in on itself. We need to clear you of its influence so that you can harness your full power and use Hogwarts’ without hurting yourself. So we need to get you out of here so the Corruption can clear from your system. Last night I went to talk to my heir.”

Harry blanched, “You went to talk to Voldemort?!”

Slytherin scowled, “I’m not calling him that ridiculous name! I’m going to call him Tom.” He ignored Harry’s snort, “Now he’s not crazy anymore. I fixed that. He is willing to help take down the Headmaster and fix the school. He also said he doesn’t want to kill you. Only wanted to get you out of the way of his plans.”

Harry frowned, “I guess that makes sense.”

Slytherin nodded, “His goal is to take over to get rid of the problems within the Ministry. He also wants to take down the Headmaster. He agreed to take you and your family and friends away so that you can clear yourself of corruption. After that he will help you take down the Headmaster and make sure you take control of the school.”

“Me take control?” Harry said going pale, “I’m just a student.”

“Yes but with wisdom beyond your years.” Rowena said.

“And kindness despite your hardships.” Helga added.

‘And you actually listen to me!’ Hogwarts cheered.

The Founders laughed, “Yes it seems our Hogwarts has taken a liking to you.” Godric chuckled, “We spoke about that during the planning. She likely won’t accept anyone else as Headmaster now.”

‘I won’t.’ Hogwarts said firmly.

“Don’t worry Harry.” Rowena said, “We won’t be going to sleep for a while after this. We can teach you what we know and help you with your duties until you’re comfortable. And of course, Hogwarts will be with you.” Harry nodded wide eyed.

Helga patted his arm, “I know it’s probably not what you wanted and you don’t have much of a choice but it won’t be that bad.”

Harry shook his head, “No its fine. Even with the treatment from Dumbledore, Hogwarts is the only true home I’ve ever known. I told everyone I wanted to be an auror because I thought that’s what they expected but honestly I was terrified to leave here. I figured if I could become an auror eventually I would be able to come back and teach Defense.”

‘Oh little one!’ Hogwarts cried, her magic wrapped around Harry visibly and he blushed. ‘I’m so happy!’

Slytherin chuckled, “While I’m glad you will accept the role and you like it here, you will need to leave for a bit.” Hogwarts left her magic to hang around Harry lightly but let her walls rumble with disapproval at the idea. “You need to get rid of the Corruption surrounding you so you can access your magic fully. Then you will be able to channel Hogwarts own magic and control the wards with ease. We will be here working on ways to fix her awareness and to spy on this side while you prepare.”

Rowena clapped her hands, “Yes! Just like old times when we went on adventures!”

“I just hope there are no dragons this time.” Helga said with a shudder.

“The dragons weren’t that bad.” Slytherin commented.

“Says you!” Helga snapped, “You didn’t get your robes set of fire and taken into a dragons nest nude!”

“We came and got you!” Godric laughed.

Harry laughed and all four turned to him, he gave them a grin, “See friends, bitter House rivalries make no sense.”

Rowena laughed, “Oh no there were rivalries. It mostly stopped though when these two idiots got their heads out of their asses and got together.” She said pointing to Godric and Salazar.

Harry laughed, “Really? That’s certainly not something in Hogwarts: A History.” Helga and Rowena collapsed in giggles, their ghostly forms shimmering with movement. Godric had blushed red while Slytherin just looked smug.

Slytherin ignored the others and looked to Harry, “I assume you don’t have a problem with that then?”

Harry smiled, “It would be awfully hypocritical of me if I did.”

Slytherin’s eyes shimmered, “Really now.”

Rowena groaned, “Oh no, he’s going to try and play match maker.”

Harry’s eyes widened and he held up his hands, “No, I’m good. I think I’ll focus on eradicating the Corruption. I don’t need that sort of thing right now.”

“We’ll see.” Slytherin said simply and both Helga and Rowena gave Harry a sympathetic look. He clapped his hands, “Now, I have sent Tom after your Sirius and Remus. I told him you would meet him in Hogsmeade this evening to leave. I need to tell him where. Where will be the least conspicuous?”

Harry blinked at the sudden topic change, “Um, the Shrieking Shack, but did you really send Voldemort after Sirius? They’ll run as soon as they see him!”

“If it is the looks you’re worried about I fixed him.” Slytherin said, “I changed his face and body back to his look at sixteen. He’s just a bit older and his eyes change to red when he has a strong emotion.”

Harry frowned, “That will help but Sirius recently escaped Azkaban. He won’t trust him.” Harry fiddled with his piece of toast, “Can you tell Tom to tell them that I sent him? I can give him something to use as proof.”

Slytherin nodded, “I can tell Tom to tell your family you sent him but I can’t physically carry anything to him. I am not corporal.”

“He won’t need to give them anything. Just call them by their Marauders names and tell them something about their last letter.” Harry said, “My so called friends never could remember their nicknames and the last letter I got over the summer I hid from everyone in my trunk.”

Salazar nodded, “That will work. I will take them to him. While I’m gone you need to collect your trusted. I’m not sure how you’ll find them and get to them without being caught but you need to bring them here so you can sneak out later.”

Harry chuckled, “Luckily that’s one area I fit into the Gryffindor stereotype. Dobby.” He called.

Dobby appeared with a pop, “How may Dobby be servin’ Master Harry Potter?”

“Can you bring me my trunk please?” Harry asked, Dobby bowed and disappeared.

“What stereotype do we have now?” Gryffindor grumbled.

Harry smiled, “We are resourceful.”

Godric blinked and relaxed, “That’s not too bad.”

“Why didn’t you just have the house elf bring them here?” Helga said.

“It would be awfully suspicious if the students were taken by a house elf Helga.” Slytherin said, rolling his eyes.

Helga blushed, “Oh, right.”

Dobby popped back in with Harry’s trunk, “You be needin’ anything else Master Harry?”

“Not right now Dobby. But you can take breakfast if you like.” Harry said, Dobby bowed and disappeared again, taking the breakfast dishes with him. Harry knelt by his trunk and the Founders hovered behind him curiously. He opened it and pulled out the Marauders Map and his Invisibility cloak.

“What is parchment and a blanket going to do?” Slytherin huffed.

Harry smiled up at him, “Come on now Lord Slytherin. We live in a world of magic.” He shook out his cloak and threw it on, instantly disappearing.

“Invisibility cloak.” Rowena hummed, “Nice.”

Harry laughed and draped it over the end of his trunk before picking up the Map, “This is the Marauders Map.” He took his wand out of his pocket and tapped the front, “I solemnly swear I’m up to no good.” He said, instantly the lines of Hogwarts appeared over the parchment as well as the moving footprints with names attached.

‘Is that me?’ Hogwarts asked excitedly.

“Yes this is a map of you. It shows everyone who is here and where they are, including the ghosts and house elves. It cannot be tricked by potions or charms and it never lies.” Harry said flipping through the map, he stopped at the seventh floor, “It doesn’t show this room though which is unusual.”

‘This room doesn’t always exist little one. Maybe the map is confused by that.’ Hogwarts said, excitement still filling her voice. ‘It really follows me!’ she squealed and Harry laughed as he saw a stairway moving back and forth without ever quiet hitting either landing.

“That’s incredible.” Rowena said leaning closer with the other three Founders, “I thought we made her unplottable.”

“This would have been very useful to see which students were in class.” Helga said watching a little pair of foot prints walking along a hall in the dungeons.

“How was this made?” Godric asked.

“I’m not sure.” Harry said, “It was made by my father and his friends. You’d have to ask Sirius and Remus.”

“How do you stop people from taking this?” Slytherin asked, “It’s very valuable. I know I would have loved to have it.”

Harry laughed, “Well it’s not common knowledge that it exists. And you have to have the password. If you don’t it only talks to you.”

“Talks?” Slytherin questioned.

Harry cocked his head, “You guys can do a little bit of magic right?” they all nodded and Harry tapped the Map with his wand, “Mischief Managed.” He said, the Map pulled closed and went blank. “Go on, tap it. Say anything but the password.” He said stepping back.

Rowena slipped forward and tapped the Map, “Can I see the school?” she asked it.

In the next second writing appeared:

Mr. Prongs regrets to inform you that you are not permitted but is happy to meet you Lady Ravenclaw.

Mr. Wormtail would like to compliment the beautiful Lady Ravenclaw.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Wormtail’s assessment and would like to know if the Lady Ravenclaw is single.

Mr. Moony would like to remind Mr. Padfoot that he is not in fact single, but is also pleased to meet a Founder.

Rowena blushed while Godric burst out laughing, “That’s brilliant!”

“Isn’t it?” Harry said with a grin, “When my potions professor tried to get into it, the Map insulted him.”

‘What will it say if I try?’ Hogwarts wondered. The Founders looked amused and stepped aside so Hogwarts could settle her tangible magic in front of the once again blank map. She tapped it, ‘Show me me.’

The map was blank for several seconds but as they started to feel Hogwarts sadness the writing began:

Mr. Moony wonders why Miss Hogwarts would need a map of herself.

Mr. Padfoot would like to compliment Miss Hogwarts on her amazing secret passages.

Mr. Prongs would like to apologize for Mr. Padfoot’s terrible use of innuendo and would like to thank Miss Hogwarts for the wonderful adventures.

Mr. Wormtail seconds Mr. Prongs’ sentiment and wonders if Miss. Hogwarts has ever moved rooms to prank students.

Hogwarts and Harry laughed as the Founders stared at the Map in wonder.

“You should try that!” Harry laughed.

‘I wouldn’t want the students to get in trouble.’ Hogwarts giggled, ‘But it does sound like fun.’

“Maybe you could change them on the Professors. Then the students wouldn’t be blamed and they’d get out of class for the day while the professor was hunting down the room.” Harry laughed.

Hogwarts giggled some more and picked Harry up with her magic, he yelped as she spun him around, ‘You’re going to be the best Headmaster ever!’

“Hey!” The Founders cried indignantly.

‘Sorry Masters, Mistresses.’ Hogwarts said putting Harry down.

Slytherin shook his head, “Alright. Try to get your trusted in here. I will go tell Tom to meet you in the Shrieking Shack. What are the things he will need for your family to trust him?”

“He should call Sirius Padfoot and Remus Moony.” Harry said, “He should also tell them that in their last letter they claimed that running from the authorities was like a second extended honeymoon. If they need more than that he can tell them that Sirius left a note on the end offering to let me have the secret stash of fire whiskey he hid in the owlery.”

Slytherin nodded, “Very well. Good luck getting your friends.” He disappeared in a tiny flash, leaving Harry, Hogwarts, and the remaining three Founders to find Luna and the Twins.

It had taken quite a bit of blood from Bellatrix Lestrange and a fairly sophisticated locator charm, but Tom had finally found Sirius and Remus. Right now he was watching them move around the tiny cottage he’d found them in, trying to think of what to say to the two to get them to come with him to Hogsmeade. Even if he no longer looked like a snake hybrid, one was an escaped convict and the other a werewolf, they wouldn’t trust him any further than they could throw him.

Granted they could probably throw him pretty far with their enhanced forms. Tom shifted, trying not to think of being tossed around by an enraged werewolf. At his feet Nagini hissed, *Could we not just spell them quiet and drag them with us?*

*I don’t think that would help earn their trust.* he hissed back. Nagini hissed in annoyance but didn’t move.

“Tom.” Came a calm voice beside him. Regardless of the tone Tom jumped about a foot in the air before turning to see an amused Salazar. “I see you have found them.”

Tom took a deep breath to calm himself, “Yes, I have. I’m not sure what to say to make them trust me.”

Salazar chuckled, “When he woke Harry warned us they would be wary. He told me a few things to help that along.”

Tom perked up, “Great. Because it was coming down to Nagini’s suggestion and I don’t think that would help with the whole trust thing.”

Salazar raised an eyebrow and looked down to the snake, *I wanted to just spell them to come along. It’s not that hard. I’ve seen Master do it before.*

Salazar nodded, *Yes but your Master is right. That would not inspire trust among young Harry and his family.* Nagini huffed and went back to watching the two in the cottage. Salazar turned to Tom, “Harry said to tell them he sent you and to call them by their Marauder nicknames. Sirius is Padfoot and Remus is Moony. He also said they might need more proof so he told me something about their last letter to him. First that, apparently, they see running from the authorities as a second, extended honeymoon.” Tom let out a snort and Salazar smiled, “If they are still unsure after that then you are to mention that Sirius left Harry a note at the end telling him about a secret stash of fire whiskey that the man apparently hid in the owlery.”

Tom nodded, “I can work with that. Thank you.”

“Your welcome. Now Harry said the best place to meet is in the Shrieking Shack. I’m not positive what it is, I hope you know.” Salazar said.

“Not exactly.” Tom said, “It was after my time. But they should know.” He said gesturing to the two Marauders.

“Excellent.” Salazar said, “I will try to have them out there during dinner, that way everyone is distracted. There should be four children and one house elf. You will need to remove the Ministry trace from them so they are free to practice without interference.” Salazar gave him a sly smile, “I’m sure you know a bit of magic to cut those leashes.”

Tom chuckled, “I certainly do Salazar.”

Salazar nodded, “Good. I hope to see you in the manor later, I will keep an ear out for someone talking to my portraits.”

Tom bowed his head, “I look forward to talking to you again.” Salazar smiled and inclined his head to Nagini before he left. Tom sighed, “Alright Nagini, come on.” Nagini slithered next to him as he made his way to the cottage and simply knocked on the door.

Silence reigned before the door opened an inch and one grey eye glared at him with black curly hair framing it on one side, “Who are you? What do you want? How did you find this place?”

Tom pressed his lips into a thin line, “That is in fact three questions and if you would like to avoid drawing more attention to this place then you should let me in so I can answer.” The eye narrowed even further and Tom leaned forward a bit, “I was sent by Harry Potter.”

The eye widened almost comically and the door was thrown open, “Get in quick.” The man said waving a hand, only sparing a quick glance at Nagini who followed Tom in before the door was slammed. Tom stood ramrod straight in the center of the little cottage as the two men assessed him. The one with light brown hair and green eyes was subtly sniffing in his direction and backed away a bit at the sight of Nagini. The one with grey eyes and curly black hair was sniffing more openly and was making sure to keep between Tom and other. “How do we know that Harry sent you?”

Tom worked not to roll his eyes, knowing he would have been suspicious too. “Truthfully I’m not sure which of you is which beyond a guess but I was told to call Sirius by the name Padfoot and Remus by the name Moony. Which are your Marauder nicknames.”

The brown haired man tried to step toward him but the black haired one growled and held him back, “You could have found an old picture of that.”

Tom nodded, “He told me you’d be wary. I am to mention your last letter to him, where you told him that you apparently see this life on the run as a sort of extended honeymoon.” He raised an eyebrow at them as he said this and received a blush from the green eyed man. The man with the curly black hair nodded hesitantly, still sizing him up, “He gave me one more thing to tell you if you are still unsure.”

“Go on.”

“Apparently, Sirius left him a note about a secret stash of…..” Tom was cute of by the curly haired black man who started coughing violently.

“Yes, yes, thank you. We believe you.” He said, glaring slightly at Tom’s amused chuckle, “I’m Sirius Black.” The black haired man said, “And this is my mate Remus Lupin.”

Tom nodded to each, “I’m Tom Riddle.” He waved to the floor, “This is my familiar, she will not harm you unless you try to do so to me.”

“Fair enough.” Sirius said with a smirk.

“What’s wrong with our cub?” Remus asked worriedly, stepping to stand next to Sirius.

Tom frowned at the wording but continued when he remember Sirius was Potter’s Godfather, “He is being manipulated and hurt by the Headmaster. We are preparing a way for him to escape. We wanted to make sure you two would be with him so the Headmaster cannot manipulate him to come back using you two.”

Sirius narrowed his eyes, “That’s awfully vague.”

Tom sighed, “I’m sorry. I am not aware of the full details myself. I was contacted as I have the ability to break the trace on Harry and his friends as well as help them take down the Headmaster.” He shifted, “I hope to get the full story from Harry once we meet up tonight.”

“And who are you exactly?” Sirius growled.

Tom looked him in the eyes, “You’re not going to like it.”

Sirius growled louder but Remus put a hand on his chest, “You’re willing to help our cub?” Tom nodded, “You won’t hurt him in anyway?” Tom shook his head. Remus glanced at Sirius, “Then it doesn’t much matter.”

Tom shifted, “Hold onto that thought.” He breathed, “I’m the current Dark Lord.”

Tom wasn’t exactly sure what he was expecting; yelling, screaming maybe, even running away. But he wasn’t prepared for was the two men in front of him to relax and for Sirius to joke, “Not going by Voldemort anymore?”

“Um, no.” Tom said, “At least not unless I’m in front of my followers.”

Remus nodded, “Keeps the fear alive.”

“Exactly.” Tom said, still a little confused.

Remus crouched and addressed Nagini, “I guess that means your Nagini. I’m not parselmouth so I will have to save my greeting for when Harry is here. Not that I don’t think your Master would translate it for me but I’d rather talk through my cub.”

Nagini blinked, seemingly as confused as Tom who finally had to come out and say it, “Why are you so okay with this?”

Sirius put his arms around Remus’s waist as he stood, “I and Remy know a lot of terrible things Dumbledore has done and suspected but could never prove the abuse. But Dumbledore is too strong and influential for us to fight. We also didn’t want to risk the danger of simply running with Harry. You said you were strong but even strong wizards change their mind when going up against Dumbledore. The Dark Lord however, we know you have the power and the drive to take him on.”

Remus nodded, “If anyone can help and keep out cub safe from that monster it would be you.”

Tom blinked, “Many would call me the monster.”

Sirius Black cackled, showing a bit of his crazy from Azkaban, “You, Dark Lord, are a tame little kitten. Dumbledore is the monster.” He spat.

Tom looked to Remus who had pain in his eyes, “Dumbledore took our cub from us.”

The Dark Lord shifted, “You keep saying cub. I thought it was because you’re his godparents but that’s not it is it?”

Remus shook his head sadly, “Harry is our son. By blood. Dumbledore took him when he was born and gave him to the Potter’s.”

“Does Harry know?” Tom asked, startled.

Remus let out a low whine and Sirius rubbed his shoulder, “We didn’t even know until recently. Dumbledore put a charm on us to block our memories. Remy’s came back on the night we confronted Wormtail, the scum. He forgot his wolfsbane potion and when his wolf caught Harry’s scent it forced the memories out. After that I had to escape to avoid the aurors. When Remy found me he was able to unlock mine. We decided not to tell him until we could get him away from there.”

Tom shook his head, “I knew Dumbledore was manipulative but I never imagined this. Is Harry…?”

“A werewolf?” Remus said with a short laugh, “He’s a half-breed, not a full wolf. Half-breed werewolves have the heighten senses and the ability to find a mate but they don’t have the full transformation or the moon madness. He won’t even get his senses until later this year.”

Tom let out a breath with relief, “That’s good. I don’t have anything against werewolves but if he had the full abilities Hogwarts would have been in for a wild ride.”

Sirius frowned, “I thought we were taking him from there.”

Tom laughed, “Oh we are. But apparently Hogwarts has a consciousness and the minds and magic of the Founders reside with her. According to Lord Slytherin, Hogwarts has taken a liking to Harry and will refuse any other Headmaster but him. When we take down Dumbledore, Harry will take control of the school.”

Remus laughed, “Even without full werewolf powers Hogwarts won’t know what hit it.”

Finding the twins and Luna had been easy once the Map had been reactivated. The problem lay in the fact that apparently the twins had landed Saturday afternoon detention with Umbridge. They definitely weren’t in a place where Dobby could get them without notice and cats always seemed to know where Harry was even under the cloak, Umbridge’s office had no shortage of cats.

“Maybe you should focus the Luna girl first.” Godric said.

Harry shook his head, “Luna always seems to know when I need her. She won’t be hard to get.”

“Always?” Helga asked.

“Yeah, I think she might be a seer but she claims that Nargles tell her things.” Harry said, he stopped and frowned, “Actually I’m surprised she isn’t already here. She usually shows up right when I realize I need to see her.” He flipped through the map and stopped at the seventh floor map. He laughed, “See there she is.” The Founders gathered around the map and saw one pair of foot prints ambling along the wall Hogwarts’ room was in, the name Luna Lovegood followed the prints.

Harry went over to the door and opened it, a small blond girl wearing a regular uniform along with a necklace holding a butter beer cork and huge glasses that had red and blue lens. “Hello big brother.” She said in a dreamy voice, “Are we really to meet to the Dark Lord this evening?”

Harry laughed, “We are little sister.” He stepped back as she flowed into the room and shut the door behind her. “Luna, the Founders; Founders, Luna Lovegood. My little sister.”

“It’s an adoptive relationship.” Luna stated calmly, “But I enjoy having a big brother.”

Helga laughed, “That’s excellent dear. It’s good to know that after his hardships Harry has someone to be close to.”

“Yes.” Luna said a tad strained, she took her glasses off and looked to Harry, “How was your training last night Harry? I was going to come see if I could help you but the Nargles said Hogwarts had kidnapped you.”

‘I didn’t kidnap him!’ Hogwarts cried indignantly, the floor rumbled.

Luna’s eyes widened a tad, “No offense my lady Hogwarts. I simply repeated what the Nargles said. I would have come if I felt that he was in danger.”

‘Tell the Nargles they need to learn context.’ Hogwarts pouted.

Harry laughed and repeated Hogwarts reply to Luna who nodded, “Forgive them my lady they are a young silly breed that enjoys creating trouble. I will attempt to teach them.”

‘Thank you.’

Harry repeated and Luna bowed her head before turning to Harry, “What are we doing now then?”

“Lord Slytherin is off talking to Tom, we are to rescue the twins.” Harry said.

“Without causing too much suspicion of course.” Godric said, “We want as much time to pass as possible before the Headmaster finds you four gone.”

“Interesting problem Lord Gryffindor.” Luna said, “Distractions to draw attention away is what comes to mind of course but our resident tricksters are the ones being held.”

“Peeves maybe?” Harry said, “If we could find him, you know he’s fond of the twins.”

“Unpredictable.” Luna stated, “Not all cats are distracted by Poltergeists. The Nargles are unsure if the Pink Lord can communicate with them.”

“The Pink Lord?” Rowena asked in amusement.

“Delores Umbridge has a completely pink office and is fond of wearing all sorts of pink robes.” Luna said, “It is quiet painful on the eyes after a while.”

“Might I suggest a bright distraction?” Slytherin said reappearing next to Godric, “To reflect off all of the color and blind the enemy.” He looked to Luna, “Hello child.”

“Lord Slytherin.” Luna said, bowing her head, “The idea has merit. But as I was saying before, our resident tricksters are the ones imprisoned.”

“Wait, Luna didn’t Fred give you one of the experimental fireworks?” Harry asked.

“The hummingbird one.” She said with a nod.

“You could send Ears to set it off. You know the twins will take the opportunity to escape and no one will really be suspicious because it’s something the twins might have done anyway. Then I can send them Prongs to lead them up here out of the way of anyone.” Harry said.

Luna began nodding before a smile spread across her face, “Yes and imagine how much Fred and George will love that rescue.”

“Children I’m afraid you lost us.” Godric said with a laugh.

Harry looked to them with a grin, “Fred and George make these living fireworks. It will make lots of noise and light. Luna can send Ears to set it off.”

“Ears is my patronus.” Luna added in.

Harry nodded, “And then I will send my patronus, Prongs, to lead the twins back here along a clear path using the map.”

All four Founders looked surprised, “You have that fine of control over your patronuses?” Slytherin asked.

Luna nodded, “Harry taught me.” She said drawing her wand and casting her patronus, a small hare sprang forth and ran circles around the Founders before it returned to Luna who patted it on the head before it vanished.

Godric frowned at Harry, “And you cast with fine control even with your power suppressed and the spells requirement.”

Harry gave him a slightly bitter smile, “You mean, being treated as I have how do I have a happy enough memory to create a patronus.” Harry let his smile slip into a frown. “I thought it would have something to do with hearing about my parents or the feeling of flying on my broom. But my happiest memory is being hugged by Sirius and Remus. It’s a…very powerful memory.” He cast the spell and watched with a small smile as Prongs raced around the room before stopping before the Founders and huffing out a white breath. “As for the power portion of that question I’m not sure. After I cast it the first couple of times I was able to make him talk, now I can have him out for almost a whole continuous hour before I feel tired.” He cocked his head as Prongs pranced over to him and nuzzled his hair, “Thinking about it, it is strange.” He smiled though and pat Prongs’ flank, “But it comes in handy now.” Prongs disappeared as Harry turned to Luna, “Do you have the firework with you or should I have Dobby get it?”

As Luna pulled the firework from her shrunken trunk Slytherin leaned toward his friends, “If this is his power suppressed he will be extraordinaire when it is free.” He whispered, the other three nodded.

The children were standing now and the Founders paid closer attention as they opened the door a little, “Hogwarts.” Harry called, “Can you open all the door leading to into the Defense Office? If Ears hits one she’ll lose the firework.”

‘Of course Harry.’ Hogwarts responded, ‘It is done.’

“Send her Luna.”

Sitting in the pink belly of the frilly whale Fred gritted his teeth as the words were dug magically into his hand by the quill. He glanced over at George to see his brother looking like his mirror as always. Umbridge was sitting at her desk grading, completely ignoring them and their small gasps of pain. Suddenly the door to the office slammed open as well as the door in the classroom, Umbridge frowned and glared at them, “That won’t work.”

“We didn’t….”

“Do that.” George finished for him.

Umbridge scowled, “Well it didn’t open on its own!” she stood and went to the door.

Fred and George watched as Umbridge struggled uselessly to close her office door. No matter what she tried though it stayed plastered to the wall. Suddenly a flick of light drew their attention down. They both instantly recognized Ears, the small hare was carrying one of their fireworks and they grinned. The hare wiggled her nose back in greeting before dropping the firework and disappearing.

In the next instant a glittering, sparking humming bird burst from the firework and raced around the room. Umbridge jumped for cover behind her desk and the kittens on the wall meowed in distress as the firework jiggled them in their places. As the hummingbird dive bombed Umbridge the twins sprinted from the offices cackling.

The second they got to the hall they saw Prongs waiting for them, “This way.” The stag said with Harry’s voice. They snuck around, following the stag slowly but surely up to the seventh floor where it ran ahead. They looked to see Prongs disappear as a door opened in the wall and Harry stuck his head out, “In here guys.” They dived into the room and Harry shut the door behind them.

“Blimey little brother….”

“little sister, that was…..”

“a truly inspired…..”

“rescue! You should have……”

“seen the Pink Lord…..”

“scramble when the hummingbird….”

“dive bombed her!” Fred ended with a laugh.

Harry grinned, “We thought you’d like it.”

Luna nodded, “Especially since we used one of your fireworks.”

“It was perfect.” They chorused, enveloping the two younger in a group hug.

Harry pulled away with a smile, “Fred, George, I want you to meet some people.” They looked to him expectantly and he gestured toward the center of the room where four ghosts floated, “The Founders of Hogwarts; Lady Hufflepuff, Lady Ravenclaw, Lord Slytherin, and Lord Gryffindor.” The twins took them in with wide eyes, “I would also like you to meet Hogwarts herself.” The floor rumbled and Harry grinned at the twins expressions, “She says hello.”

“Pleased to meet you all.” George stuttered.

“A pleasure.” Fred added.

Godric chuckled, “I can tell from Harry’s expression that stunned silence is not the norm for you two.”  The two stared at him with wide eyes.

Harry laughed, “I’m sure once they get used to it you won’t be able to shut them up.”

“Shall we enjoy the silence then?” Slytherin hummed.

Fred looked to George and George looked to Fred, “I wouldn’t have expected Slytherin to be the one with the deadpan humor Gred.”

“Neither would I Forge.”

They both looked to Harry, “What have you gotten into now little brother?” they asked as one.

Harry laughed, “Oh you know a bit of everything.”

“What first….”

“Then Harry?”

“We’re getting out of here.” Harry said with a smile.

“When?” they chorused.

Slytherin chuckled at their antics, “Tonight during dinner.”