Harry Potter, Pokémon 1. Predators

Harry pulled at his shirt, trying to get some air to circulate around his chest. Even though the sun had set hours ago it still felt as if he were in a sauna. Sweat was dripping down his brow and his hair felt as if he had just gotten out of the shower. The thin dark gray t-shirt he wore clung to his back like a wet rag and it felt as if he were swimming in his shoes.

'How can Avalon be so cold in the winter and so humid in the summer?' he thought to himself.

His muscles screamed, begging him to just move but he forced himself to remain crouched behind the thorny bush he'd selected for his hiding spot. All around him the sounds of the forest played like an organic symphony; hoots, cries, the creaking of branches and the pitter-patter of pebbles tumbling down the low hills.

Glancing towards the branches to his right Harry could see Eevee standing straight and alter, his eyes seeming to glow in the shadows he tread in. The little brown Pokémon wiggled his behind before leaping to another branch. The moment he landed Eevee looked about monitoring to see if his actions had caused any change. Seeing that there were none, Eevee settled back down on the branch, continuing his silent watch. There was something out there, something that grabbed Eevee's attention, but whatever it was it refused to make itself visible.

Harry fought hard against his first instinct. He so badly wanted to lock eyes with Eevee and just ask him what he saw. He forced his eyes towards the ground, not wanting to even give himself an opening. After the events of the Chamber Remus had put his foot down when it came to Speaking. Harry had nearly given himself a brain aneurism using the ability on Zygarde and Poppy had told him that he'd have recovered much sooner if he hadn't been suffering from bloodloss. After learning that Remus had told Harry on no uncertain terms that Speaking was off the table. Remus felt that it was simply too risky for Harry to attempt the lost art again… not without guidance.

"_I'm not saying you can't ever use it again,"_ Remus had told him. Harry had been fighting him on it, claiming that abandoning his budding Speaking powers was denying him a tool to use against those seeking to harm him. _"But you can't do it again without proper training."_

"_I'm learning how to use it, Remus!"_

"_On your own, Harry." _His guardian had sighed, tugging on the end of his mustache. _"You know that Sirius, your father and I," _Remus refused to name the last Marauder, "_learned to become Pokemagnuses on our own. What you don't know is… is how close that came to killing us." _Harry had just stared at Remus, unsure what to say to that. _"We were trying to master something that men and women twice our age have difficulties doing. You have no idea the risks involved in becoming a Pokemagnus… you could lose yourself to the transformation and go feral, you could scramble your brain, you could end up swapping minds with you Pokémon… we were lucky we survived._

"_Now, what you are doing is a hundred times worse. You are attempting to master an art all by yourself, with no help and no one to keep an eye out for you and pull you out of a tailspin when you get in too deep. There are no guide books or programs to help you. Speaking isn't called the 'Lost Art' because it sounds cool and the only ones to have mastered it have a habit of killing people they don't like. I've been subtle about it, making casual comments and overtures, but that takes time. I just can't march up to the Kenway brothers and ask if you can get a quick lesson."_

Harry had finally relented, agreeing that he would not attempt to Speak again unless his life were in danger or he had been properly trained. He still occasionally snuck in a quick chance to talk to his Pokémon but for the most part he'd been true to his word.

Harry slowly reached up and itched his forehead, right below the brim of his cap. The tension of the hunt was getting to him. He was use to being the prey, fleeing first from Dudley, then from the other houses during a Gauntlet match. To actively be the predator, seeking out a nervous target, was completely different from anything he'd ever done before. The adrenaline rush was there, as were the nerves, but they were flooding his body in different ways and left the young teen feeling anxious.

A twig snapped to his left and it took every ounce of self-control he possessed to not whip his head around. Instead, Harry merely waiting, his tongue darting out to remoisten his lips. Seconds seemed to last for hours until finally the chubby Bidoof waddled out from a shrub and entered the small clearing Harry was hunting in. The boy sighed, eyes shut. Bidoof was a common Pokémon and Harry had no desire to catch one. Remus had given him strict orders to only catch one Pokémon and Harry wanted to make his choice count. The rumors of specially colored Pokémon being spotted in the woods of northern Avalon filled his head and Harry did not want to waste a chance at grabbing one. The list time he'd had an opportunity to get a rare Pokémon he'd snagged Emolga, and while it had worked out in the end, what with him trading it to Ron in an exchange that got him Dobby, Harry didn't want to push his luck this time. Eevee saw that Harry was standing down and settled himself in the branches of the tree. Harry occupied himself with watching Bidoof toddle about, occasionally pawing at the ground and digging up a nut that was added to the many that were stuffed already in his cheeks.

"OooooOOOoooooOOOO!"

His eyes darted skyward, a flash of white against the dark sky catching his attention. Eevee saw it too, his little body scrunching up as he attempted to become as small and invisible as possible. He forced himself to remain still as the white shape swooped back overhead, circling the clearing before finally diving down. Bidoof let out a cry of surprise as the white avian struck him, sending the mouse Pokémon tumbling end of end until he finally crashed against a tree. He slowly got up, eyes swirling in a daze. Harry, however, paid little attention to the Bidoof, as his focus was now entirely on the new arrival.

'A Hoothoot,' Harry thought to himself. It wasn't just any Hoothoot either. While almost all night flying Pokémon were brown with cream bellies this one was pure white with a few black feathers adorning her back. She hopped up and down on her one foot and Harry dimly remembered reading that Hoothoots always used one taloned foot for resting and the other for attacking. No one was quite sure why they did this, as there were no visible differences between the clawed appendages, but it was a trait all Hoothoots shared, including the albino one before him.

Though he couldn't 'Speak' to Eevee, Harry wasn't without ways of communicating with his Pokémon. He quickly raised his right hand and flashed three fingers. Eevee nodded and leapt from the tree, his little paws stretched out. The Hoothoot only had time to turn his head before Eevee struck, crashing into the white bird and sending it rolling across the clearing. The Hoothoot leapt forward the moment he came to a stop, tugging his perching leg into his feathery body and extending his attack talons. Eevee cried out as he was hit, the wounds beading with little droplets of blood.

"Eevee, Sand Attack!" Harry shouted, leaping from his hiding spot. Eevee nodded and twisted around, his back legs scraping at the forest floor and sending up a plume of grit. Hoothoot instantly began to flap about, shaking her head back and forth in an attempt to get the sand out of her burning eyes. The albino Pokemon went into a dive, only for Eevee to manage to get out of the way. "Quick Attack!"

"Eevee!" Harry's Pokémon rushed forward, his head lowered as he darted between the trees. Hoothoot tried to fly out of his path but Eevee was too fast and with a solid 'thwack!' the brown and tan Pokemon struck the flying 'mon. Eevee smiled at that, only for his eyes to become heavy as the Hoothoot looked upon him.

"Look away!" Harry called out but he realized quickly that it was too late; the Hoothoot's Hypnosis attack had Eevee fully enthralled and within 20 seconds Harry's first Pokemon was lying on the ground, snoozing away without a care in the world. "Eevee, Return!" Harry held out Eevee's Pokéball and the moment he had his friend back he pulled out a different one. "I'm not giving up that easy! Togetic, I choose you!"

"Tic tic!" the Fairy/Flying type declared, her little wings flapping as she hovered in the air. The Hoothoot was surprised by this new arrival and blinked, studying her carefully.

"Togetic, use Ember," Harry called out. The little girl smiled and fired off the fiery attack, striking the startled Hoothoot and sending her crashing back to the ground. Harry didn't get a chance to celebrate though, as Hoothoot was already back up and launching a Confusion attack right at her opponent. Togetic was struck dead on and tumbled through the air for several seconds before coming to a stop, her head held in her hands as she fought off the effects of the strike. But if Hoothoot expected the former Togepi to give in she was sadly mistaken. Togetic narrowed her eyes, a very determined look flashing across her features.

"Alright, we finish this now!" Harry declared, throwing out his hand. He and Togetic had been practicing this new move and Harry thought it was about time to try it. "Togetic, use Thunderbolt!" The sky crackled with energy and the albino Pokémon looked up in time to see the bolt of electricity race right down towards her. The Hoothoot cried out in pain as she was hit, her body hitting the forest floor and bouncing several times before she came to a stop, her wings twitching slightly. Harry could see the tale-tell energy sparking from her body and knew she was paralyzed. Harry grabbed an empty pokéball from his pocket and threw it right at the downed Hoothoot.

The albino avian was instantly sucked into the ball but, to Harry's surprise, the Pokéball trembled slightly before fall to the ground. He watched, mystified, as the ball shook only one time before clicking shut, signaling that he'd caught the flyer.

"Tic, tic!" Togetic exclaimed in glee, grabbing the Pokéball. She dropped it in Harry's hand before flying up and hugging his head.

"Yeah, you did a good job," Harry said, pulling out another Pokéball. "Dobby!"

'Harry Potter call for Dobby?' the Alakazam mentally said happily. Harry was always amazed to look upon Dobby and remember how different he had looked when they'd first met. It wasn't just the fact that he evolved; there was a shift in how Dobby held himself, with pride and importance rather than the cowering fear that had dominated him when he'd belonged to Lucius Malfoy. Harry and Remus had been working with Dobby all that summer, helping him recover from the malnutrition and abuse he'd suffered at the hands of his former trainer. Harry had felt it his duty, remembering how he'd been like Dobby himself when he had first come to Avalon and it was only with the help of his friends that he'd managed to overcome the pains of his childhood.

Harry mentally sighed when he thought of one of his friends. While he'd kept in contact with Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna he hadn't spoken or written to Hermione since he'd last seen her at Hogwarts. The long summer holiday away from her had helped lessen the pain of her betrayal but Harry still found himself reluctant to forgive her for her actions. Remus had stated that Harry was no longer angry with Hermione but was now wary of her. He'd said that because her last major action towards him had been taking his Pokémon and Harry had avoided her after that, she hadn't been given the chance to redeem herself and work towards earning his forgiveness. Much like Dumbledore, Remus had pressed Harry to try and at the very least give Hermione a chance to earn his friendship back.

_"Do you know how much I wish I could see Sriius or your mom and dad again?"_ Remus had asked him once when they had spoken of lost friends. _"You don't want to wait too long only to find that you lost your chance and Hermione is out of your life forever."_

_"What if she isn't like them?" _Harry had asked. He hadn't dared say the next words but Remus had known what Harry meant.

_"Hermione isn't Peter Petrigrew," Remus_ had said coolly, dropping the subject.

'Good Master Harry Potter?" Dobby mental sent again.

"Sorry Dobby," Harry said with a smile. "I was distracted."

'Great Harry Potter thinking of his Grangy.'

"She isn't 'my Grangy', Dobby. She's just Hermione." Dobby looked at him, it clear he didn't believe Harry. Togetic, for her part, merely smiled; sometimes Harry hated it that his Pokémon were so smart. "Dobby, I am done with the hunt. Can you see if Remus is done?"

Dobby shut his eyes and focused for a moment, mentally calling out to Remus' Reuniclus. 'Nice Remus Lupin is done, Good Harry Potter.'

"Teleport us there," Harry said, bracing himself for the dizziness that teleportation always brought him. He was getting use to it each day, now that he had a Pokémon who could do it, but it still left him spinning. Togetic clung to his head as they reappeared in the Pokécenter, her little eyes spinning round and round. "T-thanks Dobby," Harry said, reclaiming the Alakazam.

"Any luck, Harry?" Remus asked, walking over and steadying the boy. Remus' Zorua, Mooney, let out a yip and happily trotted around Harry's ankles.

"You first," Harry said with a smile. He walked over to the nurses' station and, after recalling Togetic, handed all his Pokeballs over to the Nurse Joy that was on duty.

"Fair enough," Remus said, lifting up his arm. Harry couldn't help but laugh as he watched a Spinarak quickly scurry along Remus' shoulder and along his arm before finally lowering himself via a silken thread attacked to the man's wrist. Harry couldn't help but think of a yoyo when watched the little spider bounce up and down on his thread. "Definitely some kind of new pigmentation in this area." Remus flicked his wrist and Spinarak scurried back up the thread and clung to Remus' arm; the gym evaluator raised his arm up so Harry could see Spinarak's back clearly. "On most Spinaraks the shell has a design meant to mimic, for lack of a better word, a frowny face. This little guy must have decided that wasn't very cheery." Harry could clearly see that; the playful Spinark had a happy smiley face adorning his shell. "Definitely very interesting."

"That it is," Harry said, accepting his Pokémon back from Nurse Joy. "But I'm afraid I've got you beat." Harry tossed one of his Pokeballs in the air. There was the familiar crack and flash of red light before his newly acquired Hoothoot shot through the air, looking about before spotting Harry. The owl-Pokémon flew over to Harry and landed on his shoulder. Harry made a mental note to buy some of the shoulder and arm guards he'd seen Oliver Wood add to his trainer jacket after catching his own bird Pokémon, so that Hoothoot wouldn't tear his clothing to shreds.

"An albino!" Remus exclaimed.

"Oh my!" Nurse Joy said in surprise. "You truly are blessed, sir."

Harry glanced over at her and shrugged. "Oh, I don't know about that... I mean, it was lucky for me to catch her-"

"Harry, you don't understand," Remus said with a wide smile. "A Hoothoot is a rather popular Pokémon in Avalon but an ALBINO one? That kind is honored."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, reaching up to scratch Hoothoot under her chin.

It was Nurse Joy who answered. "It is said the Morgan le Fay owned an albino Hoothoot... in fact, it is said that it was that Pokemon's evolved form that flew her across the sea to Avalon, so she could seek out Merlin and test her might against him."

"Really?" Harry asked in surprise. "I've never heard that."

Remus sighed sadly. "Yes you have. You just don't remember. The story of Morgan and Hedwig is told to all children in Avalon. I know for a fact your father read it to you when you were a baby."

"ooooOOOOooooO! the Hoothoot cried out, flapping her wings.

"What is it?" Harry asked, running his hand along her feathery tummy, the melancholy thoughts about his father leaving him as he focused on his newest Pokémon. "Do you like that name?"

"OoooooOOO!"

Harry glanced at Remus who merely shrugged. "Nothing says you can't use the name."

Harry nodded. "Alright then... I guess from now on your name is Hedwig." The snowy-white cried out in agreement and laughed.

~Meanwhile, in Little Surrey...~

CRACK!

Jack was slouched in the recliner, his long legs stretched out before him. He didn't bother to look up, his focus entirely on his worn and beaten copy of 'Fellowship of the Ring'. Beside him, a bone-thin woman was shivering with fright, her eyes wide with fear as she watched the dark strange who'd invaded her home along with Kenway beat her husband Vernon with a firepoker. She herself already had a nasty bruise forming on her check from where she'd been backhanded after trying to attack the dark stranger and her son Dudley, who in her mind was the most perfect boy in the entire world, was passed out on the floor. He'd given in to his fright early on and now lay sprawled on the living room rug.

CRACK!

Vernon howled and Petunia Dursley cringed, knowing that the stranger, who was dressed in a long black jacket and wore a skull-like mask over his face, had managed to break something with that last hit. He was a vision of death and left Petunia shivering: dressed in a black suit with gray vest and a long black leather coat and that horrid bone-white skull mask that hid his face completely.

"Why are you doing this?" Petunia asked Jack softly, her eyes never leaving the vicious scene before her. The dark figure had burst into their house in the middle of the night, a dog that looked like it had been spit out from the fires of hell at his side, and silently gone about his rampage. He'd stomped about the house, ripping open doors and ransacking drawers and even the cupboard under the stairs. When Vernon had stormed towards him, his trusty shotgun in his meaty hands, the hellhound had sunk his fangs into his wrist and brought him to his knees. The skull-masked man had then grabbed a fire poker while his companion had quietly entered with a stout, armored creature following him. This man, just as tall as the dark stranger but with blond hair and a scruffy jacket, had politely informed Petunia that his name was Jack before taking a seat in Vernon's armchair and pulling out a book to read while his partner beat Vernon.

CRACK!

"I like to read," Jack said calmly, turning a page. "Keeps me mind sharp. Plus this is a bit of a tradition for me; I try to read the entire saga once every two years or so."

Petunia looked at him and sputtered, "N-no! Why are you attacking us!?"

"Have I laid a hand on you?" Jack asked in mock confusion. "I have been rather polite." He winced as his partner struck Vernon's fat rear with the fire poker, making Petunia's beloved husband squeal like a piglet. "I suppose you mean him though? Well, Sirius here has anger issues."

"And that... and that gives him the right to attack another human being?" Petunia raged, her shrill voice growing louder. The dark figure, Sirius apparently, whipped around and glared at her and Petunia found her knees knocking together in fright.

"Well, that is your first mistake," Jack said with a sigh, marking his place in the book and tucking it into the inner pocket of his jacket. "Sirius doesn't think like a person... not when it comes to his 'pup'. A result of spending as much time with his Houndour Padfoot, I suppose. Admittedly, they haven't seen much of each other... not since that night 12 years ago, but their bond is still strong. As for me?" Jack turned and Petunia felt her stomach drop. While nothing changed about Jack physically she suddenly had the terrible feeling that she was looking into the eyes of a great beast... an apex predator… and he was measuring her up to see if she would be a tasty meal. "Well... I'm not exactly human anymore." He gave her a feral grin and Petunia hands began to flutter about like doves. "Sirius?"

"What?" the Lord of Sevii barked.

Jack nodded towards Vernon. "I think you've done enough damage for now."

"Not ever enough," Sirius snarled. "You read Jonas' reports! You know what they bastards did to my godson! Damn it, Jack, you saw that cupboard... that was his room for nearly a decade!"

"I know, Sirius," Jack said calmly. "Why don't you put that poker down and we can have a long talk about proper child-rearing methods."

"They stole him from me and abused him... hurt him... made him feel unloved..." Sirius let out a howl of despair and struck Vernon three more times with the fire poker. Jack was on his feet when Sirius went to deliver the fourth blow, this time to Vernon's head. The Father of Johto's hand gripped Sirius' wrist so tight that he was forced to release his weapon.

"You know I have no problem with violence," Jack said sternly. "But you aren't me. You're upset and angry and I get that and in your position, if it had been my child, I would have slit all three of their throats and burned this damn house to the ground. Hell, I might have just blown this damn island into a crater, international laws be damned!" Petunia began to sob at that but Jack and Sirius ignored her. "But you can't do that... you won't do that. You're better than this, Sirius... You have to be better than this, for Harry." the Lord of Sevii looked away, shame suddenly filling him as he looked at Petunia's frightened face and Vernon's broken form. All the hatred that had kept him going since walking in the Dursley's house and seeing the evidence in their abuse of his godson draining from him. "We came here for a reason... and you'll do Harry no good turning this fat bastard into a fine paste. That's my way... not yours. And you need to be better and stronger than me here. For Harry's sake."

That was it. The key to breaking through Sirius anger and despair. He nodded, eyes shutting for only a moment before they opened again and he gave Jack a nod. The Father of Johto released his friend's wrist and stepped back, letting Sirius advance towards Petunia.

"I want to kill you," Sirius snapped. "You have no idea how tempting that is. But it won't do me any good... not when I need answers."

"What... what do you want?" Petunia whispered.

"I know someone came to you after you were awarded custody of Harry. I know that someone convinced you to lie to the wardens of Sevii, to tell them that Harry was dead and that it was my fault. The same person who bribed the leaders of this island to do the same. Don't deny it... my guards enjoyed playing your taped interview for me over and over. They liked watching me cry, thinking my godson was dead." Sirius leaned forward, his skull mask pressed against Petunia's forehead. "Who did it? Who told you to lie... who got you to help them steal six years of my life!?"

"I... I don't know!" Petunia wailed.

"Liar!" Sirius snapped.

Petunia looked at Jack who merely tilted his head. "Don't look to me to be my hero, lass. I'll keep him from killing you… but no one said your life had to be comfortable."

Sirius grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. "WHO?!"

"I don't know, I swear!" Sirius pushed his head against hers, forcing her to sit deeper in her chair. "He... he never gave his name! I never saw his face! He was in all black, wore a dark cloak…" Sirius snorted, his breath coming out in hot bursts. "He was from Avalon... he had one of those damn Pokémon with him!"

"Which one?" Sirius growled. When Petunia remained silent he slammed his hands down on the armrests of the chair. "WHICH ONE?"

"A rat!" Petunia shouted, her eyes squeezed shut. "It was a giant rat!" She panted, her breath ragged and her chest swelling in and out so rapidly it was a wonder her ribs didn't crack and break under the constant change in pressure. After nearly a minute she finally managed to open her eyes.

The intruders were gone.

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Notes: First off, welcome to Book 3! Things are definitely going to be fun with this story and I hope that you guys are ready for a fun ride! Once more I will go about blending two worlds together to create a new, daring world that echoes events you know and love and presents you with new twists you never saw coming.

Second, let's give a big hello to Hedwig! You have no idea how much I waffled on introducing her when I first began scripting out this series. At one point she was Harry's first Pokémon (before I decided that was too on the nose) then I was actually going to make Togetic Hedwig. When id di decide to have her appear I debated which book to let her make her entrance but finally decided to have her appear here so we could open the story with a fun battle/capture.

Now, onto the events of Little Surrey. Half of you are probably cheering over Sirius beating Vernon and the other half are scared that I've ruined Sirius and made him into a violent monster. I defense for this was that I wanted to show Sirius' passion and how at times he reacts based on his heart, not his head. He went to prison for six years and was told Harry had died because of him. Even after Jack made him the Lord of Sevii Sirius has lived with that guilt. Now, he finds out Harry is alive and there was a conspiracy to keep the two of them apart... a lot of rage and anger that Sirius kept locked inside just bubbled up and here we saw it get released.

Don't' worry though... the fun loving, prankster Sirius WILL be seen in this story... we just had to get that emotional outburst out of the way.

For those wanting to keep track, Harry has the following Pokémon: Eevee, Togetic, Ludwig the Litwick, Dobby the Alakazam, Zygarde (Kept with Remus until Harry is old enough to use him), and now Hedwig the Hoothoot. Remus has Mooney the Zorua, a Magcargo, a Reuniclus, and now a Spinarak. Sirius has Padfoot the Houndour, an Empoleon, and controls the Dusknoirs (and has a Duskull that is his own personal Pokémon). Jack Kenway has Mumik the Donphan, Azog the Tyranitar and Grond the Aggron (known also as the Hammer of Kenway and the Hammer of Ironside), and Fangorn the Trevenant.

Finally, for those wondering, the title page for this fic was designed to showcase the three important threads that will be running through this story: The legacy of the Marauders, the Dusknoirs of Sevii, and the white Noctowl of Morgan le Fay.


	2. An Awkward Moment

"Think of it this way," Remus said, turning to his left so he could get a better look at the lab coat he was trying on, "donating that jacket will mean that a Hogwarts student who doesn't have as much as you do will be able to save their money for more important things."

"I know, but I feel kinda bad giving it up. I've been through a lot with this coat." Harry said as he ran his hand along the sleeve of his trainer's jacket. It was one of the first new pieces of clothing he'd ever gotten and he felt terrible parting with it, even if it was too small.

"Not all of it good," Remus countered. "Maybe the coat's a trouble magnet and getting rid of it will let you have a normal school year."

"If it's a trouble magnet that means some 1st Year will end up drawing danger towards them... most likely when I am next to them."

"Did anyone ever tell you that you are just a bundle of sunshine?"

Harry smirked. "No, but they do say I take after you."

"Little brat," Remus muttered.

Harry laughed at that before turning his attention back to the seamstress that was going over his measurements. Remus and he had come to Galahad City with only a few weeks to go before the beginning of the Hogwarts school year in order to beat the rush. Harry knew that some families, like the Weasleys, would wait till the last moment to get their school supplies; Ron had once told Harry that it wasn't fun unless you were fighting the crowds and scrambling to get everything you needed before the shelves were left bare. Remus however had no desire to deal with the headaches such an adventure would bring and truthfully Harry felt the same way. Harry wondered if Ron's excuse was just that: an excuse.

Even if they'd wanted to experience the rush of last minute shopping, it would do neither of them any good, as they had large shopping lists and several custom items that needed to be made. Remus had told Harry in early July that Prof. Dumbledore had met with the Council of Gym Leaders and they had decided that after the Lockhart debacle that they needed a proven trainer to teach the Pokémon Battles classes. They'd gone through several potential candidates before settling on Remus himself, citing that his time evaluating gyms meant that he could not only teach the students of to win battles but to understand WHY they had won. The two of them had sat down to discuss the job, with Remus assuring Harry that he wouldn't mother-hen him and would do his best to treat the boy as just another student during normal school hours. Harry had told him to go for it. Remus had accepted but the new position meant that he needed an entire new wardrobe; it wouldn't do for him to show up to his first day of classes wearing his beaten-up sports coat and scuffed shoes.

As for Harry, he too was in need of entirely new wardrobe. While he hadn't quite hit his first major growth spurt the clothes he'd gotten when he'd first come to Avalon simply wouldn't do anymore, what with them being worn, faded, torn or generally destroyed due to Harry's many adventures. Remus had also pointed out to him that 3rd years were allowed to make certain upgrades to their school uniforms and this would be the perfect chance to do so.

Thus both man and young teen found themselves in Madam Malkin's Gear For All Environments getting measured while assistants showed off all different kinds of cloth and leather.

"Are you sure you wouldn't rather have something a bit more daring?" Erin, one of the saleswomen, asked Remus. She had several bolts of fabric in her arms and was trying her hardest to get Remus to choose anything other than the plain white fabric he'd picked out.

"I need just a standard labcoat," Remus said, holding out his right arm to allow another assistant measure bicep.

"But a splash of color never hurt!" Erin said with a flirty smile. "Severus Snape wears all black! And I know the professors in Hoenn like to use dark silks..."

"Yes and everyone in Sinnoh wears furs and Johto teachers wear their war-dusters instead of labcoats. But that doesn't mean I need to. The white will do fine."

Erin let out a disappointed sigh, though Harry couldn't tell if it was because she wanted to dress Remus up or because she envied Robin, the salesclerk that had ended up with him. Remus, while spending just as much as Harry was on his clothes, wasn't as imaginative. Harry got the sense that the clothing designers longed not just for commissions but for the chance to experiment and try out new designs and styles. Remus was buying more but everything he was getting could have been plucked from a rack. Harry, on the other hand, was all for trying out different ideas and Robin was tickled pink to encourage him.

"This would be lovely in a fire red," Robin said as she slipped a yellow and blue jacket onto him. At first Harry was confused by the design, feeling that there was too much fabric around the neck, but once it was zipped up he saw that the coat was designed to make it look like he was wearing a turtleneck under it. The collar was overly large and stiff, so that it rose up rather than flopped about. It was both futuristic and retro in design.

"Interesting," Remus said, glancing up from the dress shoes he was looking over.

"Yeah but not right for me," Harry said, unzipping the garment. "The collar will get in the way during Gauntlet matches. Can I see the 3rd one we tried again?"

Robin nodded and hurried over to a pile of discarded coats. Harry had already picked out several new shirts and a few pairs of pants which were waiting for him near the register. He'd also selected a set of sneakers and some thick-soled boots that would replace his current pairs when he outgrew them. The jacket was the one that was taking the most time, as it would have to be custom made. At first Harry had considered just going with a standard trainer jacket but Remus had reminded him that most trainers, as they grew older, experimented with different colors and added flourishes to their wardrobe. Harry had admitted that Remus was right, remembering how several of the upper classmen had worn outfits that, at times, made it impossible to tell they were a Hogwarts student. His father had also gone for some flare when it came to his outfits; Harry smiled as he remembered the photo of his father as a 7th year wearing his long red coat.

"We could change the colors to red and gold," Robin said as she helped Harry slip the jacket on.

"No," Harry said, turning so he could get a side angle of how he looked. "I actually like it as is." The jacket was made of red leather that was so dark it almost looked brown. The lining was a nice standard chocolate color that would help keep him warm during the cold Avalon winter. The jacket was designed so that it could either be left open so the lapels were flared out or zipped up tight to give the wearer a sleek profile. "Every Gryffindor goes for bright red... this will be a bit different." He paused, running his hand along his left shoulder. "Hmmm."

"What is it, Harry?" Remus asked as he walked over, having finally been released by Erin.

"I was thinking about adding something to this shoulder here," Harry stated, tapping his left arm. "Now that I have a Hoothoot, and I also have Eevee who likes to climb onto me, it might be a good idea to add some protection here. I know Oliver has a bit of leather guarding on the forearm of his jacket..."

Robin clapped her hands. "I have just the thing!" She darted into the backroom and Harry and Remus looked at each other and shrugged before heading over to look at their purchases. They had just finished getting them folded and on the register table when the saleswoman returned with a brown leather bundle in her hands. "Hoenn trainers wear these as separate pieces but we could have them sewn directly onto your jacket." She dragged Harry back to the mirror and quickly strapped on the leather garments: a shoulder pad, forearm padding and a bicep guard. The final touch was a brown leather glove that went several inches over his jacket's sleeve. "There is a smaller glove for your right hand but the left one is designed to prevent flying Pokémon from clawing the back of your hand."

"What do you think, Remus?" Harry asked.

"Asymmetrical..." Remus said, rubbing his chin. "Definitely different and unique. Would work great for your Gauntlet Matches." Harry's guardian circled him for a few seconds before giving him a thumbs up. "Your dad would say it needed to be longer but I personally love it."

"Then I am getting it!" Harry declared. Robin took a few notes before helping him remove the gear, promising that they'd deliver the jacket and their other custom tailored clothes a week before school started.

After paying for their purchases and having Dobby and Reuniclus teleport them back home, Harry and Remus made their way towards Flourish and Blotts to get Harry's Dex upgraded with the newest Hogwarts study programs and lesson plans. Even though they weren't there during the final Back To School push there was still a line of trainers looking to get new apps for their Dex. Harry glanced over at the list of new releases and decided there really wasn't anything he wanted to get other than his Hogwarts coursework.

"I think I'll just go over here and get myself a coffee," Remus said.

"What?" Harry asked, but Remus was already hurrying away at a fast clip. The boy was confused by his guardian's behavior... until he turned and saw who was standing a few feet away.

"Uh... hi Harry."

"Hermione," Harry said. He tried to keep his tone as even as he could but he could tell from the way the girl flinched that he'd obviously been a bit harsh. A dark little part of him took utter joy in her pain but Harry refused to focus on that side of him. He wouldn't forgive her but that didn't mean he had to actively seek out to her hurt. "Hi," he said, deciding it would be best to try again.

"Hi," Hermione echoed. She shifted from one foot to the other and worried her bottom lip to the point that Harry thought it might begin to bleed. "How... how has your summer been?"

"Good," Harry said, wondering if he could get away with just that. The awkwardness that flowed between them, however, saw Harry needing to fill it with something. "Remus and I went into the northern forests."

"That sounds nice," Hermione said, moving to join him in line, even though she'd already gotten her Dex upgrades. Harry could tell she wanted to press him for more details but the unclear boundaries of their relationship prevented her from doing so. He was glad for that, as he honestly didn't know if he wanted her to be the first person to find out about Hedwig. "I... I read that Mr. Lupin is going to be our professor."

"Yeah," Harry said, taking a step forward as the line moved. "He's been reminding me I need to call him 'Professor' in class."

Hermione smiled slightly. "I'm sure that will be hard... but you'll manage, Harry."

The boy nodded and the two former friends lapsed into silence. While the betrayal had hurt greatly Harry was finding that the distance between the two of them was hurting him just as much. Part of him screamed that he was being too hard on her and should forgive her but the moment he considered opening his mouth to do so he would remember the pain she had caused him and would snap his jaw shut, refusing to let her off the hook so easily.

"What about you?" Harry finally asked, taking another step closer to the counter.

"What?" Hermione said in confusion.

"How was your summer?"

"Oh!" Hermione gave a little start at that. "Good... real good! I... uh... I also did some traveling. I visited Kalos for two weeks." She fidgeted for a moment. "I... did the usual... tourist... stuff." She grimaced, realizing how stupid that should but Harry didn't call her out on it. "It was fun."

Harry nodded, feeling that this was safe enough ground to stay on. He mentally decided to treat Hermione like he would Ernie from Hufflepuff: friendly nod, small talk about the summer, but nothing personal. Remus would be thrilled. "Did your parents enjoy the sights?"

"I... well, I didn't exactly go... with my parents." Hermione shifted awkwardly from foot to foot, embarrassed.

Harry brow furrowed as he stepped up to the counter and handed his dex to an attendant. "Hogwarts 3rd Year Curriculum plus any standard upgrades."

"One moment, sir," the woman said.

"Who did you go with then?" Harry asked. Hermione was really reddening then. 'If she says Lockhart...' the dark little part of his brain hissed.

Before Hermione could say a word a little blonde missile struck Harry, wrapping her arms around him and giving him a squeeze. "Harry!"

"Hi Luna!" Harry beamed. He could see Hermione shift away but couldn't bring himself to feel bad; Luna hadn't done anything to him and he wouldn't deny her his affection just because Hermione was near-

Thwick!

"Ow!" Harry yelped. Luna hadn't hit him hard at all but the bop she'd given his left leg, courtesy of Lucius Malfoy's now shortened cane, still made him start.

"I am sorry, Harry, but due to Hermione and I now being bestest best friends I am required to give you smacks until the two of you make up. I don't want to but those are the rules." Luna gave him a nod, looking all to serious; even with the pain he was fighting back laughter at the way she was holding herself.

"They are?" Harry asked, shaking his leg.

"Of course... bros before hos."

Hermione held her head in her hands. "Luna, we discussed this... we are not 'bros'."

"But I thought we were bestest best friends!" Luna said, sticking out her lower lip. "We Pinkie Promised and everything! Why did I buy those cupcakes then?"

"No, I mean we are bestest best friends... " Luna beamed at that and hurried over to hug Hermione, who returned it with a surprising amount of affection. "I just mean we can't be bros because we aren't men."

"...I don't think it works that way," Luna stated before turning towards Harry. "Hermione is my bestest best friend and as such she and I are now bros which makes you, sadly, a 'ho'. Please understand that this is nothing against you; I still like you a lot and want to be your friend."

"Uh..." Harry said, rubbing the back of his head. "Of course we are friends, Luna!" Harry said quickly.

"Good. I am glad that is settled." Luna instantly began to hop up and down like a Spoink hopped up on coffee. Mickey, her Trappinch, clung to her ponytail for dear life. "Did Hermione tell you about our trip to Kalos?!"

Harry smiled at her, though his eyes did slide towards a clearly embarrassed Hermione. "You and Hermione, huh?"

"Yup!" Luna said with glee. "Daddy and I invited Hermione to come with us! We went through the Glittering Caves and explored its deepest levels! I caught the most wonderful of Pokémon, I can't wait to show you at Hogwarts! I call it Luna Jr.!" Luna flashed Harry a bright grin. "Of course, that doesn't compare to the Pokémon Hermione caught in the Pokémon Vill-"

Hermione leap over to Luna and wrapped an arm around the blonde. "Why don't we go and pick up some treats for Luna Jr.?"

"Okie dokie!" Luna hugged Harry goodbye... then bopped his calf with her cane. "Bye ho!"

Harry mutely took back his dex from the attendant, who was clearly trying to keep herself from laughing at him, and marched over to Remus, who was not even attempted to hide his mirth. "I suppose you find that and the bruises on my leg funny?"

"Just a bit," Remus admited. "I noticed you didn't yell or scream at Hermione."

"That doesn't mean I forgive her," Harry said firmly.

"I know... but it doesn't mean you hate her either."

"Well, it's a start. Come on, let's get going, ho."

Harry growled at his guardian but nodded. His mind was focused entirely on thinking of some way to get back at Remus for just standing there and watching him suffer. So preoccupied was he on the thoughts of revenge that he didn't even noticed the man in the dark cloak, his face covered with a skull-mask, watching his every move.

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Note: I enjoyed this chapter quite a bit. On the surface, it looks like fluff, "Oh, Mr. Chaos is spending pages discussing Harry's new jacket… yay." But it also gives you wonderful insight into the characters and lets me do a bit of world building as well as set up things for later on. Harry is going to be needing that extra leather armor later on…

The idea behind the different regions is that they all have their own customs and styles. Kanto is very much traditional with their teachers, with the simple lab coat and dress outfit. Avalon uses the same coat but is a bit more casual with what they wear under it (hence Dumbledore wearing floral print shirts under his and Snape going all black). Johto, due to the Sons having control of it, no longer do the labcoat thing and instead the preferred garment is a war-duster: a long coat that comes to just below the knee with a hood on the back. Hoenn, being based on Italy and being very warm, sees its people not wear labcoats but instead just have silk dressshirts. Sinnoh is the reverse… think Game of Thrones for their long cloaks and coats. Unova is the good USA so most professors just wear whatever they want, though tight military-style jackets are fashionable. Kalos is Kalos and literally everyone looks like a supermodel.

And yes, the first jacket Harry tried on is Booster Gold's jacket. I couldn't help myself.

Have Luna become Hermione's 'bestest best friend' is both great for finding ways to keep Hermione involved with the story while the others shun her and giving Luna some fun stuff to do. They also work well as a tag team and I am enjoying writing their pairing.


	3. Talks and Trainers

"Hedwig!" Harry called out, holding out his left arm. The albino Hoothoot flapped over to him, her foot grasping his padded sleeve and steadying herself as Harry shifted his weight. "And... fly!" Harry called out.

Fawhap!

"Almost," Remus said with a laugh as Harry spat and sputtered, trying to get the taste of feathers out of his mouth. He'd been training with Hedwig for almost a month, trying to master quick landings and takeoffs. While it would be easy to use a Pokéball the element of surprise would be lost when a competitor or a wild Pokémon saw a red-and-white orb go flying up overhead and the albino flyer suddenly disappeared in a flash of red light. It'd be far more preferable if Harry could get Hedwig to come to him on cue, especially if Harry could ever master his Speaking talents, so he could actually ask the avian what she had seen. The goal was to eventually have Hedwig land just by seeing Harry's arm raise and take off when he gave her a nod; first though Harry had to get her to perform the task correctly with vocal commands. That was proving troublesome; the landings were perfectly fine... it was the takeoffs that they kept messing up. Instead of a graceful climb up into the air Hedwig would hop off his arm and unfurl her wings right in his face, earning him a nose full of plumage for his trouble.

"Toki!" Togetic said, hovering around Harry's head. She had been delighted when she'd met Hedwig, treating the Hoothoot like a little sister. The problem was that Hedwig was strong-willed and refused to be babied. Togetic took it in stride, seeming to think the avian's practice of darting away from her was a game.

"Yeah, I know, it's all my fault," Harry said sarcastically. Ludwig and Eevee made their way over, watching as Hedwig continued to soar over their heads. Harry himself took a moment to watched, amazed that his newest Pokémon was so graceful in the air despite her round, ball-like body. One would expect her to be about as elegant as Crabbe or Goyle in a pink tutu, but the moment she left the ground Hedwig did the impossible and managed to fly about with ease.

'Dobby would prefer if Good Harry Potter not think of Mean Former Master's Bookends in tutus,' Dobby mentally said as he ambled over.

Remus let out a bark of laughter. "I think we've corrupted him!"

"I think so," Harry said with a smile as he held out his arm. "Hedwig!" Harry called out, the albino swooping down and lowering herself onto his arm. "Return," Harry said, recalling her. "I still don't get why it isn't working," Harry complained as he began to return the rest of his Pokémon to their balls. "We can't move on until she gets the takeoff right."

Remus ruffled Harry's hair, knowing the boy would hate it. His Zorua, Mooney, pranced around Harry's feet letting out a barking laugh of his own. "Sometimes it just takes time. Your dad had a heck of a time getting his Deerling to charge properly. Prongs was too much of a child at heart and never really grew up and it didn't help that your dad was the same way." Remus laughed as he remembered his friend and his Pokémon. "He used to complain like you are right now, wondering why he couldn't get him to listen."

"Well, that makes me feel a bit better," Harry muttered as Dobby teleporting back into the house to retrieve Harry's bags. "Still, I wish we'd have gotten it down before today; won't be much time to practice at Hogwarts." He kicked at a clump of grass in annoyance. Today was the day that the train left for Hogwarts and Harry had been hoping to have Hedwig's takeoff mastered by now.

"Oh, I'm sure there will be... if you stop goofing off with Ron and actually study."

"I do study!" Harry complained. "I got some of the best total marks in Gryffindor!"

Remus pursed his lips together and nodded. Dobby reappeared with Harry's backpack and his satchel (a gift from Remus to commemorate Harry's third year). Reuniclus was next to them a second later with the trunks Remus was bringing with him held tight by his psychic grip. "I suppose so..." He nodded to the two psychic types and both of them felt the tale-tell jerk before they landed in Galahad Station.

Harry grumbled as he pulled himself up. Remus, at the very least, had landed.

Helping the boy, Remus continued to nod and rub his chin. Harry did his best to ignore his guardian but finally flopped his arms about and snapped, "What?"

"What what?" Remus asked.

"You only get that look on your face when you are about to school me in something," Harry complained, double-checking to make sure they hadn't left anything behind during the teleport. While having Dobby meant that Harry wouldn't have to worry too much, as he could always have the Pokémon return to Remus' seaside cottage if something was forgotten, Harry didn't want to rely upon the yellow-and-brown psychic type to waste his energy bouncing back and forth between Remus' place and Hogwarts. "So just get on with it."

"I am not going to school you in anything," Remus said innocently. "You wound me by being so suspicious."

"You've raised me these last two years to be suspicious," Harry reminded.

"That is true," Remus admitted. "But I am not going to school you." He paused and Harry waited for the snark to come; he wasn't disappointed. "Of course, if I were to school you, I would point out that you are only second in Gryffindor... and have all of Ravenclaw, two Hufflepuffs, and a Slytherin ahead of you... as well as Hermione." Harry opened his mouth to complain but Remus cut him off. "I would also point out that if it weren't for you getting incredible marks in Battle Class you would be far down in the lower-middle of the rankings."

"So?" Harry asked. "That just means I'm really good at battling!"

"And other things," Remus countered. "Harry, you keep forgetting that I went to school with your mum and dad. Your mum was the smartest trainer Hogwarts turned out. Your dad too... towards the end of his education." Remus shook his head, it clear to Harry that his guardian was drifting back to his own school days, before the war had truly become a war and before Remus had lost so many friends. "Your father, when I first met him, didn't want to focus on anything that wasn't fun. He was bloody smart, Harry... but lazy. He didn't bother to learn about any Pokémon except his own, feeling it wasn't necessary. He didn't pay attention if he felt a subject wasn't worth his attention. He was an amazing battler, don't get me wrong, but that was purely because he was able to overwhelm the rest of us."

"And what... you think I'm lazy too?" Harry asked.

"I didn't say that," Remus stated, seeking to soothe Harry's ego. "My point is that for the first 5 years of his time at Hogwarts, your dad was more interested in hanging out with Sirius and playing pranks of Slytherins then studying. Honestly, they were their generations Weasley Twins." Harry gulped at that; he wasn't for sure if he wanted to think of his father, who so many told him was a great man, as being in the same group as Fred and George. "But in 6th Year things changed. Your father took the same focus that had him leading all four of us into becoming Pokemagnuses and dedicated it towards his studies. In two years he went from a goof-off to being fourth best in our class… behind your mum and I, of course."

"What made him change?" Harry asked.

"Your mum, for the most part," Remus admitted. "But also things like the war. Your dad saw how bad it was through Sirius and realized he needed to buckle down if he wanted to help beat Team Nocturne."

"What do you mean, 'through Sirius'?"

Remus sighed sadly. "The House of Black had a civil war of sorts. Sirius' mother and most of his aunts and uncles joined with Voldemort. His cousin Bellatrix became one of Team Nocture's top lieutenant while her little sister Narcissa married-"

"Lucius Malfoy," Harry stated.

"Exactly. Even Sirius' brother Regulus got sucked into it... seeing what happened to him is what caused Sirius, his cousin Andromeda, and his father to side with Dumbledore and those fighting against Nocturne. Andy went to live with her boyfriend Ted Tonks' family and Sirius' father sent him to stay with the Potters, to protect him from the rest of the Blacks. Your father saw how much the war had torn apart Sirius' family and realized that he wanted to stop it once and for all."

Remus glanced up at the clock, seeing they still had a few minutes, and continued. "To get back to my point, however... your dad buckled down and was better because of it. And you can do the same thing too. I wasn't there your first year to push you and this last year I wanted you to have some time to grow and have fun... but you are getting older Harry and it is time to begin thinking about your future."

"I still don't think I'm doing that bad," Harry said, a bit moody. He'd been enjoying the stories about his father but now that Remus was back to pointing out his faults he was growing annoyed.

Remus placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't be like that. I wouldn't be saying this if I didn't love you. I know it's new to you to have someone that actually cares about how you do and wants you to succeed, so I'm not going to push too hard... but you can't expect to just coast by this year. I expect you to put in a bit more effort and try and get your grades to improve."

"...except Potions," Harry said firmly.

"I don't know... your mum was a wiz at..."

"Professor... Snape," Harry reminded him.

Remus let out a huff. "Fine, I won't expect wonders when it comes to Potions. But I want to see a half grade uptick in every other course." He squeezed the boy's shoulder. "Hey, maybe you'll find you enjoy it. I know I love to research new things."

"That's because you are a geek," Harry said with a slight smile.

"And proud of it, Harry. Seriously though..." Remus trailed off, getting a strange look on his face, before shaking his head as if trying to dispel something physically from his mind, "...I know you can do better and I think you want to do better too. I'm not going to tell you not to have fun; all I want is for you to temper it a bit."

"As long as you promise not to become a helicopter parent, I'll be ok with that," Harry stated.

Remus flashed him a smile. "I was looking forward to sitting with you on the train... I brought baby pictures to show your friends and everything."

"Dobby, I think Good Mr. Lupin should be teleported into a lake," Harry grumbled. Reuniclus merely smiled, flexing one hand in the universal sign of 'bring it'. "I'll see you at the banquet."

"Have fun," Remus said with wave, his Zorua letting out a yip as he clamored onto Remus' shoulder. "Hello Neville."

"Hello Mr. Lupin!" Neville called out as he walked over to Harry. "Bye Mr. Lupin!"

"Going to have to get use to calling him professor," Harry told his friend, bumping Neville's fist with his own.

The shy Gryffindor nodded. Harry was surprised to see that Neville was wearing a variation of the jacket he'd worn when the two of them battled Cho Chang and her friend the previous year. He remembered Neville stating that the jacket belonged to his father and Harry wondered if Neville had gotten his own version because of that or if it had been a gift from his Gran, who seemed to be forever trying to get Neville to become a copy of Frank Longbottom.

"Yeah... that is going to be weird." Neville reached down and itched Flora between the ears, the Ivysaur letting out a bark of pleasure. Harry was surprised when Neville began to pull the petals of Flora's flower back and he was even more startled when two tiny little eyes blinked at him. "Oh, sorry about that!" Neville said with a chuckle, cupping his hands and pulling out a small, whitish-yellow Pokémon with a crown-like flower on her head and a green lower body. "Puck here keeps trying to slip away."

"Puck?" Harry asked.

"My Flabébé. I found her in the Greenhouse a few weeks ago and managed to catch her. Gran was excited because she has the Flower Veil ability, which protects Grass types. She thinks her and Flora might make good tag-team partners."

"I'd say so," Harry said, watching as Puck squirmed and tried to get back to Flora. Neville finally relented and returned the Flabébé to Flora's bulb, the Fairy letting out a happy coo and waving to Harry and Neville before scurrying back into her hiding place. "He's pretty cool, Neville. I can't wait to show you my new Pokémon."

Neville nodded. "Hey... if it isn't my place to ask just ignore me but... you and Remus seemed looked pretty heated when you were talking a moment ago... everything ok?"

"Yeah, it's fine Nev," Harry stated. "Remus was just giving me the Talk."

"Oh god, right here?!" Ron exclaimed in horror as he and Ginny ran up, for once not actually late. "Right on the platform?"

"Well... yeah," Harry said. "I mean, I wish he hadn't done it in such a public place..."

"Wish?" Ginny said in disgust. "If my parents try to give me the Talk in public next year I'll throw such a fit child services will be involved!"

Harry's eyes widened at that. "Isn't that a little extreme?"

"Isn't talking about the Beedrills and the Spearows in the middle of a crowded train station extreme?" Ron countered.

"No wonder you two were tense," Neville opinioned.

"What?" Harry exclaimed. "No, wait, I think you guys are confused. We didn't have 'The Talk'... he gave me the Talk. You know... buckle down, study hard, 'I expect better grades from you young man'? That one."

Ginny, Neville and Ron blinked. "Oooooohhhh!" the three of them exclaimed.

"Yeah, that makes more sense," Ron said, giving Harry a sheepish grin. "Sorry mate."

Ginny nodded. "Yeah, sorry." She glanced over Neville's shoulder, watching as her mother and father were talking to a cowed Fred and George. "Mum and dad are giving all of us that Talk too."

"Really?" Harry asked in surprise.

"Yeah," Ron admitted. "Percy is Head Boy this year and mum is disappointed that us 'four youngsters' aren't doing better. Bill was also Head Boy and Charlie barely missed out. Her and dad want us all to shape up and do better." Ron smirked. "Of course, thanks to Fred and George the pressure is off me and Gin just a bit."

Neville licked his lips. "My Gran gave me the same speech," he admitted. "Except instead of grades she wants me to be more outgoing." He quickly added, "Not that she thinks you guys are terrible! She is thrilled all of you are my friends... she just wants me to do more stuff... join some clubs or something. She said my dad was really outgoing…" Neville grew silent and his friends didn't say a word. Just before school had let out the year before Neville had finally opened up to them and revealed that his mom and dad were in the hospital. He clearly wasn't ready to tell them what was wrong with Frank and Alice Longbottom but a bit of digging on Harry's part revealed they had been attacked by members of Team Nocturne just after Harry's parents had died.

"Guess we are all getting the Talk," Harry said.

"I see someone who probably didn't," Ron said coolly. "Hermione."

The bushy-haired girl looked at them, her head down and her voice quiet. "Hello-"

"CHARLIE MURPHEY!"

Thwick Thwick Thwick Thwick!

"OW!" Ron yelped, clutching his ankle as he bounced about. Ginny, Harry and Neville joined him.

"Luna!" Hermione exclaimed as the blonde spun her cane around. "I thought I told you not to hit them!"

The blonde girl looked down sadly. "I know... that was COLDBLOODED!" she threw out her arms and sang the last word. She reached over and patted Neville on the cheek. "I'm Luna Lovegood, baby... enjoy yourself!"

"Luna," Hermione said, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "I know you want them to forgive me but they aren't if you keep hitting them!"

Ron grit his teeth, still rubbing his calf. He took a half hop, half step towards Luna, fists clenched. "Bloody hell, Luna, what the-"

"CU CU!"

The red-head fell onto his rear, eyes wide as a small brown Pokémon wielding a heavy white club leapt onto his chest. This wouldn't have been too horrifying if not for the fact that the Pokémon was wearing a _**SKULL**_ on her head like a helmet.

"Ronald," Luna said politely, leaning down. She extended her pink and brought it to the corner of her mouth. "Meet my new Pokémon. I call her… Mini Me."

"Luna Jr," Hermione stated.

"Cu Cu!" the Cubone declared.

Luna picked the Ground type up, cuddling her. Luna Jr. merely glared at the group and gripped her bone club, twisting it in her hands and miming strangling them. "She is so protective of me and my bestest best friend Hermione, so please be careful and don't say anything that might sound like a threat. Don't worry though...know that her violent outbursts are out of friendship!"

"Cu!" Cubone declared, pointing at the four before drawing her little paw across her throat.

"That means 'I love you'!" Luna said happily.

"We'll... uh... go find a seat on the train," Hermione said, gently pushing Luna and her bodyguard towards the train.

"Bye hos!" Luna called out.

Ginny tilted her head. "So... I think this is the year we'll all die."

"Every year is year I almost die," Harry muttered. "Won't be that different. Might be nice to have some company for a change."

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Notes: A bit more fun and lightheartedness before the story really begins to kick into gear. Hermione is still outside the group looking in but Luna and her walking stick are making sure that Harry and Co don't treat her like garbage.

One of the hardest things to do in this fic is pick out the Pokémon the characters will get. Because I want to avoid repeats, that means once I select a Pokémon for a character, they are almost always off-limits for me to use (except for Family Pokémon… every Weasley gets a Rattata, every Kenway raised up the Tyranitar line, so on and so forth). More importantly, the Pokémon have to fit in with their new trainer and make sense for them. Each character, believe it or not, has a requirement for them when it comes to selecting a Pokémon for them:

Harry- He will have the most rounded team. All his Pokémon either need to represent something from the books OR represent someone in his family (Ludwig for Lily Potter, for example, Togepi is himself)

Neville- Grass types, pure and simple. I do plan to shake this up a bit though…

Luna- Strange, wonderful Pokémon. Each one of hers needs to be… odd.

Hermione- Small, runtish Pokémon that turn into beautiful, elegant creatures

Ron and Ginny- These ones I am going to keep secret, for now.

Now then, a listing of the trainers that were reintroduced in this chapter and what Pokémon they currently have on them:

Neville's Pokémon- Flora the Ivysaur, Stumper the Phantump, Sam the Snover, and Puck the Flabébé.

Ron Weasley- Raticate, Cubchoo, Emolga

Ginny Weasley- Rattata, Parchirisu


	4. Hogwarts Express

Harry looked at his dex in confusion. "So what exactly is this app?"

"Just something I put together during the summer," Ginny said with a smile, pointing her dex at Neville's and wirelessly sending the download over to him. "Thought it might be a great way to pass the time. You can only play so many rounds of Electrode Explosion."

"Yeah, but that's why some of us bring other things," Neville said, gesturing towards Hermione, who had her dex open and was clearly engrossed in a book she'd downloaded.

"But this is actually going to be fun!" Ron exclaimed. Hermione glanced up but, not wanting to risk the goodwill the others had shown her in letting her share a cabin with them, didn't say a word. Neville had, after the first whack from Luna's cane, quickly declared that he forgave Hermione, earning a kiss on the cheek from the blonde. In truth he had mostly been ignoring Hermione out of solidarity for the others, having rationalized that Lockhart's meddling with her memories had caused Hermione to act in ways that she normally wouldn't have. Ron had tried to do the same but Luna had informed him that she could sense he hadn't truly forgiven Hermione. She'd then shouted 'Punch Buggy Topaz!' and socked him on the shoulder; it hadn't hurt but had left Ron wondering just when Luna had become so violent.

Ginny had known that Luna would not let Hermione be alone and had expressed that she was ok with her sitting with them. They'd all turned to Harry who'd, after several moments, shrugged his shoulders and said it was ok. Hermione knew that despite this she was still on thin ice and didn't want to say anything that might destroy all the progress she'd made. There was a difference between being allowed near the group and being a part of it and Hermione wasn't foolish enough to believe that she was going to be allowed back in the inner circle anytime soon.

"It's a Bingo app," Ginny stated proudly as Luna sent the app to Hermione. "I made the touch screen the playing screen and created a random square generator so each board will be completely different! Best of all, all the squares are completely custom categories that apply to the train ride; all we have to do is enjoy the ride like we normally do and when something happens check the appropriate square!"

Harry looked over his dex, chuckling slightly. Some of the events on his board were 'Ron will burp three times', 'The Candy Cart will sell out of Koffing Cakes before it gets to us' and 'A Hufflepuff will mistake our cabin for his/hers'.

"I also created some for when we are at Hogwarts, during a Gauntlet match, so on and so on. We can play all year long and no one will even know it but the five…siz of us!" Ginny added the last bit when she glanced at Hermione, clearly not wanting to include the bushy-haired girl but unable to find a good enough reason not too.

Ron looked over at Hermione, who had accepted the download but hadn't stopped reading her text once, and let out a groan. "Oh come on, that was almost a guaranteed mark!" Harry leaned closer to Ron and fought back a laugh as he saw the square 'Hermione will tell us not to do something'. "Bloody hell, mate, I-"

Hermione looked up, smiled slightly, and checked off a box. "'Ron will be the first to swear'," she said simply before minimizing the tab and returning to her reading.

"...arrrrgghhH!" Ron shouted, stomping his foot in frustration while the rest of his friends laughed.

After Ron's blowup the six friends happily lapsed into their normal routine. Luna and Hermione ended up taking sitting back to back, their feet up on the cushioned bench as they used the other as a backrest. Luna Jr., who refused to enter her Pokeball, sat next to Hermione's feet, polishing her bone club while Crookshanks was resting on Hermione's lap, his trainer's fingers running through his soft fur. Neville and Ginny sat opposite of them, the heir of Longbottom showing the youngest Weasley how he pruned and maintained Flora's petals. Harry and Ron sat on the floor, pouring over the latest Gauntlet standings and debating if the Tor Town Tauros would ever break .500. The only time all six of them actually did something together was when one would reach down and check a box on their Bingo Card, earning demands to know what had just happened.

Harry opened up his board and smiled. He was doing ok, all things considered. While the Candy Cart had plenty of Koffing Cakes he'd managed to spot a Pelliper and a Hufflepuff 2nd year had mistaken their cabin as his. He hoped that within the next few hours he'd hit a few more; even if he didn't get a Bingo he'd like to, at the very least, be close.

"What are you two reading?" Neville finally asked as he held out his pinkie to Puck, the little Flabebe grabbing on and allowing Neville to move her to a different section of Flora's closed flower.

"A book about Veelas I picked up in Kalos," Hermione stated.

"She wants to help me with my powers," Luna said, positively beaming at the thought that Hermione cared so much about her that she wanted to learn more about her origins. "I try to study but I get distracted when I can't find Waldo."

Harry reached over and clicked the 'Luna makes a comment I don't understand' box.

"It's all really interesting," Hermione stated. "The author believes that all the Pokémon Arts deal with a single aspect of Human-Pokémon relations and interactions. Veelas, for example, deal with the emotional aspect of interaction, while Speaker deal with actual communication, Pokemagnuses are all about the physical, and The Dreamers deal with unconscious thoughts. Of course, Elemental Benders are a bit trickier and no one is really quite sure what Distortion Walkers actually do." Hermione laughed. "And Aura Knights just take things for a complete loop when it comes to spiritual energy..."

"I only understood every 4th word in that sentence," Ron complained.

Hermione smiled and subtly clicked a box on her own Bingo card. "The point is that Veelas are able to sense emotions and affect them and distort them. Legends about sirens can be traced back to Veela pirates who used their powers to draw men in so they could plunder their ships."

Harry frowned. That didn't explain why he had trouble when Luna looked at him for too long. _'Unless Luna is so desperate for friends that she subconsciously uses her powers to draw people in and pay attention to her.'_ Seeing the blonde squirm, Harry merely flashed her a smile, which was quickly returned in kind.

"Well..." Neville began, deciding to cut the awkward tension. "Luna, what are you reading?"

"Oh, just daddy's newspaper," Luna said with a bright smile.

"Anything interesting?" Harry asked, only to receive several incredulous looks from all his friends save Luna. "What?"

"You've never read the Quibbler, have you?" Ron asked.

"Uh... no, not really. I mostly just use the Holo Cast. Why?"

"Well..." Ginny said, tapping her chin, "let's just say that Quibbler is never dull."

Luna quickly nodded. "Oh yes, daddy is quite proud that everything he publishes is thought-provoking, shocking, and 100% factual... from a certain point of view."

"From a certain point of view?" Harry asked.

"Yes. That is such a magical phrase... it allows me to claim a relative of yours is dead when I really chopped off his legs and one of his arms and left him to burn next to a lava river." Harry just stared blankly at Luna. "Also, be careful who you date, because it could be your twin sister who was hidden to protect you from the Emperor."

"What Emperor?" Harry asked against his better judgment.

"The one that rules Sevii Island, of course."

Hermione turned her head so she could look at her 'bestest best friend'. "Luna, Sevii is ruled by a Lord, not an Emperor."

"Well of course! Everyone knows that, Hermione!" Luna looked at the rest of their friends and did the international sign for 'crazy'. Hermione, due to both her newfound friendship with the girl and her weakened one with the others, bit her tongue and allowed Luna the victory. "The better question is 'why is he here in Avalon?'"

"An Emperor is here in Avalon?" Ron asked in confusion.

"No, he's busy getting a new groove. The Lord of Sevii is here though, according to daddy." Luna pressed a button on her dex and beamed the article she was reading directly to her friends' dexs. All of them quickly opened the download and read.

**Lord of Sevii Roams Avalon Country Side! **

_By Xeno Lovegood_

_Terrified villagers are flooding their local PokéShops looking to stock up on pitchforks and torches after the Lord of Sevii was spotted with his entourage of Dusknoirs this past weekend. No one is quite sure why the mysterious Lord is in Avalon (though faithful readers know the lord isn't that mysterious, as he is actually famed rockstar/astrophysicist/heartthrob Stubby Boardman). The dark fellow, who is never spotted without his skull-mask, has been seen by several Avalon residents committing vagrant acts of mopery._

_"Wait, you think mopery means that?!" exclaimed one horrified eyewitness who spotted the Lord disappearing into an alley. "What is wrong with you?" she went on, clearly distressed to the point of sanity._

_Other villagers who spotted the Lord report that he was stalking through towns, watching several gyms before using his Dusknoirs as cover for his escape. None of the witnesses have been able to get close enough to the Lord of Sevii to ask him why he is in Avalon or if it was indeed he who put the bop in the bop shoo bop. _

_When asked about the Lord of Sevii, one villager told us, "I don't know why he was lurking around. Now, do you want fries with your burger or not?"_

_We here at the Quibbler suspect that there is a greater conspiracy at hand. Reaching out to officials has only caused them to throw up blockades against the pursuit of the truth._

_"Xeno, what are you doing in my bathtub?" Amos Diggory told this reporter when confronted with evidence of the cover-up. "Seriously, we're all worried about you... we think you might be suffering brain damage."_

_The Quibbler remains dedicated to solving this mystery and will continue to follow up on this story until a famous person does something more interesting. _

_**Click Here to read a timeline of Stubby Boardman**_

_**Click Here to find out about the long history of mopery, the silent killer**_

_**Click Here for compromising photos of Amos Diggory and Xeno Lovegood together in the shower**_

_**Ar, Click Here Matey to hear this here article read by a scurvy pirate**_

"Wow," Harry said.

"Isn't it nice to know that there is a paper out there reporting on the truth?" Luna said with a dreamy smile. Harry looked at his other friends, who merely shrugged.

"He is actually very nice," Hermione said with a slight smile of her own. "Very smart and funny. Don't judge him by his paper." Harry glanced her and she quickly ducked her head, unable to meet his eyes.

"Yes, daddy so does hate it when people get star-struck by him," Luna said quickly, covering for Hermione before anyone could call her out on being a bit too friendly. There was enough of a grin tugging on her lips to make Harry wonder if she were messing around with him or completely serious.

"So..." Ginny said after several moments, "why do you think the Lord of Sevii is in Avalon?"

"You think he really is?" Harry asked.

Neville nodded. "The Quibbler might go off on weird tangents but it's never wrong when it comes to the seeds of truth. The Lord of Sevii is here in Avalon, that much is for certain."

"My theory is that he is trying to find Claire Bennett before Sylar takes her brain." Luna reached over and placed her hand on Harry's shoulder. "Save the cheerleader... save the world."

"I'll remember that," Harry said with a chuckle.

"Yatta."

"He's probably here for a meet and greet," Ron reasoned. "I heard most of the Team Nocturne grunts that were captured ended up on Sevii. Makes sense he'd want to come visit and try and get more money to hold them."

"But he hasn't had the need to visit any other region," Neville pointed out. "Most of the meet and greets are done by Jack Kenway."

"And if he were doing a meet and greet, why would he bring the Dusknoirs?" Ginny asked, shivering slightly.

"You ok?" Harry asked. "You aren't afraid of Ghost types, are you?"

The red-headed girl shook her head. "You know I'm not. Ludwig is very nice and Linus and Stumper are also cute. Dusknoirs are a different story, though. I mean, have you read the analysis of them? Creepy."

Before Harry could ask what Ginny meant by that the cabin door opened with a whoosh and six heads turned as one to stare at the newest arrivals.

"Well, looks like we found where to toss our trash," Draco said with a laugh, throwing a crumpled chip bag onto the floor. Crabbe and Goyle were, as always, acting as bookends to the 'Prince of Slytherin'. Pansy Parkinson was standing beside Draco, a tight-lipped smile on her puckered face.

"Malfoy, how horrible to see you again," Harry said dryly, trusting Ginny and Neville to keep Ron from saying something stupid. His friend had yet to learn that anger was just the reaction Draco was trying to get and by fighting it with intelligence, rather than sputtering frustration, one had a better chance at defeating the blond Slytherin. "Could you please tell your father that I am absolutely loving Dobby and I am very thankful for the trade. I hope he is enjoying the Pokémon I sent him."

All the blood rushed to Draco's face and Harry wondered if Draco's brain was going to sputter out. It was Pansy though that spoke. "You are nothing more than a liar, Potter! Mr. Malfoy came to you, wanting to help you, and you betrayed him!"

"Several things wrong with that statement," Ginny said with a snort. "Let's start with Draco's daddy actually trying to help Harry then move on to Harry not betraying him in the slightest."

"Also, you should so Harry more respect," Luna said.

"Shut it, Looney," Goyle said.

Flora and Luna Jr. sprung towards the Slytherins, the two Pokémon barely containing the urge to begin beating on them.

"Control your pests, Longbottom," Draco said, managing to get a hold of his temper. "We wouldn't want me having to tell my father that you can't control them... he'd be forced to put them down."

"Bingo," Hermione said quietly, checking a box off on her dex.

"There is no need to be rude or violent," Luna said simply. "I was merely pointing out that Harry is the descendent of your House's Founder... that means he's sort of your lord and master."

Draco clenched his jaw so hard it was a wonder his teeth didn't shatter. "Don't you DARE disgrace the great Salazar Slyytherin by claiming Potter here is his heir."

"Claim nothing," Harry said simply, standing up. "I am the Heir of Slytherin, Malfoy."

"Then maybe it is time to wipe that line out," Draco fired back.

"Maybe... but not by you," Harry said, taking a step forward and glaring at Draco. "It will take someone that can actually battle to beat me."

Pansy reached for one of her Pokeballs. "Watch your mouth, Potter."

"Watch yours, Parkinson," Ron finally said, moving to stand by his best mate.

"You've insulted my betrothed," Neville said, getting in on the action. Ginny was already pulling out one of her Pokeballs while Hermione moved to protect Luna if attacks began to fly about. It always surprised his fellow students when Neville went from being shy and quiet to being hard and stern. The surest way to activate the change was to insult Luna. "If I ever hear you or one of your goons call Luna that name again I will declare a Blood Feud between House Longbottom and House Malfoy... and I doubt your father wants that, what with everything else he is dealing with."

Harry nodded. "And I'll be right behind him." He leaned in close and hissed. "You and I both know it wasn't Cho that unleashed Zygarde. I remember who the blame lies with... and I'm not going to forget anytime soon."

"And I'm not going to forget who cost my family all that we've lost," Draco countered, it clear that he wasn't just speaking of the walls Gyarados had destroyed during his rampage.

"We're stopping," Hermione said. It took a few moments for everyone to realize that Hermione was not talking about the fight but the train. "Why are we stopping? We are still an hour away from Hogwarts."

Draco opened his mouth his mouth to say something but, spotting something out of the corner of his eye, thought better of it. He merely flashed one final glare at Harry and his friends before stalking off with Pansy in tow, Crabbe and Goyle following behind. The cause of his quick departure began clear when Remus walked into the cabin, his face stern and lips pursed.

"We didn't start it," Ron said quickly, fearing that Remus was there to yell at them for fighting with the Slytherins.

Harry, though, quickly saw that this wasn't what was bothering his guardian. "What is it? Why did the train stop?"

Remus looked at all of them before he spoke. "Dusknoirs have surrounded the train."

Ginny let out a whimper while Neville nervously peered out the window. Harry slowly turned as well, staring out at the grassy fields that lay out before the stopped train. Suddenly, the window was filled up by the gray featureless face and red eye of a Dusknoir, who looked at the startled Gryffindors before floating past. Luna Jr. growled and leapt into Luna's lap, looking ready to attack if the phantoms swarmed them.

"W-why are they here?" Ron asked nervously.

"The Lord of Sevii has commanded the train to stop," Remus said, his tone measured. "He's stated that he won't let us pass until his demand is met."

"And... what is his demand?" Hermione said.

Remus looked right at Harry, the boy swallowing as he silently guessed what the Lord want.

"He wants to talk to you, Harry," Remus said, confirming the teen's fear, "alone."

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Notes: First, let's talk about this chapter. I loved writing Xeno's article… it was just so much fun to have him running about, half clueless and being silly. Of course, the question of if he truly is insane or if this is a case of 'The jester is the only one that can tell the king the truth' remains to be seen. It was also a chance to have some fun with easter eggs.

Some reviewers have taken issues a few characterizations I have done so far, namely that I am making Hermione more like the movie version than the book and that I am not having the gang be hard enough on her. The second point first: I was never going to have Harry go into a rage and scream at her. Harry doesn't do that… the Dursleys would have beaten such reactions out of him. Harry instead tends to shut himself down when it comes to people that have hurt him… you are allowed to be near him but he won't open up to you. If you think that is fun… it isn't. I have family that does that and trust me I'd rather be screamed at then frozen out. As for Neville, he is more forgiving than the rest. Ginny and Ron are angry but, because they weren't affected, mostly follow Harry's actions. If you think that I am being too easy on Hermione that is your opinion but I have a story I want to tell and I am telling it this way. I'd rather you stop reading then continue to complain about something I am not going to change.

As for the movie comment… I've made it clear this story isn't the books or the movie. It is my own world, using these characters in new ways. I will be borrowing from everything I can: books, games, movies, fan fics, fan art, so on. Yes, the looks of the characters are more in line with the movies. That is how I see them when I write them. Again, if this is a major problem, I suggest you stop reading; I'm not going to change my mind on this. I made it clear up front that this is going to be a blending of worlds and if you are expecting me to follow the book 100% I suggest you walk away now and just read the bloody book.

Rehashing the same complaints over and over will not make me change my mind, nor will idle threats of you 'never reading again'. It is just wasting your time as I stop reading your reviews when I get to that part. Save yourself the trouble and just don't review if you are going to pick up the same complaint over and over that Hermione/Ron aren't being bashed enough or that you think Harry should be running around acting like a macho meathead.


	5. The Lord of Sevii

Remus had moved far enough away from Harry to keep the boy from hearing what he was saying. That didn't do much good, as it was clear just watching him that Remus wasn't happy with what the pink haired Officer was telling him. Harry had been surprised that it wasn't a Jenny who had arrived at the idling train. No, instead of a seasoned blue-haired officer in the standard bright blue uniform the Avalon Law Enforcement Squad or ALES had sent someone who looked like she should be holding Remus at knife point, demanding his wallet. The Auror had on black leather pants, a puffy grayish-white shirt, combat boots and a long red leather jacket. Her entire posture screamed casualness and the way she was standing made it clear that she really didn't care what Remus said. She kept tossing a Pokeball up into the air, only to slap her hand out and grasp it before repeating the process. Zorua had growled at her but received a zap for his troubles from the young woman's cackling Rotom. Remus hadn't liked that one bit but the Auror had merely winked at him.

The Dusknoirs floated nearby, making no real move to attack him but also doing nothing to put him at ease. Their red cyclopean eyes every so often lingered on Harry and made the boy squirm a bit. He wouldn't have minded so much if it were just one of them but it was the fact that it was a swarm of the strange ghost-types that really had Harry on edge. They had no real features to speak of, so it was hard to tell just what they were thinking; Harry would have preferred it if they were able to glare or sneer or laugh. It was their blank, flat faces, that gave him the shivers. He had quickly come to the conclusion that Ginny was 100% right to fear them.

Doing his best to ignore the ghosts, Harry pulled out his dex, smiling despite himself when he saw the e-mail Hermione had sent him. He didn't know how she had been able to pull up the information so fast but somehow she'd managed to send him an entire guide on ghost types. Leave it to her help him out with research even when they were fighting.

According to the article there were three different subspecies of Ghost-Type Pokémon. The first and most well-known were the Formless Ghosts. While they had a standard shape they took on their molecules were the loosest of all Ghost types, allowing them to stretch and squish and go flat or inflate themselves. The Gengar line was cited as an example of those types and it was warned that these spirits, more than any other, loved to torment and prank trainers due to their biology making it hard for them to stay in place for more than a few seconds.

Watching as Rotom made faces behind Remus' back, Harry found himself agreeing.

The next subspecies was the Possessed Ghosts. These Pokémon were the exactly opposite of their Formless brothers: they had very solid forms and at times had been misidentified as other types in the past. They took on a wide array of shapes; they could resemble household items or animals. They were, however, 100% solid matter animated by ghostly energy. This meant that they were able to focus better than the Formless Ghosts and required less of a firm hand when it came to training. That didn't make them any safer than Formless though and many 'hauntings' were actually Possessed Ghosts.

The final type was the most dangerous of them all. The Shelled Ghosts were a blend of Formless and Possessed. They had the same loose molecules the Formless had but used solid matter to give themselves a focal point. These types of Pokémon many times hid their true forms within their casing, waiting until they had sneaked up on their prey before dragging them into their shell. Shuppets, Yamasks, and Drifloons were all examples of this breed. Their unpredictability made them the hardest to train.

Duskulls, Dusclops, and Dusknoirs were Shelled Ghosts. Their outer forms were clothe and masks... their insides a world of torment and pain.

Glancing up to make sure Remus wasn't coming over or the Dusknoirs weren't converging on them, Harry went back to the article Hermione had sent, reading the highlighted section.

_Duskulls and their evolved form, the Dusclops, are not overly dangerous to trainers. The Duskull is too small to do much to even a child, while the Dusclop's wrappings, while frightening to some, make it hard for it to draw in a trainer. Studies have found that the Dusclops are only able to open their fabric cases a few inches due to the unstable nature of their inner ectoplasmic forms. This means that any attempt to draw in large prey would result in the Dusclops disintegrating._

_ It is the Dusknoirs that pose the greatest threat to a trainer. When a Dusclops is able to gather enough energy (such as when traded) and have in their possession certain fabrics that contain the proper molecular structure (what is now referred to as a 'Reaper Cloth'), they are able to stabilize their ectoplasmic forms and evolve into Dusknoirs. This new stable body allows the Dusknoir to hold its shape even when opening its mouth, which is located on what many mistake for their stomachs. The Dusknoir is, in fact, a large head with arms-_

Harry skipped several paragraphs discussing the movement and calls of the Dusknoir line and moved directly to the section that concerned him the most.

_The Dusknoirs of Sevii Island are the most dangerous of the all Dusknoir variants due to their possession of the ability Emotion Manipulation. The Sevii Dusknoirs are able to project auras that alter the emotions of Pokémon and humans. While they have been known to cause victims of this aura to fall into fits of laughter or become enraged, fear is the most common emotion the Dusknoirs will create. This is a type of hunting tactic, as it allows the Dusknoir to paralyze their prey so they might consume it. This consumption, known as the Dusknoir's Kiss, results in the Dusknoir drawing their victim into their cloth shell and draining them of all emotion and thought, leaving them in a blank, emotionless state that ancient Avalonians equated to the destruction of one's soul. There are some that believe these shells are the origins of the zombie myth-_

Harry let out a yelp when a hand landed on his shoulder, the boy leaping nearly 3 feet in the air. He whipped around, panting, only to find Remus staring at him in concern.

"Harry? Are you-"

"I'm fine," Harry said quickly, utterly embarrassed. "I'm fine."

Remus looked as if he wanted to say more but, seeing that Harry would only brush off his concern, decided to just push ahead. "I'm sorry Harry... I tried to talk to Auror Tonks but she refuses to budge." Remus shot the young woman a scathing glare. "Apparently the Lord of Sevii is throwing his weight around and demands to talk to you at once."

"Why me?" Harry asked nervously. He was smart enough to realize that someone who commanded a horde of Dusknoirs might not have his best interests at heart.

Remus clicked his teeth together in agitation. "He claims that since your mother defeated Voldemort and Sevii is holding several of Team Nocturne's lieutenants that he should speak with you."

"But you don't think that is the real reason, do you?"

Remus ground his teeth together. "No, and I want you to be on your guard. If you think for even a moment he is trying anything funny you get Dobby to port you out. If he can't, fight like hell and run. I'm already contacting a few people that owe me favors... I don't have the pull the Lord has but if he wants to try us I'll give him a war."

Harry nodded, feeling a bit better knowing Remus has his back. "Where am I meeting him?"

Remus was a bit happier with that piece of news. "Luckily you don't have to go far. He's using that old farmhouse over there... the owners left for the day and he set up shop. You'll still be in sight of all of us and Zorua will have an ear out for you." Harry quietly thought to himself that while Zorua might be able to hear him the Dusknoirs would not let Remus pass freely.

"Come on, Harry," Auror Tonks said, walking over and playfully nudging his shoulder. "Some of us aren't getting any younger."

Remus shot her enough dirty look before patting the boy on the shoulder. "Don't let your guard down for a second, ok? The Lord of Sevii is a powerful, dangerous man. Treat him as such. Give him respect but never your trust."

"I will," Harry said with a nod before turning to Tonks. "Alright, lead the way."

The young woman smiled and motioning for him to follow her. "Bye Remus," she said with a wink. It was only when they were out of earshot that she laughed. "Merlin, it is fun to tweak that man!" She was chuckling so hard that she didn't pay attention to where she was going and stumbled over a root, only to catch herself before she fell flat on her face. "Don't mind me, a bit of a clutz. So, any idea what the Lord wants to see us?"

"Us?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, you and me. Can't be an us without two people, Harry."

"I thought the Lord of Sevii just wanted to see me."

Tonks snorted. "You honestly think my boss would send me all by myself to guard you and deal with the Lord of Sevii? I'm barely out of the Academy and you are Lily Potter's kid! I wasn't even in the top of my class!" The Auror snorted. "She wanted to send a whole platoon but the Lord vetoed that, apparently. The fact that she sent me tells me he picked me out personally... so, any ideas why the big scary Lord of Sevii wants to see you and me?"

"No idea," Harry admitted honestly. "Remus thinks it's a trap."

"Yeah, he told me that. I told him that I can't really just shrug my shoulders and let you all go on your merry way. Not like I control the Dusknoirs. Besides, I have the Minister breathing down my boss' neck which means Madame Bones is breathing down mine. Not a good idea to piss off a member of the Elite Four, let me tell you, Harry." They were rapidly coming upon the farm house and the Dusknoir swarm was growing thicker with every step they took. "Hey, do you have any Pokémon that are good against Ghost types?" When Harry looked her Tonks shrugged. "Just trying to plan ahead. Believe it or not there is a brain in this pretty head of mine."

Harry smiled. He knew he should feel bad for betraying Remus but he found himself liking Officer Tonks a lot. "Eevee," Harry said, casually tossing his Pokéball into the air. Eevee appeared and quickly jumped into Harry's arms. "Normal type but he knows Shadow Ball." He tossed out a second ball and Hedwig flew out, letting out a cry before landing on his shoulder. "Knows Thief," Harry stated.

"Wotcher, Harry, now that is brilliant!" Tonks recalled Rotom and tossed out a second Pokémon. At first glance Harry thought it might be another ghost but he could tell there was something a bit different about the cute little Pokémon... especially when it shifted and its head suddenly resembled a raindrop. "Castform," Tonks said with a smirk. "Trained him myself... everyone assumes that he's just a gimmicky Pokémon, used mostly to show off or entertain kids. But me and Castie here pack some real fire power... and water power."

"Hopefully we won't need it," Harry muttered, though even he didn't believe that statement. The Dusknoirs continued to watch them as they stepped onto the farm house's porch, their red eyes never losing sight of them. While Harry felt a bit better having Eevee and Hedwig with him he knew that in a full on fight he stood little chance of being able to survive the Dusknoirs; their sheer numbers would see to it that they'd be able to crush both him and the auror.

Tonks tilted her head, staring at the door. "So... you think we should knock or something?" The words had barely left her mouth before the door creaked open, allowing them access to the dark farm house. "Ok, am I the only one getting Slasher Film vibes?"

Harry shook his head. "Not just you," he muttered. His hand gripped Ludwig's ball; he didn't want to send out the ghost type, as he wanted to save Ludwig's Invisibility in case he needed an ace in the hole. Tonks flexed her hand before taking a step inside, Harry quickly following on her heels. The two of them jumped when the door slammed shut.

"Did you come alone?" a voice hissed to their right. The two turned and entered the living room, surprised to find the Lord of Sevii sitting there with a casual grace. He was slouched in a recliner, his left hand running along the bone plate of the Houndour that sat obediently beside him. In his other hand he held a strange black Pokéball with a red enlargement pad. He'd tossed aside his long cloak and was wearing a simple black dress shirt and slacks along with the skull mask that hide his face. Long dark hair brushed his shoulders in gentle waves. Though he appeared relaxed Harry could tell that the Lord was powerful and could spring upon them at any time.

"Just the two of us," Tonks said, "just like you asked. Now, mind telling us what you want?" The Lord didn't say a word and Harry squirmed when he realized that the man was staring at him. Auror Tonks growled when she noticed too. "Listen, I get lusting after me but keep looking at the boy-"

"You look just like him," the Lord whispered, his words filled with pain and longing. "Except the eyes... you have Lilyflower's eyes."

Harry trembled at that. "What... what did you say?"

The Lord didn't respond. Instead he reached up and violently ripped the skull mask from his face and tossed it to the side. Harry looked at the deep, soulful eyes, regal bearded face, and twitching, half smiling lips and found himself wondering if this weren't so magic trick. There was simply no way that the man that had been sitting there before in the mask and the fellow in front of them were the same. Everything about the Lord had changed and the fear and nervous tension that had filled Harry evaporated without reason upon seeing the man's noble face.

"To hell with Jack, I can't play this game anymore!" the Lord declared. "Merlin, look at you two... you were barely able to stand up the last time I saw you Harry... and Nymphie! I kept expecting to see the same little tyke that loved piggyback rides to come in here... but time's moved on and you've changed... but I suppose so have I. You've become such a beautiful young woman." The Lord beamed. "But still have to dye your hair, I see! Must give Andy fits!"

Harry glanced over at Tonks and was shocked to see tears streaming down her cheeks. "You... you can't be here... this... this is a trick or a lie..." She trembled with rage and sorrow and relief and found herself unable to move. "I... I don't..."

The Lord held up a Pokéball and, with a simple toss, released a tall and noble Empoleon. The Water/Steel type stood like a powerful sentry beside the laughing Lord. "Is that proof enough for you Nymphie?"

Tonks took a step forward, her arm held out and her hand trembling. It was as if she were afraid the Lord would suddenly dissipate like a fog bank if she got a step closer. The Lord merely held out his arms wide and, to Harry's shock, Tonks leapt forward and hugged the Lord of Sevii tightly.

"Shhh... it's ok, baby girl, it's ok..."

"Sirius..." Tonks whispered.

"Sirius?" Harry said. Eevee and Hedwig leapt away from him, sensing Harry needed to be on his own for the next few minutes.

"In name but hardly ever in personality!" the Lord said with a laugh even as he kept one arm wrapped around Tonks. He looked at Harry and opened his mouth, only to quickly shut it. He did this several times before let out a grumpy 'humrpf'. "I've been trying to prepare myself for this for weeks now and still I'm getting tongue-tied!"

"Let me," Tonks said with a slight hiccup. "Harry Potter... allow me to present, as impossible as it is... Sirius Black."

"Back from the dead, big as life and twice as pretty," Sirius jested.

The world seem to suddenly spin around Harry and when he came back to himself he found himself sitting on the couch, Tonks and the Lord on either side of him. Eevee and Hedwig were looking at him with concern but both could see he was in no real danger. Harry stared at the Lord, taking the time to compare his face to the photos Remus had shown him. The Lord was older than Sirius Black but that was to be expected, what with over 12 years having passed since the last picture had been taken. The beard was new and his hair, surprisingly, was shorter. There were wrinkles around the corners of his eyes and his entire face seemed creased and weathered. But when he looked at Harry, those dark deep eyes locking onto the boy's, Harry knew without a doubt that the man he'd only known through photos and the Lord sitting beside him were one and the same.

This... was his godfather.

Harry instantly had his arms around the man, hugging him tight. In the back of his mind he knew that he shouldn't be doing this, as Sirius Black was very much a stranger to him. And yet, just like with Remus, Harry could sense a connection between him and his godfather.

Besides... it felt so RIGHT to be hugging Sirius.

"By Merlin, Harry," Sirius whispered, choking back tears. "I don't even know what to say."

"That's a first!" Tonks said with a laugh.

Sirius was the first to join in with Tonks and Harry was quick to follow them. Soon all three of them we sitting on the couch, gasping for breath as they laughed themselves hoarse. Their Pokémon looked at them like they were mad and Harry found himself thinking that there was a very good chance that they were. How else could he explain sitting next to a cousin he'd never known about and his supposed-to-be dead godfather?

Finally the three of them managed to get some semblance of control, though their chuckles still leaked out every once and a while.

"You have no idea how wonderful it feels to laugh!" Sirius said, gasping for air. "I haven't truly laughed since..." He looked at Harry and the good mood instantly vanished. There was no need for Sirius to finish; they all knew what he was silently thinking. "There is... so much I need to make up for," he finally stated. "So many promises I've longed to fulfill but was too afraid to do." Sirius looked at Harry and for a moment the boy thought his godfather might break down in tears once again. "They told me you were dead. I wallowed in self-pity and despair for 6 years thinking that bastard Voldemort had killed you. When the Sons invaded and Jack made me the new Lord of Sevii I just threw myself into the job to try and hide from the pain." He looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. "Merlin bless Jack... if he hadn't seen that copy of the Galahad Gazette about you and the Chamber... I might never have left Sevii." Sirius looked over at Tonks and reached out, gathering several strands of her brightly colored hair and letting them spill from his fingers. "The thought of you almost had me come back, Nymphie. I want you to know that. I was a coward though and was so ashamed of failing James and Lily that I... I just couldn't do it. But I came close, baby girl, I came real close."

Tonk sniffed back tears, not thinking for even a second that she should act like the officer she was; it was just so easy to slip back into the role of little girl sitting next to cool cousin Sirius. "What matters is that you're here now. We all thought you dead... so no one isn't without blame."

Harry nodded. "How did you survive...uh..."

His godfather smiled. "Don't even think of calling me Mr. Black, Harry. It is Sirius to you and it always will be Sirius."

The young teen nodded. "Sirius." He tried out the word and found he liked saying it very much; it rolled off the tongue well. "How did you survive? Every report said you died fighting Peter Pettigrew-"

"What?" Sirius said suddenly, his dark eyes suddenly going wild. "Why would I be fighting Peter?"

"Be...because he betrayed my parents," Harry said slowly. "He was the traitor who led Voldemort to Little..." Harry found himself unable to finish in the face of the rage that suddenly coursed through Sirius' features.

"Peter... they think that..." He struggled to regain control of his emotions. It took several moments before he was able to continue. "Harry... Peter Pettigrew was my friend... your father's too. He didn't betray your parents... he died trying to bring the traitor to justice."

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Notes: Well… did you see that one coming?

I love introducing Tonks into this story. She is a fun addition and, once again, fits into the idea of giving Harry a support team. My goal is that, by the end of Book 4, Harry will have basically his own 'Justice League' of allies that will be able to help him in the final 3 books take the fight to Voldemort.

Some thought early on I should give Tonks a Ditto but since that was going to Lockhart I went with some other form changers.

And now we have the story really moving away from canon. Sirius has revealed himself to Harry AND Peter isn't the traitor! Again, did any of you see THAT coming?

I posted this chapter a touch early due to developments with the next chapter. Originally entitled 'The Life and Times of Sirius Black', it was going to cover the night the Potters died, Sirius ending up on Sevii, and how he became the Lord of Sevii. Problem is that the first draft is already 9,000 words long and I know it will only get longer so I am splitting it into two chapters: The Fall of Sirius Black and The Rise of Sirius Black.


	6. The Fall of Sirius Black

**Author's note: If you haven't already, make sure to check out the other two stories I am writing currently: A Man of Iron, which is like this story only it has taken Tony Stark and merged his world with that of A Game of Thrones, and Justice League: The Second Chance, a comedy story that sees Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl and Martian Manhunter attacked by a reality warping god who rewrites the world... turning the League into high schoolers who must struggle with homework and horomones (it is a parody of those 'everyone is in high school' fics).**

* * *

_**November 1st, 1981**_

_**12:09 am**_

_**Little Surrey**_

"Move!" Sirius shouted over his shoulder, his wild hair whipping about as he rushed along the dirt trail. Behind him Peter was huffing and puffing but, to his friend's credit, never once did his fellow Marauder slow down. Peter's Ratatta, Wormtail, along with Sirius' Houndour Padfoot, were right beside their trainers, eyes narrowed as they charged towards their prey. The chase had been going on for nearly an hour, with stops and starts and false trails and near misses but Sirius could feel that things were moving towards a close.

His sole focus was on the figure they were chasing. He refused to allow himself to dwell on what had happened, knowing that doing so would cause him to break down in sobs. His grief could wait; vengeance was all that mattered now.

Sirius had first realized that something was wrong when he'd received the phone call from James. Lily and him, along with little Harry, were hiding out on Little Surrey after Voldemort had publicized that he would wipe out the Potter line in retribution for their refusal to join with Team Nocturne. The madman had already made good on his promise by blowing up the Potter Gym in Griflet's Hollow, killing James' parents. Team Nocturne had then attempted to capture the Potters' Typlosions but James had wisely tasked Sirius with securing them overseas. This failure had enraged Team Nocturne and they had begun, in earnest, to hunt down James and his young family.

In the end, the Potters had been forced to flee. Remus Lupin had remained in Avalon, moving about the different Potter family homes in an attempt to get Team Nocturne to avoid learning that James and Lily were no longer in the region. His Zorua would mimic James and Lily's Pokémon, making public displays to help continue the ruse. Several of Lily's friends and her stepbrother had gotten into the act as well, sending out false information in hopes of having Team Nocturne run itself ragged. It was important that Voldemort never looked to Little Surrey. Dumbledore believed that Voldemort would never go to Little Surrey but Sirius and the rest of the Marauders knew that Voldemort would not honor the isolationist treaty Surrey had with the other regions. That's why Sirius and Peter had begun patrolling the shores of Surrey, monitoring any incoming ships and keeping an eye out for any Nocturne members that might and slip onto the island.

'But we failed,' Sirius thought bitterly as he leapt over a short wooden fence and began to charge up a steep hill. 'We failed and James and Lilyflower...'

James had called Sirius several hours ago and asked why Peter was keeping watch over their safe house in his Pokemagnus form. Sirius had felt a cold dread as his eyes drifted over to Peter Pettigrew, who was sitting beside him playing Solitaire.

"GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!" Sirius had screamed over the phone. He would never know if James heard him as, the moment he spoke the words he heard Lily scream followed by the cold, cruel voice of Voldemort commanding his Pokémon to attack.

Peter had instantly leapt up and gone to start their boat up, knowing that something had gone terribly wrong. Sirius had stood there like a fool for ten minutes, the disconnected phone held limp in his hands, praying that they would get there in time. When Peter had shouted that they were there Sirius hadn't waited for the boat to fully stop before he leapt onto the dock, Peter two steps behind him. They'd raced through the sleepy island but it was in vain; the safe house had laid before them destroyed and the Little Surrey police were combing through the wreckage, looking for bodies.

Sirius had dropped to his knees and howled in pain. It had only been Peter's shout that had drawn him out of his stupor and, upon seeing the Raticate attempting to feel the scene, Sirius' pain had been funneled into energy as he raced after the rat.

They'd gone only a block when the Raticate trembled and split back into a human and a Pokémon. Sirius had looked upon the black robes and the golden mask, recognized that they belonged to a Nocturne grunt, and snarled as he charged forward with Peter. Neither knew why the Nocturne fighter had the same Pokemagnus form as Peter but neither truly cared about that. All that mattered was catching him or her. Sirius felt the same tickle in his throat that he got when he bonded with Houndour and spat out a blast fire; he wanted this grunt dead (and he knew he was a grunt; only the higher ups were allowed to replace their masks with Yamasks, which would teleport them away if they were in danger of capture). The traitorous bastard that had killed his friends had led them on a wild chase through Surrey and several times Sirius and Peter had thought they'd lost him only to pick up the figure's trail again and renew the chase.

"He's trapped!" Peter shouted and Sirius instantly realized his friend was correct. The grunt had run up the steep hill, not realizing that they were on the northern most edge of Surrey. The hill was no hill but a cliff with a single old lighthouse sitting at the top. The drop was far and any that took the plunge would be washed out to sea.

"Please don't jump," Sirius said sternly, coming to a stop a few meters away from the cloaked figure. "I'd rather kill you myself than let you drown."

"Such bold talk, Sirius," the grunt said. The Gryffindors instantly realized that whoever the grunt was he was using a voice scrambler to hide his identity. "But then again, you always did shoot off your mouth."

"Show us your face!" Peter called out, gripping a Pokéball.

"Oh, I will," the Nocturne member said with a slight laugh. Sirius was beginning to wonder if this was a grunt after all; all his instincts were screaming that their opponent was stronger than he'd initially assumed. "Though I am surprised you haven't figured out who I am, Sirius..."

Sirius responded pointing at the Nocturne member. "Padfoot, Flamethrower!"

The masked man's Ratatta responded in kind, surprising the two Gryffindors as it unleashed a blast of fire as well. Before Peter could sending out one of his Pokémon their opponent threw out a Pokéball. There was a flash of red light and then a Manectric rushed out, electric sparks running along the canine's blue back and golden mane. The sky opened and a bolt of Thunder lashed out, forcing Sirius and Peter to leap in opposite directions.

"I hope you like him, Sirius," the Nocturne agent said coolly. His Manectric snarled and rushed at Houndour, forcing the fire dog to leap away before the blue beast's fangs could sink into his foreleg. "I got him just for you. I was originally hoping to become a Magnus with him but when I felt the bonding tug from this Ratatta I knew it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Stupid James... he never thought for a moment that there could be another Raticate Pokemagnus... but I suppose he was just like you, failing to see my potential! Manetric, Quick Attack!" The blue canine nodded and rushed forward, lips curled back.

"Padfoot, use Bite!" Sirius called out.

As the two canine Pokémon snip and snapped at each other Peter entered into the fray, calling out his Darmanitan, not wanting to risk his own Rattata against the clearly more versatile one being used by the grunt on its own. "Use Hammer Arm!" Peter shouted.

"Iron Tail!" the Nocturne agent shouted, his head twisting back and forth as he worked on keeping track of both fights. With his mask on Sirius couldn't tell if his opponent was managing ok or was struggling and that was pissing the Gryffindor off. "That's is the problem with you and James, Sirius... you could never see beyond yourselves! You think you understand this world- Thunder!" Manectric threw back his head and called forth another stream of lightning, which struck both Houndour and Darmanitan as well as their trainers, leaving all of them trembling in pain. Sirius could tell that his Padfoot was paralyzed from his bout with the blue beast. "You think you understand this world and your place in it... but your failure is that you looked past too many people, not realizing they were threats. Oh yes, Sirius... betraying you has been so easy... and so delightful."

"Darmanitan, Wormtail, use Hyper Beam and Hyper Fang!" Peter called out as he stumbled to his feet, deciding that now was not the time to battle fairly. The Nocturne agent was forced to leap to the side as his own Ratatta was hit and nearly fell over the edge via the Hyper Beam. Wormtail also launched himself at Manectric and was able to bite down on the blue canine's side, earning a gush of blood for his trouble. However, Ratatta wasn't spared, as electrical sparks raised along Manectric's body as its Static ability caused Wormtail to fall to the ground, paralyzed.

"Well done, Pettigrew, well done," the Nocturne agent taunted as he took a step back. "You managed to wound both my Pokémon. A valiant effort and one worthy of applause. So many mock you and wonder how you ever become friends with James and Sirius here but it is clear you are quite skilled." The figure tilted his/her head. "Sadly... with Padfoot and Wormtail paralyzed and your Darmanitan needing to recharge after that impressive attack... and dear Sirius here still recovering from his own injuries.. there is nothing either of you can throw at me to stop this." The Team Nocturne member took another step back and threw out his arms. "Manectric... Overheat."

Sirius' eyes widened as the blue and gold canine began to fire electricity all long his mane and coat, building up a horrific charge. He could smell the fur burning off the Manectric's coat and could see steam rising from his back as the rain that had begun to fall fell upon his body. The electric-type's internal battery was running faster and faster. But rather than lightning, the Manectric was building up an electrical fire in its belly... one that would take out anything in its path.

Like Sirius.

He watched as Manetric moved towards him, the heat being generated by the cobalt canine's electric fire making him feel lightheaded. Sirius struggled to pull himself up, knowing he had to move, but he found that his limbs simply refused to do what he told them to do. Panic didn't flood his veins, though; no, it was an eerie calm, one that came when a man knew he was about to die. He realized that he and Peter had been foolish to chase after the Team Nocturne agent and that this trainer, who had planned so well to help Voldemort kill James and Lily, had also counted on them racing after him. It had been a trap and they had walked right into it.

"NO!" Peter screamed, rushing at Manectric and tackling him. Sirius tried to scream Peter's name but the words caught in his throat the moment Manectric exploded, engulfing Peter in an inferno. His friend screamed in agony as his skin was charred and blackened by the heat, his blood beginning to cook in his veins from the blast.

Then, just as quickly as it began, it was over. Manectric threw Peter off him, sending the Gryffindor graduate tumbling over to Sirius. The young Black looked at his good friend and was shocked to see that somehow Peter was still alive. Tears gathered in the corners of his eyes though, as he realized that while Peter still drew breath that this was not cheating death as much as prolonging its grasp for a few seconds more.

"Why?" Sirius croaked out, reaching out but finding himself unable to take Peter's burnt hands in fear that he would cause his friend more pain.

"Ha...Harry..." Peter managed to get out. His voice came out as barely a whisper and Sirius could tell that forcing the words through his mutilated throat was pure agony for Peter. "He... he needs... you." Peter took in a wheezy little breath that sounded like little more than a rattle. "I'll... tell Ja-Ja-James and Lily..."

And with that, Peter Pettigrew passed away.

Sirius clenched his eyes shut and threw back his head, letting out a scream of anguish. It lasted only for a second before the Team Nocturne member struck him. Darkness quickly consumed him.

_**November 2nd, 1981**_

_**1:13 pm**_

_**Sevii Island**_

Sirius had been waiting for hours for the guards to final bring someone that could tell him what was going on. He'd awoken on a hard cot in a clean, spartan room. The back of his head throbbed and when he'd touched it he'd been horrified to find that a patch of hair had been shaved off and a bandage applied to the exposed skin. He'd winced when he poked at it and realized dumbly that he must have gotten stitches. His limbs ached and he knew right away that he was still suffering from the after affects of the Thunder attack.

The thought of that battle caused all of the events of that horrible night to come rushing back to him. James... Lily... Peter... all dead. Voldemort running free. That Nocturne Agent free, maybe still using his Ratatta to pose as Peter...

Sirius had let out a soul-shattering moan and sobbed until he it hurt. His tears only made his head hurt worse and it wasn't until a doctor hurried in and gave him some medicine that Sirius was able to drift back to sleep. It had been a fitful one though and he'd awoken only an hour later, crying out for someone to tell him what was going on. The guards, while not hostile, had merely told him that he needed to wait. Sirius had ranted and raved but soon realized that the room he was in wasn't a room but a cell... and a sound-proof one at that.

So he'd waited and taken stock. His clothing was all gone and in their place he wore loose gray sweatpants and a gray t-shirt. His shoes and socks and belt were gone and the pants didn't even have a draw-string; he swallowed hard when he realized that was to prevent prisoners from hanging themselves. With his belt gone so were his Pokeballs and, reaching out with him mind, he could not feel Padfoot's presence. For years his Houndour had been a comforting source to him, always nearby to lend him strength. Now it felt like Sirius was missing a limb.

The door opened and a stern man entered. He wasn't a tall man nor was he unusually short, yet Sirius knew that everyone that looked at him would remember his height being vastly different than what it was. His graying hair was slicked back and he wore a thick black horn-rimmed glasses that looked to be 20 years out-of-fashion. The man wore a three piece suit and a small fob watch was tucked in his pocket, a gold chain dangling against his pant leg. He looked down his nose, which seemed a touch too thin for his face and Sirius couldn't help but feel a cold shiver run down his spine.

"Hello, Mr. Black," the man said simply, his voice just as homogenized as the rest of him. "I am Warden Phillip Yorrick." Sirius found himself staring at the warden's lips, which he seemed to be forever sucked into his mouth when he spoke. "Do you know where you are?" Sirius shook his head and the man nodded. "I thought as much. You had quite a bad wound on your head when the authorities brought you in."

"A-authorities?" Sirius croaked out.

The warden nodded, his dark little eyes seeming to pierce Sirius like knives. He smiled a fake smile... or perhaps for him it was utterly real. "You didn't think you could go running about, breaking treaties with Little Surrey, and not be punished, did you? There are laws and all men must obey them, including you."

"I don't... understand..." Sirius said, shutting his eyes.

The warden was silent for a moment, his head bobbing up and down like a tree branch caught in a slight breeze. "It's rather simple, Mr. Black: Little Surrey has a strict Anti-Pokémon policy. They don't want them on their island and the rest of us respect them and their wishes." Warden Yorrick considered Sirius for a moment. "But you, Mr. Black, you not only brought your Pokémon onto Little Surrey but you and the late Mr. Pettigrew had them battle someone. Needless to say, the authorities are rather annoyed with that."

Sirius, for the first time since awakening, managed to find the strength to stand up. "Team Nocturne invaded... Voldemort killed my friends-"

"And they paid with their lives, Mr. Black," the warden said to Sirius' surprise. "Your Voldemort is dead, as are all that came with him. The authorities took care of them... the very men and women you ignored while you tried to take matters into your own hands."

"To stop the one that escaped!" Sirius shouted.

The warden merely looked at him, lips pursed. "Mr. Black, Little Surrey has assured me that they have identified everyone involved in the attack that killed all of the Potters. There was no one else."

"No, Peter and I battled him..." Sirius said in confusion. "Why would we have had a battle if it weren't against a Team Nocturne member, one that had escaped?"

"I honestly don't know, Mr. Black. All I know is you broke the rules-"

Sirius suddenly cut him off, his mind locking onto something the warden had said. "All the Potters?" he whispered.

The warden nodded, trying his best to look sad. "The bodies of James, Lily and Harry Potter were found..."

The warden's words faded away into nothingness. The world seemed to pull away from him and he flooded in an eternal void. James, lily and Harry's faces floated in front of him, looking first healthy and alive and then mutilated and tortured. They flickered back and forth like a bulb struggling to stay lit and Sirius could not pull his eyes away. Off in the distance he heard the warden say something about his sentencing and his stay on Sevii but Sirius found himself unable to muster up the energy to care. Words like '20 years' and '10 with good behavior' tried to grab his attention but Sirius pushed them aside. He didn't even notice that the warden was gone and he had no idea how long he'd been sitting there in the cell all alone, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Nothing mattered anymore. Not his freedom, not his vengeance, not his life.

They were gone.

He'd failed.

Nothing mattered.

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Notes: Can I just saw now how hard it is to pick Pokémon for characters that aren't going to appear again? I mean, seriously, I had to pick out Pokémon for Peter knowing he would die here and also knowing once I gave them to him, they would be off the table for the main characters. Such a flippin' pain.

A lot of little hints in this chapter… so I suggest you reread this one carefully, as things mentioned in this chapter will come to play later on.

Poor Peter. Always seen as the weakest of the Marauders and now the second to fall. At the very least all can take heart that in this world Peter died with honor and journeyed to the next life with his head held high… and with James and Lily he felt no shame. Peter Petigrew: Gryffindor, Marauder… Hero.

Next chapter will see Sirius at his lowest… until the island welcomes two new prisoners and invites its own doom.

The Scions of House Kenway are coming… and they might hold the key to Sirius' redemption.


	7. The Rise of Sirius Black

_**April 15th, 1987**_

_**5:53 pm**_

_**Sevii Island**_

"Come on baby, give me a smile!"

Sirius looked up his eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Leave her alone, Bronxs." He didn't yell the command or even say it in a stern voice. There was no need to and no point. Bronxs wouldn't risk pushing Sirius on this matter. The man from the Sinnoh region, sent to Sevii for felony robbery, only have 8 months left before he went before the parole board. Getting in a fight would almost certainly see his chances to get out of Sevii sunk. Bronxs might have considered risking it but there was another factor that weighed upon him.

Namely that Sirius Black had nothing to lose and would be completely willing to gain another 20 years to his sentence.

"Just trying to have some fun," Bronxs grunted, looking like a little boy caught trying to sneak cookies before dinner. "Been a while since we got something pretty to look at with our dinner. Foxy go out 4 months ago-"

"And she was willing to play with you. This one isn't," Sirius growled. "Piss off or I'll make sure both of us get neighboring cells in the dungeon."

Bronxs glowered but did as he was told. Sirius, Bronxs, and all the prisoners currently having supper in the dining hall were all housed in the minimum security wing of Sevii. They were the prisoners that hadn't hurt anybody and who had chances to actually leave the island. They got to spend most of their time out of their cells, hanging out in the yard or the prison library and were able to eat all their meals together in the dining hall. For Sirius it brought back memories of Hogwarts and he didn't know if he should feel joy at the memories or sorrow for the fact that his schooling resembled prison life.

The dungeons housed those that were a danger to themselves and others. The rapists, sickos, and killers all got to stay there. They never left their cells, had to wash themselves in a metal sink, got their meals through a slot in their door and had the Dusknoirs patrol the halls, inspiring fear and sorrow in all of them. Prisoners that acted up in Minimum got to spend a day or two in the dungeons and after that it was rare for one to ever do anything again that would land them a second stay.

Sirius had been down there 12 times.

"You didn't need to do that," Kent said.

"Yeah I did," Sirius said.

"Why?" the older man asked. He was built thick, with thinning white hair that had once been a dark brown and weather-beaten skin that was forever tanned. His arms were thick with muscle and though he smiled often, even in Sevii, when he frowned it was as if one were facing a mountain.

"Because if I didn't you were going to beat Bronxs up," Sirius said. "Not that I blame you. The man needs to be hit and he was bothering your wife."

Marie, who'd been holding her husband's hand, nodded in agreement. She had short brown hair that, due to her being unable to dye it since coming to Sevii, had roots of gray. She was not a supermodel but Sirius could tell that she had been beautiful in her youth and now held a dignified grace. "That doesn't mean that you need to risk yourself, Sirius."

The 27 year-old waved her off. "You two have a chance to get out of here... there is nothing left for me out there. Might as well make something out of my life, even if it is monitoring these low-lives."

"You're wrong," Kent said firmly.

"No, I'm not. No one pining away for ol' Sirius Black."

Kent shook his head. "No, I mean about us getting out of here."

"At least not the way you are thinking," Marie added.

Sirius considered the couple sitting with him. Kent and Marie had arrived on Sevii almost two weeks ago and had quickly become a matter of gossip among the inmates. Usually 'new fish' had their whole life story revealed to the masses by lunch but Kent and Marie were an enigma. Sirius didn't even know their last names or why they were sentenced to Sevii and he knew them better than anyone. Husband and wife had joined him after their third day and had politely engaged him in conversation. He'd wanted to brush them off as he did everyone else; Sirius was well known to prefer his own company and refused to make friends with anyone in the prison. However, when he looked at the two he found himself remembering James' parents and couldn't bring himself to try and dismiss the two.

The older couple had been friendly enough without a hint of ulterior motive, which was much appreciated by Sirius. When people ended up in Sevii there was always a period of adjustment that saw them trying to latch onto someone strong and powerful. Though no one from Avalon had been sent to minimum security (Avalon was too busy filling half the dungeon with Voldemort's goons) and thus none knew the power of the Black family name, he still radiated strength and drew in enough suck-ups. Kent and Marie didn't fall in that category and, as strange as it was for Sirius, they soon became his first true friends in six years.

"What do you mean by that?" Sirius asked. He idly wondered if they'd received that same offer from the warden he had. Yorrick had told him a year ago that if Sirius was willing to supply him with some of the Black fortune his parole could be looked into. The Marauder had flatly refused; not out of pride or spite but for the simple fact that there was nothing left in Avalon for him. He was the man that had failed the Potters and Peter and he'd rather spend his days rotting in Sevii than return to Avalon and face the accusations of his friends.

Before the couple could say a word the entire building shook. Several prisoners looked up in surprise and the guards tensed slightly.

"How many people are here because they are innocent?" Kent asked simply, ignoring the rumble.

"All of them," Sirius said. He would have said it a bit glibly, except for the fact that he was still focused on the rumbling going on around them. He thought he could hear something in the distance, some sort of loud boom, but he honestly couldn't tell.

"The same is true of us," Kent continued. "But unlike the rest of you, our records clearly state that."

That drew Sirius' attention to them. "What?"

It was Marie who continued. "We aren't prisoners; we're hostages. We're leverage. Kanto wanted to use us, to hold us to try and get things to play out their way." The lights flickered for a moment before going out and alarms began to scream all around them. "Except they've miscalculated... they thought that holding us here would stay our boys' hands... all it did was motivate them into action. They wanted to make them feel impotent… instead they have brought about their own death. They wanted to bring despair… but now my sons feel only rage."

The doors to the dining hall burst open and Warden Yorrick came running in, along with several guards. Sirius had never seen the warden so disheveled. He looked about with wild eyes, his men gripping their guns till their knuckles were bone white. That instantly put Sirius on edge; only the guards stationed in the high towers carried guns. The rest used Pokémon to control the inmates.

"Grab those two!" the warden screamed, his voice shrill and piercing. Two of the men marched towards Kent and Marie, who calmly stood up and stared down the warden and his men. Sirius rose to his feet, ready to protect the couple, only to receive the butt end of a rifles against his temple for his trouble. He fell to the ground, skull throbbing, his vision blurred. He was able to make out the warden as he stormed forward, his thin fingers griping Kent's chin and forcing the taller man to look down at him. "Tell them to stop... you tell them to stop or I will-"

"You'll what?" Marie said with a laugh. "Kill us? You've seen what happened when you agreed to imprison us here. You think this is rage? Kill us and you will find out what our boys can really do!"

Sirius' head snapped towards the southern wall. The booms had grown closer and now he could hear the sound of gunfire... and the screams of dying men. The entire building trembled and the other inmates scurried towards the opposite end of the hall, several of them falling to their knees and praying. There were no windows in the dining hall so they could not see what was causing the chaos outside but Sirius knew in his gut that it was something... monstrous.

Marie reached over and smacked the warden's hand from her husband's face. "I want you to listen carefully, because these are the last friendly words you are ever going to hear." The southern wall trembled and one of the light fixtures smashed to the linoleum. Cracks formed and Sirius began to shimmy away."I don't know what bribes you took... I don't know what they offered you to hold us... but agreeing to it was the dumbest thing you ever did in your whole life."

To punctuate Marie's point a bell-like roar burst from outside the hall and the southern wall began to crack and break. The light fixtures swayed, the ceiling trembled, and it felt like to all inside the cafeteria that the End of Days was upon them.

"Who the hell are you?" Sirius whispered, staring at the couple.

The man merely smiled. "Kent and Marie Kenway."

"…who?"

The dining hall's southern wall burst apart. Concrete shattered and wiring and steel beams fell to the ground, mangled and twisted. A harsh spring wind blew into the dining hall and the twilight sky was visible to all. But it was none of this that held Sirius' attention. All his focus was on the beast that towered over them all... the one responsible for the destruction.

It was well over 13 feet tall and covered in a muted green hide that looked more like stony armor than flesh. The body was thick and filled with muscle. Its arms and legs were just as powerful. The head smaller than one might expect and if Sirius had to describe it he would say it was almost feline-like. Dorsal plates were just visible, running down the creature's back, stopping just at the base of its club-like tail. The great monster narrowed its eyes, lips curling back to reveal not only the sharp main fangs but also the rows of smaller, irregular-shaped teeth. The creature's body tensed and then it let rip another bell-like roar that had Sirius shivering.

A Tyranitar. Fully grown. A pseudo-legendary. Pissed off.

Sirius fought to control his bowels.

The armored beast stomped forward and Sirius couldn't help but let out a gasp at the scene playing out behind him. The courtyard that all the inmates knew so well was coated in blood and gore. The asphalt was turn up and in the deep gouges lay the mutilated bodies of the guards. To the right another, slightly smaller Tyranitar was shooting out blue-white lightning at a section of wall while two mighty Aggrons, their steel armor gleaming in the light of the blast, pounded another section of the prison with their great fists. In the sky a Volcarona flew about, joined by a Dragonite that nearly rivaled the large Tyranitar in size. They were keeping watch on a group of guards who'd thrown down their weapons and were on their knees, doing all they could to show they were surrendering. Sirius thought for a moment that he was hallucinating when he saw what appeared to be a living tree keeping the Dusknoirs at bay but he knew at once that the vision was real.

"Stay... stay back!" the warden screamed, trying to use Marie as a shield.

"Or what?" a grim voice said. A figure stepped out from behind the Tyranitar's leg and began to make his way towards the cowering warden. The man wore a long brown coat and a red hood was pulled over his head so that only his mouth could be seen. He moved forward smoothly, easily stepping over the rubble like he was on a Sunday stroll through the park. "Please, tell me what grave dangers I now face. I am so very interested to hear what threats you wish to issue." He shook his head. "I know people always speak of courage and valor but without strength to back them up such bravado is rather sad."

One of the guards suddenly rushed forward, drawing a handgun. The figure quickly kicking a table over to serve as a barrier and dove behind it, the guard firing into the wood. He only got off two shots before the ground trembled under his feet and he fell, his weapon slipping from his grip and sliding over to the Donphan that had suddenly appeared in the hall. The gray Pokémon merely stared down the guard before bringing his foot down, smashing the gun. The guard, seeing that another of the guards was moving in on the human intruder, pulled out a long knife and rushed towards the Pokémon.

The hooded man swung out of his hiding spot, ducking down as the second guard lined up his shot and gave the man a vicious punch right to the groin. As the second guard crumpled the invader slammed his fist hard into the man's throat, causing him to let out a weak gurgle before he slumped down. Seeing the Donphan in trouble the man leapt in front of the first guard, two metal sticks falling from his sleeves and into his awaiting hands. He raced forward and Sirius was struck by the man's speed and agility; it was almost as if he were flying rather than running. The first stick struck the guard's hand, breaking his wrist and sending the knife to the ground. The hooded man did not stop however and spun around, delivering a vicious kick to the back of the guard's knee, forcing him to the ground. The guard made a move to grab the hooded man's ankle but this strike was blocked before the man drove his sticks once more at his opponent. There was a sickening crunch and the guard fell to the ground with a gagging scream, his fingers clawing at the bloody pulp that had once been his face. It had been a blur of motion and violence that left Sirius speechless.

"You could have laid down your weapon," the man said almost sadly, flicking bits of blood from his weapons. He coldly circled the screaming guard, prodding and poking him like he was a tender steak on the grill. Sirius found himself wishing he could see the man's face… it would have been so much easier if he could tell what the hooded man was experiencing, what his emotions truly were. "You could have gone home, married your sweetheart, had several kids and died in your armchair an old man. But you had to be bold... didn't you? You threw your life away trying to attack that which is simply beyond you." The hooded man raised his right hand, his lips pulled in a thin frown. "Tell the devil Jack Kenway sends his regards."

CRUNCH!

Sirius looked away, eyes clenched tight as he tried to drive the horror of what he'd just seen.

"You... you monster!" the warden screamed as the guard's body fell to the floor.

"Monster?" Jack said almost playfully, his hood shifting slightly so Sirius could get a good look at the man's hard, cold eyes. "If I am a monster than I am in rather good company. Isn't that right, Mumik?" the Donphan let out a trumpeting call. "You think this was murder, warden? No... that was a lesson. Don't come at me unless you are ready to pay the final price. I come at you prepared for the same." He looked up at the mighty Tyranitar. "Azog, if another guard tries something stupid like that again... vaporize them."

The Tyranitar nodded in agreement.

"Now THAT? That will be murder."

Jack walked slowly over to the warden, his icy blue eyes never wavering as he strode towards the cowering man. Sirius all at once had the impression of some mighty predator moving in for the kill. There was something about Jack that wasn't quite... human. The stride of his step, the tilt of his head... at that moment Jack reminded Sirius more of Padfoot than he did a man.

"How many men have rotted in this damn place because of your greed?" Jack asked the warden. The man was unable to reply, he was trembling so bad. His glasses were barely staying on his face and sweat dripped from the man's brow so badly that it looked to all as if he'd just emerged from a shower. "I know all about you, Phillip Yorrick. I know how you have lined your pockets with the blood money of the most vile and corrupt men and women in this world. How many innocents have you allowed to be held here? How many have been tortured under your care purely because they had made enemies of the powerful? You turned this prison into a house of horrors and used it to line you pocket and then… and then… you dared to throw my father… my mother… in here?" He leaned, the warden's nose touching his. "It ends now. The coins that you have fought so hard to get will be the weights I use to sink you to the bowels of hell!" The warden let out a low, guttural moan before collapsing in a heap upon the floor. Jack glared at him in disgust before turning his head and bellowing, "JONAS!"

The Tyranitar Azog shifted slightly, allowing a second man to hurry in. Dressed in a short blue denim jacket with a gray hood, Jonas Kenway spotted his brother and jogged to him, a Primeape on his heels. Jonas was thinner than Jack, with almost no fat on his bones and only pure, slender muscle running along his limbs. The man's face could have been described as gaunt and his shaggy brown hair made him look younger than his years. Still, Sirius sensed the same strength and power from Jack's younger brother. Upon his back was a rifle and a short sword, the second of which was caked in blood. Two more men, both dressed in jackets and hoods, were a few paces behind Jonas and Sirius knew at once they were his guards.

"Sevii is ours," Jonas said to his older brother. "The lower cells have been secured by Tyrone and the remaining guards that refused to surrender were slain by Clair. Vixen is antsy though… she wanted more bloodshed."

"Then give it to her. Take this piece of filth and march him to the top of the battlements!" Jack said sternly. "I want all of Kanto to see him swing."

"You hear that kids?" Jonas asked. "We're going to have a hanging tonight!"

Azog let out a bellow of victory as the men let out cheers of their own. They quickly grabbed the warden and dragged him away, Mumik letting out a grunt as the man passed. Jack turned towards his parents, his hands going up to remove his hood, unveiling his round face and short blond hair. Marie stepped forward and hugged her boys while Kent merely nodded to them.

"I knew you'd come," Marie whispered. "I knew you were still alive, Jack."

"I... I have much to tell you all," Jack said, his tone softer than it had been when he'd first entered.

Marie reached up and touched his cheek. "You've changed... you aren't the son that left me."

"But I am the son that came back," Jack said quietly. His mother smiled and kissed him gently on the check.

"We have much to discuss," Jonas said calmly. "What do we do with the prison now?"

Jack shook nodded, his cold mask slipping back into place. "The guards that surrendered will not be harmed. They were smart and will be rewarded with their lives. Those that fought us will be gathered until we can determine if any of them fought for honor rather than to protect their secrets. That will determine how long they get to live."

"And the prisoners?" Jonas asked, his tone making it clear that his opinion wouldn't lead to many of them making it out of Sevii alive.

"There are good men here," Kent said, placing a hand on Sirius' shoulder. "Sirius was a friend to us and helped us when he could."

Jack pulled away from Sirius and looked at him once before extending his hand. "Then I owe him a debt I look forward to paying."

Sirius, after a moment of hesitation, clasped Jack's hand with his own.

_**September 23rd, 1987**_

_**2:14 pm**_

**Viridian City**

Sirius ran his arm over his brow, wiping the beads of sweat that had gathered just above his eyes away. It was unusually warm for fall but that wasn't why he was sweating. Since dawn he had been in the thick of battle, shoulder to shoulder with his allies as they stormed the gates of Redstone, the great ancient fortress of the Kanto region that overlooked the valley that led from Viridian to Victory Road. The battle had been intense and though this wasn't his first it still left him gasping for air and feeling like his heart was going to burst from his chest. In Avalon battles tended to be lightning raids that saw Nocturne agents attack without warning and flee at the first sign of trouble. The last few months Sirius had spent on the front lines had been hours of battle, where potions were tossed about quickly and one did not stop until both trainer and Pokémon were down. He'd been forced to keep most of his Pokémon in their balls, knowing that they would lack the speed needed for such a battle. So, instead of his Empoleon Sirius had used the Duskskull he'd captured on Sevii to aid him in battle. Some looked at him strangely for using him but the little guy and him had bonded.

A wind picked up a bit, offering some relief, but still Sirius wished to just sit down and not move for the next 20 hours. He knew though that this desire would have to wait, as the victory they had won demanded a touch of the dramatic. Sirius shifted, rolling his shoulders and watched on as Jack stood on the battlement of Redstone, an escrima stick in his right hand and a flag pole in the left. Sirius rolled his eyes at Jack's grandstanding. 'You don't want them to call you 'King Jack' but you do a piss poor job of not giving them a heroic image to latch onto.'

"Many times during this long war Kanto counted us out! Thought us defeated and broken!" Jack shouted. "They claimed us beaten when they drove us from New Bark! We responded by taking the Ghost right from under their nose!" The Sons who were in Jonas' squad let out a bellow of approval. "They thought they had us routed on the shores of the Lake Rage! We showed them rage alright... the rage of true born Johto daughters, who threw away their skirts and flowers and took up the guns of war! Vixen and her loves showed those weak little men what a true Johto woman can do!" A band of strong, tall women who looked much like the Amazons of myth reborn, pumped their fists in the air as they remembered their first victory in the war. "They thought me dead, lost in the deep caves of Whirl Island!" Jack sneered. "But I rose up from the darkness and brought with me a power so great it makes all in Kanto tremble! If I am dead then let them see me as the Reaper coming to claim their souls!" Now all the Sons were bellowing and shouting Jack's name. He held his escrima stick up high and looked upon them all with pride. "I wonder what they will say now. I wonder what lies they will tell themselves. For what else can they do? For the proof of our strength is here… for above Redstone now flies the flag of Johto!"

Jack lifted the pole high and the warriors went into a frenzy, chanting "Johto! Johto! Johto!" The flag, depicting Lugia flying over the Dark Mountains, billowed in the breeze and Sirius felt as if a great weight was pressing upon him as the roaring crowd screamed out their victory.

Within moments metal baskets were brought out and all manner of beer that had been secured from Redstone's supply cellar was passed around. Sirius happily accepted a glass and smiled as Jack walked up to them, a grin on his face and two cans of pop in his hands. It still made Sirius laugh that Jack and Jonas were suck teetotalers when it came to spirits.

"Remember this day well little brother," Jack said, handing Jonas a can before cracking open his own. "Cuss today… life is sweet."

Jonas, in a rare show of emotion, grinned and toasted with him brother and Sirius. They moved towards the outer wall and watched as the Sons celebrated the victory. It had been a hard fought battle and there were times that Sirius was sure they would lose and be driven out of the valley and into the Viridian Forest. But these men and women, who had been facing loyal soldiers attempting to protect their home, had been driven by the wounds of years of oppression and had managed to overtake the Kanto warriors and claim Redstone as their own.

It was... breathtaking.

Jonas took a long sip of his drink, savoring the cold soda as it flowed down his throat. "They'll make children memorize that speech, Jack."

The blond rolled his eyes. "They better not. They make this war too much about us."

"Us?" Jonas said with a laugh. "Jack, this is your war." He held up his hand as his brother made to retort. "I know, I know... you don't see it as such but there is a reason they call this Kenway's Rebellion."

Jack pursed his lips. "The war may be mine but the victory is all of ours... every son and daughter of Johto claims this victory."

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Just those of Johto?"

"Just them," Jack said with a smirk before reaching out and clasping Sirius' shoulder. "But you are a son of Johto now."

Sirius nodded, reaching down the lightly rub the little black 'j' that was tattooed on his wrist. He'd gotten it down three months after leaving Sevii, feeling that he owed the Sons for pulling him out of the pit of depression that he'd wallowed in for the last six years. The war had given him a chance to do good once again, to have allies and friends. Jack and Jonas had come to rely upon him, seeing that Sirius had a cunning mind and a way with traps and surprises. Sirius more than once had spotted a trap set by the Kantoians and had saved the Sons just in time. Now, five months into his time in the war, Sirius was a member of the Inner Circle, his word valued just as highly as Jack or Jonas'.

Sirius took a long sip of his beer. The Kenway brothers had surprised him. When he'd first met them he had found the two to be deadly, dangerous men that made him nervous. And they were that, of course, Sirius wouldn't deny that. But he also found them to be noble and kind, in their own way. They led from the front, with Jack always the first to charge into battle and Jonas refusing to leave until every Son was out of harm's way. They were passionate men who loved their region… more so than Sirius could ever love Avalon, much to his shame. They were patriots who fought for their freedom and Sirius couldn't begrudge them that. In a way, they and the Sons were a blend of the Order of Moltres and Team Nocturne. The Johtoans were fierce, violent men and women that saw no problem terrorizing their enemies. Sirius had been shocked when Jack beat a Kanto official to death and had considered leaving then and there. What had stopped him had been Jack's wife, Clair, and the words she told him.

"_In war you cannot worry about your foe. If they surrender then you show them mercy… but for those that refuse to bend to you they must be wiped away… it does no good to march forward if you leave knives to stab you behind your back."_

The Sons had ethics and a code of honor like the Order but while Dumbledore had preached using only the slimmest amount of violence the Sons left nothing off the table. Sirius could never imagine Dumbledore authorizing an airship like The Ghost to fire on a Team Nocturne stronghold… something Jonas had ordered only days ago to secure them a path to Redstone.

'_And would James and Lily be alive now if we had shown such backbone?'_ Sirius had thought to himself.

That is why he'd gotten the tattoo. That is why he had said the words of promise, pledging himself to the Sons and swearing to live or die by their fate. Because in the end he found himself agreeing with the Sons and their quest. Their home had been stolen from them… and he would do what he could to help them take it back.

"What is your next move?" Sirius asked. He was leaning against the battlement, looking out over the valley as the sun hung high in the sky.

"Victory Road is a fool's errand," Jonas said. "That maze would be our death. We'll take the Ghost and fly to its peak and to the Pokémon League."

"And then?" Sirius asked.

"I end the war," Jack said sternly. "One way or another."

"There is no 'another'," Jonas commented. "You will win, simple as that." When Sirius merely stared at the two Jonas glanced at Jack, who gave a small nod. "This is the last battle the Sons will fight in. The fate of Johto lies with Jack."

"I don't understand."

"Lance Blackthorn contacted me," Jack said, spitting out his rival's name. Lance and Jack, Sirius had learned, had once been friends but found themselves on opposites sides of the war. Lance was the Headmaster of Daggertooth, Kanto's trainer academy, and had been selected by their Minister to lead their forces. Jack had declared Lance a traitor to his native Johto and given all of Lance's possessions that had remained in Blackthorn town to Lance's cousin Clair… who happened to be Jack's wife.

'Those must be some awkward family reunions,' Sirius thought before speaking. "What did Lance want?" Unlike the brothers and the rest of the Sons, Sirius could manage to say Blackthorn's name without making it come out like a curse.

"A battle. He and I will fight, one on one… with the fate of the war in the balance." Jack took a sip of his pop and sighed. "Lance wants to pit his Dragonite against Azog."

"Can you win?" Sirius asked.

"Oh course he can," Jonas said firmly.

"I win even if I lose," Jack answered.

"And by that…" Sirius pressed.

"I'll be in chains if I lose… and I swore never to be captured. I'll take as many of them out as I can before they put a bullet in me." The way he said it made it clear to Sirius that this wasn't a jest; Jack planned to go out in a blaze of glory if he lost the battle… and mostly likely kill as many members of the Pokémon League as he could if he failed. "And just because I promised to surrender doesn't mean Jonas will."

Sirius smiled weakly. "Should I mention you were captured in Celadon?"

"That was part of the plan!" Jack complained.

"Still counts."

"Bastard."

"Should have left me on Sevii," Sirius said with a laugh. And by Merlin, how good did if feel to laugh again.

"I've actually meant to talk to you about that," Jack stated. "Sevii has done well on its own but I need someone I trust running it."

"And that's you," Jonas said.

Sirius raised an eyebrow but Jack held up his hand. "Before you crack wise I would remind you that you were given chances to leave by the warden but didn't want to. You stayed." Jack looked away from the former Gryffindor. "I understand why, Sirius… and I never expected you to go home. I suggest this only because I think it would help you… give you a place to go and a task to do so you don't wander off and die in a desert somewhere."

Sirius set his now empty can down, Jonas already motioning for someone to bring him another. Jack's words had hit home and he wondered how his friend had figured out what Sirius' plans were. Kenway was right… Sirius was never going back to Avalon and though he fought for Johto it wasn't his home. He couldn't see himself making a life there. Sevii, as twisted as it sounded, was the only thing he had that could be considered a home.

"Warden Black, huh?"

"Actually, if we win I plan to change the title," Jack stated. "You'll be the Lord of Sevii."

"You can do that?" Sirius asked.

"I'm the Leader of the Sons of Johto… I win this battle against Lance and I can do whatever the hell I want."

"King Jack, huh?" Sirius said, knowing his friend hated that name. When Jack scowled Sirius quickly held up his hand. "Ok, not king… but you do need a better title."

"Jack is fine."

"Not for a hero," Jonas said, adding his two-cents. "They call me the Fist of Johto, Jack… Clair is the Lady of Dragons. Now Sirius will be the Lord of Sevii. Our warriors want their leader to have a title and if you don't pick one they are going to hang 'King Jack' on your head. History will demand you have a title." 

"I am open to suggestions," Jack grumbled.

Sirius had been thinking on this matter himself and decided now was the time to speak. "We are the Sons of Johto… but Johto herself is being reborn thanks to you, Jack."

"And?" Jack said.

"Father," Sirius stated. "You aren't the king… you are the Father."

Jonas nodded, smiling slightly. "The Father of Johto."

"The Father of Johto," Jack murmured. He lifted up his pop can as Sirius cracked open another beer. "The Father of Johto."

"The Fist of Johto," Jonas stated.

"The Lord of Sevii."

The three friends toasted each other once more.

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Notes: Sorry for the long delay. I am on vacation and a few family matters came up that have prevented me from posting this chapter. My mother is in the hospital with pneumonia after her bone marrow transplant a few months ago so I have been juggling trying to keep updated on that and editing this chapter. Don't worry, from what I hear she will be ok soon but honestly it has taken me much longer to get this one edited than it normally does. But hopefully the length of it will make the wait worth it!

Marie and Kent… two fun minor characters that won't be showing up much, if at all, again. Still, it was nice to include them if only because it shows that Jasmine Kenway, unlike pretty much every character except Neville, has grandparents that are still alive.

I warned you all in the first book that I was going to be playing with sizes of Pokémon. Charizard is only five foot something. I am six foot one in my bare feet… in my boots I am well over 6 foot 2, almost 6 foot 3. No way am I a foot taller than Charizard. So some Pokémon will be bigger, some smaller. Case in point: the Tyranitar. No way could I keep them at their small, 7 foot size. Tyranitar is the Godzilla of Pokémon and he needs to be huge. Not city-crushing size but enough to break into a prison.

We've seen Jack be the man that restrained Sirius and we've heard about how Jack is dangerous and deadly. We know he's killed and we saw hints of him being an assassin. But this is the first time we truly see Jack kill. I wanted to show that his success in the war wasn't just because he is a Speaker. Jack was a Pokémon Tracker, one of the best, and he spent several years almost exclusively in the wild, fending for himself and fighting off dangers. This has made him into a killer… especially against foes that aren't expecting him. It will be very interesting to see how he handles himself against a true opponent like Team Nocturne's lieutenants… men and women trained to fight like he fights, not just with Pokémon but with their hands and their fists.

Jonas and Jack make a great pairing. Jack is the emotional of the two… he is the one that will react in anger. Jonas tempers him… he is the cold one, the terminator that can march in and dominate a battle field. Yes, he has a softer side and a playful side but when in battle he is stone while Jack is the sea.

The Kenways fight in the same style as Captain America: Fast attacks, quick rolls and dodges, moving in close when they can and ending their opponents fast.


	8. A Traitor In Their Midst

_Author's Note: My apologizes for the long delay. As I stated in another update, my mother is right now in the hospital and I am trying to visit her on each of my days off. I had this chapter done for a while but I never had the time to do the editting. Anyway, here it is!_

* * *

Harry didn't know what to think as Sirius finished his tale. Every emotion that he'd ever felt in his life seemed to be flowing through him at that moment, making him feel dizzy and foggy from the sheer emotional upheaval. He felt extreme joy at the knowledge that his godfather was alive and well, sitting in front of him at long last and actually wanted a relationship with him. He felt regret at all the times he'd spent cursing Peter Pettigrew's name; to know that the poor man had remained a friend and ally of his parents till the very end made all his earlier hatred for the final member of the Marauders feel like heavy chains upon hung upon his shoulders. He felt remorse that he would never be able to apologize to the man and despair that Sirius had been so badly treated.

There was anger too, potent and fiery, coursing through his veins. Someone had kept his godfather from him and cursed him to live with the Dursleys. Prof. Dumbledore had explained how much he and Remus and many other people in Avalon had fought to try and return him to his home but had failed due to international law. Only Sirius had been named his guardian by his parent's will and as such his Aunt Petunia had held stronger claims to him than anyone else. How much better would Harry's life had been if Sirius had been there to claim him as his own and raise him in Avalon? Harry scowled at that, hands clenched together as he thought about what he'd do if he found the true Potter traitor. His mother, his father, his godfather and so many others in Avalon... all were taken from him because of that figure.

And yes, while he was thrilled that Sirius was alive and well there was also a touch of confusion, concern, and fear over what Sirius had done during the years since that fateful Halloween night. His godfather had become a killer, fighting side by side with the Sons of Johto. He'd seen war and even if he weren't involved those that he now called friend had done horrible things. Harry tried his hardest to ignore his traitorous thoughts that bubbled up; he wondered if it weren't perhaps a good thing that he hadn't know Sirius was alive, as it might prove safer for him to avoid his revolutionary godfather.

He looked at Sirius from the corner of his eye and saw how the man seemed to curl in on himself now that his tale was done. It was clear that while he held pride in what he had done to help free Johto he was scared of what Harry and Tonks would thing... and feared they would reject him for his choices. Shame replaced all of Harry's other conflicting emotions; who was he to judge his godfather? Sirius had gone through things Harry could never understand and he had no right to condemn the man.

It was Tonks who reacted first, wrapping her arms around the old dog and giving him a hug. "None of that matters, Sirius! What's important is that you are here now!"

Harry quickly nodded, realizing that his silence was hurting Sirius worse that the blows he'd suffered from the traitor. "She's right. You did what you had to do."

Sirius, however, held up his hand and stopped Harry from going any further. "No. As much as I'd like to claim that, that I did what I did only to survive, it isn't true. Helping Jack and Jonas wasn't something I needed to do but something I wanted. The choices I've made... I won't let you cast them aside by claiming that I 'needed to do them to'. Did joining the Sons save my life? Of course, but not in the way you think." He leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "Your dad was my best friend Harry. He saved me from... well, let's just say that the Black family wasn't one to play on the side of the angels. Our history was full of dangerous men and women that sought out power and control. They make the Sons of Johto look like pixie fairies. Murder, betrayal, backstabbing, open theft... these aren't the Black Family's secrets but their prideful codes of conduct. For eleven years I was told about what my duties were to the family and what was expected of me.

"When I got on the train for Hogwarts... Merlin, if I hadn't chosen the cabin I did I could have ended up like that prick Lucius Malfoy, caring only about my station in life and trying to find ways to take from others in order to better my standing. But instead of picking the cabin to the right I picked the one to the left and there was your father with his messy hair and glasses thicker than yours. Oh, he grew into his looks Harry and before we graduated he had only yours truly standing in his way of being the most desirable male in Hogwarts-" At that Tonks coughed, which sounded suspiciously like the word 'bullshit'. "But back then he was just this small, scruffy looking thing. And I just stared at him and he said, with a cocky little smirk, 'Well well well... the first classmate I get to corrupt.'." Sirius smiled at that. "And did he ever. Your father opened up my eyes Harry and before that train ride ended I knew for a fact that there was no way I was going to be a Slytherin... not when James Potter had already decided to be a Gryffindor."

Tonks frowned. "Decided? Slowking-"

"Let's you pick, if you have a strong enough will. James should have been in Slytherin... Slowking fought with him for about 2 minutes on that before it finally let him be in Gryffindor. The way James tells it he finally argued that no true Slytherin would ever pick to be in Slytherin because that is advertising you are cunning."

Harry smiled at that. "Slowking said I could be in any house... I'm not sure if I picked or he was just guiding me towards the answer he wanted but in the end I was a Gryffindor."

Tonks rolled her eyes. "Some of us did it the correct way."

"Where's the fun in that, Nymphie?" Sirius asked, waggling his eyebrows at her. The girl glared at him and Sirius merely laughed even harder.

"Is there a point to this or are you just trying to annoy us?" Tonks finally asked with a huff, which got Sirius laughing again at the idea of a 'Huffing Hufflepuff'.

Sirius wiped away a tear and sighed happily, glancing over at his godson. "I don't think Harry is annoyed. Are you kiddo?"

Harry glanced at Tonks and smiled weakly. "Remus taught me never to disagree with a woman if I wanted to live to see adulthood."

"And that is why Remus is the smartest of us all. Probably why he's the only one to make out of the war out of the four of us." Sirius smiled but it was weaker and not as bright as the one he'd worn moments earlier. "The point is... James Potter changed the entire direction of my life and without him I don't want to even consider what kind of git I would have become. He was my rock... and when he died I was lost and adrift. If I had known you were alive Harry I think that would have been enough but with nothing left of your father in this world... I probably would have killed myself if I weren't scared of meeting him on the other side and having to explain why I failed him." Sirius licked his lips, looking down at his boots. "If Jack and Jonas had recruited me I think I would have either spent my entire life on that island..." Sirius trailed off but there was no need to ask him how that statement would have finished. "They gave me a purpose and kept me sane and smacked me across the back of the head when I got too gloomy. They were my friends when I needed friends the most and for that I will never degrade what I did for them in return by claiming I didn't want to help."

"Well, glad they were able to do that when we couldn't," Tonks said, lightly bopped Sirius' head with her fingers.

"But now you have us!" Harry declared.

"That I do, kiddo."

"Just imagine how everyone is going to react when we tell them you're alive!" Tonks said with delight.

Sirius, however, did not share her joy. "We can't tell them."

Harry and Tonks stared at the man, dumbfounded.

Seeing their confusion Sirius held up his hand, silently begging them to give him a moment to explain his rational. "There is nothing more I'd love to do than reveal that I am alive and rub it in Lucius Malfoy and his ilks' noses that I survived. And believe I will one day. But not just yet... not with that grunt still out there."

Harry blinked in confusion. "The grunt?"

"The traitor who killed Peter and led Voldemort right to your mum and dad. He's still out there somewhere and until I find him he'll be a threat to us all."

"Sirius, no," Tonks said firmly. Harry realized that it wasn't just Nymphadora Tonks, cousin of Sirius Black talking but Auror Tonks, member of the Avalon Police Force. "Let the government deal with that! Once you tell them the truth they will be tumbling over each other wanting to find the traitor first. There will be manhunts and bounties and-"

The Lord of Sevii let out a bitter laugh, cutting her ramble off. "Oh, how I wish I was still as naive as you, Nymphie." He shook his head sadly. "Tonks, Lucius Malfoy was one of Voldemort's most trusted lieutenants. He led raids on the Order of Moltres and killed all in the name of his master. Everyone knows this and he has never once denied it. Is he rotting in a cell right now? Was he condemned to Sevii?"

Tonks shifted uneasily. "Ok, you have a point, but that doesn't mean-"

"Goyle, Crabbe, Nott, Parkinson." Sirius ticked each name off. "Those are just four of the families who openly declared themselves for Lord Voldemort. All of them are still around, free to do what they like because they were able to claim that they were forced and threatened to aid Voldemort or that Team Nocturne ran a smear campaign against them, making them out to look like murderers and thieves when in 'reality' they were duped into aiding Team Nocturne and didn't realize until it was too late what their motives were. You honestly want me to trust the government who lets half of the senior leadership of Team Nocturne not only walk around free but gives them rewards?" Sirius growled in anger, hands balled into fists. "James and Lily died and the Avalon government's response was to give Lucius bloody Malfoy, a member of the group who murdered them, a gym of his own and let him take James' spot as leader of the gym leaders!

"If it were just stupidity... well, I might be willing to forgive stupidity. I've done plenty of stupid things myself. But no... no... it isn't just stupidity but corruption and greed that runs through the heart of Avalon's government." Sirius stabbed his finger against the couch. "Do you know who gave the most to Cornelius Fudge's campaign for reelection last time he ran? Lucius god-damn Malfoy, that's who! That bastard has the minister wrapped around his little finger and has enough of the Gym Leaders in his pocket to ensure that they vote as he wants. I would probably last maybe a week after 'returning from the dead' before they found some way to pin James and Lily's deaths on me. Hell, that's assuming they would even recognize me as Sirius Black and not some imposter!"

"It can't be all that bad..." Tonks said desperately. It was clear to Harry that she didn't want to have the governing body she was now an employee of be some evil, wicked thing that would harm someone she cared about.

Harry kept his mouth shut. He remembered well how Fudge had sucked up to Lucius and allowed the Head of House Malfoy to bully Hermione into being interrogated right in the middle of the Great Hall. He also remembered all too well that it had been Lucius Malfoy's actions that had seen Voldemort's spirit return... and how he'd tried to still claim Zygarde as his own after the fact. Harry's life had not been a kind one and any blinders he might have had were long ripped way.

So, instead of countering Sirius' claim, Harry instead tried a different approach. "There must be someone else you can get to help you? Remus or Prof. Dumbledore-"

Sirius shook his head. "Harry... Harry, no. The only people on Avalon that I want to know about me are all in this room."

"Why?" Tonks asked in confusion.

"Because I can't trust anyone but you two. It would be smarter not to; my original plan was to keep my identity a secret from even you." Seeing Harry revving up to defend Remus Sirius held up his hand, begging to be allowed to explain. "We have no idea who the traitor is."

"Not Remus," Harry said firmly.

"I don't think it is him either but I can't rule it out." It was only his tone, which made it clear that Sirius did not like thinking such things about his old friend, that kept Harry from firing off defensive retorts. Remus had given the boy the love and comfort and security long denied to him by the Dursleys and Harry wasn't about to think the man was anything less than a saint... or allow anyone else to think that either. Still, no matter how much loyalty Harry had towards Remus, he had to admit that Sirius had a point: they just didn't know for sure. And even though Harry was willing to bet every pokedollar he had on Remus not being the traitor, he understood that Sirius needed to ere on the side of caution.

Tonks crossed her arms over her chest. "I still don't like it."

"I don't like it either, Nymphie, but there are a lot of things in the world I've learned to live with that I don't like." Sirius rubbed the heels of his palms against his eyes, letting out a weary sigh as he did so. "The traitor could be anyone. The fact that he-"

"Or she," Harry pointed out. "It could have been a woman who was disguising her voice."

"Wonderful, we can't even nail down the gender!" Tonks said, flailing her arms in the air in exasperation.

"-he or she dressed like a grunt and never revealed their face, even when there was a chance to gloat, tells me that this is someone who didn't want the world to know they were part of Team Nocturne."

"Or they just wanted to make you over think things," Harry chimed in.

"Stop doing that!" Tonks complained.

"The point," Sirius said, taking back control of the conversation, "is that it literally could be anyone I know. The traitor said they know me-"

"But maybe..." Harry saw the way Tonks was glaring at him and wisely decided to shut his mouth and stay quiet.

"-and his or her actions made it clear that this was personal. It could be one of my classmates or a member of the Order of Moltres or someone I met during the war. There is no way to know until I uncover his or her identity and until then I can't trust anyone. Yes, most likely Dumbledore isn't the traitor... but his barber could be. Remus probably isn't the traitor but his girlfriend-"

"Remus doesn't have a girlfriend."

"He doesn't?" Sirius asked in surprised. "Seriously? By Merlin, does that man want to die a virgin or something?"

"Focus," Tonks said, rolling her eyes.

Sirius nodded. "Right. The point is that not only to protect me but to protect all of Avalon we need to keep this a secret. The moment it comes out that I am alive the traitor will either come gunning for me or go underground and I'll lose the chance to avenge James, Lily and Peter."

Harry and Tonks looked at each other, considering Sirius' plea, before finally relenting. They didn't like it in the slightest but they understood that Sirius' plan might be the only way they could catch the traitor and ensure that Sirius could resume his life in Avalon once more. "Ok, we'll do it your way."

"Thank you," Sirius said with a slight smile. He looked t Harry for a moment, his eyes roving over the boy and committing his image to memory. "You have no idea how much I want to stay, kiddo, but I need to get going and you do too. We've already stayed way too long and soon people are going to ask even more questions than they already are."

"What will you do now?" Tonks asked as Sirius put his skull mask back on and recalled Empoleon and Padfoot.

"The Lord of Sevii is going to tour Avalon for a bit before returning to his island," Sirius stated. "I am going to use my time to gather as much information about the end days of the war and try and figure out exactly who did what. The whole thing is a spider web and sitting right in the middle will be the traitor. I need to chance the strands though before I can consider making a more aggressive move." He stood up and placed a hand on Tonks and Harry's shoulders. "But I will be around and I will be keeping an eye on you when I can. I have some powerful friends now and they will be helping me too. Jack and Jonas still owe me a few favors and I am willing to owe them some as well if they can help me figure this all out. The important thing you two can do is act normal and not go off the handle trying to figure things out for me." He gave harry a long stare, the boy squirming a bit. "I was young and a Gryffindor once too... and I've read about your adventures, Harry. For me... try and behave."

"Remus made me promise the same thing," harry said with a slight smile. "Then the Chamber of the Unown opened."

"So in other words I'm screwed?"

"Pretty much," Harry said with a much bigger smile.

"Bugger." Sirius checked himself over before nodding. "Know that I love you both and I will do all I can to end this as soon as possible." Tonks and Harry gave their own goodbyes and then, with a swish of his long coat, Sirius Black departed, leaving two of the most important people in his life behind.

"So… what the hell do we do now?" Tonks asked.


	9. Fear Itself

Author's Note: I am beginning this chapter doing something I don't like doing. I don't want to come off as egotistical or seem like I am trying to get attention or, God forbid, this is an attempt to get reviews. It isn't that. This is… someone who is very sad and suffering from an aching heart reaching out to others.

My mother, last May, was diagnosed with leukemia. She got a bone marrow transplant in September and seemed to be on the mend. The doctors were shocked at how well she was doing and she looked to be regaining her strength and returning to normal.

And then, about a month ago, she began to suffer from red, itchy eyes. Then a cough that left her shaking. So she was taken to the hospital and they began to work to help her. Now… now she is on a ventilator, heavily sedated… and the doctors don't know what is wrong with her. They only know her lungs are inflamed. Some think it might be graft vs. host. Others a weird infection. She isn't getting worse but she isn't getting better and the fear is that her organs will begin to shut down. If that happens… I'll lose my mom.

I ask this of each of you: if I have brought you enjoyment, laughter, smiles, excitement, and entertainment, please take this moment to repay me… by praying for my mom. Pray that she gets well and that my family doesn't lose her. At this point… I will take any help and hope I can get.

Again, I apologize for starting this chapter this way. I am not looking for attention. I just… don't know what else to do. This is a tale I cannot control, can not affect the ending… and it has me scared.

Thank you for listening and I pray that, in time, I can delete this message and proclaim her well. Thank you again.

~MC~MC~MC~

"So, how awkward is this going to be for ya?" Ron asked, nudging Harry's shoulder with his own.

"Depends on how Remus is feeling," Harry said as he walked towards the Pokémon Battles classroom, Ron and Neville on either side of him. Flora, for once, was in her Pokéball as Neville had decided that he needed to get her used to traveling that way. It had been alright for her to remain out of her ball when she had been a Bulbasaur and thus small enough to be held in Neville's arms but her new bulk as an Ivysaur gave her a much larger footprint. It would only get worse when she reached her final form; Venasaurs were not meant to roam around halls of Hogwarts. When Neville graduated Flora would spend most of her days either at the Lucian City Gym or holding court at Longbottom Manor, ruling over the other Bulbasaurs and Ivysaurs that were raised by the family. But for now Flora needed to get around cramped quarters and a Pokéball was the best way to go.

"What?" Neville asked. "You mean like if Remus treats you all coldly and stuff because he doesn't want to come off as giving you preferential treatment?"

Harry shook his head. "I'm more scared of him showing slides of my baby pictures to the entire class and calling me Pronglet." Ron laughed at that while Neville merely smiled. Harry, for his part, was just glad that he was able to have a conversation with his friends without feeling like a total liar.

It had been two days since he had met his godfather for the first time and Harry felt as if they were in the longest 48 hours of his life. When he'd returned to the train Remus had instantly been on him, questioning him and making sure that he was okay. Harry had kept all his answers as short as possible and wrapped as much of the truth as he could around his lies. He'd learned well watching Dudley get away with everything and anything that lies rolled off the tongue easier if they started with truth and were covered with it as well. He told Remus that the Lord of Sevii had met with him and they had discussed several things. The Lord, according to Harry, was investigating some rumors he'd heard about attempts to reform Team Nocturne and how there were some prisoners offering information in exchange for having time commuted off their sentences. The Lord, according to Harry, wanted to see if some of the information the prisoners had given up was genuine and since pieces of it pertained to himself, the Lord had decided that it was best just to go right to Harry himself.

It was hard for Harry to tell if Remus believed him or if he was merely keeping quiet, waiting for Harry to decide when he could confide in him. It hurt the boy to be caught in the middle of Sirius and Remus but he hoped that in the end all the lies and secrets would be wiped away and everything would work out in the end.

"I wonder why Hermione is sitting there," Neville said as they entered the classroom and spotted the bushy-haired girl. Instead of sitting in her normal spot, namely the table near the front of the class that had the best view of the board and the professor's desk, Hermione had chosen to sit in the far back, in the 'slacker section' as she'd once called it. Parvati and Lavender seemed just as surprised that Hermione had chosen to sit behind them; they kept looking at her as if they were waiting for a Weasley Twins prank to suddenly fire off. The only thing that kept all the students from wondering if Hermione had been replaced by her evil duplicate was the fact that she still had her nose pressed against her dex, scanning through the course pages while the rest of her classmates talked and gossiped.

"This is very weird," Harry said.

"Maybe us giving her the cold shoulder made her brain snap and she's now become a crazy stalker killer who will hunt us down one by one and kill us in our dreams while wearing a hideous sweater!" When Harry and Neville merely stared at Ron the red head's eyes went wide. "By Merlin, I think Luna and I swapped souls there for a moment!"

~MC~MC~MC~

"Luna... Luna!" Ginny exclaimed, shaking her friend. The little blondes eyes had rolled into the back of her head, leaving only her whites visible, and she was rocking back and forth, muttering about how the Tor Town Tauros' would finally win the championship.

~MC~MC~MC~

The boys took their seats, with Neville joining Hermione while Ron and Harry shared a table next to theirs. Hermione merely smiled at Neville before going back to her dex. In front of them Lavender and Parvati continued to gab on, though it was clear that having Hermione actually sitting behind them was throwing the girls off.

"So, what do you think Remus... I mean Prof. Lupin... will teach us?"

"Not sure," Harry said. "He wouldn't even give me a hint, as he felt that it would ruin the surprise."

"Even if he gave you every answer it wouldn't help you, Potter," Draco said with a laugh as he strolled past them, Crabbe and Goyle in their ever present positions as his bookends. "Certain people in this world are meant to rise up while the rest stay in the filth."

"I've always felt the same way," Harry said with a dark little smile. There was no need to finish his thought, as it was clear to everyone just what Harry was hinting at.

"Watch yourself, Potter," Draco snapped. "You insulted the honor of the Malfoy family and a Malfoy always repays his debts."

"I thought the Lannister's always repaid their debts?" Ron said before looking at Harry with wide eyes. "Oh Merlin, I did it again!"

"We'll get Luna and perform an exorcism later," Harry stated, turning his attention away from a fuming Draco. Harry could practically hear the blond's teeth grinding and in that moment Harry discovered that of all the things he could do to him... being ignored was the best way to counter Draco.

The 'Prince of Slytherin' opened his mouth, ready to fire off another insult, but quickly changed his mind when he saw Remus enter. Instead Draco merely scowled impotently at Harry before marching over and taking his seat.

"Good afternoon, class!" Remus said happily, removing his lab coat and draping it over his chair. "Now then, welcome to Year Three of Battle Class. During your first year you learned all about the basics of battling. Last year you... were supposed to learn about elemental typing and the various weaknesses and strengths." Remus scowled slightly and much of the class squirmed at that. It had been fun to have Lockhart giving them easy As and telling them wild adventures (even if all of them had happened to other people and the showboat had stolen them all for himself). But now that they were a year older and dealing with a professor who clearly knew what he was doing the class realized that they might be in trouble. Oh, there were a few that would do ok; Hermione had known all about typing before even stepping into the classroom, Draco had private tutors that made sure he was already ahead of his classmates, and Harry had spent the summer getting caught up by Remus. But for the likes of Dean and Seamus and Pansy and Crabbe they were in for a world of hurt and knew it. They knew the basics, like the fire-grass-water cycle, but how steel types did against poison?

Remus casually reached down and unbuttoned his cuffs before rolling up his sleeves past the elbows. The rest of the class was surprised by how casual Remus was but Harry knew all too well that such actions were all part of Remus' charm. He was a natural teacher and Harry knew that had it not been for the depression and survivor's guilt he'd felt during the war Remus would have become a professor at Hogwarts. Harry grinned and leaned forward a bit, excited to see what Remus was going to be showing them.

"This year we are going to learn about another aspect of battling that can greatly affect the outcome of your battles: Abilities." Remus clicked a button on his desk and the board behind him flickered before showing several cutie, cartoony drawings of different Pokémon. One image depicted a Mankey touching a Pikachu. An arrow pointed to the next picture, which showed a smiling Pikachu and a clearly distressed Mankey surrounded by lightning bolts. "It has only been within the last century that scientists realized that all Pokémon have at least one ability. It took that long because many abilities were assumed merely to be quirks of the Pokémon species. For example, Slaking."

Remus clicked to another slide, this one showing a Slaking punching a Camrupt and the Slaking's trainer cheering him on. The next image had the trainer not so happy as he was staring at a sleeping Slaking. "They have an ability called Slaking Off that causes them to swing between bouts of extreme battle frenzy and utter slothfulness. It was only when scientists began to experiment with the Pokémon Audino and her move Simple Beam and attempted to artificially create it that it was realized that this wasn't by choice but a part of their genetics. Slaking might not want to become lazy after an attack but their natural will causes them to do so.

"By understanding the abilities of our Pokémon we can better prepare for battles. Some abilities are quite obvious and are quickly seen; any Pokémon that affects the weather, for instance. Others are quite subtle and a person might not ever even use the ability." Remus clapped his hands together. "Alright, who can tell me of an ability their Pokémon has?"

Hermione, to Harry's shock, did not raise her hand but instead chose to simply sit there and let others have a chance to shine. Ron glanced over at Harry and it was clear he was just as surprised by this turn of events as Harry was.

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy."

"My Servine has the Overgrowth ability, which makes it much stronger when using grass type moves."

"Very good, 10 points to Slytherin. Now, how about a Gryffindor? Yes, Mr. Longbottom."

"My Flabebe has the Flower Veil Ability."

Remus nodded. "Good, good! Ten points to Gryffindor. Now, some of you might not know your Pokémon's' abilities and that is ok. Your homework will be to compose a list of the abilities of each of your Pokémon and what they do. You'll also want to begin thinking about how these abilities can help you as we will be focusing on that in the upcoming days." Remus smiled, letting his students note their homework assignment in their dexs before continuing. "Now, for the rest of this class period we are going to get a demonstration of a Pokémon ability and how it can affect your battle."

Remus snapped his figures and his Zorua, Mooney, leapt up onto his desk. It was clear from the way the little fox Pokémon held himself that he enjoyed being the center of attention. Those students who'd never seen Remus' Zorua up close leaned forward a bit, wanting to get a better look at the dark-type. Mooney, for his part, merely trotted up and down the desk, nose high in the hair as he gave a strut that would make any supermodel jealous.

"Now, most Zorua's have the special ability known as Illusion, which allows them to take on the appearance of a Pokémon in the opponent's party. However, Mooney here, as he is from the rarer Avalon strain, has a different ability." Remus paused for a moment for dramatic effect before continuing. "His ability is known as Mind Games but would probably be better described as an upgraded version of Illusion. You see, rather than taking a form based on a Pokémon your trainer owns, Mooney created the illusion that he has become something that the opponent fears or becomes cautious around. This unnerves Pokémon and trainers and allows Zorua to either escape or attack. Over the next two days we are going to have each of you encounter Zorua's ability so you understand it better and learn how to work through it."

Remus tapped his chin. "Now, I think that we should mix things up a bit and start in the back of the class and work our way forward. Miss Granger, you can start."

Hermione smiled and happily made her way towards the front of the class. Harry and Ron glanced at each other and both mentally wondered how Hermione had known that Remus would go through the class that way; there wasn't a doubt in either of their minds that Hermione had somehow known and that was the reason she had chosen to not sit up front.

"Alright now it is important Miss Granger that you remember that, no matter how realistic Mooney's illusion is, it isn't real. You have to fight through it and see things for how they really are. If I think it is taking you too long I will break the illusion myself."

"I'm ready," Hermione said with a nod.

Mooney nodded and leapt down from the table; but it wasn't a Zorua that landed on the floor in front of Hermione. Instead, to the shock of the class, what rose up was a massive, 7-foot tall purplish monster that was a cross between a dragon and a shark. The creature took a step forward, teeth the length of Hermione's fingers bared as the creature took a quick step forward, startling everyone with its speed. It seemed so strange to have a monster so big be so quick on its feet.

Hermione's eyes went to pinpricks and she pressed herself against Remus' desk, body trembling in horror. Her breath was ragged and came out in short bursts that made her chest rapidly rise and fall. Of course, none of the rest of the class was faring any better; all of them were staring at the land shark with horror-filed eyes.

"Enough," Remus said and the creature seemed to shatter like ice, revealed Mooney standing before them all. "It's ok," Remus said, placing his hand on Hermione's should and trying not to wince at the way she flinched at his touch. "It wasn't real."

"Thought I could do it. Should have stuck with the original," Hermione mumbled to herself. Harry wasn't sure what she meant by that but didn't have time to ponder that thought as his attention was drawn back to Remus.

"Miss Granger, do you at least know the name of that Pokémon."

She mutely nodded before finding her voice. "Garchomp."

"Good. Five points to Gryffindor. Go take your seat."

Draco let out a scoff and said in a voice that he thought was low enough to keep Remus from hearing, but clearly wasn't, "Of course the little frightened Skitty gets points... if it weren't for the generosity of professors they would never get any points!" Draco turned to his hangers-on and sneered. "And a Garchomp? How pathetic. Leave it to someone of her ilk to be frightened by a Pokémon rather than control and dominate it!"

Remus merely raised an eyebrow and Harry found himself squirming. He knew that look well and even if it weren't directed at him it made him shiver just a touch. Remus never yelled or screamed, nor would he give someone the silent treatment or a cold shoulder. No, Remus' favorite tactic was to use your own hubris against you and leave you twitching and flailing. In order to build up Harry's muscle mass and get him to the level a boy his age should be at Remus had pushed for him to begin running and working out. Early on Harry had complained about not wanting to spend his time jogging about and Remus' response had been to duct tape him to a chair and leave him facing a bare wall for 3 hours.

Harry had never complained again about going on a nice jog and working off his excess energy.

Moving to the side, Remus waved towards Mooney, a smile on his lips but his eyes as hard as diamonds. "Well, Mr. Malfoy, by all means, give it a try." The blond Slytherin nodded and strolled up front, his gait full of cocky swagger and attitude. It was clear to Harry that Draco thought this an easy test and one he would beat with ease. The boy never considered for a moment that he might find it a challenge. Harry and Ron shared a look before leaning forward, wanting to see just what Pokémon Mooney became.

But instead of a Lucario or an Aerodactyl or some other Pokémon Mooney took on a shape that was familiar to all the students.

"Draco, you are such a disappointment," Mooney said in Lucius Malfoy's voice. Draco's eyes instantly went wide and he took a step back as the illusion that wore his father's face took a step forward, his thin lips purses together as he looked the boy over with a critical eye. "You are a Malfoy, the most noble house in all of Avalon and yet you continue to disgrace our family's name. You aren't smart enough or quick enough or powerful enough." 'Lucius' gripped his cane in both hands till his knuckles were white. "We are supposed to be leaders among men but you couldn't lead Magikarps to water! Perhaps it is time to talk to your mother about producing a new heir-"

"No!" Draco screamed, falling to his knees. "Please father, I..." his words trailed off as Mooney's illusion faded away. Remus merely stood there, silent, as the blond scowled, realizing he'd made a fool of himself in front of the entire class. He stalked back to his desk, ignoring the sniggers coming from the Gryffindors.

"Now, as I was going to say after Miss Granger's failed attempt... do not be surprised if you fail this first time. Shaking off a Pokémon Ability takes great determination and will be something that must be learned. Once you learn to shake of Mooney's ability you will find yourself better enabled you to deal with over, weaker abilities. The same holds true for your Pokémon: the stronger your bond the better chance they'll have of breaking through an ability or status condition."

Remus continued on, making small comments as he ran through the class. For Neville Mooney took on the form of Snape and though the boy trembled at the sight several Gryffindors snickered at the over-the-top performance 'Snape' gave. Remus decided that he didn't want to leave any table half done and had Pansy go next; for her Mooney became a shiny Charizard. Ron's was expected: a Galvantula that resembled Aragog.

Harry swallowed as he was called on. The walk up to the front of the class made him feel like a condemned man approached the gallows and even though he'd lived with Mooney for two summers now the trickster fox Pokémon suddenly looked all the more sinister watching him approach. While several of the students were still stifling giggles and thinking the entire exercise was like a thrill park ride with simulated scares, Harry knew that what he was about to experience wouldn't feel like a roller coaster or tilts-a-whirl.

Mooney's image shimmered slightly as he created the illusion and Harry blinked in confusion as the Pokémon became a double of Remus. It was the duplicate's words that confirmed just why Mooney had chosen that form.

"That's the form Mooney took?" 'Remus' declared. "Why would he... unless... no... Harry, how could you? How could you hide this from me? How? I... I trusted you! I let you into my house and you go behind my back-"

It was Harry's worst fear: Remus discovering the truth.

"Enough!" Remus snapped, Mooney instantly shattering the illusion. The little fox Pokémon ambled over to Harry's shaking form and whimpered, clearly trying to apologize. The boy managed a watery smile but it was clear his heart wasn't into it. "Alright, I think that is enough for today. For homework I want you to write down the ability of one of you Pokémon, what that ability does and one example of how you might use that ability to your advantage during a battle." The students gathered up their things but as Harry turned towards the door he found Remus moving to block his path. "Just a moment, Mr. Potter."

To harry it seemed to take forever for the rest of the class to leave. On one hand he was thankful for that, as it delayed the conversation Remus clearly wanted to have but Harry wished to avoid like a bad skin rash. On the other hand he found the waiting to be torture and wished silently that time would speed up and he could just find out what Remus had to tell him. He forced himself not to fidget or squirm, knowing that such little twitches would only let Remus know quicker how uncomfortable Harry truly was.

"Harry," Remus said, nearly causing the boy to jump as he was pulled out of his fearful musings. Motioning for him to sit down, Remus sat on one of the tables and sighed. "Listen, I get that this whole situation is a teen's worst nightmare. Merlin knows if my father had been a teacher as Hogwarts... I'd probably have avoided James and Sirius all together. I got in enough trouble with the things my father found out about... the things that remain secrets?" Remus shuddered slightly at the thought and Harry found himself smiling. "The point is that I know you are going to get up to things that I might not want you too... but I don't want you to think that if I find out you've been sneaking out after curfew or eating too many donuts at breakfast that I'll treat you any different than if I'd found out via Prof. McGonagall. Just because I am a teacher doesn't mean that I will teach guardian stuff like Prof. Snape would."

Harry let out a sigh of relief and quickly thanked Remus. He counted his blessings that Remus thought all Harry was worried about was being caught for a prank or for breaking the rules.

But even though he felt relief that his secret had been found out a seed of dread remained deep within him. He couldn't keep everything hidden forever and all he could do was pray that when everything was revealed that Remus would keep his word.

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Note: I debated on the cutaway to Luna but decided it was just too funny not to include.

Mind Games is an upgrade of Illusion. In game it would cause Zorua to unnerve the opponent, decreasing that Pokémon's accuracy and making running away 100% achievable.

I know that Hermione's boggart is believed to be failure but I decided to give her something more solid to be scared of. Why she is frightened by Garchomps will be dealt with.


	10. Steelbeak

Author's Note: On May 28th, at around 11:58 am, my beloved mother departed from this world. Even as I type these words I feel myself tearing up, so I will make this quick. It has been 3 weeks since the worst day of my life and I am finally beginning to get back to what 'normal' is for me. I thank all of you for waiting for this next chapter and I hope you enjoy it. I can not promise, at this moment, that updates will be as quick as they once were, but I will begin moving in that direction. Thank you all who prayed for my family... thank you from the bottom of my heart.

* * *

"Well... that was a waste of time," Harry grumbled as he hurried down the steps that led to the shortest tower at Hogwarts. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw both got towers while Slytherin and Hufflepuff had deep chambers or 'dungeons' as some students called them. The tallest tower was reserved for the astronomy class, led by Professor Sinistra, while the Gryffs and Claws got the next two towers, both equal in height. The final tower, the smallest and most cramped of all four, saw its highest room serve as the domain of Prof. Trelawney and her 'Pokemon Mystical Arts' class.

Harry had been rather excited for that class and had happily signed up. Remus was still tracking down the books they needed to begin his Pokemagnus studies (stating every time Harry asked that they were going to go about his lessons the right way and not wing it like Remus had with Harry's father, Sirius, and Peter) and Harry had promised not to attempt Speaking until Remus found a teacher (something Harry felt was unlikely to happen, due in part to Remus' concerns about the long lost Art). Prof. Trelawney's class promised to 'open the minds of all students and let them discover the magic and mystery of Pokemon'. Harry, Ron, and Neville had all gleefully signed up; Hermione had also joined them but only to see if she wanted to go with that class or stay with Ancient Languages, one of the other electives that was offered to Third Years. From the pale color of her skin Harry could see that it wasn't that much of a difficult decision.

"Are you ok?" Harry asked, growing concerned when Hermione stumbled slightly and nearly fell down the stairs. Neville and Harry quickly reached out and steadied her, making sure the girl didn't take a header. Hermione reached into her pocket and pulled out a tissue, coughing into it violently.

"Sorry... but Prof. Trelawney-"

"It was like looking into the future right?" Ron asked. Hermione snapped her head towards him, glaring at the redhead who was now holding his hands up. "I'm just saying... bushy hair, big thick nerd glasses, yammers on about things no one understands..." Seeing the looks he was getting Ron quickly shoves his hands into his pockets. "I'll just be quiet now."

"...are you sure you're ok, Hermione?" Neville asked.

The young teen nodded. "Yes, thank you. All that incense and smoke and perfume just gave me a raging headache."

"I know what you mean," Neville said, rubbing his itchy eyes. He'd been doing that since Trelawney had begun to take role. Harry didn't blame him or Hermione either; Trelawney's classroom seemed to have a permanent cloud of smoke and deodorizer forever hanging about. Harry didn't know how the Nosepass that she had guarding her door stood it. "I spend my summers tending to the Longbottom Venasaurs and they release huge clouds of pollen. I built up a tolerance to most flowery things... but all those allergens are nothing compared to Prof. Trelawney's classroom."

"I wouldn't have minded it if she had actually taught us something," Harry complained. "I mean I don't think she said a single word the entire time we were in there that made sense. She didn't talk about Speaking or Veelas or Pokemagnuses or anything!" Harry threw up his arms in frustration. "At least with Lockhart you could maybe learn something... she never even gave us a chance! All she talked about was opening your inner eye and the 'mysteries of lfe'. What does that even mean?!"

"To... open your eyes? To seek out life and its... mysterious... mystery... mysteries?" Ron ventured. Once more his freinds stared at him and once more he shoved his hands into his pockets. "Just saying..."

"And what was with her predicting my death?" Harry complained. "What kind of professor looks at a 13 year old and tells them they are going to die a beautifully tragic death by the end of the term?!"

"I think she said it was going to be tragically beautiful," Hermione said, rubbing her temples. "But you have a point. I think I will just stick with Ancient Languages."

"Not me!" Ron said with a grin. "She gave us all As just for sitting there... that class is going to be a cake walk!"

"Is that all you care about?" Hermione asked, glaring at the red-head. "That it was an easy class? We are suppose to be here to learn and become better trainers and prepare for our futures! How can you even begin to do that if all you are focused on is getting the easiest grade you can get?"

"I won't have a future if I don't pull any As," Ron pointed out. "You know what the likelihood of getting a job out of Hogwarts is if you don't have a single A on your record? Zilch. And I'm not like Crabbe or Goyle who can rely upon their fathers or their buddy Draco to get them something to pay the bills... I am going to need to fight with everything I got to make it in this region."

"But isn't that the point?" Hermione shot back. "You need to get the best education you can get if you want to compete."

"I won't be able to compete if everyone tosses my resume away! Prof. Trelawney's class is my best hope."

"He has a point," Neville admitted. He quickly threw up his hands when he saw the looks he was getting. "Not a good point but a point nonetheless."

Hermione huffed, realizing that Ron was a lost cause. "What about you, Harry?"

"I am done," he said. "My life is dangerous enough; I don't need some flowery smelling bint predicting my death on a daily basis!"

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, scandalized. Harry merely raised an eyebrow and Hermione, suddenly remembering just how tenious their friendship currently was, backed down.

"What are you four talking about?" Ginny asked as she joined them, Luna moving to loop her arm around Neville's.

"Prof. Trelawney's class," Neville stated. "She predicted Harry was going to die."

"Everyone dies," Luna pointed out. "So she's going to be right one day."

"Thanks for the pick-me-up, Luna," Harry groused.

"You're welcome!" Luna said happily.

"Was it really that bad?" Ginny asked her brother.

"I didn't think so," Ron said with a shrug.

Harry rolled his eyes. "You weren't the one who was being told 'You shall die when the pale moon shines brightest' by someone who smelled like a tavarn that had a Bellosom explode inside!"

"Was that what that smell was?" Neville asked. "Huh."

"Yup," Harry said with a grunt. "Flowers, whiskey and shame. Smelled like my Aunt Marge's house." When the others stared at him Harry shrugged. "Think a female Hagrid who likes to wear really strong perfume and has a bottle of cooking sherry always around but never cooks."

"And now I have the image of Hagrid in a dress stuck in my mind. Thanks mate," Ron complained.

Luna smiled. "I have the imagine of Neville dressed like a cowboy... I don't know why but I do!"

"How was Battle Class?" Hermione asked the two younger girls.

Ginny smiled. "Real fun. Prof. Lupin is a lot better teacher than Lockhart. He taught us all about type advantage and then, when we had some extra time before the end of class, he showed of his Zorua! It was cool... Mooney can shape-shift into scary things!"

"Yeah, he did the same for us," Ron said. "What did he become for you, Gin?"

The little red-head's smile fell and she let out a shudder of disgust. "Ugh, a zombie! A really nasty one too; guts pouring out of its stomach and covered in blood, half its jaw missing... blurg." She looked over at Luna. "Though, that might be replaced by Luna's if we ever do that again."

"What was hers?" Ron asked, seeing that Luna was looking anywhere but towards him.

"Some bald guy with in a brown trench coat and this weird black mask that looked like a mouth," Ginny said with a shiver. "Who was that, anyway?"

"It doesn't matter who he is, what matters is his plan," Luna stated. Her eyes became glassy and she shuddered. "When Gotham is ashes... then I have his permission to die." She blinked and, seeing the looks she was getting, flashed them a brilliant smile. "Why so serious?"

"...why am I not surprised?" Ron said as Hermione wrapped an arm around her 'bestest best friend' and gave her a comforting hug. "So, what do we have next?"

"You don't know your own schedule?" Ginny asked in surprise.

Ron shrugged. "I have the same classes as these three, so there is no real need to. I just follow Harry and Neville and I get to my next class."

Neville blinked. "That is either the smartest or dumbest thing I've ever heard."

"That's my brother, the smartest dumb guy around." Ron stuck his tongue out at Ginny, who merely gave him a cheeky wave before grabbing Luna's hand and pulling her away from Hermione. "See you at dinner!"

"So, what class is next?" Ron asked.

"You mean you weren't kidding?" Hermione said in shock.

"About what?"

Hermione opened her mouth only to slowly close it once she realized that she was going to start fighting a battle she was never going to be able to win. Harry and Neville chuckled slightly at the girl before heading towards the exit.

"Care and Coordinating," Neville said when it was clear that Ron wasn't joking and he truly had no idea what their next class was.

"Oh. Ok." Ron paused for a moment. "And what exactly is Care and Coordinating?"

Harry could tell Hermione was fighting the urge to roll her eyes. She clearly didn't want to come off as bratty or insulting and was fighting her natural instincts. If it weren't for his mixed feelings concerning her Harry would have found it all quite amusing.

It was Neville who finally answered. "Coordinators raise Pokemon differently from other trainers. Their focus isn't on strict battle tactics but on elegance and grace and beauty and appeal. Coordinators have their Pokemon first perform moves in new and exciting ways and get rated by the judges. Then they battle against fellow coordinators... not only does the battle determine who moves on but the style of the Pokemon earns them more points that can help in their placing."

"...why do that when you can just attack?" Ron asked. "Bang, boom! Real simple."

Harry shrugged. "I don't know... sounds kinda interesting. Its kinda like Gauntlet running: the attacks and moves I teach Eevee aren't ones I might teach him if he were just doing straight battles for gym badges."

"Some say that Coordinating is the thinking man's Pokemon training," Hermione stated.

Ron let out a huff. "Well, it will have to wow me to prove that isn't just a waste of time."

It took them about eight minutes to finally reach the large open field where, during their first year, they had learned from Madame Hooch the basics of running and moving through the Gauntlet arena. But instead of a maze-like area there was a large clear spot with picnic blankets laid all about. Harry noticied quickly that the blankets were color coordinated and motioned for his friends to follow him towards a Gryffindor red blanket that was near the front but just far enough away from the Slytherin blankets that covered the grass. Neville quickly released Flora and the Ivysaur happily began to trot around the grass, soaking up the sun.

"Well, this is rather nice," Harry said with a smile.

"Who are we suppose to take notes without any desks?" Hermione complained. "Oh, maybe we'll get clipboards!"

"Al'ight then, al'ight then!" Hagrid called out, taking several lumbering steps towards the students. They were all quite surprised to see the giant man decked out in a massive white lab coat and wearing what were, to him, clean and professional looking clothes. Sure, he'd worn a black belt with brown shoes and his tie, which looked be the size of Harry's shirt sleeve, clashed horribly with his shirt but the outfit was much better than the rumpled clothing Hagrid normally wore. "Sit down, kids!"

"Hagrid, what are you doing here?" Harry asked.

The large man beamed. "Actually, that be 'Prof. 'agrid', 'arry. I'm takin' old Prof. Kettlebeck's position as 'ogwart's Coordinator professor."

"I didn't know you were a Coordinator," Harry said as he stretched out his legs.

"Course I am! What do ya all think I do when school is out of session? Me and Snubbul and Steelbeck 'ave won all sorts of awards and trophies!" Hagrid looked about and suddenly realized he'd been engaging in polite conversation when he was suppose to be starting the class. "Oops. Sorry 'bout that. Anyway, I'm Prof. 'agrid and this is Pokemon Care and Coordinatin' 101. This year we're gonna learn the basics of the Coordinator contest! After the end of this year I'll be 'avin' each of ya demonstrate a move you might use ta dazzle the judges." He clapped his hands together and smiled. "Now, the first part of a Coordinator Contest has a Pokemon performing moves in such a way as ta surprise and entertain the audience."

"Like a clown at a circus," Draco muttered, earning some chuckles from his group and a glare from Harry's.

"Not quite," Hagrid said, having overheard the comment but not realized that Draco was mocking him. "Though you can go that route. Trainers can go all sorts of ways when it comes to performin'; ya can be dramatic or stylish or funny... here, let me show ya!" Hagrid turned around and began to rumage through the large training bag he'd brought with him. "Now where did I put ya, Steelbeck?"

Draco stood up and scoffed. "I don't have time for this. I thought this class was suppose to teach us something, not have us watch some buffoon bumble about! The standards here at Hogwarts have truly slipped and I think my father will be real interested to hear about just who Prof. Dumbledore is having teach Avalon's future gym leaders." He looked down at Harry and his friends and scoffed. "But if you stupid little Gryffindors want to sit around and get an easy grade rather than better yourselves, feel free-"

Hermione suddenly kicked out her foot, tripping the blond Slytherin. The rest of the class gasped in shock, not believing what they had just seen.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK-"

"Steelbeck, use Iron Feathers and Reflect!"

Draco suddenly found himself having to shield his face with his arms as several razor sharp metal feathers shot down and embedded themselves all around him and the rest of the class, including two where were he had been standing moments earlier. Draco moved to stand back up, ready to tear into Hagrid, only for the entire area around him to light up like he'd been caught in a spotlight. The class gasped in shock as the feathers began to glow, radiating beautiful light that bathed them all in an ethereal glow. Even Draco found himself speechless, the performance captivating him. The blond Slytherin slowly moved back to his blanket, captivated.

After about 20 seconds the feathers stopped shining and the light dimmed. A great cry filled their ears and Harry looked over at Hagrid, who was happily scratching the chin of a metallic bird with a round bottom and big knife-like wings.

"That there was Steelbeck's Mirror Works Dance," Hagrid said proudly. "Won us 1st four 'ears ago at the Avalon Coordinator Contest, it did. If'n ya listen ta what I tell ya, you and yar pokemon will be able ta do the same."

The class, including Draco, were now paying full attention to Hagrid, realizing that the large man might actually have something to teach them. The only person not listening was Harry, who was too busy looking over at Hermione. One thought kept running through his head: she'd known that Draco would get hit by Steelbeck's feathers and tripped him to stop that from happening.

But that was crazy and he knew it. There was no way Hermione could predict the future.

Right?


	11. A Harvest Summer

Harry ran the fluffy towel along Eevee's tail, his first Pokémon cooing in delight. Off to the right Ludwig was watching on, a little cocktail umbrella in his hands in case the little guy decided to shake himself dry. The candle-ghost let out a yelp when he got it too close to his flame and set it on fire, causing him to rush about trying to put it out. Harry laughed and signaled to Dobby to help, the Alakazam only happy to teleport to the Hogwarts Trainer Shop and purchase a little umbrella hat for Ludwig. The ghost accepted with a sheepish smile and set about watching the others carefully.

Togetic, meanwhile, was floating in the air, trying to get Hedwig to play with her. The Hoothoot was clever though and knew Togetic's real reason for wanting to play was to draw Hoothoot away from Harry... allowing Togetic to rush down and cut in line.

"It's not going to work," Harry told the little white fairy. Togetic glowered and buzzed over to Zygarde, sitting down on the legendary's head and pouting. The serpent hissed slightly but made no move to dislodge the brooding little girl; Togetic loved to use her dual-type advantage to get what she wanted from the Beast of Slytherin. It didn't matter that in a straight up fight Togetic wouldn't last a second, all that mattered to her were the bragging rights."One of these days he is going to stop putting up with that and then you'll be sorry," Harry warned her.

Zygarde nodded slightly in agreement.

"Alright buddy, you're all set," Harry said, tying Eevee's bandana back around his neck. Harry had decided during the summer that he wanted all his Pokémon to have matching gear and bought Lucky Scarves for them all (though Zygarde's was more like a Lucky Blanket). The seller claimed they would allow the Pokémon to get off stronger hits more easily but Harry really didn't buy into the mythical mumbo jumbo; he just thought they looked cool.

'Even though the great Harry Potter has seen much mumbo of the jumbo?' Dobby asked, extra large bandana worn like a toga. The psychic type snapped his fingers and summoned some dry soap for Ludwig. The little candle hovered over and, assured that there would be no water splashing like there had been with Eevee, gave Dobby the umbrella hat and allowed Harry to use the dry powder to clean his waxy body.

"Speaking is different than magic, Dobby," Harry said as he worked the powder into Ludwig's wax-like skin.

'Perhaps, great Harry Potter sir, but Dobby think peoples once thought sames about Speaking!'

Harry rolled his eyes, grabbing the towel he'd used on Eevee and wiping the cake batter-like soap from his palms. "You are spending way too much time around Remus." Zygarde snorted. "And you stay out of this!"

"Toki!" Togetic called out, clearly trying one last time to distract Hedwig. The white flyer merely spread her wings and flew down to Harry's outstretched arm, earning more grumbles and pouts from the little fairy. Ludwig, seeing her upset, quickly hovered up and began to mother her, as was his nature. Harry chuckled at the sight before turning his attention to Hewig, pulling out the special grooming brush Remus had got him so he could correctly preen and clean her feathers. Hedwig held out her wings nice and wide, hooting as Harry got to work… and sending a cocky little look towards Togetic.

The air was crisp with just a hint of warmth. A Harvest Summer, as Neville had called it, was upon them. Ron had called it a cruel trick, as it gave the students one final taste of nice weather before Avalon's cold, wet fall returned to them with a vengeance. Harry was more optimistic, seeing the warm October weather as a final chance to get outside and just enjoy nature before one had to worry about bundling up. The fact that it was a Saturday only made things even better in Harry's opinion. He'd decided that rather than spend his time in the Castle or down by the shore he would retreat to one of the smaller islands that surrounded Hogwarts and use the quiet and solitude to bond with all his Pokémon. Remus had approved of the idea and even given Harry Zygarde's Pokéball, reasoning that the boy needed to spend time with the Beast of Slytherin... or, at the least, spend time with him someplace other than in a dark cave with Voldemort's wraith hanging about.

Finally satisfied that Hoothoot's feathers were preened properly Harry held out his hand and motioned for Togetic to come down. For a moment it looked like she might be stubborn and refuse but in the end her desire to be babied and a pampered won out and the little fairy flew down and settled herself in Harry's lap, chirping in delight as Harry worked the preening comb through her feathers. Hedwig, for her part, stayed close by, subtly reminding Togetic of the peaking order.

'Great Harry Potter,' Dobby said, glancing to the right, 'peoples is coming.'

'Are we in danger?' Harry mentally sent back. Zygarde reared up a bit and Eevee and Ludwig fell into defensive positions while Hedwig took to the air for a better look.

'Dobby no sense them be bad for you, great Harry Potter.' The Alakazam tilted his head. 'But that no means they good.'

'So powerful and dangerous but giving off no psychic readings that they want to do me harm.' Harry continued to run the brush through Togetic's feathers but even the stubborn little girl could mentally sense that Harry wasn't focused on that task.

'Yes great Harry Potter sir.'

Harry mentally cursed the fact that he'd promised Remus no Speaking. The situation wasn't yet so dangerous that it was a life or death situation, so he had no excuse to break the rules. Still, he wished he could, as sending commands to his Pokémon that way would be a million times quicker than Dobby acting as an operator, transferring the commands and comments between the group. They could spend hours coming up with battle plans while in the real world only a second went by.

'Dark Queen of Evil says great Harry Potter is 'wussy',' Dobby stated. Harry glared down at Togetic, who gave him a 'prove me wrong' look. 'Dobby tell her great Harry Potter not wussy.'

'Thanks Dobby,' Harry thought back, standing up and squaring his shoulders. If the intruders had been anyone from the school Dobby would have told him so, having spent enough time around all of them over the last month and a half to know all their mental signatures. That meant that Harry was dealing with someone else...

"Wotcher! I told ya we should have warned him before we stomped up to him! Has his whole bloody army out to meet and greet!"

Harry's shoulders relaxed a bit. "Tonks."

"Look at you all noble and proud, ready to take on the big bad intruders!" The Auror, her hair that day a brilliant shade of yellow, reached over and pinched his cheek. "It's just too cute!"

"Barely a 3rd year and already getting felt up by older women," Sirius said with a chuckle as he stepped into view, Padfoot and his Duskull Bones right beside him. "Knew you took after me, Pronglet!"

Harry let out a chuckle. "I don't know about that, Sirius... unless you want to tell me more about the older COUSINS you were attracting."

Tonks gagged. "Merlin, don't! That's my mum, Aunt Narcissa and Aunt Belatrix! I don't want to picture you with any of them."

Sirius nodded, a slight shudder running down the length of his body. "No offense to your mum, as she is a classy lady, but her sisters... yeah, that was a joke that went too far."

Harry turned to his Pokémon. "It's ok, guys, their friends."

"By Merlin's hairy nipples, an actual Zygarde!" Sirius said, suddenly noticing that it wasn't just the three humans in the clearing. He took a step forward, hand out, only to stop and look to Harry for permission.

"Don't look at me," Harry said with a shrug. "They're my friends and partners, not my slaves. If you want to pet Zygarde you need to ask him yourself." Zygarde slithered forward, looking down at Sirius before slowly lowering his head, allowing the Lord of Sevii to run his fingers along his scaly snout. "He likes you."

"You're trembling!" Tonk said with a teasing tone.

"Damn right I am!" Sirius exclaimed. "A whole island of Dusknoirs is nothing compared to touching an actual legendary!"

"Try fighting one, right Harry?" Tonks said, elbowing the boy.

"Not something I'd wish on anyone," Harry said, reaching up and scratching Zygarde on the chin. The Beast of Slytherin let out a rumbling sound that, to Harry, sounded like a cat's purr and a deep, guttural wind. "What are you two doing here?"

"We were in the area and decided to update you on the search," Sirius said.

"And by 'in the area' he means we traveled half of Avalon just to get here," Tonks stated.

"Close enough," Sirius said with a shrug, getting Zygarde one last pat before sitting down on the grass. Instantly Ludwig was flying over, inspected the Lord of Sevii to ensure he meant to harm to Harry. Sirius looked at Ludwig, the same wonder-filled gaze plastered on his face. "A Litwick... haven't seen one of these in ages. How did you get one?"

"He was a Winter Solstice gift," Harry said with a shrug. "As far as I can figure, my mum's Chandlure was his mother."

Sirius scowled a bit at that. "Putting pressure on me to come up with something amazing, aren't you?"

Tonks let out a long whistle. "I remember learning all about Lily Potter's Pokémon. Her Chandlure was her go-to Pokémon after her Blaziken." The Auror shook her head. "The Beast of Slytherin, an albino Hoothoot like Morgan Le Fey's, Lucius Malfoy's Alakazam, and the child of one of Lily Potter's Pokémon? Wotcher, next you'll be telling us that Togepi belong to Voldemort."

"Eevee, actually," Harry said, "and only the egg."

Sirius and Tonks stared blankly at Harry.

"What?"

Sirius just shook his head, fighting off peals of laughter. "Nothing, nothing... just wishing James were here to see you pranking all of Avalon, Harry."

Harry wasn't exactly for sure what Sirius was getting at but decided that, for his own sanity, it might be a smart idea to just let that last comment go by and focus on the original reason Sirius and Tonks had come. "So, update on the search for the traitor?"

"Oh, right!" Tonks said, snapping her fingers. "Rotom!"

The electric ghost flew over and, with a grin, transformed into a laptop computer. One of his blue energy bolts shot over to Tonks' wrist-mounted dex and Harry heard a soft ping issue from the device. Tonks nodded in thanks and turned her attention to the dex, skimming through it.

"Clever girl, Nymphie," Sirius said with a stage whisper. "Dexes can be hacked or stole but digitally send the information to a ghost Pokemon that can transform into an electronic device? You couldn't encrypt better security than that!"

"So obviously we have some leads, otherwise I wouldn't have let Sirius drag me away from work to come and visit you. No offense, little cousin."

"None taken," Harry said. "I'm going to assume that whoever big these leads are, they aren't big enough to see you make any actual arrests."

"Got it in one," Tonsk said with a wink. "This is going to take time and effort, Harry, so it is important you have more patience than Lord Skullface over here."

"Hey!" Sirius complained. "That mask is cool!" He leaned over and playfully whispered. "Helped me bag Trainer Monthly's August centerfold. Should have seen what she was hiding under that jacket, Harry… don't worry, I took plenty of pictures."

"Still only 13," Harry reminded his godfather.

Sirius deflated at that. "I so can't wait for this to be over so I can talk to Remus. At least he is old enough for me to share dirty pictures with."

Tonks rolled her eyes. "Could we?"

"By all means, colorful hair before beauty."

Tonks stopped at one page and nodded to herself. "Ok, so the problem with this investigation is that the Aurors at the time were looking in all the wrong places. They thought Peter Pettigrew was the guilty party and that Sirius was dead, so they focused all their attention on how Peter got onto Little Surrey. The boat Sirius and him used, what his actions were the day before your parents' murder, his finances, the whole works. Really good detective work save for the fact that it is all focused on a victim.

"Now, this is good and bad news. The good news is that since we know Peter is innocent, we have plenty of things to look over that the Aurors never did. If he was the guilty party and had faked his death or something-"

"Which is stupid and clichéd," Sirius grunted in annoyance. "Seriously, faking your own death is so hackneyed."

"-then we'd be chasing the same leads the Aurors were and would be in for a real mess."

"Ok," Harry said, "what's the bad news?"

Tonks grimaced. "The bad news is that the good news would be wonderful... if this were 1981."

"Basically we're dealing with evidence that should have been collected a decade ago," Sirius said with a sigh. "Eyewitnesses who are either dead or haven't thought about that night in years, evidence that has been lost by the Aurors or to the ravages of time..."

"So we're bloody well screwed?" Harry asked with a groan.

Sirius shook his head. "Now we didn't say that."

Tonks nodded, clicking a few keys on her dex. "There is one major piece of information that is really helping us out: our Nocturne grunt is a Pokemagnus."

Harry grinned at that. "Oh yeah... do you think he's on the official registry?" He'd learned from Remus that pokemagnuses had to register with the Elite Four, the Council of Gym Leaders, and the Prime Minister's office once they fully mastered the ability. The failure to do so would result in penalties, fines, and possible jail time. Remus had said it was because too many people out there would be willing to use their pokemagnus abilities to commit crimes and thus Avalon wanted records of all those capable of the Art.

The boy instantly deflated as he thought over that fact.

"And a Nocturne grunt would naturally not register," he muttered in defeat.

"Yeah," Tonks said.

Sirius nodded. "Hell, I'm not even registered, kiddo. Your dad and Remus and Peter weren't either. Remus might now be, considering he is all legit and stuff, but the rest of us never bothered. Was a fun secret between the four of us." Sirius wagged his finger at Harry. "And once Remus gets you trained you are to put off registering until this is settled… I'll talk him out of making you a decent and law-abiding citizen. My sacred duty as your revolutionist godfather."

Tonks rolled her eyes. "But lucky for us we can use that to our advantage."

Harry frowned, not quite getting what Tonks was getting at. "What do you mean?"

"None of us were registered, Harry," Sirius said. "No one knew about me and Padfoot or James and Prongs or Remus and Zorua…"

"...so how did the grunt know that Peter was a Raticate pokemagnus!" Harry exclaimed, his depression evaporating in an instant.

"Exactly!" Tonks said, slapping Harry on the back. "That narrows down the field considerably."

"And we have a way to narrow it down even more," Sirius said with a grin.

"How?" Harry said, leaning forward in excitement.

"Minnie... Prof. McGonagall... for her 5th years she performs a test to determine if they have the potential to become Pokemagnuses. She keeps the results a secret and only lets each person know their own results. That's what inspired us Marauders to actually try and become pokemagnus."

Tonks took up the tale. "Prof. McGonagall doesn't throw anything away. I once got detention with her and she had me help her file away paperwork for students that had graduated back in 1983! She keeps every scrap and every test."

"Including the pokemagnus results," Sirius said, rubbing his hands together. "We get those and we can begin crossing off a ton of suspects' names from our list!"

Harry was practically bouncing up and down in his chair. "How are we going to get them? Are you going to get a warrant or something?"

Tonks however shook her head. "Sorry but no, Harry. Again, we can't risk letting anyone know about this, even Prof. McGonagall."

"Yeah, I guess you are right," Harry said, chewing on his lower lip. "So, how do we get to the files then?"

Sirius' face split into a smile so wide it was a wonder he didn't hurt himself. "Pronglet, I am the King of Pranks... and I am thinking of one that is going to have the entire school talking... and give you plenty of time to do the deed." The Lord of Sevii wrapped an arm around his godson. "What do you say... wanna help us rob Hogwarts?"

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Notes: So, this was a fun chapter to write. First, I loved having Harry's Pokémon interact with each other and see how all their relationships are. Eevee, Togetic, Ludwig, Dobby, Hedwig and Zygarde are an interesting group and very fun to write for. Also love using them to provide some humor. Tonks is also fun to have around Sirius and Harry… as is the fact that we get to have Sirius and Harry actually spend a serious amount of time together bonding and getting to know each other. From what I've researched they never really got all that much time to be together before Sirius passed (at least we aren't shown it) so I knew right away that I wanted to really develop their relationships.

Next chapter sees Sirius, Tonks and Harry try and rob Hogwarts… its gonna be fun.


	12. The Great Hogwarts Robbery

"You ok, Harry?" Katie Bell asked, playfully nudging the boy's shoulder with her own.

"Don't tell us you're getting all flustered," Fred said with a teasing grin. "It isn't THAT big of a match..."

"Not according to our fearless leader, oh brother of mine," George said from where he sat, one foot resting on the bench opposite him as he relaced his boots.

"That is true, oh most noble and brilliant of brothers," Fred said. "Our daring captain sees this as his final chance to shine."

"Even though this is the first game of the year."

"Ah, but it is the beginning of the end."

"Or the end of the beginning."

"Or perhaps the middle of the middle," Fred said with a smirk as he ran his fingers through his hair and checked over his jacket, smirking as he played with the cuffs. Harry had learned from Ron that Fred and George had spent the summer doing all manner of odd jobs for not just their father and the gym but anyone in Tor Town. They had painted the Tor Tauros' Gift Shop (they'd done that before but this time it was by request), led tours through the forest (and didn't abandon their charges claiming they could catch a rare Snipe Pokémon) and even done a stint as janitors cleaning up the sides of Route 2 (Ginny had said that half the stuff there had been thrown by the boys). Mrs. Weasley had been tickled pink that her normally slacker sons were actually dedicating themselves to finding jobs and working hard. Her joy might have lessened had she known that the boys had wanted the money in order to buy new pranking gear and gadgets for Hogwarts. No one, not even Mr. Weasley had the heart or courage to ruin her fantasy.

Most of their Pokedollars had gone into the twins' new Trainer Jackets. Looking, at first, like the standard Gryffindor red and gold jackets most students wore, Harry had quickly learned that the garments were full of different devices and hidden surprises. The twins of course weren't about to reveal everything they had up their sleeves (literally) but they had shown Oliver and the rest of the Gauntlet team one feature. The jackets were almost exactly similar, except that on the back of Fred's was the image of a Plusle and on George's a Minun. A touch of a button on their cuff altered this though, changing the design to that of the other brother's. Fred and George had boasted that along with the hidden comm devices in the collars, they could now confuse their opponents by making it look like they were in four different places at once.

Harry had thought that Oliver might throw a fit about this, feeling that it was cheating or unsportsmanlike even if such trickery wasn't against the rules. He quickly learned how wrong that thought was when Oliver delivered an overly dramatic speech their first meeting, explaining how this was his last chance to achieve glory and he wouldn't let it slip out of his fingers. He told the entire team that they were going to do everything and anything legal to secure their wins. Oliver had pointed to Fred and George and commended them for their thinking outside of the box, circle or trapezoid... whatever it was didn't matter. He'd even encouraged the rest of the team to act more like the twins!

When Harry had privately asked why Oliver was so stressed Katie had pointed out that this was Oliver's last year at Hogwarts and that meant that in less than ten months he'd be eligible to try out for one of the professional Gauntlet teams. She'd explained that an amazing showing this year could let Oliver leap frog through the different minor leagues and farm teams, giving him a better shot at one of the major franchises.

That knowledge had made Harry doubt Sirius' plot and he'd even begun to debate calling the whole thing off. It was one thing to prank the entire student body in the name of their goals; ruining Oliver's chances at snagging his dream job was something completely different. In the end though Harry and Sirius had talked it out and worked out how to alter the plan just enough to that Oliver and the rest of Harry's teammates wouldn't be screwed over by their prank. Tonks, upon seeing their revised plan, had commented that the new plan might actually help them out more than the old one had. Harry still had some doubts but trusted Tonks' reasoning and had agreed that the heist was back on.

Harry shook his head, trying to get his brain back on the original path it had been on before he'd allowed it to wander. It was hard to focus on the match, however, even though he knew that he should. It wouldn't do any of them any good if he weren't focused.

"All set, Harry?" Oliver asked.

"Yeah," Harry said, flashing what he hoped was a confident smile. He reached over and itched Eevee under his chin. He'd already spoken with his Pokémon about the plan and all of them were ready to do their part. It would take careful timing on all their parts but, if done right, by the end of the day they would have the pokemagnus files and be one step closer to discovering just who the traitor was that had kept Harry and Sirius apart for over a decade. "I'm ready."

~MC~MC~MC~

"...and as our Runners, Harry Potter for Team Gryffindor and Draco Malfoy for Team Slytherin!"

Tuning out the roar of the crowd, Harry looked across the top of the Gauntlet arena, catching Draco's eye. The blond just glared right back, lip curled up and nose made to look at the pointier by his sneer. Even though the scion of House Malfoy had been less than stellar the year before Draco had been allowed to keep his spot on the team. Slytherin had only managing to beat Ravenclaw via Draco while Slytherin's win against Hufflepuff because of the efforts of the rest of the team stalling Claws' Runner so neither side could reach the end. Harry knew the main reason Slytherin, which had plenty of decent players who could play Runner, kept the blond on the team was that Lucius Malfoy was buttering them up with 'donations'. He could tell even across the Gauntlet arena that every member of the Slytherin team was sporting a new Gauntlet jacket.

Pushing thoughts of Malfoy and his father out of his head, Harry looked over at the crowd, smiling when he spotted Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Remus right up front, cheering him on. Remus has scoffed at the idea of being impartial when it'd been brought up during a staff meeting, pointing out that Prof. Snape, while not one for cheering, did nothing to make himself appear to be 'neutral' and neither would he. The headmaster had, in his own grandfatherly way, tried to scold Remus into not cheering for Harry but the Defense Professor had countered that other teachers, like Prof. Vector, cheered for their old Houses and they didn't even call one of the Gauntlet players their family. Remus had delighted in telling Harry how the old man had finally shook his head and, with a good natured smile, asked Remus to cheer twice... once for himself and once for the headmaster.

Remus was wearing his normal white coat but had forgone his normal dress shirt and instead slipped on a Gryffindor jersey from his own days as a student; he hadn't played himself but he had been a sub for James. Ron and Ginny were screaming up a storm, trying to out-bellow the rest of Hogwarts. For them it was a wonderful trifecta: the twins and Harry all battling it out for the glory of Gryffindor against the detested Slytherins. Ginny, Harry had found out, was nearly as big of a fan of the Gauntlet matches as Ron. The only real difference was that, unlike her brother, Ginny was of the opinion that the Tor Town Tauros Team would never win anything. She preferred the all female Gaiwan City Mandibuzzes, much to Ron's disgust. Neville, for his part, merely sat in his seat with Flora, calling out encouragement when the rest of the school was yelling their heads off.

Harry tilted his head slightly and couldn't help but smile as he spotted Hermione and Luna. Things were slowly getting back to normal between him and his bushy-haired friend. They weren't as close as they had once been but Hermione had been trying hard to not pester him and to make up for her mistakes from 2nd year. That, combined with her finally convincing Luna that smacking him with her cane wasn't the smartest thing to do, had gone a long way to see Harry begin the tentative moves to repairing their relationship.

Of course, Harry understood that he might never be Hermione's best friend again... not because she didn't want him to be but because someone else had taken his place. Despite how Hermione might have acted at times it was clear to everyone that she and Luna had formed a special bond. Both were only children and found it wonderful to have a big/little sister to hang out with. Luna, for as silly and insane as she was, had a bit of hero worship when it came to Hermione; the blonde had once admitted to Harry that Hermione proved you could be both brave and smart, something Luna had worried about when she'd transferred into Gryffindor. As for Hermione, she saw in Luna someone who was able to enjoy school and revel in life and not have either world conflict with the other. The two brought out the best in each as well as pushed the other to move out of their comfort zones.

That was the reason why Harry wasn't too surprised to see Hermione wearing a duplicate of Luna's Gryffindor Hat. Created by the dreamy little blonde right before Harry's final Gauntlet match of 2nd year, the hat resembled a Arcanine's head with the girl's head sticking out of the open maw as if she had been swallowed feet first. Luna had been very proud of her hat and it was clear she had spent time during the summer improving upon it as well as making Hermione one. Several students let out yelps when Luna tugged on the hat's ear and two small jets of flames shot out of its nostrils.

Harry glanced at the arena they'd be playing in and smiled; it fit in perfectly with Sirius' plan. Based on the clay houses found in the desert region of Unova, the arena featured many tight houses with shared walls and doorways. One could enter into one home and emerge four doors down. There were also a few bridges that connected rooftop to rooftop, offering the teams chances to play on two different levels. The arena was also peculiar in the fact that rather than have both Runners race towards the same goal they had to make it to the opposite side. In this way the arena resembled a battlefield; namely the historical Battle of the Sands, in which the Northern Sand Witches and the Southern Desert Raiders had accidently stumbled upon the same village and ended up in a bloody battle that wiped both wicked tribes from the annuls of history.

Rubbing his hands together, Harry looked up at the weak afternoon sun. While the arena was designed to replica a desert setting the cool chill in the air made it feel like Harry had stumbled upon the village after some freak Ice Age. He looked over at Eevee, who was glancing about with eager delight, ears twitching slightly. His partner had grown to love the Gauntlet Matches just as much as Harry did and Eevee was always revved up to compete. Leaning down, Harry checked the Lucky Scarf Eevee wore before rising back up.

Harry had considered switching Eevee out with Ludwig, reasoning that the ghost's Invisibility Ability would be a huge asset, but in the end Harry had decided to stick to his normal Gauntlet strategy when it came to Pokémon. He had only not used Eevee once, back during his game against Hufflepuff during second year when his friend had come down with a nasty cold. Ludwig had been helpful then but Harry, not wanting anyone but his friends and the twins to know about Ludwig's ability, had decided to just use the flame ghost without any abilities coming into play. Gryffindor had managed to win but everyone had commented that the match would have gone better with Eevee, who shared a love for the game almost as strong as Harry's. To bench his partner now would draw too much attention and cause too my questions to be asked. Especially after everyone saw his new strategy for the match.

The starting buzzer sounded and Harry burst forward, Eevee running right beside him as they began to weave their way through the maze of houses.

~MC~MC~MC~

"What is Harry doing?" Ron said in exasperation. He watched as his friend, rather than make his way through the maze like he should have been doing, dart back and forth like mad. Ron's head kept snapping right then left then right again as he tried to track Harry's seemingly erratic movements. "Seriously, has he gone completely apples and pears?"

Ginny, however, rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Can't you see what he's doing?"

"Of course I can!" Ron complained. "He is running about like a bloody barmpot!"

"Mr. Weasley..." Remus said, his tone warning the boy to watch his language.

"You're the barmpot, you barmpot!" Ginny said, fighting the urge to smack her older brother upside the head. Neville merely shook his head and turned his attention back to the game.

"Ginny!" Luna said in shock, moving to sit behind the threesome, Hermione right beside her. "Did you catch the Hate Plague? Hermione, get the Matrix of Leadership quickly!"

"The... what?"

Luna held her head up high and Remus struggled to keep himself from laughing as the little blonde intoned, "I... am Lunimus Prime... and I send this message out to my fellow Autobots... till all are one."

Neville merely smiled at his friends. "I find it best to nod and not question things."

"Well said, Bumblebee!" Luna stated, patting him on the shoulder. "So, why is Ratchet hitting Warpath?"

Ginny, deciding to follow Neville's advice, shrugged. "I'm hitting him because he can't see a Laroque Technique if it bit him on the nose."

"A what?" Hermione asked in confusion.

Ginny puffed up, rather pleased that she had a chance to talk about something the 'oh so wise' Hermione had no clue about. "A Laroque Technique is when a Runner in a Gauntlet match doesn't act like a Runner at all." She pointed at Harry, who had stopped by one of the many flags that littered the arena and quickly grabbed it. "It can only be used when two teams are trying to reach the opposite ends of an arena. Draco is acting like a normal runner..." The youngsters looked down and watched as Draco and his Roggenrola ducked for cover, their forward momentum shifted to a snail's pace thanks to an ambush by the Gryffindors. "Because both teams basically have to cover the same ground, Harry has decided that rather than rush into Slytherin territory that it would be better for him to protect his side. He's setting every trap and blocking off every alternate route so even if Draco makes it through the rest of the Gryffindor squad he'll be caught up in Harry's traps."

"But Draco could still burst through and win the game!" Ron complained.

Neville shook his head, instantly understanding just what Ginny was getting at. "When a Runner crosses the line the match ends no matter how much time is left on the clock... but if neither Runner makes it then the match ends when times runs out and the scores are based on the flags captured by the team." A loud groan came up from the Slytherin side of the bleachers and the friends were able to quickly determine that the source of this pained outcry was that Draco had been forced to backtrack after Fred and George had rushed him, screaming their heads off while Plusle and Minun had joined in on the chaos-making, firing off stray bolts of lightning. Meanwhile, Oliver and Katie Bell were running around with the rest of the team, grabbing flags and scoring points. If Draco managed to break through he'd win the game easily for his team but it was clear from the way the boy was being pushed about the arena that he was becoming tired and frazzled. There was simply no way, once he entered into Harry's booby trapped section, that he'd be able to get to the other side. His mind just wouldn't be rested or focused enough to do so.

"I suggest we settle in," Remus said with a smile, his elbows resting on his thighs as he leaned forward a touch, "this could be a long one."

Harry's friends did just that and soon it became apparent that The Laroque Technique turned a Gauntlet Match into a completely different beast. Normally everyone would be glancing at the other members of the team but be focused on Harry, watching him and tracking his progress. But with Harry's current strategy the Gauntlet became less of a race and more a chess match. The back and forth between the two teams was impressive and suddenly the traps that had once been seen as minor nuisances became the main attraction. A sand pit sucked down one of the Slytherins and the Gryffindors screamed their heads off; a collapsing wall blocked Katie Bell from getting to a flag and it was the Snakes' turn to go nuts. The match ebbed and flowed and everyone was watching with excitement to see what new trap or plan would come into play.

It became clear early on in the match that Draco was going to be little more than entertainment. The Gryffindors had him panting and there was nothing he could do to catch his breath. His own team couldn't offer support because none of them realized that Harry wasn't attempting to make it to the finish line and thus they were focusing their attentions of setting up traps that would never be sprung... by Harry, at least. Draco had already fallen into a trap set by his own team and it wasn't helping the blond's attitude. Ron in particular forgot his annoyance at Harry's refusal to do his job, so busy was he laughing at Draco after the boy was sent flying thanks to hidden sand mine. The Prince of Slytherin ended up with his upper body buried in the sand and his legs kicking wildly in the air.

"Ok, I take it back, this is fun!" Ron said between chortles. He looked over at Hermione and frowned at the paleness in her checks and the faraway stare she was wearing. "Oh, come on, even you have to admit that this is funny! Look at Draco's legs."

The bushy haired girl's body snapped forward suddenly, as if she'd come out of a deep sleep, and she grabbed Luna's hand, squeezing it tight. "Hold on this is going to be bad."

Ginny whipped around and stared the older Gryffindor. "What are you-"

Her words died in her throat as a heavy fog descended upon them, blanketing the stands and the arena. Students began to murmur to themselves, some huddling closer together while other leapt up, prepared to fight if they suddenly found themselves caught in an ambush. Neville instantly climbed over his seat and placed himself on Luna's left while Hermione stood at the right and Ron and Ginny moved back to back.

"Emolga!" Ron called out.

"Pachirisu!" Ginny added.

"Flora!"

"Luna Jr!"

"Kirlia!"

Remus was on his feet, his Spinarak and Mooney both out and ready. "Everyone remain calm!" he called out, trying to urge caution. It felt like they'd been transported into a cloud and the Battle Professor strained his eyes in a vain attempt to peer through the fog and see what was going on. "Don't attack! You might hit one of your fellow students!" The cry was quickly taken up by the other professors and the students fell into an uneasy position of tense anticipation.

"What do we do?" Ron asked, swallowing nervously. The combination of the fog and having a spider-type Pokémon so close to him was making him all sorts of twitchy.

"We hold our ground and wait to see if this fog lifts..."

"Or if we are going to be attacked," Luna said, soundly rather pleasant despite the situation they found themselves in. "Now remember, if you see the Hound of the Baskerville it isn't really a ghost dog but a regular canine painted with glow-in-the-dark paint."

"Luna..." Neville said gently, "there isn't a-"

A piercing howl filling the air, making all of the students go ramrod straight.

"-I withdraw my complaint," Neville said.

Remus threw out a third Pokéball and Reuniclus popped out. "Find Harry and teleport him here now." The green cellular Pokémon focused for a moment before shaking his head. "The barrier," Remus cursed. In order to make Gauntlet matches fair anti-teleportation barriers were placed all over the arena, preventing a player from just bouncing about the battlefield and avoiding the other players and the traps. The only downside was that if you needed to get someone out quick you had to disable the barriers... and doing that could take quite a bit of time, especially if you couldn't see a foot in front of you face thanks to the fog.

"I hope Harry is smart and just stays put," Ginny said.

"I'm sure he is," Hermione said. "Only an idiot would keep walking around in this-"

"AAAAAAAAAAA!" Draco screamed.

"-fog," Hermione finished, rolling her eyes as Draco's voice, complaining he was caught in a shallow sand pit, wafted up to their ears.

~MC~MC~MC~

"You ok?" Sirius whispered as he helped Harry through the heavy emergency exit, the door groaning slightly as the two of them pushed it shut. The exits was a wonderful little secret within every Gauntlet arena. If there was a fire or a player needed medical attention rather than drop the anti-teleport barrier, which could take precious time, the system would automatically de-lock and reveal the many exits that lined the perimeter of the arena. Normally they were locked up tight and disguised so that they weren't visible to Gauntlet Players or the crowd.

The doors were no match for Sirius Black and his Pokémon.

"Nice job, Klefki," Sirius said, recalling the steel fairy once it had finished relocking the door. Harry glanced at Sirius and his godfather merely smiled. "Hagrid once let me carry some of his keys... I might have made a few copies..."

"You are a horrible person," Harry stated as Padfoot let out another howl. Several of Sirius' Dusknoirs were floating about, sending out waves of mild fear. Sirius assured Harry that at most people would feel the same tingling sensation one got when they were picking their nose and realized someone was right behind them; Harry didn't want to ask how Sirius knew what that felt like.

"And you are better?"

"Yes. Now, are we going to rob Hogwarts or what?"

Sirius nodded, motioning for Harry to lead the way. Eevee let out a yip and began to sniff the ground, locking onto the scent trail he needed and racing up the gently sloping hill towards the castle. Padfoot let out another ghostly howl before joining in on finding the scent trail. The fog slowly began to thin out as they got closer to its source but Harry and Sirius still remained cautious, knowing that could walk right into Dumbledore and not realize it until their noses were touching his. The only thing that would prevent that was their Pokémon so the two weren't going to let them leave their sights.

"Nice work, Nymphie," Sirius called out as he and Harry approached the Auror and her Castform, who was happily belching out the thick clouds of fog.

"Would you keep your voice down?" Tonks complained. "Not everyone went to the game and there might be a few people who decided to wander back up to the castle."

"Come on, let's live dangerously!" Sirius teased.

"We are breaking into McGonagall's office to steal private personal documents... I think we are living quite dangerously enough!"

Sirius rolled his eyes but still put on his skull mask while Tonks pulled out a makeup kit and began to debate just what she could do to her face to disguise herself. Harry, for his part, merely called on Ludwig and had him cast invisibility on all of them. "That is just cheating," Sirius mumbled as Tonks snapped the case shut and flashed Harry a thumbs up.

"You're just mad that you could never convince my mum to let you use her Litwick for pranking," Harry teased.

"I swear, Lily was born without a funny bone!"

"Quiet!" Tonks snapped, the three of them giving Castform a wave goodbye before heading up the rest of the way to the castle. "Alright, so it's not that I don't trust your little... candle... Harry, but I think I'll be overly cautious." Tonks quietly sent out Rotom, who happily zipped into the school's security system and happily began to shut down some devices while rerouting and looping others.

"Aw, but I wanted us to be all sneaky like, tiptoeing down corners and having to repel down elevator shafts!" When Harry and Tonks merely gave him a dry look Sirius pouted. "Party poopers, no cake for you. Padfoot." The black canine sniffed the ground and growled, nose pointing to their right. "Filch."

"Then left it is," Harry said, taking the lead as the three of them made their way to McGonagall's office.

"So... is it Ludwig?" Sirius asked.

"Huh?" Harry said.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Ludwig... is it him."

"What are you talking about?"

"Shh!" Tonks hissed.

"Which one of your Pokémon is going to be your Pokemagnus partner. Eevee? Ludwig?"

Tonks glared at Sirius. "First off, you can only be a Pokemagnus with a Pokémon that has a single evolution, so that rules both Eevee and Ludwig out... something you should know!"

Sirius shrugged, flashing her his best 'hey, I'm just a big kid' smile. "Truth be told, Remus was in charge of the prep work. James and I spent most of our time trying to figure out how to attach a camera to Wormtail's back so he could-"

"I don't even want to know," Tonks huffed.

"It's not what you think!" Sirius complained. "We wanted to see up girls' skirts."

Harry snorted and Tonks gave Sirius a foul look. "That is exactly what I was thinking."

"It was? Nice to know you have a filthy, perverted mind, Nymphie."

"What was number two?" Harry asked as they came to a stop at McGonagall's door. Sirius bent down and called out Klefki, letting the steel fairy work while Ludwig, Eevee and Padfoot kept watch. "You said 'Two things'..."

"Second, you both need to keep quiet before we get caught."

"You're the one being loud, Nymphie," Sirius said, the door swinging open without even a squeak of the hinges. "Alright, let's find that file and get out of here."

"Where are we looking?" Harry asked.

"Minnie is old school," Sirius said. "No electronic documents for her." His hands lightly caressed one of the file cabinets like it was a long lost lover. "Nope... nothing but hardcopy."

"She'll have them all together, sorted by date," Tonks said, opening up another drawer and thumbing her way through. "Of course, she also keeps almost every memo and document she gets, so we might be here a while."

"We just have to think it through," Harry stated, looking over the room. "She gets a new file every year and she keeps them together. That means we are looking for a whole drawer by itself... one that isn't close to her desk, because she would want to use those for documents she needs to get out and check regularly, but it wouldn't be hard to get too because she needs to add a new file each year."

"Look at little Sherlock!" Sirius said proudly. "He gets that from me."

"Sure he does," Tonks said, rolling her eyes. It was a wonder, with how many times she did it, that her eyeballs hadn't popped out of her skull from overuse.

"These ones," Harry said, finally select a set of filing drawers that were towards the back of McGonagall's office. "Just enough dust-"

"Ok, ok, we get it, pup!" Sirius said with a laugh. "Now open it up!" The Lord of Sevii rubbed his hands together in delight as Harry slid the drawer open. Sirius pumped his fist in the air as he saw the main neatly lined up folders, each one marked 'Pokemagnus Results'. Sirius grabbed Harry's shoulder and began to shake his godson hard. "You did it, pup! You did it!"

"Indeed he did." Tonks, Harry and Sirius all went ramrod still as Minerva McGonagall's voice rang out behind them. "Now then, Mr. Potter... imagine my surprise to find not only you buy Miss Tonks, who really should be at her job rather than acting like a common criminal, sulking around my office with a strange man-"

"Not so strange, Minnie," Sirius said, slowly turned around, pulling his mask off as he did so. "Surprise?"

Prof. McGonagall just stared at Sirius and then, with utter calm, shut and locked the door to her office, walked over to her desk, and pulled out a bottle of Cinnawood Whiskey. The professor pursed her lips, looked Sirius up and down... and then poured herself, Sirius and Tonks a drink.

"Explain... now."

* * *

Author's Notes: So, this was a long, fun chapter to write. We got some good interaction with the group, a few great Luna moments, and got to see more of Tonks, Harry and Sirius working as a team. I know some of you thought it would be wacky hijinx, the three commiting the robbery, but I thought it would be more interesting to see that, despite their goofiness, the three of them could work as a great team. And they pulled it off... except McGonagall now knows.


	13. The First Flight

Harry's shoulders rose as he took a breath. He held them for a second before letting them slump back down. "Stop that," Remus said from somewhere in the darkness. Harry scowled at that, which just caused his guardian to chuckle all the more at his petulant attitude. "There's no use in trying to hide anything, Harry... I'm not the one who's blind."

"I wouldn't be either if you'd let me have a pair of night vision goggles... or turned on the lights."

"Hush," Remus said from somewhere to Harry's left; he wanted so badly to turn his head towards the man but knew that he'd only get another quippy rebuke for his troubles. "Tune out everything else." Harry took another breath, back ramrod straight. "And stop forcing it! Relax and let go!"

Harry fought against every instinct he had not to make one of the hundred jokes that were on the tip of his tongue; nearly half involved equating Remus' comment to a bowel movement. He knew that doing so would only lead to problems, mostly because the voice in his head whispering those jokes sounded suspiciously like Sirius... and if he could tell they were something his godfather would say then Remus would certainly realize it as well.

It had only been through Prof. McGonagall's good graces that the massive secret that currently floated over Harry like a thundercloud remained hidden from the rest of the world. It had taken pleading, a whole lot of questions/answers, and just a bit of outright begging to convince the stern head of Gryffindor not to spill the beans.

The entire conversation had been heart wrenching. The deputy headmistress had listened intently as Sirius described what happened that night, schooling her features and forcing herself to remain steady even as Sirius discussed the death of Harry's parents. It had affected all of them, even Sirius who had lived through that horrible night, but McGonagall had managed to control herself... at first. Her iron will gave out when Sirius told her of Peter's noble sacrifice.

"I spent so long thinking the worst of him... oh Peter..." McGonagall had cried over her lost student and the many hours she had spent cursing his name when he above all deserved honor and praise.

Things only got worse as Sirius had described his 6 years in Sevii. He had not held back, telling his former Head of House all about the depression and pain and guilt that had nearly driven him mad. McGonagall had clasped his larger hand in her own and squeezed, offering comfort; in that moment Sirius had stopped being the Lord of Sevii and had become once more a little first year out on his own for the first time and looking for guidance. She'd been there when he'd sought a way out from under his parent's long shadow and in her office she'd been there for him again.

Prof. McGonagall's thoughts on Sirius' time with the Sons of Johto were harder to gauge. While she had been happy that Sirius had managed to return the world, even if it weren't Avalon itself, the fact that he had worked closely with Jack and Jonas... to the point that he could call them his brothers... did little to soothe the professor's battered emotions. Sirius had tried to gloss over his time but McGonagall, showcasing the bravery that her house was known for, had refused to let him take the easy route and spare her.

"Did you kill?" she had asked him.

"Yes," Sirius had said, his voice firm and without any hint of remorse or guilt. "The Sons taught me that sometimes one must put aside their misgivings about the sanctity of life. The Reaper demands lives and if you do not wish for him to visit those you love you must be another to put in their place." He had looked at the Professor square in the eye and had refused to back down. "My greatest regret is that I did not learn that lesson sooner."

McGonagall had remained quiet but it had been clear to Harry that she'd been most displeased by Sirius' answer. He'd later researched the war in Avalon and found that the Order of Moltres, which had stood against Team Nocturne and included many of the Hogwarts professors, the Marauders and Harry's parents, had refused to take the final option when it came to the war. Prof. Dumbledore, Harry had learned from Sirius when he'd pushed him on the issue, had claimed that to kill would make them as bad as their enemies.

"Jack had a response to that, the first time I told him of Dumbles' theory," Sirius had said, shaking his head as he'd thought back on the rough and determined Johtoan. "He looked me right in the eye and said, "There would be one key difference boyo: we're still alive"." Harry had been repulsed by the flippantness of that but Sirius' next words cut through any counterargument he might have held. "He also pointed out that Team Nocturne only lost when your mum decided she'd rather kill Voldemort than stand by and see if hoping really hard would save you." Sirius had placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and smiled weakly. "I get it Harry... I really do. And no one is asking you to run out and begin shooting Team Nocturne members in the face. Dumbledore believes that if we retaliate like that it will only lead to escalation... the problem is that if you don't draw a line in the sand then there is nothing to PREVENT your enemy from escalating things anyway."

Harry didn't know if Prof. McGonagall would have bought into those claims; Sirius didn't think so because he didn't try to even justify himself to her. He merely laid out all their cards: there was a traitor whose identity was hidden... there was a good chance that whoever it may have been was part of the Order of Moltres or at least knew of them... the attack on the Potters, Peter and himself had been personal... and the traitor was cunning. Sirius pleaded with Prof. McGonagall and, in the end, she had agreed to keep their secret... at the moment.

"I won't stay silent forever, Mr. Black," McGonagall had said, using Sirius' name like he was once more one of her students. "You best have results soon or else I'll end this farce of yours."

That was why Harry was able to spend time with Remus the last two months working on his Pokemagnus skills rather than trying to explain to his guardian why he hadn't informed him about Sirius' status as one of the living.

"Focus, Harry," Remus teased somewhere in the darkness, forcing Harry to turn his attention back on the task at hand. "Come on, you know she is here... you have to pinpoint her."

Harry took deep calming breaths, willing himself not to notice how cold the stone floor he was sitting on was or how his one sock felt like it was twisted a bit too much. Instead he turned all his energies and focus on finding Hedwig, who was sitting somewhere in the darkness, watching and waiting for him.

It had come as a bit of a surprise to Harry when Remus and he had discovered that of all his Pokémon Hedwig was the path of least resistance when it came to becoming a Pokemagnus. Harry at first worried that it was all a matter of him grasping onto his only viable option; one couldn't merge with a Pokémon that had more than one evolution or had already evolved or never would. That left Hedwig and Harry had expressed his concerns to Remus that he was subconsciously drawn to her because he wanted to rush through the training. Remus had assured him that the first test, which saw Harry going into a trance-like state and letting Dobby and Reuniclus scan his mind and see if there was a bond between him and one of his Pokémon strong enough for a merging, was foolproof. He'd explained that one couldn't 'cheat' when it came to that test and offered to have Prof. McGonagall do another scan herself. Harry, not wanting to be alone with Remus and McGonagall as it would be tempting fate, had accepted his good luck that he'd already caught a Pokémon he could bond with and begun the long process of becoming a Pokemagnus.

Of course, Harry hadn't realized just how annoying and painful it could be.

"In order to bond with Hedwig both you and her need to be able to connect in such a way that you already feel as if the two of you are halves of a greater whole." That was what Remus had said. While it was normal for some Pokemagnuses to use a DNA Splicer to help speed along the process, Remus frowned on such shortcuts. The Marauders hadn't gone that route... mostly because, Remus as admitted, they hadn't been able to get their hands on a Splicer. Still, Remus believed that the natural way was the better way. By only using one's own willpower and determination they were able to form a much stronger bond with their fusion partner and thus strengthen their combined form far beyond what one could achieve if they simply used a Splicer to get the same results. Harry had, at first, agreed with Remus' reasoning and happily dove into the many exercises and tests that Remus set up for him and Hedwig. However as time wore on Harry found his patience beginning to dry up and his desire to just get everything figured out and solved grew each day. Remus wasn't blind to these issues but instead of offering Harry token words such as 'you'll get it' or 'you are doing well' the newest Hogwarts professor had pushed him to work hard and break through the wall he found himself slamming into.

Harry fought a scowl that threatened to bloom across his lips and instead focused on trying to find Hedwig. Remus claimed that even though Zorua wasn't a psychic type the two of them were able to focus upon each other even in the most crowded and busiest of places. To achieve such a bond was the goal and thus why Harry found himself sitting cross-legged in the middle of the pitch black classroom, trying to figure out just where Hedwig was. According to Remus the ability to 'sense' where one's Pokémon was located was the first step towards an iron-strong bond.

_"First you feel where they are. You must develop this, until you know where they stand just as you know where your hand is. They must be like a limb, always there even if you aren't focused upon them. Then you delve deeper, till their eyes are your eyes and you can see and hear what they do. Pushing further is the blending, when man and Pokémon become one and the same and the power of both lends towards a Pokemagnus evolution. For some it can go quick; Sirius and Padfoot were able to move from Stage 2 to Stage 3 within days. Your father, on the other hand, needed weeks to move from Stage 1 to Stage 2. There isn't any real reason for it, as your father and Prongs were just as close as Sirius was to Padfoot or I am to Mooney. It's just the way life is."_

Harry's eyes flicked behind his eyes. He hated these moments, when he waivered on the edge of failure and success. He'd first successfully located Hedwig a week earlier but Remus continued to push Harry, stating that the exercises were no different from lifting weights; continued performance would strengthen the 'muscle'. Harry had seen Remus' point when he'd failed the next two days to replicate his success. His guardian had merely pushed him onward, telling the boy to not think it was mere luck that had allowed him to succeed the first time.

Something tickled his brain. It was similar to the sensation he felt just before he Spoke to a Pokémon... not quite the same but close enough that it didn't throw him off. Rather than give into the instinct that screamed for him to focus on the feeling he relaxed and allowed the tingle to develop and grow naturally. His hand slowly rose up and he pointed to his right, his mind's eye able to clearly see Hedwig.

"There... she is on a chair... no, a table. Standing on her right leg."

Hedwig hooted in approval and flew towards Harry, the boy hugging the bird close while Remus clapped his hands. The lights slowly came on, muted and dim so not to blow out Harry's eyes. "Well done, Harry, well done! You still have some issues with beginning the exercise but once you get into the rhythm you are perfect!" Harry smiled; that was Remus' style, to offer good cheer that wrapped up the negative. "Oh!" Remus looked down at his watch. "Harry, I have to take care of something real quick... you can cut the lesson short-"

"I'll just wait here," Harry said, rubbing Hedwig's head. "I'll practice some of the silent command exercises you had us running through last week."

"Sounds good to me!" Remus said, ruffling the boy's messy mop of hair before hurrying out the door.

"He sure left fast," Harry said to Hedwig. The Hoothoot looked at him for a moment before bobbing forward, poking at his lips with her beak. "Hey!" Harry said with a laugh, leaning away from the snowy white Pokémon. "None of that, ok girl?" Hedwig let out a hoot and once more tapped Harry's lips. "Come on, I said stop it!" Harry smiled but his good humor quickly faded away as Hedwig continued to jab at his mouth. "What are you doing?"

Hedwig let out a snort, wings flapping as she bobbed towards him. Harry's brow furrowed; it was clear that Hedwig was trying to tell him something but whatever messenger she was trying to convey was lost in translation. Once more Harry wished Remus would let him attempt Speaking. He knew that it was dangerous but he figured that if he took it slow and did not overexert himself he'd be able to communicate with his Pokémon without hemorrhaging his brain.

An idea flickered in Harry's mind. "Do... do you want me to Speak with you?"

"Hoot!": Hedwig declared in delight.

"I'm sorry girl but Remus said I-" Hedwig lunged forward and bopped his mouth with her beak once more. "Hedwig!" The albino Hoothoot refused to back down, choosing instead to keep gesturing at him in hopes he'd cave him. "You know I can't- stop that! I'm not going to... ok, that was a bit too hard... I am- THAT'S IT!" Harry locked eyes with Hedwig, the room fading away into darkness as he connected with his newest Pokémon. "There, happy?"

"Very much so!" Hedwig said. Harry was a touch surprised; rather than the normal Avalon accent that all his other Pokémon used Hedwig apparently 'spoke' with the same Northern brogue that Prof. McGonagall favored. "About time you got it through that ruddy head of yours to stop holding back!"

"I'm not holding back!" Harry argued. "I promised Remus not to Speak until he found me a teacher!"

"...otherwise known as holding back," Hedwig stated. Though it was impossible, due to the beak, Harry got the impression that Hedwig was smiling at him... and it wasn't a happy, I-have-faith-in-you smile. "You might buy into that excuse but I see it for the rubbish it is! I've talked to the others and they all agree you have a handle on Speaking. The only reason it hurt when you were doing it to Zygrade was because he was fighting you. That should prove you are a natural... only someone skilled at Speaking could force a Legendary to listen"

"It's still dangerous," Harry said stubbornly.

"And that is still a piss poor excuse!" Hedwig shot back. "You put yourself in danger every other bloody week!" She shook her head. "Worse, it's hurting ya when it comes to us bonding!" At Harry's confused look Hedwig rolled her eyes. "Speaking, Pokemagnus, Elemental Bonding, Dream Walking... they are all playing the same song but with different instruments. When you try repress one you repress them all!"

"You're saying if I... Speak more... it will help us with our exercises?"

"I'm saying if you and I actually talk and you listen we won't need the ruddy exercises!" Hedwig complained. "The only reason folks like Remus Lupin need those exercises is because they aren't as talented as you! Bloody hell, you are savant, Harry! Stop putting a leash on yourself!" Hedwig, seeing that Harry was still not accepting her words, clicked her beak. "What, you need proof? Fine... the next Stage is the blending of senses, right? Well, keep focused on me as you pull out of Speaking, alright?"

Harry pursed his lips but did what Hedwig said. The world began to return to focus but Harry ignored it, doing as Hedwig asked and keeping his attention on her. He was startled when he felt a slight pull and mentally reached out and grabbed the, for lack of a better word, tether that formed. Harry felt himself being yanked and when he opened his eyes he was staring at himself.

"Bloody hell," Harry said, his body's lips mouthing. There was a strange echo as both his physical form and Hedwig's heard the comment. 'Wicked,' he thought.

'Indeed,' Hedwig said. 'I've seen myself in a mirror but I am quite gorgeous, aren't I?' Harry watched as his own head tilted to the side and flashed a rather lecherous grin.

'Narcissist,' Harry thought to her. He focused on just moving Hedwig's wings and found himself able to achieve a bit of control. 'Guess we need to practice that.'

'Right,' Hedwig said. She herself was playing around with Harry's fingers. 'If we want to be able to fully bond we have to be in complete sync; to do that you need to learn each other's bodies.'

'How do we do that?' Harry thought to her.

'We start with you letting me in control!' Hedwig launched up in the air and Harry couldn't help but laugh as he felt what it was like to fly. He could hear Hedwig chuckling as she looped about the room, diving down only to pull up at the last moment and soar above a desk or a chair. Harry found it an utterly surreal experience, as he could feel the ground under his bum and his jacket on his shoulders and knew that he was safely sitting on the ground. And yet he was also rocking about the classroom on white wings, his keen eyes picking up details he might have normally missed. 'You want to get a bit more daring? Or you want to play around with your body a bit?' Hedwig asked, settling down on a chair.

'You make it sound rather dirty when you say that.'

'I am a naughty girl," Hedwig fired back.

'Let's stick with you for the time being,' Harry said, any thoughts of caution tossed aside due to the adrenaline that was now pumping through Hedwig's, and thus his, body.

'Open the window,' Hedwig said. Harry nodded and felt his focus shift a bit to his body, allowing him to stand up. He heard Hedwig let out a peel of laughter and he glanced over at her. 'Sorry... really weird to be standing on two feet.'

'Yeah, for you it would be,' Harry answered before he opened the window and took a seat. He rolled his shoulders as Hedwig did the same with her body. 'Alright... let's live dangerously.'

'Oh Harry... I can't wait for you to realize that this... isn't even close to living dangerous!' Hedwig dove out the window and Harry was suddenly hit by the cool air and the dying November sunlight. Hedwig began to spin and twist and perform all manner of aerial maneuvers and Harry gasped and laughed and cheered as she did so. He'd never felt anything quite like it and wondered how he'd ever managed to live without experiencing the joy that was flying. The world seemed bigger and with Hedwig's keen eyesight everything was in sharper clarity. He could see Dean moving past the window of the Gryffindor Tour and Oliver pacing the Gauntlet field and a few Hufflepuffs gathered out in the chilly air, seeking out the privacy the cool night provided. 'Oh, what do we have here...'

Harry and Hedwig focused on a small figure walking along the shore, his long gait allowing him to move quickly away from the castle. Harry instantly realized it was Remus and he smiled at the thought of surprising his guardian. Their aerial maneuvers ceased and Harry and Hedwig flew on quiet wings towards Remus, who finally came to a stop at a large, rundown shack. Harry had heard about the Shrieking Shack... students claimed it was haunted or that it held the grave of Merlin himself or that it was really a secret doorway that led to a magical world filled with talking Pyroars who would give magical weapons to children (that was Luna's theory). Remus had warned Harry never to go near the Shrieking Shack; not because of any of the rumors about what lay inside but because of the dangerous just outside its door.

'Sudowoodo,' Hedwig said, looking down that the rock type Pokémon that was pretending to be a tree.

'Remus said that most kids call him Whomper, due to his habit of cracking intruders on the head and then tossing them into the lake.' Harry paused. 'Let's keep our distance.'

Hedwig nodded and settled down on a nearby branch, making sure that she was hidden enough so that Remus wouldn't see her if he looked up. Right foot gripping the branch, Hedwig bobbed slightly, keen eyes making it seem to Harry as if it were the middle of the day. He watched as Remus waited near the Shack, Whomper leaving him be for some reason; Harry reasoned it was because Remus was a professor and thus allowed to go where he wished.

They didn't have to wait long before a second figure joined Remus. To Harry's utter surprise it was Prof. Snape! The Head of Slytherin looked at Remus, scowling, refusing to say anything; it was clear that he wanted Remus to start and the Defense Professor didn't disappoint.

"Did you look over the files I gave you?" Remus asked. Though he was speaking quietly Hedwig's ears were able to hear every word loud and clear.

"Don't be a dunce, Lupin," Snape grumbled. "I wouldn't have bothered coming if I hadn't."

Remus didn't take any offense to Snape's tone. "Then you have come to the same conclusion I have?"

Snape pursed his lips. "The records were shoddily written and the detectives investigating were either stupid or in league with our mutual enemy."

"But you've come to the same conclusion?"

"Yes," Snape said forcefully. His anger threatened to bubble forth; Harry had seen the same furrow of the brow and narrowing of the eyes when a Gryffindor did something very stupid and brought the wrath of the potions professor down to bare upon them. "Black is alive."

'What?' Harry said in shock.

'Shhhh!' Hedwig snapped.

"That piece of filth..." Remus gripped his hand together tightly, his knuckles going bone white. "Should have killed him the moment I laid eyes on him."

"He cost us both much but it does little good to wish we could change the past." Harry was too horrified to move, Remus' desire to murder Sirius nearly causing him to fall from Hedwig's body and sever the connection. "Has he gotten to Potter?"

"No, not that I can tell," Remus stated and Harry was at least relieved that Remus didn't know the truth. That relief was short-lived, as Remus' next words cut him to the core. "We have to find him. We have to find him and slit his throat! He can't be allowed anywhere near Harry."

"Don't let your emotions for the boy cloud your judgment," Snape told him sternly. "It does us no good if you allow your love for the child to affect what we have worked so hard towards."

"That's funny, coming from you," Remus said with a slight smile.

"I have done well to repress my true desires," Snape said, "and you should do the same. I warned you it was unwise-"

"Yes yes," Remus said, cutting Snape off. Harry couldn't decide if he wanted to know exactly what Remus was going to say. Taking a calming breath Remus continued. "You are right. The two of us have been working hard since that Halloween to fix things... it won't do me any good to get emotional now."

Snape nodded. "We both keep an eye on the boy and if Black looks to be getting too close to him we do what we must to remove the threat."

'We need to go," Hedwig whispered as Remus and Snape turned back to the castle. Harry dumbly nodded, his mind a thousand miles away.

Remus was in league with Snape.

They knew Sirius was alive.

They wanted Sirius dead.

Remus... was his enemy.

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Note: I can feel the pitchforks and the torches coming out. And yes, if I were the one reading this instead of writing it… I'd be pissed too. But remember, there are still many chapters to go. Trust me… just wait and see what I have planned. Everything will make sense by the end and, I hope, you will all love what I have in store.

This chapter was my first chance to really explore Pokemagnus transformations. We have now seen it is similar to Speaking… and Hedwig stated that all the arts are linked. Keep that in mind… and keep in mind that Harry, while he is doing a bit of Speaking… is nowhere near the level of the Speaking Masters.


	14. Firebolt

Harry glared at the cackling image of his godfather, his eyes narrowed to near slits and his jaw clenched so hard it was a wonder he didn't snap something. It was one thing to be laughed at when he was trying to be utterly serious; it was another to not be able to physically reach over and smack the mutt upside the head. Harry once more cursed the fact that Sirius was in the southern section of Avalon while he was trapped in Hogwarts, a foot of snow making it even more impossible for him to hitchhike and find his hysterical godfather.

If Sirius cared a lick about his godson's impotent anger he didn't show it. He was too busy doubling over, his face beet read as he guffawed at Harry's news.

"Are you done yet?" Harry said, his voice sounding suspiciously like Prof. Snape's after Ron had once managed to melt three mixing bowls during a single class.

"Yeah... yeah, I think so." Sirius took a deep breath and sighed. "Nope... I was wrong!" He threw his head back and let loose a peel of laughter so loud Harry had to dial the volume on his dex back a few clicks lest he alert his roommates.

"Sirius!" Harry hissed.

"Ok, ok, I'm good. I can be serious." He waited, a huge Garbodor-eating grin on his face. "Get it... 'serious'?"

"I get it."

"I don't think you do!" Sirius said, wagging his finger at Harry. "You see-"

"I... get... it..." Harry ground out.

"Party pooper, no cake for you," the Lord of Sevii said. He looked skyward, still smiling. "I still can't believe you think Remus is out to kill me."

"I can't believe you aren't considering it might be true! You're the one that is hiding yourself from him!"

"Not because I don't trust him, pup!" Sirius exclaimed. "Far from it... Remus is a true friend... if it had been him instead of Peter that night he'd have given his life for mine." Sirius tapped his chin. "Or not... Remus was always smarter than all of us, so I suppose he would have come up with a plan that actually worked... maybe something involving robots…"

"Sirius," Harry said, realizing his godfather was getting off track. He'd found that spending years surrounded mostly by Dusknoirs, prisoners, and revolutionaries had caused Sirius to get a bit flighty. Or perhaps he had always been that way.; Remus had mentioned Sirius once coming to class without any pants and then trying to claim it was a joke. "I heard him-"

"When you were bonded with Hedwig for the first time, congrats again by the way, knew you could do it, ignore what I said about the cake, we'll get an ice cream one when we next see each other... you were bonded for the first time and several tens of feet up and away from him and Snape."

"Yes, Snape!" Harry complained. "The professor that hates all things Gryffindor and has never said a kind word to me? Maybe Remus isn't the traitor but... but Snape could be the traitor. He could be feeding Remus bad information, trying to throw him off the scent and focus on you!"

Sirius shook his head. "Again, trust me on this... you misheard them or aren't getting the whole story here."

"Why are you so sure Snape isn't a part of this?"

"...listen, after this is all settled you and I will sit down and talk and I swear I will explain exactly what is going on. For now though i need you to trust me; Snape isn't our enemy and Remus certainly isn't. You need to stop worrying, ok kiddo?"

Harry scowled, clearly not enjoying how his godfather was blowing off his concerns. "Fine," he ground out.

"Come on, none of that!" Sirius said cheerfully. "It's Winter Solstice and you shouldn't be up in your room sulking. Sulking is for ugly people and I'll have you know that your mum and dad were not ugly nor did they make an ugly baby. You should be downstairs-"

"Sulking?"

"-opening presents." Sirius flashed Harry a grin. "I mean it."

"What have you done?" Harry asked, getting the feeling that Sirius had done something he shouldn't.

"Never you mind, just get going! I can't spend all time bugging you, especially when I have my own holidays to enjoy." Harry heard a loud explosion over his dex's speaker and Sirius whipped around and shouted "Damn it, Jack, you promised to wait for me before you blew up the ham!" With that Sirius signed out of the messenger, leaving Harry staring at a blank screen. The boy looked at his dex for a while longer before finally deciding it was time to get up and start his day.

~MC~MC~MC~

"So why are you decorating a pole?" Remus asked with a bemused smile. He was relaxing in one of the easy chairs that were set up next to the roaring fire Hagrid had started for them, a cup of coffee in his hands. The giant groundskeeper was taking up one of the couches, looking rather silly in his red flannel foot pajamas; Harry didn't even want to guess how he'd managed to make it from his cabin to the castle without freezing in the sub zero temperatures. Remus had decided that it wasn't fair to have Hagrid spend the Solstice alone and, since he and Harry were celebrating at the castle, had invited the giant man to join them in the Gryffindor common room. Hagrid had excitedly accepted, bringing with him a massive bag of presents and all his Pokémon. Snubbull was curled up on his lap, Steelbeck was half asleep in the corner, Norbert (who'd tripled in size since his birth) was trying to eat one of the coasters, and Snorlax was lying down at the far end of the room, serving as cushion for Luna and her Pokémon. The little blonde was happily shouting instructions to Hermione, who was putting a tree skirt around an aluminum pole Luna had dragged in.

"Because its tradition!" Luna declared, reaching over to adjust the little red-with-white-fur-trim hat Luna Jr. was wearing. The Cubone merely looked at the rest of the group and went back to polishing her weapon.

"And what tradition is that, Miss Lovegood?" Prof. McGonagall asked as she entered the room, pushing a cart loaded down with fruits and pastries courtesy of the castle's Pokémon.

"The tradition of Festivus!" Luna stated. She looked at Harry and grinned. "I can't wait for the Feats of Strength."

"And a happy Solstice to you, Luna," Harry said, ambling over to Remus and giving him a hug. All his earlier misgivings about his guardian washed away as he felt Remus hug him tight. Harry was ashamed that he had so quickly allowed himself to doubt the man; for nearly a month he had kept his distance, betrayed by Remus' words. But Sirius had utter faith in Remus and Harry realized he should as well. There was still more to the tale but, for now, he wouldn't let his own worries ruin his Solstice.

It was an odd mix of people that gathered around the fire to open up presents. Harry and Remus had decided to stay at the castle, not seeing any reason to make a trip back to their house just to leave again in a few days. Luna's father was in Hoenn searching for Groudon while Hermione's folks had been forced to leave the region several days beforehand to see to Hermione's maternal grandfather, who'd slipped on some ice and wound up in the hospital. They thought about sending for Hermione but had decided that they didn't want to ruin her holiday by having her spend it in a hospital waiting room. Prof. McGonagall and Hagrid always stayed at the castle and thus it was easy for Remus to convince them to join them for a private Solstice in the Gryffindor Tower. Professors Flitwick, Snape and Sprout were supervising their own students who'd stayed behind while the headmaster had promised to come by in the afternoon to see how everyone was doing.

Ron and the rest of the Weasleys had gone home for Solstice, though they left plenty of gifts for their friends to unwrap. Neville had debated staying with them but in the end Luna had convinced him to spend the holiday with his gran, reasoning that in his later years he'd regret not spending more time with her. The rest of their classmates had all gone to visit family, leaving Harry's small group with a bit more free reign in the tower.

The unwrapped and the revealing of presents was an utter delight for Harry, allowing him to focus on something other than the fears and concerns that had plagued him the last month. Unlike his first year at Hogwarts, when he'd not realized that he would be receiving presents, Harry had already known who to expect gifts from and thus planned ahead. More importantly, having three years under his belt meant he was able to give them items he knew would be special for them.

"Oh, how utterly delightful," Prof. McGonagall said, running his hand along the black leather cover of the journal Harry had gotten her. Remus and him and gone in together on that one, purchasing it and a set of antique pens for the professor; McGonagall tended to try and keep one foot in the past, hence her filing system. "Thanks you both."

Harry nodded and turned to watch Hagrid, who was happily slurping down hot chocolate from the massive mug Harry had gotten him. The boy still remembered how Hagrid had thought a mop bucket was a coffee cup made for his size and had decided early on that he would get his giant friend a Hagrid-size mug. The groundskeeper sniffed back great big tears and proclaimed that his own gift to Harry paled in comparison but the boy had waved him off, letting Hagrid know repeatedly that he loved the Pokeflute.

For Hermione Harry had gone simple, deciding that he wanted to get her something but didn't want to go over the top, as their friendship was still healing. Hagrid wasn't the only one tearing up with gratitude once Hermione unwrapped the book on Avalon's history that Harry had ordered. She had also gotten him a book, that one on Pokemagnus training. Remus chuckled at that and Harry gave him guardian a sour look; Remus had lied and claimed that the book was out of print that way Hermione could surprise him with it.

Luna's present had been a shock. The little blonde had contacted her father and gotten him to pull up all the photos of James and Lily Potter the Quibbler had on file, which Luna had then gathered up and made into a scrapbook. She'd also gotten contributions from the other professors (with Hagrid providing a near third of the photos and helping her get the album cover) so that Harry had, at long last, a family album of his parents growing up and falling in love. He'd leapt off the floor and scrabbled up Snorelax's tummy to give the blonde a hug, thanking her over and over.

As for Luna, she had returned the hug and thanked him for her gifts. Harry, realizing that there was simply no single gift that he could think of for his friend that would suit her, had decided it would be wiser to give her several little presents. Four different sets of earrings that she could mix and match, a necklace that was suppose to change colors based on your mood, and the main attraction: Silph Co's newest Silph Scope glasses. They were pink, with swirly lenses, and much more compact than the standard Silph Scope. Luna and instantly plopped them on and refused to take them off, looking about the room with a wide grin that was utterly infectious.

Remus and Harry's gifts to each other left the two babbling 'thank you's. Remus looked over the collapsible bag Harry had gotten him, marveling less at how much it could carry and more at the stylized letter M upon it. Harry had revealed that he had gotten Lenore Evermore, a Ravenclaw student, to do the design, the now official logo for the Marauders. Inside the bag was a flashdrive containing the M design's file, allowing Remus to now place the logo on anything he wanted. Harry had earned a large hug from his guardian and once more felt ashamed for doubting Remus; no one that meant him harm would have hugged him with so much love.

Harry himself was moved when he opened the largest box in his pile and found the collapsible bike Remus had gotten him. Able to fold up to fit in his backpack, it appears at first to be just a twisted pile of metal roughly the size of a cookie sheet. it was only when Harry pressed a button that it unfurled, the tires reinflating and the seat locking into place. Harry had laughed, complaining that with all the snow he wouldn't get to ride it till spring unless McGonagall let him take it through the Great Hall. His Head of House had merely shaken her head.

"Well, I must say that this was quite enjoyable," McGonagall said, stroking her Purrlion Southpaw.

"'ave ta agree with that, Min!" Hagrid exclaimed, wiping his mouth with one of the extra large hankie Hermione had given him.

"But it's not over yet!" Luna said, sliding down Snorelax and wadding through the wrapping paper. She made quite a sight: cane was clutched in one hand, her Silph Scope glasses perched on her nose, and stylish retro red fedora (Hermione's gift) on her head. After a moment she plunged down, grabbing a small box with a large envelope attached to it, hefting the gift up for them to see. "I spotted this while I was looking for Waldo, the crafty bugger! It's for you, Harry."

Harry took the box from Luna and carefully opened up the envelope.

"Who is it from?" Remus asked, leaning forward.

The boy thought about killing Sirius; he'd promised to wait to give him his gift but apparently couldn't resist the urge. "It says it's from the Lord of Sevii."

"My word," Prof. McGonagall said in shock.

"Blimey!" Hagrid exclaimed.

"Shazam!" Luna shouted, looking at the sky. When nothing happened she pouted.

"What does it say?" Hermione asked.

Harry cleared his throat. "_'Dear Mr. Potter. I realized that our first meeting was not fair to you and I must have caused you quite a fright. For that, I apologize. I have thought long and hard'_-" Harry stopped, fighting the urge to roll his eyes, as he could only guess that Sirius had snickered while writing that, "-_'about how I might make amends and it is only within the last few days that I came to an answer. A great injustice was done to you, Mr. Potter, and while I can never undo all that was done that night, there is a small thing I can offer to help ease your pain. As you may know I was installed by the Father of Johto; I told him of your plight and he agreed that it was wrong...'_"

"Harry?" Remus said, getting out of his chair and moving to stand next to the boy. "You're shaking!"

Harry took a shuddering breath and forced himself to continue. "_'...it was wrong that you do not have a Potter family Pokémon to call your own._'" That was all he could get through; he tossed the card to Prof. McGonagall and tore open the small package, staring at the red and gold Pokéball that lay inside. He found the strength and will to steady his hand and held up the custom Pokéball, his face determined as he tossed it in the air. It popped open, the beam of red energy shooting to his lap before consolidating and reforming...

"Bloody 'ell," Hagrid whispered, eyebrows disappearing into his mop of shaggy hair.

Luna smiled; a tear appeared under the edge of her Silph glasses. "Oh Harry..." Hermione moved to stand next to her friend, just as visibly moved.

Remus couldn't speak, unable to blink as he stared at the ghost from his past.

"Cyn, cyn!" the Cyndaquil exclaimed happily, nuzzling his little head against Harry's chest before looking about at all the new people. "Cyn!"

"_'This is Firebolt,'_" McGonagall said, mustering the will to finish the message. "_'Use him well, Mr. Potter... use him in the name of justice. Yours truly... the Lord of Sevii'_."

Harry hugged Cyndaquil tightly to his chest, laughing through his tears. He silently thanked Sirius, mentally asking whoever might be listening to bless his godfather for the amazing gift. He dimly heard several zapping sounds and all his Pokémon, save Zygarde, emerged from their Pokéball to great the new arrival. Togetic inspected the fire mouse while Ludwig floated around him, making sure Harry was holding him properly.

"This... this is amazing..." Prof. McGonagall said, her hand pressed to her mouth. "Oh Harry..."

The boy looked up at Remus, smiling in delight, only for his grin to fade slightly. Rather than sharing in his joy Remus seemed pensive and thoughtful. His earlier doubts began to push towards the forefront as he wondered if Remus knew who Firebolt was really from.

"Remus?" he asked, finding his voice.

"Sorry Harry... just thinking," Remus said. "This is a bit much."

"It is!" Hermione said, surprising the rest of the group as she butted in. "I mean... this is an amazing gift and you must make sure you let the Lord of Sevii know that you are thankful for it." When Remus and Harry stared at the bushy haired girl in confusion Hermione merely shrugged, trying her best to look nonchalant. "I mean, the Lord of Sevii is a powerful man who does Avalon a great service by holding the Team Nocturne agents and grunts in his prison. If Harry didn't express his gratitude properly the Lord might take offense and... well, I don't want any of those prisoners anywhere near Avalon."

"That... is true," Remus said. "But-"

"And then there is the whole issue with the Father of Johto!" Hermione exclaimed. "I mean, Jack Kenway isn't known for being the most calm or level-headed person! If you were to do something stupid, like... return Firebolt and say you couldn't accept him... Mr. Kenway might see it as a slap in the face and the next thing we know Luna and I are leading an army against invading Johto forces."

"Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers!" Luna declared dramatically, standing tall and proud, waving her cane like a sword. "For all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand... men of the West!" Luna Jr. held her bone club aloft as well, joining Luna in posing heroically.

"Exactly!" Hermione said with a grin. "Thank you Luna!" She locked eyes with Remus and smiled sweetly. "I think the only thing you can do is accept Firebolt and make it known that you are thankful... lest we start some international incidents."

Remus looked at her for a moment before shaking his head. "Yes... yes, you are right." He looked down at Harry and any doubt or concern that had been in the older man's eyes faded away as he saw how tightly Harry was hugging Firebolt. "I'll have to pull up my notes on racing Cyndaquils so you can be prepared."

"Thank you Remus," Harry said... and not just for the notes.

"Well... I suddenly feel drained," McGonagall said. "I think I need a cup of tea."

"I'll have a cuppa myself," Remus said, giving Harry a pat on the shoulder before moving to join his old Head of House. Luna sat next to Hagrid, the two of them discussing things only the two of them would understand, while Harry merely continued to look at Hermione. The girl looked at him, smiling shyly.

"Hermione..." Harry said softly for her ears only. "I... I don't know how you knew..."

"I don't know what your-"

Harry held up his hand. "When you are ready to tell me what your secret is... I'll be ready." Harry smiled and hugged his friend. "Thank you."

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Note: And thus Harry finally gets his house pokemon, a Cyndaquil! I knew since I began this series that, somehow, Sirius would give Harry a Cyndaquil. I debated on it either being at Winter Solstice or at the end of the book, around the time that Sirius, in Rowling's world, got Ron Pig. I decided, however, that it would be fitting that Harry get Cyndaquil as a gift during the holiday, just as he got his mother's signature Pokemon in first year.

The other gifts were fun to come up with. I knew I didn't want anyone else to get a Pokémon, as I wanted the getting of a Pokémon to be a special thing, a gift that is rarely given. Harry has gotten two so far and both of them were very special gifts. He maybe get one or two more as gifts but after this it will all be about catching new Pokemon.

So, for those that are wondering, Harry's seven Pokemon are:

Eevee- His starter Pokémon, got at Ollivanders'. It is the child of Voldemort's Eevee.

Ludwig- A gift during first year, the givern unknown... for now. It is the child of Lily's Chandlure.

Togepi- Captured in the Ice Cavern after Quirrel killed Togepi's parents

Dobby- Gotten in a three way trade: Harry traded Emolga to Ron for his Magikarp, then traded Magikarp to an unsuspecting Lucius Malfoy for Dobby

Zygarde- The Beast of Slytherin, captured in battle with the aid of Cobalion, the Sword of Gryffindor

Hedwig- Caught in Northern Avalon with Remus' help. Harry Pokemagnus partner.

Firebolt- A gift from Sirius. The son of James' Typlosion.

Don't ask me what made me think of this, but I suddenly had a flash of inspiration as I was writing about Luna's gifts and I've decided that, when she grows up, Luna's main trainer outfit will resemble Carmen Sandiego's outfit. I don't know... I just think it would fit Luna well to be running around with a big fedora, a long coat, her cane, and a whole menagerie of strange and wonderful Pokémon.

Yes, Sirius is spending the Solstice with Jack and his family. And their holiday tradition involves blowing up a ham… most likely one they stole from Lance.

I have gotten many questions via PM and some reviews about more info on what the Avalon Region would be like if it were an official Pokémon Game World. Obviously I know who the Elite Four are and all the Gym Leaders and that will appear in this series but there are other things that won't. For example, I know, if I were designing the game, what the three starters would be. For the next three chapters, I will detail them for you guys. NOTE! None of these fakemon will appear in this story. This is just for fun.

Avalon is a region of myth and legend. For the longest time separated from the other regions, recent years have allowed trainers to visit this mysterious new world and encounter Pokemon that were believed to have only been fairy tales. With its cold north, massive southern shoreline, deep network of caves, ancient ruins and mysterious forests, Avalon is a place where it is easy to get lost… and you might not mind never being found.

First up, the Water Starter… mostly because I tend to pick the Water Starter when I play the games (My first starters were, in order: Bulbasaur, Cyndaquil, Mudkip, Piplup, Oswawott, and Froakie). I mostly do the Water Starter because I tend not to like the other Water Pokemon the games give out so I'd rather get a cool Water one then find a Fire and Grass one that works for me.

I don't have names for these guys, so if you have suggestions make them in review… if I like one I will make it 'official'.

The water starter is based on the myth of the Capricorn, the half-goat, half-fish creature. The basic stage form would be a gray furred kid (aka baby goat) with nub-like horns, two front legs (with little fins on them), and a greenish-blue fan-tail. Where the back legs would be are two sets of medium size fins. It tends to stay by the shore due to its lack of mobility on the land. It can come onto the beach but it is slow. In water it is much faster.

The first evolution sees the Water Starter gaining a set of back legs (in the same blue-green scales as the tail) a larger fan which is more blade-like, and both sets of legs have fins on them now. The horns have grown into standard short horns, very straight. It also has gained a shark fin on its back. This second stage can easily move on land or in the water. The stats change between its first form and this, as its speed goes UP now that it has both sets of legs.

The second evolution (which I right now call Zodiacorn) is clearly a full adult and master of the land and sea. Long powerful legs like a racehorse, a fully realized tail with shark fin, horns now curl back over its head, and for the males a short 'beard' that is the same color as its tail. The legs also have larger fins that, like the tail, look like blades. The final evolution gains a secondary type: Ground.

Each Avalon Starter has a Hidden Ability. The Water Starter's is 'All Terrian'. This ability means all type matchup increases/decreases are nullified if one of the field modifying moves is used. Thus, if 'Sunny Skies' or 'Hail' is in affect, the Water Starter now takes normal damage from Grass types.

The next chapter will move us back into some action. This was just the calm before the roller coaster car gets to the first hill massive hill.


	15. Le Fay's Landing

Harry shifted from one foot to the other, hoping to find some position that would ease his discomfort. He longed to get moving or to sit down or even just hop and down in place. Anything would have been better than just standing there, all his weight pressing down on the soles of his feet, making his body ache from stagnation. While others were clearly anxious to get a move on his impatience was born purely out of the agony that was standing in one spot for several minutes.

Beside him Ron was rocking back and forth, hands crammed in the pockets of the thick puffy winter jacket he'd gotten for Solstice. It was a size too big for him, his mother reasoning that he would grow into it, and several Slytherins were chuckling at how the red head looked in the nearly neon yellow coat. Ron wanted nothing more than to get going, though his reasoning was different; he'd received some spending money from his older brothers Charlie and Bill and it was clearly burning a hole in his pocket.

Harry glanced at Hermione, who was wearing an overly bright purple and orange winter coat with matching gloves and hat. Luna's father had gotten her it; Luna herself having received a similar jacket in reverse colors. His bushy-haired friend was doing well to hide her boredom but it was clear to Harry that even she was getting tired and just wanted to get going.

"While this is a chance to get out of the castle I want to remind you all that going to Le Fay's Landing is not a right." Prof. McGonagall walked in front of the students, looking like a general addressing her soldiers. She'd swapped her white labcoat for a burgundy winter waist coat and a pair of wool gloves. "Some would call it a privilege but they would be wrong. No... trips to Le Fay's landing are nothing more than rewards. You are allowed to go because of good behavior... and that allowance can be ripped away in an instant. Le Fay's Landing may be within sight of Hogwarts but we are not its sole reason for existing. Plenty of trainers travel through it to get to Ywain City. I want everyone to see that Hogwarts produces good students who are respectful and kind and well behaved. That means obeying the same rules you obey in these halls. If I find out that someone has decided to besmirch Hogwarts' reputation I will see it as you besmirching MY reputation." Her cold stare passed over the students and each one felt as if they were being singled out. "Now then... let us go over those ground rules."

Harry tuned his Head of House out. She was giving them all the same speech she had back in October before their trip to Le Fay's Landing... and the same speech she had given a second time back before Winter Solstice Break. From what Harry had gathered from the upper classmen McGonagall hadn't altered her speech in years; the popular theory was that she had gotten the speech from her predecessor, who in turn had gotten it from his, so on and so forth, all the way back to the first year Hogwarts had been opened and professors had sought to frighten their students into behaving. Seamus was convinced the passing down of the speech involved a grand ritual with candles and chanting.

Instead of listening to the deputy headmistress go over once again how they would get to Le Fay's Landing (the same way they got to Hogwarts: either by their own Pokémon's power or with the aid of one of the Pokémon that lived in the lake) Harry turned his thoughts to recent events.

Sirius and Tonks had stayed in contact with him during the last few months, letting him know how they were doing with McGonagall's list. The Gryffindor Professor had done what she could to help the Lord of Sevii and the Auror out but the task before them still remained daunting in size and scope. Tonks spent many late nights at her precinct, going over files and getting names and addresses of Hogwarts graduates that had shown an aptitude for Pokemagnus training. Sirius would then track down each person and through subtly and trickery determine if they should be marked for further investigation. Already Sirius and Tonks had a list of eight men and women that could possibly be the traitor.

Harry had been surprised by some of the names that had been eliminated early on. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy had been quickly crossed off, both showing zero signs of even potential for Pokemagnus transformation. The same had been true for Prof. Snape, much to Harry's surprise. Sirius had smugly told Harry that any worries he had about the Slyterhin Head of House should be wiped away with that tidbit but Harry found it hard to give up his suspicious so quickly. Remus and Snape were still hiding something and Harry knew that it involved Sirius.

Tonks herself had sent Harry a few notes, mostly just expressing her surprise at who tested well and who tested poorly for Pokemagnus abilities. Both of Ron's parents showed potential but according to Tonks all of the Weasley children so far tested came up as zeroes on the scale; Harry didn't know what Fred and George might score but he prayed it would be zero, as the thought of those two being able to merge with Pokémon and the pranks such an ability would allow them to perform scared Harry half to death. Daphne Greengrass' mother was recorded as a mid-level talent while 6th year Hufflepuff Cedric Diggory had both parents show up as possible Pokemagnuses as did Blaise Zabini's mother.

Each one was going to be reviewed by Sirius until they had their answer. Harry got the sense that his godfather was getting antsy not having someone to direct his frustrations against but Tonks was doing well to keep Sirius in check. It would do none of them any good if Sirius jumped the gun and attacked someone who turned out to be not guilty. Not only would it ruin their chances to find the traitor but Harry knew that it would be a mighty blow to Sirius if he hurt someone innocent. While the Sons of Johto had taught Sirius how to fight and how to kill they had also instilled within him the discipline to only use such skills when necessary.

"Now then, are there any questions?" Prof. McGonagall asked.

"Yes... does Lord Grantham know that you are teaching here?" Everyone turned and stared at Luna; Ginny stood next to her friend, holding her head in her hands. "Also, can you tell Thomas that I hate him?"

"Miss Lovegood, Miss Weasley, what are you doing there?" Prof. McGonagall looked at the two second years, her thin lips pressed together.

"We certainly weren't trying to sneak off to Le Fay's Landing!" Luna said with a brilliant smile.

"I should hope not, since that is for third years and older and you two are neither."

"Right... we were... just listening!" Ginny said quickly. "Just listening and that is all! Wanted to be prepared for next year."

Luna bobbed her head. "Oh yes... I was also wondering why you and Mrs. Crawley are always fighting."

McGonagall glowered. "Because Isobel sticks her nose into things."

"What?" Luna said, blinking in surprise.

Prof. McGonagall merely smiled, placing a hand on each girl's shoulder and pushing them away. "Back to the dorms now, ladies."

"Yes Prof. McGonagall," Ginny said, grabbing a befuddled Luna's hand and dragging her away, the rest of the students snickering at the 2nd years being caught.

"Now then, if there are no more interruptions we can get moving along." The students quickly spilled out of the castle's main doors, many of the older students summoning Pokémon and commanding them to begin surfing. Others made their way towards the boats, playfully joking and discussing what they wanted to do once they got to the village.

"Too bad for Ginny and Luna," Neville said.

"I warned them that it wouldn't work," Hermione stated.

"Did you tell McGonagall what they were going to do?" Ron asked.

"No!" Hermione squeaked. "I just told them that it wouldn't work because the professors keep close watch on who leaves the castle."

"Calm down, Ron," Harry said. "Hermione might like the rules but she's not a nark." The young teen beamed at Harry. After she'd helped ensure that Harry would get to keep Firebolt the massive divide between them had shrunk and Harry had found his relationship with Hermione mending rather quickly. It wasn't as it had been in their second year and both knew it would take more time to fully repair the damage, but they were much closer now than either had expected at the start of the current school year. "Now then, let's go!" Harry tossed a Pokéball into the air. "Dobby!"

'Dobby come, great Harry Potter sir!' the Alakazam said happily. 'Whats is Dobby doing for great Harry Potter? Get books? Bring snack? Give sponge bath?'

"No, maybe later, and by Merlin no!" Harry said, earning strange glances from his friends. "I want you to teleport Ron, Hermione, Neville and myself to La Fey's Landing."

Dobby happily nodded. 'Dobby transport! Dobby send right now. Then sponge bath?'

"You've been talking to Hedwig, haven't you?"

'She says yous dirty boy.'

Harry rubbed his forehead. "Let's focus on the transporting right now."

There was a brief flash of light and in the next instant the group was landing on the edge of Le Fay's Landing; all save Harry, who once more fell in a heap.

"You really need to learn how to travel this way, mate," Ron said, offering Harry a hand up.

"I know, Ron, I know." Harry recalled Dobby and looked about. "So, what should we do first?"

"I promised Luna I'd pick her up Scooby Snacks." Neville scratched his head. "I'm... not quite sure what they are."

"I asked her about it," Hermione stated as the group began to amble towards the center of the village. "She said she might need to convince a cowardly dog to visit a spooky mansion and that they would be very important."

"So in other words it is just Luna being Luna," Ron said.

"We'll buy some cookies and tell her they changed labels," Harry said. "I want to head over to the Daycare Center and pick up a few things for Firebolt- oh!" Harry quickly took out the gold and red Pokéball he'd received from Sirius and called out the Cyndaquil. The little shrew Pokémon looked about before nuzzling Harry's chest. "Almost forgot!" Harry leaned back, allowing Neville to reach inside and pull out a plastic baggy filled with little clumps of coal. He selected one and Firebolt squealed in delight, happily gobbling up the lump. "Thanks Neville."

"No problem. I think you need to pick up a few more."

"How long do you have to feed him those?" Hermione asked as they passed a small clothing boutique; inside Lavender and Parvati were trying on some dresses that were in no way suited for the cold Avalon winter.

"According to Remus' notes Firebolt will need to consume them steadily for another 6 months until his own internal fire sacs are coated." It amazed Harry how different Cyndaquils were from other fire-types. Until the Charmander family, which produced internal flames from a methane-producing organ near their intestines, the Cyndaquil family had to develop their fire-creating ability. First Firebolt would eat a steady diet of coal. The lumps were ground down to a fine dust that then filtered through their body, building up in their salvia ducts and the fire glands on their back. But that meant little without their sparking teeth. These sharp fangs were designed to clash together and create sparks, allowing Cyndaquils and their evolutions to set their salvia on fire, thus producing their great gluts of flames. They would also be able to swallow the fire and redirect it to the fire glands, created their amazing fiery back blasts.

Hermione blew into her closed hands, trying to warm them up. "Well, I don't need anything at the moment, so I am just going to window shop. What about you Ron?"

The red-head grinned. "Not sure yet, all I know is I got money to spend! Actually, I take that back!" He pointed towards The Three Black Flutes, a popular restaurant for visiting travelers and Hogwarts students. "I think we need to stop and get a bite to eat."

"But you just had breakfast," Neville pointed out.

Hermione chuckled. "Ah, but you are forgetting about second breakfast." The bushy-haired girl's eyes went wide. "That... was something Luna would say, wasn't it?"

"How much time do you two spend together?" Harry asked as Ron pulled them towards The Three Black Flutes. When Hermione merely looked away, chewing on her bottom lip, Harry turned his attention to Ron. "I suppose we can get a few hot chocolates. Warm us up."

"Brilliant!" Ron exclaimed. "And some donuts and some muffins-"

"Just hot chocolate, Ron," Harry said. "You don't want to waste all your Solstice money on food, do you?"

"..."

"Ron?"

"I'm thinking!" Ron complained as the foursome got in line. It was clear that they weren't the only ones that had decided to stop in for a warm-me-up. A long line of students weaved its way through the great log cabin restaurant. To their left Harry spotted a smattering of trainers sitting down to breakfast, placing orders from the cheerful if forceful waitresses. The Three Black Flutes was designed to resemble a Sinnoh mountain cottage, with the tall roof held aloft by great timbers and a large communal dining area filled with wooden tables and benches. Opposite of the food line was a set of stairs which led to a narrow balcony, upon which several visiting trainers looked down upon the Hogwarts students, sipping coffee and other hot beverages. The Three Black Flutes had a few small guest rooms for sleepy trainers to bunk down in for a night and it wasn't uncommon for not only those rooms to be filled up but for travelers to just bunk down the tables after the last patron had been shown the door.

Hermione gave a violent start, her breath coming out in sharp little pants. Neville and Ron stared at her for a moment before returning their attention to picking out exactly what they wanted to order. Harry, on the other hand, moved to stand next to his friend, letting her lean on him as she coughed.

"I wish you'd tell me what's happening to you," Harry whispered.

"Soon," Hermione whispered.

"Can you at least tell me what strange request you are going to have this time?" Harry had come to realize that whenever Hermione came out of the weird little trances she went into what followed next was an odd request. Sometimes it was as simple as taking a different hall to class; other times it was more complex. No matter what it was always baffling... and it was always ended up working in his favor to do as she asked. Before the Solstice break he had merely gone along with her requests out of politeness. But now that their friendship had nearly been healed Harry did it because he trusted his friend to steer him the right way.

"Let me pick the table," Hermione said, dropping any pretense as to why she was making the demand. Only Harry and Luna (who seemed to be the only person so far that Hermione had trusted with the source of her little spells) got the blunt truth; when it came to Ron, Ginny and Neville Hermione would dance about the issue, easing them towards the direction she wanted them to go. "And let Ron and Neville do what they wish."

"Alright," Harry said with a nod as they reached the front of the line.

"Hogwarts students!" the jovial owner of the restaurant said. "Well, never expected to see four Hogwarts students here today!"

"You didn't?" Ron asked. "But-"

"It was a joke, lad," the portly man said.

"...oh."

The owner clapped his hands. "Now, what can I get ye little masters and little mistress?"

"Four hot chocolates," Harry said, looking to the others to see if they had any other requests.

"That's all I want," Neville said.

Hermione nodded, clearly anxious to get their order and get moving. "I'm good."

"I'll take three of your triple fudge brownies!" Ron said happily. "One for me and I'll need two for my Pokémon."

Neville frowned as the owner rang up their order. "Only three? Don't you need four?"

"Why would I... oh, you mean Scabbers!" Ron handed the owner his money, accepting his change before moving towards the receiving area. "I didn't bring him with me."

"I haven't seen Scabbers all year, come to think of it," Hermione said.

Ron shrugged. "Probably won't see him again. I tried to talk to dad and get him to take Scabbers back but he asked me to give it another year. I think he's embarrassed that the two of us can't make a go of it. 'Every Weasley has a Raticate!' he told me." Ron scoffed. "All the other Weasleys never had to deal with Scabbers. Charlie and Bill and Fred and George, they all got Rattatas that listened to them. Even Ginny's is nice and polite and cute. Scabbers is just a jerk."

"So you just leave him in his ball in your room?" Neville asked in surprise.

Ron shrugged. "He doesn't mind... seems to just enjoy lying around anyway. Why fight it?" Ron accepted the brown paper bag and grinned. "Alright, where to next?"

"Why don't you two go ahead?" Hermione said. "I want to sit down a bit."

"Me too," Harry said, remembering his promise.

"Alright, if that's what you want," Ron said with a shrug. "Come on, Neville, let's go check out skate shop... maybe that's what I'll use my Solstice money on!"

Neville merely shrugged, waving goodbye to Harry and Hermione before hurrying to follow the red-head, his eyes looking about as he attempted to keep his hot cocoa from sloshing over the lip of his cup. The moment they were gone Hermione pulled Harry towards the restaurant's stairs, ignoring the looks they were getting from their fellow students. Harry could do little more than stumble after her, barely keep a hold of his cup as he was yanked towards the second story balcony. Hermione didn't stop once they reached the top, however; no, she chose to pull Harry all the way to the far end where the light from the overhead fixtures just missed, allowing the section to be bathed in shadows.

"People are going to get the wrong idea," Harry said weakly.

Hermione leaned on the rail and sipped her drink. "Let them. No one will remember what we did in here at the end of the day."

She refused to say another word for the next 15 minutes, forcing Harry to awkwardly stand there and ignore the fact that he was wasting his entire Le Fay's Landing weekend people-watching in a restaurant. While he hadn't been in a spending mood like Ron that didn't mean he didn't want to window shop and check out a few shops. And he had to get more coal for Firebolt, who'd been placed by into his Pokeball for a nice nap. But his promise to Hermione was keeping him from doing that and the young teen was fighting the rising anger that was threatening to bubble up inside of him. It was bad enough that she didn't trust him with her secret (especially since it had been her that had lost his trust last May) but now she was demanding he just follow her lead without a single payoff. The earlier hurt, which Harry discovered was as buried as he had thought, began to bubble back up to the surface.

Just when he was ready to tell Hermione that he'd had enough and was going to leave the girl gripped his arm so hard he thought she'd leave bruises. The yelp that bubbled from his lips died on his tongue when he saw just what Hermione had spotted stroll into the restaurant.

Lucius Malfoy and Prime Minister Cornelius Fudge.

"What the bloody hell?" Harry whispered.

"Shhhh!" Hermione hissed. The two men were weaving their way through the throng of students, trying their best to look casual and nonchalant. If the two Gryffindors had remained on the first floor they probably would have missed the men but their perch on the balcony gave them the height needed to track Mr. Malfoy and Minister Fudge's movements. They weaved through the crowd, sometimes stopping and doubling back, and Harry realized that while their movements looked random there was a clear objective and goal. They wanted to get to one table but didn't want anyone to realize that they were actively trying to get to that spot.

"What are you doing?" Harry asked as Hermione got down on her belly, pushing her head as close to the railing as she could.

"Do you want to hear them or not?" Hermione asked, pulling out a small headset with mic from her pocket. She grabbed her dex and locked the mic's cord into it before easing it down to the first floor just a few feet above Lucius and Fudge's heads. "Now shhh!"

Harry stared at Hermione in shock. How had his rule-loving friend transformed into someone who happily spied on private conversations? While it was true that Harry wanted to find out what the two men who'd been such a pain in their sides were up to he didn't know if Hermione's tricks were the answer. Staring at her, however, made Harry remember how the Malfoy and Fudge had threatened her in the Great Hall the year before, forcing her to be interrogated in front of the whole school. Suddenly the bushy-haired girl's desire for a bit of payback made more sense.

The dex's speaker crackled. "I wish you would tell me why we had to come here," Fudge whined. "I don't like being out and about without some form of protection."

"Everything will be alright," Lucius stated, trying to calm the politician. "Everyone around us hasn't even recognized us."

"You make that sound like it's a good thing," Fudge said with a pout.

"It is when you wish not to be seen or heard. Think less about what your polling numbers are and focus on why we are here."

"But I don't know why we are here!" Fudge complained. "All I got was a note saying we had to come to this dingy little tavern and wait."

"Then you know as much as I do," Lucius said, taking a sip of whatever was in his paper cup.

'What?!" Fudge sputtered. "You said you knew why we had to come! You assured me that you had answers and now you tell me you have none?"

"I never said I had answers. I merely told you that they were within my grasp. That, Prime Minister, is an important distinction."

Fudge clearly didn't like this, as the two Gryffindors could hear him slide his chair back and get to his feet. "I don't care about your distinctions! I care about keeping my job and not being stabbed in some backwoods dinner! And what have you done but-"

There was a solid thunk and when Hermione and Harry looked down they found that Lucius had driven one of the stainless steel knifes through the Prime Minister's hideous green tie and into the table below. "Now listen to me very carefully," Lucius said, his voice sweetened with honey but as poisonous as a Seviper's bite, "because you know how much I detest repeating myself. Everything you are is because of me. I am the one that dragged you from the muck and made your Prime Minister. My money, my influence. Without me you'd still be hoping to be postmaster general of Ector Town. In return for my kindness you have helped me. Not a bad arrangement and it has allowed Avalon to flourish. But mark my words, Minister Fudge... you will remember all that I have done for you and afford me the respect I deserve... before I decided that one of your rivals deserves my attention more than you do. Are we clear?"

"Yes... yes, we are," Fudge stammered quickly, trying to sit down only to find his pinned tie became a noose when he attempted such quick movements. Lucius, after a moment, calmly reached over and with practiced ease removed the knife from the table, freeing the minister. "Very clear."

"Good. I hope when we are done meeting with our mysterious messenger you will allow me to purchase you a new tie... maybe a new set entirely."

"Oh... well how kind of you!" Fudge said, all fears and angers forgotten at the prospect of receiving something from Lucius Malfoy.

"Yes, it is." Lucius took a moment to toy with the knife that was still dangling from his fingers.

"This isn't right," Hermione whispered.

"What?" Harry asked, startled by her comment.

"I thought he knew... that he was the cause... but he doesn't know anything?"

"Hermione, you aren't making any sense."

Lucius began to speak again, cutting off any comment Hermione might have had. "Your concerns are falsely placed, Prime Minister. It is clear that our host does not seek to harm us."

"How can you be so sure?" Fudge asked. Harry was wondering the same thing.

"Because everything he has done has been to ensure that we are put at ease. He selected a public place to meet with plenty of witnesses... not the locale for a dramatic act."

"Oh no... no." Hermione sprang up, the cord and mic banging against the rail as she rushed across the balcony. Down below Harry could hear Lucius Malfoy and Minister Fudge clamoring to know what was going on but Harry couldn't afford to listen as he was too busy rushing after Hermione. The Gryffindor girl took the stairs three at a time, shoving people out of her way as she rushed towards the exit, Harry gaining on her. She popped out the door only to stop dead in her tracks while Harry had to jump to the right to avoid hitting her. "No... no no no!" Hermione screamed.

"What?" Harry panted. "What's... what the bloody hell?" He followed Hermione's eyeline and felt his knees tremble as he gazed upon the sight that had caused his friend's panic. Harry didn't pay any attention to the rest of the crowd, though if he had he'd have seen that they too were staying at the roof of Books Books and More Books, eyes riveted on the man that stood their dressed in a black cloak with a golden mask upon his face. The whispers began within seconds, some wondering if this were all a tasteless prank while others feared it was something much worse. Harry didn't pay them any attention as he was too focused on the man that held the attention of all of Le Fay's Landing. He knew that outfit well, remembering it from his studies.

The man was wearing the uniform of Team Nocturne.

"People of Avalon!" the man bellowed, voice distorted by some electrical device. "For 12 years you have lived a false life! It is not your fault, for you were denied your true existence by a select few. Where you should have known the prosperity and glory of Voldemort's rule instead you have been left to piddle on, your lives remaining in their current pathetic squalor. It was because of the woman Lily Potter and her husband James that Voldemort was taken from us all but it is not their fault that Lord Voldemort's dream was never achieved. No, the ones responsible for this crime against Avalon are the traitors and two-faced sycophants who claimed to follow our Lord and Master but turn tail and hide the moment he was gone! They are the ones that have cost you!"

Harry stared at the man wearing Team Nocturne's cloak and mask, jaw clenched tight and eyes blazing with fury as the figure called forward a Manetric, which used its electrical attacks to strike down at any in the crowd that tried to back away. Harry knew instantly who this man was and all sense of right and wrong fled him as his desire to wring the man's neck grew. This was the traitor... the man that had led Voldemort to his parents' house, who'd killed Peter and condemned Sirius to six years in Sevii.

"To those among you who have betrayed our Lord Voldemort know that now your end has come! And for the rest of you... I deliver you from your pathetic lives. I give you release..." He spread his arms wide and, to Harry, Hermione and the rest of the crowd's horror, the building the traitor was standing on burst open, releases a horde of rampaging Dusknoirs. "I give you **_death_**."

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Note: I warned you all that I was going to begin going off canon!

Ok, so I just came up with another great story idea. Problem is that I am stretched thin enough as it is, so I am going to throw this out to you guys and hope that one of you will write it; perhaps even let me serve as a producer, as it were.

The story would open with Harry at age 6. Dudley and his gang of friends are chasing him and Harry is doing everything he can do to escape. He gets cornered but just as Dudley and his friends are going to beat him up a bright light shines down on him. Looking up, they are all shocked when they see a UFO hovered above, which promptly captures Harry and beams him up before disappearing.

Years later during the drawing for the Tri-Wizard tournament Harry's name pops out. But before anyone can figure out what is going on they are all shocked when a similar alien spaceship appears. From it emerges an older Harry; he is muscle bound and taller than the Harry we know, wearing in a long red jacket and a strange mask. Everyone, seeing his scar once the mask is removed, instantly know who he is. When Harry hears one of them call him 'the Boy-Who-Lived' he says that is a terrible name and states he has a better name: Star-Lord.

Cue Drax, Gamora, Groot and Rocket emerging from the ship and declaring they are there to support Harry as he wins the grand tournament.

Yes, it would be a Guardians of the Galaxy/Harry Potter crossover with Harry in the Peter Quill role. I can just imagine so many fun things coming about this: Drax being... well, Drax, Draco crushing on Gamora who merely rolls her eyes at his antics and threatens to castrate him, Groot and Luna becoming best friends who can understand each other perfectly, and Rocket… we'll

"_Listen, I've heard about your little… wizard problem."_

_Dumbledore looked down at Rocket and smiled slightly. If it weren't for the fact that he was a 100+ old wizard who had a phoenix as a pet he would have found the idea of discussing strategy with a raccoon odd. As it were he merely found it different. "Oh? Is that so?"_

"_Yeah, that's so." Rocket adjusted his crotch, cursing once more that his suit was so tight. "You know you are going all about this the wrong way."_

"_Well, that is your opinion-"_

"_Ain't my opinion it's a fact. You want to Voldemort creep and his little Death Lickers gone? I can do it."_

"_You can?" Dumbledore said. Others might question the sanity of taking advice from one of Harry's friends but the Headmaster was desperate. _

"_Yeah, I have a plan and everything. I'm just going to need a few diamonds, a glass jar… oh, and I need that guy's leg." He pointed to Mad-Eye Moody._

"_Of course. Allistair, I need your leg!"_

_Rocket blinked. "Seriously? Just like that?" When Dumbledore merely stared at him Rocket fought back snickers. "Uh… right… any other parts of him you don't mind giving up?"_

"_His eye is fake and I believe half of his scortum."_

"_Wait, what?" Mad-Eye said._

_Rocket rubbed his paws together. "Oh, this is going to be fun!"_

Again, I would love to write this but my plate is full enough as it is so I toss this out into the universe. If someone wants to give this a try let me know and I will be the first to read this... I'd even be willing to offer help, ideas and support.

Now, onto the story notes.

So, before anyone asks... yes, I've changed how Cyndaquils create their fire. This is based on the artwork of avaris, who's take on the Typlosion family is so unique that I knew I wanted to use part of it.

The Three Black Flutes borrows from The Three Broomsticks but goes above and beyond it. I wanted Le Fay's landing to be one of those non-gym towns trainers pass through where they can buy goodies before continuing on. I imagine, if Avalon were the setting of a Pokémon Game, that there would be a minigame in the Three Black Flutes where you can dress up as a waiter/waitress and get people orders in exchange for pokedollars and drinks. I also imagine there would be hints about Hogwarts but you wouldn't be allowed to cross the lake until you triggered an event where you meet up with students from the school who help you sneak in so you can stop members of Team Nocturne.

Ywain City, for those curious, is the home of the Greengrass Family and the closet gym to Hogwarts. I would say it is probably Gym #5 in the Avalon region. Ector Town is home of the Cleanwaters and is Gym #2 in Avalon. They continue the trend of family names not matching their Pokémon typing; Clearwaters use Flying Types, Greengrass use Ice, the Black Family is all about Water types…

Now, while there were many great names for the Avalon Water starters, I've decided to go with ajkent14z's suggestions. Thus, the line goes: Hydroat; Capraqua; and Caprocean.

I also received a PM wondering if each line would get an exclusive attack. Yes, they will. The Caprocean line's signature attack is 'Storm Surge', an 70 physical damage attack that hits all opponents (so it is a weaker yet more targeted Surf) and also removes any item the opponents are holding.

Next, we move on to the Grass Starter! Now, there are fan theories that the starters for Pokémon all follow the same pattern. The water type is never a true aquatic creature (turtle, sharp, mudskipper, penguin, otter, and frog) and thus the Caprocean line is based on the Capricorn. For the Grass Line, the theory goes they are based on Prehistoric creatures (dinosaur, dinosaur, another dinosaur, a giant turtle, giant serpent, and an extinct mammal). To continue one with this theory, I present the Grass Starter line of Avalon.

The basic stage form would be a small, slightly pudgy monkey creature covered in a leafy coat. You would only see its eyes, hands and massive feet, the last two being covered in bark. It has long arms but stubby legs and tends to hide in trees, swinging from branches only when no one is around.

The first evolution would be very Orangutan -like, with much of the pudgy baby fat gone, arms now nearly touching the ground as it walks, and patches of its bark skin more visible. The face is revealed and it has the beginnings of a leafy beard. It also still has huge feet.

The final form is a full blown Sasquatch. The legs have grown longer and the feet and hands are huge… I don't mean like cartoonish big but definitely noticeable. Much of the leaf-coat is gone, leaving it with a leaf-like cloak and hood and leaves around its wrists and ankles. The beard is now a full beard that goes down nearly to its belly. It has also gained its secondary type: Fairy! Yup, it's a grass/fairy type, due to its mystical nature.

This line's exclusive ability is 'Elusive'. Each turn the opponent's accuracy is reduced by 10%. Switching out resets this. This mimics how Big Foot can be spotted by then seemingly disappear in an instant. The signature attack is Branch Club, an 80 physical damage attack that has a 33% chance of causing confusion.

As with before, if you have name suggestions put them in your reviews.

Also, I am now attempting to go through and get any friend codes I missed way back when. If I haven't friended you, please send me your number again. I believe I listed mine in Chapter 9 or 10 in The Chamber of the Unown.

EDIT: Never mind I got the Charizardite Y I needed. That said, if you do see me on hit me out. I do have some Protean Froakies I bred. No idea what the natures are so you gamble there. My friend code is: 4768 8563 2707


	16. Out of the Frying Pan

Harry dove for cover, just managing to avoid the Dusknoir that had tried to snatch him. Hermione scurried on her hands and knees, eyes wide with panic as she stared at the scene of utter dread and chaos. Le Fay's Landing had become a pit of madness as students, trainers, and residents trampled over each other in hopes of escaping the Dusknoirs. The phantom Pokémon were everywhere though and to Harry's horror it quickly became clear they were Sevii Dusknoirs, able to inspire emotions in their prey. The prey was any human they could find and the emotion was terror, which was made worse as the cycloptic spirits opened their belly mouths and began to draw in weakened and terrified people into the dark abyss that lay beyond.

"No," Hermione said sternly, grabbing one of her Pokéball. Her body was trembling from the Dusknoir's presence and her own fear of Ghost-types but the courage that had seen her sorted into Gryffindor allowed her to stand up and stare the dark phantoms down. "I'm not letting this happen."

Harry nodded; his jaw clenched as he too stood up and faced down the threat. "We take them together."

"Snorunt!" Hermione cried out.

"Eevee! Hedwig!" Harry yelled. "Hermione... don't tell Remus." Before his friend could reply the world fell away and Harry entered the dark realm of the Speakers. "Eevee, I want you to stay low to the ground and attack quick and fast. Use anything you can find to shield yourself and just keep hitting them with Shadow Balls. Their attacks can't hurt you and you'll be able to sow some confusion."

"I'm with you Harry," Eevee said with a nod.

"No need to get all good soldier on us," Hedwig said, clicking her beak. "What do you want me to do, boss?"

"You're my eye in the sky. We need to see if anyone else is fighting back and link up with them. We'll be safer in a large group."

"Just like in those ruddy zombie movies you boys like watching," Hedwig teased. "You want us to share bodies?"

"Not this time. I can't risk losing focus in one body and letting the other get captured. We stick to Speaking for now."

"Works for me," Hedwig said with a hoot as the world returned back to normal. She let out a laughing cry and leapt into the air, diving down occasionally to use her Thief attack at any Dusknoirs that she spotted.

Harry smiled at Hermione as Eevee sprung into action. "You have your secrets..."

"Not judging!" Hermione said, pointing at a group of Dusknoirs that were attacking a 6th year Hufflepuff. "Icy Wind!" Snorunt nodded and fired off the frigid blast, which caused the Dusknoir to call off its attack. Unfortunately for Harry and Hermione, the Dusknoir that now sported an ice-covered back turned its attention upon them. It let out a guttural moan and several more Dusknoirs broke off their attacks on the citizens of Le Fay's Landing and began to swarm on the two battling Gryffindors. "Bloody hell!"

"You cursed!" Harry said in surprise.

"I made a rare exception!" Hermione shouted back as she and Snorunt were forced to back away. Eevee and Hedwig were trying to drive the Dusknoirs off but found that the cycloptic phantoms were now solely focused on the trainers, shrugging off their attacks. "Harry!" The bushy-hair girl screamed as one of the Dusknoirs grabbed her arm. Hermione began to tremble as the Pokémon's skin, which felt like the flesh of a corpse, began to squeeze her bicep.

"Leaf Blade!"

The Dusknoir that had grabbed Hermione wailed in agony, its hands letting go of her as it tried to reach its now injured back. Harry, seeing his opening, Spoke to Eevee, his Pokémon firing blasts of ghostly energy at their attackers. The mob began to back away, deciding they'd rather focus on easier prey than risk taking on something that could fight back. Hermione took several deep breaths, her color returning to her checks, while Harry focused on the rescuer.

"Mr. Potter," Lucius Malfoy said, his eyes like diamonds as he swept his gaze across the battlefield. His Serperior glided around him, starting down Harry before giving an annoyed sniff and returning its focus on guarding its trainer. "I see you and Miss Granger are two of the few with any sense."

Harry nodded. While he and the Malfoys had little good blood between them in this instance he realized that grudges must be put aside if they had any hope of surviving. He nodded to Eevee, who began to work with Serperior to drive back any remaining Dusknoirs. "I've sent Hedwig to search for others who are also fighting back. We need to gather up more trainers so we can strike back."

Fudge, who'd called out his Barbaracle and was somehow able to command it even as he shivered with dread, looked at the The Three Black Flutes longingly. "Perhaps we should just stay here... fortify and such?" He waved his hand at trainer who had poked his head out the door; the young man's Skuntank was aimed out of a window like a cannon. "They have the right idea…"

"My son is out in this madness," Lucius said coolly. "They can guard the wounded. We fight."

"Ron and Neville are out there too," Hermione said. Before Lucius could make a cutting remark she continued, "It wouldn't look good, Prime Minister, if two... sorry, three sons of Gym Leaders were left to fight these... things... by themselves. I imagine your political enemies would have a field day..."

Fudge began to bluster and fluster at that, visions of angry electorates dancing through his head. He knew already that trying to spin this attack into something positive (or, at the very least, spin it away from him) would be difficult. Lucius glanced at Hermione and gave her the slightest of nods; for him that was the equivalent of a normal person clapping her on the back and calling for three cheers.

"One moment," Harry said, glancing at the sky. A second later he shook his head and looked to Lucius. "Draco, Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle are two blocks down. There are a few more Hogwarts students around and a couple of shopkeepers but not much else. Draco is trying to avoid drawing the Dusknoirs' attention upon him but he's running out of options. Ron and Neville are in a side alley that leads directly to where your son is; they are trying to fight their way out."

Fudge stared at Harry in shock. "How... how do you know that?"

Lucius rolled his eyes in disgust, any attempts at appearing friendly with the minister disappearing in the light of the current events. "Any fool can see Mr. Potter is a Speaker. Lily Potter showed hints of the gift so why wouldn't it manifest in him? Now come on!" He jabbed his finger at the Skuntank's trainer. "If you can't help us then hold the line here and warn us if our rear flank is in danger."

Hermione held out her dex, fingers quickly moving. "That is my Friend ID. Keep the line open. And get any wounded you can inside!"

"Y-yes!" the trainer managed to get out. He turned his back and began to call out to the large group of trainers and students that were still safe inside the restaurant, giving them orders.

"Minister Fudge, Miss Granger, you watch our sides." Lucius looked at Potter and scowled. "I suppose it is too much to hope that you have the Beast with you?"

"No, I don't have him." Harry watched as Eevee helped Serperior take down another Dusknoir, knocking it out. While they were doing well having Zygarde with them would have made the battle much easier. The Beast of Slytherin might have rebelled a bit, seeing Harry as not quite ready to command him, but he would still protect the innocent. "If you can get me to a Pokecenter-"

"We get my son then we'll see about that plan. Now then, let us head the spear. Malamar!" He tossed out a black Pokéball, from which burst a sinister yet elegant squid-like Pokémon. It stuck its beak in the air and looked down at Harry, Hermione and Fudge with contempt. Even if they hadn't seen Lucius call it out there would have been no doubt who he belonged to. "Guard our flank." Malamar gave a simple nod and moved to float above Hermione and Fudge.

"I thought you asked that trainer-"

Lucius cut Hermione off. "I did... but just because I asked him doesn't mean I trust him to actually do the job. This will give us extra protection."

Harry nodded in agreement. "He's right. Hedwig, watch out for any surprises. Eevee!" The brown and white Pokémon quickly moved to join them, Serperior only a slither behind. "We go in hard and fast." Lucius nodded in agreement and as one the foursome began their charge towards the alley. Eevee and Serperior fired off their attacks, striking the Dusknoirs that had been waiting for them on the far edge of the street, eyeing them warily. The phantoms howled and moaned and put on feeble attempts to fight back but found that the combined might of Harry Potter and Lucius Malfoy's Pokémon made any sort of counter attack impossible with their small numbers. The Dusknoirs quickly fled though a few got tagged by Snorunt and Barbaracle. "Stay on your guard," Harry said as they entered the alley. "It is tight in here but there are still offshoots where the Dusknoirs may be-"

A blast of ghostly energy shot out from their right, nearly clipping Fudge's shoulder. "Serperior!" Lucius snapped, the grass snake lashing out with its tail and easily striking down the Dusknoir that had attempt to catch them off guard. The rotund spirit bellowed, clutching its wounded belly before retreating back from where it came. "Pathetic. Mr. Potter, how close are we to Draco?"

"At the next side alley we should find Ron and Neville. After that it's straight to Draco."

"I will not wait for you to save the two little..." Lucius gained control of himself before he said more. "We collect them as fast as possible and then we move on."

"Agreed," Harry said as they neared the side alley. They could already hear the sounds of battle growing louder and soon after taking their new path found themselves facing the bulbous rears of a horde of Dusknoirs. "Eevee!" The little brown and white Pokémon grinned, fangs gleaming slightly, before he launched three small Shadow Balls in rapid succession. The Dusknoirs, startled by the sudden attack on their flanks, turned to face down this new threat only to let out howls when their original focus demanding their attention. Bolts of lightning, ice shards, and green balls of solar energy slammed into the Dusknoirs. The phantoms twisted back and forth, not liking it that for once they were the ones getting confused and disoriented.

"Press on!" Lucius shouted. "Ms. Granger, protect the rear! Malamar!" Hermione barely had time to command Snorunt to shift her focus to behind them before Lucius' dark psychic whipped around and targeted the remaining ghosts. "I grow tired of this ramble. Malamar: Dark Pulse!"

The Dusknoirs, sensing what was about to occur, began to flee the alley and take to the skies. Some were too slow, however, and were stuck by the malevolent blast of negative power. The ghosts cried out, their wails causing the Prime Minster to whimper in dread and clutch at his hat until he risked tearing it apart like tissue paper. Finally Malamar relented, allowing the group to look past where the Dusknoirs had once been to the Hogwarts students that had been trying to hold back the horde.

"Bloody hell!" Ron said, panting slightly as he stood up; he had been crouched over someone, trying to protect them from the Dusknoirs. His skin was pale, making his red hair stand out all the more, and a bit of dry blood coated a short cut on his forehead. Cubchoo and Emolga were beside him, both tired but otherwise fine.

"Thank Merlin you came," Neville said, walking over to Lucius. The training under his gran quickly asserted itself and he extended his hand while Flora moved to stand beside her trainer and Neville's Phantump, Thumper, floated next to him. "House Longbottom thanks House Malfoy for their aid."

Lucius looked at Neville's hand before shaking it. "House Malfoy accepts and will consider all debts paid if House Longbottom helps rescue the heir of House Malfoy." Ron, due to his own fatigue, was unable to offers his thoughts on that agreement.

"House... Greengrass... oh, you know," Daphne Greengrass said from behind Ron and Neville. Harry watched the 'Ice Princess of Slytherin' with a touch of amusement; Daphne had gained her title not only because of her Vanillish but because of her cold demeanor. She refused to socialize, she only answered questions directed at her by 'superiors' and every comment was measured and weighed to ensure that it reflected only what she wished to say. Her words could be biting and what few insults she had let slip were like ice picks to one's heart. The heir of House Greengrass even appeared at time to be an ice statue brought to life, what with her pale skin, blondish white hair and arctic blue-gray eyes that seemed forever frosted over.

But in the alley the ice had melted and she was revealed to all. There were several cuts on her face, sending droplets of brilliant crimson down her pale checks. Her hair was disheveled and her breathing was coming out his harsh pants. It were her eyes that were most telling; where once there had been only the cold there was now a raging fire.

"Miss Greengrass!" Prime Minister Fudge said in shock. The horror that now FOUR gym leaders would be screaming at him over finding their children involved in this mess was making his bowels clench. "Are you alright?"

"Oh, just wonderful!" Daphne said sarcastically, earning a look of disbelief from Hermione and a cool stare from Lucius. "I so enjoy having to pulling my best friend out of the maw of a deranged Sevii Island phantom!" She gestured toward Tracey Davis, another Slytherin third year, who was huddled against a brick wall fighting off the tremors that were racing through her body; she'd been the one Ron had tried to protect. Her Mawlie was standing guard, gently stroking shocked girl's hair. "Where the hell are the Aurors?!"

"That is a good question," Lucius said. Though his words said he agreed with Daphne it was clear he wasn't pleased with how the Ice Princess had said it. "But we can focus on their failings once we are all safe... including my son."

"We saw the git... I mean Draco, trying to find shelter in the shopping plaza." Ron jerked his thumb behind him. "Neville told him to follow us but he said we were stupid to go down this alley... guess he was right." The red head shifted, hating the fact that he'd been forced to admit that Draco was right about something. "Have you seen anyone else?"

"A bunch of people are holed up at The Three Black Flutes," Hermione stated. "But other than them and you guys... no."

Harry looked up, eyes flickering for a moment. "Hedwig says there are pockets of people trying to fight back but they are all scattered about. Most are barricading themselves in shops. No sign of the Aurors." Fudge let out a moan at that.

"What caused all this?" Neville asked. "Why is the Lord of Sevii attacking us?"

"It isn't the Lord of Sevii," Harry said sternly. "It's a madman and a traitor." The others looked at him, wanting to know what he meant by that, but Harry merely pushed his way forward. "We need to find Draco and then get me to the Pokémon Center."

"The Beast?" Ron asked.

"The Beast."

"You know, I was hoping for a bit more of a plan than that," Daphne said, helping Tracey up. Neville hurried over and lent a hand, getting Tracey's other arm around his shoulder.

"Well, it will have to do," Ron said, moving to stand beside Harry. In a lower voice he whispered, "But I'd prefer a plan that doesn't involve us saving Draco."

"Not in the cards, Ron, not in the cards."

The group, once more ready to move, charged through the rest of the alley and into the wide open shopping plaza. Normally it was filled with trainers counting their pokedollars and cursing the fact that they didn't have enough while others clustered together next to large storefront windows and gawked at the latest gadget or gear that was on display. The open air commerce area was the most popular shopping spot in Le Fay's Landing and many Hogwarts students spent their entire visit just wandering from shop to shop, selecting new items and upgrades that they'd show off in the common room hours later.

Now it was rendered into a body-strewed battlefield. Trainers, students, and villagers were tossed about like ragdolls, trembling and sobbing as the Dusknoirs' aura drove them into the blackest pits of despair. The phantoms would focus in on one person and draw them in, their giant belly mouths opening up as they began to stuff whimpering humans into their gullets. The only ones opposing them were a handful of people that had managed to keep their wits. Draco's face was pale but still he managed to call out attacks to his Servine; he'd been forced to use an overturned food cart as shelter from the ghosts. Next to him was a 6th year Hufflepuff named Cedric Diggory who was yelling out commands to his Electribuzz; the yellow electric-type bellowed in outrage and lashed out any Dusknoir he could find, sometimes reaching deep into their stomach mouths and yanking out victims before tossing them to Crabbe and Goyle's Sawk and Throh. Draco's 'bookends' (as they were known to the Gryffindors) were either to brave or too stupid to be affected and were proving to be a big help as they commanded their Fighting Types to drag people out of danger. Pansy was huddled behind Draco, sobbing and hugging her Grovyle; her Pokémon was just as tramatized. Several younger students poked their heads out of the Gauntlet Gear Shop, only to yelp and hide when a Dusknoir turned its attention on them.

Harry, spotting one of the Dusknoirs was going after a downed trainer, rushed forward. "SHADOW BALL!" Eevee leapt onto his shoulder and fired at the Dusknoir, causing it to back away from its dinner. Harry swiftly dove under the ghost-type's flailing arms and grabbed the trainer's hand and began to tug him towards Draco and Cedric, Eevee providing cover fire. He was nearly there when one Dusknoir got brave and decided to try and rush him. Before Harry could even give a command a red and black shape leapt down and slashed at the Dusknoir, sending it fleeing with a wail. The tall Pokémon growled and flexed his claws, daring anyone to attack.

"Remus!" Harry called out as he stared at the Zoroark. His guardian's pokemagnus form merely nodded before returning his focus on the battle, violently lashing out with claws and fangs at any Dusknoir that got to close. "Come on!" Harry waved to the rest of his group, who quickly joined him around the turned over cart. Ron, Hermione and Daphne had their Pokémon begin fortifying it with ice walls while Neville and Minister Fudge did their best to assist Remus.

"Harry," Cedric said with a nod. "You know, before you began coming here a Le Fay's Landing Weekend wasn't all that exciting."

"Hey, the first one I went to didn't end like this!" Harry complained. "It was rather- hold on!" Harry reached over and grabbed a cricket bat that had ended up near him; during one of Cedric's attacks the Sports Sports Sports Shop had gotten its window busted in. A Dusknoir that had managed to get through the barrage of blasts from the group quickly found its face introduced to the width of the bat. It didn't actually hurt it too much but it did confuse the ghost enough to give Hedwig time to zoom down and use Thief. "It was rather dull. I was expecting more from the way you 6th years sold it."

"Well, you got your wish!"

Lucius, meanwhile, spared a moment to look at his son. "You've managed to overcome the fear aura these ghouls are projecting."

"I would not endeavor to disappoint you, father," Draco merely said.

"That remains to be seen."

Zoroark rejoined the group and separated into Remus and Mooney. "This isn't working!" Remus shouted over the din. "We attack them but they keep getting back up."

"That is because the will of Voldemort drives them!" The Nocturne Agent who'd started the chaos emerged from the shadows he'd been hiding in, his masked face tilted as he looked at the group. "I never imagined I would find so many of my enemies gathered in one place. Truly Lord Voldemort smiles upon me."

"Lucky for us," Harry shot back, hoping that sounded wittier to the others than it did to him. "If the Will of Voldemort is behind all this then I guess we should see all of them crumple to the ground and die within the next two minutes!"

The Agent trembled in rage. "You watch your tongue, boy! You've falsely built your name and reputation of the deeds of a great man!"

"Actually I built them on the deeds of a great woman!" Harry shot back. "My mum was an amazing person!"

"Lily Potter was a whore who disgraced herself by denying the great Lord Voldemort! He offered his hand in friendship to her and she and your bastard father spat on it!"

"They might have spat on it but I know that James' parents were married when they had him!" Remus shouted. "Now, how about you call your ghosts off and we settle this like men!"

"I don't think so," the Agent said with a dark laugh. "I already had my fill of that when I murdered your friends!"

"Enough of your riddles," Lucius said coldly. "You obviously want something otherwise you wouldn't have wasted your time gloating. Name your price."

"My price? My price is your traitorous head on a spike! It can sit there with all those that stand with you!"

"Is it too late not to stand with him?" Ron asked, only to receive glares from everyone else. "What?"

Harry ran his tongue along the inside of his check, watching as the Dusknoirs began to move as one towards them, the Nocturne Agent calling out commands as he took control of the attack. Before the Dusknoirs had been driven by instinct but now that their trainer was guiding their actions they become an all the more dangerous threat. Something had to be done or even with their now combined strength the group would be overrun. An idea was forming in his head but he knew it wasn't without risks. However, seeing the horde that was closing in on them, Harry decided that fortune favored the bold.

"I think I have a way out of this but you all need to trust me." Harry glanced at Fudge. "Can your Barbaracle perform Rock Tomb?"

"Well... yes. Yes, yes he can! But I don't see how that-"

"Have him do it around us. Neville, Mr. Malfoy, Draco, I need each of you to command your grass types to perform any leaf-producing attacks they have. Razor Leaf, Leaf Storm, whatever you have. They need to keep it up without stop. Hit as many as they can but as long as the leaves are flying I'm happy."

Neville nodded and gave the command without a second thought. Draco, however, was having none of this. "Who put you in charge, Potter! My father should be giving commands!"

"Indeed," Lucius said. Draco's triumph was short-lived. "I command you listen to Mr. Potter. Unlike you he is has managed to lead an assault against these ghouls rather than cower and now moves to strike while you whimper. He has proven himself thus far and unless you have suddenly developed a feasible plan we will listen to him. Serperior, Leaf Storm."

"...Servine, Razor Leaf."

The Dusknoirs raised their hands up, shielding their faces from the suddenly green assault. Their advance slowed but didn't halt and inch by inch they began to make their way towards the group.

Harry took out his Pokéball and recalled Eevee and Hedwig before calling out Dobby. "Mr. Prime Minister, be ready on my word. Hermione, Mr. Malfoy, call out Kirlia and Malamar and command them to follow Dobby's commands." Lucius considered Harry's words but stayed true to his earlier commitment to follow Harry's lead. Harry stepped forward, not paying attention to the leaves that were swirling around him. "I know who you are!" he shouted at the Agent.

"I seriously doubt that," the man in Team Nocturne garb shot back.

"I know enough." Deciding that he'd need to give up something if he wanted to distract his opponent, Harry threw good sense to the wind. "I know what happened that night… I know about what you did… and I know who SURVIVED. I've talked to him myself!"

The traitor's face was hidden behind his mask but from his body posture it was clear that he'd struck a nerve. "You lie. I had him sealed away and when the Kenways attacked-"

"-they saw he was a great man and brought him into their trust. The Sons respect bravery and he has it in spades! He is a Gryffindor, through and through... and he showed more bravery than you or your pathetic twat of a leader Voldemort ever did!"

"You shut your mouth!" The Traitor raged. "You know nothing!"

"I know that you kissed the boots of a coward who fought babies and women. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you hide behind your Dusknoirs and attack children rather than acting like a man!"

"You think I'm a coward? We'll see what you say when I have my hands around your throat." he turned to the Dusknoirs and snarled, "Kill all but Potter... he is mine!"

"Oh, I'm so scared," Harry said with a snort.

"Uh, mate, could we try not antagonizing the masked man leading the soul-eating ghosts?" Ron called out over the roars of the Dusknoirs.

"You want courage?" Harry held up two more Pokéball and with a flash Ludwig and Firebolt were standing before him. "Do you recognize them? They are the children of my parents' Pokémon... the same ones that fell your master." He turned to Fudge and nodded; the minister was quite happy to have his Barbaracle create the Rock Tomb around him and the rest of the group, separating them from the Dusknoirs... and Harry.

"NO!" Remus screamed, trying to rip the stones down with his bare hands. Neville, Hermione and Ron quickly joined him, shouting for Harry. "Undo it!" Remus turned and grabbed Fudge by the lapels of his coat, shaking the portly man violently. "Make a door so we can let Harry in!" When Fudge merely trembled Remus raged, "That is Lily Potter's Heir out there! You think they'll let you even stay in this region if he dies because you bollixed everything up!"

Dobby touched Remus' leg and mentally told him, 'The Great Harry Potter has plan... must trust him.'

"You say I don't know anything?" Harry shouted, ignoring the cries of his friends. "Well... I do know one thing."

"And what is that?" the Traitor demanded.

Harry smirked. "I know where I am standing." The Traitor stared at him for a moment, confused, until he glanced down and realized that the entire square was filled with dry leaves. They were stuck in the skin of his Dusknoirs and clung to his black cloak and were nearly a inch deep around his boots. His head whipped about as Dobby, Kirlia and Malamar's psychic shields slammed down around the square, forming a shimmering open-top box around the Traitor and his Dusknoirs. Harry narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Ludwig... Firebolt... Flamethrower."

The two Pokémon nodded and unleashed twin fiery blasts. A few Dusknoirs were caught in that initial attack and cried out as their dark ectoplasmic flesh burned. The rest of them, however, were not free from danger. The dry leaves instantly went up in a roaring blaze, the flames leaping from pile to pile. Dark smoke rose in the sky and the wails of the ghost-types quickly joined them. Trying to flee the flames only spread the destruction as it would stir up the air and cause burning leaves to drift to new, untouched sections and stare up their own infernos. Other leaves tossed and turned in the winds, making is so that one could hardly move without being Dusknoirs realized that the game was up and quickly fled up into the sky, leaving burning trails behind them like shooting stars. Harry, for his part, lifted his arm up to shield his face, grimacing in pain as several burning leaves struck him and left burns on his unprotected skin.

The Agent screamed in outrage as he watched the inferno engulf his horde. For a moment it looked like he would rush through the fires in an attempt to get to Harry and make good on his promise to throttle the young Hogwarts student. In the end, however, his own need for self-preservation won out. His cloak was catching fire and the air around him was thick with smoke. With one final gesture of outrage he reached up and touched his mask. Harry watched in shock as the mask seemed to shift and move before the truth was revealed: the 'mask' was in fact the tail end of a Yamask, which promptly teleported its trainer away, leaving the Dusknoirs to flee on their own. Many were able to depart but a good percentage flew to the ground, burnt and fainted… or worse.

As if Avalon itself sensed the battle had come to a close the clouds burst open the moment the last Dusknoir had left the village. Hard rains lashed down upon the flames leaving them little more than piles of smoking ashes. The psychic barriers lifted and Fudge's Barbaracle released the Rock Tomb, allowing the rest of the defenders of Le Fay's Landing step forth and look upon the carnage. They all watched as Harry stood in the middle of the extinguish inferno, the children of his own parents' Pokémon standing beside him. Soot covered his face, his skin was covered in burns, and the smell of smoke clung to his clothing and yet, as he stood there, each and every one of them stood in awe at the young man before them. From his most staunch supporter to those that barely tolerated his presence the same feeling emerged: here was one that could stand against the darkness. Just as Hagrid had envisioned in the Ice Cave during Harry's first year, the boy was suddenly not a boy. He was shining and heroic and beautiful.

A knight of Avalon.

A bolt of lightning struck in the distance.

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Note: Alright, so there is a TON to talk about here, so brace yourself kids! Blame KaiserNeko and his Episode Breakdown videos for me getting gabby about the creation process of these chapters.

So, this chapter was rather interesting because, as you all should be well aware… nothing like this happens in the books or movies! Much like the Honor Duel in Book 2, I occasionally run into issues where the breakdown of the book simply doesn't work for me and the story I am wanting to tell. Sometimes I can follow the book really close; Book 1 is a great example of this, as almost every chapter can be linked back to a chapter from the book. But when I begin to toy with canon and alter things… yeah, things go a bit nuts and I am forced to alter things.

There are other reasons though why I go on paths like this chapter. One of the prime things is that the world of Pokemon is built around battles so it makes no sense not to have battles more often. Otherwise, I am not being fair to one of the worlds that helped spawn this reality. Also, I wanted to show Harry growing up a bit and being proactive. At times Harry allows himself to just kinda go along with what is happening. Not the case here. You'll see more of this in Book 4, where, instead of just sitting around whining about how he didn't enter his name in the tournament, Harry is actually going to seek out help to not just survive but WIN.

And finally… Harry and Lucius Malfoy, Tag Team Partners. It had to be done, folks, it had to be done.

This chapter also allowed me to introduce more characters into the world; namely Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis. I've wanted to find some way to show some of the Slytherins that aren't a part of Draco's group and this was a wonderful chance to do so. I also love the personality I gave her … and yes, we will see more of Daphne later on in the series. And hey, as a bonus, I decided to set up Cedric so it means more when he becomes the champion of Hogwarts in Book 4.

Now, I don't know how many of you got this or not, but Harry can thank Hagrid for his little move here that defeats the Dusknoirs. Hagrid teached coordinating but, more importantly, he has taught the kids how to combined moves. That will continue to be important because, as we'll see later on, the best Pokemon trainers don't stick to the traditional battle style.

Now, I was talking to a reader when the issue of Ash Ketchum came up and I explained that I, in fact, one issue with Ash in this series: His age.

On one hand, if I want to keep this 100% true to the anime, then Ash would have to be about20 in this story. That's because in 1984 Johto declared war on Kanto, so if I want to be true to the story then Ash would have to be already out of the Johto region during the war, meaning he had to go there in 1983. That would mean Ash is OLDER than Harry and, if he visited the Avalon region in his youth, it was during the period when Lucius Malfoy was in control of the Council of Gym Leaders.

Now, if I go with the idea that this series is a true mix of these two worlds (and I do) then Ash can be any age. That leads to three other options. First, that Ash hasn't begun his Pokémon journey yet and wouldn't begin until the Epilouge of Book 7. This would allow me to one day to a story with Ash visiting the Avalon region and battling adult Harry and other adult characters from this series. The second idea is that Ash would start his journey around the end of Harry's 7th year, meaning Harry would meet a 17 to 19 year old Harry. This would put it more in line with how the show does it.

The final option is the one I am leaning towards: Ash is right now on his journey and is around Harry's age. That would mean that during the Epilouge, Ash would be roughly 30 to 25 and most likely settled down with Serena (yeah yeah, boo all you want! The Ash/Serena ship is the one I am sailing, kids! They just fit so well together, much better than Ash and Misty) and have kids. I have a great idea in my head of Ash and Serena's son going on a Pokémon journey (Maybe with a Pichu that is Pikachu's son?) and meeting up with Harry and (Censored to avoid spoilers!)'s daughter, who we can call Lily for now. Lily, being very spirited, decides to run away from home and not go to Hogwarts and instead joins Ash's son in a Pokémon journey, meeting up with Harry Potter characters while also avoiding those looking for them as well as dealing with a new resurgence of Team Rocket.

But I thought I would ask you guys what you think: How old do you think Ash is right now in the series and how would you like to see him enter, if at all?

Thanks to all that suggested names for the Avalon Grass Starter Line! A variation of Foreverawesome's suggestion, Mosimian, will be the basic stage. I decided to take a variation of Nighttrain's suggestion and make the first evolution be Gorleaf. Finally, Ajkent's suggestion of Sentorest will be for the final evolution. Thus we have now the Capriocean Line and the Sentorest line. Thanks to everyone else who suggested interesting names.

Now the fire starter was the hardest one for me to pin down. I had a few different ideas but the problem that arose. First of all, I wanted to stick to the quasi theme that all Fire Starters are based on the Chinese Zodiac (The Dragon, The Rat, The Chicken, The Monkey, The Pig and the Dog). That eliminated one idea I had for a Cerberus starter that would gain a head for every evolution. I also realized this was a bit too much like the Pseduo Legendary of Unova.

My main idea was a bull, represent the Ox Zodiac, that would become a minotaur. The problem there was coming up with the middle evolution (Those are always the hardest... I can imagine the final form and the base form but finding an interesting middle form? Ugh). I also had my heart set on the minotaur being a Fire/Steel type but realized that would make way overpowered among the three starters; Caprocean's ability means that it never gets a STAB ability (as it is designed to be a strategy breaker who eliminates that key component) and Fire/Steel means that (Insert Grass Starter Name) is doubly screwed. Finally, I wanted to avoid making this fire starter like all the others in one key aspect: I wanted it to not become bipedal. If you look, every Fire starter stands on two legs. I wanted to go different and the Minotaur would have onyl continued this trend.

Don't worry though, the Minotaur will still appear in the Avalon dex. He will part of a new trinity of Pokémon known as the "Nemesis Trio" who will be rivals of the three starters and are designed to defeat them in battle. But more on that group later.

So, I began to develop a new Fire Starter fitting what I wanted and finally came up with an interesting Pokémon.

The base form is modeled after a tiger cub. It is mostly orange and have black stripes running down its sides and belly. The back/spine would be the interesting part, as it would have armor-like plates, also black, running along its spine.

The first evolution would see our tiger growing larger and more muscular. Nothing changes with the coloration but the armor plating on its back has now merged together to form a hard shell that runs along its back and also a bit up its head. The tail also has gained the same armor and the tip begins to curl up...

The final form sees our tiger take on its true form: the manticore. The shell has split open and fiery wingers (not feathered or batlike those) have emerged. The rest of the shell covers the top of its skull like a helmet and its eye teeth are now sabertooth fangs. The tail is now a scoprion tail with a dangerous stinger at the end.

Our Fire Starter gains a secondary typing: Bug. This will make it quite different from the rest of the fire starters. The family's special ability is 'Cast Back', which means that any status condition that would be applied to it instead goes to the opposing Pokémon. Use a poison jab against it? Now your Pokémon is poisoned. Try a confusion ray? Our manticore bounces it right back. Just like Caprocean and Sentorest who are designed to change up strategies, our tiger will do the same.

The signature attack is 'Burning Breath', which sends out a fog that will burn Pokémon who enter battle... think of it as Fire's Toxic Spikes or Stealth Rock.

Make sure to submit your names for the Fire Line. Next chapter we will see either the Avalon Region's main 3-stage bug line or the Region's main 3-stage bird line.


	17. Legends, Secrets, and Cheesecake

Despite the number of blankets he'd spread out it was impossible for Harry not to know he was lying on hardwood. Not only did it hurt his back but it also stole any heat the covers and fireplace provided. He could scarcely believe that his sleeping arrangements were giving him so much trouble; he'd spend years sleeping in a cupboard under his uncle and aunt's staircase with only a thin holey blanket to provide him any comfort. Yet for the last two and a half years he'd enjoyed the comforts of a mattress and fresh sheets and soft pillows, all of which left him unable to stand the feeling of hardwood pressing against his spine.

Harry looked up at the ceiling and knew that it was purely his imagination that made him hear the clomping of Auror boots and the scrapping of furniture through the ceiling. The 3rd Year Boys' Dorm was on the 4th floor of the tower, which meant that it would be impossible to hear anything that was going on up there. Still, even with this knowledge, Harry found himself unable to stop the phantom sounds from assaulting his ears. he would be moments from drifting off only to find himself jerk awake with a start, knowing that he had just heard one of the crime scene investigators cough or a trunk slam down.

The rest of his classmates weren't having any problems falling asleep. Neville was sprawled out on the couch, Flora resting at his feet, her leaves drooping over her body like silk sheets. Seamus and Dean and Ron were curled up in the easy chairs, each one fully reclined even though the three young teens didn't actually bother to lay upon them in any typical fashion. Harry looked at them, so blissful and peaceful in slumber, and couldn't help to wish that they'd all get horrible skin rashes. It wasn't their faults, of course; they'd offered to draw straws to determine who had to lie on the floor. Harry though, being the noble idiot that he was, had waved off that suggestion and stated that he would take the floor. He'd bragged about how it wouldn't bother him in the slightest and that he'd probably get a better night's rest than the other boys.

'Well, I'm a blooming idiot,' Harry thought to himself as he sat up.

It had been a week earlier that Harry and his friends, along with a few other Hogwarts students, Lucius Malfoy, and Prime Minister Fudge, had managed to survive a Dusknoir swarm in Le Fay's Landing. The battle had been a hard one that had seen them barely survive and reinforcements from the Auror Corps had arrived too late to do much good. It had only been after Harry had forced the Team Nocturne Agent and his Dusknoir mob away that a swarm of Jennys had arrived along with several other Aurors. Harry himself had been stalked by an imposing Auror named John Dawlish. Compared to the pretty, if stern, Jennys, Dawlish was frumpy, miserable sight. His face was lined with creases, his suit was wrinkled, tied stained, and he looked out at the world with hooded, tired eyes. He zoned in on Harry, seeing him in the middle of the burned out square with two fire-types and naturally assumed the boy was the cause of the alarm.

_"Back off," Remus said sternly, pushing Harry behind him and glaring at the Lead Auror. Harry looked up at his guardian and was shocked to see his lips curled back in a feral snarl, eyes blazing with rage._

_"Step away from the suspect, sir," Dawlish replied. "I have a few questions for our little pyro."_

_"I don't think so," Remus said. "I tend not to listen to people who are rubbish at their jobs."_

_"See here-" Dawlish began._

_"I agree with Mr. Lupin," Lucius said coldly, glaring at the Auror. "We were under attack for a half an hour and only when the danger is gone do we see hide or tail of the 'great' Auror Corps. Considering that the Prime Minister himself was one of the targets, as well as the Head of the Gym Leader Council, I am left to wonder if it were merely incompetency or something a touch more sinister that led you to fail at your duties."_

_Dawlish's next comment was cut off by the arrival of Kingsley Shacklebolt, who glared at Lucius. Shacklebolt was a mountain of a man and Harry had felt his neck begin to ache as he looked up at him. While not Hagrid-sized Shacklebolt still managed to look over the heads of most of those gathered. "Funny, I've thought the same thing whenever I thought about how you should be locked up in Sevii."_

_"Enough, please!" Fudge said, dabbing his brow with a handkerchief. "Today has been stressful enough without us all at each other's throats." See that he had their attention, Fudge gave a weak smile at the Jennys who had moved to stand behind their senior officer. "We cannot be divided... not after today."_

_"I agree," Amelia Bones, head of the Auror Corps and member of the Elite Four, stated as she strolled towards the defenders of Le Fay's Landing and her two senior Aurors. "I would very much like to know what the hell is going on, Dawlish."_

_The puffed-up Auror held his head high as he spoke to Madame Bones. "I arrived on the scene to find this young man here standing in the middle of the remnants of the fire that engulfed the town. When I attempted to question him-"_

_"Which you should not do without his guardian present," Bones said._

_Dawlish somehow managed to keep the holier-than-thou look on his face. "Yes. Of course. As I was saying, I attempted to question the young man only for my investigation to be impeded upon-"_

_"By the boy's guardian," Remus said sternly. "And, furthermore, I am also a professor at Hogwarts, meaning that I am not only responsible for him but for his education."_

_"Be that as it may, you are interfering with our investigation. If all of you do not wish to see the inside of an Auror Cell-"_

_Many people were used to seeing Cornelius Fudge as a smiling, slightly bumbling, mild mannered politician. He happily shook hands with voters no matter how smelly they were, would kiss the ugliest of babies, and would smile to a crowd until his jaw locked up. The Elite 4, for the most part, didn't mind him as he tended to be a 'hands-off' minister, preferring to allow his staff to handle issues for him. But that did not mean that the Minister did not have a temper and the one sure thing that could bring said temper out was to not afford him the respect he believed he deserved._

_"Does that include me?" Fudge said, his pudgy face going red as he stomped toward Dawlish. Even though the Auror had several inches on the Minister he still leaned back as the rotund politician marched over him and pressed a sausage-like finger into the rumpled Auror's chest. "Mr. Potter aided Mr. Malfoy and I in dealing with the horde of Dusknoirs that attacked. The ashes and soot that cover his town... this fine, fine town that is a beacon to all in Avalon..." Harry fought the urge to roll his eyes; somehow the Minister had managed to turn his rant into a campaign speech. "What you see before you is the end result of our plan to push back the Dusknoirs. We were forced to do this because the Auror Corps failed to show and as my friend Lucius Malfoy pointed out that fact is quite worrisome."_

_Madame Bones and Shacklebolt shared a look; the last thing either of them wanted was for Fudge to decided he needed to get more involved with their department. Cornelius Fudge knew only how to fight for votes; many of his peers still told of the time during Fudge's 5th year when he'd managed to somehow command his Mankey to attack him... repeatedly. The Mankey had ended the assault by smugly tossing a Pokeball at him in an attempt to 'catch' him. To use a Pokémon for battle and to fight other trainers? That was something that was foreign to the Minister and nothing good would come of him and his under-secretaries trying to muddle their way through the legal process._

_"Dawlish, go work crowd control." The Auror glared at her but a jerk of Madame Bones' head had him shuffling away, his team sending reluctant looks towards Harry and his group as they went off to do their busy work."Now then, I would like to start from the beginning..."_

With Madame Bones taking direct charge of the investigation things had run much smoother. Bones had sent a message to Doctor Onassis, a fellow member of the Elite 4 and Head of the Medics Division, requesting him and as many Nurse Joys and doctors as he could round up to hurry to Le Fay's Landing. In the span of ten minutes the small village was swarming with personnel that saw to the wounded and injured.

Harry pulled his blankets up around him and shivered. His group might have driven the Dusknoirs out but they hadn't been able to be in all places at once. Remus had tried to hide the news from him but Harry had still learned that three Hogwarts students (a 5th Year Hufflepuff, a 7th Year Ravenclaw, and a 6th Year Slytherin), six trainers and four villagers had died in the attack. The number of injured seemed to be growing daily as people who had thought they had managed through the attack without any issues found themselves suffering from intense nightmares days later. Harry had seen much of it himself, having spent many of his free hours visiting Poppy's medfloor. Oliver had broken his ankle dragging a 3rd year Hufflepuff out of harm's way and Harry sat by his bed, listening to his new ideas for Gauntlet strategies. He also made sure to visit Tracey Davis and Daphne Greengrass, offering them a bit of company; Daphne had refused to leave her friend's bedside.

News of the attack had spread quickly. In every time word of the Battle of Le Fay's Landing filled the taverns and Pokecenters The public, naturally, was in an uproar and wanted answers. They wanted to know how this could have happened.

Sirius, in the guise of The Lord of Sevii, quickly found himself right in the middle. The fact that he had come to Avalon in September and now Sevii Dusknoirs were attacking innocent children made all eyes turn on him. For the first day there had been outrage against him and blame had quickly fallen on him. Sirius had quickly gotten in contact with his people back on the island and by noon on the second day had issued a press release revealing the horrible truth.

Warden Yorrick, during his tenure at Sevii, had been compounded his bribe-taking and kickback by running an illegal breeding program of the Sevii Dusknoirs. Documents were submitted to The Galahad Daily and The Quibbler that revealed that Yorrick had sold young Duskulls to wealthy patrons for millions; several buyers had ties to groups like Team Galactic and Team Flare. Rita Skeeter of the Daily had gone on a tear with that news, speculating that even one of those Duskulls, if properly bred, could result in a massive surge in Dusknoir populations. She claimed it was entirely possible that the standard Dusknoir would be extinct within 10 years, replaced by their more dangerous cousins. Xeno Lovegood had echoed her concern, though he placed the blame for the entire situation on dish rag makers, claiming that they were secretly creating the Reaper Cloths needed to evolve the Duskclops into Dusknoirs. His article had ended on a high note, however, when he proclaimed that 'The Looker' and his fantastic blue box had been spotted recently and would soon right the wibbly wobbly time line.

Harry had received a private e-mail from Tonks informing Harry of the 'off the record' info; namely those in Avalon who had purchased Duskulls from the Warden. While Yorrick might have been a scum sucker who deserved to have spent the rest of his days in his own prison (though Sirius had no problem with 'Jack and Jonas hanging that bastard from the tallest tower', reasoning that it cut down on the food bill for the prison) he was also really good at keeping records. His internal accountants (all members of the Sons of Johto and thus trusted by Sirius wholeheartedly) had found proof that in 1968 the warden had sold a male and female Duskull to a buyer in Avalon.

The man had signed his check Tom Marvolo Riddle.

While all of this information had been concerning it was what Harry had found hours after the Battle of Le Fay's Landing that truly had him and the rest of the school shaking. Upon arriving back at Hogwarts after having been thoroughly questioned by Madame Bones, Harry and the rest of the Hogwarts students had grabbed a well deserved dinner before heading back to their rooms. Harry had been the first to take the teleporter to the 3rd Year Boys dorm and had been the first to lay his eyes on the carnage. Beds had been flipped, trunks had been ransacked, suitcases and bags had been emptied upon the ground and each of the small cubby/closets they had been given to store their personal items had been invaded. Harry had instantly sounded the alarm and within a minute his Head of House had arrived and contacted the Headmaster about the invasion.

The Aurors had swarmed into the room almost as quickly as the Dusknoirs had swarmed Le Fay's Landing. The dorm had been sealed off and the boys had been sent back to the common room. When McGonagall had asked how many hours it would before the boys could get their room back one of the Jennys had merely stated that it wouldn't be long and they would soon have their investigation wrapped up.

That had been 7 days ago.

Harry groaned and sat up, deciding that sleep would not be coming any time soon. While McGonagall had tried to dress up their little 'sleepover' as a fun adventure none of the boys were buying it. Dean and Seamus were annoyed that they had to wait for all the 2nd Years to get done with their shower before they could use it. Neville had not liked the invasion of privacy and told Harry that he honestly didn't know if he could ever sleep their dorm ever again. Ron's problem involved privacy too, only his involved the lack of privacy he now had sleeping in his easy chair with no place to really call his own.

Ambling away from the fire, Harry sat down at one of the computer terminals, staring at the blank screen and wishing he could risk turning it on and surfacing the web. McGonagall had made it clear to the boys though that they weren't to treat their 'sleepover' as a party, meaning no internet, no staying up late, and no goofing off.

"Not able to sleep either?" Harry turned, only for a dainty hand to cover his mouth and prevent him from yelping. "Oh, come now, Harry... letting a little 2nd year sneak up on you?" Harry glared at Ginny, who merely smirked back. "The myths about you had me hoping you'd be more- EEEE!" Ginny leapt back, clamping her left hand over her mouth to muffle her squeals, while she waved her right hand up in down. "You licked me!"

"Don't cover my mouth next time," Harry said with a quiet huff.

"That is good advice," Luna said with a nod, silently waving for Hermione, who was rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she exited the teleporter, to join them. All three girls were wearing red robes over their pajamas. "Allow me to repay you with advice of my own: When a woman says nothing is wrong that means everything is wrong. And when a woman says everything is wroung that means everything is wrong."

"...thanks," Harry muttered. "What are you three doing up?"

Hermione groaned. "I asked the same thing when I got 50 text messages asking me if I were awake."

"We are awake because we know that you are upset about something and refuse to talk about it," Ginny said. "So we are going to go to... what was it you suggested, Luna?"

"We go to the kitchens, eat some cheesecake, and discuss our issues," Luna said with a nod. "Hermione is Dorothy, I'm Rose, Ginny is Sophia and you get to Blanche because you're the sluttiest, Harry!"

Harry pursed his lips, staring at the beaming Luna, before rolling his eyes. "Ok, fine, whatever you say Rose."

"How do we get down to the kitchen?" Hermione asked. "I am in no mood to get caught by Filch."

Ginny whipped out her dex and grinned. "I have it all figured out. You see, I have been spending this whole semester gathering data about our dear Argus Filch. His habits, his traits, his little quirks. I am using all that to create an algorithm that should allow me to plot the most likely course he will take-"

"Or," Harry said, "we could use the Marauder's App and Litwick."

Ginny looked down at her dex in despair, realizing she'd wasted most of her freetime for the last 4 months. "I... I'm going to need extra cheesecake." Luna wrapped an arm around her friend and began to murmur encouragement while Harry and Hermione fought off chuckles.

~MC~MC~MC~

"Thank you," Harry told the Wigglytuff standing beside him. The fairy Pokemon grinned and walked back to the large strawberry cheesecake it was cutting up, selecting another slice and passing it to Hermione. "Alright, I vote we do this more often."

"And not tell Ron, since he'd hog all the cheesecake," Ginny said, waving her fork in the air.

Luna nodded. "Yes, but it isn't all fun and cheesecake. It is time to begin the second half: the dishing of secrets. I shall start... a-hem... I have been hiding who I really am." With a confident nod she reached up and pulled her blonde hair from her head, revealing it to be a wig. The others merely stared at her when they realized that her real hair looked exactly like the wig she now held in her hand. "My real name is Luna Lovegood."

"...we know Luna," Hermione said.

"Yes, because I just told you!" Luna placed her hand on her heart and threw her head back dramatically. "Please friends, I know this is all confusing but I kept this secret for a reason!"

Harry merely took another bite of cheesecake. "Well, whoever you are, be it Luna or Luna, we all love you." Luna, in response, sniffed a little and hurried around the table to give Harry a hug.

"Now that we've finally established that Luna is... Luna," Ginny pulled a face, "we can move onto the next pressing issue." She looked at Hermione, eyes narrowed. "What in Merlin's name is up with you this year? Are you psychic? Attempting to be a Pokemagnus? A robot whose programming keeps glitching?"

Hermione looked down before nodding to herself. "Alright, I suppose you all deserve the truth... I am H3RM10N3, an advanced android from the future."

Harry and Ginny merely gave Hermione sour looks while Luna sniggered.

"You two have been hanging out way too much," Harry muttered, Luna and Hermione breaking into giggles.

Once her laughter subsided Hermione let out a sigh, growing serious. "Ok, the real truth. You know that I went with Luna and her father to Kalos last summer."

"Right... that's where Luna got Luna Jr," Ginny stated.

"Right. Don't... don't even ask me how we found it, but Mr. Lovegood managed to lead us to the Pokémon Village. It is a sanctuary for Pokémon, where they can gather without fear of threat from more violent Pokémon. Only trainers with pure hearts are able to enter... or so the story goes. I'm honestly not sure what to believe..." For an instant Hermione got the same faraway stare Luna was accustomed to sporting. "I can't even begin to describe exactly what I saw and felt there. There are so many legends about that place... and before I visited I might have waved them off as just that; myth. But some of the things I saw..."

The bushy-haired girl leaned forward, her voice dropping to a gentle whisper. "We went there only to observe. None of us even considered catching any Pokémon there. Mr. Lovegood wanted to investigate a cave where the legendary Pokémon Mewtwo had been spotted."

Luna nodded, bouncing up and down in her seat. "All sorts of legendary Pokemon are said to visit the Village. People have spotted Ho-Oh flying overhead and claim that Xerneas will occasionally walk amongst the trees..."

"I don't know about any of them," Hermione said, "but I do know one legendary Pokémon did dwell there... and she took a liking to me." Hermione grew bashful as she spoke of the encounter. "I was so startled when she first appeared. You would think that she'd have been the quiet and cautious one but she was so playful and brave. I was so in awe I didn't even realize she'd managed to get into my bag and pull out a Pokeball..."

Ginny, all stark gone, leaned forward, her eyes wide. "What... what was it?"

Hermione took out a simple Pokéball and gave it a soft toss. "Come on out." There was a flash of red light and Harry and Ginny gasped at the sight. Even the Hogwarts Pokémon stopped what they were doing and watched. The little Pokémon that had emerged was green like fresh spring leaves on a just-blooming tulip. Small antenna curled from her head and her bright and inquisitive eyes looked at the group with delight and wonder as she floated above the table.

"A Celebi..." Harry said softly, his hand slowly reaching out. Celebi, to his surprise, instantly flew over and touched his fingers with her own before letting out a giggle and rushing over to Ginny, fussing with her hair before zipping around Luna. The blonde Gryffindor laughed in delight as the little legendary danced in the air about her. "Amazing." Harry could only watch in amazement as Celebi zoomed to Hermione and settled herself in the young girl's arms.

"She's the reason I've been acting so strangely," Hermione said, running her fingers along Celebi's back, earning a coo of pleasure from the little sprite. "Well... her ability, actually."

"Her ability?" Ginny asked.

"Celebi has an amazing ability." Hermione paused, trying to decide just how to phrase what came next. It was clear to the group that Hermione was trying to think of the best way to describe Celebi's gift. "What do you know about the Celebi legend?"

Harry pursed his lips. "Not much."

Luna raised her hand. "Can I tell? Can I?" Hermione silently gave her permission and Luna leaned in close, motioning for the the Hogwarts Pokémon to lower the main fluorescents while lighting candles all around them, giving the kitchen a strange, ethereal glow. "Celebis are said to be time travelers who appear in times of great peace to bless humans who show kind, pure hearts. They appear bathed in moonlight and draped with morning dew, fluttering about glens and enchanted clearings, welcoming the lucky few that spot them. For the Celebi time is not linear and they are able to move about it however they wish, appear and disappearing throughout all of history, following a logic only they themselves understand." The candles snuffed out and the lights came back on. "In other words, they are like me!"

Harry and Ginny just stared at Luna for a moment before turning to Hermione. "So, what amazing ability does Celebi have?" Ginny asked dryly.

Luna let out a huff. "I was getting to that!" Shaking her head, the little blonde continued. "You asked for the legend and I gave it to you! Now I can give you the facts." Shaking her head at her friends and how silly they could be, Luna moved on. "Hermione's Celebi's ability helps explain where the legend came from; why they only appear to people with good hearts, how they seem to pop up throughout history but never stay for long, and why they only appear in times of peace. Hermione's Celebi has the 'Time Turner' ability."

"The... time what?" Harry asked.

"Time Turner," Hermione said. "I named it myself... no other Pokémon has ever had it before... at least no documented one." Celebi let out a coo and rubbed her head against Hermione's check.

Luna nodded. "Time Turner is amazing. It allows Celebi and anyone touching her to travel back up to one hour in time. It's all mental of course... that way you avoid paradox bodies and such, and the limit on distance means you can't accidently kill your own grandfather... but still, quite handy."

Harry's brow furrowed. "So, when you zone out...?"

"That's me arriving back in my body," Hermione said. "I live out an hour and, if something bad happened or I want to change something, Celebi and I mentally travel back up to an hour and redo it."

"So that's why you've known which routes to take in school or where lost items are?" Ginny asked.

Hermione nodded. "Correct. We do it and then I go back to the beginning."

Ginny considered this. "That... is so cool!" She bounced up and down in her seat. "Oh, we could have so much fun with this!"

"No, we could not," Hermione said firmly, hugging Celebi. "She is not a toy. In the beginning I used the Time Turner ability to check out which classes I wanted to take or avoid arguments with Ron-"

"Which is a very practical use for that power," Ginny stated.

"-but nowadays I only use it when a situation is dire. Celebi chose me as her trainer and I refuse to abuse her wonderful gift."

Harry nodded, giving his friend a smile. "It's alright Hermione, I get it. I mean, Ludwig's Invisibility Ability is amazing and yeah, there are times where we'll use it to do things like this, but I don't spend every day just abusing it... wouldn't be right."

Ginny let out a huff. "Fine! We'll not have fun at all and respect our Pokémon!" She slouched in her chair and Celebi, with a laugh that sounded like little brass bells, flew over and kissed her on the forehead. "...you are so lucky you're cute."

"Yes, I am lucky," Luna said. "Not sure why you brought that up..." She looked off into the distance, stroking her chin. "Do you think there is a Mirror Universe where we are all evil and my name is Celestia and I have a goatee-o-evil that I stroke when doing evil things?"

"Aaaaannndddd we lost her," Ginny stated. "Alright, so how much of history have you changed?"

"Not too much," Hermione stated, "and it isn't changing history; more like altering destiny."

"Blah blah blah, spill!" Ginny said with a grin.

Hermione took a bite of cheesecake before continuing. "Ok, so we told you about Hagrid showing off Steelbeak, right?"

"He hurt Draco, didn't he?" Harry asked.

"Feather right through the leg," Hermione said sadly. "Draco was screaming that he'd have Steelbeak put down for hurting him and Hagrid looked so worried..." For a moment she got a far-off stare, not-unlike when she'd use the Time Turner Ability. After a moment Hermione shook her head, trembling slightly. "Sorry... that's the downside of Celebi's ability; I've lived a few extra lifetimes and keeping everything straight really messes with me. Anyway, the next major time I used Celebi was when the Dusknoirs attacked."

"You thought it was Lucius Malfoy, didn't you?" Harry asked.

"I saw them enter the Three Black Flutes as we left but only saw Minister Fudge when that... whoever it was... give his speech. I figured it was Mr. Malfoy and wanted to catch him in the act." Hermione looked down, toying with the last bit of cake on her plate. "But I was wrong and I can only go back once. Can't use the ability to relive an hour I've already been through twice."

"I wonder what all of that was about, anyway," Ginny said. "Fred claims that he heard the guy was wearing a Team Nocturne cloak... was it a copycat or something?"

"No," Harry said firmly, tongue running along his teeth. "No, he was the real deal."

His friends looked to him and Harry took a deep breath. He'd debated with Sirius about this next course of action; his godfather claimed it was too risky and that Harry would be jeopardizing the mission. Harry had countered that his friends were loyal to him and always had his back. He pointed out how Hermione, Ron and Neville had helped him get the Master's Ball and how Neville had been instrumental in stopping Voldemort when he'd possessed Cho Chang. Ginny and Luna too had always stood by him and would continue to do so. Furthermore, Harry reasoned that his friends had already ended up in the crossfire and they deserved to know just what they were dealing with.

He looked over at Celebi. Hermione had trusted him with a huge secret of her own. Harry knew how dangerous it was to have a legendary Pokémon and he doubted that Lucius Malfoy would fall for the same trick twice. No, the head of the Malfoy family, who had once already attempted to harm Hermione, would take Celebi away and use her for his own goals. Hermione trusted them to keep the little legendary a secret... and now, with his faith in her resorted, it was time for Harry to repay the favor.

Thus, over the course of 30 minutes, Harry laid out for his friends everything that had happened that year. He told them what truly had happened when their train had been stopped and his emotional meeting with his godfather. He explained the events of Halloween 1981 and how Peter Petrigrew was an unsung hero who had given his life trying to avenge his parents and save Sirius. The girls gasped as he described Sirius' time in a Sevii cell and how he'd protected Jack Kenway's parents, thus earning the revolutionary's loyalty and friendship. Harry spoke of the Johto/Kanto war and Sirius' part and how he'd been made the Lord of Sevii; a position he'd been content with until he'd learned Harry was still alive.

The girls delighted in his tale about the Great Hogwarts Robbery and the news that Prof. McGonagall was in on the secret had Ginny exclaiming "So that's why she told us to accept that fishy story about what had happened at the Gauntlet match!". The mood turned somber as Harry spoke of his discovery that Remus and Snape were in league with each other and were hunting for Sirius. Hermione was convinced that Remus and Snape had been fed lies about Sirius and believed HIM to be the traitor. Harry admitted that he'd belatedly realized that was an option and had been quiet embarrassed and ashamed at how easily he had jumped to accuse Remus of betrayal.

"So the guy at Le Fay's Landing... you think he is the same man that led Voldemort to your parents?" Ginny asked.

"The one and the same. I don't know what brought him out of hiding at long last but I am sure that it was him. Tonks is sure that the Dusknoirs he used were the same ones that Voldemort purchased from the Warden of Sevii… or bred from them, atleast. Maybe he has been waiting for them to get strong enough before attacking."

"Or maybe news finally reached him about Voldemort still being around," Hermione hypothesized. "Prof. Dumbledore did his best to cover it up and I know none of us said a word about the Master's Ball or what really happened in the Chamber... but maybe someone else found out and passed that info along to that Nocturne agent."

Luna looked about in confusion. "So... am I the only one that thinks Scabbers is the traitor?"

"...huh?" Ginny said after several moments of silence.

"Scabbers. Ron's Raticate. He's the Traitor in his Pokemagnus form. No one else has realized this?" Luna began to tick off the points. "The Nocturne Agent Harry's godfather battled used the same form as Mr. Petrigrew's: a Raticate. Scabbers suddenly appeared one day shortly after the war ended-"

"By Merlin," Ginny whispered, eyes wide. "That's right! Scabbers did just show up! Mum and dad just assumed it was a trained one who's partner had died…"

Hermione shook her head. "That doesn't mean-"

"He's been under the watchful eye of the Weasley family so he's been unable to stage this attack until now, when Ron has left him unguarded."

"Why the Weasleys though?" Harry asked. Before Luna could answer Harry found himself answering his own question. "Unless he assumed that no one would be looking for him at the house of a family who was utterly opposed to Voldemort's rule."

"It explains why he was disobedient and why he won't fight for Ron," Luna pointed out. "Face it, Scabbers is the man that betrayed your parents to Voldemort, Harry."

Hermione looked at the three of them and sighed. "Are you all forgetting that Scabbers is in a Pokeball up in Ron's trunk?" The others stared at her and instantly Hermione wilted. "And there was an attack in the dorm right around the time that Nocturne Agent staged his attack."

Harry began to nod rapidly. "He staged the dorm room so the Aurors would come in and lock it down. That way he could move about freely without anyone realizing that Scabbers was missing!"

Ginny pulled out her dex. "Alright, let's take a look here at the inventory the Aurors did on your dorm, Harry."

"Are... are you hacking into the Auror Force's mainframe?!" Hermione shouted.

"Of course not," Ginny said, waving off Hermione's concern. "I had hacked it days ago." She gave them all a sly smile. "What? I was bored."

"And that is what you do when you are bored?" Hermione asked.

"Well... yeah. I got tired of taking control of Prof. Dumbledore's computer and changing the wallpaper. Ok, let's take a look." Ginny ignored Hermione as the bushy-haired girl had an emotional breakdown at the thought that she was involved with a felony, focusing instead on the list she'd pulled up from the Auror Force's database. "Nope, nope, nope... I don't want to know why they went into so much detail about Dean's underwear... nope... nope... and nope." Ginny logged off her dex. "No Scabbers."

"He's the traitor then," Harry said firmly.

"...ok, so Scabbers is most likely the Nocturne agent," Hermione admitted, scowling. "And... ew, Ron let a grown man sit in his lap!"

"Yeah, that is disturbing," Harry admitted.

"What do we do with this information, though?" Luna asked. "I vote we gather the Z Warriors and train really hard before we take on the Nocturne Agent... of course, most likely he will join us to defeat Freeza..."

"And we lost her again," Ginny muttered. "We can't tell Ron. He'll flip out or deny it or do something stupid."

"We'll try and find a way to let Neville know but if we can't figure out a good time to do so he'll just have to remain in the dark too," Harry said. "But I am going to tell Sirius and Tonks."

"And Prof. McGonagall. She's our Head of House so she can keep an eye out in case 'Scabbers' tries to sneak back," Hermione reasoned.

"That's a good point," Harry said. "Alright, so we let only the people that already know the real story in on this."

"And when they tell us not to do anything and let them handle it?" Ginny asked.

"We nod our heads politely and then help anyway."

"Like we always do," Hermione groused, recalling Celebi and standing up. "Come on, we need to get to bed before we're missed."

"Kio-ken times 2!" Luna suddenly exclaimed. The others stared at her and the little blonde blinked. "I'm sorry, did I miss something?"

~MC~MC~MC~

Auhtor's Notes: Alright, so let's talk about the chapter, shall we? 

Dawlish appears here because I needed an Auror that would screw up. Can't have Kingsley do it, can't have Tonks, can't have Moody, and can't have Bones. That left me with few regular faces and I decided to go with Dawlish. Sorry if he is Out of Character but don't worry… he won't be the last character I alter.

Ow, ow! Stop hitting me! 

And we get the first mention of Looker! Yes, I am happy to say that Looker, the mysterious agent of the Pokemon Games, exists in this reality and will play a role soon in the events of the story. I've been throwing out a ton of Harry Potter characters but Book 4 will see a TON of Pokemon characters appearing. Prof. Oak, Cynthia, Drayden, Looker, Lance…

At long last, it is revealed: The Pokemon that Hermione caught and that takes the place of the Time Turner is Celebi. She fit well as a Pokemon connected to time who fit in well with Hermione's team. Furthermore, it allowed me to give Hermione a Legendary (and the Time Turner replacement HAS to be a Legendary… the Time Turner was a rare and powerful item) that isn't… well, overly powerful. I mean yes, Celebi is powerful, but when I say "Strong Legendary Pokemon" you don't think the green forest fairy. I know the people that hate Hermione will be pissed she got Celebi… but honestly, it works well for her.

And hey, Luna figured it out! Good for her.

Now then, with the chapter notes done we move on to the Avalon Pokedex. After careful consideration, I have decided that the names for the Fire Starter Line will be Cachyro (submitted by ForeverAWSOMEAuraSpaceDragon), Felirmor (submitted by ArmyWife22079) and finally Mantirex (submitted by DZ2) Everyone submitted great names but I just liked these three the best, as they had a nice Spanish flare to them (even if Avalon is English!). So now we have Sentorest, Caprocean, and Mantirex.

Now, for this next line, something a bit different… as I actually came up with names for each form. So no name submission. But that's ok, I'll have something else for you guys to do at the end.

Now, we have the Avalon Region's 3-stage bird Pokémon. The basic stage is Psychick and is a Flying/Psychic type. It starts out rather chubby, with its legs tucked tight against its body and wings nicely folded against its sides. A nice pale violet in color, it has a single pale green tailfeather with a green 'eye' towards the end.

The first evolution is Psyfowl. Much of the baby fat is lost and our bird has a longer neck and legs. the wings are still kept tucked against the sides, though. The colors have gotten a bit darker and yellow has been added to the ends of the tailfeathers. And speaking of tailfeathers, Psyfowl now sports five larger feathers; each one is separate from the others, with none of them touching and the designs are more elaborate.

The final form is Psyplume. Now the bird pokemon is completely regal, with a long neck and several green feathers on its headcrest. The colors have darkened to a midnight violet and the tailfeathers now have pale green, yellow, and red accents, eyes, and spots. The plumage is full on peacock, with the feathers interlocking to form a brillaint display. The feathers are the key to Psyplume's psychic powers and, when fighting one of this line in the wild, one on rare occasions will find a Eye Feather left behind. This feather boosts the special attack of a Pokemon holding it.

Now, since you can't name the Pokemon here, I will have a new homework assignment. I personally love the idea that some Pokemon have hold items that are clearly just for them but can be used by other Pokemon. Twisted Spoons, for example, or Psyplume's Eye Feather. Thus, I'd like you guys to throw out ideas for Held Items that are based on Pokemon… an item they old or something they might shed that could then become a held item. If I see one I really like I might even use it in the story!

Next chapter our Dex turned to the Three Stage Insect of the Avalon region… something that gives Psyplume great trouble and is based on a rumor for a Pokemon some thought would come out in Pokemon X and Y.


	18. The Prodigal Pokemon Returns

"Well done, Miss Granger! Ten Points to Gryffindor!" Remus said with a wide grin. Hermione blushed but happily accepted the praise from her instructor. The rest of the class clapped as Hermione returned to her seat, the smoking remains of the training dummy cleaned up by a wave of Reuniclus' hand. Harry gave Hermione a thumbs up and it only took a few moments before Hermione returned it with one of her own. Yes, Hermione had been working hard to get her friends to buckle down and be a bit more serious… but that didn't mean that she hadn't learned anything from them.

Winter had given way to Spring and with it came warm weather and the final lessons of the school year. In each of his classes Harry was being pushed, his instructors guiding him and his classmates towards harder subjects and more complex assignments. It was as if the professors had suddenly realized that May was fast approaching and they best fill their students' minds with as much knowledge as they could before the summer wiped much of it away.

In Prof. McGonagall's class they had learned about Pokepuffs and experimented with flavors and textures to try and find just which ones would make their Pokémon swoon with delight. Neville had done the best of the four but admitted that his time with Flora had taught him what Grass Pokémon liked and thus made it easier for him. Prof. Flitwick had them creating Triggering Pokéball, which would only activate when certain requirements were met. Ron, as always, proved to be a prodigy when it came to Pokéball making, easily completing a Camo Ball (an Elite Version of the Triggering Pokéball) before the professor had finished the first lesson. In Pokémon Tracking Harry had received a perfect score when he and Hedwig had located the five Digletts Prof. Sprout had called forth during the classwide scavenger hunt. While his Speaking ability (which he had continued using, lying through his teeth whenever Remus was nearby about how he managed certain feats) had aided in the test it was also his Gauntlet training that had made it easy for him to win the contest.

They'd all dropped Prof. Trelawney's class, seeing it for the sham it was. Even Ron had given in, but only because Hermione had pointed out that he'd develop a closer bond with Emolga and Cubchoo by focusing on Hagrid's Coordinator class. The giant man had been thrilled when all four Gryffindors chose to stay in his class and had delighted in teaching them and the rest of the students everything he knew. There were no true tests but that didn't mean Hagrid was a pushover; he was silly and forgetful but he took Coordinating very seriously and would not let any student get away with an ill-prepared demonstration.

Snape's class remained the same: Hermione was flawless while the boys did their best just to get a passing grade. Harry still got snide comments and insults from the Head of Slytherin but he'd come to learn to just let them roll of his back. It helped that Snape, at the very least, didn't make his insults personal; he'd call Harry a 'dunderhead' or a 'dolt' but for the most part he reserved his acidic tongue for complaining about things that, Harry had to admit, he had done wrong.

Remus had explained to him that Snape just had a different teaching style, believing that one must use the rod often if they wished to get great results. He'd assured Harry that Snape didn't truly hate him or even mean anything he said... the Potions Professor was just doing it to motivate him. Harry didn't quite buy that excuse but found that by focusing on the instructions and ignoring the glib remarks and the docking of points he could get through the class without escalating things. In a strange way Harry sensed that Snape respected this new outlook; at the very least Snape tended to focus his frustrations on Ron, Crabbe and Goyle rather than Harry and, to a lesser extent, Neville.

Remus' class continued to be a delight. After having a professor who was possessed by Voldemort and a fraud who mindwiped anyway who got too close to the truth, Remus was a breath of fresh air. He knew his stuff but unlike some professors, namely the horrid computer program known as BINNIS, could make it entertaining. He knew how to balance things out well so that the students enjoyed the class but also retained everything he was trying to teach them. Harry had heard that many students (and some professors) were trying to convince Remus to sign on for another year but he merely laughed and waved away such suggestions.

"It is fun to do it but I don't know if I have it in me to be a teacher full time," he'd told Harry. "I fear that the first few years would be great but then I would grow bored with the monotony of it all. Evaluating gyms is always exciting and new and it allows me greater freedom to travel and learn. Perhaps in a few years, after you graduate, I'll do another guest teaching year, but I think for now one-and-done is enough for me!"

Harry was drawn out of his musings as Remus set up the next dummy. After teaching them all about Abilities and explaining the different types and categories he'd spent the winter helping them learn how to counter them. It was well enough to know how to use an Ability but, according to Remus, knowing how to defeat one was even better. Their last assignment had seen each of them assigned a different Weather Ability and been asked to either counter it or use it for their own gain.

Neville had already gone first and Harry had been shocked when Flora had suddenly begun darting about the room when Remus activated the dummy's Drought ability. The boy had happily explained that Flora was a rare Bulbasaur; the Longbottoms had gotten their Bulbasaurs from a Hoenn line centuries ago and thus rather than having the Overgrow Ability that most Bulbasaurs had Flora had the Chlorophyll Ability. This allowed the Ivysaur to gather sunlight and turn it directly into energy, which she used to produce quick bursts of speed. Remus had applauded Neville's work, stating that Neville and Flora had perfectly demonstrated how Abilities allowed one to consider using moves (such as Sunny Day) that they might not normally select for their Pokémon.

The next few students had been hit or miss. Pansy had suggested using a Lanturn to counter Drizzle but then admitted that she did not actually own one, resulting in a pass but no House Points. Parvatti had then had her Jynx happily accept the hail that came from the Dummy's Snow Warning. Crabbe had responded to his own Snow Warning by trying to have his Sawk punch the ice away; Remus had merely shook his head and told the brutish Slytherin to sit down. Draco had gone the same path as Parvatti, having his Boldore survive the Sandstream. The blonde Slytherin's smug smile at passing had faded when Remus pointed out that if his Boldore had the Sand Force ability he would have not only survive the Ability but also seen his Boldore's attacks grow stronger as it absorbed the sand and used it as fuel for its attacks. Draco had fumed in silence, hating the idea that his Pokémon wasn't the best.

When Hermione had gone up most of the students had assumed that she would use some complex maneuver that combined the ability of her Pokémon with some abstract and hard to pin down element that would allow her to neutralize the threat. Everyone had been shocked when Kirlia had popped out and turned her Moon Mirror towards the sun and used it as a focal point to set the dummy on fire.

With the dummy replaced Remus looked at his class list. "Alright, next up is Mr. Potter." Ron gave Harry a thumbs up and the boy nodded, grabbing his jacket from his chair and tugging it on as he hurried towards the front of the class. "Alright, Mr. Potter, you were assigned to counteract the Sandstream ability. Reuniclus?" The green cellular Pokémon nodded, throwing out his arms and creating a protective barrier around the class so that none of the grit would strike them. "Ok Harry, you may begin."

Harry nodded and pulled out two Pokéball "Hedwig, Firebolt, I choose you!" The Hoothoot and the Cyndaquil appeared, letting out cries of determination. "Alright, just like we practiced."

"Hey!" Draco shouted, leaping to his feet. "Potter should get an F! He's not following instructions."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked in annoyance. "I haven't even started yet."

"You summoned two Pokémon!" Draco said with a smug grin, arms folded over his chest. Having spent as much time as he had around Lucius Malfoy Harry quickly realized that the boy was trying to emulate his father's mannerisms. It was a poor imitation. "That is a clear violation of the assignment and thus an F!"

"Where does it say you can't use two Pokémon?" Luna asked politely.

"...Miss Lovegood, what are you doing here?" Remus asked the 2nd year. The class of 3rd years all turned and stared in confusion.

The little blonde, who'd somehow managed to sneak into the class and sit down next to a surprised Neville, merely grinned. "Prof. Snape let me go early! He said he was tired of me breaking the laws of physics!" She held out a yellow slip of paper. "He gave me a note!"

Remus walked over and took the note, reading it over before shaking his head. "I can't believe this is actually legitimate."

"Neither can I," Luna admitted. "Now, can Mr. Maco Dralfoy answer my question?"

Draco let out an indignant sniff. "In the instructions for the assignment, of course."

Hermione frowned. "I don't remember reading that." The others began to murmur and soon students were skimming through the dexs, trying to find the line of text Draco was referring to. The Prince of Slytherin began to shift, his confidence wavering the longer people examined the rules for the assignment. "I don't see anything."

"Miss Granger is right, Mr. Dralfoy- Malfoy!" Luna giggled quietly to herself as Remus rubbed his face with his hands. "I never said in the instructions that you could only use one Pokémon... all of you, save Mr. Potter, merely assumed that since most official Pokémon battles are one-on-one I would expect the same here. However, I am not teaching you official battle techniques; in this class you are learning how to fight and how to win and sometimes that will mean commanding more than one Pokémon." Draco, reluctantly, sat down, fighting to maintain his dignity and composure. "Mr. Potter, you may proceed."

Harry nodded as Remus activated the dummy's Sandstream ability. "Alright then... Firebolt, use Flamethrower!"

"Cyn cyn!" The Johto Fire Starter opened his mouth and unleashed a glut of flames. Several students wondered if Harry was attempting to take out the dummy and knock it out with his attack; Draco was already standing up, knowing this time that Harry was, in fact, breaking the rules. The assignment clearly said that the students couldn't declare an attack on the dummy.

"Hedwig, use Gust!" Harry shouted. The Hoothoot let loose a blast of wind, send the sandstorm swirling back towards the training dummy. The class stared, baffled at what Harry's plan was; they were even more surprised when the sandstorm stopped and an indicator on the dummy flashed red. "Stop!" Harry shouted, Firebolt and Hedwig both ending their attacks.

"What... what happened?" Neville said in confusion.

"What was that?" someone else murmured.

"He knocked it out... but he never hit it with an attack."

Remus held up his hands, calling for quiet. Reuniclus dropped the psy-shield and Remus, Mooney perched on his shoulder, walked over to the dummy to examine it. He poked at it a few times, letting out a hiss of pain before turning to face Harry. "Mr. Potter... 30 points to Gryffindor!"

Harry grinned. "Thank you, Professor."

"But... but what did he do?" Daphne asked.

Remus opened up his trainer bag and pulled out a pair of tweezers, which he used to probe one of the many holes that had appeared in the dummy after Harry's presentation. He hummed to himself, ignoring the murmurs of the class, and only looked at them after nearly a minute of investigating. "Do you know what happens when you superheat sand?" Remus held up the tweezers; pinched in the tip was a small, clear object. "Glass."

Harry nodded. "I realized that with two Fire-Types and two Flying-Types I should focus on how those two types could work together. Firebolt's Flamethrower turned the grains of sand into bits of glass while Hegwig's Gust sent them flying back at my opponent."

"A perfect combination of attacks," Remus said with a grin.

"I've been paying attention during Hagrid's class, Professor."

Remus nodded. "And it shows. Well done." As Harry returned to his seat Remus continued. "Miss Granger and Mr. Potter have demonstrated that you should always think outside the box when it comes to battling. Too many trainers just fire off attack after attack without thinking about strategy. Furthermore, Mr. Potter has shown us that what we learn from one professor is not limited to a single classroom. By combining Battle Techniques with Coordinator Skills, Mr. Potter managed to create a cunning trap that turned the Sandstream Ability against its user." Remus clapped his hands together. "In light of this, I think I'll end class early-" Several students cheered and Remus waited for them to settle down, "-so that those of you that have not gone yet may consider what you saw today and reconsider your presentation. Furthermore, anyone who went today who wishes to redo their presentation may do so next time. Now then... class dismissed!"

~MC~MC~MC~

"So, what if I had a Fire Type melt the Hail and turn it into raindrops?" Ron asked.

Neville shook his head, checking over the flower his Flabebe was sitting on. The little fairy gave off a special energy that kept the plucked flower alive even though it had been uprooted and Neville was studying it in hopes of discovering Flabebe's secret. "You don't have a fire type to do that or a water type that would benefit."

"Why don't you just stick with Cubchoo going out?" Ginny asked, looking up from her Pokéball homework.

"I can't," Ron said, shooting daggers at Harry. "Someone had to show off and now I need to try and come up with something dazzling."

"...don't ever say 'dazzling' again," Ginny said.

"Why not?" Ron asked.

"Sounds weird when you say it. No different than Hermione cursing or Luna saying something sane and rational."

Luna frowned. "But if you take away my wit then I'm just a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist."

"Exactly," Ginny said.

Hermione shook her head. "Ron, don't say it like that! Harry did a great job in class and is forcing us to go beyond the self-imposed limits we set for ourselves. We should be excited about this challenge."

"But I like my self-imposed limits!" Ron whined. "We are really close... next year we are going to visit every Gauntlet Stadium in the Region!"

"You'll never get ahead if you keep up that attitude!" Hermione complained. "Life is about pushing yourself further, learning more and conquering goals before moving to the next one."

"Life is about having fun and enjoying yourself," Ron countered.

"You are both wrong," Luna said. "The meaning of life is 42."

Ginny and Neville merely shrugged, both deciding it would be wisest to stay out of the argumenet.

"What do you think, mate?" Ron asked. When Harry didn't respond Ron stared at him in confusion. "Uh, Harry?"

"Harry?" Hermione said, standing up and ambling over to the armchair Harry was seated in. "Harry?"

The boy didn't hear her. Every one of his senses was tuned to his dex. For the last few months, ever since that night when he'd realized that Scabbers was in fact the pokemagnus form of the man or woman that had led Voldemort to his parents, Harry had been waiting. He had informed Sirius of the news and been told by both his godfather and Tonks that he was to do nothing while they chased down the new lead. Both of them had sent him updates but appeared no closer to catching the traitor. So, while he did his school work and trained for Gauntlet matches and did his own pokemagnus training with Remus... he waited. He waited for the moment he knew would come, the moment that had to come.

And now it had.

The Marauder's App flashed one simple sentence in black block letters.

SCABBERS FOUND

While the Marauder's App could pick up almost any dex within the region it also had a second feature that Remus had installed just that last summer: the ability to detect Pokéballs. Each ball had its own frequency and IP code and it was simply a matter of scanning a ball to add it to the App's database.

Harry had scanned not only his Pokéball but all his friends as well, in case anyone attempted to steal them. Memories of Luna's first year had driven him to do that.

Harry quietly passed Hermione the dex and stood up, making his way towards the teleporter.

"By Merlin..." Hermione whispered when she realized just what she was looking at. "Scabbers."

"Scabbers?" Ron asked in shock.

Ginny and Luna shared a look. They had all vowed not to tell Ron the news and Neville, unfortunately, had also remained in the dark. All three girls realized that the worst thing they could do was let Ron and Neville come along with them but they couldn't think of an excuse good enough to get them out of it. Ron, despite his problems with Scabbers, still wanted to find his lost Pokémon. As for Neville, there was no way he would let the others go without him.

"You found him?" Ron said excitedly.

"...yes," Hermione said weakly. Ron didn't notice the look of exasperation Ginny was directing at Hermione; when Ron turned towards his sister Hermione flashed a 'well, what did you want me to say?' look right back at the younger girl.

"Ron, wait!" Ginny said quickly. Her brother had already leapt up and grabbed his coat, ready to book it out of the dorm and chase after his lost Pokémon. "Maybe we should think about this."

"Think about what?" Ron asked. "Scabbers is out there right now!"

"And so is the person that took him," Luna pointed out quickly.

"Exactly!" Hermione said, latching onto the blonde's point. "Do you really want to take on that maniac and his Dusknoirs again?"

"We have no idea it was him," Ron said stubbornly. "And even if he was the one that broke into the dorm, he might have just scared Scabbers and caused him to run off!"

"...with his Pokeball?" Neville asked.

"Yeah!" Ron exclaimed. "Hey, it could happen!" The teleporter chimed and Harry reappeared, dressed in his trainer jacket, his hiking boots, and with his bag slung over his shoulder. "See, even Harry is ready to go!"

"Go where?" Harry asked.

"After Scabbers, mate!"

"I'm not going after Scabbers."

Ron just stared at Harry in confusion. "But... mate, its Scabbers! I have to get him back! Dad will kill me if I don't! And mum will resurrect me then kill me again!"

"We're going to get Scabbers back but not without help," Harry said, taking his dex back from Hermione. "If Scabbers is here then the Team Nocturne agent is with him and we are going to need backup. I'm going to get Hagrid. You and Neville go find Professor Dumbledore."

"Good idea!" Ginny said quickly. "Prof. Dumbledore defeated hundreds of Team Nocturne grunts during the war with his Pokémon! This fake will be a piece of cake for him."

"Right!" Luna said dramatically. "And Ginny and I will find Bronn and Tyrion so we can rally the forces!" She flashed the others a dangerous smile. "A Lovegood always repays her debts."

Ron scratched his head. "If you think Mr. Bronn can help..."

"Yes, yes he can!" Hermione said quickly. "Come on, we need to go!"

Neville and Ron nodded, racing out the door. Luna glanced at the others as they too left, taking the opposite way. "We aren't really going to find Bronn, are we?"

"No," Harry said. "I contacted Sirius and Tonks... they are going to join us and we are going to catch that traitor once and for all."

Luna smiled and sang softly as they raced out of the castle, "And so he spoke, and so he spoke, that Lord of Castamere... but now the rains weep o'er his halls, with no one there to hear…"

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Notes: So, lets do this in order of things that happened.

No one has really mentioned it but I am aware of the fact that I have featured little actual classwork in this story. The reason is that you guys know about both Pokemon and Harry's teachers, so writing about them being in class getting points is boring for me to write and probably even worse for you guys to read. I'd rather feature it when it is needed, to make an impact, than just flood this story with chapters about Snape docking points and Harry sitting in class listening to McGonagall lecture her students.

I love the idea that Luna did something so insane Sanpe asked her to leave class… and actually gave her a note stating as much!

And we move into the final act… Harry is going to confront the traitor, secrets will be revealed, and a battle will be fought.

But before that… the Avalon Dex!

Every region has its own 3-stage bug Pokémon (except Johto... grumble gumble) and Avalon is no different. But once again, I wanted to go a bit different. I think we've had enough butterflies and I have no interest in doing another one, especially since they are all basically the same design with a minor gimmick. No, I think we deserve something a bit different… something more interesting. This next entry is inspired by a rumored Pokémon that some thought would be coming on in Pokémon X and Y, one I am very sad wasn't included but, on the other hand, means I can do my own twist on.

Based on a spider, our little bug is rather ghoulish, being a Bug/Ghost type (yup, you will be able to get your first Ghost type rather quickly... I have plans for Avalon to have around 3 ghost lines; England is known for its ghost stories so it would only fit that the region based on it would have a good number of ghosts). It has a black head and legs and its back has two white circles upon it and a ring of white squares around its neck. It also have white little eyes. When it comes into battle it is on a ghostly web... that hangs in the air without any support.

The first evolution sees our little spider bulking up a bit. Its back now has a hard white armor-like shell with two black holes near the back and two smaller, misshapened holes under these. The white squares around the neck are now armor as well. That's right folks... our spider has a SKULL on its back. Or, at least, it looks like a floating skull when the spider appears from the shadows. The legs are much longer and spindle-like, but the upper parts are covered in bone-white armor as well.

The final form, known as Spidread, is truly frightening if you are wandering a haunted house. The skull armor now has two glowing red 'eyes' in the 'eyeholes'. The legs are now completely bone white and resemble bony fingers, making it look like Spidread is a ghostly skull with two sets of hands reaching around it. While our ghost isn't very fast the Spidread line does have excellent Defense and Special Defense.

Please submit your names for the basic form and first evolution of the Spidread line. And thanks to all that suggested items! Very great ideas.


	19. Whomper

"Why did it have to be Shrieking Shack?" Ginny asked, panting slightly. She was by no means out of shape but the fast clip Harry could maintain had her and Hermione winded (Luna was busy singing showtunes so no one could tell if she was struggling or not).

"You're not scared, are you?" Harry asked as he followed the bend of the lake. The Hogwarts Island was a nearly perfect circle, save for the large inward curve on its northern shore. It looked as if a titan had pressed his finger against the island, leaving a shallow dent. It was along the near center of this curve that the Shrieking Shack was located. Long thought to be haunted or the haven for mysterious activities, Hogwarts students had been trying to get into the Shack for ages. The professors didn't bother to put any security on the rundown building; a warning was all that was needed.

A warning... and Whomper.

Standing nearly 15 feet tall, Whomper was an overgrown Sudowoodo that loved only two things: trying to look like a tree (which it didn't do well) and scaring off students who tried to get in the Shack (which it did VERY well). For the most part it would stand still, occasionally swaying slightly if it noticed other trees doing the same thing, but the show would end the moment a student got too close. Then Whomper would go into action, slamming his 'branches' into the ground and stomping about until the students realized that it was a lost cause to face him. Those that didn't get that message were treated to the Whomper Ride: the Sudowoodo would pick them up and throw them into the icy cold lake, letting the Lapras collect the shivering students and deliver them to Poppy.

"So, we're waiting for Sirius Black, right?" Ginny asked as Harry led them towards the Shack. They could all clearly see in the dying sunlight Whomper standing guard. "Right? Waiting for the Lord of Sevii?"

"No time," Harry said fimly. "I'm not letting him escape. Not after everything he's done."

"The dex says he's still there, Harry," Hermione pointed out. "I think we can-"

"We go now."

"Ok!" Luna said, happily skipping towards the water. When Hermione stopped her the blond shrugged. "I thought you meant we should just jump in the lake now and save Whomper the time."

"She has a point," Ginny said. "We are going to end up tossed anyway."

"I don't think so," Harry said, slowly walking towards the Rock-Type that dreamed of being a Grass-Type. "Let me try Speaking to him." The world faded away, leaving Harry and Whomper by themselves. "Hello, Whomper. My name is Harry Potter and-"

"TREE NO SPEAK!" Whomper bellowed. Harry's eyes widened as he was forced out of the Speaker realm and found himself being hauled back by Ginny. Whomper's green fist slammed down where the boy was standing moments earlier.

"I suggest running!" Ginny shouted.

"Wait!" Luna said, tilting her head to the side. "Don't you feel it?"

"Luna, stop!" Hermione shouted as Luna began to wander towards the Sudowoodo. The little blonde though refused to stop, moving towards the not-a-tree, hand held out.

"He's in pain... alone... so much doubt..." Luna suddenly looked up at Whomper and grinned. "Hello Handsome!"

Whomper paused, confused. The Sudowoodo pressed his right hand against his chest, silently wondering 'who, me?'.

"You're a good looking tree, do you know that?" Taking another step forward, Luna flashed a charming smile at the Rock-Type. "People laugh at you, people hate you, but why do they hate you?" Before Whomper could answer Luna jabbed her finger at him. "Because... they... are... jealous!" The Sudowoodo looked at her in shock, shaking his head. Luna, however, refused to let him deny what she was saying. "Look at that boyish trunk. Look at that sweet canopy." Whomper puffed up a bit, flattered by Luna's praise. "Do you wanna talk about physical strength? Do you want to talk about sheer timber? Do you want to talk about the forest ideal? You are a god." Whomper held his head up high at that, looking rather noble in the light of the rising moon. Luna stepped forward and placed a hand on the Pokémon's 'trunk'. "And listen to me, you are not evil. You... are... good!"

Harry, Hermione, and Ginny's jaws dropped as Whomper sat down next to Luna and began to sob. The little blonde merely wrapped her arms around him and cooed softly, cooing like he was a whimpering baby.

"This is a nice sapling. This is a mother's acorn. And I want the world to know once and for all, and without any shame, that we love him. I'm going to train you." Whomper sniffed, looking down at Luna in delight. "I'm going to show you how to walk, how to speak, how to move, how to think. Together, you and I are going to make the greatest single contribution to Pokémon training since the discovery of Fire-Types!"

"Luna?" Ginny said quietly.

"MY NAME... IS... FRANKENSTEIN!" Luna bellowed. Harry, Hermione, and Ginny leaned back, only for Luna to blink. "Sorry, got wrapped up in the moment." She held out a Pokéball and Whomper happily allowed himself to be captured. "Alright, that is taken care of... what next?"

"I... I..." Harry placed a hand on Ginny's shoulder and shook his head. "Nevermind," Ginny said quietly. "Let's go."

"What's wrong with those two?" Luna asked, skipping over to Hermione. "It's like they've never seen a Half-Veela use her powers before."

"Give them time." Hermione wrapped an arm around the little blonde she'd come to see as her adopted sister, Luna beaming in delight as they followed Harry and Ginny into the Shrieking Shack.

Though everyone called it a Shack it would have better fit the building to be called a barn. Three stories tall and stretching out nearly 18 meters, the Shrieking Shack was a twisted maze of hallways and crumbling rooms. The walls looked as if they were ready to give way at any moment and the ceiling did little to hold back the chill and the wind that buffeted the building. Every floorboard squeaked under the students' feet and the air was thick with dust and mildew. An occasional Pidgey would suddenly take off from the rafters, causing the four Gryffindors to jump in fright and they could hear the skittering nails of other, unidentifiable Pokémon running through the walls.

"I swear, Harry, if I die tonight I am so haunting you!" Ginny snapped.

"We'll be fine," Harry said, summoning Ludwig. The little candle ghost looked around once and let out a shriek... before hurrying over to a shelf and dusting it. "Ludwig, I need light, not maid service." The Litwick whimpered at the sight of all the dust and grim. "I promise you can clean later, now please." Nodding in acceptance, Ludwig's wick flared up and blue light shone around the Gryffindors.

"So what exactly is the plan here?" Ginny asked. "I mean, this is a man-"

"Or woman," Hermione reminded her.

"-that has a horde of Dusknoirs at his or her beck and call. No offense, Harry, but I doubt Togetic and Eevee are going to do much good."

Harry held up a Pokeball. "That's why I brought the Beast with me."

"You are actually going to try and battle that maniac?" Hermione exclaimed. The others hushed her and Hermione dropped her voice to a whisper. "You don't even know if Zygarde will obey you!"

"He'll protect me at the very least," Harry said. "He might not see me as a strong enough trainer but he won't let me die. He is honor-bound to the Line of Slytherin."

"Lit! Lit!" Ludwig hissed, waving his little arms about rapidly.

"Hear something, buddy?" Harry asked.

"Lit!"

Harry pressed a finger to his lips and the group followed Ludwig as he led them down the hallway and took a sharp right. The little candle ghost twisted about and, after a few seconds, finally settled on a stairway on his right. As the group climbed they too began to hear the hushed voice that Ludwig had detected.

"Who is that?" Hermione whispered. "The Nocturne agent?"

"I don't know... but I recognize it." Harry suddenly leapt forward, taking the last few remaining stairs 3 at a time before ramming into the door at the top of the stairway. It banged open with an explosive clap startling the man they had heard. The room had once been a bedroom but it was clear from magazines and beer cans strewn about that Hogwarts students had turned it into a secret clubhouse (apparently they weren't the first to make it past Whomper). The walls with their peeling paint were plastered with posters for metal bands and photos of scantily clad women torn from sports magazines. The cracked windows had dark clear plastic covering them, so to prevent anyone on the outside from peeping in, and furniture that had clearly been pilfered from different classrooms stood like sentinels on the outskirts. And in the middle of it all stood a man Harry knew all too well. "You."

"Mr. Potter?" Prof. Snape said in surprise, his dex held out in his hand.

"I knew it! I knew it was you!" The girls had by then joined in and stared in shock at the sight of their Potions Professor standing in the center of the room. Harry's shoulders tensed as he stared down the man that had betrayed his parents. "Ludwig, Flamethrower!"

"Lit Lit!" Ludwig raced forward, arms thrown out wide...

...and hugged Snape, cooing in delight.

"What the-" Ginny said.

"Ludwig?" Harry said, all his anger evaporating at the sight of one of his most loyal Pokémon hugging Prof. Snape. "What are you doing?"

"He wouldn't dare attack Snape," Sirius said, emerging from a side door, Tonks right behind him. Padfoot and Rotom stood beside their trainers, ready to attack if commanded. The Lord of Sevii strolled down Snape, the professor's stony visage now painted with shock as he stared at the believed-dead Marauder. "Look at you, Snape... a bunch of children got the drop on you... you've gotten soft in your old age."

"Black..." Snape said softly before doing the last thing any of them expected.

He smiled.

It was a little smile, barely a twitching of the corner of his mouth... but there it was: a smile.

Sirius happily threw his arms around Snape and gave him a hug.

"Well... now I know how everyone else feels when I say something that confuses them," Luna said, tilting her head.

"How... how are you alive?" Snape asked when Sirius finally let him go. He gently reached up and held out his palm, allowing Ludwig to happily settle in his open hand.

"Long story and I only want to tell it once."

"Then you can tell it now, since we are all here," Remus said from the stairway.

"Remus!" Sirius cried out happily, rushing past Harry and his friends to give his friend a hug. "Come on now, give us a kiss!"

Remus rolled his eyes. "People whisper enough things about us, Sirius, let us not give them more ammunition." Though his tone was gruff it was clear from the smile on his face that Remus was utterly delighted at the sight of his friend alive and well. "We have much to discuss."

"Of course we do, starting with your love life. Now, I've kept a list for myself..."

"What the bloody hell is going on?!" Harry shouted. He gestured wildly at Snape. "Why is my Pokémon hugging Snape? Why did you hug Snape? Why are all of you here? Why is everyone hugging Snape!"

"Because he is huggable," Sirius said with a grin. "Go on, give it a try... he smells like chocolates."

"Please don't," Snape said dryly.

Tonks raised her hand. "Add me to the 'Really Confused' Club."

Remus looked Sirius over, scarcely believing his eyes. Though his first reaction had been the same easy camaraderie that the two shared, now that Remus had a moment to consider what he was seeing the dawning shock that one of his best friends was alive and well clearly had his flabbergasted. "And add me as well. How are you alive?"

"That can wait," Prof. Snape said with a wave of his hand. Sirius and Remus moved to guide Harry and his friends over to some chairs and a beat up sofa, Tonks moving to stand next to Harry with her arms crossed over her chest. "I believe an explanation is in order and Mr. Potter did ask his questions first. Then we'll get into Black's mysterious resurrection."

Sirius frowned. "I suppose I should be an adult and let him go first..." He ignored a coughed snicker from Tonks. "We wouldn't need to cover this if you had just been honest with him from the beginning."

"That is my way... you know that," Snape stated. He looked at the four Gryffindors and it was as if they were in his Potions Lab and it was just another day of class. "I would think that some of your answers would already be answered... Ludwig holds the key."

Hermione's eyes widened. "You're the one that gave him to Harry, aren't you!"

Snape reached into the pocket of his black labcoat and drew out a Pokéball; it was the same design as Ludwig's. "Bach, come forth." The ball snapped open and a large Chandelure emerged. Ludwig instantly floated over and hugged the larger ghost; the chandelier phantom returned the affection. "Yes Miss Granger. Bach... is Ludwig's father."

"Then... you and my mother...?"

Snape held up his hand. "Let... let us start at the beginning."

"Do we have time for this?" Tonks asked.

"He needs to know," Sirius said. "Go ahead, Snape."

Prof. Snape placed his hands behind his back and began to pace. "Your mother was a lonely child. Even though she was pretty and smart and spirited she never had any real friends while living on Little Surrey. Her parents weren't like the Dursleys," Snape practically spat out the name like a foul curse, "but Lily couldn't connect with them. There was something different about her and even she sensed it. She had only two real friends. The first was a young boy her age, he himself lonely, who came to care for her as if she were his sister. The other was a man, a hardened sea captain who brought supplies from Avalon to Little Surrey. He was as straight and solid as cast iron and his ways and manners were harsh... some might say cruel. But he only did it because he wished to bring out the best in those he taught. Your mother was never frightened by the captain and he, like his boy, came to care for Lily Evans' greatly.

"The captain's name was Tobias Snape. My father.

"It is our fault your mother left Little Surrey. We are the ones that taught her about Pokémon and our boat is what she used to make her escape. But... but we could never fault her for doing it. Who were we to deny her the chance to experience life with Pokemon?" Snape shook his head, taking a shaky breath. "She was my sister. In another life... you would have called me Uncle."

Silence fell.

"Why?" Harry finally asked. "Why wasn't I told about this?" He turned and glared at Remus and Sirius. "Why am I hearing about this now?" He whipped around and stared down the Potions Professor. "Why didn't you tell me the truth?"

"Because... because I was ashamed," Snape admitted. The normally cool and demanding man seemed to shrink as he revealed the most buried pain. "I failed your mother, Harry. I worked with Remus to protect them and... and I failed. I got my sister killed. I couldn't save you from the Dursleys... I failed you too. I have had no right to be a part of your life." Snape paused, considering something. "And honestly, I do not know if I could be a part of your life... not the way you needed those early days. I am not a man of hugs and cuddles." Ginny snorted at that. "I am my father's son; gestures of affection are not easily given when it comes to us. Perhaps that is wrong but what done is done. I was not the type of man you needed Harry… I could see that the moment you stepped into my classroom. You need a soft touch, a kind guardian… and that is not me. I am a taskmaster, a drill sergeant. So I settled for seeing you merely as another student, to teach you as I taught others… but I have always hoped that later, when you were ready… I could find a way to be a part of your life."

Remus nodded. "I think all of us wanted to tell you Harry... it's just that... it wasn't our secret to tell." Sirius quickly bobbed his head in agreement. It was clear that while he'd disagreed with Snape not informing Harry about their connection Sirius had felt bound to honor Snape's choice.

Hermione frowned, looking at the assembled adults. "Alright, we can hash this all out later... can we get back to the main focus here? The Team Nocturne agent?"

Harry pursed his lips as he stared down Snape and Remus. "What are you two doing here, anyway?"

"We are tracking the man that led Voldemort to your parents... same as you, I assume," Snape said.

"You knew it wasn't Peter?" Sirius asked in surprised.

Remus looked sheepish. "For me it took a while and a lot of convincing. Snape always had doubts."

"Peter Pettigrew was many things but he was always a true friend to you Marauders." Snape said the title with a hint of disgust; when Ginny raised an eyebrow he said dryly, "Just because we are able to be in the same room now doesn't mean we were all friends. I tended to be a favorite target of Mr. Potter's father when it came to his 'pranks'."

"And you and Lily-flower gave as good as you got!" Sirius charged with a smirk.

Tonk rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah, real interesting old people. Facts, details, plot; condense it down and speed it up."

Harry chimed in. "You believe it is Sirius. You think he's the traitor."

"We believe no such thing," Snape said with a huff. "Black able to pull something like that off? The man doesn't have the braincells to do such a thing."

"And I love you too, Snape," Sirius said, making kissy-faces at the Potions Master.

"Actually, we didn't realize Sirius was alive until he walked through the door tonight," Remus said. "But we should have assumed… knowing what we know."

Harry looked at his guardian, confusion written all over his face. "If you didn't think it was Sirius, then who were you referring to when you said you wanted to kill Black?"

"He was referring to me."

The group leapt back, Luna let out a scream as Neville's limp body flew through the air and landed at their feet. The young heir of Longbottom had been badly beaten; even his fall into the Chamber of the Unown had left fewer cuts, gashes and abrasions than the ones he now wore. His body didn't even twitch as he slid to a stop at Snape's feet, the Potions professor staring at the boy's body in horror. Remus snarled, Mooney leaping onto his shoulder while Padfoot, who'd been standing watch in the shadows, leapt forth. Snape to recovered quickly, calling forth his Seviper. Harry, Hermione and Ginny moved to stand guard over Luna, who had fallen to her knees and begun to stroke Neville's hair, While Tonks positioned herself to protect them.

"I wouldn't do any of that, if I were you," the voice called out from the sidedoor. They heard a shuffling sound and from the darkness of the doorway there appeared another familiar form. "Wouldn't want any more blood split, would we?"

"I'm... I'm sorry guys," Ron hiccupped. He was sporting a black eye and a nasty cut on his check; the blood dripped from the wound onto the bloody knife that was pressed against his throat. "I wanted to find Scabbers..."

"And you found him, didn't you?" the Team Nocturne agent laughed, pushing Ron forward so that both of them were visible to all in the room. "How kind of all of you to gather here and save me the time of tracking you down."

Sirius took a step forward, only for his body to pitch slightly. He stared at the Nocturne agent's face, his own features going pale as he looked upon the visage of a man he'd believed long dead.

"...Regulus?"

Regulus Black smiled. "Hello... brother."

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Note: And thus the truth is revealed! The traitor, the man that framed and murdered Peter, who led Voldemort to Little Surrey, who framed Sirius and sent him to Sevii... is Regulus Black, Sirius' own brother.

When I began scripting out this story, I had several different ideas for who the traitor might be. Originally, Peter was going to remain the traitor but his motives were going to be different. The plan for a while was that it would be revealed that Peter, in this reality, was gay and had been in love with James. Much as Snape had done with Lily, he would have led Voldemort to Little Surrey with the promise that James be spared and Lily and Harry murdered. It is an interesting take but in the end I realized that it wasn't much of a mystery, as the culpirt remained the same. Furthermore, I realized that almost no story attempts to make peter a good character and I thought it would be interesting to do just that.

So then I needed a replacement for Peter. And as I considered my options I came to the sudden idea that Regulus would make a perfect Traitor. His connection with Sirius, the fact that he'd already died in canon (thus allowing me to say he was dead here and have you all just accept it… you are all far too trusting of me!) and the fact that little is known of him meant I could use him in this role. Even better, because of your preconceived notions, few of you would ever consider that Regulus was alive and evil... even though I'd had Sirius fake his death and Peter be revealed to be good in this story! I did say heroes would be villains and villains would be heroes…

My only regret is I didn't think to give Regulus a Pyroar, since the Regulus star is in the constelation Leo. That would have been another hint... oh well, maybe he'll capture one later!

The twist on Snape's relationship with Lily is something I've hinted at for a while. Because this world has Pokemon and there is a less of a divide among the different groups (there are no true muggles in this world) characters have gained different histories and origins. In this case, Snape's mother died while he was young but his father was actually a good (if hard) man who took Severus with him during his travels. This means that Snape is a different man in this world, in that he didn't cling to Lily and idolize her until he fell in love with her; instead, they became like brother and sister. That relationship would, in turn, affect how he was with the Marauders… he was a target early on of their pranks and he and Lily gave right back, but when they all matured hatchets were buried. More importantly, this is a Snape who never became a Death Eater/Nocturne Agent.

I hinted in another chapter that Snape's teaching ways were not done out of cruelty. Now we see that he actually did care for Harry but, like his father before him, he keeps his emotions guarded and his praise limited.

The next chapter is going to be the big one… we find out why Regulus has done all this, get some battling, and move into the final main event.

But before we do all that, let's get to the Avalon Dex!

Now, I have a MASSIVE announcement concerning the Dex. ForeverAwesomeAuraDragon surprised me earlier this week by revealing Sprite Designs for all of the so-far announced Avalon Pokemon! As such, I have made Forever the OFFICIAL graphic designer of the Avalon Dex.

You can find the Avalon Dex and the artwork for the so far revealed pokemon by going to Deviantart and searching for weirdo-palkia-awsome. You can see the Grass, Fire and Water starters, the Psyfowl line, and the Spidread line. Also, you can get a peek at the new Avalon Pokemon I am letting you guys name this time.

But before the new one, let's discuss the Spidread line. I have decided to use one of the names you guys came up with but for the basic form I selected one I came up with (unless someone sent this to me in a PM and I forgot… oops). Thus, the basic form is known as Spidark, the first evolution Spidoom, and the final form Spidread.

I am going to admit it... I love the idea of fossil Pokemon. Ancient Pokemon that died out and are now being brought back to life? So cool. The only problem is... most of them are just... ugh. Generation 1 had Aerodactyl but he doesn't evolve and that just ruins it for me. And it also introduces the start of the 'weird sea creatures' theme that so many of the fossil pokemon have. I'm sorry, but I don't want a fossil Pokemon to look like I could have just caught it with a Super Rod. We finally got the Sinnoh fossils and they were pretty neat, even if not that playable. Unova was a disappointment as we went right back to the sea... and that weird bird thing. Yeah yeah, I know WHY they chose those ones but still, when I think of fossils I think of one thing and one thing only: DINOSAURS.

Thank God for Site B. And by Site B I mean Kalos, which gave us an Ice Sauropod... which I never knew I wanted but now can't imagine NOT wanting... and, of course, one of my favorite Pokemon ever... Tyrunt and Tyrantrum.

How the hell have we got this long without, as the Nostalgia Critic would say, the mother(censored)ing t-rex!?

So, it should be no surprise that the fossil Pokemon I will be introducing for Avalon will be 100% dinosaurs. Pokerasic Park needs more.

First up, we have the Hook Fossil. Cloning it gets you our Raptor Pokemon. And no, he won't have feathers. Our Raptor is a Stone/Electric type. The basic stage follows the same design style as Tyrunt and Amaura: Small, cute little baby dinosaurs. Our raptor has a roundish body with long tail, pudgy arms and legs, and a pointed head/snout. He is black in color with yellow stripes and two rock-like projectiles stick out of its neck, looking like lightning bolts. It does have the hook claw on each foot, which are yellow in color.

The evolved form is full on Jurassic Park-sized Raptor. Lean body, long legs with vicious killing claw, long tail, and lean arms. The color remains black but the yellow stripes are now plate-like armor. The biggest detail is that it has a semi-ring of yellow lightning bolts stones around its neck and two short yellow horns above its eyes that point backwards.

This fossil Pokemon, just like Tyrantrum and Aurorus, has an exclusive ability: Phsyicality. This makes any attack this Pokemon uses a Physical attack. Thus moves like Thunderbolt and Thunder are now Physical attacks. Good thing our raptor has really good Attack stats.

Thanks for all the reviews and keep reading!


	20. The House of Black

Regulus Black looked nothing like Harry had expected. Late at night, in the dusty recesses of his mind, Harry had dreamed of the moment when he would finally come face to face with the man that had led Voldemort to Little Surrey and then ensured that his parents, Peter Pettigrew, and Sirius were taken from him. More than even Voldemort, all of the bad that had occurred up to his 11th birthday could be laid at the traitor's feet. Harry felt little shame that many of his dreams were bloody affairs, with the Nocturne agent letting out whimpering gurgles as Harry slashed his throat or screaming in agony as Ludwig burned him to cinders or Harry merely kicked his head until it caved in.

In all the dreams Harry had held a clear vision of what the traitor looked like. He imagined him a scowling, foul figure. Harry always saw the man as a wretched thing with a soft, pock-marked face, balding head with tufts of hair sticking out like random patches of long grass in a clearing, a yellowed smile with crooked and missing teeth, and slumped, broken shoulders. He thought of the man and saw him as cursed, his body decaying so that the entire world knew of his vile crime, his features resembling his soul.

But Regulus Black disappointed Harry. No... no, the traitor enraged him. There was no sign of pain or suffering in those lithe yet strong shoulders; no guilt in that ramrod straight spine and tone form. Regulus was, quite simply, beautiful. Not handsome or dashing... beautiful. From his ebony hair that cascaded down his shoulders in soft silken waves to his keen bright eyes and perfectly sculpted face, Regulus Black appeared to all that beheld him to be godlike. Even his clothing was fine; his lean from was draped in a black silk shirt over which an elegant long coat hung.

It was only when one stared for just a second too long that the cracks began to appear. The smile was a bit too forced. The eyes held a glint of insanity. The cheeks were a touch too gaunt and the skin pulled over it tighter than it should. As one looked at the man's beauty it was as if he were transforming before their eyes; the features that drew the eye in melted away and the man became a grinning skeleton whose gripping, groping fingers reached out to grasp the throats of all that appeared before him.

"Now now now," Regulus said with a smile, his left hand reaching up to grasp Ron's throat while he waggled his knife at the gathered group. "Let's not do anything hasty."

"What... what trick is this?" Sirius managed to finally say, his words coming out in harsh bursts. "How dare you wear my brother's face! Who are you? Who are you!"

"You know who I am, brother. Though, I am not shocked that you do not address me as such; how much of your life was spent forgetting about me?"

"I never forgot about Regulus," Sirius snarled. "And you are not him!"

"Please keep denying the truth," the Nocturne agent said with a laugh, slowly entering the room. Ron struggled a bit but the caress of the knife against his check, just before his eye, was enough to still his movements. "I find it oh so humorous."

Remus placed a hand on Sirius' shoulder, stopping him from leaping forward and strangling the man. Snape moved to put himself between Hermione, Ginny and Harry; Luna had rushed forward, kneeling at Neville's side, and seemed to pay no heed to anything that was going on. "You faked your death."

"Oh Remus, the intelligent. I suppose it is easy to look gifted to your moronic friends when you stammer out the obvious." Regulus gave him a dry look. "Of course I did, you imbecile. Lord Voldemort needed one willing to do his bidding... one who could be quiet and cunning. I volunteered and was rewarded with the DNA Splicer." He shifted slightly, allowing his shirt to part so they could see the Splicer hanging from his neck. "It has allowed for many bits of trickery these last two decades.

"That's how you were able to take on a Ratticate form," Snape said, Seviper tense at his side, ready to strike. "Clever, if foolish. The Splicer degrades the body and the mind."

"Only if overused," Regulus fired back, shifting Ron slightly. The boy strained, pressing himself against his captor only to keep the knife away from his tender throat. "That is why I kept the Raticate form all this time and hid with the Weasleys all this time. It allowed me to avoid the madness and the damage the Splicer can cause."

"Why?" Sirius finally managed to get out. A war between devastation and rage had been waged in his very soul at the sight of his brother and a victor had yet to be decided.

Regulus pursed his lips together. "I know what you're asking, brother. You don't want to know why I worked with Voldemort. You don't give a second thought to the torment I put you through... admit it, a part of you is willing to forgive me for putting you in Sevii to rot away. No... the only thing you want to know is why... why did I kill your precious James?"

Sirius lunged forward, Remus and Tonks having to restrain him; they knew that if Sirius got too close to his brother Regulus would slit Ron's throat. "You bastard! How could you do that to me?"

"To you? To you?" Regulus said, fury dripping from his words like honey. "That wasn't about you! Nothing with the Potters was about you! It was between them and Lord Voldemort!"

"They were my friends," Sirius snarled.

"AND I AM YOUR BROTHER!" Regulus roared. "Or have you forgotten that? I wouldn't be surprised... you were always so ready to push me aside in favor of your precious Marauders. My blood is your blood but time and time again you refused to stand by my side."

"I never did anything to hurt you," Sirius snapped. "You were the one that pulled away from me."

"Liar," Regulus shot back, gripping Ron tightly and forcing the boy to march further into the room. Regulus kept a keen eye on them all, almost daring one of them to make the first move and force his hand. He wanted blood to be spilled... needed it to be spilled... but also needed it to be their fault, not his. It was clear to Harry that Regulus would do it without a care even if not forced; he just wanted them to feel the pressing guilt that they had been the cause of such a horrid act. "We are Blacks... we are suppose to stand together! Voldemort offered us greatness and you spat on his hand when he offered it to you in friendship." Regulus glared at Harry. "The same was true of your parents, boy. My Lord offered them friendship and just as Sirius did to me, they chose others over their own."

"Voldemort didn't offer friendship… he offered servitude. 'Blacks stand together', right? Well, you forgot that 'Blacks never kneel'." Sirius growled. "And I never turned my back on you. I offered you time and again to join with us... not just when you joined that cult but when we were kids. I offered to show you around Hogwarts or help you with your homework and you refused! You chose to abandon me... not the other way around."

"You expected me to associate with a filthy Gryffindor?" Regulus sneered.

"Do you even hear yourself, you little prat?" Snape snapped in annoyance. Regulus tried to stare him down but Snape merely responded with the same withering look he'd shoot at a student that asked him if his potion was suppose to be a solid. "You claim that he wasn't there for you but you made no attempts to bridge the gap. Furthermore, you actually put up your own arbitrary obstacles to keep the two of you apart!" Snape rolled his eyes. "My sister was a Gryffindor and no one said a word about the two of us spending time together."

Regulus trembled with fury. "It... it is all him! We were supposed to be together, the princes of Slytherin, ruling the House of Salazar together! But no! Not my brother! Not Sirius! He had to side with that fool James Potter and go to the House of Salazar's sworn enemy! He betrayed me, his own brother! Abandoned me for his new brothers!"

Harry would have rolled his eyes at Regulus' whining if he weren't utterly terrified that the madman would kill Ron for the insult (it seemed Snape was the only one who could get away with such disrespect). Despite what Regulus claimed it was clear to Harry that the madness caused by the DNA Splicer, which Regulus claimed he'd avoided, had still managed to take some hold upon him. The younger Black brother waivered from cool and collected to hormonal raging that would put any teenager to shame.

"But... but I took care of your brothers, didn't I?" Regulus practically purred, his fury drawn back into him and replaced with the disturbing chill that was more off-putting than the screams and bellows he'd issued moments earlier. "I took care of the ones that stole you from me. James Potter, the golden boy of Gryffindor... little Peter, the suck up... I even managed to keep you and Remus apart." Regulus glared at Harry, his features crinkled in disgust. "But even then, you still side with others. That Potter brat is nothing, Sirius, and you know it. Oh, come on now, don't give me that blank look; you see it as well as I do. You tried to grow close to him, tried to love him as you loved James but it is now plain to you that he is a pale shadow of your friend. He has the hair and the glasses but he isn't your beloved James and every moment you look at him all you can think is, 'why did you live instead of him?' Come now, deny it! Tell me how wrong I am, how I speak falsehoods. But you can't... because in your heart you know I am right.

"Look at those around you, brother. Truly look at them. How can you stand being near them? Remus, who so easily abandoned you and never once tried to find you. Severus, the callous man that represents everything you hate. Those pathetic children who muddle their way through life, constantly getting in the way. Your whore of a niece who can't even walk two steps without tripping over her own feet. They are chains and shackles that keep you tight to the ground, unable to be free! I can see it in your eyes, brother... I can see the longing, the desire to be free. You hate what they all represent: duty, responsibility. You don't think they are just as disgusted by you as you are of them? Remus fears you, Sirius... he fears your influence on precious Harry. The children look upon you and see only a madman and a rebel, fearful of what you've done in your long absence and what you may do again. And Snape... Snape hates you just as much as he hated James. He may pretend well but I see it in his eyes... I see the truth. He'll be the end of you, brother, you mark my words!

Regulus sneered at the looks of shock and indignation that cross Harry and his friends' faces. "Oh, don't look so surprised, children! This is just one of those hard truths that needs to be learned. You think these friendships will remain forever? Please... stop being so naive. I've watched each of you for three years... and I've seen your true colors." Regulus squeezed Ron's cheeks together, the boy letting out a gurgle of protest. "Ron, the stupid and jealous git that only stands by you all because it makes him look better. He hates you Harry... he hates your fame and how everyone flocks to you. He wants that for himself and he'll never truly be satisfied until you're dead and he is the one with power. And Hermione, the annoying bookworm. Always inserting yourself in things, always having to try and take command! You've never realized that you don't help bring people forward... you just hold them back. Like Harry... Harry the weakling. Harry the pathetic. I hated your mother and father with a passion but at least they could fight! You can't do anything... you are suppose to be a leader, a commander of people! But here you are even now, cowering like a bitch! Why? Because you don't want Ron here hurt... the same fat, stupid, jealous prick who would wring your throat in an instant if it meant he'd get some recognition!"

Nocturne agent looked at all of them in disgust. "Brother... how can you stand being around these people? Why keep this game up? Isn't it time to end this farce?" Regulus held out his free hand to Sirius. "Why stand against your family with those that at most tolerate you. Join with me... stand at my side once more! The House of Black has crumbled and it is up to us, the last sons of our ancient and noble family, to repair it. Break free of them... slit Lupin's throat, break Snape's neck and let us take these children as offerings to our Lord Voldemort when he finally returns!" Regulus looked at his brother, silently pleading to see reason.

"Perhaps," Sirius said softly after several moments. Harry leaned away from him, eyes wide in shock, but before he could even let out a gasp Sirius held his head high, his jaw set and his eyes piercing. "Perhaps you are as full of shit as I always thought!" Sirius wildly gestured at Harry. " Of course he isn't James and I wouldn't want him to be! That would dishonor my friend! Harry isn't James reborn... he is James' son and I love him as I would love my own son! Just as I love Remus and Tonks and these kids and hell, even Severus!

"That's something you can't understand, Regulus; something you've never been able to comprehend. Your twisted little mind can't fathom that love isn't a limited thing. It has no boundaries or set mass. Love grows and expands every day! Love isn't a bit of sugar that is to be parceled out in little douses; there is enough for all. You claim that I abandoned you but I did no such thing! It is you that continues to press the issue, who makes wild demands and expects the world to bend while you remain firm and rigid!

"You are so quick to judge them... to focus on faults and failings... but you don't see that your whiny, pathetic little insults are nothing more than your own preconceived notions." He placed a hand firmly on Harry's shoulder. "Each and every one of them is honorable and special in their own way; it is not their fault that you are too angry to look past your own misguided views and see that the faults you perceive in them do not exist! And even if they did exist, Regulus, even then... who are you to say they aren't worthy? That is Team Nocturne's failure: you are all so busy blaming others and judging them that you miss all the potential they have. Maybe if you got your head out of your arse you'd see that!"

Sirius took a step forward, fire blazing in his eyes and for a moment Regulus forgot who he was and all he had went through and became once more the young boy who looked upon his older brother with love and fear. "Join you? Has your time pretending to be a Raticate dulled your mind. Did you think I'd forget what you did to me... to my friends... to my family!? You murdered people I cared for and locked me away! 'Oh Sirius, I want you to stand beside me!' HA! I spent 6 years rotting in Sevii because of you! You talk of abandonment? YOU LEFT ME IN HELL!" Sirius lunged forward, Snape and Tonks coming to their senses and grabbing in before he did something foolish. Sirius struggled in their grip for a moment before settling down, his rage going from a blazing inferno to an icy tundra. "Stand by you, Regulus? No... I'll stand over your damn body as the life leaks from you. The last thing you feel will be my boot on your throat. Let the House of Black burn... and you burn with it."

"Could... could we not egg the man on?" Ron stammered, only to earn a squeeze to his throat from Regulus.

"So you've made your choice," Regulus said coldly. "So be it... maybe the blood of your 'friends' will cool your temper and make you see the error of your ways!"

"Stop!" Harry cried out just as Regulus prepared to slash his knife against Ron's throat. "Stop!" He forced his way to the front of the group, his hands out. "Enough sulking around and enough hiding. You... you claim to be so grand and so wonderful; prove it. Let Ron go and let us settle this like men, with our Pokémon. My friends aren't involved with this... just me, Remus, Sirius and Snape. Let Tonks take the others." Harry took another step forward. "We've been trapped in this dance for so long... let's just finish it right here, right now."

Regulus looked at Harry and for a moment his distaste for the boy faded. "Spoken like a true warrior." He pressed the knife to Ron's throat, the boy whimpering in pain as it bite into his tender flesh. A thin stream of blood began to run down his neck, staining the gray pullover he was wearing. "But I didn't survive this long playing fair and the odds aren't in my favor... so I think I'll just take my leave. I see hide or hair of any of you following me and Ronniekins-"

"You killed Neville."

Regulus paused, looking past Harry towards Luna. The little blonde hadn't moved or hadn't spoken a word since Regulus had thrown Neville's body to the ground in front of them. The Nocturne agent sneered as he looked upon her tenderly stroking her intended's brow. "What's this? Are you going to say something silly now? That's what you do, isn't it? Make a joke or a strange comment that makes others wonder what is wrong with you... that is what you are known for. Go on... say something funny for us."

"You... you killed Neville," Luna said, her voice like a weak wind blowing across a sad, empty field. Her long blonde hair fell over her face like a curtain and her hands were pressed against Neville's chest. "You killed... my Neville." Luna's head snapped up, her eyes completely black. Energy crackled from her sky , making her hair begin to float around her like an ethereal aura. Regulus' eyes widened as the very air around him began to pulse with energy. Harry swallowed; it felt like his entire body was a violin string that had been plucked. It was not taste or touch, nor sight or smell, or even hearing... no, it was his sixth sense, that of the Speaker, that suddenly came alive. "You..."

It was easy to forget about Luna's power. She was silly and goofy and loved telling jokes and making weird little comments that only she seemed to understand. Yet underneath all of this lay the powers of the Veela, untapped and unrefined.

But no less dangerous.

Luna let out a piercing wail that shook the entire shack. Harry pressed his hands against his ears, eyes shut tight as he fought against the utter despair that rolled off the little blonde. Veelas dealt with emotions just like Speakers dealt with words and in that moment Luna Lovegood was channeling all her heartbreak in that scream. Not even the Dusknoirs had inspired such pain as Luna's cry. Harry dimly heard someone weeping and didn't know if it was Luna, one of his friends, Regulus, or himself.

The wail lasted only moments. Luna's attack had been one borne not of design but of instinct. She'd used up all her energy and will a rattling sigh she collapsed on top of Neville's still form, her breathing shallow and heart slowed. Regulus, despite being at the epicenter of the assault, was the first to fight his way through the pain. Ron had fallen at his feet when Luna had first struck and while that meant he was out of harm's way it also meant that Regulus had his hands free. The Nocturne agent grabbed one of his Pokéball and quickly tossed it, sending out his Manectric. The blue and yellow canine snarled upon spotting Sirius but Regulus held him firm.

"F-flash!"

The group cried out as the blinding light filled the room, forcing them to shield their eyes against the glare. It faded within seconds but by the time they regained their sight Regulus was nowhere to be found.

"Stay here!" Sirius shouted, snapping his fingers to signal Padfoot to follow him. "Severus, Remus!" The two professors nodded, already rushing towards the door. "Protect the children!" Tonks nodded, calling forth all her Pokémon and looking around like a wild woman, expecting Regulus Black to leap out from one of the dark corners.

"Ron!" Ginny shouted, hurrying over to her brother. "He's hurt!" The youngest Weasley fell beside her brother, tears in her eyes as Ron struggled to press his hand against his bleeding throat. The cut wasn't deep or very long but he still needed medical aid. The fall had knocked him out cold and blood was weeping from the gash."He needs Nurse Joy!"

"So does Luna," Harry said, pressing his finger just below her jaw. "Her heart's slowing down." Hermione let out a choking sob as she clutched Luna's hand. "Tonks, we need to get to the castle!"

The auror shook her head. "Sirius said to stay here. Regulus could be still around-"

"And he'll kill us here just as easily as he will heading back to the castle!" Harry fired back. "The only difference is Ron and Luna WILL die if we don't get them to Nurse Joy! Dobby!"

The Alakazam popped out, looking ready to ask what Harry needed, only for him to droop at the sight of his trainer's friends lying on the ground. 'Good Harry Potter?'

"Dobby, can you teleport our friends to the infirmary?"

Dobby sadly shook his head. 'No, good Harry Potter.'

Hermione's shoulders slumped. "Harry, the anti-teleport shielding."

Harry cursed. After Regulus had attacked the dorm Dumbledore had gotten Madame Bones to authorize the newest and most advanced defensive systems money could buy. New security cameras, motion detectors keyed to detect unregistered Pokedexs, and most importantly anti-teleportation shielding. While Hogwarts had already had standard grade electronics to disrupt the teleportation abilities of Pokémon the Gryffindor Dorm Attack had led Madame Bones to install the same shielding used at the Pokémon League, the Ministry, and the Hall of Gym Leaders. Only Pokémon with special bracelets were able to teleport into and around Hogwarts... and Dobby hadn't been on the receiving list.

"We'll have to take them ourselves," Harry said, leaning down and hefting Luna up bridal-style. Tonks stared him down but when the boy wouldn't budge she sighed and grabbed Ron, shifting him several times before she was able to safely carry him. The boy let out a moan, the trauma and blood loss having caused him to slip into a fitful sleep.

"What... what about Neville?" Ginny asked, her eyes red and voice raw. "We... we can't just..."

"We have to," Harry said sadly, shutting his eyes and saying a silent prayer for his fallen friend. He kept expecting Neville to suddenly pop up, alive and well, and the events of that evening to be revealed as nothing more than some strange joke. Taking a breath and moved towards the door, Luna's form cradled against his chest. "We have to think about the living for now."

Hermione moved to support Ginny but it was clear that the bushy-haired girl needed just as much support as the young Weasley did. Harry and Tonks led the way out of the Shrieking Shack, the group's Pokémon following after them, holding a silent vigil for the mourning group.

The moon hung heavy in the sky, fat and bloated with a pale glow that showed them the way. The temperature had dropped but of their shivers weren't caused by that frosty air. The foursome hurried through the night, the unconscious forms of their friends held close. Up ahead they could see the lights of Hogwarts and they moved towards it and the salvage it offered.

Fate, though, had other plans.

"What happens next is on your heads!"

"Regulus," Hermione gasped. She pointed towards the astronomy tower and Harry could easily see the form of Sirius' brother hanging out the window, his right hand clutching a large orb of some kind high in the air. "What in the-"

"It's a control orb," Tonks said, her eyes wide with fright. "Sirius... Sirius uses one to control-"

She never got to finished. There was a blast of red light and the tower ruptured. Great blocks of masonry flew everywhere, crushing trees and smashing through the roof and walls of Hogwarts, destroying anything and anyone in their paths. Those students that were hit died instantly... and they were the lucky ones. For from the gaping holes came the Dusknoirs, howling and moaning as they descended upon the unsuspecting school. Harry nearly dropped Luna as the quiet night was shattered by a scream... then another... then several more... until all of Hogwarts seemed to be crying out in agony.

"NO!" Harry screamed, laying Luna on the ground and rushing towards the castle. He could hear Tonks calling after him but he paid no heed, Dobby and Ludwig floating beside him as he rushed towards the besieged castle. He took the stone stairs that led to the great door three at a time, his muscles tensing as he rushed towards the closed barrier. "FLAMETHROWER!"

Ludwig let fly the attack, the doors shuddered as the fiery blast struck them. Harry dropped his shoulder and slammed through the fire-eaten wood; he nearly bit off a chunk of his tongue as pain exploded through his right shoulder. Still he pressed on, trying to follow the screams and wails of the students. But he found none of them... no living soul crossed his path. He found the signs of life: a discarded backpack, a half opened book, an abandoned coat. No person though was around to claim them though.

The Dusknoirs had taken them all.

Harry rushed up to the second floor, panting as he spun around a corner and nearly collided with a Dusknoir. The great bulbous phantom turned and Harry stared at Daphne Greengrass' lip legs hanging from its large mouth... and Remus' tattered coat held in its hands. The Dusknoir stared at him and lazily slurped the Slytherin girl up before using Remus' bloody coat to wipe its mouth.

If the Dusknoir had hoped to frighten Harry… it had gravely miscalculated.

"Zygarde," Harry said, his voice void of all emotions as he tossed out the Pokéball, "kill them all."

The Beast of Slytherin, upon seeing the carnage wrecked up the school, let out a hiss and instantly rushed down the hall, attacking any Dusknoir he could find. Some froze under his stare, turned to stone that shattered upon hitting the ground. Others were crushed under his coils as he slithered through the hall, his great tail bashing them against the walls and leaving glowing splotches of ectoplasm on the stonework. Those that managed to escape this fate fired their attacks upon the legendary, the Beast opening its fanged mouth and crunching down on the phantoms. Through it all Harry shouted out commands but it was soon clear that Zygarde was paying no heed; his only desire was to kill the Dusknoirs and he would do it with brute force. The Beast rampaged through the broken remains of Hogwarts, striking down anything in its path.

Despite his power, Zygarde was one against many and just as a mighty man ccould be fell by a single arrow, so too could a legendary crumple with a well timed shot. The Dusknoirs swarmed Zygarde and the serpent cried out as they dragged him to the floor, the fat phantoms attacking with their fists and their haunting spells, pinning the Beast down and pummeling him until he was no more. Zygarde had defended Hogwarts… had taken many of the Dusknoirs with him… but in the end he too fell.

Harry watched all of this in shock. His best hope, his only hope, had failed. The horde was too great and it was now clear to him that he stood no chance against it. But he refused to back down… refused to leave. The knowledge of what had happened to his friends and family burned in him and he decided, in that moment, to make his stand just as Zygarde had.

"That's right... that's right!" Harry screamed as he welcomed madness. he didn't care if he lived or died... he didn't care if he won the day or lost the war. All that mattered was taking as many Dusknoirs as he could with him. Harry removed his bag and tossed it to Dobby. "Get out of here now!"

'Good Harry Potter-'

"DO IT!" Harry shouted. At the very least his Pokemon would escape this madness. Dobby and Ludwig nodded sadly and quickly fled, leaving Harry to face down the Dusknoirs alone. "That's right... there is still a Marauder that draws breath!" He leapt towards one of the approaching Dusknoirs, only to find himself yanked back by an invisible force.

"Harry!" Tonks shouted, Hermione's Kirlia using her psychic abilities to pull him away from the swarm. Ginny was shouting orders to Dobby and Ludwig even as Harry struggled to get back into the fight. "Harry, stop!"

The boy looked at her and for a moment he considered doing to her what he had done to the Dusknoir. It was only Ginny and Hermione's frightened faces that pulled him out of the insanity and bloodlust that had consumed him. His face went ashen and he began to tremble even as Tonks pulled him into a classroom. Hermione tossed out Whomper's Pokéball and the Sudowoodo instantly used his bulk to hold the door shut while Dobby and Kirlia used their psychic powers to barricade the windows.

"Oh... oh god..." Harry said, his body shaking as the adrenaline left him. "Remus... Remus..."

"I know," Tonks said gently, pressing a hand against his cheek as Harry began to sob, the full reality of what had happened striking him like a rampaging Tauros. "It's ok... it will be ok... we have a plan."

Harry looked up at her, confused. "What... what plan could... could bring them-"

"-all back?" Hermione finished, holding up a Pokéball. "This one." She tossed the ball and Celebi popped out; the little legendary instantly sensed Harry's pain and zipped over to him, settling herself on his shoulder and cooing in sympathy.

Harry, however, didn't need her comfort; the joy that blossomed in his heart came from a single realitization. "The Time Turner ability!"

"Exactly," Hermione said. "We go back... one hour... and we get this right. We save everyone-"

"And we kick Regulus Black's ass!" Ginny said firmly.

Harry nodded but one doubt played on his mind. "Can Celebi handle sending all of us?" The green and white sprite let out a trill of confidence; it was clear that she didn't care what dangers might come... she would do what she must to save Hogwarts.

"It's a risk…" Hermione admitted. "When I first began training her just sending me back would drain her. We do this and she might not be able to use her ability again for quite some time." Hermione set her jaw. "But it's a risk we're willing to take."

Harry nodded. "Alright then... for Remus."

"For Sirius," Tonks added, holding out her hand.

"For Neville," Ginny stated, placing her hand on top of Tonks'.

Hermione added her own hand to the pile. "For Luna and Ron."

"For everyone," Harry said, his hand on top of the girls.

"Sudo!" Whomper added, nearly knocking them over as he placed one of his limbs on top of their hands just as Celebi fluttered over and activated her ability.

"CEEEEEEEEELLLLLEBI!"

Harry felt himself going ramrod straight as the world went completely white. For a moment he wondered if he was falling into delirium once more. He could hear the roar of the ocean and smell scents he'd never sniffed before and-

"Harry? You ok, mate?"

Harry blinked, startled to find himself no longer standing but seated in a nice comfy chair... one that he recognized: his favorite chair in the Gryffindor common room.

"Mate, you alright?" Ron asked.

"Harry?" Neville asked, leaning forward, "You-"

Ginny and Harry leapt forward at the same moment, hugging a startled Neville and Ron. They heard a yelp and spotted Hermione wrapping her around around Luna and twirling the blonde around.

"You are doing things I don't understand," Luna said, brow furrowed. "Is what it's like for you guys all the time? I don't like it."

Harry let out a laugh but even as he released a befuddled Neville his mood turned serious. "Alright... this is where things get complex, kids."

"And now you are doing references!" Luna complained. Before she could say anything more one of the windows in the common room shattered, revealing the grinning face of Whomper, who happily reached through the shattered bay window and, gently, touched one of Luna's Pokéball, allowing himself to be caught again. Luna looked down at the Pokeball, then at the rest of the common room, all of whom were staring at her. "…and that just raises further questions!" she screamed.

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Notes: When it came to designing regulus Black I had a lot to play around with, as there isn't much to the man. We only know that like most blacks he was good looking with dark hair. Thus, as I tend to do, I turned to other sources and found inspiration in 'The Lord of the Rings'. As Frodo states, when talking about Strider, a servant of evil would "look fairer and feel more foul". This was my jumping off point with Regulus Black. He would be someone who is very handsome, even after spending much of his time as Scabbers. While the rat was lazy and ill kept Regulus, as a man, is vain and concerned about his looks... but also dangeorous. He has a bit of a Dracula vibe as well... in that Dracula, from a distance, appears quite handsome but as one draws closer they see the ugliness until it is as if they were two different people. Regulus should make women think of swooning... except they also feel a coldness and an unsettling feel about him that makes them fear him.

And yes, I had to go back and edit in Whomper going with them… I didn't want you guys to think I was going to undo Luna catching him. Fun though to have Luna all confused for once.

Now, onto the Avalon Dex! Not a lot of suggestions came in but in the end I have decided that our newest fossil Pokemon will be called Zaptor and Sornabolt. The next one for the Avalon dex (which can be seen over on Deviant Art… make sure to check out the Avalon Dex!) is ready for you to name.

Like many of you, I was disappointed by Jurassic Park 3. I had hoped for a wonderful adventure but instead was betrayed... betrayed not by the story or the acting or the effects. No... I was betrayed because the T-Rex... my favorite Dinosaur... got beaten by the sailed freak, the Spinosaurus. Now, I could rant for ages about how stupid that was (T-Rex has Spino's neck in its jaws... that is INSTANT DEATH!) but I won't bore you. I will only say that I have my... issues... with the Spinosaurus. The stupid fish eating-

But, I can put those aside to create our second Fossil Pokemon... which is based on the Spinosaurus.

By giving the cloning lab the Spine Fossil, you get back our basic pokemon. A Stone/Fire type, he is bright red in color with gray coloring on his belly, claws, along the shoulders, and the lower jaw.. It follows the same design style of Tyrunt, Amaura, and the Raptor, in that it has a small body, a bit of an oversized head, and big feet. In other words, a baby. This Dino's back fan is red like its body but you can see gray bones sticking right out of the back and through the fan; these are the structure the red membrane is built around.

The evolved form sees Spino undergo a large growth spurt, making him rival Tyrantrum in size. The red skin as darkened to a nice deep brick red. It also has gained some orange highlights. The biggest attention getter is the sail fin. The bones that made it up are no longer bone; they now like smoke stacks, starting out small, growing taller and thicker before retreating back to short and small. The membrane still attaches them but it is clear that Spino is built like a brick house (a few of his scales might also be detailed to look like bricks). These stacks will shoot off black smoke and, when he attacks, will fire off blasts of fire.

This Pokemon's exclusive ability is Boiling Point. This ability cuts water attacks and special attacks down to 1/4th their strength. This means that Spino loses his weakness to water, leaving him only to deal with Ground based attacks. Luckily, he can learn Scald to deal with this.


	21. Fight or Flight

Harry shifted uneasily, fighting the urge to look at his dex's clock. They had only a few minutes to spare before decisions needed to be made and battle plans drawn up. Hermione, Ginny, and him had just gotten done informing Luna, Neville and Ron about the future they were now trying to prevent and the three Gryffindors were sitting there, stewing and considering what they had just heard. Harry could tell that Ginny and Hermione were getting impatient, wishing to move past the disbelief and confusion; this was, however, their penance for keeping Ron and Neville in the dark about so much.

"...did I also catch a talking Zigzagoon who has an obsession with guns?" Luna finally asked, watching as Percy swept up the glass shards from the window that Whomper had taken out.

"No," Harry said.

"Good... that means _**I**_ can cosplay as Rocket!"

Neville and Ron remained silent.

"Say something," Ginny whispered. "Say you believe us."

Ron blinked, coming out of the daze he'd been in. "What? Of course I believe you! I'm just shocked I did something so stupid."

"Yeah, but all of us tend to run off without thinking," Neville pointed out. "Its almost a tradition at this point."

"Still, getting caught like that? I'm a bloody idiot."

Harry just stared at the two boys in shock. "You... you believe us?"

Ron laughed. "Mate, think about it... our first Battle Instructor was possessed by Voldemort and I killed him before he could take control of a legendary Pokéball that can capture anything. The year after that our Battle Instructor mindwiped students, Cho Chang was possessed by Voldemort, you fought and captured the Beast of Slytherin by wielding the Sword of Gryffindor... which happened to be a Cobalion that is still alive even after all these years. Scabbers being your godfather's brother? That's tame for even this year."

"Remember when Luna spent a week dressed in a jumpsuit trying to drive out some ghost she called Peeves?" Neville asked. "Now that was weird."

"Where was Slimer when you needed him?" Luna said.

"...so you are all on board with us?" Hermione asked.

"Scabbers is evil. Snape is Harry's uncle. Neville died, Luna and I almost died, you have a legendary that can travel back in time." Ron shrugged. "Yeah, think I have it all."

"I wish we led duller lives," Ginny groused.

Neville's mood turned serious. "What's the gameplan, Harry? I assume we are going to go about this a bit differently this go around."

"Hell yes," Harry said, pulling out his dex and tapping a few buttons. "Tonks?"

"What the hell took you so long?!" the auror screamed, her voice loud enough that half the common room heard her. Harry quickly dialed down the volume as Tonks continued. "I've been pretending to take a piss for the last 8 minutes so I could get your call in private... Sirius is going to think I have bladder issues!" The woman huffed, cutting off Harry's answer before it could even get past his lips. "It's bad enough that I suddenly found myself an hour back in time while was in the middle of a JUMP! I about broke my ankle, you no good bloody-"

"Ok, ok, sorry for the wait!" Harry said quickly, trying to appease the auror. "But we are here now so we can come up with a battle plan."

"The game plan is what it should have been from the start: you six stay in the tower and don't even think about interfering."

"Exactly," Harry said. "I agree 100%."

"...why do I suddenly hear someone screaming 'It's a trap'?"

Luna blushed. "Oh, was I shouting that out loud?"

"It isn't," Harry said, trying to get the planning back on track. "I admit that we all screwed up. I want Regulus to pay and I am willing to sit back and let you do the work."

Tonks' brow furrowed. "Still think this might be a trap."

"It's not, I swear," Harry stated.

"Harry..."

"Alright, fine!" Harry said with a huff. "We're going to wait till you sign off and then go to the back door that Regulus used to escape the Shack and stake it out."

"See, was that so hard?" Tonks said with a smile. "And now I can have Castform guard that door, giving you no reason to go to the Shack. Thanks for your offer, though."

Neville raised an eyebrow as Tonks ended the called. "That isn't your real plan, is it?"

"Nope," Harry stated, standing up and making for the teleporter.

"We're going to the Shrieking Shack, aren't we?"

"Nope again," Harry said. "I was being honest when I said I wanted to stay out of Sirius and Tonks' way."

"But we are still going to help," Ron stated, confused.

Harry smirked as he stepped on the teleporter, keying in the code for his dorm room. "Yeah... if Sirius fails then I'm going to make sure Regulus doesn't harm another person every again."

~MC~MC~MC~

Ron clamped his hands over his ears, though it did little good. "Did you have to set off the loudest bloody alarm in the entire school, Gin?!"

The younger Weasley rolled her eyes. "There is only one alarm that's triggered when the lock-down procedure is in affect, Ron!" She disconnected her dex from the panel and looked over at Harry and Hermione. "Alright, if the sirens and flashing lights weren't clues enough, I did it."

"Good," Harry stated over the loud din. The Lock Down Procedure had been put into place by Dumbledore after Regulus had attacked the Gryffindor Dorm. If a major threat or attack happened at Hogwarts the Headmaster would be able to seal different parts of the school, allowing him to protect the students and keep the invader locked up if they happened to be in a classroom or in a certain hallway. It was layered with 6 different types of incryption and was marketed as being the most hacker-proof system on the market. Ginny had hacked it weeks ago just for fun and had now gotten it to activate the lockdown, protecting the students from the Dusknoirs should Regulus still manage to release them while also alerting the teachers and the auror corps that something was happening at Hogwarts.

"So now we wait it out, right?" Neville asked, heading to one of the few classrooms still open. They'd rigged it so that the room would remain open for an extra minute, allowing Ginny to do her thing while still giving them time to get to a safe room of their own. Hermione had already went in, disappearing from sight.

"Seems kinda boring," Ron complained.

Luna shrugged. "Well, I am sure we'll have a lot to talk about... we can discuss why Harry betrayed us."

"Why Harry did what?" Ginny asked only to yelp when the boy in question shoved her into the classroom just as the door slammed shut and locked itself. "HARRY!"

"I'm sorry," Harry said softly, resting his head against the door. "But I'm not going to risk any of you again." Visions of Neville's fallen form, Ron's throat slit open, and Luna screaming in agony filled his mind; these images were dottd with imagined thoughts of what might come to pass... of any of his friends caught by Regulus or consumed by the Dusknoirs.

No... he would not drag them into this fight. This was his and his alone.

"That was pretty sneaky." Harry whipped around then cursed when he realized that Hermione had managed to slip out of the classroom while he was dealing with the rest of their friends. "And there is no need for that language. Now then-"

"Hermione..."

"Don't," Hermione said firmly. "I'm with you on this, Harry, whether you like it or not."

"You... you don't have to do this. You've proved yourself enough... I forgave you for Lockhart-"

Hermione scowled. "You think this is about forgiveness? Harry... I know you've forgiven me. I know. This isn't about that at all... this is about you being my friend and me standing beside you till the end. I couldn't during our first year and the second... well, you know what happened there. But this year? This year I help you save the day." Her eyes flashed as she stared him down. "Besides... he hurt MY friends too."

Harry shut his eyes for a moment, taking a calming breath. "Alright... but we play this my way."

"What's the plan?" Hermione asked as they began to run through the corridors. It was strange; with the alarms going off and the halls deserted it felt as if they were the last two people left alive in Hogwarts after some horrible event. Bright red lights swirled about, casting distorted shadows along the walls and making every painting and sculpture that decorated Hogwarts' halls take on new hellish designs. The air was full of foreboding and as they ran they each felt a sense of dread not unlike what one would feel in a horror movie. Of course, considering the future they had come from, such a scenario was closer to truth than either cared to admit.

Harry took a sharp held and plunged for a door. It was one of the few that hadn't been included in the Lock Down Procedure Program, allowing Harry and Hermione easy access. The steep stairs that greeted them soared upward but it was the teleporter pad that had their attention, as it led to their destination.

The top of the astronomy tower.

The moment the pad powered down Hermione and Harry found themselves surrounded by the quiet night. They could hear the distant alarm but it was muted and faded, making it little more than background noise. They had both been in the astronomy tower plenty of times for late-night classes but during those times it had been full of students rows of tombstones. Everything in that moment left them with the same foreboding dread one might feel upon returning to a familiar place from their childhood only to discover it rotted and derelict. The light of the pale moon shone through the many great glass windows that littered the top of the tower but the light provided only made the looming shadows deeper and darker.

"What are we looking for?" Hermione asked softly, her fingers lightly brushing against one of the desks.

"Regulus didn't have the Control Ball with him... if he had he would have used it right in the Shrieking Shack. I'm betting he stashed it here."

"Why couldn't he have hidden it somewhere else and just brought it here?"

"He might like theatrics but he isn't a fool." Harry began to move along one of the walls, hoping to find a loose brick that might be hiding the Control Ball. "He needed to get to the Control Ball and activate it without any time to spare. It's here."

"What is a Control Ball anyway?" Hermione asked as she checked around Prof. Sinistra desk. "I've never heard of it before."

"That's because it isn't your typical Pokéball." Harry moved on to the next wall, his fingers prodding the grout-coated grooves. "A Control Ball is about twice size of a normal Pokéball and can hold other Pokéball and activate them in one burst. Sirius used one to control his Dusknoirs and Regulus does the same thing."

"So it's too big to carry all the time and can't be shrunk down like a normal Pokéball," Hermione stated. "So he must have hidden it in the tower after he escaped the dorm, sent the Dusknoirs to Le Fay's Landing... but when he failed he couldn't get the ball back."

"And the Dusknoirs slowly returned in the night," Harry said, stopping and looking over a bookshelf. "Waiting for their master to return." He reached for a group of books that were sticking out several inches past those around them, pulling them out and smirking. "Too bad we got to it first." Harry reached into the dark hole and pulled out a heavy silver ball with ebony markings. "I give you the Control Ball," Harry said with a flourish, pulling the ball out for Hermione to see.

"Thank you, Harry." The two Gryffindors whipped around, moving away as Regulus Black entered the tower from one of the windows via a Crobat. He recalled the Pokémon and smiled, taking a step towards them. "I am very glad you found that... my name is Regulus Black... I have been working with my brother, Sirius, to help stop-"

Harry cut the man off. "Save your lies... I know who you are, traitor. I know EVERYTHING."

Regulus' mouth puckered at that but he managed to keep his pleasant tone. "So you puzzled it all out. Perhaps you are smarter than those you keep the company of. My brother and his little allies were all quite startled when I made my appearance." Regulus took step forward; his eyes narrowing as he slowly extended his hand. "Now let us see if you are smarter than your parents... surrender and I will let you live."

"Piss off," Harry snapped.

Regulus sighed, rolling his eyes skyward. "As dumb as they are, I see." Harry gripped the ball tighter as the Nocturne agent took another step towards them. "What do you plan to do now, Harry? The Control Ball is biolocked to me... you can't use the Dusknoirs. Maybe you are thinking of fighting me?" Regulus tossed out several of his Pokéballs, calling forth his Empoleon, Manetric, and Crobat. "Your Pokémon are weak compared to mine; they aren't even fully evolved. My Pokémon are older than you two combined." He leaned in and smiled; it was the same grin Sirius wore many times, only now twisted and perverted into something foul. "Of course, you could call forth the Beast... and you would get the pleasure of seeing the look of surprise on my face-" Regulus made an exaggerated 'O' face, "-just before the floor collapsed under Zygarde's weight and all of us plunged to our deaths. We'd probably take out what remains of your family... I had a head start but Sirius and his merry band must have begun the chase by now. They won't get here in time to save you but they will be halfway here when Zygarde crashes down on them!"

Harry mentally cursed, his free hand moving away from Zygarde's Pokéball. He had been considering that option but Regulus' taunts had removed that choice from the table.

Regulus turned towards Hermione and flashed her a sickenly-sweet smile. "Hermione... always the logical one. Harry here isn't playing the odds. If you don't give me the ball I will kill you. You know that's a fact. I will destroy your Pokémon and then I will slit your throats. Giving me the ball, however... well, I myself don't know what I'll do, honestly... but isn't a maybe better than a certainty?" He darted forward a step and Hermione and Harry flinched. "Because it is a certainty: I am going to kill you if you don't give me that ball. Come on now… why don't you take a gamble? Live a little."

Hermione glanced at Harry, licking her lips, before looking back at Regulus. "You want to talk about certainties? Ok, let's do that. I don't know for certain what will happen if we try and keep the ball from you. You'll try to kill us but Sirius might get here first or we might get in a lucky shot. But I know for CERTAIN that if you get this ball... innocent people will die. So yes... I will play the better odds… asshole."

Harry smirked at Hermione's curse.

"Foolish, stupid girl!" Regulus snarled, taking a step towards her only for Harry to hold up the ball. The Nocturne Agent paused, almost entranced as he stared at it.

"You think I'm weak-willed," Harry said, waving the Control Ball back and forth, Regulus' eyes keeping a steady bead on it. "You think I don't stand up for myself and that I allow myself to be cowed." Even if this Regulus hadn't said the words the message from the aborted future still rang in his ears. "But here's the thing: I think the same about you. You're a coward who hides and refuses to stand up like a man and fight. No… you prefer to hide in the shadows like a yellow-bellied snake who is skittish of the light. So... maybe we are the same, Regulus... except for one key difference." Harry's eyes narrowed and he planted his feet. "I remember where I am standing." Harry twisted, his left arm lashing out as he smashed the Control Ball against the glass window right behind him. The entire surface shattered, raining down onto the dark crass far below them and with the shards went the Control Ball. Regulus scrambled forward, his hands grasping at empty air, but it was far too late and the Control Ball tumbled off into the darkness, out of his reach.

"You... YOU!" Regulus screamed, grabbing Harry and Hermione by the throats before either of them could go for their Pokéballs. Rage fueled his strength and he lifted the two of them up and held them out the window. He grew a maniac grin upon his face as he held them aloft, both Gryffindors clawing at his talon-like hands in a vain attempt to get some air to their now burning lungs. "No... this is better! This is so much better!"

"Regulus!" Sirius screamed as he burst through the astronomy classroom's door. The Lord of Sevii's eyes went wide as he took in the scene before him; Snapes, Tonks and Remus nearly collided with him as they came to a jerking stop.

"Yet another one you couldn't save, brother," Regulus said, releasing his grip.

For Harry it felt as if the entire world had suddenly become stuck in thick sap, robbing much of its momentum. He could dimly see Regulus slowly getting smaller, the broken window lazily retreating as the dark night poured in. He heard a strange, elongated wail and realized that it was Hermione; she was a few feet above him, her arms and legs slowly flailing as she flew towards the hard ground below. It wasn't just sight and hearing that were playing tricks on him, for it seemed as if every one of Harry's senses was firing on overdrive. He could taste salt on his tongue and feel the cold air against the back of his neck and he could smell the scent of the wind as it blew across the lake. Gravity was tugging on him, beckoning him downward towards the earth's crushing embrace and he felt the overwhelming urge to just give in and accept.

There was a bright flash of red and Harry suddenly felt Hedwig materialize against his chest. It was only then that he realized that he was being pulled into the Speaking realm, the blackness wrapping around him like a comfy blanket and offering him a moment of peace before the final seconds.

"Harry," Hedwig pleaded, "snap out of it! Come on, we have to think of something!"

"There is nothing to do," Harry said softly. "Save Hermione, ok? If you grab her maybe you can slow her descent-"

"No!' Hedwig shouted. "If you think I'm abandoning you then are barmy!"

"Hedwig..." Harry began, only for Hedwig to cut him off.

"You and me, Harry... you and me." Harry felt the world beginning to come into focus once more. "Into the breach."

Harry found himself unable to speak. Instead, as the world snapped back into place and time began to speed up, he reached out and hugged Hedwig close, cradling the Hoothoot in a vain attempt to cushion her fall. Hedwig burrowed her face in his chest and Harry shut his eyes.

And that was when Hedwig's Pokeball shattered into glorious white light that consumed them both.

~MC~MC~MC~

Hermione didn't know what had happened. One moment she had been falling, her throat made raw from her screaming, and the next she... hit something that was absolutely NOT the cold lawn outside the Astronomy Tower. Everything seemed to suddenly begin to run in reverse; she felt like her life were a dvd and someone had hit rewind. The grown retreated and the stars buzzed in closer as she rose up, her eyes wide as she gripped the ivory-feathered back she'd landed on. A pair of mighty wings snapped downward and they rushed up even faster, passing the shattered window; inside Hermione could see Sirius, Remus, Tonks and Snape's dumbfounded faces.

The young teen barely had a time to gather her bearings before her trajectory changed and the rapid climb turned into a soaring flight. Fear left her and Hermione looked down upon Hogwarts with awe-filled eyes. The cold wind still bit at her face but she no longer cared; she found herself laughing as the terror that had swelled in her body gave way, leaving only a giddiness that comes from cheating the Reaper.

With the fear no longer clouding her mind Hermione turned her attention to her savoir. The great winged Pokémon glided with ease along the lake winds and the massive wings with their white plumage reminded Hermione at once on an angel. But this was no divine being; no, this was a living, breathing-

The bird's head twisted nearly 180 degrees and Hermione gasped. She knew those eyes well.

"H-Harry?"

The Noctowl let out a cry before twisting, forcing Hermione to wrap her arms around Harry/Hedwig's neck as the pokemagnus rotated its head back towards the ground. Hermione could feel Harry/Hedwig's muscles tense and peering down through the darkness she saw the cause.

Regulus.

Harry let out a battle cry and dove towards the Nocturne agent and the Crobat that carried him. Regulus twisted just in time to see Harry but it was too late for him to do anything but stare as the albino Noctowl struck him. Regulus, Hermione, the Crobot, and the Noctowl tumbled in the air, the four of them entering a tailspin towards the Gauntlet field below. Hermione was the first to break free though it wasn't under her own power. One moment she was clinging to Harry/Hedwig, the next a clawed hand had grasped her and yanked her away. The scream that bubbled up from her throat died when she realized it was Remus in his Zorarak form that had rescued her. Remus nodded slightly before tossing her to Whomper, who had Luna riding on his shoulder.

"Foolish girl!" Snape shouted at her as he raced past Thumper; Bach and Snape's Seviper were both out and ready for a battle. "You and that idiot boy had to rush in!"

"That's just his way of saying he loves you!" Luna said cheerfully. "Just like Luna Jr.!" The blonde Gryffindor winced. "Oooooww... that is going to leave a mark!"

Hermione turned to see that Harry, still in his Noctowl form, had driven his sharp beak through the Crobat's fleshy wing membrane. The cavern-dwelling Pokemon let out high-pitched screams but Harry paid no need, turning his back on the wounded Pokémon and focusing all his attention on Regulus. The Nocturne Agent had been cunning and vile and done unspeakable things but in the end it was his time spent as Scabbers that was his downfall. For the years he'd lived as a Raticate had engrained in Regulus Black one thing: a fear of birds.

"Stay... stay back!" Regulus screamed in terror, scrambling away. Harry let out a cry, flaring out his ivory wings. "No! No! Stay back! Stay back!" Regulus went for his Manetric's Pokéball only to howl in pain when Sirius, in his Padfoot form, unleashed a blast of fire that superheated the Pokéball. He whipped about, eyes wide and maniac, but could not find a single exit. Remus and Sirius were now holding the east and south, Tonks had taken the north with her Rotom happily shocking Regulus' Rattata, Harry's friends stood with Whomper, who was shaking his fist at the agent, and Snape was-

Regulus screamed as he spotted Seviper, the second greatest predator to rodents slithering towards him. Moving back into the center of the circle that was steadily tightening around him, Regulus looked about with wild eyes before staring skyward. Hermione mimicked him and watched as Harry/Hedwig descended, talons extended. The Nocturne agent tried to bat him away but Harry pecked and slashed at him, creating thin bloody lines across the younger Black's face and hands. Sirius' brother screamed as Harry cut his skin to ribs, splashing his blood upon the dark grass.

"Harry!" Remus shouted, separating himself from Mooney and rushing towards the Noctowl. "That's enough now," Remus said softly. Harry hooted in disagreement but Remus grabbed the large owl's face and forced him to take a moment and pause his assault. "Harry... maybe he does deserve to die. There are plenty who believe that-"

"Amen," Sirius said as he separated from Padfoot.

"-but it is not for you to decide... not like this." Remus looked down at Regulus in disgust, the other Pokémon moving in to keep the Nocturne Agent covered so he wouldn't even breathe out of turn. "I understand Harry... I do! The beast is telling you to kill him but you are a man Harry and you need to let Regulus be tried by our laws... not the laws of a Pokémon."

The Noctowl shuddered slightly, letting out a cry of frustration before separating into Harry and Hedwig. The Hoothoot remained on her trainer's shoulder, glaring at Regulus, while Harry merely looked down at the pathetic wreck of a man who'd caused him so much pain.

"Ok Remus... we do it your way," Harry said; it was clear from his tone he disagreed with this course of action but was willing to stay his revenge for the moment. Harry's brow furrowed and, after a moment, he lashed out and kicked Regulus in the head; Sirius' brother didn't even grunt has his head snapped back against the ground, falling into unconsciousness. "There... now I'm done."

"Remus! Severus!" The entire group turned and watched as Prof. Dumbledore rushed down from the castle, followed quickly by Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout. Filch trailed behind them, fighting between sobbing and raging at the sight of the broken Astronomy window. "What is... Miss Tonks?" Dumbledore looked at Tonks, who gave him a cheeky wave. "And... Sirius Black? My boy..." Dumbledore nearly stumbled at the sight of the man he'd believed dead for 13 years. "And... Regulus?" The Headmaster's gaze went from one person to the next. "I gather I've missed quite a bit, haven't I?"

~MC~MC~MC~

Author's Note: I want to take a moment to address the guest reviewers. For those of you sending regular reviews, thank you very much! They are appreciated and I enjoy reading your reactions. For those that ask questions, I am sorry that I do not respond to them… I don't like to respond to most reviews via these author's notes because, most times, the answers are spoiler-ish or are too person for me to answer here. I thank you for reading… those that love this story and even the sole reader that hates this story and lets me know it every curse-laden review. The fact that you guys take the time to review and have passion for this story is great. Would I prefer you guys had screen names so I could actually respond to your comments/criticisms/questions? Of course. But I understand why some of you chose not to and thus I take this moment to thank you all.

I mainly bring this up as a few regular reviewers have asked if I'll ever turn off the guest reviewer option. I know many other authors are doing that now to weed out trolls who use Guest Review to allow themselves to spam and insult the author without risk of being banned from the site. Right now there is no reason for me to do this, as for the most part the guest reviewers are wonderful and the sole exception is more annoying than bothersome. In the future… perhaps, but right now I plan to keep that option on.

I've enjoyed writing Regulus' rants very much and Harry's responses. I enjoyed taking Regulus' complaints and whining and having Harry call bullshit on them.

I always knew that Harry would finally gain his pokemagnus form in this chapter and that it would be in epic fashion. When has Harry NOT gone for the dramatic when it came to things.

There are some of you that are going to complain that Harry should have killed Regulus (especially the one reviewer who complains that Harry should already be a badass and I should kill of Hermione and Ron... I honestly don't get why he/her continues to read this story since he/she hates it so much). And guess what… I agree with you! If I were a reader I'd be screaming at Harry for letting Regulus live as well. But sometimes an author has to have characters do things they personally disagree with. In this case, I had to have Harry spare Regulus because it goes against who Harry is at the moment to have him kill Regulus at this moment. Harry is still young and is still prone to listening to the advice of others rather than following his gut. He is, after all, a 13 year old. Remus is still a bit too steeped in how things were done in the last war. It will take time for Harry to see if this choice was the right one… or if a more violent response would stop any potential repercussions. But let me reassure you… if I were a reader I'd be screaming that Harry was stupid for letting Regulus lived too.

Finally, let's deal with our Avalon Pokemon. First and foremost, I've decided to name our last Fossil Line Pyrosail and Pyrolith. Now, as for the next Avalon Pokemon, I've decided to give you guys a treat for Halloween and go with another ghost type. This Pokemon and its evolved form are based on gargoyles, which means they are Ghost/Rock types. Head over to the Avalon Dex on Deviantart to see them. The evolved form is known as Ghoulgoyle but the basic stage's name is up for grabs. The idea behind these ghouls is that unlike other ghost types, the GHoulgoyle line is WANTED by families in Avalon. This is becaus Ghoulgoyles aren't tricksters but guardians who protect their homes and the families that dwell in them. Their skin is made of stone but their insides are purple ectoplasm that can be seen when the stone cracks around their joints and when they open their eyes or mouths. Ghoulgoyles are rather slow (maybe the slowest pokemon in the world) but they have INSANE defense and special defense... even a super effective attack barely dents them. This makes them perfect protectors of homes and Avalon families will go out of their way to get a Ghoulgoyle to move into their house, perching on the roof and watching for threats.

Only one more chapter to go in this story guys! Time to wrap some things up before we move onto the book I've been dying to write!


	22. The First Step on the Long Road

In the end it had taken many hours to straight out everything. Tonks had handcuffed Regulus and given Prof. Dumbledore the DNA Splicer for safe keeping, ensuring that the Nocturne Agent didn't get a chance to escape. Not that Sirius' brother was going to be up and about any time soon; Harry's kick had knocked him senseless and Poppy (who'd made it clear by the wrinkling of her nose that the last she wanted to do was care for the man that had led Voldemort to the Potters) had pumped him so full of morphine that even if he did wake he wouldn't know up from down.

Once Regulus had been secured the motley group had begun the task of trying to explain everything to the headmasters and the other House Heads. Sirius' false death, his joining with the Sons of Johto, his return, when McGonagall had found out, when Luna and Ginny and Hermione had found out... it had been a big tumbled mess. The news that Hermione had a Celebi and had used its ability to take Harry, Ginny, Tonks and herself back in time to prevent the destruction had even more heads spinning, especially when Harry began to inform Snape about a history Harry hadn't heard in the current timeline.

They had nearly gotten to Harry's pokemagnus transformation when Madam Bones had arrived, demanding to know why she had received a summons to Hogwarts from an auror she knew for a fact she'd assigned to cover crowd control for the Lord of Sevii's tour through Galahad City. Sirius had laughed at that and revealed himself to Amelia, causing the Elite 4 member to nearly go white as a sheet at the sight of the famous fallen war hero alive and well. Regulus' prone form had only caused her more shock and after allowing her a few minutes to calm herself Prof. Dumbledore had asked Harry and his friends to begin their story once more.

It was around the time that they'd begun discussing the attack on Le Fay's Landing that the Minister had arrived with his hangers-on, red in the face and babbling about rumors swirling all about Avalon about an attack on Hogwarts. Harry, sensing what was about to happen, finally snapped and yelled that if they wanted to hear the story then they needed to gather everyone that needed to hear it because he refused to tell it twice.

That was how Harry had ended up standing in the grand audience hall of the Pokémon league, telling the story of his third year at Hogwarts to the Elite 4, the entire Hogwarts staff, the Council of Gym Leaders, the Prime Minister, and all of the Minister's department heads. Interspaced in that massive audience had been reporters from all the major networks and newspapers, as well as prominent businessmen and even a few foreign dignitaries.

The news that Regulus Black had hidden himself as a Weasley Raticate had Ron's father gasping in shock and trembling in his seat. Harry had felt bad for him and wished he'd been able to talk to him in private, to break the news gently, but that simply wasn't to be. Harry had fought down a frown at the sight of a smirking Lucius Malfoy; the boy knew that Draco's father was already plotting how to use that tidbit to hurt the Weasley family. The only thing that had wiped the smile from Lucius' face was the news that Regulus was still alive. Remus had muttered later on that Lucius feared what the rat might say and had already begun doing all he could to get the public view his way and portray Regulus as a deranged lunatic prone to screaming falsehoods and delusions.

Once Harry and his friends had finished their tale (including a 10 minute tangent Luna had gone on detailing the creation of the One Ring of Power) Harry had sat down and listened as the authorities and officials made their voices heard.

It was quickly decided that Regulus would be shipped to the northern prison of The Monmouth's Tower where he would rot for the rest of his days. Sirius had been enraged at that, demanding his brother be turned over to Sevii but all those involved believed it better that the volatile Black not be tasked with housing his brother. Sirius had warned that Johto would not take kindly to such an insult (as every other Nocturne Agent had been sent to Sevii) and that Avalon would be hearing words from Johto's Prime Minister.

Much easier to deal with was Sirius' status; it was decided within seconds to declare him ALIVE. The Black Family Gym and mansion had remained cared for by the citizens of Mordred's End and Sirius accepted them both along with his reinstated citizenship.

"I am still the Lord of Sevii," Sirius told Harry after the hearing, "but I have plenty of men I trust to watch of Sevii and rule it in my name... at least until Jack finds a more permanent Lord to take my place."

The matter of the Black family and their place on the Council of Gym Leaders proved a stickier problem. At the end of the war the Potters and Blacks had been believed wiped out and their gyms shut. The Malfoys and the Parkinsons had in turn taken over as Gym Leaders and used their influence with business leaders and the Fudge Administration to seize full control of the Council, using it as they desired. Sirius' return threw all this into jeopardy but Lucius, always plotting, had already come up with a plan which he'd present there on the floor.

_"The Black Family is one of the oldest Gym families in all of Avalon and I think we all can agree that our region will benefit greatly from their return. Also, considering the news that we have just heard in this chamber, I believe that a shakeup is needed, so that we might... eliminate... those that would bring shame upon us."_

_Sirius and Harry had shared a look, both realizing at the same time that Lucius meant to have the Weasleys stripped of their Gym Leader status and Sirius to take their place. Such a move would not only eliminate an enemy but also move many of the Gym Leaders Lucius counted as enemies down the totem pole, helping him strengthen his power. _

_"Honored Gym Leaders, what you say is true... I do long to return the Ancient and Noble House of Black back to its glory days." He had stared hard at Lucius as he said the word 'Ancient', reminding the man that the Malfoys might be powerful now but that was only a recent development. "However, I would be doing Avalon no good if I stepped into that role right now. I'm simply not mentally prepared for such a task" Sirius placed a hand on Harry and Neville's shoulders, squeezing them tenderly. "But in only a few years we will see these two young boys come of age and take their rightful places as Gym Leaders... would it not be better to have me wait? Why not give me a few years to reconcile what happened to me and then, in one fell swoop, the three of us can join your ranks while allowing you all time to come to conclusions on who must go."_

_The rest of the Gym Leaders had applauded that and during the clapping of hands Snape had leaned down and whispered in Harry's ear, "The mutt is rather clever when he wants to be." He nodded towards a glowering Lucius. "No one will deny you your spot... the Potters are institutions and Avalon would be insane to deny 'Lily's Heir' his spot. Even if Lord Malfoy-" Snape's voice dripped with derision as he spoke that title, "-manages to remove the Weasleys he will have to eliminate himself or Parkinson. The Longbottoms and the Lovegoods will be united and Neville would block any attempt to remove Xeno. Greengrass is a snake like Malfoy and won't be crushed under his heel easily and the others are too ingrained for him to attempt a coup. And even if he can eliminate one of them he will have a voting block of Potter, Black, and Longbottom." Snape snorted. "The rest will clamor to you and you can have him and Parkinson driven out. Look at him... he knows he lives on borrowed time."_

_"But a cornered Pokémon is sometimes the most dangerous."_

_Snape raised an eyebrow at that and when Harry stared at him he was shocked to see what could be called 'parental pride' flash through the professor's eyes. "Yes... yes, that is true."_

After that things had moved along quite easily, with minor bits settled and all parties agreeing to the events as Harry had stated them. Tonks' boss publicly thanked her for her hard work... though the auror admitted later that, in private, Madame Bones had made it clear that if she ever did something like that off the books again she'd be assigned to guarding toddlers of visiting diplomats for the rest of her career. Harry doubted that would come to pass; not with Sirius having her back.

While he hadn't taken his spot as a gym leader, Sirius did declare himself the Head of House Black. This gave him all the powers and privileges of a Head of House and the old dog hadn't wasted time putting said powers to good use. First and foremost he had declared Harry his heir, giving the young teen all the protections such a position entailed. Harry had only learned later that until that moment Lucius had been moving to have Draco be named Lord Black upon his 17th birthday, due to Narcissia being a Black; yet another prize snatched from the Malfoys. Remus and Prof. Snape were declared Honored Friends, which was more of an honorary thing; Sirius had also included many of the Sons of Johto, much to the discomfort of the Minister and his undersecretaries and they had all nearly crapped a brick when Sirius declared Jack and Jonas Kenway to be Regents of House Black should something happen to him before Harry's 17th birthday.

The declaration all of them cared about the most was the one Sirius had taken the greatest joy in making. In front of the entire Ministry, Elite 4, and the Council of Gym Leaders, Sirius had called upon his cousin Andromeda Tonks nee Black, who had been disowned by the Blacks for marrying a common shop keep rather than the selected noble heir selected for her (namely her current Brother-in-Law, Lucius Malfoy), to step forth. Sirius, with a teasing smile, had declared to all that Andy was once more a member of House Black. The beautiful brunette lawyer had broken down in tears as Sirius made clear to all in Avalon that Andy, her husband Ted, and their daughter 'Nymphie' were his family and would have his full protection from then on.

"Like anyone would ever think of crossing them now," Ginny had whispered. "The Lord of Sevii, the Head of House Black, and one of the commanders of the Sons of Johto? Sirius might be the last man anyone in Avalon would want to cross!"

Harry had liked Tonks' family, taking a shine to the intelligent Andromeda and the playful yet honest Ted. He could easily see how Tonks had become as she had and he had no problem inviting them along to join his friends and family (family... he actually had a family now!) in settling one final matter.

The young Gryffindor was shaken from his musings of the weeks past as Remus stepped forward to join Sirius. With finals done Harry and his friends had been allowed to leave Hogwarts on the final day of school for the event... though most of the Hogwarts staff had journeyed with them so it was more like a fieldtrip than anything else. It was a mixture of tears and smiles in Godric's Hallow as the last two marauders reached up and, with a flourish, yanked the sheet that had been covering the town's newest addition aside.

Harry had been entranced earlier that day when he'd first looked upon the statue of his parents that had been erected in the middle of the town's main square. Made of the finest white stone, the statue depicted James and Lily Potter standing proudly over all, Pokeballs gripped in their hands and their stone eyes filled with determination. A plaque on the bottom named them and their Pokémon, with a small note reminding all that they were the Saviors of Avalon.

Now, however, Harry's parents did not stand alone; joining their statue this day was one of Peter Pettigrew. His own stone mimicked the heroic poses of James and Lily but upon his plaque read the words 'In Honor of Peter Pettigrew, Who Gave His Life In the Name of Brotherhood and Friendship'.

"For too many years Avalon thought the worst of one who deserved nothing but our praise." Remus swallowed back the tears that threatened to come. "I am as guilty of this as the rest of you. But today... today we make amends for this terrible mistake. Today, Peter Pettigrew at long last joins with the greatest heroes of Avalon... and in their mighty company... he shall feel no shame."

The crowd erupted in applause, all staring at the statue of the Marauder who'd given his life trying to avenge the Potters.

After the unveiling Harry joined Remus, Sirius and Prof. Dumbledore near the statue. "It is a fine statue, my boys. I am only sad it took such dramatic events to bring the truths to light."

"I think many truths have been lost to the ages, Albus," Remus stated. "Today, at least, we managed to drag one back."

"And hey, just imagine how great my statue will look up there!" Sirius boasted.

"Too bad you'll be dead and won't be able to admire it," Harry teased.

Sirius pouted at that.

Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes twinkling as he looked upon the three Gryffindors. "Tell me, my boys... what are your plans now?"

Sirius grinned. "If you are asking if I am going to be moving back into 12, Grimmauld Place then the answer is no. Haven't been in that horrid building since I was a 5th year and I have no plans to do so any time soon. No... I think I'll have it torn down and build something new... a bit more cheerful and bright. That should get the old bloods upset." He wrapped an arm around Harry and gave his godson a shake. "Until then I think I'll use some of my new wealth to purchase a home next to Remus' and keep an eye on Pronglet here!"

"A fine idea," Dumbledore said, tugging on his beard, a contemplative look in his eye. "Though, as I think upon it..."

"What is it, Professor?" Harry asked.

Dumbledore chuckled. "Oh, I am just thinking that it is simply unfair that you haven't seen what the other regions have to offer. With Sirius as a Son of Johto perhaps a journey to that region would be in order." A playful twinkle glimmered in his eyes. "Perhaps when the World Gauntlet Championship is taking place?"

Harry's face instantly lit up and he turned towards Remus and Sirius, pleading, "Please, can we?"

Remus groaned in good humor. "Thank you Albus, thank you... now I have to say yes if I want to avoid a summer of Harry whining."

"Harry?" Sirius asked with a raised eyebrow. "If you don't say yes then I'll whine!"

When Remus shot the Headmaster a dirty look Dumbledore responded with a deep laugh before reaching over and placing a hand on Remus and Sirius' shoulders. "My dear, dear boys. When I think of where we were three years ago I can scarcely believe I am not in some wondrous dream. So much has returned to us and for that I am eternally grateful." The professor's mood turned somber. "Though, it seems that the scales of fate are continually adjusting themselves. Voldemort has returned twice now and this year saw Regulus Black revealed for what he truly was." The old man sighed, turning away from the Marauders. "I fear what other things will be dredged up from the darkness that is our past. What new nightmare now lumbers towards Avalon, waiting to be born?"

Harry shook his head. "But if the scales must be balanced, does that not mean that light will also come?"

Dumbledore looked over his shoulder, flashing Harry a sad smile. "My dear boy... never lose your ability to hope."

~MC~MC~MC~

"You know, if all it takes is a Dusknoir attack to get us our own private train... with no Draco, mind you... then I say let them come again next year!"

"Don't even joke about that, Ron!" Ginny complained. "I'd personally take a thousand Dracos over one Dusknoir."

After the statue unveiled the Gryffindors, Remus, Sirius, and Tonks had gathered in their own private train car to begin to long ride to Galahad City. Harry had been surprised when the adults had joined them; Tonks' mom and dad had teleported back home, as had the Hogwarts staff. Remus had merely shrugged, stating that it was Sirius' idea to ride with the kids back to Galahad.

Sirius, for his part, had spent the first hour of the ride entertaining the Gryffindors with stories of his own time at Hogwarts. He'd talked about the Marauders and pranking Lily and Severus (with Remus adding the epilogues that saw Severus and Lily getting their revenge) and favorite Gauntlet matches and all sorts of humorous tales that had all of them laughing so hard it was a wonder they didn't asphyxiate themselves.

It was after one particularly hilarious tale that involved Harry's father ending up in the middle of the Great Hall in only his boxers that Sirius reached under his chair and pulled out his trainer bag. Harry, the first to notice, looked to Sirius and then Remus, only to receive mischievous smiles from the two Marauders.

"What are you up to?" Harry asked, nodding towards the bag.

"So mistrusting of your godfather!" Sirius complained. "You act like I am going to do something horrible to you!"

"Considering the last hour has been filled with stories of you pulling pranks on people you called 'friend'..." Harry pointed out.

The Lord of Sevii waved off Harry's accusation. "You are going to feel so embarrassed for doubting me once you see what I've got here."

Neville, catching his breath, watched as Sirius began to rummage through the bag. "What do you have, Mr. Black?"

"Well," Sirius said with a grin, "it occurred to me that I have about 12 birthdays to make up for... and since for Harry's first birthday I got him a ball it would only make sense to get him another one." With a flourish he pulled out a miniaturized Pokéball with a small letter H engraved on it, which he bounced between his fingers before letting it drop back into the bag. "But then I thought to myself, "Sirius, you magnificent man and sex god to all female trainers everywhere, Harry wouldn't be happy to get something in front of his friends!". So I decided to share the wealth." With that he reached into the back, pulling out Harry's Pokéball... and six more, each with one of his friends and Tonks' first initials on them.

"Mr. Black..." Neville said in shock as the Lord of Sevii tossed him a Pokéball, "this is-"

"-exactly what you deserve," Sirius said softly. "Not only did you help avenge Peter and Lily and James... all of you were there for Harry when I couldn't be. Spending some coin and calling in some favors to get these guys is the least I could do." He rubbed his hands together. "Come on, come on, let'em out!"

"You'd think you were the one receiving the gift," Remus said with a chuckle. Even though he teased Sirius it was clear from the way Remus was leaning forward that he too wanted to see the children and Tonks meet their new Pokémon.

"Ginny, you go first," Harry said.

Ginny nodded, enlarging the Pokéball and giving it a toss. "I tried to pick out a Pokémon that fit each of you," Sirius said as Ginny's ball opened. "I know Lilyflower is your idol, Miss Wealsey, and what an idol to have, but I hope that in lieu of a Torchic-"

"He's perfect!" Ginny squealed as the Chimchar appeared before her. The little monkey instantly leapt into her arms, happily playing with her hair. "Oh, thank you, Mr. Black, thank you!"

"Now, Miss Lovegood," Sirius said, stroking his chin. "I thought at first about trying to get you a fire type too but when I found this guy on the market I knew he'd be perfect for you."

Luna nodded in agreement as her new Chespin appeared, looking about with big bright eyes. "That he is!" Luna held up the grass type and proclaimed, "I shall call him Neville Jr.!"

"Can we... not name him after me?" Neville asked weakly. When Luna merely shook her head no he sighed, accepting his fate.

"It's the Circle of Life!" Luna sang. "And it moves us all!"

Neville's annoyance was short lived as the sight of his brand new Turtwig had him instantly calling out Flora and letting her take a look at the newest member of their team. Flora inspected the little Sinnoh Starter before giving a gruff nod of acceptance… though she did make sure to bump his slightly to remind him of the pecking oder. Turtwig, for his part, happily began to tug on her leaves.

"Alright, Mr. Weasley, you're up!" Ron, who'd been practically vibrating at the thought of getting a new Pokémon, held out his Pokéball and called forth Sirius' gift. The red-head's face burst into a broad smile at the sight of the Tepig, which happily began to run about Ron's feet, snorting up a storm. "Now, unlike the others this little guy was already given a name." Sirius made a face. "Personally, I think Pigwidgeon is a mouthful-"

"Not for us, Mr. Black!" Ron said, reaching down and petting Pigwidgeon. "Ain't that right, Pig?"

"Tep-tep!" Pig proclaimed.

"You next, Hermione," Harry said. His bushy-haired friend, thinking back on how their relationship had been at the start of the year, swallowed back her tears at the knowledge that Harry and her had repaired their broken friendship and called out her Pokémon.

"Oh... oh my," Hermione whispered, her hand going to her mouth as she gasped in shock.

"Fennekin!" The little fox proclaimed. Hermione reached down, stroking Fennekin's soft fur, which caused the fire-type to rumble in delight.

"T-thank you, Mr. Black," Hermione whispered, cuddling her new Pokémon close.

"Think you did rather well, Sirius," Remus said with a grin, patting his friend on the back.

Sirius chuckled and stage-whispered, "I just had the ideas... Jack was the one that did the negotiating for all but Turtwig and Chimchar; said Drayden owed him a few and... well, Jack and Cynthia..."

"Yeah yeah, name drop all you want on your own time!" Tonks complained. "Harry and I've been waiting long enough, Sirius!"

"Well, you can wait a second more," Sirius said. Though he was smiling his tone made it clear that he was being utterly serious... and not in the 'I'm punning on my name' sort of way. Sirius stood up and strolled over to Harry and Tonks, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. The two glanced at each other before looking up at Sirius, the head of House Black intoning solemnly, "A few weeks ago I corrected a great wrong and brought you under the protection of my house. Tonks, you're mother's birthright was stolen from her. Harry, you are a Black both through my love for you and your blood." Harry nodded at that; when he'd asked Sirius how he could be his heir when he wasn't a Black his godfather had explained that Harry in fact was a Black through his paternal grandmother Dorea Potter nee Black. "My... my brother was wrong about many things but the status of the House of Black is not one of them. The Blacks have fallen into ruin; Regulus is jailed, Bellatrix mad and imprisoned in the depths of Sevii, and too many of my family dead because of the war with Voldemort.

"I... I may be the Head of our House but it will not be I who repairs House Black. That task falls to you two. In you I place my hopes of not just raising House Black but making it something better... something stronger. To do that you each need a Pokémon... a Pokémon that will prove to the world that you are the future of House Black..."

Tonks, quickly realizing what Sirius was saying, held out a trembling hand. Her early bluster was gone as she swallowed nervously. Harry, not quite understanding what was going on, did the same. They released their Pokémon together and Tonks instantly began to cry as she saw that yes... yes, she would own the Pokémon she had thought she'd never be allowed near.

"Pip!"

"Pip pip!"

"Blimey," Ron whispered. "Piplups."

Sirius nodded. "The Piplup is the House Pokémon of House Black. These two have been waiting a very long time to be claimed... and I give them now to you." he point towards Tonks' Piplup. "Apus... the Bird of Paradise. A happily little guy." Turning towards Harry's, Sirius stated, "Orion. The hunter."

Remus stared at his friend in shock. "That's..."

"My father's name was Orion," Sirius told Harry. A touch of sadness mixed with pride filled Sirius' voice as he spoke. "When I told him I would not join Team Nocturne he could have easily killed me there. The rest of the family would have applauded. But my father... my father..." Sirius shut his eyes, his chest shuddering slightly. "He told me to run to the Potters and ask for sanctuary. He covered for me, gave me the time to make my escape before my mother and the rest of the family found out. I am alive today because he, above all other members of my family, saw me for me and not as a pawn on the chessboard." Opening his red-rimmed eyes Sirius knelt down, placing his hands on the boy's shoulders. "I name your Piplup Orion... to carry on my father's spirit."

Harry nodded firmly. "And I swear I will do you and House Black proud with Orion II."

The train car soon dissolved back into easy comfort and companionship. His friends and family moved about, chatting with each other and getting to know their Pokémon better. Harry watched it all, a smile upon his lips. He knew that there would be dark days ahead; life could not be all roses and sunshine. But for that moment, at the very least, life was good.

Life was good.

~10 Miles South of Monmouth's Tower~

Regulus Black groaned as he was shaken awake. The dark train car he was in rumbled along the track, racing closer and closer to his new home. He knew that most others in his situation would break down and weep or scream and rant till all sanity left them. His plan had been tore to tatters and now his enemies held him at their mercy. he was being sent to the Tower, to waste away and die, forgotten by all.

But Regulus Black refused to weep and his mind was too sharp for him to give into madness. One thing kept him going: he was alive. He was alive. The tender-hearted fools had refused to do what they shou7ld have and now he remained among the living able to plot and scheme and turn their victories into failures. There was no reason to become upset... time was on his side.

The door to his prison opened, allowing muted light to pour through. Regulus scowled, shielding his eyes against the glare, and stared in disgust at the familiar face that stood before him. "I didn't expect to see you."

The figure didn't say a word; the response from the intruder was to toss a limp body at Regulus' feet. The younger Black stared in shock at the corpse, for it wore his face as if it were his own.

"When this train stops they will believe you to have taken your own life. Once more you will play dead and once more, in the near future, you will rise up again."

"W-why?" Regulus said in shock.

The figure smiled. "I thought you of all people would recognize your Lord."

Though it was a different voice than the last time he'd heard it Regulus knew in an instant who stood before him. "Lord Voldemort!" Regulus said, falling to his knees in supplication.

"Arise, Regulus," Voldemort said. "We do not have much time."

"But... but how have you come to be in the body? Why-"

"Why not?" Voldemort said with a smirk. "In this form I will be able to move throughout the Avalon government undetected. I will learn their secrets and weaknesses and use them to bring a noose around their necks. Then, and only then, will I seek out a younger body... one worthy of me."

Regulus held his tongue; he wanted to offer himself to his Lord but knew that it would defeat their plans.

Voldemort sensed this and laughed. "Ah Regulus... if I had a thousand of you I would have won the war! Last time I was too concerned with consolidating power... this time we will fight from the shadows, like a blade in the crowd, until the masses fall in line and Avalon bows to its true master. A master... wearing the face of their champion."

The End

Harry Potter will return in 'Harry Potter and the Grand Trainer Tournament'

Author's Notes: So ends 'The Lord of Sevii'. I know that 'The Prisoner of Azkaban' is a favorite among the Harry Potter fans and I hope I did it justice.

The choices when it came to the Pokemon Harry and his friends got was rather interesting.A couple were always there and never changed (Hermiones), some I debated (at one point Neville and then Luna would get a Froakie but I've decided that another character in Book 4 will have the Froakie line), and some a switched (Ginny and Ron at one point had the other's pokemon). As for Tonks and Harry, I knew they had to get the Piplups, the Pokemon of House Black. That means that Harry now has his starter, the son of his mother's and Snape's Pokemon, a rare albino Hoothoot, the Beast of Slytherin, a rare Togetic, the House Pokemon of the Potters AND the Blacks. A nice team is shaping up for our hero.

Now, I am sure you are all wondering about Book 4. Well, that will be coming out soon but not quite yet. I've decided to take a small break before publishing that story (I have been writing this series for around a year and a half straight without a break!). I am participating in National Novel Write Month and want to get my novel, 'Confessions of a Reluctant Supervillain', completed (first draft-wise) before I begin the heavy listing of Book 4.

That isn't to say I won't be writing and publishing stuff! I am right now in the middle of working up the plot for a new crossover story, 'Doctor Who: Ice and Snow', which would see the 11th Doctor land in Arendelle and meet a young Princess Anna. Years later he returns and becomes involved with their lives and discovers that all is not what it seems when it comes to Queen Elsa and her snow 'magic'. So yes, it is another blending of worlds with the Doctor meeting Frozen.

Finally, Book 4… I am looking forward to Book 4 VERY much. It is shaping up to be my favorite book in the series. We finally will learn who the mysterious girl was in the Mirror back in Book 1… the girl Harry is destined to marry, we will get to see all the other regions, and I will be introducing some very fun heroes (and happily twisting canon to throw you guys off). I suggest you follow me as an author if you don't want to miss it.

'Harry's hope for a normal year are dashed when he is placed in the Grand Trainer Tournament against his will. Now he must work to survive the Tournament and discover the full strength of his Speaker ability from the Modern Master: Jack Kenway, the Father of Johto'


End file.

Harry Potter, Pokémon, Adventure, Mystery