A.N. okay, been a while. I hit a few roadblocks, and glossed over a few scenes I was having trouble with. That said, if people want those scenes (or rather, similar ones) in the future more fleshed out, please feel free to request them.

They had been on the third floor for less than a day. Already, what was probably the most important event of the third floor had been completed. They had yet to find the labyrinth, or even a field boss, but someone had successfully completed a quest that opened guild creation for all players.

Needless to say, within moments of finding this out, the Marauders rode again. Not literally, with all the actual members of the Marauders dead and all, but Harry had created a guild in their memory. Technically, the guild was called the 'Hogwarts Marauders'. The reason being, by including the name of the school, hopefully any wizards and witches that happened to be in the game would make contact.

Harry counted them as having bonus points thanks to the thematic naming he'd chosen, even if his friends all hated their names. He supposed it was a shame there was no convenient item to change character names.

He was seated in a church, the largest building in a town that was hopefully close to the Labyrinth.

"Thank you all for coming." He said to the other seated parties. Kibaou, of the Aincrad Liberation Front, Lind, of the Divine Dragon Alliance, A few other guilds that had popped up among the frontlines, a few players that hadn't joined a guild, including Asuna, Kirito, Argo and Agil.

The guilds had a few members with them, but not the entire organisations. Harry had all the new marauders with him. He looked around at the other players.

"The purpose for this meeting is fairly simple. While I'd prefer to not slow down the clearing effort, I think this is important. Kibaou, your guild is mainly players you gathered from the first floor after we defeated the first boss right."

"Yeah. That's right. Why?" The man answered.

Harry nodded, "It actually pertains to that. I think we should all try and spend time on the lower floors to help out the players that haven't started yet."

"Why?" Lind asked, "There's nothing wrong with helping players that are going to put their lives at risk, but why should we help?"

Harry nodded again, "A good point. Because much like Kibaou, I think we should try and bring more players into the frontline. Of course, not all of them. We don't want to limit our ability to level when we have to fight the bosses, but having more players here is a good idea. In addition, from a more personal level, you can use the opportunity to scout players that might have talent and bring them into your guilds. It brings me to a second point. I think we should think up ways to deal with boredom in the players unwilling to play the game."

"I can see acting as a safety net for players going out for the first time, but it's not our job to entertain people." Lind snapped.

"True," Harry said slowly, "but I can say from experience, boredom can drive people to reckless actions that put not only themselves, but others at risk. It may not be our problem, but if we can head off a threat like that, then I think we should at least consider it."

There were general mutterings throughout the hall. Harry hoped it was a good sign.

"How about something like a tournament?" One of the players asked.

"I'm sorry, you are?" Harry asked, not recognising the player.

"Heathcliff." The man introduced himself, "Especially if we find something like an arena on a later floor, we can hold a tournament. Not only would it serve to entertain the people wasting every day on the first floor, but if we have an entry fee, we can reward the winner, and practice our fighting skills in a safe environment." The man smiled, "Not to mention, it would be interesting to see how we compare against other players, rather than monsters that run on simple algorithms." He certainly seemed like a likable and reasonable fellow.

The mutterings seemed to shift in tone, sounding much better to Harry's ears. "It's a good idea, but it's not something we need to do right now. Our immediate goal is clearing floors. That's all I really wanted to say. Give the matter some thought, we can meet up again later if anyone thinks it's worth acting on, or wants to discuss specifics."

"All right, so you're the team I'm helping today, huh?" Dudley asked, looking at the players gathered before him. A young girl, with three older men. "My name is Dudley, unfortunately it isn't my avatar name, but please use it instead."

The players introduced themselves, Lisbeth, Takechi, Kakaro and The Doctor. Dudley looked around at the players, before continuing.

"I'm with the guild 'HM'. Basically, I'm here to show you the ropes, we'll be exploring the first floor, and I'll only step into your fights if you end up biting off more than you can chew. First things first, is making sure you've got a full set of gear, then we'll go into the field to learn the basics of fighting.

He saw the younger girl looking nervous, so he decided to try some encouragement. "Listen, this is my third time doing this, everything is going to be fine."

"So I officially call to order the fifth official meeting of the Hogwarts Marauders and all that stuff, yada yada." Harry said drolly.

"Dudley, so how was it today?" he continued in a less bored voice.

Dudley shrugged, "Nothing to report, really. The girl seemed interested in smithing, I'll show her the basics of that next time. Other than that, the guys were alright. They should be fine in no time at all."

Harry nodded, "Good. Again, sorry to push all of this on you Duds."

Dudley shook his head, "No, don't worry about it. Given the circumstances about you three, asking you to do it would be dangerous, or rather, outright reckless."

"Still, as a major guild, we're meant to have a big presence, but we can only entrust it to you."

Ron shrugged, "Can't be helped, can it? Anyway, Hermione, any news on the magic front?"

Hermione leaned forward, "As a matter of fact, yes. Suicides and such have trailed off, at least for now, but if we take a setback, it may turn around. I've got an idea to counter that. We go to the major towns, and drop a cheering charm around, tie it to a building. It'll be weaker, but it should hit everyone in the vicinity. Hopefully, we wouldn't need to do much after that beyond checking the charms."

Dudley raised an eyebrow, "would that work?"

Hermione nodded, "Yes, I've tested it out on Agil. He said it made him feel cheery. Harry, you've got the best grasp of wandless magic, I'd suggest you go and drop the charms."

Harry nodded, "Okay. I'll get on that. Anything else?"

Hermione hesitated, before manipulating her menu, materialising a sword, which landed on the table with a thud.

Harry glanced at it, it seemed like an ordinary sword.

Seeing no-one making a move to examine, she sighed, "It's a magic sword." She muttered.

There was a round of applause from Ron and Harry.

"It's not anything special. It has an incredibly low sharpness stat, but cuts like it's much higher. This means I could beef up its other stats."

"Nonetheless, it's a good start. We should probably avoid anything blatant like having a flaming sword."

"Aww, but that would be so cool though." Ron whined.

"Yeah, it would be awesome." Harry agreed, "But my point stands. Unless we find one in SAO, no flaming swords."

*ahem* Hermione fake coughed to get their attention. "Next, I want to back off on the blacksmithing. I'll leave that in Dudley's hands, I want to focus on other skills, making potions, tailoring, to name but a few."

Harry shrugged, before looking at Dudley.

The blonde brought a hand to his chin. "I don't mind. Between that and looking out for the other teams, I don't know if I'll be able to keep up my level for the frontline though."

Harry and Ron exchanged glances, "Don't worry, the two of us can handle our presence on the front line."

The room fell into a silence. "Right. With that, this meeting is called to a close. Now then, let's get us fed, then me and Ron will go back into the field."

Aincrad. Eighth floor. A beautiful, verdant forest. Walkways suspended from the trees, above the shimmering water that covered the entire field.

It was a scenery unlike any Harry had seen in his life.

"Hey Ron."

"Yeah Harry?"

"When this is over, so you want to visit the amazons?" Harry asked, speaking of a popular wizard tourist site in the amazon forest, run by a tribe that had dwelled there since time untold.

Ron tilted his head, looking around at the massive trees. "I don't know," he said slowly, "It looks good here, but I'm pretty sure the trees there try to kill you."

"Half the fun." Harry pointed out.

Ron blinked, before breaking out into a grin, "Hah! Yeah, you're right. It's a plan." He agreed.

Harry smiled, "Excellent."

They'd spent the night exploring the forest. Some things changed between night and day, so sometimes it was worth looking at different times. Either way, they'd been running on enervates for the last two or three days, and they were going to spear point the labyrinth exploration in five or six hours, so they were heading back to the town so they could teleport back to their inn.

They could have apparated, but Harry didn't like the sensation.

Ron blinked again as Harry suddenly stopped, back as stiff as a steel bar.

"Harry?" Ron asked.

Harry ignored him, instead spinning in place and pointing at a passing player. "OY, You!"

The player in question turned, blinking in shock as he pointed at himself questioningly, "Er, me?"

"Yeah." Harry said cooly, walking up to him. Ron took the chance to examine the player. Reddish hair, scraggly not-quite beard, nothing really special about him.

"Er, sorry, can I help you?" he asked, his team turning to face them as well. Ron took the chance to assess them. Harry paid them no heed.

"Yeah." He suddenly pointed at the man, or rather, his forehead. "That thing on your head, where did you get it?" he asked.

"Huh?" the man blinked in surprise, "My bandana? I started with it. I think most tailors sell them as well, I think, er, perhaps?"

Harry suddenly smiled, his entire demeanour changing. "Great, really thanks. When I saw it, it was like, I'd suddenly found something I'd been missing my entire life. As thanks, what do you say to getting a round, on me?" he asked cheerfully.

"uh, sorry. We're going out to explore for quests. Maybe some other time?" the man asked.

Harry shrugged, "Sure." He manipulated his menu sending a friend request. "My name is Griffin, of the Marauders."

"Klein, of the Fuurinkazan." The man introduced.

"Later then." Harry said, turning to walk away.

Ron followed him, though he overheard them talking as they left.

"Hey, wasn't that the one they call the captain?"

"Is it? It felt like he was going to attack us."

"He definitely felt like a top player."

Ron smirked. He'd have to step up his game. He had no intention of letting Harry get ahead.

A familiar white space. Harry casually brought his steaming cup to his lips. He suppressed a grimace; it had the flavour, but it was missing something, something fundamental. Unfortunately, he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

He looked around, well, it was hardly surprising.

"Any news?" He asked.

Dumbledore shook his head with a frown, "unfortunately, there is not. I, nor anyone I speak to, can offer any insight as to the current situation."

Harry closed his eyes, managing to stop himself from sighing. "And, about that other thing?" he asked carefully.

Dumbledore looked pained, "No. Myself, Sirius, Remus, Nymphadora, even Severus. We can feel when you want us, and feel obligated to come. But… your parents…"

"…Nothing, right?" he asked.

Dumbledore nodded carefully, "I am sorry Harry, but they have never noticed if you tried to summon them."

Harry couldn't supress the sigh this time. "Alright, let's talk about some theories, shall we?"

"Alright."

Harry opened his eyes, "First; I can only bring people I know first-hand. Mom, Dad, I have no memories of them as people, and can't bring them."

Dumbledore said nothing, carefully examining him over his half-moon spectacles. Harry ignored the outfit the man had shown up in. It would hurt his eyes to actually look at the clothes.

"Second;" he took a deep breath, "this has something to do with the Hallows."

Dumbledore let out a sharp breath, "It is a bit premature to say that. The circumstances surrounding you, hallows aside, is unique enough." He reminded.

Harry shook his head, "No. I can't explain, it's the Hallows. They're mixed up in this. I have no idea what it means, but I'm certain it's the cause; I am the Master of Death."

As the words passed his lips, he felt something change. He had no idea what, but something definitely did. He was almost surprised that there was no accompanying roll of thunder. It would have fit the mood.

"…I am sorry, Harry."

Harry smiled sadly, "It isn't your fault Albus."

"But I-"

"Did what you had to." Harry interjected, "With the horcrux, I had to die. There was no other way. You made a gamble on the million to one shot that the Hallows might save me, and" he held out his arms, "here I am. You may be responsible, but you're not at fault. You have nothing to apologise for."

Dumbledore chuckled, "Your heart is to kind Harry. I hope you won't make the same mistakes I did."

Harry laughed softly, "Who knows."

Harry opened his eyes. The familiar ceiling of their room at some farmhouse on the eighth floor. There was something… different. He couldn't put his finger on it. He laughed softly again, it was hardly surprising, it was the same amiss sensation which had started while he'd been talking with the headmaster.

He lay in bed, staring at the virtual ceiling, just… thinking. These moments, when he was alone, well, he amended, looking aside at the sleeping forms of his best friends, mostly alone. All three of them, they just felt comforted knowing the others were nearby.

Of course, he felt a bit bad, they were a couple now, it felt like he was a third wheel, intruding where he wasn't wanted. He shook his head, back to what he was thinking about. He knew he was prone to bouts of depression and morbid musings, but he couldn't bring himself to rouse them, even if Ron and Hermione never failed to lift his mood.

With a sigh, he eventually forced himself out of bed, moving towards the kitchen. With that came a sight he could never get used to; namely his cousin Dudley, dressed like someone from Conan the Barbarian, and making breakfast. Honestly, he didn't know which of those two things surprised him more.

"Morning Harry." Dudley called.

Harry grunted in response. "I can never get used to seeing you cook."

Dudley laughed, "I know right? A big change from when you used to cook for the rest of my family."

Harry snorted.

"Hey, don't be that way, I'm getting pretty good." Dudley defended.

Harry had to admit, his cooking in SAO was good, he wouldn't say that though. "Put us in a real kitchen and I'd kick your arse."

Dudley burst out laughing, "True, true. What'll you be up to today?"

Harry shrugged, unseen by his cousin. Truthfully, players didn't have to do much to cook, but Dudley had his own way of doing things. He liked to watch them closely while cooking. "Don't know. Probably check out the next floor." He mused. They'd beaten the boss; no great challenge, they seemed to be getting used to things now.

Dudley hmmed, "I see. I was going to do a bit more mentoring."

Harry nodded, "honestly, I'd like to join you, I've always enjoyed that kind of thing."

"Really? Didn't think it'd be your scene."

Harry leaned back, "Back in school, I started a club, teaching people to defend themselves. It was fun, and I seemed to be pretty good." Of course, they didn't have many shining examples to hold himself up against.

There came the sound of a door opening behind them. Ron walked in with a yawn, "G'morning."

"Morning." Harry returned, while Dudley grunted in acknowledgement. Dudley was still a bit uneasy around the redhead at times.

"H-Harry!" came Hermione's voice.

"Yeah?" he responded, turning to his friend who had walked in behind her boyfriend.

"Y-your name!"

Harry blinked, "Huh?"

"Blimey mate, it's changed!" Ron said.

"Huh?" Harry repeated.

"Just look at it!" Hermione insisted.

He did so, glancing up to the corner of his vision. The moment he did so, his blood seemed to go cold. Where the word 'Griffin' was usually displayed, instead read three letters; 'M.o.D.' He gulped. That may have been the root cause of the strange sensation.

He looked at the worried faces of his friends. He wasn't ready to talk about it, he doubted he ever would be, but this was a good chance to mention it.

He took a deep breath, resolving himself. "Ron, Hermione." Another breath, "I, I need to say something, about what happened in that forest, with Voldemort." He took a deep breath, "I-I died."