Skin Deep Ch 8

Hello again everyone.

ImageVeiwer here bringing you another chapter For Skin Deep as promised.

Now before you all progress onto the story I would like to make a public service announcement.

The current crisis of the Corona Virus has us all scared and isolated in our homes with limitations and measurements taken to reduce spreading of the disease. However we are far from being at risk then most other people as there are those who are unable to shelter themselves or put themselves on the line for others.

This is for those people. The NHS workers, Doctors, Nurses and volunteers who work tirelessly, Day and night. They are the ones who are at a far greater risk then anyone else of being exposed and catching the virus. So if you can, This Thursday give them the appreciation they deserve, and if you know any nurses, doctors or medical staff be they family or friend. Let them know how much they mean to you, Give them the praise and all the thanks for all that they can do.

Clap for the NHS.

And secondly, just the other day when I was returning from the shops, when I came across a homeless man on the streets.

I gave him what I can, and he told me he was war Veteran named Captain Craig and he told me that the shelter's which were supposed to be takening him in Can't because they're full.

So when you do go walking down the street when your passing by the homeless people, just remember that they got it worse off then you. They didn't have a choice to live like this, and now are suffering for it.

And if any of them are Ex-army then show them the respect they deserve.

This message to help support those who can't support themselves. In respects to the Homeless man Captain Craig of her Majesty's Army and all those who fight for Crown and country.

That's the end of the message and I hope that this has been reminder to all those who suffer though this crisis.

Now before we progress onto the story. another reminder of what's left to come.

Return of the Old Ways, Rise of Shadows And Westeros Movie Night.

that is all.

Now without further ado I give you.

Skin Deep Ch 8

Political scandal averted and potentials Tested.

Harry awoke to the irritating blinding shine upon his closed eye's, the light turning the darkness of his shut lids to a brighter colour that persisted as it stirred him from slumber and pulled him from his dreams.

Slowly and reluctantly he opened his eye's to behold a familiar yet different ceiling compared to his room, His green eye's focusing as his mind awoke and he remember the events of yesterday as the Shifting weight on top of him reminded him of the reality that he was not alone.

His eye's lowered and looked down upon the scalp full of dark hair that rested upon his chest as the body it was attached to used him as a bed to sleep to on.

Merope had not moved from her place atop him as she fell asleep, seemingly content with his presence after the hard truths about yesterday that would've had any other man Fuming and spitting fire while at the same time kicking her out but Harry wasn't like that.

He understood her plight and why she did it, and although he was disappointed and felt a bit betrayed he was at the same time Relieved and proud that she stopped herself. As he had told her before he doesn't believe on holding onto the past and decided to try and move past this.

Knowing that it will take time for the both of them to get over this, Harry decided to get on with the day by first getting out of bed.

Slowly and gently he pushed Merope off, which was hard as she clung to him like koala bear on a tree branch, he had to pry her arms off his neck before he could slip out from under her and climb out from the bed.

Merope however whined as she felt the comfortable warm bed she laid on left her, discontent as she unconsciously shifted in her sleep to try and find that same sensations that kept her at bliss only to feel the phantom warm left behind, she slowly awoke.

Her eye's slowly opening as she peered through half lidded eye's to see the bare back of Harry presented to her.

Her mind not fully awakening to register what was before her so she continued to stared, seeing but never acknowledging the bare skin shown where adorned onto his back was a large tattoo of three snakes, each unique in appearance as their black painted serpentine bodies coiled together upon his spine before separating as they slithered up along his back.

Two going to his shoulders while the middle shout up to his neck.

The realisation soon came as her mind awoke to truly register the sight that had her face completely red and what words caught in her throat, Merope stared with wide eye's that devoured the back frame of Harry with silent awe.

She pulled her body tight in, subconsciously twisting and rubbing her thighs together as she felt an indescribable feeling growing between her legs as she watched Harry unknowingly give her a reverse strip tease by his white t-shirt back onto him much to her disappointment at the quick show before watching as he walked out without so much as turning around to see her.

This made her question if he truly did forgive her or that he didn't know that she was awake.

The memories of yesterday were still fresh and not forgotten, even though he said he had forgiven her for her doubting and actions against him which had help to life the sooth her soul from the sin she committed, the guilt was still there especially against a man who was innocent in her eye's and soul.

Merope would've like nothing more then to stay here. Let the day go by as she wallows in her own sin, let her make penance for her crime by letting time take her but….. there was a small part of her that refused to allow her lay there and just die.

A shimmer of hope that he truly did forgive her and that she need to make good on his trust. That she seek the redemption needed to heal her soul and forgive her mistakes.

With this new found strength she sat up and prepared herself for her own activities of the day.

-Harry Private Study-

Harry was once more within his study, sitting in his comfortable arm chair before the burning fire, drinking his morning tea and eating his breakfast which coexisted of sunny side up eggs a side of toast and a few sausages.

In his hands was the morning paper with Headlines pertaining to you've guessed it… Him.

His face and the image of the school along with the basilisk were all nearly the entire news paper itself as it read it before getting on with his daily duties.

-Prophet paper-

At precisely 11 o'clock yesterday at Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry.

Lord Hadrian Slytherin honoured by Students and teachers with his presence there to conduct a thorough investigation into the teaching quality and care of the castles inhabitants.

But there was more to the visit then just a simple overview of the school.

All of the students and teachers have confirmed that two of the four long lost artefacts of the schools founders were returned and given to the houses they belonged to.

The long lost Diadiam of Rowena Ravenclaw, now held within a case in the Ravenclaw dormitory for her house to honour and marvel out with surprising revelations that the ghost of Ravenclaw tower is in fact the long lost Daughter herself Helana Ravenclaw who stole the diadem away before disappearing.

For further information of Helana Raven claw, please see Page 4.

Also the great sword of Godric Gryffindor was found in the most unlikely spot that no one would've guessed. Within the sorting hat that has adorned and chosen each and every student to their houses for generations, Lord Slytherin reached in and pulled the great blade that now hangs upon a mantle within the Gryffindor common Rooms where it's sons and daughters now look upon the blade with humility and honour.

The school has decided to honour Lord Slytherin with the title Restorer of Lost Legacy for finding and returning two of the long lost artefacts of the founders.

But that Is not all Lord Slytheirn has done.

Confirmed by the Headmaster himself and Professor Horuas Slughorn who teaches Potions and his head of house Slytherin, the two men were led by Lord Slytherin into the infamous chamber of Secrets. A secret and hidden chamber built by the very founder himself Salazar slytherin to house the terrifying beast that is now Hogwarts protector. When asked for comments on the chamber the headmaster could not be reached for comment however we were able to get a brief explanation from Professor Slughorn who was a part of the three man journey into the chamber itself.

Professor Slughorn described the chamber as "A place of great wonder and Mystery that rivals Hogwarts itself. A place that only a man such as Slytherin himself could conceive of." such words leave's one to wonder what the hidden chamber is like after that.

The entrance that was used by the three men will now be seal for the safety of inhabitants and the beast that once dwelt within is now out and under the care of Professor Silvanus Kettleburn who teaches care of magical creatures and his house of Hugglepuff who host the now freed basilisk.

There was a picture of the new freed basilisk shown with the smiling professor along with his house, the average sized serpent was in the photo coiled around one the students who looked close to tears as he cradled the dangerous serpent around him.

It is amazing of what Lord Slytherin has done for the school at such short amount of time he's been there, there are also confirmed sources that he plans to equip the school with the latest of magical equipment, materials and replacements to aid in teaching and well betterment of the school.

Before departing, Lord slytherin has grace the students and staff with a speech, all sources confirmed that it went like this * I am pleased to see the fine work of the great teachers and staff here, making sure that you, the future of the wizarding world are getting the best education that they can give. As I stand before you all this day, I see not young wizards and witches but the future. The future of this great community that will continued on after us for a brighter tomorrow.*.

No truer words have been said from such a man who in our eye's is a shining example of a wizard.

-End of reading the prophet-

Harry folded the paper, pleased to see that his actions were seen in a better light then what the prophet of his time would've painted him for his actions.

The prophet of the modern age no thanks to Reeta Skitter who would paint him as the second coming of Salazar slytherin or the reincarnation of what ever foul and dark wizard in history for his actions.

Thankfully he did not need to worry about that headache that hounded him through out his years.

Putting it aside he went back to finishing his breakfast before walking over to his desk where a huge pile of letters, bigger then last time filled the entire work surface.

The majority was naturally thank you letters from parents of Muggleborns, Half bloods and pure bloods who fear the beast of the chamber while a rare few were demands and letters of concerns of letting such a dangerous creature to their child roam free about the school with claims of their children having nightmares.

Again there were also proposals of marriage, this time insistent as with them came such offers of payment to him.

He sorted through them, tearing the envelopes open and reading the letters one by one till he stopped at one that bared the Mark of the Ministry.

The large capital M was posted at the face with his name and address over it while a wax seal sealed the folds of the letter. Breaking the seal, harry prepared for what the contents contained within as he unfolded and read the letter.

-Letter from the Ministry-

Dear Lord Slytherin.

It has come to our attention that yesterday during your visit to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that you done a great many things but we are concerned about your choice over the unique and dangerous sheltering of a basilisk at the school.

The minister would like for you to present yourself to him in his office to clarify your actions as to why you have allowed and commanded for a wizard killing beast to be roaming a school full of children.

If you do not attend, the minister will be forced to order for the immediate termination of the basilisk to ensure the safety of the students and teachers present, Further more you will be held accountable for the actions and freeing of said beast.

From the Office of the Minister of Magic.

-End of Letter-

And there goes his good mood and there came another challenge he'd have to overcome.

While as a lord in name to one of the founders and secretly a holder of a second tie to house Griffindor, he hold immediate power over the castle and how it works.

While Hogwarts is a separate body from the ministry with it's own laws and rules that only the headmaster and a lord of the founding houses may decide on how the school should be run but the governing body of the ministry judges and decides on the safety and security of it's citizen so if Harry wants to continue living as Lord Slytherin and prevent any further incidents between the Aurors and the basilisk.

He'd have to play ball with them.

Huffing at the hard trial before him, he put the letter aside and cancelled all other things he had for today before calling out his house elf "Dobby." With the name spoken, Dobby Apparated before him.

"Dobby is here sir." The house elf announced as he awaited eagerly what task his master had for him as Harry reached to the side and tossed to the elf his note pad containing all of the written down request made by the teachers.

"Dobby, I need you to go and purchase all of written down items on that note pad and bring them here." Harry ordered as he got up and got ready for the day at the ministry, picking out the coat from the hanger not far from where he sat and put it on before moving to fireplace.

"Dobby is on it sir." The house elf saluted as he watched his master walk past him on his way out to the fire place that he stood in.

"And tell Merope that I'll be gone for while and won't know when I'll return from the ministry." He said as he took a hand full of floo power and dropped it, his form being consumed by the green flames that ate him up from his feet to his head before he heard dobby replay as he flooed to the ministry.

"of course sir."

-The ministry of Magic-

The ministry was ever a traffic hub of wizards and witches entering and exiting, moving about as they went on with their duties and needs and Harry was amongst them but this time he did not walk about unnoticed.

Everywhere he looked, he saw his face upon the news papers everyone was holding and reading, and all looked at him with awe as they saw him walk by. All stopping in what they were as they watched harry walk pass them as if he was god amongst them and they had the honour of watching him walk amongst them.

It even went toward the elevator where he was boxed in with all the eye's of the people with him boring holes into his every being.

Finally he managed to escape the stares as he got to the Minister's office where his secretary was once again working at her desk, this time Harry didn't wait on her to acknowledge his presence as he presented himself "Lord Hadrian Slytherin. Here to see the Minister of magic." Immediately her head shot up along with her body before she nearly ran inside to get the man.

Harry tried not the chuckle at the amusement that he could still provoke surprise in these people by flaunting his name around, but he reminded himself that this was not a time to have a laugh at how precarious this situation could turn were he not careful.

It wasn't more than minute that she came back out with the door opened to him to reveal the minister waiting for him at his desk "The Minister will see you now." She said as she gestured for him to come in.

Walking in with the door shutting behind him, Harry saw that the minister was suffering in the exact same situation as him in regards to the enormous pile of open and un-open letters no doubt relating to him in general. And the minister was looking older and less cheery when they met "Lord Slytherin. I thank you coming, hopefully we can resolve this situation regarding your… strange decision over a highly dangerous magical creature allowed to roam freely in the school."

Harry took a seat opposite him and look at him not as the political sponge garnering for support and prestige but as the Minister for Magic who was in the difficult position of deciding for the safety and security of the students at Hogwarts.

"I understand your general concern over my peculiar decision of having the Basilisk from the Chamber of secrets free and mingling with the students after its original purpose done so by my ancestor." Harry said in an all too serious tone, his face stone and hard betraying no emotion or sign of weakness before the man.

"Then you must also understand that I am a situation where many of my citizens are calling for It's head in concern for the safety of their children." It was a no brainer that the man was reluctant to call for the head of Basilisk as it would cost him his biggest supporters and backers, Aka the pure blood supremest. Like his future successor fudge only more competent, the minister retained his power by the powerful backers of the Malfoys. The Blacks. The Lestrange, every powerful and rich family pulling the strings of the head of the community.

Minster Fawley wasn't a suck up as fudge was and he had bit more command over the community then he did.

In a way, this was the first Minister he had any respect for in his life.

"I understand. But before you go and order for Aurors to kill the ancient beast consider this." He earned the minister ear before he gave out his explanation "As a descendent of a founder I have the supreme authority over the castle and how it works. Thus when I named the former beast of Salazar slytherin as it's protector it will assume that role entirely, so should a group of well-trained wizards tasked with eliminating the newly dubbed guardian. Hogwarts will assume the Aurors as a threat and danger to not only itself but the students it houses. The basilisk will do any and all of its power to eliminating this threat with extreme prejudice along with the aid of the house elf's which as I'm sure you know are a part of the castle as well and will fight in order to safe guard the wellbeing of the castle and it's inhabitants." The minister went pale as he realised the situation he had before him, he understood the consequences of his action should he send in a squad of Auroas that won't be the heroes of the school but it's attackers.

He didn't know much about the laws of the school but he knew about the ancient rights of lordship and ownership of lands and property to know that when a magical lord declares something of his in a form of a magical oath, then it is bound by magic to be just that. The basilisk is now a part of the school by all the rights of magic from the blood descendent of the man who not only created it but also created the castle it was bound to.

But Harry was not finished as he delivered the final stroke of the hammer to the nail that destroyed any thoughts or doubts about sending wizards to the school to rid it of the problem plaguing him "Then the other thing you also have to consider ist that during the skirmish, your Auror's will put the students in danger and should they be harmed, it will not be by the basilisk but by the stray spells flung by your men."

The man could see the headlines of the prophet as the image of battle damaged school hitting the front paper with names and claims of student's caught in the crossfire, hit by stray spells belonging to men under the ministry.

There were law suits, more angry letters and the threat of sacking coming his way.

In the end… The minister looked like he had lost 10 years of his life from that startling revelation that opened his eye's to the biggest mistake he was about to make in his career. He couldn't help but slump forward on his desk with his head held in his hands. Defeated and unable to know what to do "….I… cannot fault you on your logic my Lord. I agree that… the basilisk no longer poses a danger as it once did before your intervention but I need something in order to convince the parents of some of those students that they're children are no longer in danger?" he was now in an even more tighter spot that was squeezing the life out of him.

He was caught between making two decisions that would screw him over either way.

If he acted, it was no small doubt that he'd be endangering students in his crusade to kill a wizard killing beast now school guardian, he would lose all support and backing from his pure blood brothers while at the same time earning a black mark on his career that will end quickly with his resignation if not imprisonment for endangering minors.

But if he refused to enact, then it would be a slow and painful demise, letters would keep coming, protests, council meetings, criticism from other countries until he finally stepped down but it would continue to haunt him.

He just… didn't know what to do?

Thankfully for him… there was an answer "And I think I can provide that Lord Minister." Minister Hector Fawley looked back up at Harry with some small shred of hope that the man had an idea to get them out of this precarious situation. "You can make it known publicly that you will establish a few well trained Aurors within the castle, with the full blessing and authority of yours truly to ensure the safety of the inhabitants with a selected specialist of magical creatures to monitor and study the mighty beast for a certain amount of time to judge whether or not it is a threat to them." Harry watched as the minister was sat up, with invigorated interest and greater hope then before as he listened to Harry's brilliant suggestion "And on a plus side, it gives the ministry the ability to better learn and understand the most rare and dangerous creature of it's kind."

The minister registered the idea that slowly stirred and peculated in his mind till he saw it as the best solution he would get.

The British ministry will have the once in a life time opportunity to humanly study a creature none have dared or attempted to study, Great Britain will be accolated for this great achievement or rather… he the supreme magical minister of the British ministry will be merited for seizing upon this chance as whatever triumphs and breakthroughs the ministry overcomes is naturally because of him.

It wasn't just a career saver… it was career boaster.

He could see the tabloids and the oncoming praise from his supporters and other ministries.

He would be seen taking action by insuring the safety and security of the future generations of witches and wizards, while at the same time getting the once in a lifetime opportunity to study the most elusive and dangerous magical creature known to wizard kind.

With the plan already in mind the minister accepted Harry's solution "…very well. I will consent to this, with your full support that the ministry can conduct it's investigation on the basilisk and it's newly incorporated lifestyle within the castle." He extended his hand out to Harry.

Seeing the minister's acceptance of his solution, Harry sent him a smile as he clasped his hand and shook it to seal the deal spoken between them "So long as the ministry respects and understands the laws of the school, it will aid however it can to properly study and determine the beast's docility." Both men nodded in agreement before letting go.

"I thank you for your time minister and hope to be of aid to you later." Harry said as he got up and began to leave the office "I bid you a good day sir." He bid his farewell as he once more left the office of the minister.

Passing by the secretary… and a few of female co-workers who hid against the wall as they watched him walk way, Harry still wouldn't be able to get use to the oogling stares he got from the fairer sex as he made his ways to leave the entire foundations to return home.

-Later back at Castle Slytherin-

Now back at home, Harry strode into the living room, unceremoniously dumping his coat onto a nearby chair while he collapsed against the sofa, letting all of the pent up stress of putting up a front before everyone and managing to avoid a total catastrophe that would've turned Hogwarts into a warzone.

Sighing out with his head snapped back against the headrest, Harry wanted nothing more to do then to just relax throughout the entire day however his quest and mission to prevent the future of his time from happening and to stop the rise of Dumbledore to his position of power and influence.

With his eye's close, harry almost let himself drift to blissful sleep were it not for sound of the door to the room once more opening, his eye's pried open and glanced to the corner of his vision was Merope who walked in now awake and dressed.

"D-did you have a good time at the Ministry Harry?" she asked, still nervous about yesterday after confessing she tried to Tom Riddle Sr him.

Harry let out his tired sigh as he continued to lay against the couch "As can be expected. I managed to prevent those fools from turning Hogwarts into a battleground because of the basilisk." It was spiritually and mentally exhausting to put a smile on and play humble to the man whose neck he can easily snap but he held his frustration back as it wasn't his fault that he's being pestered by a bunch of winey people calling themselves wizards and witches.

He managed to prevent the man from sending wand happy morons from turning Hogwarts into battle zone just because they lack the necessary knowledge to know the ruling laws of the school he placed upon the newly dubbed guardian.

With Merope, while she would like to let herself become the sponge to soak up his frustrations and burden's he's been facing, she was more interested in her curiosity over the legendary chamber of secrets that he entered, like everyone including her family she often fantasied what the hidden chamber of her family's ancestor was like "Sooooo… what was it like? The hidden chamber of secrets." She asked, as she dared to approach with her hands clasped before her chest with an uneasy smile.

Harry thought hard on how to explain the ancient and hidden chamber to her as while it was impressive… it… lacked the pizazz the entire castle held, full of wonder and magic while the chamber's atmosphere was dark, dank and secretive. "It was… like an inner sanctum as big as the great hall, all directly under the castle itself. With the large stone head of Salazar himself standing at the very end of the chamber where the great Basilisk was housed for all these centuries of undisturbed sleep… oh and there was lots of water."

"Lots of… water?" Merope echoed his words, trying to envision what a chamber filled with lots of water looked like as she put together the description he gave her.

Harry chuckled at her puzzled expression over his less then descriptive answer "Salazar was genius when he built it all under the castle within it's rocky foundations, easy access to the great lake surrounding the castle for the beast to easily slithering in and out of the castle once freed with many entrances that only a true heir could find and use."

Harry would tip his hat to the man, for Salazar was definitely a man worthy of his title and high praise he receives years after his death. A genius who calculated and designed the secret passages that lead to ever corner of the castle and it's grounds, not counting the secret entrances to the chamber itself.

Merope breathed out in wonder "Wow!" she held a spectacular look of amazement as she heard his tale "So what happened after that?" she asked further as she sat down on the couch next to him, desiring to hear more.

For this next part, Harry held himself up with pride as he retold what happen next "Well as a lord of one of the founding houses, I used my power and position to name the beast as the castle's protector. Thus ensuring that the basilisk can't harm the inhabitants of the castle. However there are those with… concerns about letting a wizard killing creature roaming freely within a school filled with wizards and witches." He finished with sigh, full well knowing that this problem won't be vanishing anytime soon until the ministry makes it clear that the basilisk is of no threat.

Sometimes he couldn't believe how stupid and annoying those ignorant people can be, then again in world so isolated from the modernisation and cultural advancing from the muggle world. It came to no surprise how backwards and old fashioned the magical world was.

"So… what's happening now?" Merope asked, wishing to know all about his day.

"The Minister and I came an agreement to prevent any sort of bloodshed or damage that would've occurred had we not settled this. The ministry will send an expert of magical creatures along with a small auroa team to closely study and monitor the basilisk as it interacts with the students to determine whether or not it is a threat to them."

"Then… the basilisk is going to stay?" she inquired, Hopeful and honestly excited to see what the beast created by the great Salazar slytherin looked like compared the beautiful and majestic creature's of her Harry's.

"For now. We have to wait on what the so called expert will judge." He couldn't help but sigh as he knew that this process will take awhile with the team being overlay cautious with studying the wizard killing beast within a school environment, not to mention the continuation of letters begging, demanding and threatening that he remove it.

But for now the Hard part was over and they'd just have to ride through what comes next. Taking a deep breath as he relaxed for a second before standing to his feet with warm smile to her "Well. Since I'm free, do you want to resume your lessons?"

"ye-!... I mean. Yes please my lord." Merope said, taking a second to switch from excited to calm and proper like the lady she was trying to be. But harry could see the excitement of learning from him from the way her eye's continued to flash and stare at him no matter how hard she tried to appear.

-later in the private lab.-

For once in her time here, Merope was now standing within Harry's private lab.

A room completely different from the private training room she was used to and Harry's office that he could be found in.

Vials and bickers bubbled with different textures and colours of liquids that stood over metal stands over a lit burning singular and concentrated flame directly underneath the glass the body.

Jars sat atop shelves in alphabetical order containing sorted ingredients for the alchemical use such as leaves and plants, animal parts, brewed substances, crushed and grinded materials that sat within their labelled containers.

To Merope's every amazement she could see things she would have never comprehended until she beheld it with her very own eye's. like the two twin large metal polls stand up with several copper rings surrounding their neck as larger iron balls stood atop as head with a current of electrical burst's bridging between the two.

And there was harry, waiting for her at the end with a cauldron already bubbling. Merope walked up and stood before harry who rolled up his sleeves as he prepared to the lesson "ok. Todays lesson is going to be different then the others, instead of spells we're going to be making potions."

"Potions?" she asked, confused as to why the sudden change their curriculum, as with each lesson as he taught her all about magic. Namely how to control and cast it with the great number of spells she learnt and practiced that aided her much in her day to day life.

Like the Diffindo charm which helped her in cutting many material what she couldn't cut precisely with her hands…. And Alecto's dress. Then there was the levitation charm which she used to carry many objects at once when her hands were full. Finally there was the fire making spell Incendio, which she used to light up her fireplace to warm up her bed room… or create a small flame at the tip of her wand to reheat her tea.

So you could understand her confusion and surprise from the change in activities.

Harry continued on as he explained why they are doing this "Yesterday, you proved quite capable of brewing an extremely powerful love potion." At the mention of that, Merope looked ashamed. The memories and gut twisting punches of guilt and self-loathing returned just as strong that day, she casted her eye's down as her hands gripped the front of her dress in a chocking clinch. Something that Harry noticed and quickly reassured her "I'm not mad but rather impressed that you managed to make something so difficult to brew on your first try. You have talent Merope, and I intend to help you bring it out." Those hands clinched even tighter then before as shame and guilt were replaced with embarrassment and yearning love for the man who made her like this.

She tried to still her ever beating heart that boomed like thunder in her chest as all she could hear was that and Harry's voice in that room that made the beating ever louder.

Harry pressed on as Merope casted her eye's back up at him in a trance "So today, we're going to be making a potion so difficult to make, that many have failed on numinous tries due to inaccurate instructions. We're making a drought of living death." He explained their lesson, the purpose to judge and learn her skills in the alchemical arts of potion brewing. "I've already assembled the complete list of ingredients for this brew, along with extra's just in case." He said, gesturing to the collection of jars, bowls and bickers of ingredients needed for the potion along with the already bubbling cauldron.

From out of a nearby closet, two pairs of large aprons few into his hand, one he kept as he passed the other to her "I'll teach you along the way." He stated, as they both put theirs on and began the the brewing.

Merope agreed that this was a difficult potion to make.

Previously the love potion that she brew might've been hard due to her rush and hurrying of the brewing before Harry came back but doing this new potion at a steady speed was torture. The ingredients were hard to handle such as the sopophorus beans that she tried to cut only for the slippery nuances to slip and jump at the attempts with her knife.

A couple launched and nearly hit Harry but he caught them…but the same couldn't be said for everyone else as the slippery beans hit his basilisks that slithered to their own part of the room, Merope glared spitefully at the annoying little beans before her, wishing nothing more then to use the knife as it is meant to be used and stab them. But thankfully she was granted the mercy of knowledge by Harry "Here's a tip. Use the flat side's of your knife to crush them." She did as he said, trusting him blindly despite what the instruction's say as she pressed the flat face of the blade firmly on top of the bean and pressed down with her might. Watching with a growing smile as she finally cracked and crushed the impossible shell of small bean that squished out it's juices for her to squeeze into the broiling pot.

She did this for all 12 of the sopophorus beans but she felt that it needed one more extra because she had a feeling in her gut that it was just right, and her Harry didn't protest either as she crushed the extra bean before him and put it's juices into the pot.

It was trying and tiring endeavour to make it but she did it, standing over her workplace full stains and bits of the alchemical ingredients she used to the make the dark clear liquid sitting in her pot. A few split strands of her hair hanged over her face that glistened with both sweat and steam residue, she waited and watched with anticipation as Harry leaned over to her pot with a single piece of leaf pinched between his fingers.

He dropped it in and watched as the leaf that sat atop of the surface of the brew burned away till there was nothing left "Impressive." He said with smile as he stared down into the pot before looking back up at her with pleased and applauding smile "Tiniest drip of this could kill us all. Expertly done my dear, you truly have a gift with potions."

It was heart fluttering to hear such kind and earnest words being spoken at her from the man she loves utterly and completely "I have just the perfect gift for this achievement. That I'll think you'll love." Merope mind instantly imagined what gift's Harry was going to give her. In her mind she romanticised it and pictured that it was something more… intimate, she imagined her eye's closed awaiting the gift with blind anticipation before a soft pair of lips pressed against hers and she was bestowed with loving passion.

This idea excited her that she did what she imagen in her head, closing her eye's she waited eagerly for the fantasy to come true.

She waited and waited, listening to the approaching footsteps getting closer and closer, she readied her lips, slightly pushing them out before "Here you go." She opened her eye's and beheld the gift he presented to her.

She was disappointed that it wasn't what she wanted it to be but otherwise thankful that she was receiving something, looking down she saw that what he gifted to her was a book of advanced potions that wasn't in the best kept condition as it was more than a little worn but Merope accepted the old looking book with complete gratitude "Thank you." Though she was a little confused as to why he gave her this when she already had a complete collection of books about potions, she none the less opened to see the contents.

The first page was the index and at the top she saw that this book was already used as there was writing not apart of the book itself but written by someone who formerly possessed. She read the words written in "This book is the property of the half-blood Prince. Who is the half-blood prince?" she asked as she looked back up to him.

"He was… someone who would be considered a genius at potions and a Good man despite his demeanour. This book was his property; it contains his notes and proper corrections over the numerous inaccurate instructions of this potion's book. I'm giving this to you because it can help you with your potions as it did with me."

Merope clutched it tightly to her chest after hearing that this book belonged to someone Harry Praised and now she was going to treat it like it were a holy relic that she was entrusted with. The fact that he was giving it to her meant that he saw greatness in her yet to be fully expanded upon "Thank you. I will learn all I can from it."

"I'm glad to hear that. You are talent Merope, if you keep practicing and refining your skills and knowledge about magic then you will go a long way into becoming the powerful witch that you are."

Merope couldn't form any words when he said that, she felt incredibly bashful at the high praise and loving words he was assaulting her with. All she could do was dip her head down to the ground to hide the redness swallowing her face as she clutched her new gift close to her chest where she felt her heart beat at a thousand miles per hour.

Her chest felt tight as she couldn't find the word's to express her true appreciation and gratitude to him and his words. She could only watch as he left the room to his own thing, when the doors to the private room closed shut did Merope let out the scream full of glee and happiness that was contained within the large room.

Harry continued on his way, feeling pride as a teacher at his student's accomplishment with a difficult potion that even he needed help in doing. While the fresh memory of Meropes love potion attempt was still there and he knew that she was feeling the worse of it but he hoped to put it behind them with all these lessons and possible events happening before and after their marriage.

Harry felt that everything was done for the day and planned to retreat back into his private study to unwind and relax. He pushed through the doors to his room, the illuminating light fire of the fireplace lit up the room and bathed it in content warmth that washed through him.

But… there was one problem.

"Doing good I see." Immediately he went defensive, Staff materialising in his hand to it's full length with power exploding from it's crystal head as violent bale fire burst to life within his off hand as he stared malevolently at the intruder within his home.

"How did you get in here!?" Harry growled as he stared at the relaxed and unthreatened form of Moebius the Time Streamer sitting within one of his luxury lounge chair and drinking contently from one of his whisky bottles whilst reading a book that sat in his hand.

"I have my ways, or have you forgotten that?" Mobius glanced towards Harry with his pale eye's and that ever mischievous grin sat present upon his face as he took another swig from his glass.

Harry could see that his stance and imposing flair of power did little to frighten the man who entered into his room much more his house without his permission and knowledge which was dangerous as this Lord Mobius could enter into anything in anywhere that was more restricted this his house.

Harry knew that if fight broke out between them, then he'd have the toughest fight he will ever have. Though he fought together with the time wizard to rescue Bane, he had witnessed the wizard's terrifying ability to use time to stop and manipulate reality to his whim only once, and he did not want to be on the receiving end of what other powerful time magic's he had up his sleeve.

While Harry may be the master of death, even he knew what limits his power and title over death exceeds to or what powers and limitations the magic's of Time are capable of.

It is a rare and barely understood subject of magic with only the achievement of Time turners being the accomplishment wizards have achieved in manipulating the flow of time.

Relaxing his stance and dismissing the fire in his hand, his power calmed down to nothing and just in time as Dobby and Kreacher appeared, knives and other utensils clutched in hands as they stood ready to defend their lord.

Pocketing his staff Harry eased the two battle ready elves "Dobby, Kreacher it's fine. No trouble here." Seeing that they're master was alright and relaxed around the intruder that got past them, the two reluctantly wavered their guard with the younger of the two still holding his weapons and was ready to use them "Dobby… put away the kitchen ware." Harry sighed as he saw the elf wielding a desert spoon and knife like weapons.

The elf did as he was told, his loyalty unquestionable before he and Kreacher appearated back into the kitchen's, leaving the two men alone again.

Harry turned back to Mobius who watched the scene with great amusement "Alright, I'll bite. What are you doing here?" it has nearly been a week since they last met at the Malfoy manor.

"What, you're not going to ask how I got in your house?"

"I would but you'd just say 'I have my ways.' So I stopped asking." Harry already knew that it would be a wasteful effort to understand the man's mysterious ways of gaining entry into places he otherwise wasn't allowed into.

"It's nice that your getting to know me so well." He responded with his mirthful smirk as he leaned back against his chair, watching as Harry took his seat opposite him.

"Only what you let me. I don't have the time nor the patience to unveil the timeless enigma that is you." Harry answered in a sigh, taking the bottle between them and pouring himself a glass that he needed to dumb the impending headache he knew was coming his way. "So, might I ask what you are here for?"

"You may." Moebius said but Harry wasn't in the mood for the man's juvinle antics .

"…" Harry gave the time wizard a deadpan look, not even going to respond to that before Moebius barked out a laugh.

"Kidding! I'm kidding. Honestly can't we just relax and have a laugh?" he asked out as he threw his whisky back.

Harry also took a swig from his cup "We can. But this is neither the time nor the place, you know as well as I do that events are already in motion. Every choice we make, every action we take has adverse conseqeunces that affects our world." As much as he wants to, Harry was being too overly cautious about what he can and cannot do, there was rarely a moment in his life where he sat back and relaxed, and that was before coming to this time.

"You are right but don't over do yourself stressing over the little details. Your getting married soon, you'll have all the time to stress over children and marriage." Moebius let slip that piece of information that had yet to happen.

Harry frown as he misinterpreted the knowledge of his future "But I'm not getting married for another 2 months." He said.

"I know. I never said you were getting married now, Just Soon. Anyway, My presence here is for another matter. One that requires us to go overseas." Moebius said, and almost immediately Harry's eye's narrowed. Already he thought about what adventures, tasks or action filled missions the time streamer had for them this time that required them to go abroad.

"For how long?" Harry asked, wanting to know in advance to how long he could expect to be away from Great Britain so he can prepare.

Mobius shrugged "Long enough to kill two… maybe three birds with one stone. Hard to say." He mused out.

Harry sighed as he slouched back into the chair, taking a deep swig back as he drowned the entire contents of the cup down his throat. Harry stood back up, laying the glass cup filled the tiniest fragments of whiskey in it. "I'll start preparing to go abroad. But I'll have to clear a few things up first before I can be assured that everything is okay on the Homefront." He breathed out, already making his way out, not once turning to ask the time wizard to leave as the man could so easily get into his house, then he knows how to get out.

"Naturally, by the time your finished we will be on our way to the Good old U.S of A." Moebius called out to the fleeting harry, but as the doors to the private study closed, one could only barely hear the slight sound of small breeze emanating within. And if they reopened that door again, they'd find no trace of the time wizard within that room, only one cup and one uncorked bottle of whisky sitting on a table before the fire place.

Finished.

I hope you all enjoyed it.

now before you start asking questions about the story let me answer a few that I can already see coming.

First off Snape. yes the guy was good in this story, You have to remember that way back in the first movie and story he's always been watching out for Harry despite his hated relationship with his father, he's been protecting Harry from the shadows all this time. so yeah, In this story Harry learns early that severus Snape is Voldemorts spy from Dumbledore's monologue near the end of the 2nd year, he uses this to... Befriend?... ally with snape against the man who he revealed to have orchestrated the death of the woman he loved.

Second is yes, elements from the fantastic beasts including characters will be in the story, in the future chapters of them in America.

Third is if Bane is going to be joining them? hmmm you'll have to wait and see, Oh and yes Merope is going with Harry to America but she is none the wiser about Harry and Moebius's true intentions there.

Forth, some of you maybe wondering about the timeline in which our protagonist and hero has affected. To make it brief and simple, Multiverse. Harry's old world still exists however since he's travelled back in time and disturbed the original course of J.K Rowlings story, he's created a branch off from the original timeline. You'll of course see the subtle but otherwise changing affects of his actions in later chapters.

And that's it.

That's all I can think of.

review how what you thought about the chapter.