Disclaimer: obviously Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and other Potter verse characters are not mine.

Many thanks to Sillimaure for betaing this chapter and a –belated- thank you to Goku90504 for catching even more of my mistakes both in this one and Veela Various. And thanks for all the reviews, favourites and story following.

o0O0o

They made their way into the room where two people were waiting for Harry. Both Harry and Hermione recognised Lady Longbottom but neither recognised the man with her.

Hermione walked into the room completely unobserved by their guests, a feat Harry could, naturally, not copy. Harry did not know what to expect so he kept his expression neutral and he tried to keep his distrust from showing.

"Lord Black, thanks you for seeing us at such a short notice." The words came out cordial enough but Augusta Longbottom's entire demeanour was standoffish and businesslike. This was further evidenced by her swift introduction of her companion as Sherwood Hollington. At first impression the slightly rotund man reminded the teenagers of a slightly younger Cornelius Fudge. However that is were the comparison with the less then effective politician ended. At least as far as first impressions went.

Hermione watched intrigued in spite of herself as the two men stared at each other, neither bothering with false pleasantries as both seemed to size the other up. Hollington exuded a quiet aura of self confidence and ability, but then surprisingly, so did Harry. Facing his guests was a confident and self assured looking young man, but given his actions of the past few days maybe she should not be so surprised. Harry had changed in more then one way.

It was Harry who broke the silence by saying. "Welcome to the Black ancestral home. Please make yourselves comfortable."

Hermione blinked. There was no furniture to speak of in this room. Where would… She blinked again as Harry lazily flicked his hand and three comfortable leather chairs appeared from nowhere. Hermione's eyes widened. How had Harry done that? She was absolutely certain he had not transfigured anything—there simply had not been anything there to transfigure. She also knew Harry was not magically strong enough to simply conjure three complete chairs like that. She doubted even Dumbledore in his prime could have managed such a feat. So it had to be some kind of trick, perhaps to impress his guests…

If they were impressed they did not show it. They merely sat down and accepted the refreshments Winky brought in. Not in any mood to waste further time, Harry asked point blank why his guests had requested this meeting.

Though Dame Longbottom seemed to frown slightly at his abrupt manner, her companion merely nodded before speaking. "Under any other circumstance lord Black I would require an unbreakable vow from you that you never reveal anything of what you are to learn today."

Harry shook his head firmly leaving no doubts about his reaction. "I doubt it will come as a surprise to you that with both Dumbledore and Voldermort after me I will not make any vows that potentially give strangers a hold on me or may hinder me later."

"I guessed as much." Sherwood nodded. "I can but hope that you will handle the information given tonight with the discretion that is needed."

"Sherwood," Augusta exclaimed, clearly alarmed. "You can't allow him free rein with…"

"What choice do we have Augusta?" was his grim reply. Raising the teens' curiosity and forestalling further protestations from Neville's grandmother.

"Right then. Tell me Lord Black. Have you ever heard of the knights of Walpurgis?"

Harry frowned trying to recall in what regard he had heard this name before. Hermione though immediately remembered that the knights of Walpurgis had been known to be Grindelwald's followers. Grindelwald, of course, had been a dark wizard during World War II who had also been involved with the Nazi regime. Very little was known about them but what was out there tended to be associated with the Dark Arts and its practitioners. A million questions entered her brain but she was forced to play the quiet observer, hoping Harry would ask all the relevant questions.

"I think I have heard of them but I'm not certain in what regard."

Sherwood nodded in understanding. "As you were Muggle raised there is no reason why you should know about the Knights. Mostly the knights are vilified in the wizarding world for aiding Gellert Grindelwald. Grindelwald was a wizard who tried to take over our world. To the public eye he spearheaded that attempt in the 1940's just like Voldemort is trying to take over now. That in a very small nutshell is what the Knights are known for.

"Now let me tell you what we are really about, but perhaps your friend would like to join us. I'm certain she'll be more comfortable sitting with us then stuck over there."

Though he controlled his reaction admirably Harry could not help but be startled. There should have been no way for this wizard to notice Hermione. The only wizard who had ever seen through the cloak was Dumbledore who was reputedly the strongest wizard alive. Was the cloak less of an asset then he had been led to believe or was there something else to it? For now this was unimportant. Nodding his head to his best friend, indicating she should join them Harry scrutinized his guest. So far he did not have a single inclination what to make of him.

Augusta Longbottom gasped in surprise after Hermione dropped the cloak and became visible. Another chair popped up and as she made her way to it Augusta protested. "Sherwood, no! It is bad enough that we have to tell the boy. Telling the girl, especially without an oath is madness."

Hollington turned toward the older witch with an air of obvious impatience. "Did you not listen to your own grandson? He told you she would be here and what one learns the other will too."

Harry picked up on this little bit of information. Neville, his friend Neville, had discussed his classmates with this man? It sounded like he had spoken of them to someone Harry did not know. Harry did not know what to make of it, though he wished Neville had shown a little more circumspection. However there was nothing he could do about it at the moment, though when he saw his fellow Gryffindor again they would have a little chat for certain.

There was no doubt which of the two visitors was in charge as Dame Longbottom seemed to sputter somewhat but otherwise remained quiet.

"Now Mrs Granger, we have been informed about your thirst for knowledge but please allow me to finish before you start asking questions."

Instead of being embarrassed by this remark, which would have a more in character reaction, Hermione was worried. Just what did this unknown man know about her and Harry? Even as she signalled her acquiescence she shot a worried look at her oldest friend. Though she did not think their guests saw, to her his tension was clear—she was convinced he shared her concerns.

"The Knights of Walpurgis, of which both Augusta and I are members, are a very ancient order of magical knights. We are actually the magical offshoot of the Muggle order of the knights Templar. As a matter of fact that is how we came to be in existence, though this was long before the statue of secrecy became into effect all over Europe.

"Centuries ago the Templars discovered a magical artefact. Every Muggle that came in contact with the artefact died mere days later. There was only one man who seemed to escape this fate. Being a Squib he quickly figured out that the artefact could very well be magical and was designed to kill every magicless person that came near it. Being a Squib he retained just enough to escape the fate of his Muggle friends. Back in those days there was no stigma about being born without access to your magic and the Squib had quite a few ties in the emerging Wizarding world. He hid the artefact as best as he could and together with a few fellow knights searched for help among the wizards.

"This turned out to be the founding of the knights of Walpurgis. As it turned out they found they could not destroy the artefact and they set about trying to find its creator in the hope they could learn more that way, and hopefully persuade—or force—the creator to destroy it. What they found was beyond all their fears. The found an evil the like of which they had never seen and could not imagine. They stumbled upon an entity bent on the destruction of mankind. They knew if they did not destroy it, havoc would be wreaked upon the entire world. Unfortunately they found out the hard way they could not destroy this entity. Many lives were lost, both Muggle and Wizard alike, but by some miracle they managed to capture the demon. To this day we are looking for ways to destroy it without any success. Instead we guard it to the best of our ability."

Harry had trouble believing what he was being told. Demons and evil artefacts? Yet he was part of the magical world and could not dismiss anything simply because it sounded outlandish. "A very interesting story Mr. Hollington. Though I'm sure you understand I don't see what this had to do with me."

"Indeed. I'm getting to that. Over the centuries it has become our policy to recruit new knights from among the smartest and strongest wizards, and those who also have a strong moral backbone and the sense of duty one needs to dedicate a large part of their lives to guarding the world from this evil. Albus Dumbledore was one of our knights. He was a very idealistic intelligent young man when we approached him. He seemed like and ideal candidate at the time. He should have been one of our best and most reliable. Unfortunately he succumbed to the demon's lures without any of us noticing.

"The demon is an extremely intelligent one. It plays on the emotions and desires of those who come in contact with it-sneaks up on them. Albus thought, and we agreed, that he was strong enough to withstand its manipulations. He felt that by talking to it and studying it he would find a way to destroy it. Instead it found a way to destroy him.

"It was not Gellert who started the uprising during the second world war. It was all set up by Albus who by that time was well under the control of the evil. One of the strongest wizards combined with the demon's cunning is a very frightening thing, as I am sure you can understand. Gellert had been Albus's friend. They were so close to taking over at least the wizarding world it is too frightening to contemplate. It was only by a stroke of incredible luck that this was prevented. Unfortunately Gellert took the fall in order to protect the order and by then Dumbledore was well established into the world of politics. Even though we still guard the demon we believe it has control over Dumbledore and it, through Dumbledore, is once again gearing up to start something."

The man felt silent, allowing his small audience to digest what they'd been told. Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance. They silently agreed that for now Harry would be asking the questions even though Hermione was bursting at the seams—her brain rapidly processing all she was being told.

"So basically," Harry summarised, "you are telling me you're part of an ancient order of knights protecting everyone this evil demon—a demon which is possessing our former headmaster."

As soon as he uttered those words he had to control himself from flinching. He had not wanted to alert Hermione of the fact yet that they would not be going back to Hogwarts. However there was no way either of them was going to be placed anywhere near Albus or one of his cronies' influence. To do so would be asking for trouble. Any illusions he had off her not picking up on his words were dashed by the sharp intake of breath of his best friend. He would have preferred to hold of that particular discussion to the morning of September first but it turned out he would be having it today. He knew he should be grateful she kept quiet about it now, but the determination on her face spoke volumes about conversation they would soon have.

His guests noticed nothing as he continued with his short summary. "And now you believe Dumbledore and this demon are up to something again." He kept his demeanour neutral.

"A touch simplified but that about covers it," Sherwood replied, his tone a little wry.

Harry and Hermione exchanged another look and Hermione merely shrugged. To her, so far, it seemed a fancy story to catch Harry's interest but at this point she could not fathom why. And in the Wizarding world you could not simply dismiss anything as fantasy.

"All right, I'll bite," was Harry's response. "What does all of this have to do with me?"

"A good question and I don't have a ready answer for you," Sherwood replied.

This was unexpected. Harry's gaze darkened and he allowed a touch of frost to enter his voice. "Are you wasting my time Mr. Hollington? Because let me be frank with you–I'm tired of people playing games with me and right now I think that is exactly what you're doing."

Sherwood held up his hands placatingly. "I should have chosen my words a bit more carefully. We know Dumbledore is planning something—everything points to it. We just cannot figure out what. The only obvious thing is that both you and Voldemort are the focal point of his attention at the moment, almost to the exclusion of everything else. What is so important about the two of you?"

"He could simply see Voldemort as competition," Hermione deduced. "Have Harry defeat him and then take over the country himself."

Sherwood shook his head even as a bit of approval for her quick thinking was evident on his face. "That would be an obvious conclusion. Yet everything Dumbledore does seems geared at maintaining the status quo. His order is actively guarding against Death Eater activity, yet he is trying to keep certain Death Eaters alive under the banner of possible redemption. On the other hand we have found evidence he has killed or had killed quite a few Death Eaters. There have also been instances where he has allowed certain pieces of new legislation to be enacted, while he has prevented others. On the surface this does not appear to be suspicious, but at times the bills which have passed and been defeated have contradicted each other. It simply makes no sense. Everything he seems to be doing seems geared to maintain the status quo. We just don't understand anything. Only the fact he is after you is blatantly obvious.

"I see." Harry understood what he was saying but honestly did not what to make of it. He really wanted to talk it over with Hermione and get her opinion. However it seemed the most important issue had not been addressed yet. "All right, let us cut to the chase. What do you want from me and what do you offer in return?"

"Lord Black!" Dame Longbottom said with disapproval. "Some manners please. You may not realise who you are talking to and just what he has done for our world but a bit of patience and manners would be appropriate. One can make allowances for ignorance but…"

A quiet snort interrupted her speech and it surprised everyone in the room who uttered it. Not in the least herself but Hermione went ahead anyway. "With all due respect Dame Longbottom, we have been lied to and manipulated from the moment we entered the wizarding world, and that's not even taking into account the home life Harry had prior to getting his Hogwarts letter. At this point I have some serious doubts about the wizarding world in general, given the loathing and scorn we have both faced. Don't you dare talk to us about manners and decorum."

Harry had not realised Hermione's emotions ran so deep. He was also touched that she so obviously stood up for him—she was really the only one who had ever done so.

Dame Longbottom had the grace to look properly chastened. "My apologies Lord Black, Miss Granger. I think I have become a little too set in my ways and forgot I am not dealing with a couple of wayward children."

Hermione calmed down but a sense of unease took hold of her—she had never stood up to an adult like that. It was not in her nature. However her actions had been right and necessary. It seemed Harry was not the only one with a changed attitude. Hermione knew she had a lot of soul searching to do.

It was unclear what Sherwood Hollington thought of the little scene but he did as Harry requested and cut to the chase. "We want an alliance with you and yours, Lord Black."

Harry nodded for him to continue. "What do you propose?"

"We can give you access to all our knowledge and intelligence. We can train and school you in magic and Wizarding culture both since you are not returning to Hogwarts. We can also provide you with excellent body guards and legal council. We employ some of the best and I doubt you can afford to remain in this house forever. I think this alliance will be very beneficial for you."

"Maybe," Harry allowed. "But what I have still not heard is what you want in return. What is it going to cost me?"

"Opportunity, Mr. Potter. Simply opportunity. Dumbledore is moving heaven and earth to get at you. If we associate closely with you it is our hope that sooner or later we'll get the opportunity to strike at him and remove him from the stage once and for all."

"You want to use Harry as bait!" Hermione concluded rather horrified.

oO0Oo

A/n I'm not following canon all too much in this story, but that might be obvious already….