Marauders and Murderers

Harry stuck his head in the floo, he found Bellatrix sitting at the desk going over one of the books she'd picked up in the library, "Anything good?" he asked, grinning as she jumped slightly.

"Just looking at old family relationships...apparently Houses Peverell and Black were allies during the Norman conquest.." She said looking to him, "Are you coming in?"

"Not for long unfortunately, I'm hosting a detention for Minerva's little band of miscreants." He said, removing his head and then his entire body came through. "They were caught setting up a prank for one of the Slytherin students.."

"Oh really? Good to see that the students take their time seriously.." She mused, going back to the book. She paused her reading when he kissed her, returning it and putting her arm around his waist. "What else have I missed?"

"Not much, the fifth years had a practice duel.." He said, moving to sit down with her. "I missed you today.."

She smiled and looked from her book, "I missed you too...we need to figure out a way to prevent people from spotting me."

Too bad I don't have Dads invisibility cloak...Harry thought to himself, "Maybe we could get a lampshade and put it over your head.." He said with a grin, ducking as Bellatrix brought her hand up to smack him.

The hours passed swiftly as the two read in companionable silence. Finally though Harry felt his wand begin to shake. "Damn, I've got ten minutes before detention." he said rising. Bellatrix rose with him, "I'll come along...you deal with the students, I'll get our bed prepared." she said, pulling him back to her for a kiss before walking to the floo and vanishing in the green fire.

Scene Break

James Potter stood in front of the dueling classroom waiting on the others. Sirius arrived next alongside Remus and Peter. Sirius looked at James and grinned, "Too bad we got caught, next time we'll get the itching powder in his hair..then that greaseball will have to wash it."

The boys laughed, Peter laughing a bit too hard. The door opened and Harry Potter found himself looking at a twelve year old James Potter. Damn, dad really did look like me as a kid..He mused. "Good evening gentlemen, please step inside." He said, remembering that he needed to act the part of an impartial professor, rather than a young man finally getting to spend time with family.

James Potter is obviously the leader..Harry thought as the boys entered his classroom, Sirius looks like he knows something...could Narcissa have told him? Remus looks very different this young...I can't believe he was four years old when he was bitten...and then wormtail. Harry did his best to keep the disgust out of his eyes as he looked at Peter Pettigrew. The twelve year old future death eater resembled nothing more than Dudley Dursley, if a small bit less rotund.

"So, who would like to explain to me the reason for our little after dinner party?" Harry said, leaning against his desk.

"We invited the Queen for a spot of tea but she was busy drinking bourbon." Sirius answered dryly, his gray eyes sparkling with mirth. Harry was less impressed, "I'm sure she was. Here I thought it was because you four decided that the best way to ingratiate yourselves with your fellow classmates was by bullying one of them."

Of all of the boys, only Remus looked ashamed. James and Sirius seemed proud and Peter just stayed quiet. "We weren't bullying anyone sir," James said after a time, "Snivellous-"

"His name is Severus. Mr. Potter, I'm sure you know that as he is one of Miss Evans' closest friends." Harry replied evenly, "Did you know that constantly belittling the best friend of a girl is the worst way to get to like you?"

James went slightly red, Sirius looked at Harry for a moment, "He's right James, the best way is to challenge her boyfriend to a duel." Sirius hadn't planned on letting anyone know about Harry and Narcissa. The rumor mill had already placed them together, but the professors dig at his best friend irked him.

Harry looked evenly at the boys. "Right then. Mr. Lupin and Mr. Pettigrew, please go to the broom closet outside the classroom and get a bucket and some rags. You will be wiping the floor mats clean. Mr. Potter, you will be straightening the desks. I want them in perfect lines facing the chalkboard. You, Mr. Black, will be coming with me." He took Sirius' arm and led him into his office.

"You know about the duel."

It wasn't a question, so Sirius didn't think he needed to answer it as one. "You're doing the same thing James did. You're going to fight someone awful for a witch you like. That's what James is doing. Snivellous is more than just a royal prat. He's hanging out with some very dangerous people. Right now, he's just a hanger on, but eventually they'll ask him to do something and James will not let Lily Evans be in the middle of that."

From the door of Harry's private apartment Bellatrix could hear them talking. It was not a surprise that Sirius knew about the duel, most likely the entire family knows...she thought as she heard the conversation shift.

Harry isn't just fighting one 'awful person' Siri...She thought with a smile, He's going to help me get rid of the Lestrange brothers as well. The idea of the Lady Lestrange being the second Mrs. Fawkes was appealing, even if she would prefer to be the only one, but her sister didn't deserve to be enslaved by Lucius Malfoy.

In his office, Harry looked at the twelve year old that would become his Godfather, if Harry Potter is born in this timeline..he mused. "Mr. Black, if you know something about the actions of Severus Snape, then I would recommend providing proof rather than acting out."

Scene Break

Sirius was sent out and it was time for the twelve year old James Potter to speak with his twenty two year old son. Harry motioned James over to his desk, "Please sit down Mr. Potter."

James did as he was bidden, Harry looked at him for a moment, "Did you have a chance to think about what I said? How does Lily Evans see you when you treat her best friend like that?"

James was quiet, "He's not good for her, those friends he has in Slytherin..they don't like muggleborns...and she is muggleborn." He finally said, "What if he lures her into a trap?"

"By all means, keep an eye on her, provided that you aren't attacking her best friend in the open, that is. But, if you see something, tell a Professor. I'm not doing anything during the day except preparing for my evening classes, you can always come talk to me." Harry sighed, "Alright Mr. Potter, send in Mr. Lupin please."

James walked out of the office, finding Remus and Peter lifting a mat each so that they could clean underneath them. "Moony, you're up." Remus dusted his hands off on his robes and went to the office.

Opening the door, Remus stepped inside, "You asked for me sir?"

"Yes, Mr. Lupin, please have a seat." Harry looked at the younger self of his favorite Defense teacher, "From what I've heard from the other instructors, you are the smart one of this group." Harry lied, he hadn't spoken to anyone, but he remembered the man that Remus Lupin would grow into, "The problem, Mr. Lupin, is that you seem to be a bit of a coward to be a Gryffindor. You know as well as I do that these 'pranks' are nothing but bullying. Why don't you stand up to your friends and tell them to lay off?"

Remus looked at Harry for a moment, "Sir, I assume that as a Professor, you were informed of my...affliction? My friends are the only people who see me as I am, knowing everything about me and aren't afraid of me..what if I do what you suggest and they decide they don't want to hang around with a werewolf?"

"Then they aren't your friends. Friends stand together, but sometimes friends have to be strong enough to tell the others that they are doing the wrong thing..even if they think it's for the right reasons." Harry said, "You're a Gryffindor, I'm certain that you are strong enough that you can do that."

Remus thought for a moment and then nodded, "I'll...I'll try sir."

Harry nodded, "Good lad, send in Pettigrew for me." Last one to talk to is the one I took the head off of when I saw him in my time line.. Harry had thought less and less about his old time line as he made more new memories here. He still mourned the loss of his friends of course, but if I do this thing right, their biggest worries will be getting their homework done.

Harry found himself looking at the final marauder. Peter sat down silently, for a time neither spoke then finally he looked up at Harry, "Yes sir?"

"I've asked this question three times and I've gotten three different answers, now I'm ready for a fourth; why are you four so intent on tormenting Severus Snape?"

"James said that he's a prat."

"So, that's good enough for you? Do you possess a mind of your own?" Harry said, "Come on Peter, grow a spine. Either you become a person on your own terms, or you will spend your entire life going along with whoever is offering you the best terms."

From her hiding place by the door, Bellatrix listened to Harry, his advice seems tailored to each boy..I've never seen him interact with them before. She found herself wondering how he knew these students.

One thing is for sure, Harry Fawkes will be a good father when the time comes for an heir..

Scene Break

The next day was Saturday. The duel challenge had arrived with the mornings post. Harry went to Narcissa's apartment to tell her, it's time either be her fiancee or a corpse..

Narcissa looked at the envelope, drawing in a breath. "This is it. We are expected at the Black Manor tonight at eight. Have you told Bella yet?"

Harry shook his head, "No, I received this at the table when I was speaking with Professor Slughorn.."

"You'll need to tell her then, do you think you are ready?" She asked him, I really hope you are..I would rather take poison than become the Lady Malfoy.

Harry smiled to her, hoping that smile projected readiness, "I'm fairly sure I can win. He's not expecting me to be skilled, he never paid much attention in class."

"Perhaps not, but he will want to kill you. Don't underestimate him, please. I would much prefer to be your lady than his.." She leaned up and kissed his cheek. The scent of linen, ozone, and leather filling her nostrils, her arms snaked around him. "Will you let me give myself to you tonight? After you win, will you let me be yours?"

The thought stilled Harry, I can't think of this as cheating on Bella...it's not cheating.. "I..but you are seventeen.."

"I'm old enough to be an adult. I am a woman, Harry, not a child. I will be your woman. Let me be your woman tonight." Narcissa looked up into his eyes, "I know I do not have the experience of my sister...but I believe I can make you happy.." She leaned up and kissed his jawline before moving her lips down along his neck and resting her head on his shoulder.

Harry sighed and held his soon to be bride, I might as well get used to the idea of being intimate with Narcissa..He allowed his hands to rest on her lower back, not quite ready to let them move lower yet.

Scene Break

Back in the Gryffindor common room, the Marauders were discussing their detention with Professor Fawkes. "I'm telling you Prongs, Professor Fawkes is going to be watching us. We need to be careful how of what he sees. We need some manner of hiding ourselves if we're going to keep pranking Snivellous.." Sirius said, looking to Remus, "Moony, have you came up with anything?"

"Professor Flitwick brought up an interesting topic in class on Wednesday. Tracking charms can be tied to magical signatures, not just a persons physical body. If we could enchant something to warn us when the Professor is nearby, we could make ourselves scarce." Remus thought for a moment, "But we'd need to ensure that our pranks can't be traced back."

"Maybe we could set something up ahead of time...like a delayed reaction.." James offered. Peter, who had been quieter than normal piped up at that, "Yeah, we could put a sticking charm on the floor and one on the ceiling and when the one on the ceiling releases he could get hit by dungbombs!"

"Or I could tell Professor McGonagall or Professor Fawkes that you are still trying to hurt Severus." Lily Evans said, startling the four boys. "Leave him alone."

"Lily, you don't understand..he's.." James began, only to be silenced by a glare from the young witch.

"You know the rumor about Professor Fawkes and my cousin Narcissa? They're true. Lucius Malfoy and Professor Fawkes are going to duel for her hand. Do you know how Lucius and Cantankerous Nott found out they were caught? Your friend Severus called Nott to the hallway outside of the Headmasters office." Sirius said, "He's not a good person Lily. He's a backstabbing prat."

"That's not true! Severus would never do that!" Lily glared at them, "If I see you four anywhere near Severus I will tell Professor McGonagall, you'll be kicked out of Hogwarts faster than you can say 'magic'!" with that Lily stormed away, leaving the boys in a stunned silence for a moment.

"So, dungbombs?" Peter finally said as he looked to James and Remus.

"Not yet Wormtail...first we need that tracking charm. But we need it for more than just Professor Fawkes..what if we made it track all the magical signatures in the school?" James said, "What if it showed us the school..where everyone was. Then we could plan everything out."

Remus shrugged, "We could do it, but it's going to be tricky...I'll start researching the charms we'll need. Peter, do you think you could sneak some vanishing ink for us from Professor McGonagall's classroom?"

Scene Break

Arriving at the Black Manor that night Harry was surprised to notice that he didn't feel any different as they walked down the path. Bellatrix held his hand on one side and Narcissa took the other side, this part is nice, I suppose he thought.

"Are you alright?" Bellatrix asked him, "I know the wards are a little..strong for newcomers."

"I feel fine Bella. When we hit the ward boundary I'll let you know if I feel weird." Harry said shrugging. Bellatrix stopped walking then as did Narcissa, "Harry," she began, "We've been past the ward boundary for nearly a quarter mile now. You mean that you haven't felt anything?"

"I didn't know we'd hit the wards already, is that bad?" Harry asked confused.

Bellatrix shook her head, "No...but it is curious that the wards recognize you. Is it possible you are related to the Black family?"

"Not that I am aware of.." Unless you count that in my time line I was related to the Blacks by my Grandparents.. Harry shrugged, "But I know that given the nature of pureblood families, we are probably connected at some level."

"This will work to your advantage Harry, Lucius is not a Black, even as a guest the wards will affect his magic slightly." Bellatrix pointed out. Narcissa nodded, "If the wards recognize you as a Black for whatever reason, then you should have no problem dealing with Lucy."

They arrived at the door of the Manor. Harry went to knock on the door when it opened before them. Standing at the door was Walburga Black, but behind her was an elderly wizard.

"Grandfather, I didn't know you would be here.." Narcissa began, silenced as Arcturus brought up his hand.

"I am here, Granddaughter, because Walburga has been acting out of her place. She forgets that it's the responsibility of the Lord Black to decide marriage agreements, not his daughter." Arcturus looked at Harry and raised a bushy gray eyebrow, "Lord Peverell. May I ask why you have decided that Narcissa would be better placed at your side than at the side of Lucius Malfoy?"

"Lord Black, Narcissa was put with a person she does not love and who saw the best course of action to be stripping her free will from her. We might not be in love, but I could not allow Lucius Malfoy to steal her mind from her." Harry said, "Your granddaughter is, singularly, one of the most brilliant minds I've ever came across. That intellect is a gift and I would not have it smothered because her husband thinks it unseemly."

Arcturus made no gesture to show that he approved or disapproved, instead his dark eyes flicked over to Narcissa. Hmm, she's blushing under her occlumency...Lord Peverell might not be in love, but that seems to be a bit one-sided.

"And you Bellatrix? I understand that you have been keeping company with the Lord Peverell. Do you find him more suitable than your husband?" Arcturus watched as Bellatrix formed a response, her words did surprise him slightly.

"Harry has promised that he would help me be free of Rodolphus. More than that, he has promised to make me his second wife. But it feels as if he will be my first real husband." She squeezed Harry's hand softly.

"I love Bellatrix, Lord Black." Harry said simply, "She deserves more than being a lackey to Tom Riddle."

"And who, is Tom Riddle?" Arcturus asked.

"Tom Marvolo Riddle Jr, known to certain parties as Lord Voldemort. He is a half blood masquerading as a pure blood scion." Harry said, thoroughly enjoying the deep purple that filled the face of Walburga Black.

"You lie!" She spat, "He is the heir of-"

"Slytherin, yes. I know. Through his mother, Merope Gaunt. A near squib who used love potions to entrap Tom Riddle Sr." Harry said, "He left her after she stopped dosing him, then gave birth in an orphanage."

Arcturus flicked his eyes to Walburga and then back to Harry, "And you know this how?"

"I know this because I've dealt with him before." Harry said, "Tom Riddle murdered people I care about. I will not allow him to continue."

"I see. This is a conversation we will have later, assuming you survive. Lucius and his second are waiting for us in the dueling hall. Follow me." Arcturus led them out of the main hall and towards the eastern wing of the Manor.

Bellatrix was not surprised to see Lucius with his arm in a sling, Coward probably broke it himself so that Harry would face his second..wait..is that-

"Rodolphus, are you prepared?" Walburga called. The dark haired wizard turned to face the group. He smiled coldly. "I am Lady Black, and I see you've brought my dear wife back to me as well."

"I am afraid, Rodolphus that Bellatrix is here as the second to Professor Fawkes." Walburga said, "But I'm sure after your success tonight, she will be eager to rejoin you."

"So, Lestrange is your second Lucy? I see you are in a cast..what happened? Did you strain your arm wanking?" Narcissa asked, smirking as Lucius frowned.

"My arm broke in an accident. The bone is healed, however I am not supposed to do anything strenuous with it for the next week. You should know the treatment procedure, or do you just sleep in your classes?"

"Enough." Arcturus said quietly, though everyone reacted, Harry noticed, as if he had shouted, "Duelists to me. At stake is the betrothal contract between Narcissa Black and Lucius Malfoy. Lord Peverell, what are you putting up as your stake in this?"

"My title as Lord Peverell and my property in Devon." Harry stated, "I would also like to claim any house elf that acts as the personal elf of Lucius Malfoy."

"Do you find these terms acceptable?" Arcturus looked at Lucius.

"I do Lord Black, I look forward to taking the Peverell home as mine." Lucius said, images of taking Narcissa in the bed that had belonged to Professor Fawkes filling in his mind.

"Rodolphus Lestrange, are you prepared to act as second?"

"I am Lord Black." Rodolphus looked at Harry for a moment, "I doubt I'll break a sweat."

"That's not surprising Rodolphus, pigs lack sweat glands." Bellatrix said, "I am prepared to act as second to Lord Peverell Grandfather, but I doubt he will need me."

"Very well. Go to your places, remember that is a duel to the death." Arcturus directed, watching as Harry and Bellatrix took a spot on the eastern side of the dueling ring while Lucius and Rodolphus took a spot on the western side.

"Duelists to the center, bow and then wait for the bang." He said. Harry moved to the center first, Rodolphus came through a little slower. The bows were nearly undetectable, but Arcturus raised his wand and let out a loud bang from his wand.

The duel began. Harry put up a quick shield and then dodged as Rodolphus, in an attempt to end the duel swiftly used the killing curse.

Crafty bastard..Bellatrix thought, then smirked as Harry sent a blasting charm at his feet. It caused Rodolphus to jump backwards, just as Harry sent out a silent freezing charm on the ground.

Rodolphus slipped on the icy patch before catching himself and sending a cutting charm at Harry. The cutting charm was absorbed by his shield and Harry continued the fight with a numbing charm.

Narcissa watched Harry, he is so skilled at this..he must have been a terror on the dueling circuit. Images of Harry teaching their future children flitted through her mind, but she forced them back down. Eyes on the prize Narcissa..he isn't your husband yet.

Harry was exhausted as he continued to throw spells, but as he watched sweat start to pour from Rodolphus' face, he wasn't the only one. Harry winced as he felt a cutting charm strike his side. I've got to end this quickly.

I've got to end this quickly, this little shit is not going to beat me..Rodolphus sent out another killing curse, watching as Harry blocked it with a conjured pebble. He raised his wand, "Crucio!" The sickly red light missed him as Harry dodged and channeled his remaining strength into a powerful reducto. The charm hit Rodolphus in the chest, smashing through his ribs and crushing his heart.

With that Rodolphus fell and would not rise again.

Bellatrix and Narcissa each rushed out to Harry's side. Bellatrix kissed him deeply, her arms going around his waist. "You did it!" Then she froze seeing the pain in his eyes, looking down she saw that his side was covered in blood from the cutting charm.

"Cissy, help him." She said as Narcissa brought her wand up and placed a healing charm on Harry. Harry, for his part, could feel the wound closing, though it still stung.

"Very good, Lord Peverell. You are the recognized victor of this duel. You have gained both the hand of my Granddaughter Narcissa, and as agreed upon, the personal house elf of Lucius Malfoy.

Lucius looked equal part sick and furious, in one duel he had lost his connection to the Black family and his house elf. He gritted his teeth and shouted, "Dobby!"

With a crack, a very familiar elf was standing before Harry. He couldn't hide the smile as he saw a very alive Dobby. "Master is calling for Dobby?"

"Yes. You are being given to...Harry Fawkes." Lucius spat, "You are his elf now and I have no claim on you from this moment forth." Arcturus nodded, "Good, now Lucius Malfoy, you are no longer a guest of House Black, please leave." With a dark look to Harry, stormed out of the dueling hall to use the floo back to Malfoy Manor.

Dobby felt the connection between wizards shift and then he turned to Harry Fawkes, "Master Harry sir, I will be a good elf for you sir."

"I know you will Dobby, and I promise that you will be treated better than you were with the Malfoy family." Harry smiled, "My home is Pounds House in Plymouth Devon. Will you please go there and make yourself comfortable?"

"Yes sir, Master Harry sir." Dobby vanished with another pop. Arcturus raised an eyebrow, He seems awfully familiar with that elf... "Lord Peverell, I ask that you stay the night here. We will have much to discuss in the morning. You will need to sign the betrothal document to Narcissa."

"Very well Lord Black. In the morning, perhaps we could also discuss reviving the alliance between Houses Black and Peverell?" Harry asked. It surprised everyone when Arcturus chuckled, "You seem to be doing a fine enough job of that, you've already taken two of my granddaughters for your own. It's a pity that Andromeda has chosen that muggleborn..."

"I think it will be good for her. As long as he recognizes how lucky he is that she thought he was worth more than her House, that will be a good marriage." Harry said.

"As you say, Lord Peverell. Narcissa, you and Bellatrix escort Lord Peverell to the guest house. We will see the three of you in the morning for breakfast. Walburga, with me." Arcturus motioned and Walburga Black followed silently. She had just witnessed Harry killing the dark lords most skilled duelist. I will have to send word to the Dark Lord...