Chapter 16. Good and Bad
It was early May when Harry finally reached his goal, when he maxed his Mage Class. And just like always, reaching the highest point filled him with positivity.
Character Sheet
Name: Harry Potter
Race: Human
Class: Mage
Lvl: 300(Max)
HP: 15,000 (10 per second)
MP: 30,000 (100 per second)
Traits:
[Remorseless]
[Lustful]
Perks:
[Gamer's Mind] (Passive)
[Gamer's Body] (Passive)
[Observe] (Active)
[Peak Body] (Passive)
[Skill Create] (Active)
[Teleportation] (Active)
[Inventory] (Active)
[Increased HP regeneration] (Passive)
[Killer] (Active)
[Increased MP regeneration] (Passive)
[Unlimited Money] (Active)
[Shapeshifter] (Active)
[Death's Favoured] (Passive)
[Reviver] (Active)
[Dreamer] (Passive)
[Sleepless] (Passive)
Skills:
[Ray of Light]
[Death Arrow]
[Flying]
[Shield]
[Leech]
[Bomb]
[Energy Shield]
[Lasso]
[Firestorm]
[Hurricane]
In the last couple of months, Harry had obtained two new perks and two new skills as quest rewards. The [Dreamer] perk had been given just now as he reached the level cap.
[Dreamer]
– This perk gives the user the ability to see the past, present and future while asleep. Note: The events shown in the dream may not always hold true since the future's not set in stone.
It was definitely a useful perk. This practically made him a seer. Though on the downside, this was a passive perk, meaning that the perk would work in its own ways in the background and wouldn't be influenced by him. Still, it might be a huge unexpected help.
The next perk [Sleepless] which he got a few weeks ago was massively convenient.
[Sleepless]
– The user can now function optimally without needing to sleep.
He had even tested the perk. While he could sleep if he desired, the usual drowsiness and tiredness that came upon him after sunset had magically disappeared, not affecting his productivity anymore.
And the two skills [Firestorm] and [Hurricane] were pretty self-explanatory. The system had given him skills to cause the two disasters at his whim.
But most of all, he was glad to see the following screen hovering in front of his face after he pressed the Party button.
Current Members(1/2)
[Iris Potter]
Shared Perk(1/1)
— [Peak Body]
Shared Skills(2/2)
— [Flying]
— [Energy Shield]
[None]
He would at last be able to tell his mum everything, which truly was a big relief. Always using the excuse 'secret' whenever something strange happened had tested his mother's temper. Thankfully, she hadn't exploded yet although he had feared that outcome if he kept on with this charade.
There wouldn't be a need for secrecy anymore. And that was the best reward for maxing this Class.
Currently, he was alone in the Room of Requirement as it was only 4:00 in the morning. Iris, who often accompanied him on his quests, wasn't there. Unlike him, she needed her sleep. Actually, she loved her sleep more than anything. That lazy girl, he thought with a fond smile.
He stood up from the comfy armchair and thought about what to do next. He could go back to the Gryffindor dorm and sleep or he could do something else. He decided against sleeping. It was practically morning anyways.
Very early morning.
Thinking about his mother had made him recall how he did morning runs with her. And while his body was perfect due to [Peak Body] and there was no need for exercising, he still liked running. There was just something exhilarating about sprinting in the cool early darkness and watching the sun rise.
With his next course decided, he stepped out of the Room of Requirement and descended down the stairs. He could have teleported right outside the castle and onto the Hogwarts grounds, but he was in a whimsical mood. And walking seemed pretty fun according to this mood.
He hid under his Invisibility Cloak and strolled through the silent hallways. Everything was so quiet and dark at this hour. There was not a single kind of noise. It almost made him feel like he was the only being alive in this dead forgotten world. He could easily imagine that and believe the make-believe. It brought a strange smile to his face as he walked on mindlessly and aimlessly.
He saw many majestic statues and sleeping portraits. He gazed at the many carved pillars that were just for show and did nothing in supporting the castle's structure. He beheld many wonders which were only noticeable in the dark.
He was skipping and humming, oddly feeling high-spirited.
His pleasant walk ended soon when he heard the first noise of the morning. No, not a noise, calling it noise was blasphemy. It was like comparing mud and gold, like calling sky the land and land the sky.
It was a sweet melodic singing which came from an empty classroom just a few metres ahead and to his left. It tugged at his heartstrings and wrapped around his soul, pulling him gently towards it. Cajoling him, attracting him, comforting him.
Harry walked on his toes and went into that room. Then he understood why the voice seemed so familiar and magnetic.
A huge window opened on the far opposite wall, letting in an ample amount of moonlight. Twirling in that moonlight barefooted was one of his best friends, Daphne Greengrass. She danced with closed eyes and sang with a soft smile. Her blonde hair flowed down her back freely and gleamed blindingly white from the light. Even her simple white dress seemed to shine from within as if her very own skin was aglow. She was luminance personified.
Soft are your caresses,
And gentle is your light.
Comely is your white tresses,
And unending is your might.
Harry moved a little closer to see her properly and enjoy her rare carefree dance. It wasn't everyday you see the stoic Daphne smiling and frolicking.
Long have I wandered,
In the search of your sky-high tower,
Where I will be honoured,
Where I will be in your power.
Oh, Queen of moonlight,
Oh, mother—
Her song abruptly stopped as she whirled around with her wand in her hand. Her earlier easy smile had vanished and there was a scowl in its place. Her blue eyes were narrowed in displeasure.
"Who's there?" She asked tartly. "Don't even try to hide. I can't see you, but I can hear you. You are too loud. Make another move and you will be in a lot of trouble."
Harry was frozen just for a second with indecision before he took off the cloak. He could have teleported back, but there was no need. He was in no danger here. She was his friend and also too weak to harm him.
"Harry!" Daphne gasped in astonishment, staring at him dumbly.
Harry smiled nervously.
Her face turned bright red as the realisation that he had been watching her sunk in.
"Good morning, Daphne. Didn't know you were such a good singer and dancer."
"Good morning, Harry. What are you doing here at this time?" She asked in a high pitched voice, trying to hide her embarrassment in vain.
"I can ask you the same question." He chuckled, approaching her and standing before her.
"Then let's not ask each other questions and forget that this ever happened. Got it?" She suggested, picking up her school robe from the floor and putting it on.
"Fine. Don't tell me why you are singing and dancing at this time. You can keep your secrets. As for me, I was just going for a morning jog." Harry huffed.
Daphne shot him an impressed look and said, "Oh, that's good. I had already done my morning exercise or else I would have joined you."
"Really? When do you even wake up to do all of this?"
"3 am."
"Merlin! Are you even a human?"
"As far as I know, I am. A greater human of course." She grinned superiorly at his flabbergasted look.
"Whatever. I am going now. Be careful on your way back to the Slytherin House." He cautioned, squeezing her shoulder as they parted after exiting the room.
"I will. I have been following this same routine since the first week. I should be the one warning you." She said with a smile, waving her hand as he disappeared back under his Invisibility Cloak.
Just before he went away, Harry used [Observe] on his friend.
Name: Daphne Greengrass
Race: Human
Class: Mage
Lvl: 21
HP: 1050
MP: 2100
Affection: 50
Obedience: 25
Thoughts about you: Fondness, ?
During his run on the castle grounds, Daphne's song played in a loop inside his mind. He wasn't complaining. Her voice was just so soothing and melodic. It was a crime that he had never heard her sing before when she was able to sing so beautifully. He only wished that he could have heard the full song. Although curious, he wasn't going to pry in her matters, not wanting to be pushy and fearing angering her. She would tell him when she was able to or wanted to.
'Hey, Isis. What was the question mark in her stat? I had seen that before but forgot to ask you.'
It's simple. She is still undecided or unaware about one emotion regarding you. When that confusion disappears so will the question mark.
'Thanks. Though I wished that [Observe] was more powerful. That I could see people's secrets and know more about them.' He mused, thinking how cool and convenient it would be if [Observe] was a little stronger.
I guess. Maybe I will create a quest for you in future to upgrade that perk. That's a nice idea.
'Thanks, Isis. You are the best.'
Yup and you better remember that forever.
'Yes, yes. I also wanted to ask you how I will gain the XP and rewards of the pending Mage quests when I already have hit the level cap.'
I shouldn't probably reveal it since it's a spoiler but who cares. Listen, when you earn the [Immortality] perk after completing that quest, the system will change drastically. The system simply will upgrade since that will be the first milestone of your overarching quest to become as powerful as the Creator. Many changes will take place once you get that perk. And breaking the level cap of any Class is one of those changes.
'Oh. I see. I am both excited and anxious after knowing this.'
Just ignore it and go forward as you are going. You are doing great. I suggest you choose the next Class instead of just lazing around. If you work hard then you will reach level 100 of this new Class before Halloween comes and will be able to switch back to [Mage] for fighting against Voldemort. I advise you not to waste your time and fall behind.
Harry grimaced. He actually was considering not choosing the next Class until after Halloween when he needed to answer the Dark Lord's challenge. He was in a mood to just kick back and relax for the next half a year. But Isis' words rang true and he heeded her suggestion. The system UI sprang up before his eyes as he leaned against the trunk of a tree. He checked which Classes were available for him. Many new Classes had appeared, but his eyes lingered on these three.
[Enchanter]
[Summoner]
[Rogue]
Harry really was tempted to choose between Rogue and Summoner. Both of them seemed interesting and powerful. But his current situation demanded he choose [Enchanter] now. This class would give him the best ways to protect his family even in his absence. He could enchant various things to provide more safety for them. The first idea that came to him was some kind of mind protection which would stop them from getting possessed. He still remembered how Voldemort had taken over Iris' body and it would be mightily stupid of him to ignore that weakness.
'You are right. But I still need some time before I start grinding again in a new Class. Lately, I have been feeling burned out. I will pick up the next Class in the summer vacation after I tell mum everything. Until then I am taking a break.'
Sure. If that's what you want to do.
'That's exactly what I want and need to do.'
~xXxXx~
FIRST YEAR RANKINGS:
1. Harry Potter
2. Daphne Greengrass
3. Hermione Granger
4. Padma Patil
5. Susan Bones
6. Sue Li
7. Terry Boot
8. Iris Potter
9. Neville Longbottom
10. Draco Malfoy
"I still can't believe I am not first. It's just not fair." Hermione grumbled as they sat in the Hogwarts Express, heading back to London.
"Drop it, Hermione. That parchment and your sad mood too. Who cares if you are not first! I am not even in the list and I am absolutely fine." Tracey giggled, hugging her from the side and rubbing her head in consolation.
"I am not sure if that comparison should make me happier or not." Hermione sighed but leaned into her friend, folding the parchment neatly and putting it in her pocket.
Harry grinned and shot her a mocking look. "Tracey is right, Hermione. Don't be sad. There is no reward for being first. Other than self-satisfaction of course."
"Am I the only one who wants to punch this smug lazy bastard? I can't understand how the hell are you so good at everything and that too without putting much effort." Tracey groaned, holding Hermione, who almost jumped at him at his cocky tone. She looked like a feral cat with claws. A very cute cat indeed.
"Eh, maybe I am just special or something." Harry chuckled, shrugging and infuriating them more.
"Stop baiting them, Harry." Iris laughed, shoving him. "Hermione is almost growling like a beast now and I won't save you if she pounces on you."
"Fine. Did I mention how proud I am that you are somehow on the list? That was a pleasant surprise." Harry smiled, pulling her to his side and kissing her face. Iris was extremely pleased by the praise and cuddle against his side.
"Yep. You mentioned that just a million times since last week." Neville pointed out exasperatedly.
Harry smirked. "Someone's jealous. Don't worry, Nev, I am proud of you too. Do you also want a hug?"
"No, thank you. I am good."
Regardless of his wish, Harry hugged his best friend and since Neville was sitting beside him, he didn't get much choice in that matter.
"There, there, Neville. You did good. I am very proud and happy." Harry laughed, patting his back. "You want a kiss too?"
"Just stop it already." Neville blushed, pushing him off. "You are incorrigible."
"Hey, I almost forgot. My parents asked me to invite you all to my house during the vacation. Are you all okay with that?" Hermione piped up, her eyes shining with excitement. She had never had so many friends before. She almost forgot her low rankings. Almost.
"Count us in." Iris agreed right away, shaking Harry in her exuberance.
Tracey also gave her permission. "Me too."
"I will come." Neville agreed. Daphne simply nodded when Hermione looked at her questioningly.
"It is decided then. Let's choose the date."
~xXxXx~
Harry was at peace. His mind was blank and his heart was filled with warmth.
He was smiling, content and relaxed.
His mother and he lay on his bed. She was spooning him from behind with her arms wrapped around him gently.
The first thing he did after coming home and having dinner, was adding his mum to the system and telling her his story from the beginning to the end. He had told her everything. She had held him close as he retold his journey. She had consoled him when he cried, when he said that he missed his friends from the other world, that he felt bad for never being able to see them again. That he wanted to banter with Daphne and Tracey again. That he wanted to see how his older counterpart, Harry, was doing.
During the entire time, she embraced him and listened silently.
"You were very brave, Harry. I am so proud of you." She had said and that had made him cry again a little. She had smiled kindly and a little sadly, and caressed his face. The conversation had continued from then on and he gave her options for her Perk and Skills. He had known her choice for the Perk before she even told him her decision. After that, she had fallen asleep with him in her arms.
The creaking of the door took his attention. The door opened up and Iris closed it behind her. She gave him a sheepish smile before joining him on the bed and pressing her back against his chest.
"I am not going to be left out." She grinned. "Goodnight, Harry."
He smiled, pulling her closer and hugging her from behind. "Goodnight, Iris. Sweet dreams."
That was one of the few nights where all the Potters slept together.
~xXxXx~
Harry glared at his character sheet. Had he ever told Isis how annoying this always was? It was fucking infuriating.
Character Sheet
Name: Harry Potter
Race: Human
Class: Enchanter
Lvl: 10(0%)
HP: 500 (10 per second)
MP: 1000 (100 per second)
Traits:
[Remorseless]
[Lustful]
Perks:
[Gamer's Mind] (Passive)
[Gamer's Body] (Passive)
[Observe] (Active)
[Peak Body] (Passive)
[Skill Create] (Active)
[Teleportation] (Active)
[Inventory] (Active)
[Increased HP regeneration] (Passive)
[Killer] (Active)
[Increased MP regeneration] (Passive)
[Unlimited Money] (Active)
[Shapeshifter] (Active)
[Death's Favoured] (Passive)
[Reviver] (Active)
[Dreamer] (Passive)
[Sleepless] (Passive)
He felt like he came down from an extreme adrenaline high. Such was the loss of power. He felt so sluggish and weak, nothing like how he felt when he was at level 300. It was a jarring experience to go from a max level to a measly level 10. Hopefully after the promised system upgrade, this problem would be taken care of too.
Isis said amusedly.
I will consider your suggestion.
Harry ignored her and looked at the usual quest which always popped up after selecting a new Class.
QUEST:
— Make 5 new skills.
REWARD:
— 1000 XP
Hmm, he needed to think this through and create basic skills which would help him in enchanting.
After half an hour of fiddling around with the system, Harry created his first five skills.
[Learn]
– Gives the user the ability to learn new enchantments by studying already enchanted objects.
[Add]
– Gives the user the ability to enchant any object with upto three add-ons.
[Break]
– Gives the user the ability to remove enchantments from enchanted objects and return them to their previous form.
[Experiment]
– Gives the user the ability to create new enchantments from imagination. The success rate depends on the magnitude of the enchantment and the level of the user.
[Reset]
– Gives the user the ability to create a 10 metre diameter area around him where effects of any magic or any type of enchantments get nulled.
Harry nodded to himself. This was a good set of skills he required now.
QUEST:
— Make 5 new skills.
Success!
REWARD: Gained!
— 1000 XP
Well, there he jumped to level 15 easily.
He took out his Black Sword and used his [Learn] skill. If he could imitate the enchantments of the sword then he would become a source of manufacturing overpowered weapons. Unexpectedly, nothing happened. He learnt nothing from the sword.
'Isis, what just happened?' He asked in his mind.
It's obvious, Harry. It means that this sword has no enchantments. Its power is due to how it's made rather than because of any magical enchantments.
Harry frowned and tried his [Reset] skill. Immediately, anything magical around his ten metre diameter stopped working. He swung the sword and it appeared as if it was a simple sword. His strength wasn't multiplied anymore. Even the black inkinesss of the blade had turned grey, which had been the only unique thing about the plain sword. He cancelled the [Reset] and his magical room turned alive again. The blade turned shadowy black again.
'So, while the sword isn't powered by enchantments, it is magical in nature. I guess I can't mass produce legendary swords anytime soon.'
He dropped the sword back in his inventory and focused on his Enchanter Class. For now, the best he could do was level up his class and try to make good safety enchantments for his family.
The next slew of quests came at the right time.
QUEST:
– Disenchant 100 magical items.
REWARD:
— 1000 XP
…
QUEST:
– Enchant 100 objects.
REWARD:
— 1000 XP
…
QUEST:
– Enchant an object with the element of fire.
REWARD:
— 1500 XP
…
QUEST:
– Enchant an object to fly.
REWARD:
— 1500 XP
The quests kept popping up while Harry looked on with wide eyes. When they finally stopped appearing, he counted a total of 15 new quests.
"That's a lot of quests." he couldn't help but mumble in disbelief.
Yes, I know. I have calculated that when you finish all these quests, you will reach level 100. Now it's up to you how much time you take to complete the quests. Oh did I mention that this Enchanter Class is relatively shorter? The max level for this class is only level 100. After that you can choose a new class. Good Luck!
Harry was still dazed from the sudden influx of system notifications. When he was done reading every quest, he sighed and cracked his knuckles.
"Grinding time." He mused blithely. He might need to go to the Room of Requirement to find more enchanted objects. Oh well, he would cross that bridge when he would reach it.
~xXxXx~
Harry and his sister stood before a luxurious three-storey house. While it wasn't as big as Potter Manor, it definitely looked more posh and stylish than his own house.
"I don't know why I had this misconception that Hermione lived in a comfy smallish suburban house." Harry muttered as he rang the doorbell.
"Right. I had the same thought too. I hope we didn't come off as pretentious blood purists, thinking that she must be inferior to us." Iris agreed, looking around in wonder. The enormous manor was surrounded by a 100 metre lawn from all sides. It really was an affluent area. They could see various similar properties on either side.
Today the weather was surprisingly good with clear sky and gentle winds. Due to that, the Potter siblings had decided to wear simple denim shorts and white t-shirts. It wasn't as if they were here for a formal occasion or anything. They were allowed to be casual.
The door to the manor opened and Hermione was there to greet them. Her face was split by a beaming smile and she hugged them affectionately. She too seemed to have opted for comfy clothes. A pink spaghetti top and a blue knee length skirt.
"Good to see you too, Hermione. I hope we are not late." Harry chuckled as she led them inside.
"Actually you are. The others are already here. But it's fine. You didn't make us wait too long." Hermione smiled, skipping towards the living room.
The Potters shared an amused look. It wasn't everyday that Hermione was in such a good blissful mood. As they went through the red carpeted hallway, Harry glanced at the various portraits and expensive paintings adorning the walls.
The living room was spacey and beautiful. Three red royal sofas were placed on one side, facing an ornate table on which a big glass-plastic box was set upon. It was a TV set. Although Harry and Iris were acquainted with the device, they never got to see it in action. It was just too tedious to operate complex electronics in magical households. At least their mother had taken them to movie theatres once in a while so they weren't illiterate when it came to AV entertainment.
Their friends were sitting on the plush sofas, staring at the TV in awe.
"I can't believe they would be impressed so easily. It is kind of funny. Come on, we are marathoning Star Wars." Hermione gloated proudly,
"Oh. We have already watched those." Harry exclaimed, excited that he knew about those movies.
"You know about movies? I had a whole speech prepared to describe what a movie was." Hermione groaned in disappointment as they sat together on the remaining unoccupied sofa.
"We already know about movies, Hermione. Mrs. Potter had taken us to theatres many times before. We are just surprised and excited to see a real TV set in action." Tracey snickered.
"I see. I almost forgot that Iris' mother is a muggle born too. Fine. Let's watch the movies until my parents come home. They are currently busy, but will be back by evening." Hermione suggested.
"We never asked but what is the profession of your parents?" Tracey questioned her frankly.
"They are doctors. Anyways, be silent now, the movie is starting."
The rest of the day went by quickly. They played games outside after they were done with the movies. As the sun set, the children gathered back in the living room. Hermione put on the news while they waited for her parents.
"Whoa! Who is the Red Grim and Black Grim?" Tracey enquired, as the pictures of two masked kids garbed in white and black overalls flashed on the screen.
"They are very infamous serial killers. It is said that the whole criminal world is terrified of them since the Grims only go after bad people. These two Grims have killed more than a thousand people combined. Actually, the Black Grim is a new one, started being active approximately half a year ago. Red Grim on the other hand has been there for a couple of years. He is almost like a strange celebrity." Hermione informed them, perking up as she looked at the TV.
Neville frowned and added. "But by the size of them, they barely look older than 12 or at max 13."
"Yes. That's the major reason why there are only few vocal supporters for their work even when many people agree with their methods. No one wants to see children going on a mass killing spree. The police and all the special forces are trying to catch them but none are successful. The Grims are very elusive. They have superpowers and can teleport and fly whenever they want. I would have thought that they were from the Wizarding World but they don't use wands." Hermione said absent-mindedly, looking at a low resolution footage of the Grims disappearing in thin air.
"Isn't that bad? Killing so many people so callously?" Tracey said, scratching her cheek, feeling uncomfortable, bamboozled by the revelation that those two children had kill counts in 4 digits.
Daphne surprisingly spoke up in their defence. "Not really. They are just going after the evil ones. They are only doing cleansing. I for one admire their power and resolve. They must be tremendously powerful and resourceful, I am impressed. I wish there was someone like them in the Wizarding World so the Death Eaters who are roaming carefree now could be taken care of too."
Hermione and Neville looked at her horrified while Tracey just glanced at her knowingly, she hadn't forgotten how Daphne had cowed the entire Slytherin house. Harry and Iris were unnaturally silent, just eyeing them blankly.
"Rationally thinking, I can see how you got to that conclusion, Daphne. But it is hardly right for two overpowered kids to decide what is right and what is wrong. Honestly, I am quite ambivalent about these two. One one hand, looking at it clinically, I agree that they are doing a brilliant job in curbing crime and saving the innocents, but on the other hand, it is quite scary how unburdened and unconcerned they are after taking so many lives. That is just inhumane." Hermione threw her own two cents.
"Exactly!" Tracey joined in, looking quite sombre, as if she was speaking from personal experience. "Killing is bad no matter what. When you kill someone you lose a little of yourself. It takes a toll on your body and soul. Killing is a severe problem because on top of hurting someone it hurts the killer themselves."
Daphne chuckled darkly and shook her head. "That's just cowardice. Tell me, Tracey, my life is in danger and the only way to save me is to kill the bad man first, or else I would die. Would you bloody your hand to save me or would you let me die to save yourself from the 'hurt' of taking a life? Would you be a killer or a coward?"
A creepy silence surrounded them as the others saw a different version of Daphne. Unlike her usual placid face, her current expression was full of a morbid passion. The two girls who were sitting together had turned sideways so they were facing each other.
Tracey threw up her hands angrily. "That's unfair. You are putting me in a no-win position. Anyways, unlike me, these two serial killers aren't on the defensive, they are going out of their way to kill. They are the assaulters, not defenders. They could be sickos who only enjoyed inflicting pain, and the welfare of others might just be the byproduct."
"Maybe. Or they are just being proactive. How many lives they must have saved because they killed the men and women who would in the future have hurt someone innocent? A lot I reckon. And if they were just sickos having fun then they wouldn't have gone after only bad people, they wouldn't have the conscience to spare the innocents." Daphne fired back.
It was a rare thing seeing Daphne being so talkative and opinionated.
"You are too pessimistic, Daphne. Killing isn't the only solution. People may change. Nothing is fixed in this world. Good people become evil and evil people become good too." Tracey argued fiercely.
"And you are too optimistic and naive, Tracey. Why should it matter whether a bad person becomes good after he or she already has snuffed out innocent lives? Why should we take risks when we can just put him or her to rest? Who will take responsibility for the lost innocent lives when your supposedly redeemed criminal tries to go back for good ole days?" Daphne contended with a snarl.
Before the two best friends could go back and forth again, the sound of the main door opening took their attention.
"My parents are home! I will go get them." Hermione cheered in a fake happy voice and quickly fled from the strained environment.
"What do you think, Harry? You are unusually silent." Tracey prompted, setting everyone's focus on him.
"You both may be right and wrong. The world isn't divided in black and white. It is spread in various shades of grey. It's up to you how dark or light grey you want your morals and code to be. The people aren't pure evil or pure good. It's up to you if you decide to condemn them for their darkness or risk others for their light. Both ways are correct and wrong. And just like good and evil, there is no objective right and wrong. It is subjective. It is more about what feels right for you." Harry shrugged with an anxious smile, trying to spout something coherent.
Daphne and Tracey nodded at each other, getting their excitement under control and calming themselves. There was no reason to fight for their different ideals. They may be different, their morals may be different, but none of them were inherently right or wrong. There was no right or wrong in the first place. It was all made up to create order in society.
"I don't know why you are all paying so much attention to this stupid debate when the biggest question is still unasked." Iris finally spoke up.
"And what's that, Iris?" asked Harry.
She grinned and answered. "Why the stupid Red Grim is Red Grim when he wears all white? Black Grim is cool and all since she wears black overalls, but Red Grim should be White Grim instead. It would look even better. Black Grim and White Grim. That sounds far better than Black Grim and Red Grim."
"You are absolutely right." Neville agreed, happy to divert the attention back to easy topics.
Harry's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. It wasn't his fault that his younger self thought Red Grim sounded way cooler. And it wasn't like he ever thought that he might get a partner in future, that he might need to colour coordinate.
Whatever, he wasn't changing his name now.
~xXxXx~
In the Albanian forest, there was a great glade. A clearing almost half a kilometre wide. In its centre stood a grey castle. It was surrounded by sturdy high walls which encircled it and kept it safe behind the intimidating wall.
Inside the castle was a giant throne room. On top of the dais, on its high chair sat a handsome middle aged man. He had black windswept hair and dark brown eyes. His skin was pale and beautiful.
His name was Voldemort.
Behind the throne was a hidden entrance on the wall. And after the wall was a small cosy bedroom. Its walls were painted calm blue and it had no windows but plenty of light. All four walls were covered with bookshelves and the bookshelves were covered with books. In the middle of the room was a lavish canopied bed. And on the bed was a pretty woman. She had long black hair and dark brown eyes. Her skin was pale and beautiful.
Her name was Voldemort.