Chapter 51: Defense Club

Their meeting was scheduled at six in the evening, when all invited parties would have finished their classes and rested a bit. They agreed to meet in an abandoned classroom in the third floor, away from prying eyes. Kaiser was the first to arrive with Daphne, to prepare for the coming discussion. He asked for Daphne's help; she was thought the art of persuasion from a very young age because of her upbringing, among other skills.

It wouldn't be difficult to convince them of his idea, but to have them invested to see its success? That's a different matter entirely. They were still 'kids', and 'kids' hated any kind of responsibility. There was the chance that, even if he showed them how severe the situation is, and how much danger they were in, they'd still not take it seriously enough, like he is. But he can't expect anyone to follow the same infernal training schedule as him. His relentless drive is one of his best qualities.

Kaiser has always been planning ahead of time when it concerns the war with Voldemort, even back at his first year. When he spread the rumors about the "Slytherin Rape", the truth is he completely made that up, but as far as he was concerned, it was for a 'good reason'. He wanted those unaffiliated with blood bigots to stay as far away from that house as possible, not because he hated the house, per se, but because it is the house that hosts most of the Voldemort's followers. It was always a risk for him that he wouldn't be able to destroy Voldemort's immortality, or that he wouldn't be able to kill him at all. He needed to prepare for the worst: Voldemort wins the war and takes over the ministry, or at least temporarily does. Having innocents stay away from that house grouped together would provide protection from them contrary to if they went straight to the wolves' den.

In hindsight, it proved to be a good decision. Blood bigots did not place Muggleborns and half-bloods in the same level of humanity as them, believing them to hold the same position as house elves, which coincidentally are animals as far as they were concerned. They were taught from birth, that it is not wrong to harm them in anyway. Even the Slytherin seventh year who raped that Hufflepuff girl did not show any remorse whatsoever. He truly did not believe he did anything wrong, that he WAS the victim for being imprisoned. Just thinking about that incident made Kaiser's blood boil; he regretted not killing him.

The idea he had was taken straight out of the fifth book: Dumbledore's Army. Except this time, it would be called Defense Club. The Death Eaters' number was pitiful when compared to Magical Britain's whole population. The reason they had so much success in the previous war was the lack of resistance. They rarely suffered any casualties, since their victims spent more time crying bloody murder instead of taking out their wands and defending themselves. While Death Eaters were indeed trained killers, even they wouldn't be able to do much against a large crowd of wizards.

Michael and Tracey came in not long after, the latter giving a silly giggle at one of Michael's equally silly jokes, a detail that didn't escape either of the room's occupants. Next arrived the 'Golden Trio', with Hermione and Ron bickering about something, and Harry sighing each passing second. 'Those two were like fire and water.' He thought the whole way. Though they seemed to stop when they noticed everyone there.

"So, why'd you call us here?" Ron asked impatiently.

'I didn't want to call you, you twat. I only did it because you are their best friend for some ungodly reason.' Kaiser's eyebrow twitched at his insolence.

"A bit rude of you to ask that when there are people missing in our extraordinary meeting, don't you think?" Michael didn't appreciate his tone either, so he interjected. Ron looked taken aback by his answer, and seemed to realize his fault. He was about to apologize, when Hermione added her own opinion.

"Ronald! Can't you be patient like everyone else? And you should pay attention to the way you speak to others, that was insensitive of you!" she admonished him, which made a vein pop in his forehead.

"So I can't even speak now, is it?!" He asked angrily. "It's always Ron do this, Ron don't do that with you! Honestly woman, do you have to be such a pain in the arse? Or is it that time of the month again?!" he continued.

"Ron!" Harry exclaimed. "Not cool mate! You can't say that to her!"

"You too?" Ron asked incredulously. He then looked around the room, and noticed the angry glares he was receiving from everyone. Even he realized that he was in the wrong, but his pride prevented him from admitting it after going this far. "You know what? Fine. I know not to stay when I'm not wanted. Have fun." He promptly left afterward.

Hermione looked hurt at his words. She felt humiliated in front of her friends, by one of her best friends no less. She was on the verge of crying, but her Occlumency training proved more useful than she gave it credits for. While the others looked positively angry, and didn't shy away from showing it.

"What a prat!" Tracey stamped her foot. "Is he always as insufferable as this? Why do you guys even bother with him?"

"He doesn't know what he's saying." Harry said defensively. He understood that his friend wasn't always the best of people, but he was his friend nevertheless. He should at least be given the chance to right his wrongs. "I'll make him apologize, Hermione. He probably didn't mean it."

"Yeah…" She said weakly.

Daphne looked passively at the scene, but she was quite angry herself. She was thinking of what would happen had he said that to her, musing of all the ways she could make him suffer before he departs this world.

The atmosphere was gloomy in the classroom afterwards, thanks to Ron's 'valiant efforts'. They were saved from their thoughts by the arrival of two new guests.

"Hello everyone!" Hannah said, smiling widely, only to release that not everyone was in a smiling mood. Susan noticed the same thing, and her smile faltered.

"What happened?" They asked.

"Ron happened, that's what!" Tracey was still frustrated at what her friend had to endure. She understood how embarrassing it would feel. Hermione couldn't help but feel happy that someone cared enough about her to feel angry in her stead.

They both had enough tact not to ask right there about what, noticing Hermione's state of mind, and the looks of 'pity'? everyone was sending her way.

They were soon joined by George and Fred Weasley, along with the Hufflepuff sixth year, Cedric Diggory. He was the person Kaiser was counting on the most in this meeting, as he would be crucial for the success of this 'study group'.

Kaiser got up from his seat, grabbing the attention from everyone.

"Thank you for attending on such short notice, but I believe everyone second is precious in what is to come." 'The introduction did not sound ominous at all.' Thought everyone in their heads.

"Before we begin, I hope you stay with me while I share some statistics with you.

Arcane Solutions, owned mostly by The Malfoys and Mulcibers, have recently recruited more than a hundred employees, both British and non native, mainly as security for their facilities. Additionally to their yearly imports, they seem to have added a significant amount of Crowbane and Ptolemy.

Heart's Desire, a company that sells beautifying solutions, owned mostly by the Averys and Goyles, have also for some reason welcomed a significant amount of employees to their ranks, for security and other menial jobs. They have also imported a large number of Runestones and alchemical ingredients.

Other companies have also displayed similar behavior in the last few months, either recruiting a lot of people, mainly from overseas, or buying a new range of materials, under the guise of new products or new business avenues.

For all imported goods, one pattern can be remarked: while they can be used in relatively harmless potions, they are also main ingredients in strengthening and healing potions. As for the other types, they hold great potential for defensive capabilities, being usable in most common shielding trinkets.

It is also interesting to note that a similar behavior has been observed before the start of Voldemort's previous reign of terror."

He paused for a while, letting the words and implications sink in. Even those who were already aware that Voldemort isn't dead were feeling uneasy. Cedric was having the worst reaction as out of everything he could've expected for this meeting, being informed that a war was in the horizon wasn't one of them.

"You're not implying they are getting for another war, are you? You-Know-Who is dead." He said with a frown.

"Then why are you afraid of saying his name?" Kaiser retorted. "You do agree that even if he was dead, his movement isn't entirely. It's not that hard to deduce is it?" Cedric nodded. He knew blood purity was still a thing in Magical Britain. "Besides, I'm not implying it. I'm outright telling you."

"You can't possibly know that!" He exclaimed almost instantaneously. Then he looked around, and noticed that the others didn't seem to react the same way he'd expect them to.

"That's not the only reason we're saying it, Cedric. Unfortunately, we have irrefutable proof." Kaiser interrupted him before he could start. Turning to Harry, he said: "Harry, do you mind sharing with us what happened at the end of your first year here at Hogwarts?"

Harry narrated the events leading to his meeting with professor Quirell in great detail, including the tale of the philosopher's stone, and how it was hidden there at Hogwarts'. "…For some reason, he was weak to my touch, so he was forced to leave his temporary body, killing the professor in the process."

Kaiser knew how absurd the whole story was, but he didn't count entirely on it to convince him. Cedric looked incredulous by the time he finished.

"Is that it?" He asked wide-eyed. "You're seriously basing your whole 'The Dark Lord is Back' on a ghost and magic rock Harry here saw as a twelve year?! No offense."

"The ghost could interact with the physical world more than he should be able to, but to answer your question: No, we are not." Kaiser shook his head. "We also had the misfortune to meet him in another form of his during our second year. You remember the events of the Chamber of Secrets, right?" At his nod, Kaiser turned to the twins, asking for permission, it was their sister this was about after all.

"My little sister, Ginny, was controlled by a cursed book, and forced to open the chamber of secrets." A gasp was heard in the room at his admission. They obviously didn't know since it was kept under wraps, even Susan was not privy of such information.

"The Chamber of Secrets can only be opened by someone who can speak Parseltongue, and I am pretty sure Ginny isn't a Parselmouth." Kaiser reasoned. "You might argue that the book was simply equiped by an intricate curse, that for some reason gave the possessed that ability, along with mind controlling them, but maybe what I'm about to tell you might change your mind."

"When we got down to the chamber, we found Ginny lying motionless on the ground, with said book held in year hands. Then we saw an apparition of a seventh year Hogwarts' student by the name of Tom Marvolo Riddle.

Riddle is the son of the pure-blood witch Merope Gaunt and the muggle Tom Riddle Senior. He was involved in the previous incident where the Chamber was opened in 1943, but Rebeus Hagrid was the one to take the blame for the incident and was expelled. Tom Marvolo Riddle also happen to be the source of the anagram "I am Lord Voldemort", as it was graciously explained to us by said spirit. He could walk, talk and was manifested in the physical world."

Cedric's mind was overwhelmed by now thanks to all the shocks he was receiving at the same time. What Kaiser was telling him was very hard to believe, but he knew he had no reason to lie. But believing his words and believing that Voldemort was back are two entirely different matters. He still needed a final push.

"And yet it was the only anomaly I discovered there." Kaiser continued. "You see, I have been casting a Homenum Revelio (Human presence revealing spell) the whole way, and when we finally reached Ginny, it revealed four presences to me. So let's do a headcount, shall we?

Obviously, there was Harry and I. Then, Ginny on the floor. The fourth presence was a mystery to me so far, probably a hostile, so I was getting ready to fight it. My mind came to the only logical conclusion it could at the time, that the apparition was indeed a real person, but spells could pass right through it. It revealed to us that it was feeding off Ginny's life-force in order to gain its body back. So that could only mean, that the cursed book was the real enemy." He reasoned, while everyone's attention was focused on every word he said. "Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the book was unaffected by any spells I threw at it. Then, my mind gave birth to an insane theory: What if the life sign was coming from the book itself, that additionally to being absurdly resilient. It would make perfect sense to everything that's happened so far, wouldn't it?" There was a pause, where everyone was musing over his words. This was unknown territory for all of them, and they knew that would they have been in his position, they wouldn't know what to do.

"So, what did you do?" Cedric broke the silence, curious about Kaiser's answer to this dilemma. Kaiser looked hesitant for a moment, before he steeled himself and sighed.

"Do you know the theory behind the Killing Curse?" He asked, avoiding eye contact with everyone. This was one piece of information he wished he didn't have to tell them, but he deemed it necessary, or maybe he just thought it was time he trusted his friends some more. Only the Golden Trio and Daphne were aware he could cast one of the unforgivable curses.

"Yes." Surprisingly, it was Michael who answered his question, and ever the Ravenclaw, he provided an explanation. "The killing curse operates in a different dimension than we usually experience, called the Soul dimension, that is why no shielding spell can ever block it. It is a direct attack to one's soul, severing its link to its container, the body, and therefore killing its target." They were all wondering why he would bring it up, until they were reminded, or in some cases, understood the implication of that last sentence. Their eyes widened in shock, gears turning at full speed, ascertaining whether their friend could truly cast such a spell.

"You cast the killing curse at the book." It was not a question, as he already knew the answer. Cedric narrowed his eyes, studying his reaction, but he gave none, his mind channeling all those years of Occlumency training.

"I did." Kaiser was sad to note that even Hannah looked uncertain of what to think of it, but he when he noticed Susan did not seem at all bothered by that particular fact, he was overjoyed. At least, she trusted him enough to believe in him, that he didn't learn the spell for nefarious purposes.

"And you just happened to know that spell?" he said accusingly, seeming disappointed in him for it. You didn't just find that spell lying around in books, waiting for you to pick it up to teach you how to do it.

"Yes. I learned that spell sometime around the second year." He shrugged.

"And why in Merlin's name would you do that?!" Cedric was very close to drawing his wand on Kaiser, unable to accept why would a second year even think about learning such foul spell. The spell did not have a good reputation, especially after the previous wizarding war. A lot of families were killed by that very same curse, including some of Cedric's relatives.

Kaiser's face hardened, he did not appreciate his tone at all, but could understand nevertheless.

"This isn't fair, Cedric." Susan interrupted him, looking angrily at him. "He was nice enough to trust you with probably one of his biggest secrets. At least, you owe him the time to listen to his explanation before judging!" Cedric was taken aback by her shift of demeanor. Was this the shy and happy Susan everyone in Hufflepuff knew, the Susan that never raised her voice on anyone no matter what? "Besides, if he is as bad as you believe he is, he would never have confessed that to anyone. He understood how bad it looks, so cut him some slack!" Silence followed her outburst. Cedric looked down in shame at his own actions, as he realized that he treated him too harshly.

Daphne, on the other hand, has been looking pensive for a while. She already knew about all of this, of course, but she found herself thinking back to the conversation they had the previous summer, when she informed him about the Triwizard Tournament.

She knew Kaiser's official statement on the matter: He wanted to use the Killing Curse to defend himself from the 'Slytherin Monster', but now she realized something very important now that she had more information. That excuse was unicorn shit! He knew! He knew that Voldemort was alive, he knew where the Chamber of Secrets was, and he knew how to deal with the Horcrux! Just how much more does he know? And where on earth does he get his knowledge of the future?

"You need to see things from my perspective, Cedric. I was in danger. There was a madman roaming the corridors petrifying the students, trying to get them killed." Kaiser said in an even voice. "I was scared. I started looking into spells that would give me the best chance against the monster. That's when I thought of the Killing Curse. But now I realized how silly that was. Monsters generally have high magic resistance, and spells like that hardly work against them." They all seemed to buy that explanation except Daphne, but her cold facade never wavered.

"I didn't look at it that way. I'm sorry for doubting you, Kai." Cedric apologized, looking ashamed of himself.

"Don't let it bother you, I understand. I'd probably do the same thing if I was you." Kaiser waved his hands off dismissively, telling him it wasn't that big a deal, contrary to what he believed, and Cedric was grateful for that.

"Let's go back to the subject at hand. Let me inform you, Cedric, that the head of the DMLE has already received a legitimate copy of our memories of the events, so she is aware that the 'Dark Lord' is alive." Cedric nodded again, accepting his explanation.

"So, you have a plan to deal with him right?" Fred asked excitedly. "That's why you called us here, isn't it!"

"Horay! I've always wanted to kick some a dark lord ass! Definitely adding it to my resumé after the fact!" George supplied. They laughed at their antics, happy to leave the previous mood behind.

"As much as I wish that was true, it isn't what I had in mind." Kaiser said. "You see, I was thinking what made him so successful in his previous war efforts, and after asking around, I came to a conclusion: the lack of resistance is what made them so scary in the eyes of everyone. Whenever there was a Death Eater attack, even in small numbers, people completely forget they have a wand on them, choosing to run the muggle way when the Anti-Apparition wards are up. Even when Diagon Alley was attacked, very few chose to raise their wands at the death eaters, choosing to escape instead, even when they had the advantage of numbers. Even worse, the amount of wizards that cannot even cast a correct shielding charm is embarrassing."

"So what do you propose?" Michael asked the most important question everyone was itching to know the answer to.

"Assume the worst, hope for the best." Kaiser said, but that didn't do anything to clear off their confusion, only deepened it. "If the war ever comes again, we should prepare for the worst case scenario: Voldemort wins against the ministry, or his reign of terror continues. But if that ever happens, it would take years. So our best bet, is to prepare the current generation for what would come, though I hope it doesn't come to that."

"You want to teach them how to fight?"

"No. I want to teach them how to defend themselves, and how to escape hairy situations." Kaiser corrected. "I do not expect children to start fighting off trained killers, just to escape with their lives intact, or buy enough time for the Aurors to arrive on the premises. I propose we start a defense club here at Hogwarts."

"That's an amazing idea!" Hermione squealed. "We should definitely do it! It will be like the Dueling club we had in second year with professor Flitwick!"

"We concur." The twins said in unison, and everyone was in agreement. Though some still had doubts about the success of this endeavor, namely Daphne and Cedric. They understood that it wasn't as simple as that, convincing people to 'learn' wasn't as easy as it sounded.

"This is going to be very challenging, however, and will require a lot of work from everyone." Kaiser said.

"Don't worry!" Hannah said. "We Hufflepuffs never shy away from hard work!" Susan and Cedric both nodded at their house motto.

Each began voicing his own ideas in the matter, thinking about what they should be taught, what would be useful and how their club should operate. Several issues came up, including how blood supremacist at school will not like this, and will try to sabotage the club. They agreed to limit the members to trustworthy acquaintances for starters, until they are up and running.

"Guys, we still have to decide who the president should be." She said. "In the school rules, it says that any student club should have a president from its members, along with a teacher that supervises its activities."

"I think professor Flitwick would be happy to mentor us." Michael chimed in. "It also helps that he is a former dueling champion." They all nodded in agreement, but there was still an issue of who the president should be. Everyone turned to Kaiser, since he seemed like the obvious solution, but Kaiser beat them to it.

"I think Cedric should be the president." He surprised everyone by his declaration, especially Cedric, who didn't think Kaiser would suggest something like that, even more so after their earlier confrontation.

"It's your idea." Cedric shook his head. "I think you should have the honor."

"This isn't about me, Cedric." Kaiser said. "Besides, you're the best candidate for the post."

"Right." Cedric snorted. "You've already passed three O. at your age. You have no idea how impressive that is. Not to mention how you're one of the youngest enchanters, and already have inventions to your name. And also fought You-Know-Who when you were thirteen a won."

"That still doesn't mean I would be good choice for a president." He shook his head. "For starters, I don't believe any of the older years would be willing to listen to instructions from me, so by choosing me, you'd already be losing on a lot of possible members. I am not as popular, nor do I have as much friends as you do. You've been here at Hogwarts longer than I was. And, you placed tenth in the European Dueling Championship."

"Besides," Kaiser continued. "I will be leaving Hogwarts' for a while very soon, and the club will need its president during its early stage."

"Wait, you'll leave Hogwarts?" Harry asked. "Why?" Apparently, he wasn't the only one who wanted to know the answer, as everybody was looking at him curiously.

"A project of mine will be finished soon, and I need to make sure everything is in order before its ready for production." He shrugged.

"Aw, we're gonna miss you." Michael said, opening his arms for a 'hug'. "Come here."

Kaiser's eyes opened wide in 'horror', and darted behind Daphne: "Not gonna happen." While the latter just gave her signature eye-roll at their frivolity.

The rest of the week was spent re acclimating to school again, while doing some research over the subjects they'd wish to focus on. They went over their lesson plans for the first month, as well as their recruiting strategy. They have even compiled a list of people they'd wish to approach, after discussing whether they'd make good first additions or not.

But before putting their plan into motion, they need the headmaster's approval. Kaiser was adamant that they do not meet him right away, and convinced them to meet him Friday, when they've prepared enough, to which they agreed. Cedric and Kaiser would be meeting the headmaster to ask for his permission.

It was Friday morning at breakfast, when professor Flitwick would relay their request for a meeting to Dumbledore.

"Albus, two students of mine ask if it is possible to meet with you at six in the evening, after their classes. They seem to have something to discuss with you." Filius said. "Cedric Diggory from Hufflepuff, and Kaiser Lunar from Ravenclaw."

"Hm? May I ask what is it about?" Dumbledore asked calmly. "We do have a meeting with the professors afterwards."

"I told them, but they promised me it wouldn't take long." Filius said with a smile, expertly dodging the original question.

"I see. I will be waiting for them at my office then." Albus nodded with a smile of his own. Though he was internally frowning, looking over the two students in question. He did not like being caught unaware, which was exactly what's happening here. While it may seem trivial, but that would've been true if any other students were involved, not when it concerned crimson eyed wizard.

He could use Legilimency to read their minds, even without eye contacts, but that increases the odds of being caught exponentially, especially with someone who already practiced Occlumency, which is why he never tried it with Kaiser. He seemed aware of his mind reading abilities from day one, and unless he left him no other choice, he shouldn't force it. Especially now that he has an immense backing.

He wondered why they'd want to meet him in the first place, but could only believe it was because they had a request of some kind, as Kaiser made it clear he didn't want anything to do with the headmaster.

In the meanwhile, Kaiser was chatting merrily with his friends, but he was quite aware of the stare in the back of his head. He knew this wouldn't be as easy as the others believed it would be, thanks to his history with the headmaster, but he honestly hoped the headmaster wouldn't give them any difficulties.

And so, the hours passed, and it was time to meet the most dangerous old man in the UK. He met Cedric in the Great Hall, before heading together to the headmaster's office. He noticed that Cedric was trembling for a bit, in contrast to his usual confident self.

"Having second thoughts?" Kaiser smirked.

"What?" Cedric turned to him with a frown. "No, I'm just nervous. You know, we're about to meet Dumbledore… The Albus Dumbledore!"

"It's no big deal! Come on, where is your Gryffindor courage!" Kaiser said cheerfully.

"I'm a Hufflepuff!" Cedric huffed.

"You mean a wimp?"

"Hey! That's not nice."

"Sorry just kidding. Relax, it's just Albus Dumbledore, the man who singlehandedly defeated the worse dark lord of all the times, Gellert Grindelwald, and the man child Tom Riddle. No big deal." Kaiser shrugged, but he was internally laughing.

"Yeah, look how relaxed I am now." Cedric said, sarcasm seeping through his voice. Kaiser couldn't stop himself and burst into laughter, but that still seemed to calm the Hufflepuff for a bit.

They soon arrived in front of the stairwell gargoyle, where they were expected to say the password to the headmaster's office. Before Cedric could say anything, Kaiser beat him to it.

"Candy something!" He cried out. Surprisingly, it seemed to trigger the mechanism, which prompted Cedric to look at him incredulously, as if he grew two more heads, since he knew the password was 'Acid Pops'.

"wHoT?" Kaiser said unconvincingly. "He likes candy, so that's gotta be the password." He shrugged, ignoring his friend's shock, who seemed to gather his wits momentarily, archiving the question for later, which Kaiser would never give an honest answer to, obviously.

Arriving in front of the headmaster's door, they knocked before they heard: "Enter." Promting them to do so.

"Good evening, headmaster." They both echoed.

"Please, take a seat." He gestured for them, before they were properly installed on the comfortable chairs. "How my I be of assistance?" Dumbledore said in a approachable tone, as he seemed to understand that Cedric was having difficulties with his presence.

"Professor Dumbledore," Cedric took the lead, as he should. "We wanted to make a student's club, but according to the school rules, we need to get the headmaster's approval."

"Oh." Albus nodded. "And have you found a teacher that would agree to mentor you?"

"Professor Flitwick said he would as long as we could get your permission." Cedric answered, but Dumbledore didn't really need to hear him say it. He was already having his way with his mind, digging up every answer as they came to make sure he didn't lie. Not that he expected him to, but it doesn't hurt to make sure, he believed. It was a habit he picked up along the way.

"Very well." Albus said with a smile. "I will require more information about this club of yours, before I can agree, however." And as soon as Cedric began to think of his answer, a particular memory of their first meeting made its way to the front of his mind, which only decreased the difficulty of reading it. Even though Cedric was an Occlumens, it was no use before the old wizard, who spent more than a hundred years studying magic. Cedric began telling him about the details of their club, their goals, while keeping away the fact that it was to combat death eaters, as he doubted the headmaster would appreciate that particular fact, but it was no use. The headmaster was already aware of everything that had been said in their meeting, so he knew their real goals.

Kaiser was obviously aware of the headmaster's actions, but he didn't say anything, nor did he warn Cedric about it. He wanted the headmaster to see, not only because it would raise suspicions if Cedric avoided eye-contact, but also because he needed to display sincerity if he wanted a chance with the old goat. Dumbledore waited until they were both done with their presentation.

"That is very impressive, and thoughtful of you, to wish to help your fellow students, and teach them the noble art of dueling." The headmaster praised them with a smile. "Take fifty points to Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw." Cedric's chest puffed up in pride, while Kaiser was looking at the headmaster passively, a detail that did not escape the latter.

"Alas…" the headmaster sighed heavily. "To be frank with you, I want nothing but to give you my approval, but I am afraid it isn't as simple as that."

"What do you mean professor?" Cedric asked hesitantly.

"You remember the Dueling Club we had two years ago, don't you, Mr. Cedric?" at his nod, the headmaster said: "You see, the reason it was disbanded was because the board of governor requested it. They argued that kind of club took too much of the students' time, in addition to their already heavily loaded schedules, which prevented them from spending more time on themselves and enjoying their teenage years."

'Wow…' Kaiser was impressed by the headmaster's ability to bullshit, as he knew for a fact that wasn't the real reason. Flitwick could not focus on his research and the dueling club at the same time, so he had to choose one of them. Needless to say, the headmaster made that lie on the spot.

"Therefore, even if I agree, it wouldn't take long for them to request its disbandment again. Besides, groups that teach fighting and dueling must always be headed by a teacher, otherwise the ministry might believe we are building an army, especially in our times where tensions are high."

"I see…" Cedric said dejectedly. They both bid the headmaster goodbye, before walking away in silence. Midway, Kaiser stopped and looked at his friend: "Go ahead. I still need to have a chat with the headmaster."

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't worry about it. Just go ahead, I'll catch up with you later." Kaiser walked back to calmly to the headmaster's office, as he wasn't surprised by the outcome. But he wouldn't give up so easily. He knocked on the door again, before entering.

"What is the matter, Mr. Lunar?" the headmaster looked at him from above his spectacles.

"I wish to know the real reason why you refused our request, headmaster."

"I truly wish I could help, Mr. Lunar, but my hands are tied on this one. The boa-"

"We both know that isn't true, professor." Kaiser interrupted him. "Please, do not insult my intelligence." The headmaster studied Kaiser closely, thinking about what to say to him.

"I do not know what you are expecting of this meeting, Mr. Lunar, but I already gave you my verdict, and it was final." Albus said with steel in his voice, leaving no rooms for arguments in the matter.

"If my membership disturbs you that much, professor, I don't mind abstaining from joining."

"I am afraid to break it to you, Mr. Lunar, but the world doesn't revolve around you."

"Clearly." Kaiser looked at the headmaster intently before saying. "You distrust of me is unfounded, headmaster. We are both working towards the same goal, it is merely our methods that differ."

"Unfounded, Mr. Lunar?" Albus looked at him, his calm facade never dropping. "How do you expect me to trust someone who could perform the killing curse as a second year? Someone who killed three men, yet felt no remorse for it." Albus knew of his emancipation, and as such, was now treating him as an adult. He would not sugarcoat his words for him.

Kaiser did not appreciate his last sentence. Why on earth would he feel remorse for ridding the world of its scum, and in self-defense, no less! But his occlumency proved the best tool in his arsenal.

"That's hardly fair, professor. I'm sure you've done worse when you were around my age." Kaiser knew it was petty of him to bring back the headmaster's greatest regret, but it still felt good to knock the man off his high horse. But it seemed to be wrong thing to say to one of the most powerful wizards alive, as he noticed the shift in the air immediately.

"If that is all you have to say, Mr. Lunar, you may leave now." Kaiser looked at the headmaster's cold face one last time before turning around and leaving. But as he opened the door to the exit, he met professor McGonagall on her way to the headmaster's office.

"Hello professor." He greeted her.

"Good evening, Mr. Lunar." She smiled at one of her favorite students. "I hope you success with this new club of yours, maybe I could come to one of your meetings and teach you a trick or two."

"Err… professor…" Kaiser said 'hesitantly'. "It is regrettable that the headmaster's hands seem to be tied on this matter, and could not give us the green light."

"I see…" McGonagall frowned, as she was wondering what reason the headmaster could have.

"Good day to you, professor." Kaiser said before leaving.

McGonagall approached the headmaster's desk calmly, but she was anything but calm. In fact, she was seething inside, as she started to understand what this was about.

"What is the meaning of this, Albus?"

"What are you refering to, Minerva?"

"You know exactly what I'm referring to, Albus!" she exclaimed. "Why on earth would you deny them the opportunity to do good?! I thought you of all the people would support their effort to help the students keep themselves safe!"

"Minerva… it isn't as simple as it looks like. I am worried about the real reason for this group of theirs, and until I can be sure-" whatever he was about to say was cut off by the angry professor.

"What 'real reason'? They wish to give the students a fighting chance if they're ever confronted with death eaters! How hard is that to understand? And what could possibly be hidden behind it?"

"Wait… they told you?" Dumbledore asked in surprise. If they were going to tell her, why did they try to hide it from him?

"Of course they'd tell me, why wouldn't they?"

"I see. Nevertheless, I cannot give them such powers over the young generation, Minerva. They are the easiest to influence, and in these hard time, they need someone trustworthy to guide them. It is too great a risk that I cannot afford." Dumbledore said sagely.

"Are you implying that Mr. Lunar isn't trustworthy, Albus?" McGonagall asked incredulously. "I don't understand what your problem with him is. Yes, he used the unforgivable, but he had no choice, it was perfectly justified in both cases, and I can testify about his character, and so can Madam Bones apparently, and you know how hard she usually is on people. You are judging him too harshly, Albus."

"But you cannot be sure, Minerva." Albus said calmly, trying to diffuse the situation. "And as long as we do not have that certainly, we should not risk it."

"What risk are there?! Seriously, do you think a fourteen year old child has made a Hogwarts' club to prepare his army of minion to dominate the world?! He isn't even the one in charge, for Merlin's sake!"

"And as much as you believe it yourself, you are not omniscient, Albus. Like everyone else, you are prone to mistakes! As your deputy headmistress, it is my duty to help and advise you when I deem it necessary. And I am telling you, Albus, you're making a grave error, going against the very oaths you swore to this school. Just give them a chance, let them open this club of theirs for a while, and see for yourself how things progress. If he does indeed have an ulterior motive, you will eventually find out." The headmaster sighed. He knew she right, that he was letting his past experience with Tom cloud his judgement, that the fact that Kaiser, compared to a Riddle his age, is a monster, but it is undeniable that their characters are fundamentally different. Besides, she would never drop it, so might as well give up now.

The headmaster sent a patronus to Kaiser, calling him back. The latter knocked at the door a few minutes later: "You called for me, headmaster?" 'Confused' by the turn of events, he asked .

"Yes, Mr. Lunar." The headmaster nodded. "Professor McGonagall has made me reconsider my decision. I will allow you to make this Defense Club, on a few conditions."

"Yes, professor?"

"In addition to the rules all clubs need to adhere to, you will present me a copy of your lesson plan for every session. Needless to say, any lethal or potentially dangerous spells can only be taught with both mine or professor McGonagall's permission, and with a professor's supervision." There were obviously other implicit rules he'd have to follow, like not "forcing" ideals upon students, or anything that might be detrimental to them in the headmaster's eyes, but he could work with that.

"Of course. Thank you professor Dumbledore, professor McGonagall. I will go inform the others." He said, bidding them farewell.

"Oh, and Mr. Lunar…" Just as he was leaving, the headmaster called for him again. He turned, looking at him questioningly. "Well played."

"Whatever do you mean, professor?" Kaiser tilted his head 'innocently', but he couldn't hold it, and smirked before turning and leaving.

"What was that about?" Minerva asked, puzzled about their latest words. Dumbledore merely shook his head.

"Minerva, he told you about their club before coming here, and you just happened to meet him just as he was leaving. You think that was a coincidence?" Albus asked, amused by the situation.

"You mean to tell me he planned for this setup?" she asked in disbelief.

"Why of course he did." He affirmed. "Though it eludes me how he timed it so well." It was pretty simple really, a combination between asking professor Flitwick who has spent years at this castle about any patterns, and a good use of his Hogwarts' map.

"I wonder why he wasn't sorted into Slytherin…" Minerva chuckled, shaking her head.

"I did consider putting him there, you know…" a voice interrupted their conversation. Looking at the source, they noticed it came from the top of a stool, where the sorting hat was resting. "But in the end, he is, and will always be a Ravenclaw."

"Indeed." McGonagall nodded. "Oh, that reminds me. He showed me the most amazing trinket I've ever seen earlier this week." She said, before she started telling the headmaster about that 'phone' of his. The headmaster was impressed, though he was already aware of it. He didn't know they had a prototype, as the last time he only provided a proof of concept, but it seems Kaiser delivered as promised.

If he was being honest with himself, he regretted that Kaiser was not on his side, but it was hardly his fault. The boy was wary of him from day one, and for the life of him he couldn't figure out why to this day.