cloudy with a Chance of freedom

chapter 5

Camellia took the addition of Blaise as the "Left Hand" without comment. It only took one introduction before Blaise upgraded the witch to the same level as Harry upon realizing that the girl was a powerful and very vindictive Mist. One who's loyalty had been firmly secured towards her cousin for the fact he was openly supporting her magical education.

Though Blaise's suspicions that Harry Black had a Sky Secondary only shot up after finding out he had managed to collect a Mist.

All in all, Blaise found the real side of Harry Black highly entertaining, even if he found it baffling and a bit surreal learning the rather loud and somewhat sarcastic boy was a Cloud as well. An Inverted one, no less.

He had to admit, the ruse worked well to terrifying degrees. No one bothered to look underneath the underneath of Harry's actions. No one saw the minute changes that were being made, too busy seeing their "Golden Boy" at face value to realize they were being played by a master.

Hell, even Draco was respectful of Harry.

Hermione POV

It had come as a massive shock, learning Harry Potter had been the one to keep her from making some massive faux pas among the magical enclave. She had no idea how many little things she took for granted would get her shunned as an 'ignorant mudblood' by the older families.

She was very grateful he had at least given her a head's up on the houses. She shuddered to think how badly things could have gone if she had gone into Gryffindor like she originally wanted. All because McGonagall was head of the house and had introduced her to magic.

She was much happier in Ravenclaw. At least here people appreciated her love of reading and enjoying the peace and quiet of a proper library. Besides, she had been thrilled at a chance to do an untold amount of research on magical culture that was quickly becoming lost.

(She was slightly horrified learning WHY several aspects she found fascinating were being lost, but from what she could see Harry had a plan to fix things properly by getting the public to do most of the work for him.)

Skull was rather enjoying his monthly articles to the Quibbler and to a lesser extent, Daily Prophet. With Viper's help he was able to secure enough of the shares in the Prophet that he could insure his articles were ALWAYS printed, regardless of the content and how badly things would be shaken up by them. It also gave him power to forcibly veto articles and censure fools like Rita Skeeter.

Even if he did have the knowledge she was an illegal beetle animagus to hold over her head, he wasn't stupid enough to use it unless he had to.

"So what's next month's subject?" asked Blaise. He was enjoying the rush of power that came from being Black's left hand.

Skull grinned.

"I need you and Camellia to go around all the families known to either associate or had any contact with the Dark Lord as a member of his forces... controlled or not. I want you to discreetly ask what the Dark Lord promised them for their support and whether or not he ever delivered on said promises."Blaise got what Black was getting at and chuckled darkly.

"Devious and subtle," said Blaise.

"Voldemort is a spoiled brat who was pissed at the world and who fell far, far off the deep end because he delved into the wrong kinds of dark magic. Point out the hard facts that anyone can find if they ask the right questions and if he bothers to come back he's going to find himself missing a chunk of his support."

"While at the same time giving you ample backing against the headmaster if he ever figures out what a manipulative bastard you are," said Blaise in appreciation.