Hello everyone. I'm Bunny Girl Nox and I've decided to make my very first Harry Potter fan fiction. I have watched all the movies, but unfortunately, I failed to read any of JK's books.
Please forgive me if I'm inconsistent in some areas (Feel free to point them out too so I can fix them). I have read a lot of HP stories on this site and I can only hope that's enough to make an entertaining story. Admittedly, I know very little spells and potions. If anyone is willing to assist, please leave me a review thanks.
Also, I want to thank a friend for giving me this idea to use. The story is dedicated to her.
Now to the story itself, the concept has been done a million times. At first, I did want to start making a cliché 'Harry is sentenced to Azkaban for doing whatever' story, where Harry is innocent and a lot of Weasley bashing, Ministry bashing and Dumbledore bashing would ensue. But my friend's idea took me by surprise, and it was really an interesting twist to the age old tale of a super powered Harry Potter betrayal fan fiction story.
I do not like Ron (in fact, I hate his character), but I feel like I could use that dislike to my advantage without feeling like a bitch.
If you're still wondering, this story WILL have bashing of some characters (I know it's overused, but it has a twist to it). Harry will be strong in this fic as well (I just LOVE a strong Harry) but will not be overpowering or evil.
If at all there are still some things you need clarified, please feel free to let me know.
XXXXXXXX
Time changes everyone.
In a small apartment building, a boy woke up to the ringing of his alarm clock. He got out of bed, looked around at his shoddy surrounding, and began to prepare for the day.
It was routine for Harry. In a sense, he always felt on edge ever since the 'incident' a few years ago, where he had been convicted of killing six witches.
He hadn't known how to react. One moment, the headmaster praised his efforts in defeating the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, saving Ginny Weasley's life in the process. The next thing he knew - the next week in fact - he was being charged with murder by the Ministry of Magic.
Of course, he and everyone who knew him were shocked when Aurorers came into school grounds and demanded his cooperation or swift termination.
Dumbledore had been surprised himself, asking questions to the man in charge of the group. Harry would never forget the disappointing gaze from his then headmaster for as long as he lived. He let them drag him away from Hogwarts; it wasn't in his nature to fight authority anyway.
He was to be put on trial. The Ministry were not taking any chances of even giving him a probationary period. Even if he pleaded innocent countless times, he was locked in a jail cell that was specifically design to keep him in.
Before the trial even began, Ron, Hermione and the Weasleys were on his side. They constantly visited the cell he was locked in, conversing heartedly with him. Harry knew they were worried, and their constant visits were a means to keep him calm and let him know that he still had people who believed he was innocent.
On the day of the trial, everyone was prepared for what would transpire. News reporters flocked the outskirts of the ministry chambers, desperate to be the first to get a scoop of The-Boy-Who-Lived paying for crimes that were unforgivable. Many were sceptical though. Some knew of Harry's character. It seemed very hard to picture the kind boy to be a blood-thirsty murderer of six witches.
Scepticism intensified when the trial began. The prosecutor made a show of labelling Harry as a master of deception, visaging himself as an innocent boy but being truly a heartless tyrant. The Weasleys made their disagreements known, shouting curses at the prosecutor for even insinuating that Harry was evil. Minister Fudge had to, on more than one occasion, call for order.
Evidence of the incident, via video, was provided. Most in the courtroom could only look on in horror as they watched a twelve-year-old Harry cast the killing curse on six girls in a unknown location, who were running for their lives but died in the end.
Harry was shocked himself. He couldn't believe it. The person in the video certainly had his looks, but the evil smile heavily contrasted to his timid demeanour.
Some in the Ministry were far from convinced, and Dumbledore pointed out that the person in the video could easily have been an imposter. He elected to put Harry under the veritaserum, ensuring that the truth would be told at any interval.
The ministry agreed, and Harry found himself taking sips of water, with an added dosage of something odd. He was put on the spot. He could feel himself losing touch with reality. He was asked a few innocent questions by the prosecutor to confirm that the serum was taking affect. Once he fell under the truth drug completely, the prosecutor immediately began with the intended inquiries.
"Mr. Potter, were you at the location that the video indicates at the time of the murders?"
"... Yes."
It was as if time stopped. There were gasp all around the courtroom. Even Dumbledore could not keep his shock in check as he heard Harry's confession.
"Okay," the prosecutor continued, "Did you murder the six girls?"
"Yes." Harry said dispassionately.
Most couldn't discern what they were hearing. The people who knew Harry personally were left speechless by his words. Molly Weasley had already fainted. Arthur gulped air like a fish in the desert as he held his wife. Ginny...poor Ginny, she couldn't stop herself from sobbing.
"T-This...This can't be right!" Ron sputtered, surprising the courtroom.
The prosecutor wasn't obligated to talk to people not involved in the case, but seeing an opportunity, he decided to. "After the video footage we witnessed and Mr. Potter's word-of-mouth, you still choose to question our evidence?"
Put on the spot, Ron was flustered, but he spoke out anyway. "I know Harry! He saved my sister's life. There has to be a mistake somewhere!"
"Mr Weasley," Minister Fudge began, shaking his head, "I do apologise for this, my dear boy, but evidence is clear and Harry's confession solidifies his involvement in the case."
"Was anyone with him on this day, December the fifth?" The prosecutor questioned, directing his gaze to the uncomfortable and torn Weasley family.
"He was supposed to be at the Dursleys, his caretakers, if you could call it that," Arthur begrudgingly supplied.
"I see." The prosecutor directed his gaze to a young Potter, who was still under the influence of the truth serum, "Were you at the Dursley residence on December fifth?"
"... In the beginning, but I used their neglect and snuck out of the house."
"Where did you go to?"
"The park, underground sewers."
"Who took this video? It seems to be done by a muggle phone." The prosecutor noticed.
"A servant of Voldemort. I don't know his name."
The gasps and flinches were more prominent.
"Servant of Voldemort?!" Fudge babbled, flinching himself. "Why would there still be anyone who supports a man who has been long since dead?"
"Because Voldemort is alive and I've joined him."
Dead silence.
After gathering himself, Minister Fudge analysed what he just heard. Since Harry was under a truth drug, everything he was speaking must have been the truth.
Which brought on huge problems for the wizarding world. The Minister knew he could not denounce Harry's claim of Voldemort existing, because that would denounce Harry's confession to murder as well. But, something still didn't seem right.
"Did you see Voldemort at any given time?" Fudge asked.
"No, I was told that he has returned." Harry admitted.
"You bastard!" Ron spat, livid with what he was hearing. "How could you do this to us?! We've been there for you all this time!"
"Because I could," Harry nonchalantly stated.
"Calm yourself, Mr Weasley," Fudge said. He directed his gaze back to Harry and decided to continue with the important subject. "How are you certain that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned if you've never seen him?"
"He communicated with me."
"How?"
"I don't know."
"That is not an answer, Potter!" Professor McGonagall, who had had enough of Harry's betrayal, said spitefully.
People in the courtroom were still processing everything. Dumbledore had been trying to see if there was a way to salvage the situation and perhaps get Harry a lighter sentence, one which didn't involve Azkaban. But it was hopeless. The boy would have to pay, and the fight against the Dark Arts would be crippled if not finished. It saddened the old wizard, but Harry needed to face justice.
"It's fine," Fudge said, already figuring out what Harry must have been getting at. "You must have been tricked, Mr. Potter, by someone who was posing as the Dark Lord."
"..."
"There is no choice in the matter then. For the murdering of six innocent witches, You are hereby sentenced to life in Azkaban. May Merlin save your soul."
"You're dead to me, you hear me, Potter?!" Ron snarled. "Rot on hell, you bloody monster!"
The aurorers hauled him away. In his trance like state, Harry barely noticed Ron's hate-filled glare and Hermione's heartbroken sobs. The rest of the Weasley family were silent. Ginny's eyes frantically searched his, silently begging to know why he would do this to them. Harry could note desperation and denial in her gaze.
However, the rest of the Weasleys were not so confused. They had disappointed and angered looks, although Fred and George seemed to be still in a state of bewilderment.
Harry tried to move his lips. He tried to mouth out that he was innocent, that the truth serum was a lie, a farce; he tried to tell them it wasn't him talking. But nothing came. His body was numb as he was taken away.
From then on, he spent one years in Azkaban, enduring Dementors and their nightmarish abilities. It was hell on Earth for him, and he found himself on more than one occasion thinking of death as a reprieve from the emotional trauma. His friends had turned their backs on him. Dumbledore visited a few times, but it wasn't for reassurance.
"We're all disappointed in you, Harry. You betrayed everyone around you for such petty reasons," Dumbledore once said.
Harry told him that he didn't kill the witches, that it was all lies, but that seemed to make things worse.
"Lying won't help you now, I'm afraid. The Weasley family are quite upset with you, provided it is justified. How could you, Harry? You had such promise."
That's when Harry realised something important. Dumbledore didn't care about his reasons. In fact, now that Harry thought about, Dumbledore was more upset that he lost him as a weapon against Voldemort more than anything else. It staggered Harry, to think that he didn't even matter as a person anymore. Did he ever?
From then on, Harry knew that most thought of him as a tool. The moment he supposedly slipped up, they betrayed him without a second thought.
He spent his year in Azkaban trying to figure out who framed him for the murders, and how did that person control him to say the things he said? It wasn't easy keeping sane, thanks to the Dementors, it was damn near impossible, but he remained strong.
Then that day came.
He was in his cell, trying not to think too much on how slender his frame had become, when someone visited him.
"Hello, Harry," the voice had said.
Harry looked up, only to see a man with a rat face on the other side of the cell.
The man cackled maniacally, sending Harry completely on edge. "Master has sent me to collect your blood," he produced a small dagger in his left hand and a wand on his right. "It will only take a second, just a little blood."
Harry was forcibly pulled to the bars, providing the rat man with an opportunity to grab his right hand.
The man swiftly made a shallow cut across Harry's arm, forcing a scream out of the teen, and put the collected liquid in a vile. He pulled away quickly, providing Harry with enough room to scramble back.
Rat man peered at Harry, who was hunched at the back wall. "Yes, Master would love this. Thank you, Harry. Voldemort would appreciate it."
Harry's eye widened when he heard that.
"After tricking the wizarding world of your falsehood, my Master found an ingenious way to make himself whole again," Peter snickered. "This world shall know true order when Master rules it. It would be wonderful. Yes, beautiful."
The rat man left a shocked Harry in the corner of his cell. He was mildly surprised that the Dementors did not attack the intruder, but considering what power Voldemort might have been hiding, Harry wasn't above thinking that Voldemort had control over them.
After confirming his innocence, Harry tried to appeal to Dumbledore in all his visits. But the old man would hear nothing of it.
It would be three months in Azkaban that Harry would discover, by accident, that he still had has magic intact. In fact, he could use magic without the need of a wand. But he was mindful to limit the use of it. For some reason, it attracted Dementors every time, and they would show him his worst of nightmares. But when he had ample opportunity, Harry found himself enduring self-training, discovering old and new magic.
The end of his first year wasn't much better; it was just dull and stressful. His body had lost even more mass that he often found it difficult to focus on anything. Emotionally, he was very much stable, not content, but stable. The Dementors really did a number on his psyche, but his sheer will to escape the prison and put a final stop to Voldemort outweighed any sense of dread and mind scarring.
He wouldn't be as dumb as to put his trust in people. This wasn't about them anymore; it wasn't about what they wanted. No, it was about what HE wanted, and that was to avenge his parent's killer. It was purely for closure, nothing more. But first, how to get out of here!
In the beginning of his second year, he was all about running out of options of escaping, until it was done for him.
"Hurry, get him out of there!"
Harry looked up, noticing that there were a few aurorers outside his cage. One opened the door, and Dumbledore was swift to enter.
"Harry?" He called tentatively.
Harry wasn't responsive to the old wizard. He just stared dazedly ahead of him.
Dumbledore bit back a sigh. Harry looked terrible. The rags he used for clothes looked very dirty and un-kept, his form looked thin and sickly, and his eyes...nothing.
Harry had been prepared for days when he would get visitors. He feigned psychotic behaviour, just enough to full anyone thinking by some chance, Azkaban might have not made him lose his mind. It wasn't to play on their guilt when the day came that his innocence was proven. It was a means to get their guard down, so that maybe if they slipped up, he could get out of this hellhole.
So it was a shock to his system when Dumbledore announced his innocence had been proven. A revived Voldemort invaded the Ministry and boasted on the fact that the world that was supposed to protect the Boy-Who-Lived, ended up betraying him. He gloated on being the one to frame Harry by cloaking his image in an illusion and casting the killing curse on the six witches as 'Harry Potter', using his little connection to Harry to manipulate how he answered their questions. The veritaserum weakened Harry's mind, and Voldemort jumped at the chance to control as little as he could of Harry's answers at the right moment.
The Dark Lord promptly left the Ministry with praise, thanking them for making his job much easier than before.
It definitely shocked everyone who knew the real Potter. And most realised that it was far too late to take back what's been done to an innocent child.
When Harry had been given a pardon and an official apology from the Ministry, he didn't bother listening to his 'friends'' constant apologies. He apparated out of the vicinity without so much as a word or wand, shocking everyone in the process - never to be seen again.
Now here he was, in an apartment. It wasn't close to any of his former allies' location, but it was at an adequate area that always kept in loop with day to day affairs in the wizarding world.
It was pretty easy disguising himself as a normal civilian. His new abilities provided him with mysterious capabilities. So far, the magic was only limited to his experience. There was little he could do without full knowledge of what kind of power he had. He was limited to elemental manipulation, physical manipulation, along with strong illusion magic, added was the ability to 'jump' from one place to another so long as he wished.
Money wasn't a problem. Gringotts had employees who kept private affairs as they were. Even when the goblins knew of his identity, they never questioned his motives. But Harry wasn't quick to use so much money in the bank. He took only what was needed.
He looked at his surroundings again. It had been almost two years since he escaped the clutches of the Ministry and Dumbledore, but there was still a massive manhunt for him.
Of course there was, he mentally scoffed. They needed him. Voldemort had been particularly active throughout the time of his disappearance. Spain had fallen to legions of Death Eaters and Harry knew it wouldn't be long before Voldy targeted France and then Britain.
He needed to wait though. He had been planning action for a long time. The moment he knew of Voldemort's whereabouts, he was going to enact his revenge.
And his so called friend? Well, they'd obviously made attempts to talk to him in the past, asking people for his location, sending messages using owls. The last part was particularly annoying. No matter where he went, those infuriating creatures could find him, and there had been many letters of apologies, excuses and gifts, not only from Hermione and the Weasleys, but from Dumbledore, the Ministry and a lot of people he never knew before.
He answered only one, Ginny's, telling her to inform everyone to never write to him again, or they would be consequences. Of course they never listened, and used that reply as incentive to send more messages.
Harry wasn't the same tool he used to be. He would make good on his threat and after forcing himself to read a letter from Ron, he felt inclined to use the Weasley as an example to everyone else.
'Dear Harry
This is probably the hundredth time I've written to you. But I really wanted you to know that we're sorry, I'm sorry. I'm your best friend, I should have known better. Can you really blame me though? The evidence was too hard to ignore. I admit that I made the mistake of believing any of that crap, but you have to understand that it wasn't easy for any of us, Mate.
'Mione's kicking herself every day. It's pretty hard for us to be in relationship. If you read any of the other letters, then you'd know 'Mione and I started dating a few months ago. It's difficult though, because you aren't here. It's particularly hard for her - you know that damn pride of hers. She wrote to you a lot, but ever since the letter you wrote Ginny, 'Mione's been scared to interfere with your live - but I can see she really misses you and wishes things could be different.
I know I shouldn't be talking to you again, you made it pretty clear how much you hate us for what we did, but we all miss you, Harry. The guilt just eats at us, and I don't think any of us will be the same ever again. I just hope you can find it in you to give us a chance. Seriously, stop being a pussy and just come beat me up already.
You best pal
Ron'
And how did Harry reply to such a plea, by sending a little hex to Mr Open-My-Mouth-Before-I-Think. And in little than a week, he received another Weasley letter, this time from Author himself.
'Dear Harry
Hello, dear boy, I hope you're enjoying wherever you are. Since I know you didn't want us to write to you again, I'll only make this brief. Please, Harry, turn Ron back.
It has been chaos these past days. Molly is angry and beside herself at Ron's condition, but she doesn't have the heart to take that anger out on you, she feels bad enough as it is.
We've tried everything to lift the curse, but nothing happens. I have no idea why you did decide to turn Ron into a living, breathing girl, but I've never seen Ron so shaken before. Actually, I've never seen such raw magic before. You literally stripped him of his manhood in one night. Please, Harry, Ron has problems with emotionally dealing with situations, I'm sure you already know that yourself, given you've been friends for two years.
The family is having trouble adjusting to it. Ron's relationship with Hermione couldn't be any worse. They argue more than ever, and it seems that they're taking out their frustration of not communicating with you on each other. It's a bloody mess, if I may be so blunt. Those poor kids' relationship is in tatters. I do not blame you for your anger, but they are different ways to deal with it.
Please, Harry, if there is any part of the boy I grew to love as a son in there, grant a regretful old man this last request. You will never be bothered by us again. I swear it.
Sincerely
Arthur Weasley'
Harry could have cursed Arthur; he could have sent hate-mail to the Weasleys, telling them to shove their requests up their arses. But...he didn't. He actually felt torn by his decision. But one look at what he had been through, all the pain he had to endure, and he just settled for ignoring Arthur's plea. That had been almost two years ago.
They never wrote to him again. Although some part of him was guilty for putting the Weasley family through so much heartache, another part of him felt justified. It was necessary in the end; they needed to stop thinking he would ever forgive any of them.
Knocking on his front door cut off his musings. Harry stood rigid in the lounge. It could have easily been the landlord looking for pay. But for some reason, Harry was having a bad feeling. He cautiously walked to the door and peaked through his peephole.
"Who is it?" He questioned tersely.
"Friend of the landlord. Your rent is overdue," a female voice said from the other side.
Harry raised an eyebrow. She was right, but his senses kept alerting him to danger. His sense weren't always right, but Harry learnt the hard way that trust is earned, not given.
"Where is the landlord?" Harry continued his questioning.
"Away on business. Look, if you're trying to skip out on me, it's not going to work," the lady yelled.
Quickly glamouring himself to look like an adult, Harry opened the door.
The girl on the other side looked to be around his age, fifteen. And he noted how her long red hair contrasted to her pale skin. She wore a purple blouse with a black skirt and leggings. She looked very pretty, if Harry had to be honest.
Something else was...off. There was a vague familiarity in staring at her, and Harry never liked that inkling. He had made sure to cut himself from his former friends two years ago. A lot could change at the time, but...
"You can drop the glamour now, Harry. We come in peace."
Harry felt like someone punched him. There was another person behind the girl. The fact that he hadn't noticed until it was too late spoke volumes of how far he still had to go in mastering wards.
Now to the person who saw through his disguise. It was the same gentle voice he remembered all those years ago and only one person would keep such composure in front of the Boy-Who-Lived.
"Albus," Harry struggled not to hiss. He would have never suspected to be found out so quickly, but it was happening now.
"It's good to see you again, Harry. May we come in to talk?" Dumbledore kindly asked.
Harry glared at him. "It isn't as if I have much choice on the matter. How many aurorers are waiting for me?"
"None, I assure you."
"You expect me to believe that?"
"I understand if you don't, but no one else knows of your current location besides me and this fair lady here." Albus promised.
Harry glanced at the girl. What was it about her that was so...
"May we come in please?" Dumbledore repeated, cutting Harry's thoughts.
Harry grumbled under his breath and went further into his home, leaving the door open.
Dumbledore took the hint and ushered the female in along with himself.
Harry dropped his glamour charm and flopped on his couch. He would have tried to apparate out of the area, but this had been the best place to live in for such a long time. Besides, he was tired of running. It didn't mean he would just sit by and let Dumbledore manipulate him again.
Dumbledore and the girl took seats opposite to him.
"You don't work for the landlord, do you?" Harry questioned the girl, which was more of a statement.
The girl sputtered. "Uhh, no, I needed to get you to open the door...sorry."
"Whatever. What do you want?"
"Well, firstly," Dumbledore began, "on behalf of Hogwarts and myself, I'd like to apologise for all the wrong done to you."
"... Is that it?"
"No...there's mo-"
"How did you find me?"
"As luck would have it, I spotted you at the markets a few days ago. As good as your charm is, I could see through it. I apologise, but I followed you while concealing my own magic and looking out for any wards you may have created."
"I see... Bullocks."
"I also came to extent your teaching in Hogwarts."
"You're joking, yes, you must be joking."
"Actually, I'm quite serious. Your education was haulted-"
"Thanks to the lot of you!"
Dumbledore's eyes lost their tinkle. "Yes, it was quite unfortunate."
Harry couldn't stand the sight of the old wizard. A few years ago, he would have fought for Dumbledore to the death, but now, he was disgusted to even think such decisions.
"I'm not going back, old man. If this is about Voldemort, that's my business now, not yours."
"But Harry, you need training in fighting against the Dark Arts."
"And you need to understand that I'm not taking anything from you or anyone else. I'll deal with Voldy my own way."
"You're still a child, Harry. You're not ready to deal with Voldemort yet."
"...Like I was ready for Azkaban?"
That stopped Dumbledore in his tracks. Realising that the situation was becoming unsalvageable, Dumbledore had no choice but to change tactics. "I really didn't want to do this, Harry, but you've left me little choice. You have to come to Hogwarts."
"No, I don't."
"You have been put in the register as a student again. Because of this, Hogwarts has an obligation to make sure that scholars complete their years."
Harry had enough of the charade. "Come of it, Albus. You just don't want to lose your little weapon. All you're giving me is excuses to be under your watchful eye."
Dumbledore gave a disappointed sigh. "I wish you'd give me a little more credit-"
"In your dreams. You're worse than Voldemort. At least I knew he was a bad guy."
Dumbledore sighed again, it was fruitless sugar coating anything. "I'm really sorry that you feel that way. I made a terrible error in judgement and I cannot fault your contempt. However, coming back to school isn't as vague as you make it sound. It is prudent that you do so."
"What is your fixation with me and that school?" Harry's puzzled stare turned into a peer. "I see, hiding you intentions again, Albus?"
It was not a good day for Albus Dumbledore. For one, finding out that Harry Potter was alive and wanted nothing to do with him was sad in itself, but the other...more pressing issue.
"Very well, it isn't for me you're coming back to Hogwarts for, but yourself. You will be given immersive training by the best aurorers the Ministry can approve of, aiding you in your bid to put a stop to Voldemort. After that, you may live your life as you see fit. But Harry, you're only fifteen. Under law, you must be looked after by a guardian or one will be assigned to you."
"That is, if I'm captured and forced to comply," Harry challenged.
Dumbledore put his hands up in the air. "I am not here to force you to do that."
"Then why the hell are you here?! Stop dodging my questions!"
Dumbledore decided to cut to the chase, lest he made Harry much angrier than he was. "Because you have been put back as a student of Hogwarts, the school has linked your magical life force to itself. When the school year begins, you will have to go back as a student. It is for the students' protection and to ensure that they do not miss in anything Hogwarts has to offer them."
Harry sat there, trying hard to process everything he had just heard. As if Dumbledore couldn't have made things worse for himself, now the old geezer was forcing him to go back. And Harry was sure Albus wasn't bluffing too. But that only meant one thing.
"All those two years I've been at Hogwarts, was because I was forced to by the school?"
"No, dear no!" Dumbledore defended. "You came there of your own free will, but that trait was necessary to make sure children never bunked classes. We needed future witches and wizards to be attentive when it came to learning."
Harry gritted his teeth. "How do I break it?"
Dumbledore caressed his beard. "The only way to break it is by completing your schooling. Since you've missed three years, you will immediately enter into your fifth year and will be given private tutors to help you catch up with what you missed."
Harry really wanted to swear at Dumbledore, but there wasn't any point. It seemed that magic had again found some way to screw with him. All he could do was sit there and spew in his own anger.
The girl had been quiet throughout the duo's conversation and Harry realised that she'd been doing a good job of not keeping eye contact with him.
"Who is she?" Harry demanded. Dumbledore always had reason for what he did, and the girl was definitely one of them.
Albus seemed surprised at Harry's outburst. He glanced at the girl and then back at the young Potter before saying: "Well, yes, that would be the second reason you are needed at Hogwarts."
Second reason? What did a stupid redhead have to do with him?
Wait...
Redhead.
Harry turned his gaze to the girl again. She seemed flustered at his attention - she squirmed a bit too - but Harry wasn't staring at her beauty, no, it was for something else.
And there it was.
"Ron?" Harry inquired.
"Hehe, hey, Mate," the girl nervously chuckled.
Harry would have gaped like a camel if it had been three years ago. All he did was level a hard look to his former best friend. "I knew I recognised you from somewhere. Even as a girl, your ugly traits haven't left that much, neh Weasley?"
Okay, he was lying. Ron was, dare he say it, beautiful as a girl. That's what shocked Harry so much. He knew the hex that he thought up and put Ron under was supposed to turn him into the opposite sex, but that's as far as Harry knew. Although he could use really powerful magic, he still didn't have full control or knowledge of their capabilities. Sure, he knew what the initial spell or potion would do, but not the side-effects.
"Ouch, I guess I had that coming," Ron said.
"Not nearly enough," Harry spat.
Ron grimaced and looked away. Seeing Harry's anger up close was a different experience from being hexed by it.
Harry turned to Dumbledore again. "So is that why you brought Ron here? So I could turn him back into an asshole?"
Dumbledore noted Harry's choice of words, wisely deciding not to comment on them. "That would be very much appreciated. I think two years is enough as punishment."
"Well, you thought wrong. The curse stays. It's permanent."
Dumbledore's calm visage faltered. "Surely you jest, Harry. Magic such as this should not be permanent. It is impossible."
"Yeah, look, I know I messed up," Ron sputtered, "but you can't seriously tell me that I'm a girl for the rest of my life!"
Harry ignored Ron. "You're out of luck, Albus. You're not using me ever again."
Dumbledore was saddened to hear such venom come from a boy who used to look up to him. "Harry, as much as I hate to say this, you have no choice but to turn Ron back."
"If I don't?" Harry nonchalantly asked.
Albus sighed and stood on his two feet. He went to the middle of the living room, carefully casting a spell as he did so. "Ostendemus autem quod est vinculum."
There was a moment pause. Then, a small light emitted from Harry's chest.
"What the hell did you do to me?!" Harry demanded, preparing for a fight.
"Nothing harmful, I just illuminated your bond-line."
"Bond-line, I don't have a-"
Harry stopped himself when he looked at Ron. His...er...her chest was glowing as well. There was this tiny threat that was connecting them to each other.
"What the hell?!" Harry yelled.
"W-Whats going on?" Ron stuttered.
"I discovered it while studying Ron for a cure to the Hex," Dumbledore spoke. "It aided me in narrowing down my search for you, Harry, but I didn't rely on it too much."
Harry was still shocked with what he was seeing. If he read correctly, then there were a many different types of bonds, but he didn't know which category this bond fit under. And, he dreaded the answer.
"What type of bond is this?" Harry murmured, just loud enough to be heard.
Dumbledore seemed struck by the question. "I'd imagine you'd know what type of bond this is since you created the curse."
"Answer me, old man!"
Dumbledore was stumped that Harry hadn't intentionally created the bond. The headmaster questioned Harry's brash behaviour with such strong magic. He also wanted to know how Harry could possess strength to use magic without a wand, but felt it was not his place to question yet. "Alright, calm yourself... It is a mate bond."
"What?!" Ron and Harry screamed in Unison.
"You heard correctly, only this specific one is fixated on a female slave and a male master. And since Ron is completely female, this bond applies to…her."
"You've got to be kidding me! Why didn't you tell me this before, headmaster?!" Ron screamed her lungs out.
"I'm afraid it was in your best interest not to know. The less damage, the better it is dealing with what's necessary."
"Still keeping secrets," Harry snorted, "things never change."
Dumbledore frowned at Harry. "I am being truthful to you both right now."
Harry ignored the statement, however. He was keeping his eyes on Ron. The hot-headed redhead he remembered wouldn't hesitate to blame him for everything that's happen and attack after. He was prepared to beat the living crap out of Ron if need be, girl or not.
But, Ron just sat in her seat, a torn look plastered on her face.
Dumbledore decided to take the opportunity the situation provided. "If you cannot lift the curse, Ron is bonded to you as a mate and will only be with you. The bond has taken years to solidify itself, and now there's no turning back. If you are too far away from each other, then it is Ron who will suffer. And I assure you, the pain is scarring, both mentally and physically. It will not take full affect until your fifth year in Hogwarts, I've calculated it myself. You still have time to undo this, Harry."
"... That's why you need me at Hogwarts, as a fail-safe."
"It is another reason, but honestly, yes."
"Woopdy bloody doo."
"I know it's a lot to process, and I apologise for not telling you sooner, Mr. Weasley-"
"It's Miss right now, sir, just for sanity sake" Ron said, bothered.
Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "I'll give you space. Come outside when you have done talking, Ms. Weasley. And Harry, I look forward to seeing you back at Hogwarts. More will be explained when you arrive."
Harry snarled in reply. He did not like what he was AGAIN FORCED to do, but for his wellbeing, he had no choice but to comply...for now.
Once they were alone, Ron started feeling even more nervous. It had been two years since she'd last seen Harry. He'd changed so much. He looked more grown up and mature. His face had turned angular and handsome, with two bangs framing his visage. He was darker looking, that was certain and his cold emerald eyes forced her to shiver occasionally.
Harry was not in the mood to entertain someone who betrayed his trust. "You may leave." It wasn't a request.
Ron bit her lip, surprising Harry with how girlish it was. "Harry...I...uhm-"
"You know, I am surprised at a few things," Harry said. "You're not attacking me for turning you into a girl in the first place. Oh, by the way, I don't even regret it. The only thing I regret is that I didn't study the spell well enough to not be involved in anyway."
Ron flinched at the jabs, but she knew his game. He was goading her, trying to get her angry so she could attack him. But she surprised him by offering a nervous smile. "Actually, I was wondering when you were going to start kicking my arse for everything."
That threw off Harry's game, but he wasn't fooled. "If you came to me seeking help, you're out of luck. I don't care."
Ron looked down, wringing her hands together. There was a pregnant pause before Ron sighed then spoke, "Well, I will admit that I was pretty mad when you turned me into...this."
"That's not my problem."
Ron frowned, but decided not to get riled up and explain. "It was hard in the beginning. I was so sensitive to so many things. I'd get easily upset, I have," she shuddered, "periods. And I started even thinking like a girl. I still liked girls, but then...I started thinking about guys too." She really did question her mentally when she started fantasising about her best mate. Actually, he was the only man she thought about in a girl-filled mind, but now she realised - to relief - that the bond might have played a huge role in that. There was no way in hell that she was going to let Harry know that though. "It was so awful. I blamed you for everything. I wanted nothing more than to kill for what you did."
"And here I am," Harry coaxed, smirk evident.
"...I just...couldn't fault you for it. No matter how upset mom and dad were, no matter how it made Hermione and I so confused when still dated. I felt, in my own way, I deserved it for not being a friend, for taking you for granted...for betraying you." She muttered the last part, avoiding his striking eyes.
Harry wasn't sure what to make of Ron's speech. He could not fathom anyone turning HIM into a girl. It would be terrible, taking away what he was born with.
"So I dealt with it," Ron continued. "I lived for two years as a girl, and you know what, it really opened my eyes. Looking back, I can't help but feel I deserved worse than this. You were INNOCENT, Harry, and I should have known better."
"Don't bother apologising."
"Then I won't," Ron nodded, serious. "It was hard at first being a girl, but I gradually adjusted thanks to everyone's support. I've learned so much over the years. Being a female has given me an opportunity to see things in different angles. It's allowed my mind to open up, letting me think more instead of just acting out and shooting myself in the foot. I left you alone all these years because I knew I'd be digging myself a bigger grave."
"Whoa," Harry shook his head. "Are you thanking me?"
Ron blinked for a few seconds, then wrinkled her nose. "That's not it. I'm just saying that your little punishments helped me change and see the gravity of my actions."
"And you want me to reverse it?"
Ron frowned, her delicate features tightening. "You're not listening, Harry. What I'm trying to say is that I've accepted what's happened to me. I'm prepared to live like this for the rest of my life if that's what you think I deserve. If you take away this hex, I'd be happy and eternally grateful, but if you choose not to, I'd understand and not hold it against you. But, Harry, if you keep me like this...I hope you know what it means for us now."
Not that she was THAT much against it, but she still didn't want Harry to know.
This time, Harry showed his shock. He had been expecting a lot of things from Ron, begging, pleading, angered curses, hell, even fists - an indirect thank you was not one of them. And her implication of what there relationship would be if the bond was strengthened was not helping matters.
Ron realised something, and moaned into her hands. "Oh, Merlin, mom's going to be so mad."
Harry figured that he might as well use this opportunity and get info. "Where is little Ms. Know-It-All?"
Ron flinched at the name. "Uhh... 'Mione is difficult sometimes. I really wanted her to come with me, but she refused."
"Figures, only when it suits her," Harry said. A part of him was angered that Hermione didn't bother showing up, another part couldn't be bothered. He chose the latter to stick to.
Ron took a deep breath and spoke: "She's scared, Harry."
"Scared of owning up?"
"No, she'd gladly call herself an idiot over and over for you."
"Then what is she afraid of?"
"... The thought of you hating her."
Harry snorted.
Ron glared for the first time. "I'm serious, it's kind of the reason we broke up."
"Broke up?"
"We're still friends, but that seems to be all we are, I guess."
Ron sounded sad just saying those words, but Harry wasn't sympathetic. "Too bad."
Ron picked up on the sarcasm, and retorted with her own, "Thanks."
Silence followed after. Harry was comfortable in seeing Ron fidget every now and then, but Ron couldn't stand the stillness of air.
"Are...are you going to run away again?"
"What's the point? Hogwarts will force me to come back!" Harry was mindful to shout the words for his soon to be headmaster's ears to pick up. No doubt the dirty old man was listening intently on the other side.
"Oh," Ron said, scratching her head in sheepish realisation.
Another awkward silence.
Ron stood up, she decided to excuse herself before things turned ugly. She could at least take comfort that Harry wasn't as nasty as she pictured. But it was too early to tell of anything. Additionally, it was too early for Harry to distinguish her changes as well. "I have to go now. I'll see you at school."
Harry didn't reply, content with being as rude as he wanted.
Ron was a little put off, but she left anyway.
Harry would have never thought powerful magic would backfire with disastrous results. When he said Ron's condition was permanent, he wasn't kidding. He didn't know how to change Ron back to a boy, not that he wanted to, mind you (revenge was sweet). He needed to figure out a way to break the bond though. If what Dumbledore said was true, then Ron was his bond-mate, and that involved sexual attraction as well. He shuddered, thinking of what would happen if he even started lusting after Ron.
He wasn't against anyone who preferred same sex relationship; he'd never think any different of them, and it wasn't as if Ron WAS a boy anymore, but he was not gay. No matter what, it would still be...weird and...it was RON.
His plans were tarnished for now. He would have to be kept in the loop of Voldemort's activities in Hogwarts.
He silently cursed Dumbledore, Ron, Hermione, the Weasleys, the Ministry, and Merlin himself before he calmed down. One thing was for sure...
His fifth year in Hogwarts was going to be interesting.
XXXXXX
I was REALLY sick and tired of reading great stories of Harry Potter being betrayed that ruined their flow with intense bashing of characters that took things TOO far. I'm not against bashing of character if it's done right, but senseless bashing just ruins it for me. So I decided to try a Harry Potter betrayal fic of my own, with my own twist. True, as you can see, I'm not JK Rowling, but hopefully my ideas won you over to my side (Joooiiinn mmeeeee, joooiinn mmeeee. Mwahahahahaha!)
I'm still thinking of putting Sirius and Remus into the story. (WIP)
Note: in this fic, I will include the Tri Wizard Tournament, because I can and because I love Gabby. I read 'Hope' and fell in love with the story and pairing. Whether Ron and Harry become a pairing themselves is up in the air.
Oh, did I mention, my Harry Potter guilty pleasure is GREAT Harry Harem stories that make me laugh. I love Harry and I think he deserves more than a few female interests. Hell, I might make this a harem fic if you guys want.