Title: Harry Potter and the Four Realms
Original Author: Daphne Li
Categories: Creature, Royal Harry, Wrong Boy Who Lived, Adoption fic
Pairings: Harry/Ginny, OC/OC, Severus/Narcissa, Draco/OC, Neville/OC, Ron/Hermione, James/Lily, Bill/Fleur, Charlie/Tonks,
Warnings: Blood gore that could give this story an M-rating but other than that, there's nothing else.
Rating: Teen
Spyridon: When I stumbled upon this story back in my freshmen year at college, I immediately loved this story. I kept coming back to this story every couple weeks just for a reread if I were to hazard a guess. As the weeks wore on, my mind just started running through different scenarios of where Daphne Li could take. And let me tell you, those scenarios ranged from Delian dying in the last battle to Delian turning evil to the world collapsing into an apocalyptic world war III. That tells you I've been reading too many dark fics but anywho. On one such reread, I noticed that CH10 had been altered a bit, not drastically mind you but enough to garner my attention but when I went to her profile page, let me tell you, I ran full tilt into her declaration that 'HP and the 4 Realms' would probably be left unfinished. I was left like the time of Great Sorrow in Avatar.
And that's when one of my muse bunnies decided to morph into Delian, over taking my Shyamal bunny. Unless I wanted to kill Delian and risk him coming back as an Inferi, I pm'ed Daphne with the intent to pick up the reigns.
I have finished CH11 in the sense that it has been sent to my beta reader for this fic. When I will actually post this story can be really said but I know it will be out before the new year. *knocks on wood*. I hope I didn't jinx myself with that. I do know how the epilogue will play out; I just have to get there. I'm quite unsure how long I want to draw it out because I fell that there isn't really that much to tell within the story. We will just have to catch a ride with Delian and find that out as we go.
This story will be kept in its entirety from the first word of the first prologue all the way through to the last word of the last chapter she posted which was CH10, including its formatting. The purely new chapter will be declared as CH13 under chapter system. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE READ DAPHNE'S STORY, I WOULD SUGGEST REREADING THE LAST CHAPTER!
For those who have NEVER read this story, link to the original story is on my profile.
Now on with the retelling.
SUMMARY:
Harry Potter and his twin brother Jayden, are two of the three candidates for the cause of the downfall of Lord Voldemort. When Jayden is believed to be the 'Boy Who Lived', Harry is neglected by all those around him. Seeing the boy's bleak future, one man takes matters into his own hands and takes the boy away to a place he will be loved and accepted, with no strings attached. A place called the Four Realms.
The years pass and Harry (Or Delian Harold as he is known to some) grows into a brave, handsome young man. He has four adoring sisters, a loving mother and a attentive father, and his best friend is a girl he met at the age of six, Ginny Weasley. He attends Beuxbatons, and keeps constant contact with Ginny, despite her being at Hogwarts for most of the year.
When Voldemort returns and threatens the Wizarding world, Harry knows that he must return to the world he was taken from as a baby, and finish what he started all those years ago when he was only an infant. But even with his family, Ginny, and new friends Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy by his side, will Harry be able to defeat the Dark Lord one final time? Especially when people still believe that Jayden Potter is the 'Boy who Lived', and that Harry Potter is six feet under?
Prologue: Part One
Two figures, one much smaller than the other, wandered on the edge of a dense wood, their movements silent and deliberative. Their eyes were trained to the tops of the trees around them, as if seeing things beyond the reach of mortal eyes. They said nothing, but the silence between them was comfortable and loving.
The first was a domineering-looking man, with twinkling hazel eyes and waist-length black hair that was pulled back into a ponytail. He walked with an distinguished air that seemed to display a regal countenance. His eyes, however, revealed humor and kindness that could not be feigned.
Next to this man walked a boy of no older than four. He too, had sleek black hair that reached to his shoulders and possessed a princely disposition that would have made many a mortal person laugh and silently wonder if the boy wasn't just a bit over-pampered. His eyes, however, were a clear ice blue that shone with an awe and wonder that could only belong to a child who knew little about over-indulgence.
The older man wore tan breeches and a plain white undershirt that was left untied at the throat to allow the chilly air to touch his pale skin. The boy wore what looked to be shorts in an earth-green hue, and a short- sleeved green shirt of a darker color. Neither seemed effected by the cooler-than-normal weather, nor were they bothered by the gathering night. On they walked in silence, neither showing any signs of fatigue.
Until finally, the boy spoke.
"Papa, why do the birds sing?"
Anyone would think this a silly question, even for a young child. But the man looked sincerely thoughtful as he processed his son's question.
"They sing because they have lived for another wonderful day. They sing to cheer up the flowers and trees of the earth, and to give them hope of a bright future." He finally stated.
"Why do they stop at sundown?" Came his next innocent question.
"Because another day has passed. The life-giving sun has set on the earth, and the mysterious moon has taken its place. The bird does not understand the secrets of the moon, therefore, they have no reason to sing to it."
"Except for the nightingale." The boy pointed out. The man smiled.
"That, and the raven." He murmured, turning his eyes to the sky as a large black bird flew overhead. The boy also looked up, and smiled as well.
"And the raven. Like mother." He said softly. The man nodded and put a gentle arm around the boy as he leaned against him. They stood in silence, watching the sky darken above them through the boughs of the trees.
Moments later, the boy's attention was diverted by a sudden noise nearby. He pulled away from his father, ears straining to catch the sound again. There it was! A rustle in the bushes to their left.
"Papa..."
"I heard. Stay here. It might not be safe." The man pushed his son behind him and moved closer to the source of the noise. The boy watched his father anxiously, straining to catch a glimpse of what lay just beyond the older man. With a cautious motion, the man parted the bushes and let out an quiet exclamation.
"What? What is it?" The boy whimpered, inching closer. His father said nothing, but stared into the bushes with a horrified look. Knowing that couldn't have been something dangerous because his father would have made him run, he moved to his father's side and peered into the bush.
There cowered a boy, no older than himself. This boy, however, was covered in bruises and traces of dry blood matted his shaggy, raven-colored hair. His skin glowed a sickly pale in the dusk and his face was hidden against his scrawny legs. The blue-eyed boy stared at this shocking vision, then looked up at his father who was gazing down at the injured boy with sorrow in his eyes.
Looking back and forth between them, the boy finally made a decision. Moving forward, he crouched down next to the bush, reached out, and placed a warm hand on the bruised arm. The other boy recoiled violently, and turned terrified eyes toward them. His eyes glittered like obsidian, and it was obvious they were filled with tears.
"It is alright. We won't hurt you." The blue eyed child said in a comforting voice. The urchin stared at him with an untrusting gaze, and grew even more nervous when the tall man crouched down next to his son to stare into strange boy's eyes.
"We can help you. But you must trust us. We will not harm you." He said gently, holding a hand out to the cowering figure. The boy stared at his hand for a moment, then to the surprise of everyone (including himself), he took it. The tall man led him out of the bush and into the clearing, where he then sat the child on the ground and began to look over his wounds. It was obvious that the bruises were not self-inflicted, nor were they accidental.
The boy had been cruelly beaten.
"I am known as Aeolus. This is my son, Zephyr. He is your age, if my guess is correct." The man said, his hands now hovering a few inches above the boy's right leg. The blue-eyed boy knelt down and smiled at their new companion, who stared at him with slight discomfort.
"I'm Severus. Severus Snape." He finally muttered. Zephyr wrinkled his nose.
"That's a silly name." He commented boldly. His father sent him a stern look, but neither boy seemed to notice.
"Yours is funnier; Zebra. What name is that?"
"It's Zephyr! Zef-ur! Mommy named me." He added as an afterthought. Severus looked at the ground and frowned. Aeolus saw this and realization filled his eyes.
"Severus, where are your parents?"
"Dead." The boy answered dully.
"How?"
"Daddy killed mummy. Then he killed himself. I hid. He was going to kill me, too." The boy sniffed. Aeolus stared at him in horror, and Zephyr scowled.
"That's bad." He stated. Then his look softened.
"My mother is gone, too. I miss her. She was a raven." He said proudly. Aeolus smothered a grin.
"You mean her name was Raven." He corrected. His son shook his head.
"No. She was a raven." He insisted. Instead of arguing with him, his father turned his attention back to Severus, who was staring thoughtfully at Zephyr.
"Do you hurt anymore?" He asked softly. The boy looked up, startled, and then his eyes widened as he realized that his pain was gone. The bruises and hidden cuts had disappeared, leaving smooth pale skin.
"How'd you do that?" He asked in awe, holding out an arm to look it over. Aeolus smiled and held out a hand to help him up.
"We fairy folk can do many things you mortals cannot. Come. Let us show you."
Instead of letting go of Severus's hand, he began to lead the child into the deep darkness of the forest. Zephyr quickly caught up and took Severus's other hand, squeezing it comfortingly.
"Yes. Let us show you."
In the process of adoption in the muggle world, the muggle method is the only accepted way of adopting a child, be it a muggle, witch, or wizard. In the same way, magical adoptions tend to follow a straight and narrow path similar to that of the muggle adoptions.
When a Fairy, Elf, Veela, or other magical creature decided to adopt, the process is very different, however. Simple contracts and agreements do not suffice. Once adopted, the child belongs to that family, body, soul, and blood. To do this, a blood-bonding ceremony must take place.
In the blood-bonding ceremony, the adopting parent(s) will willingly cut the palm(s) of their power hand(s), then make a small cut in the palm of the child's hand. The parent(s) will then press their bleeding palm(s) to that of the said child. After five minutes, they will put their linked hands into a basin of purified water and wait for five more minutes, while their blood mingles together in the water. After this, they will take their hands from the water and let go of the child's hand. The adoption is complete.
The reasons for blood-bonding are numerous and each is important as the last. A blood-bonding will allow the child to become blood-related to their family. It allows the child certain rights it would not receive if adopted under 'normal' circumstances, such as their parents inheritance (if they are the oldest or the only boy), or in rare cases, a ruling (royal) position. It also helps the child to avoid prejudice and hatred that they would normally face in similar situations. For example, Veelas use the blood-bond to make their children even more attractive than they would normally be. This is mainly because Veelas are widely renowned for their beauty, and it would be difficult on the child if they were surrounded by beauties greater than their own. Another example would be elves and fairies, who use the blood-bond to strengthen their new child and add to their power levels.
Once a blood-bond is completed, it is for life. Even if the child's biological parents are still alive, it is binding and unbreakable. The child belongs forever to their new parents.
Prologue: Part Two
A pair of emerald green eyes peered through the bars of a white crib and tiny hands clutched at the bars. No sound escaped the tiny being in that crib, but the baby's eyes shone with intelligence beyond his years. A thatch of messy black hair fell over his forehead, and unsteady legs held the little being up.
Across the room stood another crib, this one holding a baby identical to the first, save for the fact he seemed a bit less thin than his twin. He was fast asleep, unaware of the other's eyes on him.
Suddenly, a door between the cribs opened, allowing bright light to flood into the dark room. The alert baby looked up, his eyes showing distrust at the new arrival. A man stood in the doorway, looking around nervously. Another man appeared behind him, looking over his companion's shoulder into the room.
"Hurry, Pettigrew. They'll only be gone for a while." A voice hissed.
"Don't rush me. Why are we doing this, anyway? Why does he want him?" The first asked shakily.
"Don't question the master, especially not when he's mostly dead. Now, get the boy."
"Fine." The first man whined, entering the room. The baby watched him silently as he drew near.
"Come here, Harry." The man mumbled, reaching for the child. The baby whimpered and shied away, plopping down onto his bottom with a cry.
"Merlin's beard, even he doesn't like you. Let me." The second man stepped forward and scooped the baby into his arms. Immediately the sobbing ended and the child silenced, as if sensing something in the man that no one else did. He snuggled close, but his eyes remained locked distrustfully on the first man.
"Thank you for your help, Wormtail. I'm much obliged." With this, the man struck the back of the first man's head with his closed fist and his companion slumped over, unconscious.
"Let me tell you something, fool. Harry Potter will not be given over into the hands of Voldemort. Especially since the monster is all-but dead already." The second man spat, pulling the boy in his arms closer. He then turned and strode from the room, looking back only once.
"By the way, you make one hell of a baby-sitter, Pettigrew!" He sneered, shooting a binding spell at the man before leaving the house completely.
And Jayden Potter slept on, unconscious to the fact that his younger twin brother had just been stolen away. Unaware that he might never see him again. Unaware that his life would soon become one big lie.
Little Harry Potter fell asleep in the warm arms that held him, secure in the assurance that he was now in the presence of someone who would care for him correctly. Truth be told, Harry had rarely experienced this sort of comfort, mainly because his brother seemed to need more care than he, thereby taking up most of his parents time. This was, in fact, the first time anyone had held him with such care.
Severus Snape looked down at his young charge, and felt rage enter his chest for the thousandth time that night. The first cause of this anger stemmed from the reason he was now responsible for caring for this tiny life, and second, because of the neglect the child had been through.
And both of these were because of that horrendous prophecy.
Harry was obviously too thin for his age, seeing as most babies were chubby, while he remained like a stick. He also didn't look as healthy or cared-for as his twin had something that made Severus even angrier. Ever since that blasted prophecy had come to light and Voldemort had been defeated while attacking the place where the Potters and Longbottoms were in hiding, everyone had taken to believing that Jayden Potter was the legendary "Boy Who Lived". This had forced Harry to endure being ignored and neglected while his brother was spoiled and praised to the skies.
But Severus knew better. During a chance encounter with Dumbledore's pensive, Severus had been exposed to the prophecy in its entirety. And for some strange reason, only he seemed to understand what it truly meant.
Three boys had been born the night that the "seventh month dies"; Neville Longbottom, Jayden Potter, and Harry Potter. Only one, however, had been born while the seventh month died. After looking through hospital records, Severus had discovered that the Longbottom boy had been born at eleven forty-six on the evening of July 31st. Jayden Potter had been next at eleven fifty-five. But Harry Potter, the "forgotten" twin, had been born only seconds before the clock struck twelve midnight, at eleven fifty-nine. He had literally been born as the seventh month died. Harry Potter was the true "Boy Who Lived".
Looking at the now glowing scar on the infant's back left him in no doubt about that. Instead of a lightning bolt on his forehead like Jayden had received (most likely from being touched by the curse his brother's power had managed to mostly block), Harry's scar was completely different. It had taken the form of a mystical phoenix. It resided between the child's two shoulder-blades, its outstretched wings just touching them.
As Severus gazed at the sleeping child, he thought about what he was about to do. The story he had told Pettigrew about taking the infant to Voldemort was completely false. Voldemort didn't even know that he was the true "Boy Who Lived". He had never had the intention of giving him over to the Dark- Lord. No, he would die before he did that. Harry was like him in many ways, and Severus was determined to give him the life that he himself had been blessed with after his misfortunes.
It would be a life filled with love, love and care that the boy had never experienced. Granted, Severus would not keep the boy's true origin from him, but he would give the boy a chance to lead a life of his own...one without the rules and suppressions that the Wizarding world held. Harry Potter would be his own person before he ever returned to that world. Severus would make sure of that.
His feet carried him down a well-known path through a dense forest, one he had walked for the first time many years ago as a boy of only four. At the time he had not known what his life was about to become, nor the happiness that would follow. He could only hope that Harry's childhood would prove to be just as joyful and carefree as his own had been.
"Severus?"
Severus looked up to see a young man of twenty-four, standing on the path before him. The man's black hair reached to his waist and was pulled back into a braid, while his ice-blue eyes remained trained on the sleeping infant that the other man was carrying.
"Hello, Zephyr."
"It that him?" Zephyr asked quietly, as he moved closer to look down into the sleeping child's face. Severus smiled for the first time in a while.
"Yes. Zephyr, I would like to introduce you to Harry Potter." He held the boy up a bit, and Zephyr smiled widely.
"He belongs here, I can tell. He belongs with those who will understand him. He has great power, Eurus." Zephyr commented, using the name Severus had received after being adopted into Aeolus' family.
"I trust you will take good care of him." Severus murmured, handing the baby to his blood-brother, albeit reluctantly. Zephyr took the child with an enlightened look, and stared down at Harry a moment, before looking up at Severus.
"He is beautiful. Aire and I will take good care of him for his uncle Severus, I promise." He murmured, gently kissing the forehead of the dark- haired baby. Severus smiled at the title of 'uncle' and then he nodded.
"I know you will. Now, may I come with you to see the adoption, or am I going to be left out in the cold?" Severus asked in a mischievous voice that was very un-like his usual drawl. Zephyr grinned.
"If you missed it, I would castrate you." He teased, with a look that clearly said, 'you are his uncle, of course you're coming!' Severus smiled and followed after his half-brother into the place that would always be his home.
"Oh, Zee! He's gorgeous!"
A delighted woman with long white-blonde hair and bright blue eyes lifted the small boy out of her husband's arms and hugged him close. Harry had long been awake, and was taking this sudden bout of attention rather well, considering he had not experienced it before. He snuggled into the woman's arms and closed his eyes with a contented baby sigh. The woman 'awwed' over this, causing Severus and Zephyr to roll their eyes.
"Aire, you'd best loosen your grip, love, or we might not have a son to adopt!" Her husband teased. She glared at him but obeyed, revealing a swelled stomach, due to the impending birth of their second biological child, and third blood-related child.
"Daddy? Is he my brother?" A small voice asked from nearby. Zephyr turned to address the girl who stood behind her mother.
"Yes, Ceres, he is. Would you like to see him?" He asked, pulling his daughter into his arms and lifting her so she could view the soon-to-be new addition to their family. The girl had short, curly blonde hair, blue eyes, and had obviously inherited her mother's charm as a veela. Mix-breed children were funny that way. Few gained their traits from both parents (this was extremely rare, and had highly unusual effects, but it had happened a few times), most from only one. It made him wonder what sort of power Harry would receive after the adoption was complete. It was evident that he was already a powerful wizard, but when the bonding was done, he would have a high probability of gaining power from either his fairy father, or his veela mother.
"He has plant eyes." The girl said finally, in her four year-old way. This caused the three adults to laugh at her innocent acceptance of her brother.
"It seems as if you are having fun. May I be included in it?" Came a voice from behind them. Everyone turned to see Aeolus, father of Zephyr and Eurus (Severus), standing in the doorway.
"I would very much like to meet my grandson, if you don't mind." His voice was light, but his words were almost threatening. Aire smiled as she lifted her son into sight. Aeolus took the boy from her and smiled as his face screwed up into a curious expression, before relaxing into awe at this new person.
"So this is the famous Harry Potter I have heard so much about. Welcome to our family." The older man said, allowing his finger to be grasped by the much smaller hand of his soon-to-be grandson. Wide green eyes met hazel and held them, until Aeolus looked away with a chuckle.
"This one has spirit. I can't wait until he gets old enough to learn magic. Who knows what he will do!"
"Well, we won't know fully until we conclude the bonding. I believe the holy-man is ready to perform the ceremony." Aire commented, taking her son back from her father-in-law. Severus glanced around at the anticipating faces, and smiled.
It was time.
Severus watched with quiet awe as Zephyr and Air slit their palms, allowing the blood to run free. Then Zephyr carefully took Harry's right hand and cut a straight line across it. The boy whimpered as blood rose to the surface, but made no other sound. Together, Zephyr and Aire clasped the little boy's hand with their own hands, and held it.
Five minutes later, they dipped their hands into the purified water and five minutes after that, they lifted them out. As one, they released their son's hand, revealing a completely healed palm, free of blood or cut.
"It is done." Aeolus murmured, standing from his seat in between Ceres and Severus. Zephyr and Aire held their son, smiling brighter than ever before.
"Now he is my brother." Ceres said calmly, getting up and walking over to her parents. Zephyr let his son go and scooped her up, allowing her a better view of her new family member. Severus watched as his new nephew calmly looked around at them all, then broke into a bright baby smile.
Yes, Harry Potter would now live the life he deserved. He would be cared for, he would know what love was, and learn to love in return. He would find things that gave him joy, and in return he would give joy to others. He would live a full life, one without boundaries or living in another's shadow.
"He will no longer hold the name of Potter, but will be known as His Royal Highness, Prince Delian of the Four Realms. He will still be called Harry by many, but his given name by us is Delian, for he brings light into our lives." Zephyr stated loudly, his voice echoing through the room.
And through this it came to be that Harry Potter became the beloved Prince Delian, heir to the high throne of Four Realms.
In coming months, Harry astonished his family by gaining physical traits associated with both fairies and Veela. First came the small, visible bursts of power and the slightly pointed ears of the fairy. The ears were not as pointed as those of an elf, but they were easy to place. Then came the uncommon beauty, the black hair streaked with blue, and the emerald green eyes flecked with gold, correlating with the changes found in budding Veela males.
He had fallen easily into being part of the family, much to the relief of those around him. He would spend time resting in his father's arms at night before bed, simply listening to his father's soothing voice talking to his mother. He would revel in the times his mother bent to pick him up, holding him close as she wandered aimlessly through the hallways of the palace singing softly to him.
Harry also gained a strong bond with his older sister, who doted on him every moment she got the chance. Ceres adored her little brother, and it was a lucky thing that he was a patient child and willing to put up with her over-zealousness.
Harry also formed an entirely different bond with his new born sister, Arnea, who was born shortly after his adoption. She had gained her father's dark hair and his ice-blue eyes. She also seemed to have his fairy power, though it was too early to tell as of yet. But Harry revered the tiny being, and spent much of his time leaning over the side of her bassinet, simply watching her sleep.
Another of Harry's favorite past-times was spending time with his grandfather. It seemed as though the old man couldn't pamper him enough, showering him with gifts and fun little toys. The old man had no qualms with allowing the child to run wild around the throne room while he dealt with the business of the Realms.
Many courtiers, lords, and ladies who were present at these times found themselves watching with amusement as the small boy toddled around the huge room, playing with his toys or playing hide-and-seek with the eyes of the people he knew were watching. Sometimes his older sister would join in, adding to the humor.
But it was his Uncle Severus's visits, that made his life complete. Uncle Severus came to visit several times a week, never forgetting to bring some new and interesting toy to play with. He would watch in adoration as his little nephew diligently set to work trying to discover what this new object was meant to do.
Little Harry was unconscious of the daily growth in the numbers of his admirers. He didn't care how many people were beginning to see him as the future of the Fairy realms. He didn't see the admiring gazes he received from all who came into his presence, charmed by his innocent openness to new and wondrous things.
He knew nothing but the security of his own tiny little world, and of his own small family. And for now, that was all he needed to know.