Chapter 2 : explanation

Salazar sighed with compassion for Harry : « Well to answer your last question it's quite simple, in fact. Your mother had always been good at both charms and potions. To be sure you were protected she gave you a potion to alter your true appearance into James' and place a charm on you to make the potion last longer. That's why you look like a carbon copy of James. As for your biological father wanting to kill you, well, when you were born he felt your full dormant power and he became afraid : He knew you were more powerfull than him and feared you would want either to fight for the light and kill him, or to take his place as the dark lord. So, taking no chances he decided to kill you both with James, emilinating a potential threat and the heir of Gryffindor at the same time. »

« So, it's right, then. I'm this monster's son .» Harry couldn't control himself any longer and began to sob for his dead mother, for James and for himself, for what he felt was his worthless life.

« Yes, Harry it's true. But it doesn't mean you're a monster too. Look Salazar, for instance : He isn't the least evil, but almost all his heirs were. It's not his fault, as it isn't your fault you're Tom Riddle's son. Also, while we're speaking of your feelings of insecurity and inadequency, I must mention this guilt of you. YOU ARE NOT GUILTY ! Whether it be Cedric's death or Sirius's, it really isn't your fault. It is Voldemort's.» said Merlin.

« Do you truly believe in what you're saying ? » asked Harry in a miserable voice.

« Yes, I do » answered the old man with conviction.

« Thanks. » said Harry quietly.

« Well, now that the hardest part of the explanation is done, I think it's time we pass to the most interesting and most fun one ! » exclaimed Salazar.

« You see, Harry, we contacted you tonight because we have to explain some things to you about your inheritance. You haven't really received it yet because you were born at 2 o'clock a.m. so you'll receive it only then. When a wizard reach his full power it is generally quite painful. The more powerful you are, the more painful it is actually. As you have quite a lot of power on your own plus the added bonus of mine and Merlin's power, you can assume you will suffer quite a lot. But the most tricky part is that your body will certainly change to adapt to the power it must hold : you will become taller, broader, stronger, but you could also grow some other limbs like a tail or pointed ear or something like that. But you mustn't worry, you won't be considered « abnormal » in the wizarding world, even if this occurrence didn't happen in a long time. However if you feel uneasy, this sort of things can easily be hidden. »

While Salazar talked, Harry's eyes got wider and wider. He was horrified : he could be more of a freak than he was already !

Reading his thoughts, Merlin tried to reassure him « I, myself got pointed ears and grew a tail. It was most incomfortable to wear pants after that, I assure you. But then I discovered how to hide it and it never bothered me again. »

Salazar went on « I grew beautiful black-feathered wings and long pointed fangs. I felt like a vampire with those at first ! But they were quite useful to detect strong feelings, like fear or even betrayal. I learned to use my peculiar limbs like secret weapons and nobody ever knew about them, even my wife ! »

« Well, Harry, we must leave you now. It soon will be time for your coming into power. Don't worry we will always be with you .

Suddenly, Harry's vision blured and he woke.

Tbc.

? Ambre