Chapter 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Star Wars. Harry Potter belongs to J. K. Rowling while Star Wars belongs to George Lucas.
21 ABY
Seven years had passed since Harry had joined the Solo family. Now a thirteen year old, Harry had easily fit into the Solo family and like the rest, he was a picture of grace, patience and understanding...
"I'm gonna make you eat my space dust this time, Jay-Jay!" Harry exclaimed.
….or maybe not.
Harry had grown up well over seven years. With good meals and haphazard Jedi training, he had grown to a respectable height for his age although his hair still looked a Corellian falcon's nest no matter what was done to it (to Leia's eternal chagrin). He had a swimmer's physique and was very fast. Leia often stated that he was going to be a lady killer when he grew up.
"Only if I pilot blindfolded and go at half speed you overgrown ewok!" responded the aforementioned Jay-Jay, otherwise known as Jaina Solo.
Harry and Jaina were once again having a "friendly" competition between them on who was the better pilot...
"Get off my exhaust port!" screamed Harry as he slammed his "borrowed" air taxi into Jaina's.
...yes, very friendly.
"Make me!" she screamed back as she slammed back into him.
You're probably wondering where Anakin and Jacen are. Well, every pilot needs a copilot so...
"Woo-hoo! Go Jaina, show him Solo's are the best pilots in the galaxy!" screamed Jacen. He had been "persuaded" into being Jaina's copilot because Jaina told him he was the best man for the job. The truth was that Anakin had already been drawn to the "dark side" (otherwise known as Harry's) and Jacen was the only one left. So here they were on Jaina's and Harry's 515th race to break the tie they were currently in (the score was 248 wins each and 18 draws). Of course they had a completely impartial judge...
"Please stop this madness!" screamed C-3PO from his "eagle-eye view" of being magnetically attached to the roof of Jaina'a air taxi. Artoo whistled his joy at the speed from the backseat of Harry's air taxi.
"Go Harry, we're totally gonna leave them in the dust this time, I've managed to get reconfigure the engine so it gives out more power!" Anakin encouraged.
Jaina heard this and glared at her twin. "Why can't you be as useful as Anakin?" she demanded.
"Excuse me, if I'm better with LIVING creatures!" Jacen screamed back. It was a running joke that Jacen was the only one of the family that wasn't good with mechanics and if it wasn't for being Jaina's twin and the color of his hair, would probably be confused as the adopted one instead of Harry. It probably didn't help that the one time he was given a engine to tinker with, he tried to use it as a zoo for his more "exotic" pets. Leia still won't eat any soup for fear of something alive still being inside it.
The "racecourse" was also known as Coruscant's busiest airway during rush hour, which just so happened to be right now. It lead from the Senate building to the former Jedi temple. The Solo-raised children ignored the screams and death threats from passerby by dint of years of practice.
"Only 100 meters to go!" Harry screamed in joy.
They were currently neck-to-neck and this final stretch would decide the winner of seven years of races and arguments over who was the better pilot. This is it, Harry thought as they approached the finish line.
"What are you doing?" screamed a voice that made Harry pale over the comm unit.
The distraction proved enough to make Harry jerk at the controls allowing Jaina the two meter lead for the victory.
"YESSS! Sweet victory!," screamed Jaina joyfully, completely ignoring the voice of her Aunt Mara over the comm unit.
"I demand a repeat, outside interference!" denied Harry.
"Don't be a sore loser Harry!" mocked Jaina. "It's not MY fault you're imagining things."
"Imagining what dear niece?" asked a deceptively calm voice over the comm.
Jaina paled. Now that the adrenaline had left her system, she heard the voice of her Aunt Mara over the comm just like Harry and like Harry reacted exactly the same.
"Evasive maneuvers!" all four screamed in unison.
However, it was far too late. Mara had used the Force to turn off the commandeered air taxis and park them by the former Jedi Temple's entrance (the finish line). By the time they could turn it back on (especially since they didn't know the clearance codes to turn it on in the first place; they had to "borrow" two that where already on) they would be caught. Mara was currently on the Jade Sabre which had a tractor beam custom-built in. Therefore, they went to plan B.
"He/She started it!" screamed Jaina and Harry while pointing at each other. "No I didn't, you did!" they defended in unison.
"Enough! Leave the taxis there and get on the Jade Sabre now!" Mara said forcefully.
The Jade Sabre was Luke's wedding present to Mara. It was a custom-built and modified shuttle in the form a blade. Harry once said it had more modifications than a Jedi Master Yoda's lightsaber (he assumed that Yoda must have modified it over his 900 year life). The children dragged their feet out of the taxis and reluctantly moved up the ramp with Artoo whistled sadly behind them. Mara was currently at the top of the ramp tapping her foot and glaring at her almost-son and his cousins.
"Leia leaves you all for a weekend and you take advantage of it to have another race," Mara said reprovingly.
"But Mom, Jaina said that Uncle Han was a better pilot than you therefore she was obviously the better pilot by dint of having a better teacher," argued Harry in his best "I'm a good son and you love me" voice. "I was only defending your honor!"
When Mara and Luke started dating in earnest, Harry was initially hesitant around her. However, after Mara gave him some lightsaber training in Makashi (he didn't like Ataru saying it didn't feel right), they hit it off so well that people sometimes confuse them for true mother and son. Mara only knew the basics to Makashi but Harry took to it like a Solo to piloting as Han would say. He was a natural and declared he would overcome it's weaknesses to blasters and multiple opponents. Seeing his skill with it as well as Harry's near psychic-like precognition in battle, Mara had no doubt he would.
Mara would remember the first time Harry called her Mom as the happiest and most terrifying moment in her life.
Flashback (19 ABY)
Harry and Mara had just finished another lightsaber practice session. Leia was initially reluctant to start him on such a dangerous skill so young, being only ten years old when he started, but after seeing how much Harry enjoyed it (not to mention how much it calmed him down afterwards) she relented. Although she made Mara swear that she'd never give him a REAL lightsaber until after he started the Academy and Luke approved.
"So how am I doing?" Harry eagerly asked. They had been practicing intermittently for over a year now. The practice sessions were sparse, not only because she rarely had time to dedicate solely to Harry (between Luke, recent wedding plans, her Jedi duties, and spending time with the Solo children) but also because she believed that Harry shouldn't spend all his time training. After all, he was still young. So the training sessions were usually once a month.
"Pretty good," Mara responded. "Soon, I won't be able to teach you more on Makashi since I only know the basics. It's too much of a fencer's style for me."
Harry stuck out his tongue at her at her looking down at his favorite style. Despite his cocky demeanor at times (which he got from his Uncle Han) as well as his outgoing nature (shown in his various escapades with the Solos), in combat or in a stressful situation he was instantly calm and analytical. Probably a result of his ability to see shatterpoints, she mused.
When Luke first told her about his inherent ability, she laughed it off as impossible. After all, the only person recorded to have the ability was regarded as the greatest swordsman and a Jedi Master of the Old Republic. It seemed impossible for a child to have it. Then came her first sparring session with Harry.
As she was facing a ten-year-old, she decided to use Shii-cho with her training lightsaber. After all, he was only a kid and it was his first time using a training lightsaber. She first noticed that he didn't seem all that uncomfortable wielding a lightsaber. In fact, he used it like it was an extension of him; something of a trait only among experienced users. They started to spar and as expected she easily beat him every time. Hoever, she got complacent and overreached by half a millimeter in a swing and he was on her instantly. If it wasn't for her experience he would have disarmed her. She called a stop soon after.
"How did you do that?" she asked/demanded.
Harry looked down and responded in a low tone. "I saw a crack... and I took advantage."
She was speechless. It was true! The kid could see shatterpoints! He was able to use this ability to instantly see a split-second flaw in her form and take advantage.
After that, she eagerly kept training Harry. When he asked her for a style that was more precise, she started to teach him Makashi. It fit him like a glove. The fencer's style was perfect when combined with his speed and ability to see shatterpoints. At least until he manages to learn Vaapad, she mused to herself.
Back in the moment, Mara ruffled Harry's hair. They were on the sidewalk when she remembered that she left her pack in the apartment. "Wait a sec, I forgot my stuff inside, I'll be right back." She hurried inside to get her pack. Just as she reached it, she heard two unmistakable sounds that chilled her to the bone. The sound of a blaster firing and the sound of a lightsaber reflecting a blaster bolt.
"MOM!" Harry screamed in fear.
She was off like a shot. She jumped out of the window of the apartment she rented for their practice sessions, empty of furniture and anything that can make you stumble, and landed in front of Harry on the sidewalk in a crouch in between him and what was obviously a bounty hunter with her real lightsaber on. Harry was lying on the sidewalk holding his leg and staring scared at the bounty hunter. He had managed to block the first shot due to luck and his incredible Force senses but hadn't been quick enough to dodge a second to his right leg.
Mara growled at the bounty hunter that dared attack someone that she instantly categorized as HER child. Needless to say, the bounty hunter died painfully.
Flashback end
Since then, she had become fiercely protective of Harry and spent as much time with him as possible. She even insisted that he be one of the ushers along with Jacen on the wedding a month later. One would think that because he spent more time with Leia, he would regard HER as his mother. However, due to her various duties that kept her away as well as other reasons, he couldn't see her in that role. Since he was almost always with his cousins, this also allowed Mara to get close them as well.
"I'm glad you defended me, Harry but next time don't defend me by committing grand theft auto," Mara responded dryly. Seeing him about to respond, she continued. "Or do I have to give you another extra special lightsaber training session." Mara had an evil grin as she watched Harry pale.
A year ago, she had caught them in another race (this time with swoop bikes; don't ask how they got them). She almost had a heart attack when Harry had a near crash due to the race. She pretended to congratulate them on good flying and offered Harry a special lightsaber training session. He instantly agreed thinking that he got away with it. To this day, he would remember that training session and shiver in terror. Harry insists that his left butt cheek hasn't felt the same since.
"No, I promise it'll be the last time," Harry promised quickly. This year, mother and son thought in unison. One in amusement and the other in exasperation.
"Come on, Luke and Leia are back early," Mara said gesturing them to get on. They followed quickly.
"Will someone get me down from here!" Threepio screamed from where he was still attached to the roof of the air taxi.
After getting him off the roof, they all got on the Jade Sabre.
"I still won," Jaina muttered lowly to Harry. Harry's vehement denials were last thing heard before the ramp closed.
Solo residence, Coruscant
All four adults were glaring at the four children in front of them. Well, Luke and Leia were glaring. Han and Mara were trying, and failing, to hide their amusement and pride.
"Well, do you four have anything to say about yourselves?" Leia asked.
The children looked at each other before Jaina said, "I won."
"Yes! Pay up Mara," Han exclaimed, sticking out his hand to receive the 500 credits they had wagered on the outcome, which Mara gave him begrudgingly.
"Han!" Leia exclaimed disbelievingly. Luke's frown switched to a smile for split-second before forcing it back to a frown. However, everyone caught it.
"Am I the only one who believes what they did was wrong?" Leia exclaimed exasperatedly.
"No, sweetheart. We've just accepted it as inevitable after seven years," explained Han amusedly.
Leia just glared at her husband despite it being true. Despite Leia's best efforts, Harry and Jaina still found ways to race against each other. It would be worrying if it wasn't for humorous undertones and the strong bond between them. Indeed, sometimes Jaina and Harry seemed closer than even Jacen and Jaina. If they weren't so young the adults would suspect stronger feelings than just friendship.
"Well, despite the delay," here Leia glared at her children, "Luke has something to tell you."
Luke smiled at the children. Despite Luke's attempt at being impartial, he had to admit that he had been looking forward to this since Harry first joined the family. Over the years, Harry had proven himself a prodigy when it came to Force sensing. His senses had foiled many a kidnap and assassination attempt on the children. Luke's blood still boiled when he remembered the first assassination attempt directed at Harry himself. Needless to say, bounty hunters around the galaxy (well, the smart ones) decided that the pay either had to be in the seven digit area or they wouldn't take it. Once Mara entered the picture even Boba Fett decided that there were greener pastures. He doubted he'd live long enough to enjoy the money even if he was successful.
"I've come to announce that it's time for you four to enter the Academy," explained Luke.
The children cheered. Over the years, they had practiced with their abilities and even had miniature contests between them. Jacen was the unofficial animal magnet, Jaina was a wiz with mechanics and machines (even better than Harry to his chagrin) while Harry was the best sensor. Harry's Force senses have the potential to be equal to Mara's who's senses are better than even Luke's. Anakin was a prodigy in almost all areas and promised to have as much potential as his namesake. He often stated that using the Force was "like breathing to him." Harry internally frowned at his thought processes. Anakin treats the Force too much like one would treat a hydrospanner. He hoped he would grow out of that.
"Usually," Luke started after they calmed down. "I would wait till you're all older but I doubt you would want to wait a year before joining Harry in the Academy, am I right?" Luke had a wry grin on his face that grew with the Solo children's denials and Harry's laughter.
"Well then, if you want to be Jedi Masters you better pack first," Han stated with a grin.
The children cheered and stampeded to their respective rooms to get their stuff.
"They grow so fast," Leia stated in a longing tone. "Seems only yesterday they were trying to take apart the Falcon or steal it for a joyride."
"Um, honey," Han stated in a joking tone, "that WAS yesterday."
The adults dissolved into laughter.
One hour later
"You all set?" Han asked the children who were lined up in front of him.
"Wait, we should go say goodbye to Zekk," Jaina exclaimed.
Everyone missed the slight scowl that was on Harry's face at the mention of the street-wise youth. The reason was two-fold: one, he managed to make Harry look like an idiot at their first meeting and two, ever since Jaina had been smitten with the boy ever since. Harry tried to understand the complex emotions passing through him but couldn't so he forcefully suppressed them.
"No time, kiddo," Han responded sadly, "plus he could be anywhere. He doesn't exactly stay in one place."
Han didn't really like the kid. Mostly it was because he didn't like any boy who his daughter liked. He lived happily oblivious to the tension in Harry shoulders as well as the slight scowl whenever Zekk was mentioned.
"Oh, ok," Jaina said sadly.
Jaina sad tone instantly melted any ire Harry had at Zekk. Despite everything, he wanted Jaina happy (she sounded like a kicked puppy when she was sad) and so decided to be nicer to Zekk.
"We'll go see him when we come back to visit," Harry promised.
Jaina smiled happily at Harry and thanked him, not noticing the slight blush on Harry's cheeks. Jacen and Anakin looked at each other from behind them and rolled their eyes.
Jedi Praxeum, Javin 4
"We're gonna be real Jedi!" screamed Anakin for what seemed like the millionth time.
"Yes, Anakin," Harry responded exasperatedly. "But only after years of training."
"Still, aren't you excited? We're gonna learn about the Force, build a lightsaber..." he trailed off excitedly.
Harry just smiled at the ten-year-old as they walked up to the Jedi Praxeum.
The topmost level (or the 3rd floor)was basically a big chamber where they would do the most training called the Grand Audience Chamber. It was originally used as a ceremonial hall by the Alliance garrison but was now used by the Jedi Academy as a teaching space. The level below it (or the 2nd floor) was converted entirely to rooms for the Jedi Masters and their students; with extra space used for storage. On the level below (the 1st floor), the central chamber was called the Strategy Center or War Room, with the surrounding rooms on this level used as meeting-rooms, communications and computing bays, kitchens and dining halls. As they entered the War Room, they were told there was a basement level where the hangar was located.
The children (with the exception of Jacen who was looking longingly at the jungle outside) salivated at the idea of A-wings and X-wings being available to their "genius" tinkering. Luke, who was escorting them, noticed this and made a mental note to place a guard around the hangar. The last thing they needed was late-night explosions coming from the hangar. Kyle would probably mistake it for an attack, he thought with a wry grin.
"Well, guys I hope you're ready and that you make some friends while you're here," Luke told them before telling them to go the rooms already assigned to them.
Thankfully, all four shared rooms in the same corridor. Deciding to be friendly, the three eldest decided to greet their fellow "corridor roomies" as Jacen called them to Harry and Jaina's exasperation. Jacen's humor left a lot to be desired. Anakin went off to see if he could get into the hangar bay. They first knocked on the door across from Jaina's.
A golden-red haired girl opened the door. She was already dressed in her brown padawan robes and seemed to be slightly nervous if the constant straightening of the robes was any indication. She was fairly average in height (about 2 inches shorter than Harry) and had gray eyes that currently looked wary as she looked from one to the other.
"Can I help you?" she asked in a polite tone.
"Hi, I'm Jaina and this is my twin Jacen and my friend Harry," stated Jaina cheerfully. "We just came by to say hi to our fellow padawans and I hope we can be friends!"
The girl looked at each one as they were introduced (though they stayed a second longer on Jacen).
"It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Tenel Ka from Dathomir. It would be a pleasure to be your friend," she answered with a small smile.
Harry noticed there was a bit of relief in her eyes and concluded that she probably wanted some friends as well. It was only natural, he mused, no one wants to be friendless in a new place.
"Great! Wanna come with us to see who else lives in this corridor?" Jaina asked brightly.
Tenel Ka nodded her head and followed by Jaina side as they conversed with each other in rapid tones.
"Ugh, girl talk huh Jacen?" Harry muttered in a low tone.
Jacen laughed lowly at his comment.
As they walked, they found out that Tenel Ka was thirteen like Harry and was raised in Dathomir ways and beliefs like her mother. Strangely, she didn't mention who her father was. They told her about themselves and she didn't show surprise at their parentage simply saying she had guessed it when she saw them.
They eventually reached the last door in the corridor across from Harry's (the other two were empty) and this time Harry knocked.
The door was answered by a beautiful twi'lek girl. She had blue eyes and was blue-skinned like the famous Aayla Secura. She was wearing a white tube top that showed a bit of her developing cleavage and a white headdress that went from her chin, covered her head and went halfway down her tails while keeping her face uncovered. She also wore white pants with a white short skirt on top as well white shoulder pads. She also had white long sleeves that went from her wrist to the inside of her shoulder pads. All in all, Harry had to admit that she had makings of a real beauty (For an image, look up Astraal Vao in Wookieepedia).
"Hello, can I help you?" she asked hesitantly.
"Hi, I'm Harry. This is Jaina, that's Jacen and the red head is Tenel Ka. We just got here and were meeting people," Harry stated.
The girl looked at each in turn as he pointed them and greeted them before looking back at Harry.
"I'm Astraal Vao, pleasure to meet all of you," she stated with seductive smile on her lips as she looked at Harry.
Jaina of course noticed this and felt a slight pang in her chest as she looked from one to the other. She quickly looked down to her own chest as well as Tenel Ka's (what she could see with her robes on) and compared them to Astraal's. She quickly figured out that Astraal was very gifted. She couldn't be older than Harry and already she had cleavage, Jaina screamed internally. Unknown to her, Tenel Ka was having similar thoughts.
Harry and Astraal hit it off and after some time Jaina, Tenel Ka and Jacen warmed up to her. Astraal was kind and nice so it was hard for Jaina to not like her. She was fourteen and had joined the Academy late because she was just found and freed a month ago. She told them she used to be dancer for a Hutt before Master Skywalker found her and freed her.
They talked among themselves as they imagined what they would learn in the Academy. Even the reserved Tenel Ka showed some excitement.
"So what lightsaber form are you thinking of using as your primary?" Jacen asked Harry.
Jacen knew that Harry would probably get to build his lightsaber before the others due to his previous training. He already knew Shii-Cho and was determined to master Makashi. Jacen and Jaina wanted in on the lessons as well but Leia had put her foot down and forbid it until they came to the Academy. Harry was only allowed because at ten-years-old Leia had yet to find a defense to his puppy dog eyes of doom as Jaina called it.
"Hmm... I have an idea but I'm not telling yet," Harry stated with a grin.
"You too?" Astraal asked surprised.
"You also have an idea of what style your gonna use?" Jacen asked disbelievingly. It wasn't that strange. After all, the Solo children and Harry only knew of lightsaber styles due to being raised by two jedi (three for Harry). But Astraal said she had only been found a month ago so it surprised him that she knew lightsaber forms.
"Yes, when I asked Master Skywalker if there had been any other twi'lek jedi of note before and he told me about Aayla Secura," she explained. "I've decided to emulate her and her combat style."
"Cool," Jacen said in reverent tone.
"Well, I have someone whose style I want to emulate but I won't tell who until I'm sure it's possible," Harry stated.
No matter how much the others badgered him, he wouldn't tell them who it was and just grinned at them.
"All students, please report to training hall," a voice sounded over the comm system.
"Well? Let's go guys!" Harry stated with a grin. He started running toward the destination with the others following behind him
AN: You should see that I've already added an OC. I got her name from a twi'lek mentioned in Cade Skywalker's time in Wookieepedia. Astraal will have an important part to play in the development of the characters, especially Harry's.
For all those who follow the New Jedi Order series, you should notice that I entered the Solo twins and Anakin a year early. This was done so I wouldn't have to divide the stories into two viewpoints: Jaina's and Harry's, because that would be annoying and probably give me headaches. However, all other major events (battles and wars) will still happen at the normal timeline. The only difference will be when they entered the Academy.
For Star Wars enthusiasts, I'm sorry to say that I'm not gonna add every single adventure the Solo children had. I'm going to mention the important ones such as the Shadow Academy but the others won't be mentioned unless you send me a message of a specific adventure and why you think I should put it in my story. Heck, the adventure revolving Obi-Wan's lightsaber didn't add anything to the plot. Anakin didn't even keep Obi-Wan's lightsaber!
This chapter was mostly to explain the relationship between the main characters and Harry as well as give hints to strong bond between Jaina and Harry. It's a cross between a rivalry and a strong friendship. The mother-son relationship between Mara and Harry should be noted because it will play an important part in the future.
Harry will be the only character of that universe that will be a Jedi. Everyone else in that universe will show up at a much later date and be a part of the Star Wars universe but none of them will be Jedi along with Harry.
For those wondering about Harry's new attitude... he was basically raised by Han Solo and Mara Jade. Both Luke and Leia would be too busy to play a significant role on him though they will have impacts on his view of the world around him.
The next chapter will go into depth into his relationship with Luke and Leia as well as the appearance of Lowbacca.
Please review!