Chapter 3. New friends, new skills
The very next day, Harry woke up bright and early nearly bouncing with excitement. He hurriedly gobbled down his breakfast and pleaded Jessamine to hurry. With a small smile, Jessamine got up and brought Harry to the nearby village where they had met Dudley, Petunia and Vernon.
As soon as they reached the nearest floo network, Jessamine explained how it worked and with a bounce in his step, Harry hopped into the floo network and when he got out, he waited patiently for his mother. Soon, the two were walking towards Gringotts.
Upon reaching the bank, they were greeted by Griphook who happens to be a good friend of Jessamine. He nods at the young wizard before bringing them to the concealed entrance to the home of the Goblins.
Upon reaching Griphook's rather cozy hut, they sat down and as Griphook made some tea he asked, "What is the purpose of your visit today?"
"Griphook, we have known each other for several years and you know I won't ask of you for favors but this is rather dire. I want you to train Harry. Train him to fight and be strong." Jessamine asked with pleading eyes.
"Jessamine, I am nothing but a bank teller, you have come to the wrong person my dear." Griphook chuckled, under the harsh demeanor Goblins were really quite nice. They had different cultures but Goblins were rather violent but nice creatures.
Jessamine opened her mouth to try to persuade him to help her but was interrupted when Griphook continued, "But I know of a friend who would be more than willing to train the young boy who saved us from the tyranny of a horrible man."
"Thank you so much Griphook!" Jessamine said with obvious relief.
"Anything for you Jessamine." Griphook replied.
"There is one more thing I must ask, what is in Vault number 713?" Jessamine asked curiously.
"I'm afraid I cannot tell you. Now, how about visiting my friend now?" Griphook suggested.
Jessamine nodded in consent and holding Harry's hand, she walked with Griphook. Upon arriving, Jessamine took one glance and realized it was the fighting arena and wondered why Griphook would bring her and Harry to the place where several Goblins were most probably killed due to fights over pride. Fear overwhelmed her heart as she feared seeing the worst and she prepared to cover Harry's eyes at a moments' notice.
"Don't worry Jessamine, it's empty." Griphook assured and continued walking.
Still rather wary, she continued to follow but not once relaxing. Upon seeing for herself that it was indeed empty, then did she allow herself to relax.
"Jessamine, young Harry, this is my good friend and brilliant swords master, Fanggrip. Fanggrip, this is Jessamine and her adopted son, Harry Potter." Griphook introduced.
"A pleasure my lady. I apologise for my rather gruesome appearance. What may I owe this pleasure to?" Fanggrip asked, sounding oddly like a human gentlemen but everyone had their own surprises.
"I have come to ask a skilled swords master as yourself to train my son." Jessamine answered.
"Why would I want to train him when he is a wizard?" Fanggrip asked, losing his gentlemanly demeanor.
"In a battle is it not better to have more than one strategy?" Jessamine retorted.
"How would I know he does not turn against us and fight with out own fighting skills?" Fanggrip shot back.
"Why think about that now when he is still a young child with an innocent heart?" Jessamine answered.
"Very well Miss, I accept young Harry as my apprentice." Fanggrip nodded in approval. Surely a child growing up in an environment with such a mother cannot go wrong.
"Thank you Fanggrip. I will take my leave now, would you like to speak with Harry?" Jessamine suggested.
"Very well." Fanggrip nodded shortly.
"Harry, I'll be off for now, I'll come and get you soon. Why don't you talk to Fanggrip?" Jessamine informed Harry and after receiving a nod, she left.
It was like that did Harry's passion for swords begin. Just hearing the Goblin speak of it entranced him, making him think of he himself holding a sword in battle, fighting with his enemies and winning every battle. The way Fanggrip spoke of swords enthralled him as he clung onto each and every word, the thought of just holding a sword made him smile.
"Mr Fanggrip, please teach me how to fight with a sword now! I want to learn it!" Harry pleaded.
"Learning how to fight with a sword isn't that simple Harry. I'll teach you soon enough. Be patient. Just call me Fanggrip, none of the 'Mr' nonsense." Fanggrip said.
Harry smiled at the prospect of those lessons and excitement raced through his body. Not long later, Jessamine returned to collect Harry who was very reluctant to leave. Once he was promised that he would be back for lessons and arrangements had been made, then did he leave without a fuss and even hugged the surprised Goblins with a chirpy 'good-bye'.
Just a few days later, after lessons and training, Harry arrived at the training arena where Fanggrip was waiting, polishing some of his swords. When Harry reached out to grab one with his inexperienced hands, Fanggrip swiped his hand away and instructed Harry to run around the training arena till he was panting and almost fainting.
Harry nodded eagerly and began running but three laps around the big arena late, he was gasping for breath and his legs ached painfully. When he tried to stop Fanggrip asked, "Are you fainting yet?"
When Harry shook his head, Fanggrip barked, "Then why are you stopping?"
Harry kept running despite his aching legs, he believed it would be worth it in the end. His determination impressed the Goblin and after Harry had fallen then did the Goblin allow the boy a five-minute break. Harry frowned but did as he was told but his tiredness was replaced by joy when he was handed a wooden sword and the real lessons began after a few minutes of proper stretching.
After almost four hours, Harry returned home perspiring and absolutely drained of his energy. He quickly showered, ate and fell asleep the minute his head hit the soft moss of his pillow.
This routine continued for months and soon Harry became fitter, more agile and definitely stronger. He moved swiftly and with some training his strategizing skills had begun improving. He often felt like giving up but he persevered and kept training. Slowly Fanggrip introduced him to using a rapier when he was sure Harry would not end up slicing every living thing he met, by accident. After almost over a year of training, Fanggrip decided to introduce Harry to the long sword and arming sword.
During one of the last few trainings before Christmas, the now eight-year-old Harry skillfully sliced through the targets and continued to viciously slice and thrust at them with the borrowed arming sword.
"We'll move onto training with daggers and maybe I'll get Sharptooth to train you in shooting arrows soon. He used to do it a lot before he stopped to become a bank teller. Now come on, let's finish up with twenty rounds around the arena." Fanggrip said.
Harry had grown accustomed to the strict training and exercises Fanggrip instructed him to do and proceeded to run without complaint. He peeled off the borrowed armor from under his clothes in the changing room and started running.
Once he had completed the laps, Fanggrip greeted him with bottles of water. The small boy looked much older with his tall height and maturity one would easily think he was at least ten. Harry chuckled as he wiped away his sweat and thought back to when Bramble complained that Harry was getting so much stronger.
"Well, I'll see you on Christmas day. Your mother invited me. Look forward to your gift. I trust you can walk yourself out." Fanggrip smirked and left, leaving an extremely stunned Harry behind. Of all the things he thought Fanggrip would say, Harry had least expected a gift from his mentor.
It was not that they were not close but Fanggrip did not seem like the kind to give many presents. Harry just smiled fondly before walking to the floo network and when he arrived at the small village, his mother was already there waiting for him.
Just a week later, Christmas arrived and the small cave they called home was rather crowded with friends. Iris had finally stopped ignoring Jessamine after seeing that Harry had been doing well for his training a year back. Harry could still remember the day he was told that he would be visiting Gringotts.
After a scrumptious meal with much laughter and joy ringing through the air, the settled around the tree the Iris had grown just outside the cave where they had deposited the presents under. The chilly winter wind that the Nymphs were used to blew hard that night. The few invited Goblins sneezed a few times as presents were opened.
The first thing Harry did was search for the present from his mentor but to his disappointment could not find it among the rather big stack of presents. While Bramble and Marigold dove through their presents, Harry opened them carefully and inspected each present before thanking the giver. Finally he was down to his last present, everyone had unwrapped their presents and were patiently waiting for him. Harry held his breath as he recognized the familiar shape of the wrapped box. Not daring to believe it, he removed the wrapping paper and when he opened it, he saw his very own case of swords, knives and daggers. They were the kind he would learn to use and he trembled with anticipation.
Leaping to his feet, Harry hugged his mentor tight and thanked him repeatedly. Fanggrip patted the boy's head with a wide grin, knowing full well that his present would be one of Harry's favorite for a long time to come.
"Harry, maybe next Christmas or your birthday Fanggrip will get you more weapons." Griphook teased, weapons were the only thing Fanggrip knew best about.
Fanggrip rolled his eyes at his friend's antics and continued sipping his hot chocolate. Harry smiled, a warm feeling inside of his heart as he entered the cave with everyone else to gather around the fire to warm up. As he entered and shut the door the land Nymphs had help make to shut out the cold, he turned back and saw white snowflakes swirling down like dancing fallen Angels. Harry never felt more content in his life. It truly was a beautiful day that he doubt he would forget in a long time.
After saying good-bye to all the guests, Harry took out his gift from Fanggrip and touching the hilt of the long sword, Harry gasped. This was not just a cheap wizard-made set but a true blue Goblin-made sword set. Harry was touched that his mentor trusted him enough to entrust him with a goblin-made set that only few wizard sword masters could only dream about let alone see or touch. He shut the lid of the box and kept it safely under his bed before crawling in to sleep.
It was just barely a month later when the three children wondered into the woods to play when they came across a man walking out. He turned around and looked at them when he heard their approaching footsteps.
"Harry?" The man breathed out, not able to believe what he saw.
"How do you know my name?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"Harry, I don't like him, can we go home?" Marigold whispered.
"Harry! How are you here? Dumbledore said you're in a safe house. If this is save then I don't want to know what is dangerous. Don't you know? It's awfully dangerous here. Who are your friends?" The man babbled.
Harry felt his hand wonder to where he had concealed a dagger and he glared suspiciously at the man and asked whom he was. The man looked taken aback and dumbfounded. At the moment, Harry turned and ran, holding Bramble and Marigold's hand tight as he ran as fast as he could. The man was gaining on them and there was a strange aura about him.
"Run faster Bramble! Don't stop Marigold!" Harry yelled, his legs already used to the running but the young children's were not.
He could tell that they were trying their best not to complain of being tired but they stumbled every now and then, showing how much their legs must ache. How he wish they had not wondered so far out into the forest to play, they were still a good far distance from home.
"Harry! Please don't run! I knew your mother and father!" The man yelled, stopping Harry.
"You knew them?" He asked softly.
"Yes, I do know them. I'm your Uncle Remus." The man answered.
Marigold tried to tell Harry it might be a trap but the older boy brushed her aside and continued talking to the man, Remus.
"Come, meet my mother." Harry said and started walking. Remus was stunned that he would call someone else his mother but then, he never did know his real parents so Remus followed silently.
When they reached the cave, Harry swung open the door and walked in. Airlia was sitting with Jessamine chatting over a cup of tea. Airlia lifted her nose into the air and sniffed, she tensed and stood up.
"Werewolf. Harry get away from him." Airlia hissed.
"He says he knew my mommy and daddy." Harry answered.
"Harry, please listen to me, this man might be dangerous." Airlia said.
Harry nodded glumly and stood away from his uncle Remus. He could hear the three adults conversing but he decided eavesdropping would be rude so he continued to play with the twins. After what seemed like an eternity, he was allowed to speak with his Uncle. He fired question after question and was eager to know more about his mommy and daddy. He did not notice the hurt look on Jessamine's face but his thirst for knowledge about his parents was cut short when Remus finally noticed Jessamine's expression and changed the subject, asking Harry about himself.
Harry chattered on about his training and lessons. How much fun he had and occasionally his bouts of accidental magic. He even demonstrated a few of his skills. Remus smiled at how talented his best friend's son was. He just could not believe he was finally meeting him again after so many years.
"I should get going, it is quite late. I believe it's Harry's bedtime around now?" Remus said as he got up.
"Yes, it is. Why don't you put him to bed if you want to." Jessamine suggested with a warm smile.
Remus' big grin was answer enough and after quick goodnights and washing up, Harry and the twins were soon fast asleep.
That night when Remus got home, he pondered telling Dumbledore the location of Harry. Then again, his current guardians were looking after him really well and from the sound of all those lessons, he would not need Hogwarts. He could just stay there the rest of his life. Remus frowned and fell into fitful sleep.
Just two days after Remus' visit, on the night of the full moon, strange noises could be heard at the door. Sharp scrabbling noises and suddenly a howl tore through the air, alerting those who could hear of its presence. The sound of sniffling and low growls filled the silence and the three children whimpered fearfully. More scratching followed those growls and the scratches grew vicious by the second. It was no surprise when the door burst open revealing three snarling werewolves.
Marigold screamed with fear and the three werewolves seemed to almost smile. They advanced on the defenseless family and prepared to pounce on their prey when Ebony appeared at the doorway. Being the leader of the Underworld Nymphs, she held a certain power over the werewolves but at that moment, they did not seem to believe Ebony as their leader. Instead, they continued advancing and bore their teeth growling at them. They prepared to pounce on the three children when an even louder howl resounded. The three whimpered in fear before turning and running, their tails literally between their legs.
Iris cuddled her two children and soothed them and not long, they were asleep once more. Jessamine had a harder time calming Harry down as his forehead creased with worry at even the slightest sound. After almost an hour of persuasion, Harry went back to sleep.
The next day, Remus came visiting and was surprised when everything in the cave rose up and began aiming themselves at him. Harry looked bewildered before realizing it was him.
"Mom! Help! I don't know what's going on." Harry yelled in panic.
"Calm down Blaze, love it's all right." Jessamine shouted as Remus dodged flying objects.
Harry closed his eyes and after several deep breaths, the flying objects dropped to the ground and all the breakable objects broke with a loud crash.
"What happened?" Remus asked in confusion.
"He most probably sensed that you're a werewolf." Seeing Remus' confused look Jessamine continued, "Werewolves broke down the door yesterday night. I fixed it first thing in the morning with the help of the land nymphs."
"Harry's magic must be at the surface if he could immediately react, his magic is powerful and wild not that much of a good combination unless properly trained." Remus said seriously.
"We'll talk about that later in private. For now, why don't you chat with Harry." Jessamine answered, her voice tight with tension and worry.
"Uncle Remus! Uncle Remus! Tell me more about my mommy and daddy!" Harry squealed, the child's mind easily excited and distracted by the prospect of learning more about his mother and father.
Remus just smiled, sadness quite well hidden behind his eyes. He started recounting the day Harry rode his first toy broom and how proud his father had felt. Then, Remus proceeded to explain to Harry the concept of Quidditch and managed to excite the child till he was attempting to make a broom figure out of vines from the nearby plant.
Remus smiled, having been informed of Harry's unique abilities and felt extremely proud but the many 'what if's ran through his head. How different would things be if the Nymphs had not found Harry? What if James and Lily had not been killed? The werewolf's heart ached with longing to see his best friends again but he knew that dying was not the solution for him. He could not fail his best friends and leave their only child, their son, behind. Although he was in good hands surely James and Lily would have at least liked their son to be told about them.
Later after dinner and after Harry had gone to bed, Jessamine consulted Remus about what he had mentioned earlier. Remus hesitantly explained that if Harry's magic was not tamed and left to run wild, it might kill people or even kill Harry himself. That much power could remove itself from his body and enter the air but there was the chance that all the child's magic might leave. For wizards and witches, magic kept them alive. Magic was their life source. Without it, their soul would not sustain and immediately leave the body. It would not hurt but the feeling of one's magic leaving would most likely drive the person to insanity. He, however much he wanted to, could not assist in training him as Remus felt that he was not able to handle Harry alone should Harry lose control. As selfish as that sounded, that alone held a great deal of common sense.
Jessamine listened, horribly disturbed about how powerful her son was and how much danger he was in because of the thing that was keeping him alive and breathing. The irony of it all, what keeps someone alive could keep them. As soon as Remus had left, Iris returned with Bramble and Marigold as well as their father. He still loved the three of them but it was not very easy for either of the two adults. Jessamine smiled at her sister's beautiful smile and the adorable sight of Iris and Jerry carrying their children. She settled down with her tea and began thinking. After some time, before she went to sleep she decided that consulting Griphook for help would surely be the right decision.
The next day, after dropping Harry off with Fanggrip, she paid Griphook a visit and he just happened to have his break then. With a worried look, she asked him once more for help. Griphook could not help but feel touched by Jessamine's concern for her son who was not even of her own flesh and blood.
"I may know of someone who used to know Harry's mother, Lily. From what I recall as Lily chatted quite happily, she had to no trouble with speaking to us like friends, she told us of a close friend of hers. I'm afraid I cannot recall his name now." Griphook said sadly.
Jessamine's glimmer of hope was dashed and her face fell. She thanked him softly and asked him to inform her if he could remember.
It had almost been six months since Jessamine had asked Griphook for help and thankfully, there had been no further loss of control on Harry's part. It had happened one day while Harry was having his lessons Griphook visited Jessamine bringing along a man with him. His face calm as ever but his eyes glimmered with excitement as he introduced them.
"Jessamine, this is Lily's friend, Severus Snape. Mr Snape, this is Jessamine, Harry Potter's adopted mother." Griphook introduced.
"Harry? Harry has been living here? In this dump?" Snape exclaimed.
"How dare you!" Jessamine hissed.
"Mom? Who's our visitor?" Harry asked having just returned.
"Harry?" Snape breathed, unable to believe he was finally meeting his best friend's son after such a long time.
"Good afternoon Sir, may I ask who are you?" Harry asked politely.
"I'm Severus Snape, I knew your mother." Snape answered in a daze.
"You knew my Mother? How about my Father? Are you friends with Uncle Remus as well?" Harry asked eagerly.
Snape nodded, not willing to share with the boy how much he had hated the child's father. That led to the two launching into conversation before Jessamine interrupted it to explain to Snape and Harry the purpose of why Snape was brought to their home. After Jessamine had explained Severus immediately agreed without missing a beat.
That night after spending a good several hours with Harry, Severus stood up to leave but not before allowing Harry to force him into telling more about Lily.
After Severus had left, Harry thought to himself, "He isn't that bad. He may have a big nose and greasy hair but he really is quite a nice man."
Harry giggled before snuggling down to sleep. He was slowly learning more about his biological parents but deep down, he knew that his real mom was Jessamine. No matter what anyone else says, he did belong somewhere, he had a home and most of all, he had a family that loved him very much.