Summary : Remus visits and plans are made. A few surprises await Harry. Strange visitors arrive. Finally!
Chapter 4 : Plans
July 22, #4 Privet Drive
Harry continued reading and doing some exercises that he had started five days back. He was now reading some advanced defence and dueling books that he had gotten from Sirius and Remus. He was waiting for Remus to visit him. He needed some adult input to his plans.
Remus was there in his room when he got back from dinner. He didn't know what to do or say to him. They looked at each other for a minute both realizing they were the hardest hit by Sirius's death.
"Uh… Remus, I am sorry for his death. I have realized that many are to blame but I too hold the blame. Please forgive me." He croaked unable to keep his voice from shaking. He looked down unable to meet Remus in the eye. He was barely holding himself for the sake of Remus.
Remus came over to him and gently pulled him into a hug. "Harry… I know it too. I miss him and I know you do too. He was my brother. He would have wanted us to move on. But it will be difficult. But we will get thought this together." He said softly voice thick with emotion. Harry was his responsibility now and he would take care of him. He would not allow this to happen again after 15 years.
Harry couldn't hold it in any longer. He knew no one would replace Sirius but Remus came close. A parental affection that seemed missing was given to him by Remus. He knew he would be there for him. He could sense his sincerity. He cared for him and always would. He cried and opened up to Remus.
Remus recognized Harry's need for a semblance to a parent. He was touched that Harry trusted him so much. He knew Harry was trying to hold up for him and was grateful. He vowed to be there for him. He knew Harry hadn't talked to anyone about Sirius. Even he hadn't. They needed to talk about it. And also about Harry's life. With all the hardships he had faced, he knew that Harry needed someone to talk to but was holding it all in. So he encouraged him to talk "Harry. I am here for you always. You can talk to me. Its no good to hold it all in. I should know. I wasted away for 12 years. You need to talk… we need to talk about Sir… Sirius. I know you haven't talked to anybody. I haven't either. We will get thought this Cub." He also had tears flowing down his cheeks.
Harry let all the flood gates open. Finally for the first time in his life he told what he hadn't told anyone. Not even his supposed best friends knew about this. He talked all that he felt for Sirius and his parents. He told him about his life with the Dursleys. The endless beatings and being locked up in the cupboard for days without food. His chores and mental abuse. That he didn't even know his name till he went to school. Him being belittled all the time scorned with no presents or toys while Dudley got everything he wanted. Him keeping getting lower grades then Dudley purposefully. Squashing his talents and his intelligence all the time. He told him about his Hogwarts letter, the first letter he ever received and his uncle's attempts to keep him away. He told him that Hagrid was his first friend and had given him his first ever birthday cake. He told him about the challenges he faced at Hogwarts. The torture by Unmbitch. He told him everything. He even showed him Ginny's letter. He told him how felt no one knew him as just Harry. They always saw him as the bloody Boy Who Lived, a feat which he not only didn't do but lost his parents for. He told him about not showing his true potential even at Hogwarts afraid at being more gawked at than he already was. He knew he could do a lot better. He told that he even thought he could beat Hermione but always acted as though being in difficulty. Finally he told him of his decision of becoming independent and taking his fate in his own hands. He told him about his frustrations at things being kept from him and all of Dumbledore's manipulations. He even told that most of his adventures at Hogwarts were orchestrated by the old man to test him.
Remus was getting more and more agitated as Harry started talking. Why hadn't Dumbledore checked on him all those years. Even in the school summers the treatment was beyond horrible. How he wanted to tear Dumbledore and Dursleys apart right now. He came to realize Harry was in a similar position as him. Harry behind the Boy Who lived and himself behind the Werewolf. He wanted to come clean to him about the Order and his friends. He waited until both of them regained some control of their emotions.
"Cub there is much more you should know. But promise me you will listen to me completely? We still have about 10 hours left. It is my watch now and the next is Moody. He has agreed to help you in any way." He took a deep breath and prepared to lay it on Harry.
"Remus I have made some plans. I will tell you everything but promise me whatever I tell you, you will be there for me. I cant loose another marauder, the last marauder. Please. And why do you call me cub?"
Remus chuckled "All the marauders had different nicknames for you. James called you Bambi, Sirius called you Pup and I called you Cub. I promise to be there for you. You can tell me anything but first listen to me. You might have a lot to consider okay?"
He continued in a somber mood "Please hear me out completely without interrupting. In the last meeting I came to know some of the old codger's manipulations (nice name by the way). You were forced to become friends with Ron. The Weasleys, at least Molly Arthur and Ron were told to befriend you in the platform in your first year. It was not coincidence that Hagrid left you and Molly just came by to help you thought the barrier. Ron has kept a watch over you ever since. Hermione too joined in somewhere after second year. They came to DoM just to keep you in check. But they didn't expect death eaters. The old man has always tried to control you. He isolated you at the Dursleys so that you would look at him as a savior. He is even giving them special training this summer at HQ. He impressed the importance of nobody contacting you. He is trying to get control of Sirius's Will. He needs Grimmauld place as HQ so he hasn't tried to dissolve it. He wants to become the caretaker of his estate. He thinks if he gives it to you, the rightful heir of Black fortune, you will become more independent. I know that the Potters were well off but adding the Black fortune even the part given to you would be considerable. He is even thinking of giving away all the important books and the rest to Hermione. He wants to become your guardian too after Sirius died. But he said you two had a fight and you might not approve. So he is trying to get Molly and Arthur to be your guardians.
Now don't worry about the estate. I know Goblin laws a bit. According to it, only the people mentioned in the will maybe the caretakers until Heir is able to look after the affairs. I talked to the Goblins and the old man. If you agree I shall become the caretaker and hold it for you. You, me and Tonks are the only primary beneficiaries of the will…." He was going to continue but was interrupted by a bright flash that he had to cover his eyes. Opening his eyes he was gobsmacked at the spectacle in front of him. Harry was completely covered in flames with lightening crackling all over the place. The air was thick with magic. He knew Harry was powerful but this was astounding. He didn't sense so much power before the talk. Now the aura and power he possessed rivaled Dumbledore. He didn't know how this was possible. Being a werewolf he could always sense the power of a individual but this shocked him. He decided to this investigate later.
Harry couldn't believe the things Remus was saying. But he trusted him. It made him so mad. The further he heard, the further his rage built. He felt flames and lightening. He felt something break within him. But he couldn't understand what it was. He slammed his hands in the desk and it disintegrated. He was shocked and tried to calm down. It took him better part of 15 minutes to calm down even with Remus's soothing words. He now felt energized somewhat but even then felt trapped. He knew he always felt trapped. He realized now that his magic also felt trapped. He was completely bewildered by this.
When he finally saw Remus, he was pacing around furiously muttering about how he was going to kill Dumbledore with his bare hands. He finally stopped Remus and asked him what the matter was.
Remus sat down heavily and started his explanations "Harry this puts more things into the mix. You do feel more energized right now isn't it? The flames and lightening were a shock to me but the power was astounding. You see Harry my werewolf senses enables me to know the amount of power a person has. Only aura readers can do that but no werewolf but me have been in the company of wizards for a long time. So nobody knows I can do those things. The raw magic in you is now comparable to the old man. Don't be so shocked I everybody knew you'd be very powerful. I think the old man placed some seals on your magic to limit your power. You have broken them now.
The blocks break when the person is in extreme emotion. There are stages in magical growth. I don't know why but on every birthday, a witch or wizard increase their magical power. Every year the amount of growth increases. By the sixteenth year most of your growth will be complete. On your seventeenth birthday you will come into full power. That is why in the magical world, you are considered an adult at the age of 17. You have so much power now. By the time you reach 17, you will be a force by yourself. Now I know why Voldemort came after you and Dumbledore seeks to control you. Harry you need to keep this a secret." Remus explained with awe filled eyes.
It made so many things clear to Harry. He was a weapon because of his enormous power. But he still felt trapped. So that means more seals. God how powerful was he then? He told this to Remus who was gaping like a fish. Before he could say anything, many shadows fell over them.
"I can tell you what you want to know young one." A tall but very pale person interjected. He was wearing magnificent pure black robes. He was built like a rock. He had a lithe frame with beaming pale blure eyes. He looked regal as did his companions. There were two more people in the room with him. There was another pale person at his side who was watching them with black eyes. He had broad shoulders but was built like an athlete. He had messy black hair like Harry. The other person had a ferociousness about him. He seemed like animals poised to kill. He were watching him intently.
Before Harry and Remus could pull their wands out, they were whisked away from them. "Who are you? What do you want? How did you get here?" Harry shouted.
The person chuckled and continued "The impatience of youth. Don't worry we are not here to harm you or your friend here. You would be dead by now if we so wished. Well at least your friend would be. Let me introduce my companions. I am Victor, head of all Vampire clans on the continent. I am an elder as is my friend Marcus here standing beside me. An the other rogue here is Shamat, the head of all Lycans on the continent."
Remus interrupted "Wait you two are Vampire elders and he is a Lycan? I thought the elders were killed at the end of the last reign of Voldemort. Lycans never come out and now all the most important people in the clans are here. Why?"
Harry was confused and angry at being invaded at his own home. So much for safety of the wards. "I don't understand. Aren't you a Lycan Remus? And what is an elder Vampire? And what are you doing here?"
Shamat answered him "No Harry Lycans and werewolves are different. A werewolf can only transform on the full moon but Lycans can transform at will. Lycans hid themselves after a fallout and were unreachable until the last war. You need a bit of history to understand all this. Victor will tell you."
Victor continued "You should know that Vampires and Lycans were not always enemies. We only discovered the truth at the end of the last war. A few centuries ago, a fledgling Vampire by the name of Kraven framed a Lycan. Lycans were our keepers during the day and we provided them a place to live. Kraven wanted power and was battle crazy. So he framed the previous Lycan leader, the one who was in love with my daughter of wanting to kill Vampires. My daughter was burnt by this and the Lycans rebelled against us. We had been at war ever since. Battles were faught many times. When Voldemort first rose, Kraven sided with him and brought many of our kind to death. Both Vampires and Lycans were tricked into being allies with him. The residing elder, Amelia was awake at that time and was manipulated by him. You see one elder rules for a century and the other two rest. This has been the custom for a millennia for the Vampires. At the end of the war, Kraven wanted to kill off all the elders and the Lycan leader so that he could rule the Vampires and have the Lycans as slaves. He unfortunately managed to kill the Lycan leader and Amelia before he was stopped by Shamat here. Since then we have reconciled our differences thanks to you Harry Potter."
Harry was intrigued by the history lesson. But he didn't understand why they were thanking him or why there were here. So he asked them "Why are you thanking me? I mean I understand you were able to get over all the trouble but then again why are you here?"
Marcus now spoke for the first time "Harry only when you defeated Tom , we came to know the truth. The reason why we are here is you. There is a legend among Lycans and Vampires. It regards my family. My father was unique. His sons were destined for many things. One bitten by the bat, me, one by the wolf, my brother who died long ago and another free. This free line would be able to carry both the powers. Half Lycan, half Vampire stronger than both. You Harry are of that free line. There were always champions in this free line. But they have always hidden themselves and let others take the glory. The most well known ancestor of yours is King Arthur Pendagran. He was trained by Merlin sure but was much much more powerful than Merlin. But as you know Merlin is known as the greatest sorcerer of all time. So you see not all that you read in books is right. You Harry as many believe are not a heir of the founders. Rowena was a descendent of Merlin. The other founders were also from ancient powerful families. There were many ancient families that held great power. So that is why you see Dumbledore is so powerful. He is the heir of Gryffindor and Merlin since Godric married Rowena. But you Harry are more powerful than anyone can imagine. The free line was the one that carried the power of Magic. You are the last of the free line. You have more blocks on your power than you know. You have broken but a few of them. They were supposed to break when you reached the age of 17. But he underestimated your powers. They shall be broken by the age of 16 since the blocks cant contain so much power. These blocks not only blocked your magical power but also your physical power. You will be faster and stronger than any mortal or undead on earth. Dumbledore suspected that you were from an ancient line but he does not know that you are of the legendry free line. He knows of the existence of the free line. That is why we are here to help you."
Harry sat still thinking over all that he had been told. This would certainly be very welcome in his plans. He had a few more ideas now but needed clarifications. "Okay. I will need your help. Its finally good to have a family. But why are two elders here now? I have plans but I need time to come to terms with all this and put you all in this. Sorry but I still don't know how you will help me other than the war. I don't want to impose this on you. This is my war. But I want to help you but I don't know how. Please give me a few days."
Victor replied "I should not have expected any less from you. You are a very noble person Harry. You are a leader. It is our duty to follow you as you are the child of the free line. All Vampires are bound to this rule that has existed ever since we Vampires can remember."
Marcus continued "I know it is good to have a family Harry. I am your family. I could not come for you earlier since I was asleep. Both elders are awake now because whenever the Champions of the free line fight all the elders assist them. You are that leader and I see you have come into your own in the last few days."
Shamat answered his other question "I know that werewolves suffer greatly during their transformations but all of them are not worthy to become lycans. A werewolf is tested for being the one for the pack. I know it is your intention for Remus here to be free of the pain. I have found him worthy. I shall help him become a Lycan. A werewolf needs the flesh of a lycan during the full moon to become a lycan. I shall give Remus my own flesh during the next moon. As to why Lycans are helping you, before the rift, Vampires and Lycans have always been together. Lycans are also immortals. And we plan to be together."
Victor continued "We have dwelled in many ruins since our castle was destroyed by Kraven waiting for you. We came now because we could only sense you now since you broke a few seals. We shall now protect you at all times and help you train. I have also a important task of giving you your right, your family heirloom since Arthur, the Excalibur. I have been only able to use it as a normal sword. It changes for each people but only when it is held by those of the free line it will become what it truly is. For me it is a short sword and what better than a ageless Vampire to hold on to it since the lady of the lake passed away? Here it is my liege" He gave a beautiful short sword to Harry.
Harry looked at the magnificent blade. He knew it would change for him and was curious about its full power. But he said "Keep it for a while Victor. I do not feel worthy of it yet. Can you come by on my birthday? I shall have some answers then. Thank you for being truthful to me. Very few people have ever been outright trusting or truthful to me. Why did you call me my liege?"
All the new arrivals now knew that he was what he was expected to be from the line of the champions. He was honorable, considerate and a great leader who knew the meaning of power and worthiness.
"You are the ruler of all Vampires and Lycans now. That is why you are our sire." Marcus answered.
"Don't call me any of that please. I don't want to be any ruler. You are the true rulers who have guided them through the centuries. So continue to guide them. Thank you for all your help." He bowed to all three people in return.
"All right Harry we shall respect your wishes. We will come on your birthday. Don't worry about these puny protections of Wizards. We can bypass them. I am sad to say that there are not many of us left. Marcus here went in a rage when he awoke on hearing that many Vampires and Lycans, those that were under Kraven and some others were about to kill you knowing you were of the free line and were going to joi Voldemort. He killed them all which was half of both the species. The rest were all those who were bound and honorable to the rule. Don't worry about betrayal either, Vampires and Lycans can see into everyone's soul. He feels strongly for family and you are his family. It was fun again I must tell you fighting by my friends side after so many years. But there are enough of us left. Farewell then." Victor replied with a smile.
Marcus came forward and hugged him "It will be a pleasure knowing you Harry. You have one of the purest souls but for the part of Voldemort. I shall help you cleanse that part so that Voldemort cant attack you through the scar. But the scar will remain. I will also tell you some family history. Not the crap Dumbledore has told you. Farewell until next time young one." He ruffled his hair.
"I am honored to be working with you Harry, all lycans are. I shall help your friend at the next full moon to control his change. Farewell." All three left Harry and Remus.
Harry turned to Remus "That was something wasn't it? This will help a lot. Tom wont have any Vampires or lycans. But he will still have werewolves. Those damn ministry laws. So Remus ready to be a lycan?" He jibed.
"Thank you Harry. You don't know how much this means to me. So now tell me your plans till now." Remus said sincerely.
"I want to lay low until I become an adult but I shall train. I know the old codger wont train me but with the Vampires help I can train. I want to go over the properties I won too. At least one of them whould be helpful to Marcus and other. Right now in the holidays when I go to Diagon Alley on 28th, I want to be able to get around the underage magic act. I want to practice magic. All of them can ignore me all they want. I don't care about them. My former friends can learn all they want from the order. I don't what I can do about physical training in the summer though. Maybe you can work out something. I want to train in Occlumency with someone in the summer before going to school. I don't want Snape to know of the plans. That greasy git opened up mind more than he tried to shield it. It was easier for Tom to break in because of the lessons. What kind of lessons is it anyway? Clear your mind… legilimens . I mean no tips nothing." He was again starting to get flames over his body.
"Calm down Harry. Look at yourself you are doing it again. Geez! You got some control issues Cub." He chuckled.
Harry looked at Remus sheepishly "Sorry Remus. So do you have any ideas?"
"Hmm… Maybe you can get a trunk like the one Moody was trapped in for your physical training. I will arrange for training equipment from muggles. And don't you dare talk about money. I got half of Sirius's family money and that is quite large. For overcoming underage magic restriction, Moody can help you. He is one of the people who helped design it."
"Alright Remus. Can we wait until Moody gets here. I need to talk to hi too. Such a distinguished Auror can refine our plans. In the meantime, tell me about my parents and Marauders. Please? I don't know much about them. I don't even know what work they did." Harry begged him.
So they spent time talking and laughing about the pranks of Marauders. Harry came to more about his parents in the last hour than he knew his entire life. Remus went to get Moody when the shift was over.
"Thank you for trusting me and offering to help professor Moody."
"Aye lad. Don't call me professor. Call me Moody or Mad eye laddie. You cant go half cocked lad. You have to have a plan. I respect you lad. There is no one I have said that to in their face for many years." Moody said gruffly.
"Thank you Moody. I do have plans. I hope you can help us refine them having more experience in war and battles than me." He then told him of the plans till then.
Moody said "Good plan lad. Lay low until you are prepared. I can help you with Occlumency. I know it well. Underage magic is not a problem I shall get a portion on my next shift. That and a spell will get rid of the trackers on your wand. You also need a new wand lad. Get one custom made. I shall clear it with Ollivander. He doesn't usually do it but he is my friend. Any other problems laddie?"
Harry now knew why Moody was so respected. But after a bit of hesitation, he told him about the seals and the Vampires and lycans. When he told who exactly visited him and him being in the free line, Moody was shocked.
"Laddie you sure a worth a pretty knut. Free line lad, Albus doesn't know what he is dealing with. I agree on the seals. Let them come apart by themselves. I shall teach you to control your power in spells so that others don't suspect it. Tell your new protectors not to worry about me lad. They should face no more problems. Only I can see them and Lupin here can smell them. Tell them to keep quiet. Me and Remus will take care of the Books at HQ. We shall store them someplace till you get to school and find a place to train. Where are you going to train in school lad?" Moody asked checking out his surroundings with his unique eye.
Harry got a mischievous glint in his eye and answered "The Chamber of Secrets."
Both of them gasped. They knew he killed a Baisalisk in there but it was still overwhelming.
Moody replied "Good choice laddie. It was rumored to have a dueling chamber, a library, a potion lab, a grand hall and a few rooms. Check these all lad. I shall give you tips to train."
Harry got a brainstorm. "I want you both to remain seemingly loyal to Dumbledore. Help him and don't object to anything. Don't let him suspect you. After a few days approach him to teach at school. You are retired Auror Moody and you can become the DADA teacher. I don't think the old man would have found anyone by then. And Remus, you can restart a dueling club again. Tell him it will help the students more. To throw off my former friends, I shall act depressed and aloof but not contradict them. I am sure most of the DA will want to continue meeting at school. I will blow them away and I am sure those jealous gits Ron and Hermione will continue it. It will keep them busy giving me time to train. Remus before the issue is forced by the ministry, I want you to be my guardian. Be subtle about it. Try and seem desperate to help me while being in the old codger's debt so that he believes he can still control you. But can he use legilimency on you Remus?"
Moody answered "Once he becomes a lycan there is no problem lad. He will become closer to the wolf and his brain structure will be altered. Good plan lad. If the goofs at the ministry or even the order were this good planning anything, we would have won the war already."
Harry considered telling them the prophecy but decided to wait until his birthday so that he could further his plans. "There is one other thing I need to tell you guys but not yet. Don't take this the wrong way but Remus needs to be a lycan before he can hear this. Moody can you come by on my birthday? Better yet, arrange the shifts such that either you or Remus has the watch. I have asked others to come by too."
Moody left for his watch and Remus talked for a while and left to Grimmauld Place. Full moon was coming in two days and Harry was waiting for Remus to be free of pain and finally be happy with the wolf.