Lightning Always Strikes

Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter rightfully is copyrighted towards its publisher and creator J.K. Rowling, and also owned by Bloomsbury Books, Warner Bros., and any other publishers that gave us the books and produced the movie adaptations. The thirteenth installment in the Final Fantasy main series – Final Fantasy XIII – belongs solely to the owners of Square Enix.

Lightning opens his eyes. It was very quiet as his eyes adjusted and he looks around. It was a white sterile environment with soft browns to accommodate the walls, various empty white beds, and a crisp clean scent in the air. Yup. He was in the school's hospital ward.

Then he remembered. The Boggart. It had played at his fears alright. It mocked Serah's death, because she had the Eyes of Etro. The voice of the Seeress, Yeul, taunting him, and then the Boggart took the shape and power of Caius Ballard himself and attacked. He thought he was going to be killed. Even if it was not the real Caius, he was correct: he was weak. He had a lot of power and fought hard to save the world, and then prevent the death of the universe. And when he was reincarnated, he was back to before his days being cursed to the fate most l'Cie would have faced had he and his comrades not change it.

Lightning rarely cursed. But this was suitable for what he was feeling right now.

"Fuck."

"Mr. Potter! Language!" scolds Madam Pomfrey, the schools mediwitch.

"It's worth it for how I'm feeling," Lightning said, trying to get up but the mediwitch pushes him back down into the bed.

"No, Mr. Potter, just lie down and relax. You have gone through a terrifying ordeal."

Lightning reluctantly listened to the woman when she kept staring at him with that look most nurses would use on rowdy patients. Then again, it could have been worse: Madam Pomfrey could have simply repeated in a calmer voice for Harry Potter to lay down and rest, while for some strange reason projecting an aura of killing intent that promise unholy pain if refused a second time.

Lightning was released later that evening just in time for dinner. It was a bit quiet because no one would stop staring at him as he silently ate his dinner next to Ron and Hermione. His weapon confiscated by McGonagall (after being handed it by Dumbledore) vanished from her desk and back in Lightning's possession. He made a habit to keep it with him at all times and under illusion charms so no one would notice it. Any and all rumors about the incident between him and the Boggart-Caius were ignored and his friends eventually dropped it when Lightning told them to stop.

Hermione was taking all classes this year. Lightning wondered how it was possible and the girl wouldn't really explain how. Just make excuses before deterring the conversation elsewhere.

=0=0=0=

Lightning was asked to see Professor Lupin, and the man was trying to make inquiries over what had happened the other day in DADA. But Lightning was not forthcoming with releasing such information. They wouldn't understand much if he started speaking about knowing the man simply because he was the reincarnation of a woman from another world or universe entirely. So he basically lied that it was a nightmare come to life from an old muggle TV show he saw when he was a kid. A complete lie. Lupin believed it to be true. As Lightning left, Snape brushed past him with a goblet with bluish smoke wafting from the liquid within. He put it to memory, but still left.

Later that night after dinner, most Gryffindors saw a horrible sight. The Fat Lady was missing, her portrait all torn to shreds by a dagger or something sharp. When she was found eventually by several Professors, she babbled about Sirius Black having infiltrated the school and trying to break in. Sirius was not found, but the discarded parchment was. All Gryffindors were brought to the Great Hall, along with the Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins. Everyone was forced to sleep in the Great Hall that night while an intensive search was made for Sirius.

He was not found...

=0=0=0=

Because of the Dementor threat Lightning was being watched more than usual as the days bled away. The castle can be cold during the snowy months but with the Dementors hanging around searching ever so much for Sirius Black, the air was going to be much colder when snow finally came. There was an incident beforehand that involved rogue Dementors that invaded a Gryffindor/Hufflepuff match and disrupted the game.

They for some reason targeted Lightning specifically and the teen was saved from having to reveal his l'Cie magic by Dumbledore whose Patronas was as large as his phoenix companion, Fawkes. The brilliance of the silver light blasted the three Dementors away. Lightning recovered from the brief cold aura that brushed his mental defenses. No student has ever seen Albus Dumbledore so angry before when the Dementors were no longer determined to go after the Boy-Who-Lived. Chocolate is delicious though. Lightning preferred hazelnuts in his chocolate bars.

There was one time when Professor Lupin was absent and Snape took over until the man returned. For some reason Lupin's class work was ignored and the man had the class learn about werewolves. You'd understand what's going on, right? Anyway, the winter months have officially begun. Third Year students and above have special privileges to go to the local village, Hogsmeade, via a signed permission slip from their parents/guardians. Lightning would have enjoyed visiting the village, but Vernon or Petunia would not sign it. In fact Vernon burned it in the fire place. Ron and Hermione promised to bring him back some things such as chocolate or candy. Meanwhile, Lightning decided to go train in privacy.

=0=0=0=

Once the door closed behind him, Lightning walks across the grassy plains of the Archylte Steppe reconstructed within the Room of Requirement. The false blue skylines, the clouds, the distance of mountains and cliffs, and the bright sunlight shining down as all manners of monsters run rampant and free doing whatever they pleased. Of course several of these monsters were holograms created by magic. But some were reconstructed golems after Lightning had fully protected his desire to be back on Gran Pulse to train his magic.

With a smirk, she ran across the expanding room and charged a group of Leyaks that were doing some sort of worshipping ritual or dance. Pre-emptive Strike! The small diminutive weird freaks never saw it coming as Lightning blaze through the seven little monsters with sword slashes. And then a Thundara spell was used that juggled the group into the air. He launches another Thundara, adding damage to their health. Minor damage inflicted as they all crash to the ground. Here he picks them all off one by one, being careful to dodge their Aero spells. Deprotect spells were helpful until the final one was eliminated with a Flamestrike.

Lightning healed himself and then looks to see an Ectopudding sloshing along the water's edge. Debating for a short bit whether or not to test himself, he decides to challenge it with a Pre-emptive Strike when he was sure it didn't detect his presence. The thing was as he remembered the first time he, Vanille, and Fang fought (and defeated) it when helping the remains of the Cie'th Stone. The stretching arms of the Ectopudding and immunity to water were tough. However Lightning soon eliminated the Ectopudding.

Three Gorgonopsid per battle were a breeze to eliminate albeit with minor difficulty of their breath attacks. But Lightning was quickly dispatching them, and unlocking second tiers of his other elemental spells. The teen stayed clear from the Behemoth King battling its mortal enemy, and the larger versions of the Gorgonopsid. Around an hour of battling, Lightning finally decides to take a break and left the ROR, the magical room resetting to its default form.

=0=0=0=

Lupin was back from his temporary sick leave. He told the class the two rolls for the essay on werewolves were not necessary and everyone but Hermione cheered they had to not turn in incomplete homework assignments for Snape (Lightning just gave an indifferent shrug). Lightning still turned his in regardless.

=0=0=0=

December is here once again and the holiday spirits are high despite the Dementors having a temporary home at the school (away from the students, of course). Christmas was upon them, and teachers had begun to decorate the castle. Many students began to discuss their holiday plans, and Lightning was surprised that both Ron and Hermione were staying at Hogwarts. They said it was to keep him company; it was thoughtful however Lightning would have been fine on his own regardless. There was another Hogsmeade trip planned, to everyone's joy. Well, except Lightning. But he never cared about it. That only means time by himself to work on homework, or do some quick training in the ROR.

But as Saturday went on like any other day, and Lightning saw Ron and Hermione off, he turns back and re-enters the castle, content to get out of the cold. Wearing clothes that were suitable for warmer days and not winter was a bad idea (even with a charmed school robe to keep you warm and a small jar filled with bluebell flames). As Lightning walked past several ghosts that were passionately singing various Christmas songs, he heard his name being called.

"Harry," a whisper echoes.

He turns around and sees no one.

"Over here."

He blinks and walks over to the source, where an entrance of sorts is revealed. Inside was Fred and George Weasley.

"Follow us."

Lightning was wondering what they want, but with caution he obeyed.

Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs

Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers are proud to present

THE MARAUDER'S MAP

Really? Well, it happened. Fred and George took him to a classroom one secret corridor travel later on the once forbidden third corridor. Despite the twins giving him this map and telling him that he could "sneak out into Hogsmeade"; Lightning thought that he could use this map for other purposes.

In another universe Harry Potter would have snuck out using the Invisibility Cloak to be with his friends now that he had a way to get past border patrol AKA Filch, and then he would learn that the escaped convict, Sirius Black, betrayed his parents to Lord Voldemort and the Boy-Who-Lived would now vow to seek Sirius out and get revenge for the deaths of his parents or something along those lines whilst hiding under the table under the cloak. Lightning on the other hand went to finish his homework after a quick trip to the Hogwarts Kitchens. For now, the valuable piece of information was folded up small enough without tearing, and then put in his trunk's secret compartment.

If Fred and George were willing to part with such an interesting artifact of magical use, then who's to blame? Later on, Lightning learned that somehow Hagrid's Griffon, Buckbeak, was to be put on trial and likely executed for attacking a student. He had a feeling Malfoy was behind this bullcrap. On Christmas morning, gifts were exchanged between friends, sweaters are admired from Mrs. Weasley, candies shared, until one last gift was found addressed to Harry Potter. Lightning undid the paper wrapping and stared. Ron, Fred, George, and Neville were in shock.

"Bloody hell! A Firebolt!" Ron exclaims.

The golden registration number at the top of the handle, the smooth polish of the dark woods that made the construction of the sweeper, right down to the perfectly smooth, streamlined birch twigs that made up the tail. For Quidditch folks, such a broom would cost thousands of Galleons. It was to be admired, to be cherished. If Oliver was here that man would likely orgasm on the spot. And the sad thing is it would likely happen... scary, huh?

"Who sent it, Harry?" Fred and George ask in unison.

But Lightning can find no card or a name from its mysterious sender.

"No one. I can't find a name. This card only has my name addressed to me. No return address and such."

Lightning doesn't like Quidditch, but he tolerates the wizarding sport. Stupid Dobby and his attempted bludger plot...

"Blimey, who'd spend that much on you?" Neville questions aloud.

Lightning too was confused. Who WOULD do something like this? "Who knows...?"

The rest of the day was spent having fun with the gifts or just talking about stuff happening at home. Lightning tended to Snow and Serah, and Hedwig was also there since she missed being around her master. Around noon Lightning would disappear citing he wanted to just explore the castle since 1) He can't do any running outside in-case Dementors try to pull off the stunt they did when he attended that Quidditch match, and 2) He was bored staying in the common room.

However he was unaware that he was being followed by Fred and George. You see, lately the twins before giving up the map have been wondering where Lightning would go off to, and discover he would go inside the Room of Requirement. Following his signature on the map the dot would lead to the place the ROR was said to be located, and from there vanish. They were very curious. And from the rumors of Harry Potter being called Lightning, attacked by his Boggart who transformed into a strange muggle with a large sword, and apparently can create invisible explosions; they wanted to know what Harry Potter was up to.

"What do you think he's doing brother?"

"I have no clue, brother."

"This will be interesting. Ready to follow quickly?"

"Yup."

And the twins keep up with Lightning who was unaware of their presence. Hey, they were older than Lightning so they know of some spells that can hide their presence from other magicals. Lightning soon reached the ROR and paced, just thinking to himself a room where he can test fighting a golem construction of Caius. The Boggart had Lightning worried. Sure reincarnated he could regain his powers again but at the current age, he was STILL weak when compared to Caius. He no longer has any of his extra powers such as the blessing of magic from Etro and the armor and weapons. And of course, no summon crystal of Odin.

The twins run as fast as they could however the ROR's entrance closed before they could reach it. No one can now access it. Lightning meanwhile walks up into the center of the room, and everything around him melts away. The skies turn a shade of dull turquoise, and the ground transformed into dark purple sands with broken shards of crystal mixed in the silica. The sounds of crashing waves wash ashore the beaches, as black as the night and the foam were a shade of dark grays. There were large buildings in the distance, all grays and whites like the cleanliness of a hospital, and traces of green here and there. This was Valhalla.

Lightning draws his weapon as a golem reconstruction of Caius appeared, smiling and yielding his large sword. Lightning immediately attacked, swaying his free hand in front of him. The Fira spell explodes but the man dodges expertly. Lightning charges forward and their blades contact. A vicious duel of swordsmanship is exchanged for a good five minutes until Lightning was kicked into the air and balls of black orbs strike him as he fell back to the sandy ground. Kicking quickly to his feet, Lightning glowed briefly before he casts Shell and Protect, then return to attacking physically. The battle was long and lasted at least eight minutes when Lightning landed the death blow on the fake Caius. Lightning was content with his duel with the fake Caius (on a low difficulty setting). Still he was pretty beat. He left the room, and eventually the room had reverted back to normal but after healing himself to not look "out of place" with his "mystery injuries". Upon returning to Gryffindor Tower, he heard an argument going on.

"Uh, what's going on?"

"Harry! Hermione took your Firebolt to Professor McGonagall! She told the professor that it could have been jinxed!" Ron yells, glaring at Hermione.

"For the last time, it may have been something from Sirius Black getting revenge with a jinxed broom! Professor McGonagall agreed with me and was going to strip it down to check for any curses and jinxes," Hermione spoke with conviction of her choice.

"... Well I'm not much of a Quidditch fan after the bludger incident last year so... I'll likely just put it away once the professors are done doing... well, whatever you do with a possible cursed broom that may kill me or whatever."

"WHAT?" Ron yells, aghast.

Hermione beamed, as if proud that she HAD done the right thing.

All Lightning cared about is just getting through the school year without something crazy happening.

"Cursed bludgers, spinning heel kick. Remember? Besides, Oliver obsesses over a game. It's not like if he doesn't win that cup he'll commit suicide. If he does, then he's an idiot." If Lightning ever wore glasses, he would make a sly readjustment Uryū Ishida-style. But since Lightning has perfect eye vision, he never has to wear glasses like his father James did as a kid.

=0=0=0=

There was an attempt on Professor Lupin on learning how Lightning knew how to perform the Patronas Charm. When learned it was on pure luck and a chance, the man decided to help Lightning properly cast it better and without falling unconscious from magical exhaustion. A Boggart was used and Lightning brought up convictions about this. But somehow Dumbledore did something to this Boggart and all that came out was a Dementor version. The "remedial classes" weren't really necessary in the end. Lightning can cast the Patronas well. However for some reason instead of Odin, out popped a stag.

=0=0=0=

In January, Slytherin beats Ravenclaw in their Quidditch match that helps Gryiffindor's chances of getting the Quidditch Cup as long as they don't lose in their own match against Ravenclaw. Lightning wasn't a player and by February the Firebolt was returned. Oliver did find out and begged him to join. Again he refused. The broom ends up collecting dust in his school trunk. Crookshanks was blamed for a crime involving Scabbers because ginger fur and blood was found. Ron and Hermione were still fighting by Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw. The rest of the month was pretty unproductive. March, Cho Chang beat Gryffindor by getting the Snitch when she found it despite Gryffindor having 200 points ahead of Ravenclaw's 50.

Later that night, Sirius had somehow broken into Gryffindor Tower. Everyone thinks it was a nightmare, but the curtains were ripped up by a dagger. And the replacement portrait for the Fat Lady, Sir Cadogan admits he let Sirius Black into the tower as he had the password, which Neville Longbottom had written down and misplaced. Another search of the castle takes place, but Black evades discovery yet again which was a bit frustrating for the adults. The Fat Lady resumes her duty guarding Gryffindor Tower on the condition her portrait is to be guarded. Neville on the other hand was stripped of visitation rights to Hogsmeade for the rest of the school year, and his house mates forbidden to tell him the password as punishment.

Neville felt really bad about everything. But Lightning told the boy that people make mistakes. Everyone would make mistakes now and then and it what makes them human. He then told Neville that he just has to learn from this experience, and learn to overcome it. That got the boy to smile again. What a great friend Lightning can be, huh?

Remember the whole Buckbeak thing? Well Hermione decided to help Hagrid prepare a defense but somehow, the trial was lost and she, Ron, and Lightning felt bad for the half-giant who was crying. The bird was to be executed. On their way to the castle Ron was spouting off about Malfoy being a mean evil git and Lightning didn't rebuttal on it: Malfoy was responsible somehow for getting Hagrid in trouble. But then he remembered something. He had saved Malfoy from getting killed.

"Wait a minute... I remember that I saved Malfoy from getting clawed to death by Buckbeak. Doesn't he owe me a Life Debt for that?"

Ron blinked, and then a huge grin came on his face.

"Blimey, mate! That's right!"

In the end Buckbeak was spared execution. Taking advantage of the Life Debt (but without making it become manipulative), Draco Malfoy was forced to tell the truth that he had Buckbeak get executed simply because he wanted to see something done about the beast. The trial decision was reversed. Buckbeak was safe from death (much to the Undertaker's loathing... I think you all know who I am talking about, and I don't mean Mark Calaway). For stirring up such pandemonium, Malfoy lost his house 300 points, and was to serve detention for 2 months. He was also banned from participating in Quidditch, meaning Slytherin was forced to forfeit without a spare Seeker.

=0=0=0=

Snape tried to get Lightning in trouble on the belief that he had some "illegal items" on his person, and was asked to empty his pockets. But all he had were spare Galleons, his muggle wallet with a saved up 28 pounds, and a blank parchment. For some reason Snape believed that he, Lightning, had a "map" that was missing from Filch's office for some time in his banned shelf.

Professor Lupin eventually came across this situation as the "map" spoke riddles in prank-type teasing. The professor saved Lightning by telling him lunch was being served and he was free to leave with his things. Snape scowls at his retreating back. Lupin merely says the map must be a Zonkos prank product and takes the "map" from Snape. Snape walks off in a huff.

Oh, and Ravenclaw was put back in the finals replacing Slytherin, and won the final Quidditch Match. They end up taking the Quidditch Cup over Gryffindor. Oliver was crying like a baby for losing the finals. Sheesh, it's just a game.

=0=0=0=

Finals exams were studied and prepared, when Trelawney spoke about Voldemort's servant who will return to him that night, and Voldemort will once again rise to full power. That scared Lightning a bit who left in a hurry before the woman's eyes cleared up and she returned to normal. Scabbers the Rat was finally found in Hagrid's Hut, but when they left after visiting the man who was glad Buckbeak would never have to be executed, the rat fled after biting Ron's hand. Reason was a large dog ("It's the Grim!" Ron exclaimed) that emerged from the Forbidden Forest and the rat freaked out, thus it bit the redhead. Ron was then dragged away by the same dog who was chasing the rat, caught it, and dragged into the Whomping Willow rat in hand.

He broke his leg during the attack.

"Harry! We have to save Ron from that dog!"

The Whomping Willow was back to life and was whipping the ground. Deterring them away. Why in the name of Etro would a dangerous killer tree be planted and allowed to grow near a school full of kids was a mystery. Lightning was glad he had Blazefire Saber on his person. Drawing it (shocking Hermione once again), Lightning fires a bullet that impacts the tree. He kept firing until it hit the knot and it froze. The entrance opened again and they quickly ran before it reanimated.

"You still have that thing?"

"Duh. I never went anywhere without it ever since the Dementor crap on the train," the pinkette answers.

"Why didn't you use your weird spells that I can never find in the books?"

"Because... just hurry up or we'll lose Ron."

The tunnel led to the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmeade. Ron was eventually found, and his leg was in a sick angle showing that he had broken it.

That's when things went crazy...

I think in the next chapter, I'll expand into the encounter with Sirius and the following scenes. Of course since a little alterations were done, who knows if time travel may even be used in the story. Of course I have to close up the Time-Turner sub-plot that wasn't even mentioned more than once. But I got some plans for Year Four. It'll be very interesting...