Disclaimer
I don't own Harry Potter. I don't own Tenchi Muyo or any of the other stories in the Tenchi universe.
I merely succumbed to the temptation of 'What if?'. This plot bunny came to me a few months ago and refused to leave me alone until I got it written.
Authors Note
Sorry for the long wait but you can expect more very soon.
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, I really like knowing how people enjoy my work.
And now, on with the show...
Chapter 6
Harry woke up early and stretched. The Jurai barrier Ayeka had taught him had been useful in a modified form to block Ron's snoring. His sleep wasn't quiet as restful, having to maintain the low level barrier, but he slept better than he would have having to listen to Ron since he couldn't risk using his wand and his wandless magic was still a little shaky for long duration spells. Tenchi was a much quieter person to share a room with.
Harry wandered the quiet house until he found a larger empty room to practice in. His training relaxed him greatly and allowed him to reflect on the events of the previous day and plan the day ahead. He may have been a little hard on his friends and Dumbledore but they needed to learn that he wasn't the same person they knew from the start of the summer.
He finished his training and decided he needed to check on his school supplies, which meant he needed his letter, and maybe visit Diagon Alley for a few extra things. He grinned slightly at the protests Molly Weasley would raise.
Finishing his training he went to the kitchen for breakfast. Molly was in there cooking.
"Good morning, Harry." She greeted him, but it was not as warm as it could have been.
"Morning. Do you have my Hogwarts letter?" Harry asked, he could tell she was still angry at him so he picked a safe topic.
"Yes. We got your things as well."
"Thanks. I picked up some robes yesterday." Harry paused, he was about to cause an explosion. "Do you still have my vault key? I may need to pick up a couple more things."
Molly froze. "I don't think we'll be able to organise a guard for you so it will be safer for you to stay home. You have what you need and I got you some spending money as well." She replied in a very tight voice.
"I'd still like my key back please." Harry insisted.
"I don't know that I can trust you to behave responsibly. You have shown very poor judgement recently."
"So it's impossible you for to believe that I'm so well protected that attacking me would be tantamount to suicide?"
"You're just a child. Albus said you have to remain safe."
"I'm not a child. I'm not the one keeping things that don't belong to them just because they didn't get their own way. Albus doesn't believe it's possible for anyone to provide better protections than him."
"He is the greatest wizard in the world."
"The world is a small place and wizards are not all there is." Harry left to clean up before breakfast. "And I still want my key."
!HPNNfH!
Breakfast was a tense affair. Molly was very upset at Harry and it showed.
"What happened this time?" Ginny whispered.
"I said Dumbledore wasn't as great as she thought, asked for my vault key and said I may want to go to Diagon Alley."
"Yep. You're in trouble." Ginny grinned.
Harry grinned back.
As he left the room after breakfast he followed his godfather back to his room.
"Could you summon my vault key please? I would do it myself but there's this whole under age magic thing." Harry asked. If someone was going to get in trouble over this, he didn't want it to be him. He was in enough trouble as it was and as much as he didn't care, he didn't really need any more.
"Sure Harry." Sirius pulled his wand and summoned the key. 'There you go. You doing anything this morning?"
"I need to look though my Hogwarts stuff and I was thinking I might go back to Diagon Alley to get a couple of things. It was really hard yesterday with Washu taking over."
"Your letter and books are in here. Are you sure you will be safe going to Diagon Alley?" Sirius asked, concerned as he retrieved them.
"Yeah. I doubt most people would recognise me. If anyone tries anything, I have a few surprises they won't expect. Just trust me, even though no one else seems to." Harry finished with a growl.
"Okay. I'll trust you. Do mind if I come with?"
Harry glanced up from looking through the books. "Don't you think that it will look a little odd? Dogs aren't that common in the wizarding world or Diagon Alley. I can take you for a walk later though, if you want."
Sirius laughed. "You do remind me of your father, but there's a lot of your mother in you too."
"Thanks Sirius. I'll see you later." Harry's eyes shone a little with unshed tears.
"I'll cover for you until lunch okay, just don't get caught."
"Okay." Harry stuck his head out the door to call out. "Ryo-oh-ki!"
With the patter of small feet and a meow the small feline landed in Harry's arms.
"We're going out."
Ryo-oh-ki perked up. "Meowr."
Harry opened the window and waved to Sirius before jumping out.
Sirius ran to the window to see Harry casually wandering down the street towards the nearest park.
"That kid." He chuckled.
!HPNNfH!
Harry entered Gringotts and asked to be taken to his vault. He enjoyed the cart ride but found it lacking after his training with Minagi and piloting his ship.
Ryo-oh-ki reacted suddenly as they passed a vault. Harry looked at her and nodded for her to go when she pointed at his now faded scar with a paw.
Entering his vault he stared at the massive pile of gold that Washu had deposited in his account which made it almost impossible for him to enter the room. He scooped up a pile and filled his money bag. Leaving he got back in the cart to return to the surface. Ryo-oh-ki joined him on the way back carrying a small golden cup which she snuck under his robe, out of sight.
Harry was on edge as they left the bank. He breathed a sigh of relief and ducked into a quiet corner.
"Ryo-oh-ki, take the cup back to my ship for safe keeping please." Harry asked.
Ryo-oh-ki nodded and flew off into the sky to rendezvous with the Magical Escape.
Harry browsed the bookshop and picked out a few extra books of spells while he waited for Ryo-oh-ki to return. Afterwards he headed for the Quidditch store. He wandered the Alley, unrecognised, just like all the other shoppers. It felt nice to be normal for a change.
Harry returned to Grimmauld Place and teleported back inside, avoiding everyone until he returned to Sirius's room.
"Glad to see you back safe and sound." Sirius greeted him.
"Not even a glimmer of trouble." Harry shrugged. "Almost disappointing."
"Were you looking for some action?" Sirius asked. "I would have thought that you would have interested in something a little different, may be involving a girl..."
"Shut up." Harry ginned, mimicking Ryoko.
"Do you want to put your books away? It's nearly time for lunch."
"Okay."
Harry dropped his books off and met up with Sirius to head down stairs.
As they entered the kitchen Harry was surprised as everyone shouted "Happy Birthday!"
Harry froze his hand gripping as he was about to form the energy sword Minagi had taught him before he caught himself and relaxed.
"You guys didn't have to do this, but thank you." Harry smiled happily.
"We never got a chance to give you your presents so..." Ron said.
"I really appreciate it."
Harry had a great time with his Hogwarts friends and getting to know the members of the Order. He had met them yesterday at lunch but with Washu and Ryoko present he never got the chance to really meet them.
Alastair Moody had pulled him aside part way through to give him a photo of the original order, pointing out his parents.
"Thanks. I have so few mementos of my parents." Harry replied.
"You're welcome Harry. Now, I'm supposed to tell you off for running away."
"You practice Constant Vigilance right?"
"Yeah?"
"So you are ready for any situation at any time?"
"I try to be, why?"
Harry shifted suddenly and his fist was at Moody's throat, gently brushing the skin. "You need more practice."
"Impressive." The old Auror looked shocked at how easily Harry could have taken him out. "But what about a magical attack?"
"You have to hit me first." Harry shrugged. "But here's not the place for such things."
"True. How did you get manage to learn move like that?"
"I had some very good teachers over the summer."
"Glad to hear it. Have a good party."
"Thanks."
!HPNNfH!
Harry did have a good party. He thanked his friends again afterwards in his room.
"Don't mention it. We're just sorry we missed your actual birthday." Hermione glared at him a little.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Harry looked abashed. "But there is a favour I would like to ask you."
"What?" Hermione asked, a little surprised.
"Could you tutor me in Runes?"
"Huh? You don't take Ancient Runes." Hermione confusion was obvious.
"I know." Harry replied as if stating the obvious. "That's why I need you to tutor me. I'm thinking of dropping Divination. I'm hoping to catch up by the end of the year, or part way through next year. I should at least be able to take my NEWTS with you."
"Umm. Okay. I'm glad to see you taking your education seriously. You had better work harder than you have in the past though." Hermione gave him a stern glare.
"Don't worry. I'm in a much better position to study now." Harry shrugged.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Your parents are in the medical profession right? Ask them about the physical and mental effects malnutrition causes on a developing child. Washu spend a fair amount of time fixing all that damage."
Hermione paled. "Harry?"
"Drop it. Please. Just drop it." Harry requested quietly.
"Okay." Hermione whispered. "You'll need the books. You can borrow mine until you can get your own."
"I got my books this morning." Harry grinned.
"You went to Diagon Alley again!? By yourself!? Harry! You are so careless!" Hermione scolded sternly, half yelling. "Are you trying to kill yourself?"
"No. I haven't tried that since I turned five." Harry replied casually as he stood and headed for the door. "Excuse me but I'd like a little more time with Padfoot and Moony before we leave."
"Was he joking?" Ron asked.
"I really hope so." Hermione replied, looking stricken. "But I'm terrified that he isn't."
"What do you say to that?" Ron looked shocked as he stared at the closed door Harry had left through.
Ginny was crying. "What was Dumbledore thinking, putting Harry with those monsters?"
"I don't know." Hermione wiped at her own tears. "I always thought Dumbledore knew what he was doing but this..." She trailed off.
!HPNNfH!
Harry had a good time with the remaining Marauders. Sirius started teaching Harry some muggle cards game while they chatted.
Dinner was reasonably cheerful as well, though there was sadness from the Weasley parents at their children's imminent departure the next day and stress amongst the two youngest Weasley's and the muggle-born witch from their friend's shocking revelations.
Hermione and Ginny visited Harry in the room he shared with Ron after dinner.
"I'm really sorry Harry." Hermione apologised. "I never knew what it was like for you there."
Harry shrugged. "One of the few things they taught me was to not tell anyone. Washu dragged it out of me when she discovered the malnutrition."
"She's pretty young isn't she? The way you talk about her, I don't know..." Hermione frowned.
"Actually she's older than Dumbledore. So are Ryoko and Minagi, who are her daughters, if you were wondering."
"No way! She can't be that old. None of them could possibly be that old." Hermione was shocked.
"Like I told Mrs Weasley this morning, the world is a small place and there are more than wizards. Washu isn't bragging when she goes on about being the Greatest Scientist in the Universe."
"I don't know."
"Hermione, do you trust me?"
"Yes, of course."
"If I tell you that I'm being honest and serious, can you accept that I'm speaking the actual truth."
"Yes, you don't have to ask."
"I do actually. I tell you that Washu is that old and that intelligent and you doubt me. You also don't believe me when I say that I'm better protected now than I ever was under Dumbledore."
Hermione slumped. "You're right. I'm sorry. It's just that I don't understand what's going on."
"I don't understand that much either to be honest. But I know what my friends, my family, are capable of."
"Are they really family to you, Harry?"
"Yes." Harry smiled. "Yes they are. I finally have a family. I can connect to them in a way that was never possible with anyone else. You are my best friends but Tenchi is my big brother and Ryoko and Minagi are my big sisters. Washu is more of a mother figure, or an aunt. Then there is Ayeka and Mihoshi who are my other big sisters and Sasami, my little sister. Yosho is like a Grandfather to us all. I finally have a home I want to go to. I won't let anyone take that away from me, and neither will they."
"Okay Harry. I'll trust you. Just promise me you are being careful." Hermione relented.
"I am."
The conversation turned to happier things.
There was a knock on the door a little later on and Molly stuck her head in.
"Harry, Albus is downstairs. He would like to see you." She told him.
"Joy." Harry replied dryly as he rose. "Time for another scolding."
"Harry." Molly scolded. "Show some respect."
"I'd like to get some first. I've been treated like an errant toddler ever since I got here."
Harry left before Molly could find the words to respond.
"Mrs Weasley." Hermione said tentatively. "I'm not trying to be rude or insulting, but he's right. No one here has even considered the validity of what he's been telling us. They've just assumed that he doesn't know what he's talking about or been wrong. Why is it that you can't trust what he says?"
Molly had no answer for that.
!HPNNfH!
Harry entered the lounge where Dumbledore was waiting.
"You wanted to see me?" Harry leant back against a wall.
"Yes. I am still very disappointed at your recent attitude."
"Is it my attitude that's the problem or the fact I'm not listening to you? Is it impossible for you to believe that someone else could protect me better than you?"
"I scanned you for your supposed protections. They don't exist."
"They do. It's not my fault that you can't detect them. Perhaps you're not as good as you think?"
"Why are you so angry? It will lead you down a dark path. Let me show you a better way."
"I'm angry so I'm turning evil. It couldn't possibly have anything to do with the fact that I've been repeatedly attacked for making choices that I believe are in my own, and ultimately the rest of the world's, best interest. I don't appreciate being treated like a little boy, and don't even suggest that I'm acting like one. You already know that I'm not."
"Very well. I thought about telling more but I don't think you are ready."
"I already know that I'm the one who has to beat Voldemort. What more could there be that I'm not ready for?" Harry tried to probe for more information.
"You will have a power that is unknown to him." Dumbledore surprised him by answering.
"Is that all? Rather vague."
"You don't seem surprised."
"Should I be? It's nice to know that I have some advantage over him."
"You know what the power is don't you?"
"I know of some possibilities. That is all you need to know."
"So you make demands of me but don't give anything back. Isn't that rather childish?" Dumbledore criticised.
"Some secrets aren't mine to share. Others are best left until the right time to be revealed." Harry grinned inwardly at his opportunity to give Dumbledore a cryptic answer like so many he had received.
"You're avoiding the subject." Dumbledore accused.
"How about that. Do you have any ideas or suspicions?"
"I believe it is possible that the key lies in your capacity to Love."
"Huh? Love? You actually believe that Love is this hidden power?" Harry shook his head. "It doesn't fit. He knows about it. He may discount it, underestimate it, and ignore it as irrelevant but it's not unknown to him. What would I be supposed to do, cause him to expire in shock by professing my hidden feelings towards him?"
"That is enough Harry."
"If you say so. You may be the Headmaster of the school I attend but that is all. You are not my parent and this conversation has nothing to do with school. You don't get to make the rules here. My personal life is none of your business."
"That may be true but I am also the Leader of the Light. I have other responsibilities which involve you and your personal life."
"I never accepted you as my leader so you can ditch that angle as well."
"Harry, can't you see I am acting in the interests of the Greater Good?"
"Not really. I never get to see you act. You keep all that away from me because I'm 'still a child', that's if you actually 'act' at all." Harry pushed off the wall and headed for the door. "I would like to know if my Greater Good is included in that Greater Good you keep talking about because it hasn't been so far. I'm sure a lot of other people could say the same."
The door shut behind him.