Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter!
Rated M: Mature, Sex, Language, Drugs, ...
Updated: 6/20/09
Runic Animagi
Chapter 7: Lily's Pad
AN: Starts out with Lucky's POV
Hedwig and I are having a truly wonderful time together. We spent the whole day together going over the events in our lives and grew closer to one another physically as well. Towards the end of our second day of fun, she felt her master's call and we decided to make two quick stops on our way to see the great green eyed wizard. The first was to the dark house with the largest ever kitchen table.
I simply found a good place to watch my girl do her thing. She is so beautiful when she pecks at stupid human's hands who refuse her what she wants. Oh wonderful, it's that nosey bushy haired girl and the gangly red headed garbage disposal with their own similar looking letters trying to stop my princess from her query.
"Oww ...Hedwig, we want to give Harry his OWL results here, so we can all open them together ...oww, stop biting me," she yelled frantically, causing her already bushy hair to look even more ruffled and crazed.
That's my girl, persistent to the end and always getting exactly what she wants. I don't know why they're complaining about the owl result she left of her own in a steaming pile now doubling as the large table's centerpiece. One owl result for another in my estimation, although I am probably a little biased towards my Hedwig.
I then led my beautiful snow white to where my entrance into this story began, and an owl never forgets a destination. I found the teenage girl's bedroom window to be open and taking in the late afternoon breeze. This time it was my turn to do most of the work, although we already knew that I'd need my girl to make a very visible appearance.
"What are you doing back here?" asked the olive skinned teenager skeptically while rubbing my neck feathers absentmindedly.
"Hoot hoot," I answered the only way I really knew how ...stupid beaks are useless, but then looked to my girl for her celebrity guest appearance.
"Oh shit ...you're Potter's owl?" she gasped almost in fear, or probably realization that her life was in for some serious changes as she looked at my beautiful snow white and then back at me. "You want me to send a letter to Potter?"
"Hoot," I replied bobbing up and down in the affirmative and getting her to shake her head probably in astonishment at my incredible level of understanding and intelligence.
"Dear Merlin, even Potter's pets are weird," she mumbled with seeming exasperation, and I don't know if I should be offended.
Well, she did write a letter for the green eyed wizard, but I'm not too sure he's going to like it from all the crazy laughter towards the end. Well, regardless our tasks are done and we each now have a letter for our master, and gratefully didn't have too far to go until we met up with him. He's in London now? When did that happen, I thought we were supposed to head north and all? I'm dropping off this letter and then going for a long nap, oh good ...Master is already sleeping on the sofa.
AN: Back to Harry's POV
"Oww! Hedwig, I'm up, I'm up," I pleaded helplessly as she pecked at my hands on the sofa's arm where she was perched with one letter in her talons, and another carelessly tossed nearby with it's deliverer already asleep above the bureau. "Who are the letters from? Yeah ...I know you can't tell me girl. Did you wear out poor Lucky? Oww ...okay, I'm sorry."
Shit, I must have fallen asleep after going through all those boring papers from Gringotts. I mean really, why does every company I have even the tiniest of percentage in feel like they have to go into so much detail in every year end dividend review. There were practically hundreds of these stupid things ...has anyone ever heard of a new invention called lists? At least I had finished emptying out the trunks I picked up as well as my own and found places for everything in the new apartment. The only thing left to go through were my parent's letters and the stuff I got at Godric's Hollow.
First I'll need something for a late lunch since I seemed to have slept through most of it, or an early dinner as it is past four in the afternoon. I left the apartment and found a take out stand before returning home with fish and chips and a coke within twenty minutes. After the food, I tried to relax and smoked another joint before tackling my parent's letters, starting with dad's.
To Harry,
My special little man, I love you so much. You already look just like your extremely handsome father, and I can only hope for your sake that it continues. Not that your mom isn't a real looker, but chicks simply love the dark messy Potter hair. You my son are already blessed or cursed with it, we've never come to a serious conclusion, but I can promise you that there is nothing you will ever be able to do with it, if it's anything like mine your stuck with it forever.
Your mom left some pictures and journals protected by her letter, please keep them with you and know that we love you and are sorry we couldn't be there to watch and help you grow. My advice to you is to do what makes you happy and don't fall into the traps of many wizarding stereotypes. Your mom may have been a muggleborn, but she is the smartest and most skilled witch I have ever met and something tells me that you'll take after more of her. I love you my son and will be proud of you wherever your life takes you.
Dad
My precious Harry,
You are the greatest gift I have ever received, and if you're reading this something has worked in all my plans to keep you safe and alive. You my precious angel are just so special, I love you and have begun layering you in protection and love runes since you were born. I have been doing private research into Ancient Runes and Charms since I left Hogwarts, and have kept a private study with all my research under heavy protections. 'Lily's study is in the living room corner.' Remember this when you get old enough to see the house at Godric's Hollow. If you are reading this letter, then that study will still exist since it carries many of the same protections. These books will eventually be of great use to you when you get older, so please prepare heavily in Charms and Ancient Runes when you enter third year, they will begin the process to understanding some of the protections I have placed upon you that can be boosted after you become an adult.
Hopefully Sirius has at least adequately prepared you for the wizarding world, if not buy a book called So Now I'm a Wizard, it was a real life saver for me throughout my years at Hogwarts. Remember to have fun and to treat everyone fairly. Make friends, find love, but most importantly LIVE your life to the fullest and remember that you father and I love you.
Mom
My parents actually wrote me these letters and at some level were prepared for what they thought laid ahead. Just reading their words of love and encouragement gave me a sense of contentment and peace that I had lacked most of my life. I'll ignore the fact I should have gotten these letters seemingly at the outset of attending Hogwarts at eleven, but can still appreciate everything about them despite their lateness in receiving.
I have been given something I never thought that I'd have, my parent's words of love and encouragement. It's so nice to know that my dad had the same problems with his hair, and that my mum did private research into old and obscure Charms and Runes looking for ways to keep me safe and alive. I need to go through the things from her study if I'm ever going to truly understand what she did for me or what she was like. I now have something real of theirs, that was just meant for me, and I will cherish it all for the rest of my life. I put the letters somewhere safe, while I pulled out everything I saved from Godric's Hollow.
There were several photo albums filled with pictures of my parents' lives growing up, going to school, and afterwards. The covered all the years of their lives and ended with several albums of my baby pictures with my proud and happy parents often waving as well. They were truly amazing and priceless items of sentimental value along with the many books on Runes and Charms that predated Hogwarts and other modern magical civilizations. It was a true treasure that I stumbled upon the other day, and I thank my lucky stars that it wasn't destroyed and now belongs to me. I now have a real and even better connection to both of my parents that can't be taken away or destroyed now that I have the truth of their words and actions that I will keep with me always.
I started making a small list of a few things I want Dobby to pick up for me over the next few days, including the video camera from Privet Drive, the book my mum recommended and possibly a bookcase trunk so I can keep all these rare and valuable books always at my side. I went through most of them quickly, and discovered a veritable gold mine of old runic texts and ancient Charms tomes that easily quadrupled the amount of books I owned before going to Godric's Hollow. Some of them seemed to be right up my alley, and several I could barely put down dealt with the runic symbols of various breads of animal both magical and muggle ...my mum was obviously brilliant.
I ended up finding the two letters I tossed aside when Hedwig and Lucky returned and woke me up, and decided to go through them both before heading out for a late night dinner and probably some drinking. The first was my OWL results which were about what I suspected having received Outstandings on both parts of the Defense exam, and the practical parts of Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, and Care of Magical Creatures. I got Exceeds Expectations on the written parts of Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, and both parts of Potions. Divination and Astronomy I squeaked by with Acceptables, and History of Magic was no surprise that I received a Troll. Not too bad all together, six OWLs out of nine is pretty respectable. I didn't qualify for Snape's NEWT Potions class, but that is no real loss ...I mean, why would I really want to become an auror for this bassackwards Ministry?
Oh, apparently I can appeal several of my grades if I write the Ministry's Education Board and state a good enough case. Maybe I'll need to use my fame for something positive for once, and might get to retake a few exams or simply take new ones in Muggle Studies and Ancient Runes. If I can get into the Runes class, then I'll only have the five classes I want filling my schedule. The worst they can do is say no to my requests, so there is not much to lose in trying. Besides, I think Hedwig could use something to do and take a small break from her new boyfriend Lucky. I quickly penned a letter to Griselda Marchbanks, the Head of the Education Department, explaining my wishes and appealing to her sensibilities as an educator and teacher before sending it off with Hedwig and turning to the last letter which was plainly marked 'Potter' in very pretty yet unfamiliar handwriting and gave it a quick read.
Potter,
I don't know who the hell you think you are, but we don't need you or your weird pets to remind us of the position we now find ourselves in. Did you send your owl here to spy on me and my family to see how dark we are? Or if we are in league with the Malfoys and that bigoted Dark Lord? If you want to know something be a man and ask ...don't send your owls on re-con trips to the future wife's house.
That's another thing, how difficult would it have been to include in the original letter that you were the new Head of the Black Family, instead of the vague references in the letter and then followed by the obnoxious spread in the Daily Prophet. If you think that just because we are now contracted to marry, that I want anything to do with a Gryffindor Golden Boy then you have another thing coming, this is a disaster waiting to happen on virtually every level.
I am sympathetic that you don't have any parents or adults to help you understand your upcoming role and responsibilities, but that will only get you so far. If you think your celebrity status will make everything okay, you are in for an extremely rude awakening. If you are truly as noble and rash as your house claims, then you will declare your intentions and face the full details of what you have gotten yourself into when school begins. You have been warned.
D. G.
Oh fuck, I am in so much trouble. Why couldn't I get contracted out to a nice quiet studious Ravenclaw or loyal Hufflepuff that would be so busy with their own lives and studies that they wouldn't care what I was up to. Not some pureblood Slytherin princess who expects me to always know what to do next without actually giving any real advice. Noble and rash, and declaring my intentions, that's what she said. Does she want me to make a public announcement? Oh, this is so going to suck.
Actually, a public announcement isn't all that bad of an idea, since I'll be able to control what is said, and it will probably give me some breathing room when it comes to crazy fan girls if I'm off the market so to speak. But then how to announce it? The Daily Prophet, or maybe the Great Hall during the welcome feast ...then she'll be put just as much on the spot as me. It's fucking brilliant and insanely dangerous at the same time, now I just need to craft a witty reply to her heartwarming letter before I can go out for some dinner and drinking.
The letter didn't take long to reply to, and I left it for Lucky when he wakes up or until Hedwig returns from delivering her letter to the Ministry. I found a nice place to eat and then went out for a few drinks before heading home early. I really want to get started on all those books of my mum's from her study at Godric's Hollow, and knew I'd need a good night sleep in my own bed if I really wanted to get through them.
The next two weeks simply flew by, as once I began going through my mum's books, I received word from Griselda Marchbanks that she would allow me to take the Muggle Studies and Ancient Runes OWLs in her office that Friday. I had only two and a half days then to cram as much information in my head as possible to be able to pass the Runes OWL, which based on how the test went, I passed easily. The written part was extremely difficult, being a lot about the history of different runic civilizations while the practical part was a breeze. They just wanted one rune symbol of our choice to demonstrate drawing and charging the runes, which I took full advantage of and redrew several of the full runic seals I had already tattooed onto my body on the several items given to us to use for the exam.
I left the Ministry in good spirits that day, since the Muggle Studies exam was a total joke and I felt extremely confident in the Runes one as well. I had spent the following weekend relaxing and taking a little breather from all the studying, and even called and visited Kate in her new apartment. Now, a whole week after seeing Kate, and after having gone through a good third of my mum's library quite thoroughly, I needed a day off to party and check in on my friends in Greater Little Whinging.
I told Dobby and Winky to take the night off after they finished the evening rounds of all my properties, since Dobby always wanted to check on the various houses' lead elves for status reports. He was more on top of everything as my Head Elf than I could ever hope, and had promised me all the elves were working out wonderfully and my houses were pretty much ready for me to see, or would all be by the start of school. I packed myself some goodies for the night in Surrey, and apparated to the abandoned old bank on the outside of town. I had to make sure not to apparate too close to anyone since I had only recently figured the skill out and it still sounded like a gunshot.
But, it worked ...I didn't splinch myself and this is definitely the place I was aiming for. That was way harder to go such a far distance, and now I need to sit down and catch my breath or at least smoke a joint to settle my churning stomach and frazzled nerves. That was just what I needed, now I can stop by and pick up some more movies for my growing collection before heading over to see the boys at Vic's. This town never seems to change, that old man is damn near always on that bench, and the tattoo shop is its usual crowded Saturday night self.
"Harry! It's good to see you mate," called Jim happily, as he was the first to spot me among the fifteen or so people milling around the shop.
"You too guys ...you look a little busy though," I answered easily, while reaching the guys and giving Jim and Andrew hugs since Vic was in the middle of something he couldn't stop.
"Hey Harry, can you take the forth stool and do a few stencil tattoos for us?" asked Vic seriously, "then we might be able to get out of here at a decent hour."
"Sure, should be fun," I answered, having watched countless times and even done it a few times beyond the brotherhood mark and my own magical ones.
"Good, this couple wants matching wedding bands on their left ring fingers ...can you handle that?" continued Vic quickly and gratefully.
"If they can handle the pain, I can do the tat," I answered with confidence that I didn't quite feel since I never worked on fingers, but sure that I could accomplish it.
The wedding band tattoos turned out brilliant if I do say so myself, and at least the newly weds were happy. Near the end of the night I asked Vic if he had any old or broken equipment that I could have to tinker with and practice, and boy did he come through. He charged me twenty pounds for new needles, but everything else he gave me including half-used and weird colored paints and tons of broken and just old and worn equipment that I was all too happy to take off his hands.
We partied at Jim and Andrews until none of us could get off the sofas for more beer and woke up to the bright light of the morning, all with wicked cricks in our necks and backs. I promised to treat everyone to a late breakfast and we followed Vic to his favorite spot for a hearty English breakfast before we returned to the apartment and I collected my boxes and said my goodbyes probably until Christmas. Once I was back at the abandoned bank I arrived at, I apparated back to my apartment with the same gunshot like crack and surprised Dobby and Winky cuddling on the sofa watching a movie.
"Sorry to interrupt you guys ...I'm heading to my room to study and tinker with some new stuff," I spoke quickly, before remembering the shrunken bag in my pocket and instantly enlarging it and setting it on the other end of the sofa, "just some more movies I bought ...enjoy yourselves."
"Dobby's getting more action lately than I am," I mumbled quietly to myself as I walked to my room and saw Hedwig grooming Lucky after his recent trip to my fiancé's. "You feeling better Lucky?"
"Hoot," agreed he and Hedwig simultaneously in the affirmative.
"Don't worry boy, I'm not going to send you back," I answered his unasked question with a sad shake of my head at his state when he returned yesterday bearing a short but poignant howler that I don't want to talk about. "We'll get her back at Hogwarts."
The next day I sent Dobby off with a letter for Professor Dumbledore asking if somebody already got my textbooks and if he would let me continue the DA if I opened it up to all the houses? I also asked him if he knew where to get a Pensieve, since that was the one thing Dobby couldn't seem to find. His reply was quite positive in helping us move forward, and I feel will go a long way in bridging the gap that's formed between us.
Harry,
Thank you for contacting me, and assuring me you are indeed safe and in good hands. Let me first apologize and congratulate you on the howler you left at Privet Drive, I admit your grievances against me are many and completely justified. I have been blinded and secretive and hope to rectify that with you when school begins. I will answer all of your questions honestly, as I do trust you and am very proud of the man you are becoming.
Of course you may continue the Defense Association (to not offend Cornelius) and open it to whomever you wish. I am sure many of our teachers would love a chance to sneak a peak and see the class in action, as would I since your current class members scored within the highest percentage of any others in recorded history on the Defense OWLs. Nymphadora has agreed to purchase all your textbooks, and I will have to have her include the Ancient Runes texts according to the boasting of one very pleased Griselda Marchbanks. It is good to see you taking your studies over the summer so seriously, and it shows an immense maturity and growth of character, and I look forward to the coming year.
Albus
"He also gave me this book for you," added Dobby after I set aside the Headmaster's letter and saw my loyal friend still standing and waiting on me before he handed me the book.
It was quite the old book judging by the cover and lack of title, but appeared to be about an ancient practice of creating Pensieves. There was also a note explaining that this was an ancient heirloom of the Dumbledore family made by one of his ancestors who was a Rune Master. Now this is a book that I can enjoy, I should give this to Timms to copy.
"Hey Dobby, can you sneak this into Timms in-tray so we can have our own copy?" I asked and got a strange look from my loyal Head Elf.
"Many of the elves like to read and write to get smarter. We finished copying your library yesterday, and were hoping you could get us some more," he replied with such a hopeful look I would have probably bought out every bookstore in England ...oh sweet, this is how I'll get Hermione off my case about employing so many house elves.
"I'm not even halfway through my mum's library," I replied in exasperation at their insane efficiency. "Are there libraries at my other properties, cause I'd like a copy of all of those in my personal library? Plus, you're welcome to buy as many books as you and the other elves want, make a copy for my library and stock all my other properties with a full collection of works. Actually, that might be difficult ...you'd have to copy every book at least five times."
"That sounds perfect Harry Potter sir, I just acquired two more elves for the Black Chateau, and the Potter Estate and Black Moor Villa are both fully up and running," answered Dobby proudly, he is the fucking best elf ever.
"There's only a little over a week left until school starts, maybe I should visit and spend a night or two in each house?" I wondered aloud, while simultaneously running it by my personal assistant and seeing what he thought.
"Dobby thinks that's a great idea Harry Potter sir," answered the bouncing elf. "if you'd like to gather some smoking goodies, we can visit and christen one of them now."
Did I ever mention that Dobby is a genius. We spent two days and nights at Potter Estate exploring everything we could including a healthy liquor cabinet that I simply loved. I worked on my apparition around the large grounds and house, and by the time we headed to Black Moor Villa in Castile, Spain I had the noise down to a soft pop. Spain was truly a beautiful country, and I'd love to spend more time there if I could get past the language barrier ...which I just figured out how to solve.
I used the smallest runic stones I could to put translation seals on, and turned one pair into earrings and the other as pole ends of my tongue ring. By the end of the three days in Spain, I was really starting to understand and speak the language and only have my runic stones to thank. I only spent one night in Black Chateau in Lyon, France since it still wasn't in great shape, but spent a day in muggle Paris to make up for it. I had an absolute blast, and the translation runic stones continued to do their job splendidly, I think I have a real money maker in these things if I wanted. I only had one day left of the summer break to return to London, and after calling on Kate to spend some time doing our favorite pastime in the evening, spent my last night or at least the few hours of it left at Lily's Pad.
AN: That's it for the summer, next chapter Harry goes back to Hogwarts!
