Abyssus Abyssum Invocat
Originally by: VHDL
Continued by: Lady Kanko Wildstar
Note: Slowing down, but definitely not done. Unfortunately there was a couple blizzards where I am so internet access comes and goes. Please be patient, just because I haven't been able to post as quickly is most likely due to that problem.
I placed an authors note in my profile because of the unwarranted attack on me by fussbudget. I am sorry if my words are to harsh but I merely responded to the verbal attack that 'fussy' had done to me.
Some have pointed out that Katherine being just as powerful as Harry was a little bit of a put off. Part of the reason she is so powerful ties into the crossover I made in previous chapters with Stargate SG-1. She is part of the program in a separate fic I've started called Unexpected Events (which, yes I'm still writing more for – it has NOT been abandoned). If you read that fic you'll see some of the tie in's and power references.
I've obviously taken a break for a little while from this fic until now. In that time I have written yet another fic based off of the Da Vinci Code. It's called Athena's Daughter, and yes it's still in progress. I hope you'll read it some time.
/……/ parselmouth
Chapters 36 - 38
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Chapter 36:
After the trial both Harry and Katherine threw themselves into working on some training orbs, that could teach the potential mages when the two had other matters to take care of. Petunia and Luna seemed to understand why they did this. Katherine had to go back to America by the 26th. And Harry had many other obligations outside of Hogwarts to do. Finally by the 25th, they managed to come up with something. The orb was a steel grey that seemed to pulse with power, they even made an instruction manual for the thing. After quickly sending them out to the potentials, Harry then turned to meeting with several students who had requested a meeting to discuss personal issues. While Katherine worked around the castle, helping Hagrid and Filch with various tasks.
McGonagall spoke with each student herself before sending the requests along to Harry. A few even asked to be seen together in groups. So when she found out the reasons for the students wanting the meeting, she immediately contacted Harry. Harry, though not told why, set up one in mass meeting but only those that McGonagall approved.
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"So essentially, your families kicked you out for one reason or another but basically because you have magical abilities." Harry questioned slowly and many seemed to be shamed by it but nodded in confirmation. "Why didn't you all come forward sooner then this?"
"A couple of us did go to Dumbledore but he always just said we were better off with our families, even if they kicked us out. Well, those aren't his specific words. But if the famed Albus Dumbledore had already passed judgment then how would we know if we went to one of the other staff that they wouldn't go to Dumbledore. And then we could get into a lot of trouble."
"I see." Harry's eyes narrowed thoughfully. "Since you're all muggle-borns or half-bloods I take you have experience in the muggle world?" Many nods answered his question. "Very well, I have several properties that border close to mixed villages or on the edge of muggle lands. You may stay there once the location has been selected. In return for room and board you have to help with the upkeep of the place and it's lands. Agreed?"
The students faces went from shame to shock to happiness. One Ravenclaw spoke up. "We could really stay? We could have a home outside of Hogwarts again?"
"Yes, but there are conditions. Like I said you have to help with maintained and upkeep of the place. House elves will be there but they won't do all the work. You help with what need to get done. Such as the grocery shopping or supplies that are needed and so forth. It's not a free stay. You have to work for it. But as long has I have favorable reports of everyone pulling their fair share equally, then there won't be any problems. There will be squibs or other adults there too to keep an eye on things. You get to stay until one month after your graduations, then you have to move out or begin to pay rent. I have some one go with you to your old homes to pick up the rest of your things in an hour or two. They'll be able to shrink anything. But you'll have to go in groups and your things will need to be stored here in the castle until summer."
"Thank you!" Many of the girls cried and even some of the boys seemed emotional.
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Once Harry gathered up Hooch, McGonagall, Flitwick and Snape, along with Katherine, Luna and Petunia, the students were split into groups based on geographical location.
Katherine and Petunia led a group of twelve students in and around the Surrey area picking things up. Most of the families were kind enough to let the students and adults in to pack things up as quickly as possible. But there were of course a few problem individuals who wanted to 'teach the freaks a lesson.' Petunia went into protective hen mode and literally glared one woman into submission. And Katherine ended up throwing a drunken father out the window. After everyone had there things they port keyed to Hogsmeade.
The other groups got into similar situations, though no more people were thrown out windows……exactly. Hooch managed to dissuade people with her hawk eyes. Snape with his giant, glaring bat routine. McGonagall with her tight lipped superior stance, looking down her nose at them as though they were one of her trouble making first years. And Flitwick merely twirled his wand expertly between his fingers, even with his size he gave of an aura of danger.
It toke the rest of the day until just before dinner to get everything. And by then most of the rest of the population at Hogwarts had found out about the whole ordeal. Apparently letters were written to families by students and within hours many were volunteering to take students in or to help in any other way.
But by the end of dinner it was time for Katherine to return to America. The goodbyes were said with much more emotion then as some fighters would allow. Petunia and everyone else understood her oaths and having to fulfill them even if it meant her life. Letters were promised to be written. Many if not all of the students and staff were there, with one final wave Katherine disappeared.
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Harry and Petunia seemed really down the next morning but with Harry and Luna needing to reward Hogwarts they had to focus on that. It would take all the power they had to do what they both wanted and needed to. Once Hogwarts was emptied of everyone the two began expanding there power and a glow surrounded them. The aura stretched across the land, up into the castle, and even the forbidden forest. As the chanting reached a crescendo everyone could feel the protections slide into place, could feel a greater peace come over them, a feeling of truly being home. Then the aura disappeared, Luna and Harry collapsed. Madam Pomfrey and two other healers were the first to reach them. Scans and spells were rapidly being used.
Madam Pomfrey turned to McGonagall, "They'll be fine. Very tired for at least a little while, but fine. I recommend taking them back to their apartments for rest for now."
McGongall let out a sigh of relief, "Very well. Dobby!"
"Yes, Headmistress. What can Dobby be doing for you?" The little elf bounced excitedly.
"Take Lord Potter and Lady Luna back to there quarters and watch over them." She motioned to the two, Dobby's big eyes widened before nodding.
"Dobby will! Dobby promise!"
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The two slept through the day, night and into the next morning. Dobby never left there side, other house-elves brought food and drink to Dobby to ensure that his vigil over their lord and lady would continue safely. When they woke the next morning, to Dobby's relief, they were both very hungry. Everyone in the castle seemed to breathe a sigh of relief when the pair arrived in the great all for breakfast.
"It is good to see that you are both alright." McGonagall said given one of her rare true smiles. "Are you still going to go out?"
"Yes, there some business I need to take care of. Luna had planned on help Madam Pince in the library." Harry nodded before taking another bite of eggs.
"Very well."
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After saying his goodbyes to his lady love and the staff, Harry made his way to the Head mistresses office. Slowly he pulled the taint of the horcrux from Gryffindor's door guardian and sealed it into an indestructible glass ball. It seemingly pulsed with darkness and hatred. Then he used every possible tracking charm he could to locate any other horcrux in Hogwarts.
It reacted.
There was another horcrux in the school.
He followed the spells trace to a small doorway in a side room next to the Hufflepuff common room. On a pedestal in the center of the room was Hufflepuff's personal golden tea cup. Again he drew out the piece of Voldemort's soul from it before banishing the cup to his apartments. Next he apparated away to Gringott's appearing in the lobby.
He was quickly approached by Griphook. "Lord Potter, how may I be of assistance?"
"I need to go to the Ravenclaw family vault. I must retrieve something."
"Very well, if you would follow me, my lord." Griphook led him to a cart and they were soon on there way. Harry always loved this part of his visits to the bank, it was just like a rollercoaster ride. Griphook gave a toothy grin when he noticed, he pressed a button on the front panel and the cart went even faster. Harry's happy shouts echoed through the catacombs. He seemed saddened when they stopped but quickly went to work opening the vault and began searching through the mountains of personal items and antique's. He soon came to the piece he was searching for, Ravenclaw's silver and sapphire bracelet.
Griphook watched in amazement as Harry extracted a dark and ominous mist from the jewelry, placing this latest piece in the glass ball with the others. As soon as the process started it was over. He (Griphook) realized the power that this young human had and that he would be a great ally for the Goblin race. Once again in the cart Griphook hit the button and the cart toke off at enormous speeds, Harry's cheers once again echoing.
Once they were at the top and on the way to the lobby Harry bid Griphook goodbye and apparated out to his next location. Griphook quickly went to the council chambers to inform them of what he saw. Entering the council chamber he waited for them to call him forward, it did not take long.
"Yes, Griphook?"
"I thought it best to report that I toke Lord Potter the Ravenclaw vaults. There I witnessed Lord Potter purifying a bracelet that held something of great evil."
"WHAT!" Many of them shouted. And Griphook began to explain.
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Mean while Harry appears outside the Gaunt's shack. Once he broke the wards to get inside, he merely toke out his wand.
"Ostendo mihi via ut ut quod ego peto!" (show me the way to that which I seek)He said drawing a rune in the air. The rune glowed a Slytherin green before turning into a ball of light and shooting into one wall. Walking over to the wall he used his mage sight to check for any booby traps and wards, there was a few. He slowly and carefully toke down each ward one at a time for safeties sake. Once completed he double checked with mage site before actually open the compartment and toke out the ring. He went through the process of removing the horcrux from the ring.
Just as he left the shack and started down the path that led to the graveyard he heard a familiar hiss.
Nagini!
He shot to the side just as the serpent attempted to strike.
/Evil boy! Toke my master from me! Die!/ The serpent hissed coiling herself to try another strike. /Master will return and reward me for your death!/
/I have taken the horcruxes! He will never return to this world!/ Harry grinned at her hissed of anger and shock. /Now it is your turn to pay for serving a false heir! I am the true heir of Slytherin, not Riddle! You have served a fake, a false heir!/
Nagini's eyes widened in shock as Harry showed her the Slytherin family ring glowing in the palm of his hand. It had never glowed for her master Riddle. Harry seeing an opening quickly removed the last horcrux from within her, placing it to in the ball of darkness. Nagini was still in shock from the revelation. For one of her kind to have served a false heir it was sentenced to death. No serpent who served a false heir was ever aloud to live, only the mercy of the true heir could spare her. She slowly studied Harry as she came out of her shock.
/I give myself to my Lord Slytherin's judgment for the shame that I have brought./ She bowed her serpentine head, eyes lowered in respect.
/I will decide your fate in two days hence. You will remain in the chamber of secrets with the basilisk Seleth until then./
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Harry apparated directly into the chamber of secrets. Seleth, while surprised, did not attack when she recognized the sent of her master. But with Harry was another serpent, a very ashamed looking one at that.
/Seleth, this is Nagini. Do not harm for I must give judgement in two days hence./ Harry hissed.
/Yes, my lord and master. May I beg the question of why she must be judged?/ The great serpent replied.
/I served the false one thinking he was the true master. For the crimes I have committed in serving the false one, I have submitted to the judgment of the true heir./ Nagini said ashamed.
Seleth looked to Harry who nodded. /You are not the only to have served the false one. I had too, but soon realized him for what he truly was. I have only ever killed before that time in defense of this place, but when he ordered me to kill an innocent. Master Harry spared my life so I may continue my duties as a guardian. We will await his judgment upon you./
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During the night Harry explained what had happened to Luna. She merely accepted what he said as the truth. He has never lied to her before no matter what it was about, she trusted him with every fiber of her being.
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The next day was the sixth quidditch match of the competitions to be held. Everyone was up bright and early, either waiting in the great hall or already walking down to the pitch. Soon enough everyone had made their way down to the pitch. Tickets were checked, food and drinks bought, and memorabilia was sold all of the proceeds going to the charities.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the sixth match of the Hogwarts International Quidditch Competition. As you can see the teams are ready to battle for the games. I shall now draw two chips that have the color and emblems of their teams on them. These two teams will be the ones who play today. The players of the other teams will join us here in the teams' box to watch the match." Reaching into the bag Harry pulled out the purple crown's chip and the green serpents chip. "The two teams that shall face off are the Purple Crowns and the Green Serpents! Players take to your brooms. The other teams join us in the stands now." Harry ended the spell. And all of them kicked off, the ones not playing flew directly to the boxes where the families were seated. The two teams swung around the pitch to the cheers of the crowd. Going to their position before the bludgers and snitch were released and the quaffle was thrown up into the air.
Players zoomed around the pitch. Chasers were vying for control of the quaffle. Both seekers rose above the rest, searching for the snitch. Viktor Krum and Cedric Diggory tossed the quaffle back and forth with seeker percission, never allowing it to leave there teams possession as they made their way down the pitch to score. Purple crown seeker Samantha Cathoria had obviously been training with how attentive she was looking about the pitch searching for any sign of the snitch.
Still back and forth the quaffle went, sometimes the Crowns would have it and sometimes the Serpents chaser would. It was 180 to 170, Serpents leading when suddenly Samantha shot off having seen the glimmer of the snitch. Draco was not far behind her. Both raced around the pitch, twisting, turning and diving. The cheers of the crowd roared across the pitch. Suddenly Samantha shot her broom upwards, her hand closed around the snitch just before Draco could reach.
"With Samantha Cathoria catching the snitch, Purple Crowns win with 320 points to the Serpents 180!" Harry's voice bombed across the pitch as the crowds cheers and jumps to their feet. The Purple Crowns zoomed around the pitch Samantha leading them, her arm raised and the snitches fluttering wings flapping wildly.
The green serpents were not happy at all, but this was about having fun in competition, not an end of the world situation.
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Chapter 37:
Meanwhile in America word of the Nish'ta incidents had reached the ears of General George Hammond. He immediately called the newly expanded SG-1, Major Davis and Major Fraiser to the conference room to give them orders. When they had gathered he began.
"Reports from Europe have just reached me informing me that there has been several instances of someone trying to drug certain families with Nish'ta. While the attempt was neutralized thanks to one Lord Potter having confronted one of the terrorists in his school, it's not known who has done this." Hammond said and Katherine and Xander exchanged glances before turning back.
"Excuse me sir." Carter interrupted. "Did you say Lord Potter?"
"Yes. I take it you've heard of him."
"Yes sir. He's been called a prodigy. His testing scores were off the charts. He also inherited several of the family titles as I understand it."
"He also inherited a substantial amount of assests. His uncle and cousin were tried in British courts and found guilty for many crimes. One of his aunts is currently living with him at the school, while the other is here in America." Katherine added on, her face was stoic and serious.
"How do you know that?" Daniel questioned, everyone one else was staring at her.
"I'm his second aunt." She muttered loudly.
"I'm sorry but when were you going to tell us that?" Jack snapped.
"I already told you who my nephew was, it's not my fault that none of you paid attention." She snapped back.
"Did you know about the Nish'ta?" Hammond questioned his eyes narrowing.
"Yes." Everyone else in the room looked at her stunned. "I was there when the a-hole tried dosing everyone. He ended up dieing in the nearby forest when the guard animals went after him. I couldn't question him and the President personally placed a gag order on me. I couldn't tell anyone without my family there suffering the repercussions. So forgive me if I chose to keep my sister and nephew alive!"
Hammond studied her for a minute. "I'll have to confirm the gag order, but I can sympathize with your reasons given what's happened to other members of your family not to long ago. I take it you're the one that helped them neutralize it?" She nodded. "Very well. The President has ordered me to send all of you to this school to meet with Lord Potter. Colonel Evans you will help set up the meeting with him given your personal connection to him."
"Getting a meeting is not that difficult, but I don't think I can take you to the school." She waved her hand when the others were going to complain. "The school is for diplomatic families' children and for other gifted students. How the idiot found his way there I will never know. Like the SGC, the location of the school is top secret. The only reason I know is because I am one of the owners of the thing. I am bound by law both here and in the UK not to reveal it's where a bout's. Otherwise I would be more then happy to let you visit. But I would rather risk quart marshal then put those kids at further risk given what happened." That made the others realize how serious she was if she was willing to walk away so easily.
"Very well. Arrange for the meeting in a neutral location then, but the meeting must take place because there are some questions that need to be answered. And not just about the Nish'ta. From what my sources tell me, your nephew has been assisting in the creation of military facilities. And they have also been working on something similar to this Tretonin that you were given by the Pangarans."
"Actually he's helping to put together anti-terrorist teams through out the UK and other parts of Europe. Apparently there's been some attacks on civilians but they have been centralized to just there. Both the Queen and the Prime Minister asked for his help. They even offered me a hefty salary and promotion if I agreed to take command of the team's." Kanko shrugged at their astonished looks. 'Thank God I told Xander, Petunia, Harry & Luna about all of this early on. Otherwise I'd be screwed! Got to send Harry an owl or something.'
"We'll still need to confirm it with both him and the British government. You leave in one hour."
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Katherine pulled out her magically enhanced cell phone and called Harry's number. Leaving a quick but thorough message for him detailing what had happened. She moved about her personal quarters packing extra uniforms into her bottomless sack, before closing and locking the door to head top side. Apparently word had already spread through some of the base as people moved out of her way. Some looked at her in curiosity, others respect and yet others suspicion. She merely ignored this and finally reached topside where the rest of SG-1 was waiting.
The ride to the plane was made in silence, either through awkwardness or stubbornness. On the plane Katherine and Xander merely listened to MP3 players, dozing off. The others either pulled out there own work or talked quietly amongst themselves. Once they were landed hours later, they were meet by a British delegation.
"Lady Evans, we did not expect you back so soon. Especially under such strained circumstances." The older distinguished gentlemen of the group said shacking her hand.
"It was not I that made them strained." Katherine responded dryly. "I take Harry told her majesty of the requested meeting?"
"Yes, with all the help young Lord Potter has given, her majesty has given great personally interest in his well being and safety. Yours as well, she wished me to express that her invitation for employment she had given is still available to you at any time."
"For now that will not be necessary. But if you will extend my thanks." Katherine bowed slightly and the gesture was returned. "If you could drive us to the meeting place with the Gringott's representative's please."
"Of course." He motioned to the large limo that was waiting. The rest of the SG team, save Xander, watched the by-play with growing worry. Katherine hadn't been joking when she said she would walk away from the SGC if she felt it necessary. SG-1 gave each other worried looks before climbing into the limo after Katherine, Xander, and the elder gentlemen.
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Seeing SG-1's reaction to meeting not only the Prime Minister but one of the goblin governors of Gringott's (Ragnook) was absolutely hilarious. Katherine and Xander actually wiped out camera's and snapped a few shots. This made the minister and Ragnook grin widely, which for a goblin could be very scary given there teeth. It took them a while to close there mouths.
Daniel turned to Katherine and said, "You knew!"
"Of course I knew, why do you think there such numerous and strong gag orders on me about this whole mess. Be thankfully I arranged permission for you to even know anything at all. These private communities like to be just that private. It toke quite a few favors for all this. You all owe me big time." She grinned at their renewed-shocked expressions. "Look lets just get down to business, I'd like to visit my sister and nephew again since we're in the area. I'll be staying with them until you could be cleared to meet with them."
This snapped them out of it and they all sat and started there political exchanges.
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That same day at Hogwarts, Harry returned to the Chamber of Secrets to give his judgment on Nagini. He knew how seductive and manipulative Riddle could be, so he understood that side of what had happened. But at the same time she had committed many crimes both human and serpent. Coming up with a suitable punishment was not the easiest of tasks. He collected his thoughts as he entered the chamber itself.
/Master has decided my judgment?/ Nagini asked sullenly. Her new basilisk friend was coiled to one side watching the exchange.
/Indeed. It was hard to determine a suitable punishment. On one hand I understand how persuasive Riddle can be, but on the other you have committed many crimes and must answer for them./Harry studied the saddened Nagini as she nodded in understanding. /Many of the students, both muggle-born and half-bloods, have lost their homes because of their families close mindedness. As they are now my charges it is my responsibility to protect them as much as possible while providing them good homes until they reach of age. You will protect them and one of the residences they will reside in until you die. You must be willing to sacrifice all that you are, and to give you life for their protection from this day forward. This will be your punishment for as long as you live./
Both Nagini and Seleth looked at him in shock, awe and respect.
/Master would let me live? He would let me regain honor by protecting the hatchlings?/ Nagini asked shocked.
/Yes. Unless you prove you are not worthy of this opportunity./Harry gave a small smile to the snake. /Come I must introduce you to those you will be protecting./
/Yes, my lord./ Nagini bowed to him as she slithered up and wrapped around the extended arm. After saying farewells to Seleth the two returned to the main castle. Harry walked down to the Entrance Hall where a large group of students were waiting.
"May I have your attention please." Harry called out and conversations silenced in the chamber. "This is the one I have told all of you about. Her name is Nagini. She will be one of the summer house guardians. You know the rules, she is meant to help protect you, but she will be allowed to defend herself if attacked by any. She needs to move around the room to get all of your scents so she recognizes all of you." Harry lowered Nagini to the floor and she moved about stopping at each students feet and flicking her tongue. When she was done she moved back to Harry and nodded. /You will be staying in the Slytherin common rooms when not guarding the summer homes or patrolling the halls./
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Chapter 38:
So much time had passed since all this began, and once more the hall was host to another ball. The Yule ball to be precise. Katherine, Harry, Luna and McGonagall had spoken back and forth and agreed that they would port key SG-1 to the entrance hall after Katherine exacted vows of silence and peace from them all. It would be a celebration, no business would be discussed. As Katherine explained this to SG-1, they readily agreed to the conditions. Xander had already given them a while ago. Once dressed in there formals Katherine took out a small whoop and told them to touch it. Jack gave her an incredulous look until they felt a pull in their navals. Many people were startled by there arrival but recognized Katherine immediately giving her a warm welcome.
"Come on!" She shooed the group into the great hall. They looked about in wonder at there latest surroundings. Snow flakes seemed to fall from the sky but it never touched anyone. Great ice sculptures were displayed in many locations through out the hall. Everyone was dressed to the nine's in wizarding fashion. Magic tricks and displays were a bound. "Welcome to Hogwarts."
