Harry Potter and the Mystic Force

By Michael Weyer

True Faces

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"Will you quit complaining, sis?" Vida said to Madison as the two moved around the aisles of the Rock-Porium. "It's not even that big a tear."

"Yeah, but it was my favorite blue sweater," Madison complained.

"Don't blame Fireheart," Chip quickly said. "He's still getting used to his strength."

Harry had never been an expert on dragons but he highly suspected the average dragon didn't go from a baby to full grown thirty foot size in only a day. Then again, he was learning that magic truly did work differently here and thus a lot of the ideas he'd long held to needed some adjustments. The Rangers had gotten used to the change but it was still difficult caring for a full-grown dragon.

"At least he's out of Rootcore now," Harry said. "Don't get me wrong, I liked the little guy too but it was getting a bit cramped in there." He brushed at his loose shirt, still feeling odd wearing such normal clothing out in public.

"That stuff fit okay?" Nick asked. "Didn't know you didn't have any money on you."

"Not muggle money," Harry said. "But Jenji managed to whip this up for me." Harry had gotten to like the cat, which wasn't surprising once he found out the genie's sad origins. Apparently, another member of Jenji's race had cast a spell making everyone turn on the genie, driving him away. It was something Harry could definitely relate to.

Nick looked up as a weary Xander entered the store, his eyes half-closed. "Where you been?"

"I was up all night, trying to grow a tree out of an acorn," the Green Ranger sighed as he wiped at his eyes. "Daggeron's orders after that vine I made snapped under him." He shook his head. "He's been riding me so hard, a lot harder than any of you."

"He's just making sure the training goes okay," Nick stated. "He's right, the more we get used to the magic, the better our chances in a fight."

"Yeah but he just leans on me way too much!" Xander complained. "It's probably because he can't get himself a date. He's jealous of my looks. He's jealous of my smarts. He's mad I'm younger than he is. He's…" He became aware of Nick holding a hand to his mouth, Madison biting her lip, Chip looking over his shoulder, Vida waving her hands with a wide-eyed expression and Harry making a point of looking in the opposite direction. "He's standing right behind me…isn't he?" Xander weakly finished.

Sure enough, when he turned around, Daggeron was standing there, a neutral expression on his face, clad in an actually stylish pair of white slacks, white shirt and tan jacket. His face was calm although it was clear he'd heard every word of Xander's speech. He looked to them all before speaking. "I have a special assignment for you, Rangers. Harry, you can stay behind. They're going on a field trip."

From the looks of worry on the Rangers' faces, Harry was more than happy to stay back as Daggeron led them out of the shop and outside. He was moving to a door when a frantic Toby came up. "Where are they?" the owner demanded.

"Oh, um, they had to…" Harry tried to think of a plausible explanation.

"Let me guess," Toby sarcastically said. "They had to step out again, right?" At Harry's nod, he threw up his hands. "Wonderful! The new Silver Cross album hits a day early, we're going to be packed and they step out!" He took a deep breath before shoving a store vest into Harry's hands. "Here, you're hired."

Harry stared at it, then at Toby. "But…I don't…I've never…"

"Don't bother arguing, I'm desperate!" Toby pleaded. "Just put it on, handle the rush, I'll take care of the register."

"But I have no experience in sales or work or anything!" Harry protested.

"You did note I was desperate, right?" At his urging, Harry slipped on the vest just as a rush of eager twentysomethings hit the store in a drove that would put the Hidiacs to shame.

The next few hours were a blur for Harry, handling one customer after another, pushing over records with barely any notice of exactly what they were. He'd never really done work like this. He'd handled the vast majority of chores at the Dursleys and some at Hogwarts but not full-scale work like this. He was breathing hard by the time he was finally done.

"Not bad," Toby said, clapping Harry on the shoulder and not noticing the wince of pain he created. "How about you take some of that stuff out to the trash quick?" he nodded to a pack of boxes.

"No problem," Harry said, wishing he could use some magic for it. However, while he may no longer be a Hogwarts student, he still felt bound to the rules about using it for everyday activities. He was aware the Rangers did that a bit themselves but still felt comfortable doing things on his own.

He was placing the boxes in the bin when he heard some whispering not far off. He frowned as he heard one voice a bit high-pitched and with a wicked tone. Something about it seemed to hint at trouble for Harry and he reached under his coat to pull out his invisibility cloak. He supposed it could be termed paranoid to have it around when he went out but then constant vigilance was one lesson of Mad-Eye Moody's he was willing to listen to.

Donning it, Harry carefully walked around the corner and looked into a nearby alleyway. He saw Lelee standing there in one of her usually stylish outfits, a short skirt with connected jacket, purple coverings on her legs and high heels. Facing her was a creature a bit taller, feminine but clearly not human and, for all the world, was basically a giant walking bat. From the way the Rangers had described her, Harry knew this had to be Necrolai. "You were supposed to keep an eye on them," she hissed to the girl.

"Hello?" Lelee scoffed. "They got on a giant train that showed up out of nowhere and then flew into the sky! How am I supposed to follow that?"

The vampire woman sniffed. "Imperious was not pleased to learn you had yet to pull your weight here. You are our spy, you must prove yourself."

"I try!" the girl retorted. "Kinda hard to get them to trust me and you know how I hate having to hang out here that much. I'd much rather be at the mall."

Necrolai hissed as she leaned in. "Do not test me, daughter. I am not in the mood for your frivolous desires."

Harry's eyes widened under the cloak. Daughter?!

Lelee just rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Mom, have you ever had fun in your life? That didn't involve maiming and torturing?"

"That's fun enough," the vampire said in utter seriousness. "I'm trying to help you with your future in our evil empire, Lelee but you make it very difficult. And spit out that gum when I talk to you!"

Lelee sniffed as she turned her head and spit out the gum. It flew through the air to strike Harry right between the eyes and he was unable to keep back a gasp at the sudden shock. The cry was enough to get Necrolai's attention and her head whipped around to where it had come from. Her enhanced vision saw the slight shimmer of air where the cloak was and she hissed as she threw out a hand.

Harry yelped as a bolt of magical energy just barely missed him. He rolled, the cloak shifting about to briefly show himself. Getting to his feet, he managed to wrap it back around him and rushed as quickly as he could. As he did, he managed to get out his wand and let out a burst of white light that drove the vampire back.

By the time Necrolai had recovered, Harry was gone and she was cursing out loud. Behind her, Lelee just fixed her mother with a glare. "You don't want me to have any friends, do you?"

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"Leelee is Necrolai's daughter." Nick stated it in the flat tone one used when they hear something that just doesn't compute in their minds.

"Yes," Harry answered. It was the fifth time in the last minute he'd had to hear one of the Rangers say that, the moods ranging from shock to flat amazement. Harry had managed to make it back to Rootcore shortly before the Rangers returned from their training mission and had immediately told them his discovery.

"I don't believe it," Chip gasped. "How the hell could a girl so cute be birthed from…that?"

"It makes sense though," Vida mused. "Like when she lured me to that club where they tried to turn us all into vampires and she bailed out before it started. Said her mom wanted her home."

Nick nodded. "And when that money Toby had went missing and she made you all think I took it. I bet she hid it herself to try and cause trouble."

Harry shrugged. "I can't explain it but that's what I heard. And now they know we all know about them."

"A troubling development," Daggeron stated. "But it does help us. We know the truth so Leelee can't cause more trouble with us in an attempt to trick us."

"Yeah but she also knows we know," Nick pointed out. "Which means she's probably going to just hang around with Mommy Dearest for a while."

Udonna was standing by the Xenotome, having taken in all of this with a calm expression. "I have to admit to being surprised at this. I knew Necrolai was not the typical vampire but to have a human child is something unexpected." She glanced to Daggeron. "It does mean we'll have to accelerate some of the training."

"Indeed," Daggeron nodded back. "Harry, I'd like you to join me outside for a bit."

"Me?" Harry frowned. "Um…all right." He followed Daggeron out, a bit surprised at being chosen like this. Training was for the Rangers, not himself. He allowed the man to lead him to an open field before he turned.

"I am aware you are not destined to be one of the Mystic Protectors," the knight said in his strong tone. "But I do believe it's important we improve your defensive skills. Like it or not, you are in some danger here."

"I am?" Harry said, startled.

Daggeron nodded. "I don't believe Imperious knows who you truly are but I think it's certain he can sense your power and your potential. He knows you can be a threat to us and will no doubt attempt to either steal your magic for himself or…" He paused.

"Kill me," Harry sighed. "Great. So much for this place being safe."

"It can be, if you are trained," Daggeron said. "Now, hit me."

Harry blinked. "I'm sorry?"

"Hit me," Daggeron repeated. "Or at least try to. Go on."

Staring at the man uncertainly, Harry threw a half-hearted punch at his head. Daggeron moved in a flash, grabbing his hand and using it to throw Harry to the ground. The young man gasped as he hit the ground hard. He rubbed at his back as he saw Daggeron gazing down at him.

The man let out a long sigh. "This may take a bit of work."

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"Work" turned out to be the operative word.

Hand to hand combat was one thing Hogwarts had never gone into teaching so Harry was (almost literally) a babe in the woods. He did his best to keep up and it was clear Daggeron was taking it slow but it was still hard for him to even block a soft kick or punch. He was as surprised as Daggeron when he actually managed to block a kick and make a follow-through blow of his one. He did have to do it a few more times and the repetitive process was getting to him.

"I think that may be enough for today," Daggeron announced as he backed up.

"Sounds…good," Harry said with a gasp as he bent down to take a few breaths, sweat staining his forehead. He brushed some of the leaves off his cloak as Daggeron moved back to a nearby set of rocks. "I think it's time we tested your magic more," Daggeron said.

"Now?" Harry stared. "But…you said…"

"That was for combat," Daggeron stated. "But your magic could use some improvement as well."

Harry frowned but decided to go along with it. "All right. What do you need me to do?"

Daggeron backed away from the rock to show a series of smaller rocks placed on top. "Try to knock these off."

Harry had expected something a bit harder but wasn't complaining as he removed his wand and lifted it up.

"Without the wand."

Harry stared at Daggeron, positive he hadn't heard the man correctly. "I beg your pardon?"

Daggeron reached over to pluck the wand right out of his hand. "Try it without the wand."

"But…I can't do wandless magic," Harry protested.

"Actually, you can. You've just never been taught how." At Harry's gaping mouth, Daggeron continued. "The wand is merely a tool, Harry, a way to focus your energies. For your section of the wizarding community, it's also a crutch as they've been so used to using them, they can't do without them at all. But you…you have a great potential for magic, Harry, greater than even you know. All you need to do is realize it and you can use it without the wand."

Harry shook his head. "But…I've never tried it."

"Yes, you have," Daggeron said. "Udonna told me you called your wand to you when you first met the Rangers."

"That was…a fluke," Harry protested. "I didn't even know what I was doing."

"Exactly," Daggeron said. "Don't try to cast a spell here. Don't force it. Just let it flow, let it work as if you had the wand." He backed up to give Harry a clear view of the rocks. "Go ahead."

Harry was uncertain but did as he said. He peered at the rocks as he tried to focus the energies for a normal spell. It was odd to do so, his finger reflexively clutching around the wand that wasn't there. "Don't try so hard," Daggeron softly said behind him. "Remember, let it flow naturally."

Taking a deep breath, Harry nodded as he focused his gaze directly on one rock. He could feel the energies swirl and move as if rushing down to his right hand. Before he could even realize it, he'd thrust the hand out and a blast of blue energy ripped out to hit the center rock, sending it flying into the one next to it.

Harry staggered back, letting out a long gasp. He stared in disbelief at the spot where the rocks had been, not believing what he'd done. He stared at his hand, swearing he could still see some flickering energies swirling about his fingers. "Very good," Daggeron said, clapping a hand to his shoulder. "How do you feel?"

"Um…a bit tired," Harry admitted, taking a deep breath as he felt an ache down his body.

Daggeron nodded. "Hmm…It does seem to take more out of you than I had thought. I think it best to take a break, you can work on it more tonight."

Harry was about to offer a weak protest when the sound of a snapping twig echoed. He and Daggeron were instantly alert, glancing at the forest. For a moment, Harry wondered if it was Phineas, then remembered the troll could never be so quiet.

"Who's there?" Daggeron called out.

There was a pause and then a figure stepped into view, an attractive young woman with bright purple hair dressed in jeans and a leather jacket. "Wotcher, Harry!"

Harry's eyes widened. "Tonks?"

The Auror smiled. "Good to see you again. We've been missing you back home. Time to take you back."

Harry backed away, his wand back in his hand and raising. "I didn't do it, Tonks."

She frowned. "I knew that, Harry." She moved forward. "Listen, just come with me and…"

"If you want Harry," Daggeron said, stepping forward. "You'll have to get through me first."

Tonks raised an eyebrow. "Now that sounds like a challenge. I like challenges."

"Then you'll love this," Nick called out as the rest of the Rangers appeared behind Daggeron, giving Harry a start. Vida was in the lead, ready to fight as usual but stopped as she took in Tonks. Tonks was staring right back at the teenager with the red streak through her black mane.

"Love the hair!" both spoke at once.

"Really, love how you got it all around," Vida added.

"Your color's not bad, either," Tonks observed. She paused and her hair shifted to the same shade of red.

"Whoa!" Vida said, eyes wide. "That is so cool, can you teach me how to do that?"

"Oh, no prob, it's an easy enough spell and…"

"Vida!" Madison snapped.

"I see your choice in friends hasn't improved much, Potter," Servus Snape offered as he stepped out from behind Tonks. He was in an obviously sour mood, brushing at his black cloak and sniffing disdainfully at the forest around him. "Great Merlin, I knew this place was secluded when I sent you here, Potter but I didn't know it was this bad."

Harry peered at him in shock. "You sent me here?"

"Your hearing suffering since you arrived, Potter?" Snape remarked. "I didn't expect much gratitude but at least a thank you can suffice."

"What are you two doing here?" Harry demanded.

"It's three," came another voice as Sirius Black stepped out from behind a tree. "Good to see you again, pup," he whispered.

"Sirius," Harry whispered. He was barely aware of lowering the wand or rushing forward, only feeling his godfather's arms around him and holding him tight and for the first time in too long a while, Harry finally felt some safety and love once more.

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Next chapter shows what Sirius and Snape have been up to and a few new developments for Harry and company as well. Thanks for all the great comments, hope this lives up to them.