Phoenix Tears Rising

An Alternate Year Six Book

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and characters associated with his world belong to JK Rowling. No financial gain is being made from this story – only hours of enjoyment.

Chapter Ten. Torn Between Worlds

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 18th November 1060: 12:11 pm

Harry, now formally known as Tristian Wolfe, dashed madly down the corridor. Only to realise a moment later that this Hogwarts was different from what he had known in his own time. He didn't have a clue where he was going. He stopped for a short moment leaning against the cool brick of the castle.

Everything at the moment seemed like a cruel intolerable nightmare. He couldn't cope with this life: of that he was sure. A life where he would have two fathers whom he was expected to respect but publicly they would be no more that teachers. Then there was the terrible truth that he had to be careful not to change time too much. He didn't expect to see Ron or Hermione ever again either…

It was horrible. He was stuck in the founders' time a son to two gr eat wizards and yet not and he was already extremely homesick. What he wouldn't do for a friendly face right now?

With these dreary thoughts Harry made his way through the long silent corridors following the instinctive drive of his feet. It was only a matter of minutes later when he found himself standing at the Entrance Hall.

Shrugging his shoulders he strolled out to the open and down the long winding path, that was still there during his school days in the future, towards a secluded place near the lake.

Harry had no idea how long he had been sitting by the lakeside. He chanced a glance upwards and caught sight of a magnificent sight. A large black stallion stood on the other side of the lake watching him intently. The horse bowed his head somewhat sternly revealing two long and very pointed twisted horns.

"A bicorn," Harry whispered to himself.

The bicorn's ears twitched at Harry's soft voice but remained firm in his stance. If Harry didn't know better he would have assumed the bicorn was there to stand guard to ensure he didn't wander any further.

Slowly Harry got to his feet and eyed the creature. "Okay I'm going back," he grumbled.

The bicorn nodded his large crowned head and stamped his foot as if to say hurry up then.

Harry sighed heavily and turned away towards the castle. When he glanced over his shoulder to look once more on the magical beast it was gone.

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Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Tristian Wolfe's Chambers 18th November 1060: 10:34 pm

Harry had gladly taken Ulrich's excuse that he shouldn't be up and about to skip having dinner in the Great Hall. Harry had sat with Lord Slytherin the Elder's servant and ate while Ulrich told him tales of his life.

"Does Lord Slytherin have house elves?" Harry asked.

Ulrich seemed puzzled by the question. "No young sir. That he does not."

"Why?"

"It would be a disgrace for him to have a house elf," Ulrich stated firmly. Harry tilted his head to the side.

"Why?"

"You sound much like your brother when he was small," Ulrich grumbled ripping a hunk of a turkey leg at the same time. "Why this Ulrich? How so Ulrich? Never stop asking questions."

"I'm curious," Harry quipped back seeing the playing light in Ulrich's eyes. Ulrich as Saladin's personal serving man had been told the secret of Harry's true identity and Harry suspected charged with keeping him safe and informed.

"Well of course you are," Ulrich returned blithely. "Would nae be a son of Gryffindor if you weren't."

Harry snorted. "It's just that I don't understand, is all."

"Well you see, the Slytherins are a respected clan rich and very powerful."

Harry nodded. This was not new news to him at all.

"House elves are for those clans that cannae afford to pay for help about the manor house. See there are many of us magical folk not well trained or able to feed families during years of famine, so richer wizards hire the help of those who need employment and payment. Wizarding kind help their own."

"Oh."

"Course with this school 'ere now, the next generation would be more educated like and there won't be many magical slaves to 'rescue'."

"Were you a slave?" Harry blinked and held his breath.

Ulrich rolled up his sleeve to reveal an ugly tattoo of an eye and two runes that he could not read. "I was a slave in my younger days, yes."

Harry sat for a moment deep in thought. Ulrich was happy to comply and sit in companionship. It was a soft rap on the door that startled them both into realisation. With a wan smile Ulrich stood and opened the other side of the door.

"Milord it's a little late for visiting isn't it?" Ulrich stepped aside revealing none other than Godric Gryffindor.

Harry hadn't seen either of his fathers or his grandfather since he had left Erebus Prior burning on his grandfather's floor. He chanced a glance up at Godric's face and was relieved to see that the lion founder didn't seem to be angry.

Godric was wearing only nightshirt covered over in a long scarlet robe. He flicked his hand listlessly communicating the fact that Ulrich had been dismissed for the night. Father and son watched in silence as the serving man left.

"You should be abed," Godric stated running his hand over a candle flame. The small light flickered then died.

Harry having nothing to say to Godric's comment nodded wordlessly.

Godric tilted his head to the side his deep brown eyes studied Harry intensely. "I came to see that you were alright."

"I'm fine," Harry murmured carelessly.

Godric's eyes glittered and Harry shuffled uneasily. "You still think yourself as 'Harry'."

"I cannot change who I am; no matter how much I wish to please you," Harry retorted softly wrapping his arms around his middle.

"'Tis only a name child," Godric soothed.

Harry snorted irritably. "It is my identity that has changed. Now I must face this uncertainty that I have fervently wished to ignore."

Godric sighed heavily and crossed the room in long purposeful strides. "Tristian…"

Harry tensed at the name. Godric seeing this laid a firm on Harry's shoulder. "'Tis only a word, Tristian. It can only hold a sway of power over you if you allow it to."

Harry nodded miserably still not at all feeling free.

"Think of yourself as Tristian an extended version of your 'Harry'. You are right. You cannot change yourself. Tristian and Harry are the same boy."

Harry nodded again feeling overwhelmed and stupid that his only response he could think of was to bob his head. "It's just…"

"Your world has spun of its axel and once everything had stopped everything had changed."

"I want to go home," Harry confessed quickly.

Godric smiled sadly as if he had expected this statement. "I don't expect that this new world, new family can make up for what you have lost, Trist. But we are family. Even though this masquerade we are family."

"I know," Harry breathed in frustration. "I'll miss them."

Godric sighed again and tightened his grip on Harry shoulders. "I brought you this."

Harry glimpsed at the diary his mother had written in. "I don't want to read any more," he gabbled pulling away from Godric's embrace, suddenly aware he was trembling.

Godric seemed confused. "But it's yours. It fell on Salazar's head just after you appeared."

Harry snorted in ill concealed humour. "I tried to warn him," Harry whispered to himself shaking his head.

The corners of Godric's mouth twitched. "Salazar is not known for his ability to listen to others."

Harry sighed again and turned away and Godric was obliged to grab his upper arm to stop him from wandering away. The lion founder firmly placed the book his Harry's hands holding the younger wizard's grip in place with his own sword calloused hands.

"The book is yours; these are the words of your mother. I've taken the liberty of marking the entries that might interest you."

"You read my mother's diary?" Harry was incredulous.

"I was curious," Godric said in defence. "I wanted to know what kind of woman bore you. She was a good woman, yes?"

Harry nodded wordless.

"And I say. Nigh a thousand years you have time travelled now that is a feat isn't it?"

Harry's jaw dropped and Godric laughed lightly tapping his cheeks lightly. "Now to bed with you."

Harry nodded numbly. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Trist." Godric turned Harry attention to him once he reached the door. "Don't worry your brothers will love you."

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Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, The Round Room, 19th November 1060: 8:23 am.

Harry stood nervously beside his grandfather's chair and wrung his hands in anticipation careful to keep at least one eye on the door. Saladin seemed his usual calm self, his eyes were half closed his hands forming tall steeples.

"For Merlin's sake, child, take a seat. You're making me nervous," Saladin sighed.

Harry shifted from foot to foot before deciding it would be best to follow his grandsire's instructions quickly. For all his calmness Saladin Slytherin did not look like a patient man. So Harry obediently took a seat opposite him and turned his face away.

Saladin half opened one eye and sensing the scrutiny Harry meet the steely gaze. "Was Mister Prior badly burnt?" Harry hazard slowly as he had been expecting Godric to had lectured him about frying important guests. So far nothing had been sad about the incident.

"Erebus' finest cloak was damaged beyond repair, his hair was singed and an eyebrow was burnt of," Saladin said dryly.

"Oh," Harry felt the stirrings of guilt. But that was destined not to last long.

"Unfortunately however he somehow escaped any further damage despite Salazar's valiant efforts to dose him thoroughly with my finest wine."

Harry made a squeaking noise in reply trying to imagine his stern father in a fireman's suite and clown's make up dosing a burning potions master. It wasn't a pretty sight. Harry's musings however were cut short by the door opening.

"Ah boys do come in," Saladin said without turning around.

Harry fought the impulse to stand up to greet his blood brothers who were surely stepping through the door. He bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from crying out in nervous as two snotty nosed boys flanked Saladin Slytherin.

"Now, now boys no reason to be hostile," Saladin chided. "This is your brother Tristain Wolfe I expect you will treat him with the utmost respect."

"Of course grandfather," the nearest boy drawled. His eyes flicked up towards Harry and hardened. "I see the potion accident has your eyes, grandfather."

Harry's eyes widened as he took in his obvious Slytherin brother. His long ebony hair hung like silk down his shoulders and was not tied back. His brother's stare was hard and cold.

"Silas Aries Harrison Slytherin!" Saladin snarled turning his head slowly towards his now cringing grandson for effect.

Harry smirked coolly wordlessly and raised his eyebrow at Silas. Saladin turned back to Harry who smiled innocently much to Silas' chagrin. "Your brother Silas," Saladin sighed rubbing the bridge of his nose. A movement which Harry realised quickly in the few times he had been in his presence that his grandfather had a sudden headache.

With swift graceful movements Harry stepped up to Silas and extended his hand, which his brother took albeit gingerly. "Charmed I'm sure," Harry drawled in a manner that would make even Draco Malfoy green with envy.

"And this gentleman here is Axcel Gryffindor your other brother," Saladin indicated loftily to a sandy haired boy who stood rigidly to attention. His hair was shorter Harry noticed with waves which explained his own hair he supposed- ebony long with some waves.

Harry turned towards the other Gryffindor, feeling a little safer if not confident. He half smiled and reached his hand out to greet him. Axcel on the other hand had other plans.

"Being as you were not conceived from a marriage bed," Axcel said stepping away from Harry. "I shall treat you with the disdain of your rank as my father's bastard. A blot in Gryffindor history."

Harry felt he had been slapped with a great force. He frowned and stepped away blinking away his confusion. What had he done wrong? Slowly he let his hand drop to his side glaring daggers at Silas who was smirking gleefully.

One glance at Saladin and Harry knew he was on his own with Axcel.

"Of course," Harry said. Axcel's mouth twitched in amusement but Harry was not finished yet. "Your Majesty, I your most humbled servant will do my utmost to kiss your royal…" Harry executed a deep bow full of sarcasm and glanced sideways at his grandfather. "… Ass."

Harry glanced up through his fringe at Axcel who now was changing to a lovely brick colour.

"Why would I possess a royal donkey?" Axcel demanded sharply.

Harry couldn't help it. He laughed. "In simple words for your obviously strained Gryffindor brain…" Harry glanced over to Silas who audibly choked and seemed to forget he was ganging up on Harry with the Gryffindor boy. "Treat me like how you like. But don't expect me to take it like a good little serf. Be ye warned I bite back," Harry snarled.

"That's enough Tristian," Saladin said harshly. "You've said quite enough already."

Harry glared at his grandfather feeling somewhat hard done by that nothing had been said to his brothers. Perhaps he would always be seen as the blot on the Gryffindor/ Slytherin blood lines.

"Silas. Axcel. You are dismissed," Saladin continued. With one last look of fury the two left leaving behind a glowering Harry.

"Your brothers have great potential to become your allies," Saladin said quietly when the door had been closed behind Axcel and Silas for some time.

Harry snorted incredulously. "Did you expect me just to let him attack me like that?"

Saladin sighed heavily and rubbed his temples. "Unity is what our families need. Is that too much to ask for?"

Harry snorted again and folded his arms. 'I won't be accepted these families. Not in a million years,' he thought furiously.

'

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Harry lay uncomfortably on the ground beside the lake where he had first seen the bicorn. He had brought an apple just in case he saw the creature again. He wanted to see if he could lure the bicorn to him so he could pat his long muscled neck or touch his velvety nose.

Despite his reservations Harry knew he would go home someday and Hermione would never forgive him if he didn't record anything down about his experiences in the past. So for the last hour and a half he had written down absolutely everything from the fact he was not wearing any underwear down to how much he wanted to punch Axcel's nose in.

Journal writing can only hold one's interest for so long and Harry set his quill to the side and turned onto his back and closed his eyes. He had been fortunate that his grandfather had given him the day to 'find his feet' and the students of the castle all had lessons to attend.

He closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them again the bicorn was standing over him. He started but the bicorn ignored him and nosed the diary intently as if he was reading it. Harry shook his head and chased away the ridiculous thought. It couldn't be possible. Turning his head to the side Harry read his own words splashed with his own sentimental tears.

'… I just want to go home.'

"Home," Harry breathed to himself. "I just don't belong here."

The bicorn snorted as if indignantly and nudged Harry's cheeks as if to say 'buck up mate.' Harry reached up and rubbed the velvety nose to which the bicorn didn't seem thrill about.

"And I suppose you think you know better, eh?" Harry asked the creature. The bicorn stomped his feet and shook his mane.

Harry shook his head ruefully and pulled out an apple. "Here you go bought you a present."

The bicorn stepped back and blinked at Harry as if incredulous. Then with almost a roll of sea green eyes he step forward and plucked the apple out of Harry's hand before disappearing again.

Harry closed his eyes once more just wanting to be at peace. Unfortunately it was not meant to be.

"Stupid stomping silly creature disturbing my precious sleepy time… oh look squishy log… warm squishy log."

"Eh?" Harry blurrily blinked his eyes to the hissing voice only to find something crawling along his stomach.

"Hmmm… nice squishy log… my squishy log…"

Harry blinked again this time to see a small green garter snake curling on his belly. "Erm excuse me..." Harry hazard in parseltongue.

The small snake lifted his pointed head and flicked his tongue at Harry. "It speaks. My squishy log speaks."

Harry frowned. It was a tad disconcerting to go to sleep to find one had been claimed by a snake as a suitable place to sleep.

"Greetings squishy log… I is Sidonius."

"Erm pleasure I'm sure but I'm most certainly am not a log."

"Sure?"

"Positive."

"Disappointing."

Harry suddenly had one of his famous ideas. He was lonely and he was a parseltongue… "My room is warm and safe. You can sleep there."

"Where is this room? Show me."

"I'll take you if you like, Sidonius."

Harry stretched out his hand for Sidonius to slither up and waited for the snake to make himself comfortable. "You'll love my room."

"I sure I will," Sidonius hissed lazily closing his eyes. "I'm sure I will."