Chapter 10
Using his full voice

Kairi's POV

Sora and Riku might only know a bit about Molly Weasley as I didn't even tell them everything I had witnessed, but they sure know enough to already hate her and while I feel that that is still rubbing the other Weasleys wrong just a slight, do I know that with what happened to James, they will soon come at peace with her true nature.
The nature itself makes me shiver, but then my mind catches up with me and I think: "True nature. Of course, I know someone from the wild who really has an amazingly loud voice. Just wonder why those two thought it necessary for such a chapter." But then decide on the chance of that woman making an appearance and get to work.

Using the same telepathic bond as before, I whisper softly: "Send the King of the Jungle, please. We need the voice of the wild." And instantly a bright light shines in the room and a man with really wild brown hair that is almost shaped like dreadlocks, who has an amazing tan on his body, has bright blue-green eyes and is nearly nude.
Everyone looks at the man in shock and Hermione asks: "Okay, am I currently the only one wanting to summon a robe?" And no one nods their heads as the man makes monkey sounds and asks: "Robe?" Making Sora hit himself on the head and say: "Not our best choice. Tarzan barely knows a word of English as it is."
Making me scratch the back of my neck as I didn't think of that aspect, but then stars and small lights shine around Tarzan and I hear Master Yen Sid talk in my mind as he says: "This best be the last of the day, Kairi. We are overworking the Transport magic as it is. Try and make this the last chapter of the day."
I nod, while thinking that three chapters a day is definitely enough if we want Harry and his family to grow closer and then suddenly Tarzan asks: "Why did she nod to nothing?" And his eyes widen as much as everyone else's as I say: "Master Yen Sid must have used his magic. Anything Tarzan says will be translated for our ears."

To this everyone nods and then Sora says: "Hey Tarzan, would you mind putting on a little more clothing? Just a robe will do." But again Tarzan asks: "What's a robe? Like a vine?" And Sirius says: "No, like this." And he stands up, opening his robe to show Tarzan what he is wearing, making the Jungle king tilt his head.
He then nods and James is the first to summon one, a bright brown one with green trim and even some leaves stitched into the fabric where the buttons are. He hands the Jungle king the robe and while it takes a few tries, making some of our hosts raise their eyebrows, does Tarzan manage to put the robes on smoothly.
He then sits down on the right of Riku and Hermione says: "Well, if I remember the stories I read, Kairi definitely made a good choice on who should be our next reader.""But do you think Master Yen Sid's magic extends to that level?" Sora asks and Kairi nods as she says: "He told me so. Oh, and we can't call more people after this."
Everyone looks shocked and she says: "I meant today. Master Yen Sid says we were already over-working the magic used for this as it is. He said it would be best if we stop reading for today after this and ask for more people to come if we start reading again tomorrow." Everyone nods and Tarzan grabs the book.

Tarzan's POV

I've seen Jane use these things many times when I came to camp, but never understood why she was so interested in them. Yet to now be able to actually read is something that makes me feel even closer to the woman I have fallen head over heels for and I really hope this new magic will stay with me even if I come back home.
I then grab the book and try to find the right page, the magic making sure I keep the book in the right position and then the silver-haired boy next to me says: "It's chapter four." I nod at him and find the page, pointing out the last words of the other chapter to him and when he nods at me, Sora giving me a thumbs up, do I start reading.

Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place
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"Now that is some really impressive magic." Riku comments softly and I nod, while not exactly understanding how such a thing is possible and ask: "Were there trees hiding the house?" And the white haired man with the long beard says: "No, it was a magic all of itself that protects this house." I nod, still confused and read on.

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"My dad made sure of that. As far as the Muggles are concerned that house had a family inside it that was killed during some war and has been abandoned since. They can see the empty house, but can't see that it's actually inhabited." The man sitting next to Sora explains and everyone seems amazed at this as I read on.

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This makes the boy next to me shiver and the girl next to him lies her hand on his knee while sending a look at Sora, as if mentally telling to help the boy next to him. Sora sends a look at the three people next to him, but all of them give him the same look and the girl on his right switches places with him, making the four of them smile.
Sora then puts one hand on the boy's knee and the other around the boy's shoulder and the lad, as if knowing who is now sitting next to him while he had been gazing ahead of him the whole time, leans slightly into Sora's embrace, Sora flinching at this shortly, but then wrapping both arms around the lad as he seems to calm down.
He then shakes his head and whispers: "Thanks." To which Sora nods, but I can almost tell he is unwilling to let go of his embrace, something that makes just about everyone in the room smile. Sora still does so and the boy takes another deep breath as a bushy-haired girl slides a glass of water over the table to them.

The silver-haired boy takes the glass gratefully and then the black-haired man who sits on the far left of the trio that was, earlier, seated next to Sora, asks: "Are you okay, Riku?" And the boy nods as he says: "I have some bad memories of Darkness. It almost devoured me one time and I believed I would never be myself again."
This makes the man tilt his head and Riku says: "Darkness took the shape of someone else and that person was stronger than me. He – he took over my body and left me to rot in the Realm of Darkness after he was defeated by Sora." He then shudders and says: "I never want to experience Darkness like that again."
To which Sora again hugs Riku tightly, again getting a small smile out of the lad as Sora says: "Riku, you beat Ansem I don't even know how many times. When Ansem wanted to get rid of Kairi because her heart had opened the Keyhole, when you were in Castle Oblivion, during our Mark of Mastery exam three years ago.
You've beaten Ansem plenty of times and proven to everyone here he could never take you over again. You might still have some fear for the Darkness – who here doesn't – but you have that amazing ability where you turn fear into motivation and Darkness into Light. There's no one like you, Riku, really."

Riku smiles at this, Sora's words obviously taking away the fear he had been feeling when I read about the Darkness and while he had wanted to protest when Sora said he held fear for the Darkness, had he relented when Sora had asked the question about everyone else and in the end he smiles and whispers: "Thanks, Sora."
But while the two seem to be in a world of their own, do I see their friends and those around them look at them expectantly, but they all sigh – some even rolling their eyes – when Sora lets go of Riku and says: "Anytime, Riku." Before he turns back to me and while I can't help but feel as if they fit together like Jane and me, do I read on.

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"And I'm willing to bet I know why that was." Riku growls, obviously angry with the woman and then Kairi mutters: "And I haven't even told them all I saw that woman do." Making Riku and Sora look at her shocked, while all the redheads around me turn white and the adult one, who seems to be the father, asks:
"She did more than force me to watch as she took down my shed?" Kairi nods and the black-haired lad in between the two adults next to Kairi asks: "More than force me with Ginny and Hermione and Ron together?" Another nod and the eldest redhead, who seems the first born, asks: "More than keep us trapped in our own home?"
A third nod is his answer and he asks: "What else did she do?" And Kairi answers: "She took whoever tried to free you guys prisoner and had them tortured by the Heartless. I saw some really brave people be hurt and tortured by those monsters, including one really brave man who seemed to be Harry's age and had – I think – blond hair."
Now the boy between the adults, the youngest redhead and the bushy-haired girl look at each other and the first of them asks: "Did you see anything else about him?" And Kairi answers: "Only that they were able to catch him by taking away his – I think it was a toad or something." Making all three look at her shocked.

"Neville? Neville tried to save us?" The redhead asks shocked and Kairi nods and says: "I do think I heard you guys call out to him, yes." Making the three of them look at each other shocked as Hermione asks: "How could Neville fight? He's not exactly very athletically built or anything." But then Kairi says:
"He isn't? He sure looked muscular and war-ready to me." Making the three of them look at each other again before the boy between the elders says: "The war must have made him do some training. He must have lost weight because he wanted to fight along." The others nod and while the adults look worried, do I read on.

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"She actually said that in front of him? I thought she had already sent him up before sending you to the meeting. What the hell was she thinking, saying that in front of our curious little boy?" Sirius rants, now obviously as angry over the woman as Kairi and Harry asks: "You think she did it on purpose, dad?"
The man sighs and says: "For the sake of the Weasleys, no son, I wish to Merlin it wasn't on purpose." This makes the Weasleys smile at him and he says: "On the other hand, seeing how she's been fighting just about everyone who's been wanting to inform you of even the smallest bits of things happening – it blows away my doubts."
To this the eldest Weasleys seem forced to nod in agreement and Harry hangs his head in what I can only recognize as deep pain and he whispers: "Do you – do you think she's been working against me all – all this time?" And Sirius sends a worried look at the Weasleys, the father nodding, before he hugs his son and whispers:
"Seeing she kept your mum from you all this time – I'm forced to say yes, son. She's been working against you all this time and – well, I can only hope we will see exactly how she plans to hurt you – and why I couldn't be there to stop her from going as far as those pictures showed me." To this everyone nods and I read on.

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"Did she even bother showing you where I slept? Because I remember asking her last night to do so." Sirius now growls and Harry says: "Read for yourself. You won't like it." And the man retorts: "I'll take that as a no. Damned that woman." He then turns to the eldest male Weasley and says: "My apologies, Arthur."
But the balding red-haired man shakes his head considerately and gently says: "If anyone should be apologizing, it's me and my family. We were blind by our love for my wife and my son's mother and – I can only assume – therefore blind to obvious signs that she wasn't working in either you or your family's best interest."
To this the four of them smile and then James says: "Please, allow us to make it up to you for losing family like that. You can use one of my family residences as your new home and to impress the future mother of your sons." The Weasleys try to object and James says: "Consider it her punishment for locking me up."
Making them stop arguing at once and Harry says: "Why didn't I think of that? I could have used that years ago.""For what?" All the Weasleys ask and Harry answers: "To give you the money that goes with raising someone with my level of danger in his life." Making the whole set of ginger males groan before I read on.

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"That disgusting woman, I heard her promise me – oh Merlin, why did I fall for such a fake promise in the first place?" Sirius shouts, apparently more furious with himself than with what I just read and he says: "She promised to show him the upstairs bedrooms! She never said which bedrooms or which floor. She TOTALLY tricked me!"
He then pouts and Harry is quick to hug his dad close as Arthur says: "Sirius, we all fell for that trick. Heck, even I believed she would finally listen to you and that was probably exactly what she wanted." This makes Sirius sigh and he asks: "Harry, I hate the very thought of asking, but – have you ever been alone with her?"

Now Harry cries out: "Eeew, gross." And Sirius shouts: "NOT THAT WAY!" Making the other kids laugh before Harry says: "Oh, eeh – no. No, not that I can remember. Ron, was I ever alone with just your mum?" And the redhead looks down as he mutters: "Summer before second? No, not then. Before third?"
Now he looks at Harry and the boy says: "I had that moment before the train left, but that was with your dad, not your mum." This makes everyone, who had looked worried when Harry started, sigh relieved and Harry asks: "Summer before last?" But Ron shakes his head and says: "Only when she and I had that fight."
Sirius sighs in relief and says: "And we know that Harry constantly had friends around him while at Hogwarts, so other than yesterday, has she had no chance whatsoever to do anything to him." He then sags down in his chair and says: "What a relief." To which James and Sora nod in agreement before I quickly read on.

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"And then to think that it was my gasp of Harry that made her scream and hug him in the first place. Would make you think she realized that I already knew that." Ron snickers, but then Hermione snaps: "You know darn well, I didn't stop there. I explained why I told you he was there. Sir, read on." And I do as told quickly.

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"Now there's an understatement if I ever heard one." Sirius groans and he asks: "Ron, remember that hint I gave you?" The redhead nods and Sirius shows him something that makes him gasp and Hermione ask: "You actually intercepted our letters? How could you do that?" And the man rolls his eyes as he says:
"I did it, because you were getting more letters than me, but had less information. I knew the both of you were getting more because your letters angered and aggravated my son more and so decided I needed a heads up on how aggravating your letters really were before I could take action that would help my son, alright."
He then waves the letter again and says: "And thank goodness I did, this one alone was horrible and while I don't approve of my son yelling at you – yes, as a Veela I was able to sense that – do I neither approve of how you were constantly aggravating my son. Never heard of simple subject letters where you simply get to know each other?"

To this Harry looks down as Sirius had looked down on him when he mentioned that strange Veela thing of his, but Ron and Hermione also turn red with embarrassment and Harry says: "It's my fault too, dad. I just kept nagging them for information, no matter how many times they told me they couldn't tell me anything."
To this Sirius says: "I would have blamed you for that, kiddo, but I know two things. One, I would have done the same. Two, any kid your age would do that, simply because they're just starting to experience the outrageous thing called hormones. Ron would have done it, the twins at your age, even Bill would have done it."
To this the eldest red haired brother with long hair and friendly eyes nods wisely and Sirius says: "Anyone experiencing hormones does things they regret later, just like that kiddo. Just don't shout at your friends when it's really the adults who are forbidding your friends and not agreeing with sensible compromises."

"Sensible compromises? What are you talking about?" The sandy-brown haired man asks and Sirius turns to Harry as he asks: "Harry, I'm going to tell you one thing and one thing only. After that, I want you to keep to that thing and not break it. Break it and it'll prove you don't trust us, do you understand?"
Harry nods, his eyes wide, but the other adults seem worried over the man's actions and Sirius says: "The one place that you could really inconvenience the Order with if you go there – is the Department of Mysteries. I can't tell you why, Order business, but if you go there, Voldemort will go there too – and that is a dangerous risk."
Harry nods and the adults all look at each other shocked as Ron asks: "What exactly is there, anyway?" And Sirius answers: "Order business." Making the redhead grumble, but Sirius had kept his glance on Harry and his son says: "I won't go there, dad. I promise." Making his dad smile in pride, along with Sora and James.

Sirius then turns to the elder man named Dumbledore and says: "And that is what I call a sensible compromise. Harry feels that we trust him because we give him exactly the amount of information he needs and we won't have to compromise our Order business with possible dangers, as Voldemort himself already knew this."
The elder man seems shocked at the sensible logic, but I think: "And that man is never listened to? He's the best father I've ever seen." I then look down, remembering the one father that was always wise, even if he never acknowledged me and I think: "He'd be a wonderful Kerchak to this family if they would just listen."
I then somehow – as if by the magic of this world – feel the strong hand of my Gorilla father on my shoulder and hear his last words: "Take care of them – my son. Take care of them." Trying not to cry – just like I did that night – I think: "I'll make sure Sirius takes good care of his family." And with that resolve, do I read on.

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"Something Fudge would have completely overlooked, had he gotten it done to have the hearing without us by your side, kiddo." Sirius now smiles and he ruffles Harry's hair as he says: "Jamie and I were sure our kids would be troublemakers like us, so we made sure to study every single law in the code while Sora was coming."
He then hugs Harry close and whispers: "Something we did again for good measure when you were coming and something that stuck with us to this day. Fudge better have a really good crowd behind him, because if he tries the Wizengamot, he'll be screwed. We know all the laws those people have to follow and we'll let him know."
Now Harry smiles and he asks: "So you think you can make it to my trial without people going crazily scared of you?" And the man answers: "I think it will further prove the Queen's statement of my innocence if they see me defending my own son, not to mention that that relation should bring a lot of doubts concerning my crimes."

Now Harry hugs his dad just as close and James says: "You always had a sneaky way of making things go your way – except for when it came to getting me to like you. That had to happen by itself." To this Sirius moves Harry to his other side and hugs James close, the wild love in his eyes shocking a lot of us as he says:
"Thank the lord that it happened." And he kisses James with such passion, I get the feeling I just swung into a mating session. Turning redder than the wild roses growing in the highest tree tops, I turn my head away and try not to listen in until James asks: "You ready to continue, Tarzan?" And by his breathy voice, do I continue.

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"Well, if my Headmaster ordered my best friends to avoid all personal contact, I would have been pretty pissed myself – and not just at him for meddling in things that weren't his business as he is my headmaster and my Headmaster only, but also because of the apparent bigger loyalty of my friends to him than to me."
Sirius ends angrily and James asks: "Why did Albus think he could order Hermione and Ron not to write Harry? He isn't related to us and Harry's a Pureblood, so even as a so-called orphan, he's not eligible to be the Headmaster's protégé. What's the deal with that?" He then turns to the man himself and asks:
"Were you trying to separate them? Is there anything wrong with that friendship that I should know about?" The elder man is quick to shake his head and Sirius says: "It's just a situation handled all wrong – something that's been happening a lot this summer." He grumbles at the end while staring at the wall.

Now everyone around him looks down and Sirius asks: "Seriously, I finished gathering the old crowd the day after school ended, the Weasleys came here a week later and nothing good has happened since. I know we agreed to watch Harry, but our decisions on what to do if that went wrong were never even discussed.
The letters were even worse and why Dumbledore – even as Leader of the Order – has any say over the letters between three friends is just beyond me. We should have simply done the upcoming. One of us should have written Harry a small, simple note, stating just the few things he had to know to know he could trust us and done.
We wouldn't need to worry about him doing hormonal teenage things, we wouldn't have needed to write vague, teenage-aggravating letters, we wouldn't be in half the crap this story so far wrote about." He ends his rant and Dumbledore asks: "Then what do you suggest we should have put in that small letter, Sirius?"

And while I can tell that the man is doubtful of Sirius yet again, does Sirius surprise him as he says: "I already wrote it in case our – ahem – other members ever got their heads on straight." I can tell the man is trying not to curse or insult his co-workers and everyone is now highly interested as Sirius reads:

Harry
Old crowd gathered
Dumbledore has us housed
Location too far for safety measures
Keep your letters simple.
Love, Sirius

"Done." The man says and then he turns from the shocked crowd to his son and asks: "If you had read that, what would you have done?" And Harry says: "Probably write letters about things going on at the Dursleys and whatnot." Making all the adults hit themselves on the head as Sirius says: "And make vague hints unnecessary."
He then suddenly glares at certain people in the group – bypassing Sora, Riku, myself, Ariel, Erik, James, Tonks, Moody, Bill and Kingsley and asks: "How is it I know my son better after three meetings of less than half a day time than all of you do after almost four years of living alongside him? Can anyone tell me that?"

And the people he glared at – especially Dumbledore and Arthur – turn their heads down as Sirius says: "Harry saw terrible things happen, exactly when his hormones started working up. We need to help him get over what happened in June, but more importantly, we need to be there for him if his hormones get him in trouble.
Harry needs someone who accepts and recognizes that he's seen more than his short life is worth, but also that his childhood is a sacred thing and seeing how little of that he's been able to enjoy, we need to work our hardest to gain and keep his trust and do things with him that all teens his age do with those here in this room."
He then slaps Harry on the shoulder and says: "And that is exactly what I plan on doing, kiddo. Lessons to prepare you for war and not-war related dangers once a week, some sessions with me and Andy to help you get over June also once a week and all other times you can do whatever you want, as long as you stick to the 3 rules."
He then looks up and asks: "Does that sound like something impossible or so?" And no one disagrees with the man as they all seem to realize that the man has done exactly what they should have done from the start. Again I wonder how this man is not the leader of his family and look at him with respect as I read on.

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Now Sirius flips Harry over the back of his head and says: "Just because you were angry, does not excuse you from being uncaring. You apologize for that, young man. And no, I won't punish you for all your bad thoughts; that one just crossed the line." Harry nods at his dad, apologizes to the girl and I read on.

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"Something I now see was a very big mistake." The man admits and Sirius says: "Let's discuss that when we have that discussion I mentioned, shall we?" The elder man nods and asks: "Is after this chapter okay for you, Sirius?" The man nods and says: "I want Harry there. He deserves to be witness of this, Albus."
The man seems hesitant and Sirius says: "I won't discuss anything concerning the Order. This concerns Harry and your decisions regarding him. I simply want you to make an important decision about that and I want him present when it happens." Dumbledore seems to accept this and nods at Sirius before I read on.

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"Not as scary as my Siri, I'm sure." James whispers lovingly and Hermione shivers as she says: "I think that was the only time even Mrs. Weasley was too scared to be angry with him.""Not to mention the first time she almost fully agreed with him." Ron adds to that, having shivered himself and James asks confused:
"What didn't she agree with him on then? He had full rights to be angry. Surely she knew that, having had me locked where I was and all." And Ron growls at this, obviously angry over the memory of that revelation and he says: "She didn't agree with his methods. She even would have ranted at him had it not been for his furious eyes."

Now even James shudders and says: "I actually once caught a glimpse of that when a Death Eater tried to invade my home to make me have Sora early. The things he did to that guy – he switched sides right the next day, just to never have to face that kind of fury again. Not the healthiest reasons, but we were glad to have him on our team."
To this Moody, Sirius, Remus and Albus nod and the last of them says: "I am still grateful for him. He went to work on some of the countries that the Ministry believes could go to war with us because they don't believe in our Ministerial system. Haven't seen one threat since he started there – but he sure keeps up his correspondence."

The man ends with a happy smile and Remus asks: "Johnny keeps in contact with you, sir? How is he? I haven't heard from him since he moved?" And the man answers: "He's quite happy, Remus. He found a wife two years after he moved and he now has a son that would be in his first year had he lived in England."
Everyone seems excited and happy about this and Sirius whispers: "Good for Johnny. Remember how devastated he was when he had to chose between his family and his side. I still hate that my anger at him made him chose his side over his family. I really hope he'll forgive me." But then Dumbledore tells him:
"Actually, Sirius, your so-called arrest made him feel relieved." Everyone looks at the man shocked and Dumbledore says: "Apparently Johnny's family had already been in danger before his switch. You showing your so-called true colors, made him feel better as he had been sure he would have one day do that himself.
You doing that gave him the opportunity to learn about true loyalty and he told me how sure he was that he would have done the same thing, had your positions been switched – so to say." Everyone looks shocked and while I feel totally confused and befuzzled at this point, does James seem to understand as he asks:
"So if my Siri had been where he has always been and Johnny had been on Sirius' so-called side, Johnny wouldn't have needed the whole bluff thing to pull a Pettigrew?" And while I'm even more confused now, does Dumbledore nod and Sirius says: "I guess he did forgive me, in his own way." And with that I read on.

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Now both of them and Sirius hit themselves on the head and the man asks: "Do I need to start monitoring the first meetings between you guys if you haven't seen each other in a while? Or is this just because of all those dumb decisions made over the last month?" And Ron answers: "Mostly the last one."
"But we really shouldn't have done that, either way. We should have just tried to help you, instead of fear your reactions. We should have listened to Sirius a long time ago. Sorry about that, Harry, Sirius." And the man answers: "Not your fault you listen to the one man you think has more experience with my little boy. I'd have done it."
He then turns to his son and says: "I don't approve of the way you behaved to Ron and Hermione last night, Harry, but that is mostly because the things you wanted were out of their reach and you should have realized that when you first heard of the Order. On the other hand, do I stay with the statement I told Remus last night."

"And what is that, Black?" The scarred man sneers, obviously not feeling comfortable with being questioned about his actions and Sirius says: "That trying to keep a top-secret organization and a bunch of Gryffindor teenagers in the same house without letting them get to know each other is nothing more than madness.
Those kids of ours see us walk in and out of meetings almost every day, anyone would get curious after a first meeting and Gryffindors and Ravenclaws are the first of all four Houses who would try and find out what goes on behind closed doors, whether it's out of brave curiosity or the instinctual need of knowledge.
We need to either find another safe house to house the Weasleys and other kids of the Order, not to mention those on my family that we can trust – or find a better spot for us all to meet where the kids won't have to notice that the Order is at work. Else we might as well give them classes to prepare them to join."

Everyone looks shocked and Albus says: "Sirius, we can't." But the black-haired man rolls his eyes and says: "I said classes to prepare them, Albus. I didn't say let them join. I don't even believe the twins are ready and they're – in the eyes of the magical world – legally adults. No, I think they need Uncle Charlus' rules."
This makes the two of them look at each other and Sirius says: "If you follow the same course Jamie and I followed up to your 18th birthday, we'll let you join a month after, so we can test you to see if you passed. If you don't want to take the course, I don't ever want to hear you complain about not joining again, understand?"
The two nod and the left one asks: "What's the course?" Now Sirius looks at Arthur and when the balding man nods, his eyes slightly uncertain, does Sirius smile and turn back to the twins as he says: "Learn about all magical and Muggle ways of self-defense; from Muggle weapons, to magical fighting skills to special spells."
The two seem excited about this and James says: "That Muggle half will be hard, believe me. Dad didn't even let Siri or me join until we were 18 and that was because he wanted to be sure we had all means – both Muggle and Magical – to defend ourselves, mostly because Voldemort was all about attacking Muggle places."

Then suddenly Harry says: "THAT'S BRILLIANT!" And everyone looks at him as he asks: "Don't you see? If we offer that course in the Seventh Years Defense against the Dark Arts classes, we'll be one simple step closer to Muggle-Magical integration and we won't have to do a thing ourselves. We can leave it to our new teacher."
This makes everyone smile widely and James says: "Now that's my little boy. Thinking about the good of others and finding ways to make the most out of everything. That's just how a Potter works." And Sirius nods, while Harry beams at his mum and hugs the man tightly. Everyone smiles at the picture and I read on.

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"Puhh, of course he does. How do you think we keep in touch between us Order members?" Sirius scoffs and Harry asks: "Mind links?" And the man shouts: "Thank goodness, no. Then Snivelus'd be able to read my mind and none of our battles would be fun anymore." Now everyone looks shocked and Remus asks:
"What do you mean, fun?" And Sirius asks: "You think I'm still trying? Please, I gave up on that silly little rivalry when Sora was born. When you first see your own son, things like that just seem insignificant, you know? Trust me, if Snape were to ever get a kid, he'd understand." Everyone looks shocked and Sirius says:
"And no, Harry, we don't use mind-links. But I'm not telling you how we're doing it either. That is information you won't get until you join the Order. And for you count the same rules as for Fred and George and as for Jamie and me when we were your age. No joining until you're 18 and able to defend yourself at all places in the world."
Harry nods and asks: "Should I start practicing, dad?" And Sirius seems doubtful as he says: "We'll discuss that when you've mastered that Keyblade thing." Harry nods and then asks: "Will you help me?" Looking at his older brother and his brother's friends. Sora and the others all nod and Harry smiles widely as I read on.

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Now Harry really looks down and says: "I'm really sorry for what I said, guys. I don't believe half of what I said that night, really." But the two seem not to blame Harry anymore and Ron shrugs as he says: "Most of it was true." And Hermione ends: "And we're not real happy with that either." Making Harry smile at them as I read on.
But then Hermione coughs and says: "Ehm, Mr. Tarzan, sir? This is – kind of – where we need your loud voice to step in." And I ask: "You mean my Jungle voice when I call for my friends or warn my family of incoming danger?" The girl nods, while others look at each other, wondering about my last comment and I start to shout.

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"That thing with the Dementors I knew about? But when exactly between now and your first did you meet Voldemort? And what's this about a Philosopher's stone? I thought that thing was with the Flamels? What's with that?" Sirius asks, interrupting me and allowing me to have some water as he seems to grow angry.
Then Harry says: "It was, dad, but Voldemort wasn't really dead and he had possessed a teacher to steal it. Dumbledore knew of this, so he had the vault where it was kept –." But then Sirius asks: "What do you mean, vault? The Flamels each have a stone of their own. They only keep the fake in a Vault to stay out of the public eye."

Now everyone look shocked and Albus asks: "Are you sure?" And Sirius rolls his eyes and asks: "Remember the seventh of October 1978?" Albus nods and Sirius says: "Those two old Muggles I saved that day were the Flamels in disguise, they told me this in exchange for me saving them. It was their way of thanking me."
He then turns to the man in question and says: "Surely, as their student, you knew of this as well?" But Albus shakes his head and says: "My final test as their pupil was to make a Stone of my own and I hid that in a Vault. Then I heard Voldemort had plans for it, so I made sure to have someone empty the Vault before it could be stolen."
"So – so there were two vaults with a Stone in it?" Sirius asks shocked and Albus says: "Yes, and I don't know how Voldemort discovered which of the two held the real stone, but I can only imagine it's because he studied me as well as I studied him during the war. Know thy enemy, as the Muggles always say."
Sirius seems to agree with this and says: "So the whole thing with the Stone is now cleared up, but what – wait, did you meet with Riddle when you tried saving that thing?" Harry nods and says: "And when I tried saving Ginny. Not my story, I won't say another word about it." Sirius nods, while clearly worried and I read on.

OotP – Chapter 4, Page 63 & 64 – OotP

"Combine that with the fact that he's had some terrible nights filled with nightmares about last June and that he's a teenager growing into his hormones and I'm surprised he lasted this long. Guess he inherited some of the famous Black patience. We usually stow our emotions away until the right time. You just did at the wrong time."
He then ends, looking at his son and says: "On the other hand, seeing I'm the only one here as an adult constantly fighting everyone else about your whereabouts this summer and I'm not surprised you burst at the first person you see that you know you can trust. Unlike that woman – sorry Arthur." But Arthur shakes his head and I read on.

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"Okay, that I think goes a little far." Bill now growls, but then Sirius says: "No, I would have thought the same thing. Constantly being sent back to somewhere those sending me know I absolutely hate going to and no one showing any sign of wanting to get me away from there. I would have felt just as abandoned, wouldn't you?"
Now the redhead turns red and says: "Yeah, I guess." Harry then sighs and says: "Seriously, communication is a real concept missed out on a lot of people here. So far it seems as if dad is the only one to have really grasped that concept, especially when it comes to those you supposedly care about." He snaps at the end.
The others look down, but then Sirius flips him over the back of his head and says: "You've been allowed your moment to relieve. Now's time to try and forgive them already. No need to get snappy, you understand?" Harry nods and apologizes with his head low, making Sirius smile at him before I read on, feeling quite proud myself.

OotP – Chapter 4, Page 64 & 65 – OotP

"Okay, those questions shouldn't even be on your mind, young man, at least not until you turn seventeen and start practicing that course we told you about. Then you can start learning small things that we do concerning him. Until then, stick with what we tell you and keep earning our trust, understand?"
Sirius asks his son, while also glancing at Ron, Hermione and the twins and Harry nods as he asks: "Will you keep telling me where I shouldn't go to inconvenience the Order?" Sirius nods and adds: "And how some of us are doing after missions, so you can know who to worry or grief about and who you can feel happy about."
Now Dumbledore wants to object again and Sirius says: "I won't tell you what the mission was about, but I will tell you the status of those working it afterwards, in case it's someone you know, because I know you and I know you'll instantly worry if it's someone you care about like your mum, Lupin or Bill, am I right?"
Now the man seems unable to object and Harry nods, hugging his dad as he says: "You are, thanks dad." And Sirius whispers: "No problem, kiddo." Before he says: "And that is how you keep kids out of dangerous situations and help them keep to the three rules Jamie and I lived under when Uncle Charlus was alive."
All other adults look down ashamed, obviously having never thought of this idea and then Ariel whispers: "We really should remember Sirius' methods. They'd be perfect if our baby goes back to the sea with us." Erik nods and asks: "Dangerous places there?" And Ariel hums uncertainly before I quickly read on.

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"Not just you, kiddo, but that's why I told you not to go to the Department of Mysteries. That department is very important to both Voldemort and us and he already knows this, so don't go there no matter what he tries, alright?" Sirius asks his son and Harry says: "I'll keep my promise, dad, you'll see." Making Sirius smile as I read on.

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"You know, I think a good Curaga spell at the center of this place's magical energy should cure it of all and any diseases and bacteria growing here. Do you know where that is?" Riku asks, looking around at the dark corners of the room and Sirius says: "I only went there once myself – the day before I ran away from this place."
He then shudders and says: "I won't go back there if you paid me all the valuables from the Malfoy, Lestrange, Riddle, Slytherin, Nott, Crabbe, Goyle and Macnair lines together. Too dark there, let me tell you. It almost made me decide to start listening to my mum – and she was even against my Veela bond with Jamie here."
Now James looks shocked and he asks: "That place made you listen to your mother's dislike about our relationship?" And Sirius shudders again as he says: "Almost did, yes. Trust me, kid, if you haven't had a taste of pure darkness like a Killing Curse, then I won't ever recommend you go in there – and I mean ever."

But then Sora, Riku and Kairi share a look and Riku asks: "I was controlled by Ansem and his darkness is foul and powerful. He was after all the Heartless of Xehanort himself. You think the darkness in that room is stronger?" Sora shrugs and asks: "Dad, you think you can take us to the door to that place?"
"Will you go in?" Sirius asks, now angry and Sora quickly says: "Only Riku and only if that darkness is weaker than Ansem's, I promise." The man nods and says: "I'll take you there once things settle." The two nod and I see Sora look at Riku with a worry that I've never seen in his eyes before, worrying me in return as I read on.

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"And a bedroom guards someone's rights to privacy, boys." Sirius tells the twins, who look down with guilty smiles as he goes on: "I will not forbid you – or ask Arthur to do so – to Apparate around the house, but at the least, from now on, Apparate in front of someone's bedroom door instead of into the bedroom, agreed?"
The two nod and Arthur smiles as he asks: "How is it they listen to you and not to Molly?" And Sirius answers: "Molly screwed up with these two years ago, Arthur. She yells too much, takes things way too seriously for them and goes against everything they dream of doing. She disrespects them, they disrespect her. Simple as that."
The two nod and Arthur says: "Could have guessed that one." He then turns to his sons and asks: "If I promise to raise you guys like Sirius plans to raise Harry and Sora, will you promise to listen to me as well and tell me when I cross the line as long as I do the same to you?" And instantly the twins nod vividly as I read on with a smile.

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This makes said Weasley look troubled and he says: "I'm not sure if I should take pride in that or not." And he turns to Sirius, his eyes flying to the man's chest, probably indicating the pictures Master Yen Sid sent along with Sora and Riku, but the elder man seems to consider the words read as a good sign and says:
"It might mean that if you take her under your wing and keep her darkness under control, Harry can peacefully search for his own mates and she might even come around. As long as we make sure to get and keep her away from Molly, that is." Everyone nods and the scarred man says: "Let's let her join the reading tomorrow."
Everyone nods and I can tell that the Weasleys are all very happy about this, but then Harry says: "Just make sure you get her help." Everyone looks at him and he says: "No offence, Professor Dumbledore, but seeing what happened in her first and how you reacted to that, do I seriously doubt that Ginny ever got any help for that problem."
The man seems to agree with this and Sirius asks: "Care to give further explanation?" But Harry shakes his head and says: "Like I said before, not my story to tell. Let's just say that I wasn't the only one to fall victim to Riddle in such a way it almost killed me." The man looks white at hearing this, but nods and I read on.

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At hearing this the aforementioned Weasley turns almost redder than his hair, but then Arthur says: "As long as your brothers keep their jokes about your love life to an acceptable minimum and as long as she makes you happy, do I happily approve of whoever you bring home with you, son." Bill smiles and Sirius mutters:
"Something I'm sure Molly would love to disagree with." He then turns to the scarred man and says: "Moody, make sure to question her this afternoon, will you? I'll make sure Kreacher prepares her, so that we can be sure she speaks the truth and then you make sure you ask her about who of us all she has plans for."
The scarred man nods and Bill asks: "You don't think she has plans for even my future, do you Sirius?" And the black-haired man sighs as he says: "Seeing she was willing to meddle with the lives of another family, Bill, do I fear to find out what she would be willing to do to meddle with the lives of her own family."
The long-haired ginger seems reluctant to agree with this, but then the other redheads join him and the youngest says: "At least we can still – possibly – save Ginny before she turns as dark as mum." And this seems to improve the mood of his elder brother, who smiles gratefully before the whole family nods at me and I read on.

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Instantly – to my total shock – does the mood turn as dark as the Jungle on a storm day and I look around, seeing that all the Weasleys have their heads down and that some of them even have angry tears shining in their eyes. Wondering what could have happened to the brother, do I spare one last glance around the room and read on.

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"Is – is this Percy – is he – dead?" Ariel asks tentatively, while Erik holds her close and Ron shakes his head, while the others cringe at hearing the word, as if fearing that it will happen without them knowing or something. Wondering if it could be something in the bond between them, do I decide to find out and read on.

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"Something that apparently lost its effects on my kids." Arthur says with a grimace, which I know should have been a smile, but apparently this row is still very clear on his mind and I can only imagine how painful it must have been for the – to my eyes – gentle man to have to fight his own son. Feeling for the father, do I read on.

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"You had a row about his promotion?" Ariel asks shocked and Arthur says: "It had more to do with who promoted him than the promotion itself. We don't trust who promoted him, but Percy seems more loyal to him than to us. And – well – that really showed that night." The man ends depressed and his sons hug him as I read on.

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"Wait, how long has that kid been working there anyway?" Ariel now curiously asks and Arthur says: "Only a year, which is another reason I didn't want him to accept the promotion. He doesn't have the experience that makes him capable of handling the job without the responsibilities going to his head and breaking him up."
"Did you tell him that?" Erik asks, looking concerned and Arthur shakes his head and says: "Didn't get the chance. I only got to say I didn't think it wise for him to take the promotion now and then he started shouting. The things he shouted angered me and I shouted back, thus the row started and –." The man sighs and I read on.

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"I would have been, had Percy really shown he deserved the job, due to the experience he had gained after years of work. Only, he had jumped from one job to the next so quickly in a year, I knew he just couldn't be ready. Guess I didn't exactly let him realize that with how I was looking when he said that he got the promotion."
Arthur says, seemingly getting more and more depressed the longer this part of the chapter lasts and I think: "There is so much this man wants to explain to his son, so much that makes sense to anyone with common sense. I have to bring this family back together." And I share a glance with Sora, the boy nodding at me, before I read on.

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"That obsession is – in my eyes – exactly what can save our bloody hides, would the Muggles actually find out about us." Harry grumbles, making a small smile appear on Arthur's face, while James flips him over the back of his head and says: "Good call, bad words." Making a small smile appear on Harry's face as I read on.

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"I only said those things in my anger. I was so angry at what Percy was saying. He was actually mocking all our family had worked for as if we were worthless without his job and his new promotion. It made me so angry, so afraid I had lost my son to his own greed and ambition – I just lost control of what I said."
The man sighs and Sirius rolls his eyes as he says: "Trust me, Arthur, I've been there and I did the same dumb thing with both Remus and Lily. And you remember Lily's temper, don't you?" The redhead smirks and nods as Sirius says: "Try and meet with Percy somewhere neither of you have any ground to win.
Make sure it's somewhere neither of you are able to get the upper hand, somewhere completely objective to both of you and then try and explain all you told us. If you just keep control of your tone and offer Percy chance to speak his mind, he will listen. Lily listened to me when I did that and Percy will listen to you, trust me."
The redhead smiles at this and Harry says: "I would suggest Florian's, Mr. Weasley. It's somewhere you both know, where neither of you go too often and where you can get something good to celebrate things once you've settled all of your matters." To this the man nods, smiling widely at the idea and I feel relieved as I read on.

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Now Harry is the one turning angry and he says: "To be honest, Mr. Weasley, would I like it if you could fix problems with Percy before my hearing, because if I come across Percy – well, I might just do what I did last night. And I was not proud of last night's events, but I can honestly say I will not regret it if that happens again."
To this Arthur nods and then Sirius says: "Harry." But the boy interrupts him and says: "No dad. I'm sorry, I know I'm being disrespectful, but Percy did something there that I find unforgivable. He threw his family aside for some galleons. Anyone who knows me, knows I would give all of my vaults for one day with you guys.
Percy did the one thing I will never forgive anyone doing, whether it's you, him or even Dumbledore or Voldemort. Heck, I'd even go against Lucius Malfoy if he turned his back on his son and my rivalry with Draco is pretty darn well known." To this all the kids nod, except Sora, Riku and Kairi and Sirius sighs and says:
"I don't approve you want to go after someone and shout at them for something that doesn't concern or involve you, but I am proud that you have such good views on what is and what isn't important in life. Money is definitely an essential to everyone's life, but it should never go above family and I'm proud that you believe in that."
He then hugs his son close and Arthur says: "Harry, once I've settled things with Percy, will I be sure to mention this to him, if only to make sure the consequences of his actions really get through to him. Is that enough for you?" Harry nods, his face still showing his fury at Percy's actions and while understanding the anger, do I read on.

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"It was that I already started feeling guilty about shouting at Ron and Hermione and that I didn't know where the nearest fireplace was, but seriously – at that time the anger had rekindled inside me and I was almost planning to ask the twins to apparate me straight to him. Just didn't because I wasn't sure if they knew his location or not."
Harry growls, his anger obviously being rekindled by what I'm reading and I can only too well understand how the lad feels as Kerchak – as amazing a leader as he was – was never the father for me that Arthur is obviously for his sons and I think: "How can any cub turn his back on such a father?" But get no answer and thus read on.

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"I actually tried talking with him a few times the first two days after, but he inherited Molly's evil eye and I – well, I just lost hope, I guess." Arthur sighs and I say: "Never lose hope. You are father of sons. They your sons, you their father forever." The man smiles at me, grateful for my words and I smile back before reading on.

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"And what's that supposed to mean, young lady?" Sirius asks with a raised eyebrow and a devious smirk and Hermione answers: "Woof." Shocking the whole group and confusing me apparently as even Ariel and Erik seem to be in on the secret behind this clue, but then Lupin gasps and asks: "She didn't?"
But Ron answers: "How else do you think she got past all those people trying to keep her off the grounds at all times?" And Hermione goes on: "Same way Sirius got into the castle multiple times. She just knew exactly when to use it and got all the dirt she needed out of it." And I finally ask: "Out of what?"
And the father of young Sora answers: "I'm personally capable of changing into a dog, which is why Hermione woofed as only those in the Order know about that. But apparently is Skeeter also able to change into some kind of animal and is that what she's been using to write all kinds of rumors about my little boy."

He then looks out into the distance and says: "Something I will be sure to let the world know will never happen again as that was some serious violation of the No Slander Against Minors code." Now Albus hits himself on the head and whispers: "Why didn't I think of that?" But then Harry asks: "Why didn't I think of that?"
Now everyone looks at him shocked and he asks: "What? It was me she was attacking, so why shouldn't I try and fight back?" And Sirius answers: "Because those are exactly the kind of battles you should only have to face if you're past your seventeenth birthday or if you were really an orphan. Else it's our job to fight those battles."
To this Harry shrugs and says: "I guess I'm still kind of stuck on the concept that I always had to fend for myself and be a loner and make sure I could survive to live another day. I mean, I had plenty of adults standing by me at Hogwarts, but – and I really hate saying this – they all let me down at one point, one way or another."

This makes Sirius and James share a worried look over the young man's head and he says: "If I really have to be honest – and I hate doing that in front of so many adults – are the only adults who never let me down Sirius and Mr. Weasley. Everyone else either just let me down or broke my trust somewhere during the past four years."
Now all adults, except for Sirius and Arthur, cringe at hearing this, while both mentioned men smile with deep love and care at the young man and Albus asks: "Even Minerva, Harry?" But the lad turns angry and says: "I haven't trusted McGonagall since the 150 point loss incident and you can ask her yourself about the details, sir."
The man nods and I can tell by his eyes that he is determined to get to the bottom of why that incident broke Harry's trust in this woman, but then Hermione says: "You also might want to question all of the students who were at Hogwarts during that year and that were openly disappointed in that point loss. You won't like it, trust me."
Now the man seems worried and asks: "Did they perhaps aid in Harry's loss of trust?" Hermione shakes her head and says: "They just took the right to punish him for that point loss into their own hands, sir. The hard way." The man cringes and then seems to get a boost in his determination, before I quickly read on.

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"They say what now about my little brother?" Sora asks angrily and Hermione cringes as she says: "It actually gets worse. I'll let you read today's Prophet after this, okay?" The boy nods, his lips thin and I remember how angry Sora had been after Clayton had tried to shoot Terk back in my home world before I read on.

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By now Sora is seething with anger and James, who seems just as angry, whispers furiously: "Let's see how many of those bastards think they have the guts to write crap like that when the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter gets in their way." And Harry gives the man a small, grateful smile as Sora whispers:
"And if that doesn't stop them, I might just ask some of my friends to." And instantly Ariel says: "If they are still printing this crap by the time I have my baby, you can be assured of my help, Sora. I'd help you sooner, but I don't want to give my husband a heart-attack of worry." This makes the man pout, while all of us laugh.
I then look at Sora and say: "You helped me save Gorillas, I help you protect family." Sora smiles at me widely and Harry even gets up to shake my hand in gratefulness before he takes his seat with his parents again. He then also hugs his mum and whispers: "I know you won't let me down, mum." Making James smile as I read on.

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"Remind me to give an official report on my return to the so-called living when I report Molly's kidnap and to give a public statement where I can throw the world of this piece of common logic in their disgusting, delusional faces." James whispers at Sirius and the man asks: "Destruction of fame and name?"
And James hisses: "Complete annihilation." Making a venomous smirk appear on Sirius' face that almost makes me fear for whoever his victims will be. Almost because I can only give Harry right in his statements and feel as if even the baby baboons are smarter than the people living here. Shaking my head at this, do I read on.

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Now all the adults seem to try and hold back their laughter and Kingsley tells Tonks: "You know, it's times like these that I feel embarrassed to work for the Ministry." And Tonks nods, before James says: "Don't worry, I'll remind Fudge of his family's promise to mine soon enough and then we can start setting things right."
The two smile, but then Harry says: "You shouldn't." Everyone looks at him shocked and he says: "Fudge is an idiot and a money-obsessed moron, but he's also something we really need. A sturdy rock in this uncertain, incoming war time. If we fire Fudge, Voldemort will get the chance to put one of his own men in the spot.
We need to keep Fudge as Minister, but he needs to realize that his mistakes are greater than he's making them seem and that there are things that really need to change if we wants to remain in position – even if it's an illegal position for him to be in." He then turns to his mum, who's as shocked as the rest of us and says:

"Maybe if Fudge can prove he can fulfill the whole term a regular Minister fills, namely ten years, we Potters can just drop the Battle Axe and we won't have to reinstate the Feud at all, because that will assuredly make other Ancient Families chose sides between our two families and a Family Feud is just not what we can use right now."
Everyone looks at the boy in shock and he says: "Look, I'm not saying I agree with what Fudge has been doing. Merlin knows I hate him for sending Hagrid to Azkaban, just to be seen doing something, but Fudge is something we can rely on during this war and if we fire him, he'll surely reinstate the Feud to get back at us."
The adults sigh and Albus says: "I think I speak for all of us if I say that I hate how responsible and war-conscious you've become, Harry. I don't believe it a bad thing, I just wish it wasn't in you at this age." And James and Sirius chorus: "Hear, hear." Hugging their son close, their eyes sad, but their smiles filled with pride as I read on.

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The man in question lowers his head and Harry says: "It's just because you mingled in the friendship between me, Ron and Hermione and because you took Sirius out on that mission before he could try and help me get over what happened in June." The man nods, smiling at the sweet boy lightly before he says:
"I see now that I truly do not take other people's feelings into account when I make my plans to protect you all as a group. I apologize for that and will try my best to get past that hurdle in my personality." Everyone nods, the adults smiling at the elder man in pride while Sirius pulls Harry close in pride as I read on.

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"Hermione, no offence, but I think your reasons to be kind to Kreacher and Albus' are a little – well – different." Mr. Weasley tells the girl and she says: "But Kreacher –." But then James growls: "Deserves to have his life ambition given to him today." The girl looks at him shocked and with fury in his eyes, does he say:
"You can't base Kreacher's treatment on his behavior, Hermione, or on him being a House-Elf. You need to base it on what he has done and if you knew even half of it, you would agree with me. Trust me, I am all in for better care for the House-Elves, but I am also sensible enough to realize some of them just don't deserve that."

"Oh, and the terrible treatment, constant orders, no pay or holiday or anything is something they do deserve?" Hermione now spats back angrily and James raises his eyebrow, as if unimpressed, as he asks: "Have you ever asked a House-Elf why they like working for others? What they actually get in return for their work?"
The girl looks shocked and says: "They – they get nothing. They don't get pay-check, or holidays, or sick-leave or anything. Some don't even get a simple thank you for doing a good job." To which James seems really confused and asks: "Where on earth did you meet House-Elves like that?" And the girl answers:
"Hogwarts, of course." Now James seems shocked and says: "Hermione, they go to the Headmaster in groups to report their duties and what they were and were not able to do during their duties. They get plenty of thank you's." The girl seems shocked and turns to the Headmaster, who nods at her with a gentle smile.

Then Harry says: "Hermione, I know you believe in rightful treatment of all people and creatures and I know you really believe in your cause, but you made one big mistake in your reasoning." The girl looks at the boy confused and he says: "You thought of them like Malfoy thinks of Muggleborns, as if they're all the same.
You saw two House-Elves being treated terribly – and yes, I admit Dobby and Winky deserved better – but you were so blinded by those two, you didn't want to see how happy, well-cared for or healthy the other House-Elves were. They like working for Hogwarts and they got good deals out of it that give them a good life.
You really should use next year to go to the kitchens and ask them why they work there. It might just help you find a good compromise that you and the House-Elves can live with." The girl seems contemplative of the idea and mutters: "Maybe – I, I guess – you're right, Harry. I think I will." Harry smiles and I read on.

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"You really should have disillusioned that thing, lads. Noticed it coming halfway down the second floor." Moody grumbles with a creepy smile on his face and the twins share a look before groaning, obviously realizing that the creepy, scarred man is right and while other adults snicker at the two of them, do I read on.

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"When was the first time?" Harry asks and Tonks answers: "When Sirius showed me my room. I can't believe it took me that long to not trip over it a million times." This makes everyone laugh and Sirius says: "Maybe someone should buy you some balance boots or something." And the girl moans as she says:
"I hate those things. I had to wear them for one of my Auror jobs, but they were charmed the wrong way and I almost let my crook slip, because he heard them clomp on the wooden floor of the hide-out he had been hiding in. I still swear that if those things weren't made for running, that monster would have escaped me or worse."
"What do you mean worse?" Hermione asks worriedly and she says: "It was a small house just on the west outskirt of Hogsmeade where we caught up with that bastard and he was running for one of the neighboring houses. Had I not been able to run and catch him, he would have been able to take the family of that house hostage."

The bushy haired girl looks shocked and scared and Harry, apparently trying to defuse the tension, asks: "Families actually live in Hogsmeade? I thought it was just a small shopping village." Sirius shakes his head and says: "Some students move there after graduation and other houses are inhabited by parents of the students."
Now Harry looks excited and asks: "Is there a house empty? Do you think you could get one before school starts?" Sirius smiles and says: "You read my mind, kiddo. Jamie and I planned to do that once we had all settled back in Potter Manor after the reading would be over." Harry hugs his dad close and I read on, smiling widely.

OotP – Chapter 4, Page 74 – OotP

Now Sirius turns to me and asks: "Hey big guy, think you're strong enough to withstand her horrendous Permanent Sticking charm and pull her off that wall? I won't burn her, I'm not that cruel, but I would love for her to be placed somewhere we won't have to hear her screaming, day in, day out, you know what I'm saying?"
I nod at the man, but then Sora says: "Wait just a little longer, dad, I know someone else who can be good back-up for if Tarzan isn't strong enough to beat that Sticking charm. You did say it was permanent, after all." This makes me feel grateful as I had feared that Sora didn't believe in my actual strength and Hermione asks:
"Who could be stronger than Tarzan? He beat Sabor the Cheetah, after all." This makes me wonder how she knows of this, but I decide to let it drop and Sora asks: "Ever read about a vicious beast with a heart of gold?" And Hermione asks: "You know him?" And Sora nods, a big smile on his face as she mumbles:
"He might actually work. And if Tarzan can't pull her off, his claws should be strong enough to rip her to pieces.""My thoughts exactly. Or at least through her painted throat, so she can't scream at us anymore." Hermione seems to smile at this idea and says: "Well thought, Sora." Making Riku and Kairi smile at him as I read on.

OotP – Chapter 4, Page 74 – OotP

"Jeesh, is she always that pleasant?" Kairi asks, her left eye scrunched as she hears my words, words I don't fully understand myself, but enough to know that those around me were badly insulted during this fight and Sirius says: "Actually, she was being pleasant. She's even worse to me." Making the girl cringe as I read on.

OotP – Chapter 4, Page 74 – OotP

"How exactly could you stand all that screaming, Lupin? My ears were almost bleeding from it and I don't even have your sensitive hearing." Harry asks the man and he smiles as he says: "Your dad taught me a neat little trick that I changed into a spell while here." Everyone looks at him curiously and he says:
"A spell to make cotton wool grow out of my ears. I used it once and have been putting it in my robe pockets after every fight with that hag." And to prove it, does the man pull a small bit of white fluff out of his robe pocket, making many of those around me look shocked before they all burst out laughing hard.
"That is so you, love. That is so something only you can come up with." James tells Sirius as he slaps him on the shoulder, while tears are streaming down his eyes and Sirius makes it even worse as he asks: "How else do you think I survived her rants after our first year?" And a new wave of laughter rings through the room.
Finally everyone has calmed down, even Albus using a piece of soft paper to dab the tears away that are glistering in his bright blue eyes and Moody says: "Now there's the innovative way of thinking that made me proud to teach Black and Potter as my trainees, back in the days." And the two smile at him as I read on.

OotP – Chapter 4, Page 75 – OotP

"And there the story ends." I mutter and Sirius sighs as he says: "I wasn't expecting much different. Guess my fight with Molly and the start of all this being a change to the future will start next chapter." Everyone nods and Albus says: "Something for which we can better use the rest of our day to prepare ourselves for."
To which Moody is the first to stand up and he says: "I'll go check on our little prisoners." And he leaves, the wooden leg that he apparently has not at all bothering him as he calmly walks past us, his speed and agility not at all hampered by his amazing handicap. Harry seems to notice the same and hits himself on the head.

Everyone looks at the boy and he says: "I should have noticed that months ago." Everyone looks at him and he says: "The real Moody is as agile with his handicap as he would have been without. I should have noticed how the fake Moody was limping as if that handicap was recent, instead of over a decade old."
But then Albus, his voice serene, says: "Harry, that is something we all – as a team – missed to notice and it doesn't befall you the responsibility anymore than it does us. We were all blind to this and forgot one of the most important rules of life, when believing yourself or others to be in danger. Suspect the unsuspected."
Harry smiles at the man and he says: "No more believing yourself the first one responsible for figuring out dangerous clues and trying to solve life-threatening mysteries, alright dear boy?" And Harry raises his eyebrow as he says: "I'll try, sir, but after the last four years, will it be hard not to use those inbred instincts. Sorry."
He shrugs with a guilty smile on his face, but Dumbledore shakes his head and says: "The guilt for that was on me, Harry. I truly tried to make sure you wouldn't be involved in any of those dangerous adventures, but when you're against someone of equal power and cunning, then even someone like myself cannot do much to stop him."

Harry nods and asks: "So you and the other teachers didn't put up those defenses, solely to test me and my friends, sir?" Albus shakes his head and says: "I even punished Minerva, Filius, Pomona and Severus for putting up such easy defenses. Apparently they relied on my defenses enough not to risk their own too much."
Now Harry hits himself on the head and says: "They sure learned their lesson the year after." Albus nods and says: "Perhaps, but seeing that you and Mr. Weasley were again the ones to save the day did not make me a – as the Muggles say it – happy camper, dear boy, which is the sole reason I gave you and Mr. Weasley so many points.
I did not wish for you two to be punished because they did not have enough of your or Mr. Weasley's trust for you to come to them instead of Gilderoy. I truly found it a crime upon Minerva's words of Hogwarts being like your home that you two trusted a new teacher that all boys seem to have despised more than your own Head of House."

"I have my reasons." Harry growls and the man nods as he says: "I have no doubt in that, Harry, but I still wonder why you went to that man. If I recall correctly, you were often seen fighting with Mss. Granger about skipping that class." Harry shrugs and says: "Lockheart just gave off a bad vibe to me, sir, is all."
To this Tonks and Kingsley look up and ask: "What kind of bad vibe, Harry? Something like him being a danger to the students?" And Harry answers: "With his incompetence, definitely, but I don't think that would be enough for you to arrest him. I can't exactly put my finger on that vibe either, I just didn't feel comfortable around him."
The two nod and Tonks says: "Too bad he's suffering from that memory loss incident or we could have questioned him. Your instincts are after all, usually spot on, aren't they Harry?" Harry nods, but doesn't seem to have really heard the woman and I wonder what kind of conclusion the young, bright lad could come up with.