Declaration: I write for my own pleasure and not for profit. I do not own Harry Potter Universe.

Three to Triumph

Chapter 10

Nearly twenty four hours later the three children woke up to a cacophony of noises in their heads. Harry sat up and with a baleful glare at the harsh sun light that was streaming into the cave and clutched his head, "Ow! My head, I feel as if it's split by an axe and then put together in the wrong way" he moaned.

"Harry please" Hermione whimpered while Luna just curled up into a ball. She was also amazed to find that her broken hand had been healed without even a scar marring her pale skin; she instinctively knew that this was somehow a result of something amazing and that was the same reason for all the echoes of her friends' thoughts bouncing around in her head.

Harry chanced a glance at the two girls through half lidded eyes and moved to hug them both to his chest. All the three children could hear not only what the other was thinking in their minds but also could feel the extreme pain in their heads in addition to their own. The pain that Harry felt from Hermione and Luna added to his own splitting headache and made it unbearable for him and it was the same for the two girls.

"I can hear both Needa and Clandi talking to me" Luna gritted out through clenched teeth. Even though being in Harry's arms brought some comfort to her, the incessant thoughts raging not only in her mind but also in Harry and Hermione's minds that spilled over into her own mind and added to all this, the concerned ranting of two familiars was unbearable. Luna was a little disturbed, she never learnt about hearing someone else's thoughts, she wondered if this was to do with their bond and being bond mates that Needa mentioned about. Needless to say her raging thoughts brought pained protests from both Harry and Hermione.

Suddenly all talk ceased as a melodious trilling echoed in the confines of the cave. Usually an echo in a confined space would have been harsh and bothersome to hear, however the beautiful song soothed frayed nerves and aching heads while filling their hearts with peace, hope and love. The song amazingly stilled the thoughts too as everyone, children and animals alike were mesmerized and felt as if time stood still for everyone to enjoy the tune.

Reality returned to the cave after the song ended in a gentle crest that ceased abruptly. Harry and his girls were expecting to hear the notes that would signal the end of the song but were surprised when it did not continue and forced their eyes open. The song actually not only allowed them to block most of the thoughts from the others in the cave but also soothed their aches and rejuvenated them. The three children were amazed to see a milky white bird almost as big as themselves watching them with what could be considered as a smirk on its face. Instead of fear or trepidation of a very intimidating presence, they oddly felt comforted and safe.

Luna gasped at the site, "That's a phoenix" she breathed with amazement and a hint of reverence in her tone.

When her two friends demanded to know what a phoenix was Luna told them about the immortal bird that went through cycles of death and rebirth, how the tears of the phoenix have incredible healing powers, their ability to transcend distances in the blink of an eye and finally their unique ability to take people with them when they travel by phoenix flames. To say that Harry and Hermione were shocked at what they were hearing would be a gross understatement, what was more shocking to them was when the phoenix 'talked' to them.

The trill that sounded amused was followed by a mental communiqué that was similar to the one that Harry and Hermione were used to with their familiars. This time however all the three heard, "Yes, younglings I am a phoenix, my name is Hedwig."

Though it was a thrill for them to hear the noble bird talking to them, they still clutched their heads and moaned in pain. They heard Hedwig again, "You need to touch your magical core and practice dampening your mate's thoughts, young ones and that is the only way that you can block the echoes from the others." The three just nodded their heads not bothering to voice their words. Hedwig continued, "For now I will lend you my magic to block the echoes while you practice organizing your thoughts and construct mind shields so that you can successfully block the echoes while still be able to communicate with each other. This technique will also help you in keeping your secrets safe and also to block your thoughts from your enemies and in combat."

When the three bond mates recovered sufficiently from the mental assault of their bond mate's thoughts, they went out of the cave to wash themselves up and also to forage for food. Hand in hand, the three friends went into the lake for their bath discarding their clothes at the bank, all the time they were exuberant about their new ability to communicate with each other non-verbally. They quickly recognized the unique benefit that could allow them to be in contact even over any distance all the while.

Back in the cave, Needa recognized the brilliant white phoenix for who she was. It was after all the vision sent by the messenger of the gods that had led him to seek out Hermione and remain faithful at her side as a mentor, friend and familiar. So he spoke up including Clandi in the conversation, "Salutations O noble mother! It has been a very long wait for me to finally meet you." Clandi did not know what to make of the greeting from her friend the Wolf Wrath but since the noble bird was called as mother and Needa was almost prostrated before the phoenix, she copied his actions.

The phoenix gave a trill of acknowledgement, "Arise my children, you have been doing a fabulous job of taking care of the three chosen for greatness. You have my blessings, the road ahead is hard and difficult but at least not wrought with danger anymore" Lady Hedwig sighed.

Clandi was hesitant to butt into the conversation; the phoenix was obviously more than what she seemed to be but was undecided to bring the matter up. Sensing her hesitancy, Lady Hedwig soothed Clandi with reassuring words, "Do not fret my dear, you along with the children will be made aware of their true role in this world of ours and soon."

Needa fretted around after her words, "Pardon my impertinence Lady, but not immediately? The younglings have faced true difficulties in this world that even I would have been frightened off, they need protection and a parental guide." The Wolf Wrath was worried, it was not conducive to your living to encounter the anger of the gods but the sad smile and a pitiful trill from the magnificent bird calmed his nerves.

"Alas! The chosen three have just initiated a bond of true strength, love and sacrifice between their very souls. Right now they need to maintain contact and will crave for the presence of the other two. In addition, they have managed to tap into their magical core and released the bindings on them. They have managed to do it at a very young age and so will have to learn to control it, but the bond between the three might interfere with their magical training if not allowed to settle first. Even if I want to take them away and get their magical training started, the soul bond takes precedence and we will have to wait till they can temper their connection enough not to be overwhelmed by the thoughts of the other two mates" Lady Hedwig was remorseful; she did not see the trials and tribulations that the three children were forced to suffer but looking into their memories when she gave them her magic to shield their thoughts from the irritating echoes told her enough. She wanted to take them into her arms and soothe the ache, but revealing her true self right now will defeat the purpose as it was not her duty to train them. The three would have to learn the art of occluding their mind first otherwise the thoughts and emotions from the other two might disrupt their training. As they were already proficient in organizing their thoughts and able to touch their magical core, Lady Hedwig was confident that the Occlumency training and stabilization of their soul bond would not take long.

Meanwhile, she had a very important task to do. Angering the gods was not a good thing and this lady was fond of children, particularly orphans.

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Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, May 1989

Vernon Dursley was enjoying his Saturday morning cup of tea over the newspaper, his wife Petunia was bustling in the kitchen making his breakfast. Ever since the freak escaped his 'conditioning' the chores fell to his wife as their son had adamantly refused to do any manual labour. The freak of his nephew dared to run away after a well-deserved beating, he flexed his arm imagining the punishment he would deliver on the boy if he would see him again. He had no intention of taking him back; he was only worried about the three hundred pound maintenance allowance that he got every month for having the freak in his house. The bearded head freak of that school promised him the amount and never came back to check on his charge. Vernon chuckled to himself, all the better for him, he got extra cash which was very welcome to feed his strapping lad who was growing into a fine young man and if the headmaster never knew that his nephew was not around, good riddance.

The leisurely breakfast with his wife and son was interrupted with the doorbell blaring. Huffing at the inconvenience and muttering about "Blasted salesmen" Vernon went to open the door himself, he could never get his son to attend the door and he was proud that his nine year old was standing up for himself.

Opening the door all thoughts of a peaceful day went out the same door. Standing before him was a beautiful woman probably in her mid-thirties in a very smart business suit, the quality of which was well beyond his pay but he would kill for. Standing just behind the lady was a couple of policemen and another five near the squad cars parked near the kerb in front of his house.

Gulping down his fear he tried to puff out his chest and addressed the woman, "What can I do for you my dear Lady?"

"Mr. Vernon Dursley?" getting a nod in response she continued, "My name is Joanne AngelaMort an attorney for the Potter Trust. I am here to perform an audit of the money given to you for taking care of your nephew Mr. Harry Potter and to interview him regarding his living conditions." The tone of the voice told him that it was not a request but one which he better comply with and the colour drained from his face. Vernon's brain froze and in a moment of panic tried to slam the door in the face of the woman. His attempt was however thwarted by the policeman who lunged forward to block the door, the scene galvanized the other five policemen to rush into the house and the remaining one to report back to the station and call for forensic investigators.

Vernon staggered into the house from the force of the head constable's forceful entrance into the house and was quickly subdued while two lady officers went to Petunia's side. Dudley simply stared dumbfounded at what was happening around him.

Half an hour later, Vernon and Petunia Dursley were handcuffed and escorted out into the waiting squad cars while the entire neighbourhood stood watching. Vernon's sister Marge Dursley was called to take custody of Dursley but refused and so a couple of workers from social welfare were looking after his case. Apparently she was only willing to put up with the boy because of the freebies that she was getting from her brother. Now that Vernon was set to go to prison, Marge was not even willing to put up the amount for bail, not that he would be granted one due to the serious nature of the crimes.

The list of crimes was quite long and Joanne took great pleasure in reading them out in front of the whole neighbourhood. Petunia was charged with theft and fraud, child neglect, child abuse and reckless endangerment of a minor and accessory for murder of a minor. In addition to all the above crimes, Vernon was charged with attempt to murder and second degree murder. The police were sure that with no body to be found, the murder charge would not stick, but the other charges were enough to guarantee a long stay under her majesty's care especially as the crimes were against a child. Though it was disappointing, Joanne was not bothered as she was planning to deliver her own kind of justice, one that had the full backing of the so called higher powers. The Dursley estate was also seized to pay back all the money that was transferred from the Potter trust designated for the upkeep of Harry, one that was never done. The house which was actually Potter property would be given out for rent and all monies deposited into the Potter vault.

The Dursleys prided themselves to be 'normal' and that was the reason their 'freak' of a nephew was put through the wringer to make him normal. With their current predicament, they were anything but normal. Their humiliation was complete with their prideful neighbours blatantly whispering and pointing fingers and some of them even openly laughing at the couple.

Into this maelstrom of gawking people, an old man dressed in the most outlandish suit of the brightest purple and with a beard reaching his stomach, strode up to the chief inspector and Joanne. The man covered the distance between the far end of the street and number 4 surprisingly faster than his age would imply. It was glaringly obvious to the people knowing about the magical world that the old man's attempt was a transfiguration of his normal wizarding robes but was so out of fashion in the muggle world that the people congregated to see the spectacle could barely suppress their laughter.

Ignoring everything else, the old man reached the chief inspector and spoke in a tone that showed that he was used to people obeying him without a second thought, "Hello, can you tell me what these fine people did to be treated like common criminals?" As soon as the words left his mouth he knew that he made a mistake in implying that he was aligned with the Dursleys. The policemen immediately lost all geniality and their hands grasped the butt of the side arms still in the holster, ready to be pulled out at a moment's notice.

Joanne left the questioning to the chief inspector as she knew exactly who they were dealing with. This also gave her the chance to scan the headmaster's memories for any sign of wrongdoing on his part. Thankfully, for Albus Dumbledore that is, she did not find any malice, just an honest mistake in placing the toddler in an abusive home and he could honestly say that he did not know.

The chief inspector barked out in a tone dripping with anger and disgust at calling the captives as fine people, "Who are you and what is your involvement with this family?"

Albus Dumbledore was many things but a coward he was not. The no nonsense attitude of the police and the presence of the lady who was projecting an aura meant to intimidate gave him pause. He concluded that the lady was a representative of Gringotts or even a goblin under a glamour and that sent a shiver down his spine, it did not bode well if the goblins were directly involved in the muggle world regarding a client's affairs. He tried to squash his nervousness at the obvious hostility from the policemen and replied, "I am Albus Dumbledore and I am concerned with a young man named Harry Potter who lived with his aunt and uncle, who are apparently in your care now. I was friends with his parents and decided to look into his well-being when I heard about the trouble."

This concern about young Harry Potter above all else gave him the breathing space with the police. This time Joanne spoke up, "Mr. Potter has been missing for more than a couple of years now and presumed dead."

Dumbledore felt as if his world had crashed around him. He did not give due credence to the reports of abuse from the squib he asked to watch over Harry, he truly did not have the time to look into those reports. What with all the different positions he held and the trails of the captured death eaters he totally forgot to look into Harry's living conditions. That did not justify the lack of monitoring on the child he personally put up in what was now apparent to be an abusive home. Due to his actions or inactions, the savior of the wizarding world and the one who would have played a very important role in the triumph of good over evil was dead. He shuddered at the thought of a bleak future without Harry Potter in it.

His frantic musings were cut short by Joanne, "Mr. Dumbledore I know who you are and the role you play in this world. If we at the Potter trust find any evidence of your malevolent involvement in the present travesty we will bring the full force of the law upon you."

Dumbledore saw that the policemen were intrigued at the woman's outburst. His doubts were now confirmed though, he did not know that the conclusions he arrived at were wrong but was sure that there was a much higher authority at work, Ms. Joanne or Gringotts she was representing were not one to be trifled with. Dumbledore knew that he could escape any prosecution from the muggles but incurring the wrath of the goblins was never a good idea. He simply nodded his acquiescence and left the place, he had to hit the bottle hard and drown his pain in drink before reevaluating his options. His thoughts slowly turned to the predicament, Harry Potter may not be the child of prophecy. What would be the meaning of being a vanquisher if he died before confronting his destiny? The other boy born as the seventh month died, Neville Longbottom may be the one. The boy lost his parents to insanity and maybe that was the mark alluded to in the prophecy? But the boy was said to be nearly a squib and the world has to rely on him to take down the most feared dark lord in history. That thought did not bring him much cheer. Dumbledore sighed heavily before apparating to Hogwarts; he had to talk to Neville's grandmother and convince young Neville, condition him to start a training regimen once he began schooling at Hogwarts in about two years' time.

While the humans were distracted by the spectacle, Clandi under camouflage injected her venom into Vernon Dursley. The cry of pain from the heavy set man forced the police to call in the paramedics who would later on proclaim that the entire right side of Vernon's torso was paralyzed from the waist up to his neck. A stroke due to his obesity and high blood pressure was diagnosed to be the culprit, Clandi's venom undetected by the muggle forensics. Vernon would lose the ability to move his right hand seriously impairing his ability to feed himself, not that he would get a banquet where he would be incarcerated for life. At the same time Needa planted a suggestion that would trigger if any of the three Dursleys would even think of bullying. The terror of the would-be victims would then be visited upon the bully amplified depending upon the seriousness of the incident. Justice in its primal form was served that day upon the family that forced a six year old child to abandon his refuge and brave the harsh world, a young one that would one day be the savior of not only the magical world but by extension the muggle world too.

Away from prying eyes, a grim faced Joanne AngelaMort changed into a brilliant white phoenix and flamed away from Little Whinging with Clandi clutched in her talons. A vengeful Wolf Wrath melted into the shadows to travel to a cave in Northern wales.

A little time later, Maggie Granger who was living in luxury due to her ill-gotten money meant for her niece was also arrested facing charges of reckless endangerment of a child and second degree murder. Hermione Granger was declared missing presumed dead in the ensuing investigation. Lady Hedwig with the help of Gringotts ensured that all the money bequeathed to their daughter by her parents was recovered from Maggie Granger's estate and insurance money. It was stored in a vault waiting for the day when the rightful owner would take her place in the wizarding world.

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Gwydyr Forest Area, Northern wales

31st July 1989

The two months between Lady Hedwig's meeting with the three children and their ninth birthday was mostly filled with intense training in the mind arts designed to protect their memories and thoughts. Harry, Hermione and Luna were already able to touch their magical core and this ability was used to create strong mental shields that would block out even a determined attack to read their thoughts and memories. Under the expert coaching of the legendary messenger of gods, the three bond mates soon turned to be budding master occlumens.

Their ease in attaining a meditative state was quickly used to maintain near constant contact with their magical core and the three were quickly coached in connecting their magical core to their mental shields. It was never heard of, but the ability to fuel a person's mental shields with magic would give them constant and more importantly subconscious protection. The process was very draining, requiring a vast amount of magical power and the brutal strain was very easily seen on the three young ones, but Lady Hedwig was determined to make them the best. She knew that in their under-nourished state, the rigorous exercise would be fatal to them if continued without proper sustenance, which was sadly not possible in their current environment. Lady Hedwig was not worried though, their future was about to change drastically and for the better not only for Harry, Hermione and Luna but in a few years' time, the entire wizarding world.

The mental exercises combined with awakening their magical core from its slumber more than two years earlier than normal continued to take its toll on the three orphans. Though they had a plentiful supply of milk and fruit juice, the fish that they could catch in the nearby lake was their only source of meat. Though Needa and Clandi did their best to bring in occasional kill, it was not enough for three growing kids and the two animals. The one benefit they could agree on was that their mental communication gave them a sense of security and belonging that was even more apparent due to their bond. Without the annoying echoes, it was even enjoyable as there was no need to speak out loud even with their familiars and that also brought about closeness with it.

Before the happy event, all three knew that their friends would stay with them as promised, but the unspoken fear of loss was still present. With the formation of a three way soul bond between Harry, Hermione and Luna and after learning its significance, all three knew that the other would never leave them and this realization further deepened their friendship and began laying the foundation for a much more meaningful and anticipated relationship in the future.

The cave that they were staying in played host to all the six friends after what was a little more than meager lunch. The three children were irritable and grumpy, the lack of proper food clearly showing in their stunted growth and a lack of energy even after eating their lunch. They never considered that learning to use magic would be so demanding on their energy and if they had known about it, the bond mates might have reconsidered their decision to learn magic. A sense of foreboding began in their mind, a preying that slowly but surely began eating away at their confidence and sense of independence. They finally began to think that they might have to return to civilization or look for a better source of food, a place where they could at least hunt small game.

All this was not lost on the three animal friends, especially Lady Hedwig whose duty was not only to look after the children of the prophecy but also to ensure that they fulfill their destiny and save the world from potential annihilation. Seeing the baleful looks on the three children, and the knowledge that their bond has sufficiently stabilized, Lady Hedwig in her phoenix form decided that it was time for the next phase of their journey. Any further delay might be detrimental to the development of Harry, Hermione and Luna.

The trill of a soulful song from the phoenix roused the three children from their fitful slumber and also settled their troubled minds. They quickly lost themselves in the melody and a feeling of safety and new hope permeated their entire beings. When the song ended Harry, Hermione and Luna were startled to hear Lady Hedwig's greeting in their minds, "My children, on your birthday today you will begin a journey that will bring out your true selves and will be the start of your new lives. It will be a tough path but the fruits of your labour will be well worth the hardship. The journey that you will undertake will bring you hope, joy and more importantly to your true destiny. I sincerely hope that you will agree to undertake this" and she waited for a response.

All the three children were shocked to hear that it was their birthday; they really had no way to keep track of the days. Though they had some fond memories of the day, their birthday had lost any meaning for the three and especially for Harry who never knew when his birthday was till the arrival of Luna into his life.

Harry looked at his girls but their look told him that it was his decision. They agreed very early that he would be the head of their small house and all major decisions would be left to him though the two girls would always take part in the decision process. Harry ran a hand through his hair and sighed, "I will not lie but I felt that we were waging a losing battle staying here. I promised you both that I will protect you and always keep you safe. If this journey as Hedwig said is what is needed for me to learn how to protect you, then so be it. We have already faced many dangers and nearly died, if this gives us the means to overcome hardships then I am all for it. If what Hedwig said was true then I want the real life that I was meant to live and not this. I want to give both of you the lives you deserve."

Hermione and Luna were apprehensive of the change in their lives again but they also knew that it was getting to be really hard to even eat properly. Their decision made Hermione spoke up for both the girls, "Where ever you go, we go too Harry. If you are there, I have no fear."

The three children looked to the phoenix and Lady Hedwig gave a happy trill, "Very well my children. Collect all that you want to take with you and I will be back in a few minutes. Do not worry about taking the clothes or food that you have." With that the phoenix flamed out of the cave.

The three children began to scramble thinking about what they would need to take with them. The shirts that were a few sizes too large and essentially covered them from the neck to their knee were the only thing that went as a wardrobe for them. Then there was the comforter that worked either as a mattress or a duvet depending on the weather. They were not needed now and so was the rune based cooler for their liquid food. Harry did not have any trinkets or keepsakes from his earlier life except for the backpack he got for his school needs. With the prospect of a new life, he did not want any reminders of his horrid past. Luna was the worst of the three in terms of possessions, she came into their family with literally the clothes on her back which were consigned to the elements a long time ago.

Hermione was torn between taking something as a reminder of their struggle to survive but also one of forged friendships and the urge to just get rid of their earlier nightmare of a life. Finally she agreed with Harry that they have something to look forward to rather than lament on lost childhood.

When Lady Hedwig flamed back into the cave she was really not surprised at the distinct lack of possessions to take on their journey. She was saddened by the fact that the three had their childhood cut so brutally short or in Harry's case, no childhood to speak of. That only increased her resolve to do her best to remove all the grime covering their character and polish them to shine like the gems they really were. Destiny aside, the three had a strong sense of righteousness and morals that would stand up to intense scrutiny. It was now her and her chosen to prepare the future leaders of the British wizarding world to meet their true destiny.

The departing party took their positions quickly, Needa stood in front of the three children with Clandi perched on his back and hanging on. Harry had his arms around both his girls and clutched them to him tightly. Hermione stood on Harry's right with one of her hand holding his arm and the other holding Needa while Luna was on Harry's left with one of her hand clutching the tail feathers offered by Lady Hedwig and hanging onto Harry with the other in a desperate attempt to quell her apprehension about what they were to face.

At exactly three in the afternoon on July 31st, and in a burst of flames having all the colours of a rainbow, the cave that reverberated with the voices of three humans and two animals for almost ten months was suddenly silent. Along with the inhabitants, all traces of their habitation were also removed in the burst of Lady Hedwig's travel. The trees and other vegetation in the cave's vicinity rejoiced in the hope of a better life for their champion Luna Lovegood and her bond mates. Thus began the wait for better days free from terror or oppression, for everything magical on the island nation.