Daphne: One of my reviewers, torifire126, asked a very good question. What is the significance of the lavender (that both Harry and Ginny seem attached to). The answer is: in the original version of this story, there was a part I had to cut out because it didn't fit. In the scene I cut, Harry, Ginny, and Arnea are in the clearing playing and talking about the Four Realms. Harry actually is letting Arnea explain, and has taken a few lavender flowers and is pulling them apart, putting the little flowers in Ginny's hair. Lavender is also the flower that he gives her when they are little and play in the forest. Sorry, I forgot I never mentioned it until now! Please forgive me, and thank you for bringing the fact to my attention, torifire126!


Harry Potter and the Four Realms ©

by Daphne Li

Chapter 10.


Ginny and Harry were in a haze of bliss by the time they returned to school. The wedding was virtually planned out, and they had received permission from Dumbledore to leave on the weekends during their last month of school, to prepare for the ceremony (though Harry highly doubted that Severus had explained what the ceremony actually was, when he got them permission).

Ron went around grinning like the cat that ate the canary, while Draco smirked whenever anyone asked why they were acting so strangely. Neville (who had been filled in on a few things that had happened over the break), blushed when anyone asked him what was going on.

When they had returned, Neville had felt bad about being left out. To compensate, Arnea insisted on telling him the truth about their heritage. To their surprise, Neville had taken it surprisingly well, seeing as Arnea had also taken that opportunity to admit that Neville was her mate. This, he had no problem with. Harry, however, had been a little less enthusiastic.

One of the main problems that Ginny, in particular, encountered was girls spotting her ring and asking her what it meant. So she told the truth, just like she and Harry had agreed on. This plan had only one flaw…news traveled fast in the school, and by the end of the first week back, Rita Skeeter had put her two-bits in about the shocking engagement.

This, in turn, led to other problems…namely the overprotective Weasley brothers.

Ginny's parents had been no problem. They simply sent a letter, asking what the rumors were about, and when Ginny explained the situation (minus the obvious) in a return letter, they were satisfied. Her bothers, however, were another story.

Bill had taken a day off at Gringotts to visit Hogwarts and have a long 'talk' with Harry. It had taken a while, but he eventually conceded and gave his blessing to the couple. Ginny had been unaware of her brother's presence until he entered the Great Hall that night with Harry, the two of them talking like old friends.

Charlie had sent a long letter that was so biting, it was little better than a howler. Ginny had replied with a snappish note back, basically telling him where to get off. His answer was an ashamed apology to Harry, and quite a few questions about how the engagement had come about. Harry had insisted on writing a personal reply to Charlie, to assure him of his good intentions.

Percy had been even easier to pacify, his only qualms being Ginny's age. The twins had sent a mean joke-letter to Harry, that when opened, caused the recipient's hands to swell to twice their size. Unfortunately, Ron had insisted on opening this letter (just for 'kicks' as he told them) and ended up on the receiving end of the curse. His howler to them left them in no mind to argue their sister's engagement further, and put them off pranking their younger brother for quite some time.

By the time everything quieted down, it was bordering on February.


"So when is the wedding?" Lily asked cheekily, as she bit into a lemon tart that Dobby the house elf had so kindly brought to her classroom. Harry smiled, rolling his eyes. He had had little time to talk with her since his return after the Christmas holiday, and this was the first time he had been able to sit down with her one on one.

"A few days after school ends," he replied. Lily looked startled.

"But that is so soon! She hasn't even finished school, yet!"

"I'm afraid that because of the circumstances, we have little choice."

"Do you love her?" Lily asked suddenly, a frown on her face. Harry glared.

"More than my life. I know what you are thinking, and no, we have done nothing of that sort. Ginny and I love each other, Professor, and though we are young, we are well aware of what we are entering into."

"Yes, but can't you wait…"

"No. Even if it was possible, I'm not sure that we would."

"Why? Why isn't it possible?" She snapped, obviously annoyed at his seeming close-mindedness.

"Professor…how much to you know about veela?" He sighed, looking down at his tea cup. She looked confused.

"Quite a bit…"

"And how much about the fae people?"

"Not as much," she replied, not understanding where this was going. Harry sighed, knowing that he could not hold the truth from her any longer.

"Put them together and then put strong parts of them into me…and you have the reason. I am not your average wizard, Professor Lily. I am only part wizard. I also happen to have veela and fairy blood in my veins, thereby making me parts of those as well. Both veela and the fae people have mates, or a set companion that they are meant to share their lives with. Ginny is mine."

Lily Potter sat silently, taking this in. She was surprisingly calm about what he had just said, considering the impact that it would have on most people.

"So because of the pull you feel towards her, you need to marry as soon as possible, so you can mate," she said slowly. Harry nodded.

"Among other things."

Again, she was silent for a while.

"Well, I can't say that I'm completely surprised. I've always known that you weren't like the other children at this school. You seemed to understand and know things…things even I don't," she sighed. Harry smiled.

"Such as?"

"You see people for who they truly are, not who others see them as. You understand how they feel, even when they don't. You can rationalize things that never made sense before. You can comfort people and make them see their own faults, while still being kind about it."

"Are you talking about people in general, or yourself?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. Lily laughed.

"Me, I guess. You are young, and yet you are more of an adult than I will ever be. You know things…and see things that I wouldn't even be able to dream of understanding. I feel as if I can talk to you about anything, and you won't chastise me. It's almost as if you are more of a friend, than a student. And more of a son than a friend," she finished in a whisper. Harry jerked his head up to look at her, his eyes wide.

"What?"

Lily sighed in exasperation, more at herself than him.

"Look at it this way. I love my son…I adore him…but you are right. I have allowed him too much freedom growing up…I…we have spoiled him horribly. And here you are, able to see that and bold enough to call us on it…and yet you still give us a chance to straighten up and see our mistakes. Just like a child does. They forgive and then move onto the next crisis," she said, struggling to express herself. Harry smirked.

"Professor, I am a son. Perhaps not yours, but I have a father and a mother, and I understand what you are trying to say. But I warn you. Do not allow yourself to compare me with your son when contemplating how he should be acting. That wouldn't be fair. He is still your son…and though he's not perfect, remember that no one is. Not even me," he said cheekily, his green eyes twinkling at her she laughed and shoved him lightly, ending this part of their conversation.

As Harry left her classroom an hour later, he leaned against the door and sighed, his face falling as his eyes closed.

"And please, do not allow your heart to begin thinking of me as a son. Oh gods, don't think of me as your son," he whispered, before continuing on his way down the hall.

Unfortunately, he was so caught up in his thoughts, that he never noticed a very confused James Potter stepping out of the shadows not far from where he had previously stood.


March 24, 2005

My dearest son,

I hope that this letter finds you in good health. Everyone here is safe and well, but longing for your return. I must say, as the day of your inauguration grows closer, the excitement of our people rises by the hundredfold!

The wedding plans are set, and your lovely wedding clothes have arrived. I am quite eager to see both you and my future daughter-in-law wearing them. I am sure that there will be no more beautiful a sight ever seen on this earth.

I do have a question, however, which involves the wedding guests. I am aware that select Weasleys, Longbottoms, and Malfoys are on the invitation list. But are there any others whom you wish to have there? Your father seems to think that there might be.

I apologize that this letter can be no longer. We have a council meeting on the hour, and I must prepare. Just know that I love you, and I eagerly await your next visit.

Lovingly yours,

Mother


March 26, 2005

Dear Mother,

I am perfectly fine, as is Ginny.

I am glad to know that the plans are made, but I do hope that I may go over them with you, just to make sure everything is correct.

As to your question about guests, I do have a few requests. I would like the Potters to be invited, as I am sure you know by now. I feel it would be right to have them. Also, several teachers at Hogwarts, including Professor Albus Dumbledore, and Professor Minerva McGonagall, have requested invitations as well. Seeing as how they have all become rather dear to me (for one reason or another) I wish this to be granted. Any other additions to the list will be discussed when Ginny and I return there this Friday.

Give everyone there my love, and know that I love you forever!

Your son,

Harry (otherwise known as Delian. smile)


"It is time."

Ginny looked up at her husband-to-be in confusion. He had awoken her from a rather nice sleep, dragged her out of bed, and hurried her out of the school. They were now tripping down a well known pathway to his homeland. It had been several months since she had been there for the Christmas holidays, but she still remembered the way.

"Time?"

"Voldemort's armies are advancing. They will be upon London in less than a day."

"Then why are we here?" She asked, stopping and turning towards him. He turned stunning emerald orbs towards her.

"We are here, because I will not allow you anywhere near the battle. Should anything happen to me, my family will care for you. My sisters will stay at Hogwarts, creating a diversion until the battle is ended."

"Wait! I am not leaving you alone to fight! How dare you even suggest…"

He spun around, stopping her outraged protest with his lips. She melted against him, feeling all the emotions he was pouring into her being. Love, worry, distress—fear. He feared for her. He didn't want to chance Voldemort attempting to reach her to user her as bait for him. In his home, she would be safe. In his home, Voldemort would never reach her.

The fight flew from her, and she allowed him to pick her up and carry her onwards.

"I will not sacrifice you. I will not allow you to do as my grandmother did for my grandfather. She gave up her life so he could live. He nearly died without her. I know I would not live if something happened to you. I would have no reason to," he whispered, running his lips over her face, neck—anywhere he could reach. She clung to him, her heart crying out in protest. She didn't want to leave him. This could be the last time he ever held her…kissed her.

"Delian. My Delian," she choked out, tears entering her eyes. They nearly strangled her with their power, and only his gentle kisses seemed to relieve her.

"Promise me. Promise me you'll come home alive. That is all I ask. That you promise to live. I know it is too much to ask to make you promise to come back unscathed—but please come home alive," she pleaded. She could see feel the wetness of his tears on his cheeks, and the tremble of his lips as they fluttered across her cheek.

"I promise. I will be alive when I return," he breathed. She nodded, her own tears forcing her into silence.

Ten minutes later, she was seated in the throne room of his home, Camenae snuggled into her lap, a look of pure fear covering her face. Delian looked around at his family, all of whom were watching him anxiously.

Then he turned away. Tears blinding him, he disappeared from the room, apperating to the place the battle would be held.

In the center of London.

And there he settled down to wait.


"Dumbledore. We have news!"

The entire school looked up as Fudge and several of his underlings swept into the room, looks of triumph on their faces. The Hogwarts inhabitants had just awoken and were settling into breakfast; the Minister's presence was not at all appreciated. The families of the graduating students had arrived at the school that morning, for the customary week-before preparations for Graduation. It was tradition for them all to stay, so adults, young children, and grandparents were all gathered in the room, and all were just as annoyed as the students.

"How can I help you, Cornelius?"

"I have had several of my men working on the old Potter case, about the kidnap of Harry Potter," Fudge announced. James and Lily flinched a this, the pain of the memories not quite faded yet.

"Only now?" Sirius muttered from beside his friends. Remus shushed him and looked towards the Minister. Fudge was glaring at Sirius, but quickly smoothed his face over.

"As I said, we were working the case and made a breakthrough. Two magical signatures, beyond the obvious ones of Jayden and Harry, were detected in the room. But the second one had been written off as either James or Lily's. But because the first was Peter Pettigrew's signature, I became suspicious of the second and had it re-investigated. I am delighted to announced that we have now determined Harry Potter's kidnapper!"

There were gasps of shock and Lily leaned weakly against James. Her husband was pale and shaky, as were his two friends.

"Who was the kidnapper, then?" Dumbledore asked calmly.

"The second magical signature, I am afraid to say, my dear Headmaster, was none other than Severus Snape."

The room was immediately filled with screams and gasps of horror. Dumbledore's face had lost all emotion whatsoever, while Lily turned deathly pale and clutched the armrests of her seat. James Potter stood up, his face a show of rage and sorrow.

"He…we trusted him," he said, his voice shaking with his suppressed emotions. Dumbledore looked grave.

"We did," was all he said.

Arnea watched the growing drama with alarm. She knew that if she didn't do something fast, Severus would be in a world of trouble that would take a miracle for him to get out of. And she knew. She would have to tell the truth. The truth that had been buried for sixteen long years. She noticed Fleur Weasley (who had arrived that morning with the Weasleys) looking quite pale next to her, and she realized that Fleur had already put two-and-two together. She caught the older girl's eye and the part-veela nodded slowly, knowing what Arnea wanted from her.

"Is that true, Arnea? Did your uncle really take Harry Potter away? Have you known about this?" Fleur asked, her voice resounding in the near-silent room. Everyone turned to stare at the young woman, confusion on their faces. Arnea sighed, looking over at a shaking Hestia, before answering.

"Yes. It is true."

This drew even more gasps from the room.

"Why?" Lily choked out, standing up. Her husband rushed to her side to steady her.

"Because of your neglectful treatment of Harry. Uncle couldn't bear to see the baby treated like that, so he took him to a place where he would grow up to be loved and cared for as he deserved. Of course, Uncle never kept the truth from him. He told him the story of his origin as soon as Harry was able to understand. And he saw even more when he…and Delian…fell into my uncle's pensive on accident once when he was visiting for the summer."

Lily began to cry at this, realizing that Delian had kept this part of the story from her all along. She had known that he knew of them…but he had never told her that he was personally aquatinted with her son!

"It took ages for Delian…and Harry, to get over what they had seen there. Delian blamed himself, and it took both uncle and Ginny to convince him that it wasn't his fault."

"Ginny? She knows Harry Potter!" Ron yelped, his eyes wide. Arnea looked thoughtful.

"In a way. She has never officially met him, but she has seen him, though she doesn't realize it. My entire family knows him…as does Fleur…though she was unaware of it as well," she admitted. Everyone looked at Fleur who nodded with tears in her eyes.

"I think I understand now. But why didn't you ever tell anyone, Arnea? They have been searching desperately for him for years!" She whimpered. Arnea sighed, and shook her head.

"I think I know," came the defeated voice of Sirius Black. Arnea looked startled.

"Excuse me?"

"He didn't want to return, did he? He forgave some of the people from his past, but he never forgave his own family, did he?" Sirius asked softly.

"Actually, he recently forgave them. But, yes, that was one reason. Another was that if he did return, his entire life (and all his secrets with it) would be revealed. And at the time, that was something that he could not allow to happen."

"What do you mean?" Dumbledore asked, looking intrigued. Now it was Hestia's turn to speak up.

"When Uncle took Harry, he placed him with a family he knew would keep him forever. Harry was adopted into that family the day that he was taken," she answered calmly. This caused even more uproar.

"Adopted! But his entire family was still alive! That's not possible!" McGonagall steamed. Hestia rolled her eyes.

"It is if you blood-bond with the child."

"H…Harry was blood-bonded into the family?" Remus spoke up, his face even paler than normal. Arnea nodded.

"And when he was, he inherited traits from both his parents, both internally and externally. So Delian was telling you the truth when he said that Harry Potter no longer existed. The boy who once held that name may be alive, but the Potter part died the day he was adopted. Only Harry remains now, and his family are the only ones permitted to call him as such," she said. Everyone looked like hell had just frozen over.

"And you know this boy?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes beginning to sparkle once more. Arnea got the distinct feeling that he had just put the rest of the puzzle together.

"Quite well."

"Have I ever met him?"

"Yes, in fact, you have. Everyone here has at least seen him, if not spoken with him once or twice," she admitted. Across the isle, Hestia was smiling lightly.

"You know. You've guessed." She murmured. Dumbledore looked grave, then managed a weak smile.

"Lily, James, the girls are telling the truth. I believe I know who our missing Harry is…" he trailed off, turning to look at the stricken couple.

"…but I will allow someone else to reveal it," he finished, grinning as Arnea shot him a glare and Hestia nodded. The room was silent for a while, as everyone waited for someone…anyone, to speak.

"I know. I know who Harry is," Sirius said suddenly, his face lighting up with realization and a hint of betrayal.

"It's Delian Harold. He is Harry," he murmured, his words causing Lily to fall back into her seat in utter astonishment, while James and Remus simply gaped at their friend. In his seat at the Gryffindor table, Jayden looked horrified at this proclamation.

"Yes. Delian is Harry. You see, Delian decided at a very young age, that he wanted little to do with his old life. He was willing to keep his name, mainly because mother liked it so much, but nothing else. Even if you were to do a blood test, you would find little evidence that Delian was really your son," Arnea said softly, looking at Lily.

"And yet, his heart could not deny you the truth you have been wanting for so long. He gave us permission to tell you after he was gone," Hestia added.

"You mean…he's gone forever?" Ron asked, worry filling his voice. Arnea managed a weak smile, while Hestia frowned.

"That depends on quite a few things."

"And what are those, Miss…Harold?" Dumbledore stumbled, unsure of what to call the girl.

"Delian has many secrets. One of the largest being his relationship with the Potters. But his second largest is his home…our home. You see, Professor, when Uncle took Delian away, he brought him to the same place where he had been raised after he too, was found in a abusive situation. Uncle Severus was heavily abused as a child, until he was four. His father went so far as to murder his mother, and when he couldn't find Uncle, kill himself," Arnea paused here, watching the faces of the people in front of her pale once more.

"Uncle was found by my grandfather, Aeolus, and my father, Zephyr, when after he ran away into the forest. They brought him home and grandfather adopted Severus though the blood-bond, thereby making him his son, and our uncle. Uncle had told our father of Harry's treatment, and together they formed a plan that would allow Harry a new chance at life. Uncle took him, daddy and mother adopted him through blood-bonding, and then Harry became Delian," she paused here, looking at Hestia, who nodded. Then she glanced at Ron, who had long before realized where this was going.

"But why blood-bonding? That is ancient magic that is rarely used now," Dumbledore pointed out. Arnea motioned to Ron, who immediately knew what she wanted him to do.

"Because, there are still people who use that sort of bond, Professor. Elves use it, as do Veela, Fae, Dwarves, and other magical beings like that," Ron piped up. Several people, including Hermione, looked at him in astonishment.

"How does that pertain to this, Ronald?" Percy asked snidely. Ron rolled his eyes.

"Because, Percival, Harry and Snape weren't adopted by your average wizards. They were adopted by fae," he said, as though this were the most obvious thing in the world. His family stared at him as though he were crazy, as the rest of the school looked at him in confusion. Sirius, however, nodded slowly.

"So that's how he knew I was an animagus! He could tell that I wasn't a dog when I first met him…he knew I was a wizard. And that's how he knew Remus was a werewolf! Fae are renowned for being able to sense things like that," he crowed, his black eyes lighting up.

"Actually, in all, Harry is part wizard, part fairy, and part veela. Mother is a veela, while father is of the fae lineage," Hestia corrected. Ron grinned.

"Sorry. I forgot that part! That's how he knows Fleur so well, too. They had the veela-blood in common, which led to their friendship," he muttered. Fleur smiled.

"Indeed, that is one reason I got to know him so well. I was quite curious about his blood-lines. But his sister and I were friends before that. I was aware that she had gained her mother's veela traits, while Arnea and Hestia gained their father's fairy traits. Delian and Camenae received both veela and fairy," she listed. Arnea nodded.

"And both veela and fae have life-mates as part of their Inheritance from their parents. Fleur's mate is William Weasley, Harry's mate is Ginny, of course, while mine is Neville," she said, as she gave Neville an affectionate look. He smiled at her and took her hand, still looking quite taken aback that his friend was actually the legendary Harry…well, would-have-been Potter.

"There's also another secret that all of you kept," Ron said pointedly, grinning wickedly. Arnea groaned softly while Hestia smirked.

"And that would be…?" She asked cheekily.

"That you…and Delian…happen to be royals," he announced. His entire family gaped at this, realized just what Ginny was about to become.

"Royals?" Percy choked out. Ron grinned even more.

"And not just any royals. Delian is the Heir to the High Throne of the Four Realms. Our sister is going to be a queen, come next week," Ron chuckled, as he watched his family grow even more speechless.

"I think I understand, now. If Harry…Delian had told us this before, it would have not only put him and his family in danger, but us as well," Remus said slowly. Arnea sighed.

"That was Delian's biggest secret. Uncle Severus knew it, because of a lucky twist of fate. You see, a long time ago, Uncle fell into Dumbledore's pensive…into his memory of the prophesy that Professor Trelawny made about the Boy who Lived."

This made Dumbledore turn pale as he stared at the girl in obvious disbelief.

"Uncle did some thinking, and he realized that somehow, you might have made a mistake. The day that he was forbidden to return to the Potters' home, was the day he proved his hypothesis. After holding Harry for a certain period of time, he noticed that a very faint scar could be seen on his back, just between his shoulder-blades. It wasn't an ordinary scar…it was shaped perfectly like a phoenix."

Lily stared at the girl in growing horror, while James looked confused.

"The scar only appears when Harry is overly emotional or happy—in this instance it was because someone was paying a lot of attention to him. Severus realized that although Jayden was the obvious candidate for being the Boy who Lived, mainly because of his lightningbolt scar, it did not prove it to be true. The answer lay in the prophesy."

"THE ONE WITH THE POWER TO VANQUISH THE DARK LORD WILL BE BORN AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES," Hestia recited. Arnea nodded.

"It could have been Neville, who was born at eleven forty-six on the evening of July 31st. Jayden Potter was born next, at eleven fifty-five. But Harry was born only seconds before the clock struck twelve midnight, at eleven fifty-nine, as the seventh month died."

The two sisters watched as realization and horror spread across the faces of all in the room.

"Harry Potter…now Delian…is the Boy who Lived."

"IMPOSSIBLE!" Jayden shouted, rising to his feet in anger. Arnea's eyes flashed.

"No, it is not! Uncle Severus saw it before anyone else. Perhaps you faced Voldemort before…but it was not without Harry at your side. You may not have known it, but every time you faced Voldemort, Harry had dreams of himself facing the same man, at the same time. Though your eyes he saw what he had been training to fight his entire life. Your blood was enough to sustain Voldemort, but not enough to allow all of his strength and power to return. One drop of Harry's blood, however, would have been more than enough to bring him back to full power," she explained. Jayden looked dazed as he processed this.

"You were no more than a pawn in Fate's game, Jayden Potter. Fate placed you here, so you could stall for time. Meanwhile, Delian fought beside you in his dreams (though you didn't know it) every time you fought Voldemort. And though all this, he was preparing for the Final Battle. That time has come," Hestia said softly. Jayden looked at her and his eyes widened as she placed a hand on his arm.

"He loved you, you know. Harry has always loved you, even though he didn't know anything about you. I admit, you disappointed him when he met you in person, because of the airs you gave off. But he never stopped loving you…or respecting you," she whispered, causing him to blush at her tender words.

"Where is he now?" Ron finally managed. Arnea grew sad.

"He took Ginny back to the Realms with him…but forced us to stay here," she admitted.

"Why!" Sirius cried. Hestia glanced at her sister and then worked to keep her tears at bay. All happiness in her countenance from earlier had melted away.

"We were the diversion. He is most likely in the process of battling Voldemort right now," she whispered.

This was the last thing Lily Potter heard before she fell into unconsciousness.