Here's the next chapter!
And I am proud to say that the last month of us not posting was spend worthily as we again discussed a lot of things that should be done and now have, yet again, made a clear schedule of what we want. So, without any further ado – except a punishment for the late posting – we present to you, our faithful readers, our sincerest apology and the official completion of chapter 12.
Okay, enjoy,
The Venquine
Co-author: Nate the Werehog
Chapter 12
A Birthday and a Mascot
Harry's POV
1st of August 1991
Even though we told Uncle Moony instantly of when Dumbledore had come and gone had the man kept himself to his word and had he not come back home until the day after my birthday, on the same day my parents had decided to hold a large birthday party just to make sure the man could celebrate along with us.
Uncle Moony had come in and instantly greeted me with a large hug, congratulating me on going to Hogwarts, which had made me feel guilty enough to spill the beans about my discomfort of going and how I had, at first, refused to go. The man had been shocked, but had also understood my reluctance.
The party itself had been huge, being held in the Grey Area and while it had that name was there barely anything left of the grey walls or the grey floor as huge banners and pictures of my time with the Organization covered the walls and the floor was completely littered with confetti and garlands.
The room was shaped like half a moon with one wall completely covered in large windows and there are two glass coffee tables with three white two-person sofas around each table, one in one side of the room and the other on the other side. And finally the door to the Area was in the middle of the front wall.
But while the table on the left side was almost collapsing under a huge cake in the shape of a gigantic white castle is the table on the right side completely covered by a pile of at least 30 if not 40 presents, something that shocks me until I see mum walking around it and see her trying to check the pile.
I just can't believe that my family did all this for my birthday and ask: "When on earth did you get this done?" And daddy Luxord laughs: "Whenever you were training with Vexen. He made sure your training lasted longer so that we would have more time to organize this super birthday party."
I smile at my dad as he had been the one to take my glasses and then place his gloved hand over my eyes, using his other to lead me here. The only way I had realized we were going to the Grey Area was because I had been exploring the castle-like house enough to navigate through it blindly.
Then the rest of my parents and Uncle Moony come into the room and as Uncle Moony turns a circle on his axe, observing the room, a large smile appears on his face and he says: "Very nice work, guys. I'm impressed." My parents smile, but then Uncle Moony sees the pile of presents and says
"Wow!" This makes mum smile and I say: "Yeah, that was kind of my reaction too." Before mum looks at the pile and the decorations and asks the same man: "What do you think? Enough to make up for not finding and adopting him years ago?" Shocking the man and me absolutely stupid.
Then Demyx laughs and says: "Going by their reactions to your comment, I'd say yes, Larxene. More than enough." The woman looks and smiles before she asks: "What? Did you really think we would stop with what happened last Christmas?" I nod at this as that had been hectic and the woman tuts:
"Well, think again, little one. Because tomorrow, you and I are going to check what you still like and dislike of your last array of toy shopping and we'll take away everything that you now have more of than you need, that you don't like anymore or that won't be able to last much longer."
I look shocked and already know that last won't be much as I had almost wrapped everything up in plastic and whatnot, just so it wouldn't suffer the same fate as all of Dudley's toys. This had mostly been because I never more wanted to see second-hand toys, but I still know all my stuff still works perfectly.
The rest of the day is in one word amazing with capital A. The presents are almost coming down on me like a waterfall as daddy Xaldin lifts them over to my table with his power over the wind and the presents themselves make me gasp and cause my eyes to widen just at the unwrapping of each of them.
The most brilliant of them is the golden chained necklace Daddy Lexaeus was able to make me with a heart pendant that has my face on the front in the center of the heart and two pictures of my family, divided equally in both of the two pictures. And finally is the Organizations Symbol dangling under the heart.
I had instantly put the chain around my neck and Daddy Zexion showed me how he had adapted the necklace so that I could decide for myself how long or short the chain would be and how close to my neck the pendants would be. It had been a wonderful experience and I had giggled at the ticklish movement in my neck.
The cake had been even more amazing and I had asked Uncle Moony to make at least ten pictures before I allowed candles to be put onto the cake. Then another ten pictures and another ten when they were lit. Finally, laughing his head off, Uncle Moony had convinced me to blow them out
While taking pictures of me doing so.
Remus' POV
Today had been the best day of my life, or at least the best day I have been able to remember for the last 10 years, the only one topping this was the Christmas of 1980, when I was able to spend it with my family and friends for the last time before Lily, James and little Harry went down under to hide.
Harry had of course been too young to understand, but still – to see that little face shine with glee and to hear those soft gurgles and giggles of joy come from those young infant's lips had been the best sound to each my friends and myself and had made our day in those depressing times of war.
Only 10 months later was that smile wiped off my face forever as my two best friends, my brother in all but blood and my sister by magic – a ritual Lily had performed to prove me how much I mattered to her and her family – had been killed and my son by magic had become an orphan – and a hero.
Never, during the time I had been reunited with Harry, had I told the child, but that was because of my first few actions during my first reunion with him and later because I could see how much Harry meant to these people as a son. These people were a tight knit group and I would not interfere with this news.
I had still given in to Saïx when he took me apart, explained him the magical ritual, the bond with Lily and how I wanted a copy of every picture found in Godric's Hollow so I could make a collage and show Harry how much he meant to me – and to all those I considered my and the child's family.
This brings me to the fact I was still trying to find out what is Sirius' side of the story and the more I think about all that happened all those years ago, the less it makes sense, thus further firming my resolve to talk to the man. But I had already decided not to do so until Harry left for Hogwarts.
Harry needed me now, mostly because he was obviously still wary of going – and seeing how he was leaving the only sanctuary he ever had, I can fully understand – and so I had decided not to go visit Sirius until I had seen Harry off of the train. Still I secretly hope Sirius can last that long as I want answers.
Back to the day at hand. It had been the best I had seen in a long time and to see Harry squeal, smile widely and sometimes softly scream if he got something or if something was done for him because it was his birthday almost makes me wish we had done this at Godric's Hollow at the secret room.
I shake my head and walk over to Harry, knowing that now that he's had his cake and presents, it's my turn – something I had agreed on with Xemnas as we had agreed that we each deserved our time with the child we both loved as a son – and I walk over to the child I love so much.
Harry is happily trying to build an exact replica of the castle his parents used to live in with the white and black Lego bricks he was given and with help of Demyx and Xaldin instructing him. The blonde haired Melodious Nocturne – as I was told was his nickname – had even made a sculpture to help the child.
The two see me coming over and Xaldin stops Harry as Demyx stops the flow of water he was somehow able to shape into an amazing castle and the Whirlwind Lancer says: "Harry, it's your uncle Moony's turn. We'll go set up the last part of the party while you have fun together, okay?"
Harry looks shocked and asks: "Last part? You mean the surprise, the presents and the cake weren't all of the party?" The two man laugh and Demyx says: "Hell no, and daddy Xaldin is actually wrong. I too have something personal I have to take care of while he takes care of the surprise. Be right back."
And the man disappears in a whirlwind of dark Energy; the Dark Portal they explained me about and that I have been trying to teach myself, using the dark side of Moony's power to call it forth. I then shake my head to focus on my part of the party and happily hug my son by magic, kissing his forehead afterwards.
I tell Harry to hang on to me tightly and turn on the spot and apparate out of the grey area straight to the edge of Godric's Hollow. The boy instantly smiles widely when he sees where we are and asks: "Are we going to visit mum and dad?" I nod and say: "Yes, and I'll be giving you my gift there."
Instantly the boy runs for the house and I shake my head, already seeing how he has his dad's speed. Hoping that won't go together with a broom – as James got his talent on a broom mostly thanks to his physical speed – I calmly walk towards the house myself, checking my left breast pocket for the gift.
Saïx and I had worked on it together after he had heard why I wanted those pictures, but he had told me to take all credit as it was my idea in the first place. Of course, I don't intend to do that as Saïx was the one had been perfectly able to shape the pictures Demyx had given me into the Potter House Symbol.
This joined activity had arisen after the man had heard of me being a werewolf and to make me feel more comfortable, the man had kept his Claymore with Xemnas – who also knew – during the full moon and had stayed on the other side of the room or table during the day before and after full moon.
I shake my head and try to rid it off the blue haired angel-devil and think: "Don't forget who always made Moony go crazy whenever he was near. Don't forget the jealousy you always felt when he flirted with some other chick. Don't forget how you longed for him to –." But then I stop my thoughts with a shock.
I have, after all, yet to hear Sirius' side of the story and for years have I thought the man the worst of the worst in criminal aspects and already, just by hearing from James that they switched, am I hoping for the man to be truly innocent and for him to finally return the crush I had on him when we were teenagers.
I shake my head again, glad there seems to be so much space between myself and Harry as I don't want him knowing about Sirius until I am absolutely certain about his innocence – and even then, what can we – a bunch of people who grew up in a totally different world, a child and a werewolf – do exactly?
I sigh and think: "James, you better help me once I know the full story." And with that finally arrive at Harry's parental home. The house still seems to be in perfect shape and Harry says: "Daddy Xaldin told me that he and Daddy Demyx go here every week or so to keep the house clean and fresh of mold and dirt."
I smile at the brilliance of the two as water, wind and Xaldin's lances are perfect for the cleaning of this place and say: "That's good, Harry, but I really hope some of the Magicals that live here will soon start taking that responsibility." Harry nods and jumps over the stone fence, entering the house.
I follow the excited young man and see him already climbing into the doorway to the secret art room as I have grown to call it. During my last visit there did I still perform a small bit of magic and now all statues and paintings showing off Sirius are invisible to Harry – again out of personal precaution.
I shake my head, feeling slightly guilty that I have to hide a boy's godfather from the boy in question and think: "Just another month, Remus. Just focus on what you want to do today and all will be fine." But with worry over my secret crush in my stomach, do I crawl through the doorway and into the room.
Harry is already avidly talking to his parents and is – like with me – guiltily confessing on how he had been scared to go and how it was him being with his family that made him feel safe here. The Potters are obviously shocked and James wants to open his mouth, but I interfere, having a guess on what he wants to say.
"James, please understand that Harry has been raised by two complete opposites. First by people who constantly said he was worthless and who treated him terribly and then by people who loved every last hair on his head and who believed him to be the most worthy member for their Organization XIII ever.
He's only seen the best and the worst of parenting there can be, so going somewhere there is a whole new form of parenting – that of teachers who let students fend for themselves unless ill or hungry – is a form of parenting that, for him, more refers to his bad life than his good. It scares him."
James nods and says: "I get it, Moony, thanks. Harry, I do understand. I didn't at first until Moony made me see your point full and true, but I do. You need people like the Organization to keep you strong, so being far away from them scares you." Harry nods and he and I smile at the late man.
I then walk further into the room and say: "Harry, it's time for my present to you." Instantly I have Lily and Dorea's attention and with a proud smile, I say: "Demyx and Saïx helped with this and so I really think you should thank them later, but for now – here you go, cub." And I take the present out of my pocket.
Harry eagerly, but shyly takes it and slowly takes off the paper, revealing more and more of the dark-golden frame shaping the Potter symbol and the many pictures of which the symbol is made. Harry's eyes tear as he sees the first picture and tears stream down his face as he takes off the last of the paper.
Lily and Dorea have tears streaming down their faces too and I see James' face having taken a tight expression, obviously trying to look tough and not show how touched he is by the gift – an action that makes me shake my head as Harry asks: "Daddy – daddy Saïx and Demyx helped you make this?"
I nod and say: "Demyx made sure all the pictures were clean and had a germ-free layer of protection while making copies, so that the original ones could be taken home with you. Saïx helped me make the shape. And then there's this little feature I added myself." And I tap the dark golden frame.
The frame shrinks and the pictures blend into one of Lily, James, Harry, Dorea and Charles on a patio in the backyard of Potter Manor, with Dorea coddling over baby Harry, who lies in Lily's arms and plays with the fingers of his grandmother that are tickling him while James and Charles laugh in the background.
I then take off the golden chain I always wear around my neck and James gasps, saying: "Remus, you wouldn't." But Harry is my son by blood through Lily and the woman herself had made me this necklace during her pregnancy to prove to me how much she loved my part in her family.
I then push the golden band through the tiny ring at the top of the frame and happily put the chain around Harry's neck, chanting: "As you wear this necklace, so you wear my sign. As this is yours, so you are of my kin. My love will guide you and my heart will always blend with yours."
Harry's face is now covered in tears and he hugs me tightly and Lily puts her hands on her mouth, making me know she recognized the chant as an Ancient Werewolf Chant from Werewolf Alpha to an either unborn or orphaned cup of the pack – one only spoken if the parents were either deadly ill or deceased.
I smile at her and with the necklace secured around my son's neck, I whisper: "Just tell one more small thing to your folks and then we'll be off to see that surprise your parents have for you, okay cub?" Harry nods while Dorea starts crying in happiness when she hears me calling the men of the Organization Harry's parents.
Harry then eagerly tells them of his training and then shocks me and says: "I also discovered something absolutely brilliant after I finished my Healing Training, dad." And he again summons his Keyblade, but then – as I shockingly discover – summons one quite different from his first.
Its handle is dark green and the base of its guard is light green. The rest of the guard is comprised by two sets of wings, one white pair that create the sides of the guard, and one light blue pair above them.
The base of the blade is dark green and the shaft is light green and rounded. The tips of the blade and the teeth are gold and modeled after a panpipe. The Keychain has silver links and the token is a red feather.
Harry then raises his other hand and summons his Sign of Innocence Keyblade into it, shocking at the sudden Dual Blade ability that Xemnas told me Roxas was the only one ever to do so as well. The boy then looks down and says: "On the other hand, this really makes it bad that Axel isn't here anymore."
Instantly his grandmother asks: "And why is that, dear?" And Harry says: "Because it's obvious I gained this Keyblade for perfectly finishing my Healing Training, but I didn't get one at the end of my Fire Training, meaning there is still more I can learn. And Axel was the only Nobody of Fire alive."
The Potters nod and I hug the boy from behind and say: "Why don't we go show your parents your new ability, yes? Your dad Xemnas told me only Roxas could do this – out of all Keyblade Wielders he knew." This cheers the boy up and after kissing the painting goodbye, he speeds out of the room,
Making James laugh in pride.
Xigbar's POV
The zoo we agreed to take Harry to was a great place, but I still feel as if something is going to go wrong – badly, badly wrong. Having discussed this with both Zexion and Luxord – the two Nobodies most inclined with fate and events possible to occur – the three of us are now on full alert.
And only better too as I notice the big fat stomach, long neck and stupid blonde hair of the Dursley trio and growl, wondering what they are doing here as the zoo is quite expensive and I have heard through Lexaeus that Dursley was fired last January – this due to the fact Lexaeus got the fat man's job.
I instantly warn Luxord and the man checks the map he was able to gain at the entrance, while Zexion and I pay close attention to where the three are going and as to how close they are in proximity to us – this due to the Restraining order the Child Protection Services put up and for Harry's sake.
I then whisper: "Seems they're heading for the restaurant first." And Harry asks: "Who is, daddy?" Making me only smile at him as I don't even want those people's names to ruin my boy's special day. I pet his hair and motion for the gift shop, handing him this month's raise of £20,00.
This is just in time as the others have now also spotted the Dursleys and Xaldin asks: "May I?" Already summoning a whirlwind and obviously ready to summon his Lindworm Lances out of it. But I shake my head and say: "Let's just make sure their schedule doesn't collide with ours today."
The man grumbles, but nods and then Lupin says: "Leave it to me, Petunia never met me as James and his friends always distracted her while I comforted Lily if the bitch said something awful." We nod and just before Harry comes back, does Lupin and he quickly informs us of those monsters and their schedule.
The Monsters are planning to go to only the most wildest and fearsome of creatures and so – with Xaldin and myself slightly complaining – do we agree to take those last. Still, the wild Buffalos and the gigantic Elephants are still a sight to behold, even if we had to keep Harry from his lunch schedule with an hour.
I grumble at this as Harry and Lupin go find us a large seat and I mutter: "We shouldn't hide from them. They promised not to –." But Xemnas says: "Such promises do not count for public entertainment locations such as restaurants, movie theatres or zoos, you know that just fine, Xaldin."
I nod and Luxord takes Harry's and our orders as the boy happily runs back to us, claiming he has found a large seat near the playground also stationed near the restaurant. We happily laugh at how childish and young Harry is behaving and as we walk towards the seat an elder lady gushes and says:
"Oh, your nine year old is just adorable. Who are the parents?" And Harry happily answers: "They all are. Except Uncle Moony. They adopted me. And I'm not nine; I turned eleven yesterday. I'm just stupidly small for my age." The woman looks shocked, but then a mean voice says:
"Knew you were here, you worthless freak."
We all turn and my face turns red in anger as I see Dudley Dursley standing just a few feet away from us – two feet out of his Restraining Order. The boy heaves up his large stomach, trying to look intimidating and Harry trembles before the defiant look Lexaeus taught him takes over and he says:
"You're out of bounds of your Restraining Order, Dursley. Take seven steps back before I call Officer Fester." I smile at this as Harry is obviously bluffing, seeing the fact none of us have cell phones, but the stupid Dursley brat doesn't have to know about that. The brat huffs and arrogantly says:
"Like I care. You're our freak and you belong in that cupboard dad gave you. And you're coming with me right now so you can face the consequences of getting daddy fired." This makes summon my Arrowguns and I aim the left one at the boy, spatting: "Leave, or face the consequences yourself, brat."
The boy whitens, obviously not having seen me and asks: "W-what are – what are you still doing with him?" And I retort: "Raising him the proper way. Something your parents obviously lacked to achieve." The boy takes a step back, but then seems to see something behind me.
He smirks and whispers: "Get him, dad." I turn around and before I can re-aim my Arrowguns is a large fist thrown at my face. Unable to phase out of the area in time, I feel the fist connecting with my bones and grunt in pain as it feels as if my jawbones are crunching into my nose and cheekbones.
I then, through pain-filled eyes, see the fat Dursley elder raise another fist, but then the one thing Vexen had been working to happens as the man gets frozen in a large chunk of ice – one I can recognize as not the man's work. I turn around and to my shock, while being held up by Demyx, see something incredible.
Harry is holding two Keyblades, one the Sign of Innocence and the other is the Fairy Harp Keyblade. I look at this ability of Dual Blade power in pure shock and then Harry sighs and says: "Great, thanks Dudley. You made me ruin the entire surprise I had for my parents to thank them."
The boy looks confused and asks: "Thank them? For what? Letting you live?" But then the elder woman shocks me as she grabs Dudley's ear and says: "That will be enough of that, young man. You need some discipline." And to the amusement of me and my friends, she pulls the boy over her lap.
She then grabs her handbag and Remus winces before he whispers: "One of the only mysteries even magic can't solve. What the heck could be hidden in a woman's purse." This makes me snicker, but then the woman swings her bag and to my shock she lets it hit the fat boy's bottom several times.
The boy cries out in shock at the first hit and then cries and shouts at her to stop, even faking to wail and cry, something that only further motivates the elder woman to hit the boy's ass harder; thus making him cease it quite quickly. Finally she lets him go and aims a finger at my son as she spats:
"Apologize." This makes a defiant, angry look appear on the fat kid's face, but when the elder woman starts swinging her handbag again, he whitens and mumbles a soft sorry, before Vexen silently unfreezes Dursley Senior and a single glare from me and Xemnas has them both running for the hills.
Xemnas then turns to the kind, interesting old woman and bows as he says: "Thank you for defending our son's honor. Please, allow us to buy you some lunch." The woman smiles and then motions for another child I didn't even notice – one with quite the bit of baby fat still present – to follow her.
The two of them follow us to the large booth Harry found and there we see Luxord already waiting with our burgers, sandwiches, fries and other foods and drinks. The man has an interested look on his face and I simply say: "Evasion mission failed." The man sighs and nods as we all sit down.
The elder woman then raises a hand to Lupin and says: "Delighted to see you reunited with James' son, Remus. You and James always did use to be the best of friends." Lupin shakes his head and says: "That I didn't recognize you. Augusta, how are you doing? And how are you, Neville?"
The boy blushes and mumbles: "Fine, thank you." As the elder woman nods with a strict smile and says: "Neville and I are indeed doing quite well, Remus. And happy birthday, Lord Potter, even if it is a day late." Harry tilts his head at some of the words, but smiles and nods in thanks either way, earning an approved smile.
We all eat and Zexion asks: "Would you be so kind as to join us for the rest of our trip here, Miss Augusta. You seem capable of handling those Dursleys a lot better than most of my comrades. Perhaps because you are less aware of their history, I presume." The woman looks interested and Xemnas says:
"Such discussions are better not spoken about in public, let alone around our child. Do not forget he has a hard time coming up." Zexion nods and Augusta asks: "A hard time?" Harry sighs and says: "I easily get very homesick, because I've never felt safer or more loved than I do with my family."
The woman nods and says: "So going to Hogwarts, which I presume you will be doing this Fall, will be quite the challenge for you, am I right?" Harry nods and takes a small, simple bite of his sandwich, making me love the etiquette lessons I pushed onto him since two weeks into his adoption.
The Augusta woman seems to notice this as well and turns to us, stating: "You have raised a fine young man. He will make a Lord his family can be proud of." I smile at this and Xemnas says: "We intend to teach Harry all about the political aspects of his life and future as soon as we are done with other parts of his training."
The woman nods and Neville asks: "What training is that, sir?" And Harry again shows the Sign of Innocence and says: "I'm a Keyblade Wielder. According to Daddy Saïx that makes me responsible for the union and perfect balance of Light and Darkness in the world my Keyblade was forged in.
It allows me certain connection to forms of elemental Magic and my parents are teaching me how to perfectly harness those. And apparently I will receive a new Keyblade each time I finish training for one certain element. That's at least what happened after I finished my Healing Magic Training."
The two seem fascinated and then Neville shakes his head, stands up and says: "Where are my manners. I am Neville Longbottom, son of Frank and Alice Longbottom and Heir to the Noble House of Longbottom. And this is my Grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, Lady of the House of Longbottom."
The woman smiles at her grandson and I do too as the boy has been taught perfect etiquette lessons. Harry stands up too and says: "I am Harry James Potter Nobody. My birthparents are Lily and James Potter of the Noble and Ancient House of Potter and my current Parents are all members of Organization XIII."
Again the woman smiles proudly and the two shake hands, making me feel some kind of strange magic bonding the two of them together. Lady Longbottom gasps and says: "Mr. Potter, by your family Magic you are already Lord of your family. You have just reinstated the alliance between our two families."
Harry looks at her scared, probably because she looks intimidating even when shocked and while I wonder if summoning my Lances will have to be required, does the boy ask: "Is – is that bad, Lady Longbottom?" The woman contemplates her answer and I, let a small beam of illusion magic flow over to my son.
Then the woman says: "It isn't bad or good either way, really, Mr. Potter, as the alliance will depend on the fortune and-or loss of fortune of both the Potter and the Longbottom family. If the Longbottom House were to lose a lot of money, some of that would come from the Potter vaults and vice-versa.
Same for if the Longbottoms have – say – a good year of profit. Imagine the upcoming. The Longbottom family makes a year profit of £450,000.00 pounds. Then, depending on how much is in the Longbottom Profit Vault and how much is in the Potter Profit Vault, the money will be shared.
So if there is 17% more money in the Longbottom Profit Vault than in the Potter Profit Vault, then that 17% will be shared amongst those who have made the profit for us and the other 83% will be shared, with 17% more to the Potters than to the Longbottoms, as to compensate for the earlier raise in money.
Do you understand?" The woman asks as I have retracted the beam, feeling relieved to do so once she started explaining about the profit and I can already tell that Harry has gained Zexion's interest in numbers and Vexen's interest in experiments as all three of them are listening intently.
Harry then quickly nods and sends a questioning look at his two fathers, who both nod happily and Harry smiles widely, while I can already tell that the three of them will vocally experiment and investigate stuff like this once we get back – a decision I intend not to come true until tomorrow.
We then finish our foods and while Remus advices Xemnas not to go against the requests – or as he calls it demands – of the Lady of the Longbottom House, does Lady Augusta pay for everything, our and their meals. Harry then stands and I see Larxene start to tear up as he looks regal and says:
"As this was on our treat at first, my family – the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter – insists on retribution to the treat the Noble and Ancient House of Longbottom was willing to give us by paying for food five times more than their own and insists on the invitation of the Longbottom House to a Potter House meal."
Lady Augusta looks shocked at his words and the regal tone used and Xemnas says: "Always make sure you know what is in the box before you try messing with its content. If you do, you will know how to advance that which you have brought into your life. An achievement we can be proud to say we have accomplished."
All my comrades and I nod at this and we happily go see the lions, tigers and leopards, before a shy Neville asks us if we can go see the Wolves. While walking over, I can tell that Harry can get the friendly, talkative side out of the shy boy and smile at how compassionate and likeable my boy is.
But at the wolf's pack we see something shocking. A small dark grey pelted Red Wolf cub, no more than 44 cm's at the shoulder and a total length of 93 cm's is being bitten and snapped away from the food just handed out by the caretaker – while the caretaker himself is just boringly staring at the scene from behind glass.
I shake my head as I look at the poor thing, obviously too small for a cub of his specie and say: "Vexen, go see why that bastard caretaker isn't stopping those adult wolves from harming that cub. Lexaeus, keep the kids here. Xaldin, you and me are going to get that little wolf cub out of there."
The long haired Whirlwind Lancer nods and while Lexaeus makes sure the two boys hide their faces in his strong chest, do I quickly open a portal of darkness next to the cub and while Xaldin uses the passageway to make a protective shield of powerful winds around the cub, do I use it to grab the little thing.
I then quickly give it to Luxord and Marluxia summons his Scythe, causing those around us to gasp and shriek in shock and protest, but the Graceful Assassin only lets flower petals softly fall from his Scythe and down on the wounds, causing them to stick to the blood falling there and stalling the bleeding.
Then suddenly the caretaker comes running at us and asks: "What is the meaning of this? Why are you kidnapping the only cub we have of an endangered species of Red Wolves?" And Larxene snaps back: "Maybe because you were just standing there while that endangered cub was getting killed by his own pack."
Then suddenly Remus, who has his lips tight and makes me wonder why he seems angrier than the rest of us, looks from Xemnas to Harry and back and our Superior nods, before Remus steps forward and says: "And furthermore will our family be officially adopting that cub of yours."
The man whitens and asks: "Adopt?" And Remus spats: "Yes, adopt. You obviously could care less if that cub lives or dies, but I care deeply for the sake and safety of those forming a pack together and I don't allow any pack member to be harmed, whether they are part of my pack or not."
He then turns to Harry with a smile and says: "Consider it a family birthday present. It's given to you during your party, but it will be bought and raised by the entire family. Is that alright with you, cub?" Harry happily nods and asks: "And can Neville come and help raise her, Uncle Moony?"
Now both the caretaker and Vexen shout: "HER?" Harry shrugs and says: "Of course, I am standing to the cub's backside, so I could see there were no male parts. It's obviously female." The others all look shocked and I see the caretaker blanch as he himself quickly checks the cub too.
Instantly realizing why, I smirk and while superiorly putting my hands in my sides, I ask: "Oopsy-daisy. Forgot to check the gender when you left the cub to rot? I take it by your white face that you don't have many other female wolves now, do you?" And a worried shake of the head is my answer.
Then Demyx says: "Well, too late. Because I can already see the chief of this zoo heading this way. Luxord, why don't you handle the transaction, would you?" And the Gambler of Fate nods, gives the cub to Lexaeus and meets the caretaker half way, stopping the large-shouldered man in his tracks.
The caretaker huffs and walks over too, but then Harry whispers: "Hand the cub to me. Take away the petals. Still the bleeding." Marluxia and Lexaeus nod and while I wonder what he's up to, do I hear Lupin say: "Oh no, James always used short sentences when he wanted to pull a quick prank."
I look at the man interested and then look at Harry, my heart instantly melting as I see him faking tears and holding the cub preciously close. He then runs for the caretaker and shouts: "Mr. Chief sir, my daddy not hurt anyone. He just save cubby because caretaker let cubby parents hurt cubby.
We just want to protect cubby, take care of cubby. Raise cubby like daddy's and mummy's raised me. Can we do that, please?" And his lower lip starts to tremble, while Harry tilts his head down to perfection his image of a sweet young child, an image I can barely believe he can pull off that well.
And apparently I'm not the only one not immune to that look as the chief turns to his caretaker and asks: "You allowed the pack to attack their only cub in front of this child? Get out of my sight before I fire you!" The caretaker scrams and then the chief ruffles Harry's hair and says:
"Don't worry, little guy. I'll let my secretary handle the auction of our little cub. You'll get him and a whole book on how to take care of cubs. I'll even add in a little slip that gives your daddy's and mummy permission to raise animals like wolves and lions. Is that okay with you, little guy?"
And Harry squeals, making the man laugh, before Harry hugs him and says: "Thank you, sir. This best birthday ever!" Before running back to us, giving Larxene a happy wink, while the woman is obviously trying to decide whether to coo at his cute face or laugh herself silly at his brilliant manipulation.
Then Zexion says: "Well, that was a most interesting experience. I didn't know Marluxia had taught our son to manipulate people with his facial features. Still, we better get going before anyone else starts to think that we stole that little guy." Lexaeus nods, while his large hand softly pets the cub's fur.
The rest of the day is quite interesting, with us having a meal at the local fast food restaurant, something that is a new experience for both Harry and the Longbottoms, before we bid them goodbye, Harry promising Neville he'll meet him on the train, and that night, Harry falls asleep, the wolf cub lying against his side.
And that's where I leave it!
Now, as I said before, sorry for the long month waiting period, but the story just wouldn't come. Well, the story-plan was there, I just didn't have the motivation to keep writing. Real sorry about that and I sincerely hope that this – for the story in itself – long chapter will make up for the long waiting period.
Greetings,
The Venquine
