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Balance Factor Chapter 13
Year Three
Mystery
A/N: Thanks to Lady Salazar for reviewing! It means a lot to me!
Don't worry. This book has a lot more friend interaction! Truthfully, I never really liked the CoS storyline. Probably why I sort of... half BSed it. Sorry!
The rest of your questions shall be answered in due time!
Read and Review, as always!
Harry spent all of summer break meditating and trying to figure out how to trigger the overwhelming darkness. He suspected that his new form was his shin form, but if that were so, he should be able to reproduce the effects naturally, like he could for his rei form.
Perhaps he was limited because the Human World was more of a rei element than a shin one. Perhaps it was because he had never been tainted by darkness. Perhaps it was because Shirogane had just released the seal on his Darkness in his Factor.
Or perhaps it was because the seal dissolved.
Harry paused, looking at his Factor carefully in his core. The orb pulsed once in response to his emotions, but then remained still. There was no hint of disturbance. Harry reached towards the object, holding the small, yet very important orb in his hands. He closed his eyes, letting the two elements wash over him.
Harry's Factor hummed pleasantly in his hands. Harry smiled.
When Harry woke from his meditation, Vernon Dursley was standing in front of his bedroom. Harry sat up, pausing as Vernon pointed a pudgy fat finger at him.
"Marge'll be here in twenty minutes, boy! No funny stuff!" He growled. Harry sighed and got to his feet, heading down the stairs.
Over the holidays, Harry had been allowed to let Hedwig fly at night. Uncle Vernon had finally given in when the neighbors heard the noise. As a result, Hedwig had been out for most of the holiday, basking in her new found freedom that Harry encouraged. Harry, meanwhile had taken the initiative and slipped some schoolbooks into the extendable sack. He had been working on his homework at night with Draco.
Draco had informed him that his father was far more wary of him. That suited Harry just fine.
Ron and Hermione had both kept in touch. Harry smiled as he recalled Hermione's letter.
Don't do anything reckless!
It was far too late for that. Harry moved down the stairs stepping into the kitchen and pausing as he heard the television from the living room.
"People are warned to be careful that Sirius Black is extremely dangerous."
Harry tilted his head as Aunt Petunia handed him dishes from their lunch. "Aunt Petunia. What was that telly program about?"
Aunt Petunia gave him a dismissive look. "Some serial killer is on the loose. Killed twelve people with a gun." She pointed to the sink and added, "Get to work, boy!"
Harry took the dishes to the kitchen and started to wash them. He closed his eyes as he work, recalling the book Blaise had given him early last year about the cane head. It had been quite informative about the history for the object. But it told him nothing about how to use the power willingly. Each person who held the cane head had been tainted by the Darkness inside it, eventually going insane and committing suicide.
Water flowed up his arm and formed small droplets, floating in front of him. Harry opened his eyes and looked at them floating. He gasped, pulling his hands out of the sink. The droplets fell, splashing into the sink.
Harry quickly looked around to see if any of the Dursleys had noticed. Dudley had been watching the telly, Vernon had left to pick up his sister, and Petunia was making the final touches on the table. No one had seen.
Harry let out a small breath of relief, but didn't relax completely just yet. He wondered if it had activated the Trace.
When Aunt Marge arrived, she threw her coat at him. "Hang it up boy." But then she did a double take when she saw his long hair. "What in the world did you do to your hair boy?!"
Touching his hair, Harry blinked. He pulled the raven black strands in front of his face and shrugged. Marge grunted, much like her brother, and pushed past him. Harry had put up his hair for the day in a high ponytail, so he didn't quite ask what Marge meant.
Dudley had ignored him for the most part. But now, he stomped his way out of the living room and into the hall to greet his pudgy Aunt. Harry hung up Marge's coat and then picked up her suitcase to carry it to the free bedroom.
Dinner was something of a disaster. Marge had made snide remarks about Harry's parents, but Harry had refused to rise to the bait. Instead, Harry had remained silent. That was, until Marge shot a nasty remark at him about his father.
"I wouldn't have been surprised if his father had been a queer," she huffed, her face very red due to the brandy. Harry glared at her and the wineglass in her hand exploded. She sputtered in disbelief.
Vernon and Petunia stared at Harry, their eyes wide. Harry gave a contented little smile turning back to clean the dishes. Marge waved it off.
"Not to worry, not worry. I have a very firm grip," she said, getting another glass and taking a large swing out of it. Harry smiled pleasantly, his eyes glittering with anger.
"That boy's father was a good for nothing drunk. And now his son's that way," Marge continued, as if nothing happened. Harry slid out of the kitchen and slammed a hand down on the table, his emerald eyes blazing with anger. Vernon and Petunia flinched, backing away.
"You never even knew my father," Harry said smoothly, his words laced with power. "So I would shut up about him. Before you explode from alcohol."
Marge stopped dead. For a second, it seemed words had failed her. Then she started to swell, large, like a balloon. She started to rise.
Harry backed away from her, shooting a smile at the terrified Dursleys. He laughed pleasantly, unlocking the cupboard under the stairs and pulled out his things. Just as he was dragging his things to the door, Vernon came out and shook a fist at him.
"COME BACK HERE! COME BACK HERE AND PUT HER RIGHT!" He bellowed. Harry looked at him, anger crossing his face.
"No. I don't think I will. In fact, if you get in my way, I'll blow you up too," Harry said, the front door flying open. "Don't worry. She'll deflate… eventually." He gave him a nasty look and headed outside.
The night was cool, brushing against his cheeks. He smiled a little, humming softly as he headed towards the end of the street and then paused. Someone was watching him.
A large, bear like dog was sitting at the end of the street. Harry tilted his head, slightly confused, holding his hand out for the dog. The dog paused and then bounded over to him, wagging its tail. Harry smiled, kneeling down and wrapping his arms around the large canine, petting it. The dog barked once.
There was a sudden BANG that shook the street. Harry stopped, looking up at the large violently purple triple decker bus. Harry raised an eyebrow and stood up, keeping a hand on the dog's back. The dog whined a little, but Harry calmed it with a gentle thread of light through his fingertips. The dog fell silent.
"Welcome to the Knight Bus! Step right up! My name is Stan Shunpike and I'll be-" The man stopped. Harry raised an eyebrow at Stan. "Blimey, what're you doing down there."
Harry frowned. He looked at the bus and then said, "This bus… can I bring pets along."
"Course you can," Stan said proudly. "It's for stranded witch and wizards only; we'll take you anywhere in the country."
Harry smiled, looking down at the dog. It had no collar or any tags. So it was probably wild. "Coming?"
The dog seemed to hesitate before barking once. Harry smiled. This dog was so much like Kou… it was almost shocking. He smiled, appreciating the large puppy's company. Harry stepped into the bus, the dog joining him happily.
Harry sat on one of the beds, placing his trunk on its side and petting the space next to him. The dog jumped up, placing its head in Harry's lap. Harry smiled, stroking the fur on the dog. The dog closed its eyes in bliss, feeling the effects of Harry's Light reach throughout his entire body.
"That's right. I need to give you a name," Harry said softly, watching the dog gently. The dog looked up at him reproachfully, whining a little. Harry smiled. "How about Gin?"
The dog didn't seem to mind. Harry felt the bus lurch violently, falling on the bed hard. He frowned.
"Gin, remind me never to ride this thing again."
-0-
Harry arrived in the Leaky Cauldron, paying the bus. He paused and watched as Stan stumble over himself when he saw the Minister of Magic, but Harry was less than impressed. He raised an eyebrow at Fudge and let the other man rush him into the pub and book him a room before talking to him. Harry pet Gin the whole time, using the movement to relax himself.
Fudge explained that the case of accidental magic was looked over and that they had deflated Aunt Marge. Harry almost scowled, but held his tongue. Fudge warned him not to go out to muggle London before leaving. The dog looked up at Harry and Harry sighed.
"First of all, you need a bath," Harry said, looking Gin, smiling. "You're really filthy."
Gin gave him a reproachful look. Harry shook his head.
"I'll make it as painless as possible," he promised.
After borrowing some dog shampoo and soap from Tom the Bartender, Harry placed Gin in the tub. He turned on the water, letting the tub fill up and then turned on the shower, scrubbing Gin's fur clean. Gin looked unhappy about it, but stayed still, letting Harry clean him.
Harry dried Gin with a towel and then placed his hand on Gin's fur. A string of darkness passed through his fingers and into the dog's body, warming it from the inside out.
After he was done, Harry sat on his bed, getting ready to meditate. But before he could enter the calm state, Draco's voice called him from the mirror.
"Potter? Did you really blow up your Aunt?"
Harry snorted, pulling out the mirror. Gin jerked up at the sound of Malfoy's voice and started to growl. Harry pet the dog to calm him. "Yes Draco, I really did blow up my Aunt. Without a wand. Using my words as suggestion. Granted, it wasn't completely intentional. Fudge called it accidental magic based on the circumstances."
"Accidental? Well, good for you then. You're not in some terrible trouble?" Draco asked. Harry shook his head. "Good. Where are you now?"
"Leaky Cauldron," Harry responded. "Oh, and I got a new friend. This is Gin." Harry tilted the mirror and showed Draco the dog. The dog was looking at the mirror curiously, but Draco frowned.
"That looks like a grim," Draco commented. Harry blinked.
"A what?"
"A grim. An omen of Death, Potter," Draco sighed. "Keeping them around isn't really good for many people. Well, if it's you, Harry, I guess I wouldn't be surprised if it really took a liking to you. You always attract weird stuff."
"I do not. They come looking for me. Not the other way around," Harry said, though the smile on his lips was enough to tell Draco that he knew he was only teasing. "So, what're you up to?" He leaned back and looked into the mirror again. "In short of blackmail material against your father, I don't really want to see it."
Draco snorted. "Actually, I heard from my father that Sirius Black is after you. He betrayed your parents and killed his other best friend, along with twelve muggles."
"After me? What could he possibly want with me?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow.
"He was You-Know-Who's biggest supporter," Draco said. "Or so father says. So he wants to give you to him when he comes back."
"Except I kind of fried Voldemort… Twice," Harry said, calmly. "Why did he betray my parents. Well, my human body's parents." The dog seemed to be listening closely to the conversation.
"Power, is what father said," Draco commented. "But I don't know how accurate that is."
"Power is so overrated," Harry said, flopping back on the bed, his black hair fanning out on the sheets. "So he's coming after me now for what? Revenge?"
"Pretty much." Draco seemed slightly concerned. Harry snorted.
"Draco, don't worry. If Black tries anything to me, you'll be the first to know," Harry said. "Besides, I'm not helpless. I can take care of myself."
"Well, not all of us kill basilisks and teachers on a yearly basis," Draco snorted. "Apparently, they're setting up dementors around Hogwarts this year."
"What are dementors?" Harry asked. Draco rolled his eyes.
"Creatures that guard the worst prison in the wizarding world, Azkaban," Draco elaborated. "They suck the happiness right out of you. It's gets cold and dark and… If you kill one this year Potter, I will kiss you."
"Ew," Harry pulled a disgusted face. "Please don't."
"Better than getting kissed by a dementor. They suck the soul right out of your body."
"I don't have a soul, Draco. We've been over this," Harry commented offhandedly. Draco gave a weak smile.
"The only person who can survive both attacks from the Dark Lord and a kiss from a Dementor," Draco said calmly. "Still, it may not kill you outright, but it may have other unpleasant effects. I wouldn't want to see it so just keep an eye out, okay?"
Harry smiled. "My Draco, is that concern you're showing me? Alright then. I'll let Ron and Hermione know too. But honestly, I think Black would do well to stay away if he was planning to kill me."
"Oh. And… I may not be able to use the mirror much anymore. Father found it and was asking questions. He hasn't figured out who I talk to, but it's only a matter of time," Draco said. "Although, if I tell him it's you, he might approve. I doubt it, but he might. Considering your terrifying performance in McGonagall's office."
"He told you about that?" Harry asked, surprised. Draco nodded.
"Apparently you are terrifying enough to force my father to question whether loyalty to the Dark Lord is actually a good thing," Draco said. "Malfoy wants to be on the winning side. And if your side is the winning side, then my father may consider." He grinned a little, shaking his head. "I knew you were different."
Harry laughed, closing his eyes. "You're funny, Draco. You're a friend I can depend on. Thanks for the news. I'll keep an eye out."
Draco nodded before vanishing. Harry put down the mirror and looked at Gin. Gin seemed to be pleased and placed his head in Harry's lap. Harry pet the dog and let out a deep sigh.
He slipped into meditation, the dog relaxed against him.
-0-
"Hermione, that thing tried to scalp me!" Ron was yelping outside Harry's door. Harry shifted in his sleep, sitting up. He was keenly aware his friends were here.
"Oh, Ron," Hermione called back, "Crookshanks did not. He was trying to get at Scabbers. He is a cat, after all."
Harry got up, dislodging Gin and walked over to the door. Gin shook himself awake, looking around in the dark room. Harry yawned as he opened the door. "Hi, Ron, Hermione. It's a bit early for this, isn't it?" He looked at the two and the two turned in surprise.
"Harry! You're alright!" Hermione said, giving him a bone-crushing hug. Harry smiled weakly and looked at Ron. Ron seemed unsurprised to see him.
"We heard from my dad that you were staying in the Leaky Cauldron," Ron said, looking at him. "Did you really blow up your Aunt?"
Harry nodded. "I told Draco already. Blowing her up didn't make much difference anyway. She was still quite plump."
There was a bark of laughter behind Harry as Gin poked his head out. Harry looked at the dog.
"Oh yeah, this is Gin. I found him the night I left the Dursleys. Yesterday, in fact. He seems quite attached to me," Harry said. Ron paled and Harry sighed. "I don't care if he is a grim. Draco told me. He's friendly."
Hermione slightly shielded the cat in her arms away from the dog, but Crookshanks slid out of her grip and approached the dog. Gin sniffed Crookshanks and then licked him on the head, sitting down. Crookshanks purred a little, sitting down next to him.
"See? Friends already," Harry said, gesturing to the two. Hermione seemed pleased and Ron scowled.
"Just keep that cat away from Scabbers!"