Harry potter and the Shadow Legion
Chapter 21
... Turning towards Ginny, Gabrielle added, remember what I told you this morning Ginny, it could be much worse". And with those words both reached behind their necks and released the clasps of the golden chains.
When the pendants left their skin the trio gasped in shock, as they could see every scar the two adults had gained over the last 1400 years. Hardly a few square inches of their body's were unblemished, with the exceptions of their face's, apart for Gabrielle's scar, their faces remained the same.
Harry looked at his parents in shock and Hermione and Ginny were looking in horror. "what... what... what happened to you two", asked Hermione in shock. Aurora and Gabrielle managed a soft smile and Gabrielle said, "your parents reacted exactly the same Hermione".
Aurora and Gabrielle turned serious again and Aurora said, "What you now see, is the result of a lifetime of fighting on the front lines. We have started, fought and ended countless wars and conflicts".
The three children looked confused and terrified at this description and finally Harry mustered the courage to ask, "how do you mean countless wars. I thought you only fought in the first war against Voldemort. And besides, you aren't that old, so you couldn't have had the time to do so".
The two adults carried the same sad smiles again and Gabrielle said, "we have never lied to you, but there is a lot we haven't told you and Hermione, Harry. For example, did you ever wonder how old we are. We celebrate birthdays, but have you ever asked us how old we would become".
Both Harry and Hermione were looking at each other and they realised that Gabrielle was right. There were so many things about his parents that they didn't know for certain. They just assumed a lot but they had never felt the need to ask.
"you're right", whispered Hermione. "we never bothered to ask you the questions we should have. Like how do you know Elizabeth"? Gabrielle smiled softly at Hermione's attempt to correct their mistake and said, "we have known Elizabeth since she was born".
The confused looks, returned to their faces and Harry finally asked, "okay mom, how old are you"? Both adults smiled and Aurora said, "we were born in Wales, in the year 515". "that can't be", said Hermione, "that would mean that you are both 1476 years old".
When they both nodded, Hermione looked shocked, Harry gaped and Ginny said, "Merlin's beard. You look good for your age". Aurora cringed and said, "please don't say that Ginny". Ginny looked confused and asked, "why what's wrong with Merlin's beard"?
Gabrielle chuckled softly and Aurora said, "well it's a lie". When she saw the confused look of Ginny she added with a small grin, "my father didn't have a beard. He had a moustache and a goatee, but not a beard".
At this all three were completely flabbergasted and Ginny fell backwards into her lounge chair. The two adults were now fully grinning and Gabrielle said, "I know it's a lot to take in, but if you can bring up the patience to listen, we shall tell you how we came to be as we are now".
Charles came by again and gave everyone a new cocktail, before Aurora and Gabrielle began their tale. They told them about how they met, about their training and upbringing. They told about how they were captured by Mordred's soldiers, but left out the part about their torture and abuse. They just said that during their captivity they were injured very badly and continued on with their tale, they would have no need to know the gruesome details just jet.
When they reached the part about their first transformation, the trio gasped in unison and Hermione asked, "you mean that you two can actually change into dragons"? she sounded a little unsure as if she was doubting the possibility that they actually could. "That is supposed to be impossible, there has never been anyone who could turn into one".
They both nodded and Aurora said, "yes we can Hermione, your father has seen us change, on more than one occasion and so have Ivan and Elizabeth. Our powers are indeed great, but we are not immortal. We can still be killed by violence, but time has no influence on us. Our ability to transform comes from the dragon blood in our bodies. No animagus could ever achieve such a transformation, as dragons are to powerful for any human to be able to take on their appearance ".
Harry and Hermione were awed at what they had been told and Ginny was completely off the hook with excitement about being in the presence of the daughter of Merlin. She had heard so many legends and myths about her, that she didn't know where to start.
"Eh, Mrs. Emrys", Ginny began, but Aurora looked at her sternly and said, "you don't have to call me that, it's Aurora, and Gabrielle, we are just normal people with a few extra tricks up our sleeves".
"okay, Aurora", Ginny tried again, "I don't want to be rude or something, but can I ask you something"? Aurora nodded and Ginny gathered her courage before she asked, "you said that the two of you almost single handed, wiped out an entire fleet and army encampment",
Aurora nodded and Ginny went on, "then how can you say you are just normal people? Normal people are not able to turn into dragons, nor are they able to kill thousands of people, on their own".
"I know", sighed Aurora, "we are not normal in that sense, but I mean we are just Harry's parents, we are not the Queen or some other royalty, just treat us like you treat your own parents".
Ginny nodded understandingly, and Aurora and Gabrielle continued with their story. They told them about how they were married, when they founded the legion and everything up until the start of the first war.
During the tale the trio was silent and very impressed by everything they heard. When they stopped for a moment, Harry asked, "there is one thing I don't understand, if you founded the Legion then why are you not in command of it"?
The two adults chuckled softly and Aurora said, "sweetie, we are, in command of the Legion, commander Anderson is our second in command who runs the day to day affairs on Avalon. We are the ones who lead the raids and have final say in every major matter. But we stepped down temporarily, so we could raise and take care of you".
"Wait", began Harry, "so you gave up everything you had, just to take care of me"? "Yes Harry", came the immediate reply, from both Aurora and Gabrielle. "don't take this the wrong way, but your situation allowed us to fulfil a wish we have had, since we were married. To have a child".
"why haven't you done so before", Hermione asked, "you have lived for over 14 centuries, so why have you never had any children yourself"? The trio saw tears appear, in the eyes of both Aurora and Gabrielle and Hermione added quickly, "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to upset you, you don't have to answer that".
Gabrielle raised her hand to forestall any more apologies and said, "it's okay Hermione, you couldn't know". Hermione relaxed slightly and Gabrielle continued, "at the end of our captivity by Mordred's men, the man who was in charge of our imprisonment stabbed us both, with the intend to let us die a slow and painful death", they both indicated the long jagged scar on their abdomen, "the wounds didn't kill us, but they did cause something else, since then we are unable to bear children".
The trio was silent and let everything sink in and finally Ginny was the one who asked the most important question, "it's very interesting to hear all this, but why are you telling us this, why are you telling me this, I'm a stranger to you".
"we are telling you this", Aurora said, "because the three of you have to make a choice. A choice that will dictate the rest of you lives, for as long as those might be". The trio sat up straight when they heard this and hung on the adults lips.
"right now all three of you, have a total of six drops, of pure, Elder Dragon blood, in your body's. We can remove it or we can let you keep it. That is the choice you will have to make. There are several benefits and drawbacks, to having, even a minimum amount, of dragon blood, in your body.
The greatest benefit is increased healing, you have seen for yourself, how fast Ginny's wound was healed, when even the best of magical healing could not safe her. Further benefits are, greater physical strength, speed and reflexes.
With training you can learn to communicate with each other and us, telepathically. Furthermore you will have a closer bond with each other and any who share the dragon blood with you. This 'pack-mentality', by lack of a better word, will give you an immense urge of over-protectiveness towards any who you consider friends or family, but especially towards each other.
Which brings us to the biggest drawback, temper. You will notice that if you are aggravated or annoyed by someone, you have to be very careful not to injure those someone's. Your urge to protect each other, may drive you to extremes, like maiming, torture and even murder, to ensure their safety.
There are more drawbacks, like when puberty hits you, which we fear will be very soon for you three, it will not be the normal puberty the rest of the world endures. If you still have dragon blood in your body, when puberty starts, you will go through a similar drastic, series of changes, as a Veela, you can ask Fleur about that later, she knows much more about it, than we do.
You will become broader and taller, with more defined muscles, but an equally increased temper. Your biggest enemy will be you, yourselves, you will get an urge to prove yourself, whether it be with academics, sports, or even love. You will see everything as a competition and may very likely, seriously hurt your fellow students, if they stand in your way".
Aurora let that sink in for a moment while Charles came by with a third round of cocktails, before Gabrielle continued where Aurora had stopped.
"We know the things that we went through, but we're not sure how much of those will also happen to you three.
What we do know, is that you will get a sort of aura around you, similar to a Veela's charm, but with an entirely different effect. While a Veela inspires awe, through beauty and seductiveness, a dragon aura is one of danger and violence. It will scare off most full-humans, if you don't keep it under control.
Furthermore your body's will start changing and much sooner than usual, as early as within a few weeks from now. We think your build will become more or less the same as ours, concerning musculature and height.
Qua character you will also change quite a lot, short temper, especially during 'that time of the month', for you two, Hermione, Ginny. The three of you might even become what you could call, bloodthirsty, if you are in danger, or someone you care about is".
"how do you mean, bloodthirsty". Asked Hermione. "well", began Gabrielle, "the first time Aurora and I let go of our anger and let our animal instinct take over, we killed nine thousand men". The trio looked aghast at that number and Gabrielle went on with her tale.
"Wild animals, both magical and normal, will sense your aura and see your presence in their territory, as a threat and attack you. This goes for wild dragons as well, until you have gained a certain reputation, with each victory you gain your aura strengthens, rogue dragons will attack you, whenever and wherever they can.
So if you want to keep the blood, you will face a life of danger and violence, similar to what we have endured, but we will train you and teach you how to use your powers responsibly".
With that the two adults stopped talking and there was a pause in the conversation as all three thought about what they had been told.
Harry was the first to ask a question and rather hesitantly he asked, "how... how many have you killed in battle"? They didn't answer his question, but instead Gabrielle carefully asked, "are you sure you want to know that Harry"?
Harry thought for a moment and he looked at Hermione and Ginny, when they nodded slowly he turned back towards his mothers and said, "yes". Aurora nodded once and said, "we don't really know Harry, but the number is probably between two hundred and fifty and three hundred thousand, each".
The three kids paled noticeably at that number and Aurora and Gabrielle stood up and Gabrielle said, we shall let you think about it. When you have made a decision, come find us". The two woman left them sitting and headed towards the water.
Harry and Hermione looked at Ginny and Harry said, "how are you feeling Gin"? Ginny was still slightly pale and said, "I think I know who your parents really are Harry". At their confused looks Ginny continued.
Their description of their role in the Legion and their age reminds me of a story my brother Bill has told me, about something that happened during his first year at Hogwarts. A few days after your parents murder, they were having dinner in the great hall when a single woman, clad in a black silk hooded cloak, entered the great hall and accused Dumbledore of disobeying her liege, the Queen. She continued to tell Dumbledore he was to come with her, but when he refused she just laughed and vanished her cloak.
Underneath the cloak she wore strange black metal armour and two swords along with an assortment of other weapon, her face was covered by a black mask with a red skull. When Dumbledore and the other teachers saw her real look, they all were terrified and Dumbledore was visibly afraid of her.
She told him to come with her unless he wanted her to drag him all the way to London. After which he told her he could not abandon the school and she just laughed softly, before asking the castle itself to ensure the safety of the students and letting 50 heavily armed soldiers, enter the great hall, who stayed there until Dumbledore returned.
When the woman grabbed Dumbledore's arm, they just vanished in blue fire and the woman has not been seen since. When they were gone Bill asked professor McGonagall who the woman had been and she said, "that depends on who you ask. To you and me they are the Dark Angels, enforcers of the will of the Queen and protectors of the muggle world.
But to any who follows the dark ways of magic, they are the Death's Angels, harbingers of the end, to all who mean harm to those under their protection". I think your parents are the Dark Angels Harry".
Harry and Hermione looked at each other and Hermione said, "you don't think all those stories they told us about two woman who fought the forces of darkness, were really stories of their past"?
"I think that is more than likely Hermione. If they are indeed who we think they are, than those armbands aunt Lizzy gave us, don't carry the symbol of the Legion, but the symbol of my parents".
Hermione nodded and Ginny said, "yea I think so to, but I suggest you be careful to whom you show those bands, cause more than one student, has lost family members to the weapons of the Legion".
Hermione was the one who asked the big question, "so, what are we going to do? Will we keep the dragon blood, or shall we ask them to remove it"?
They were quiet about it for a few minutes until Harry spoke up, "no matter what I choose, Voldemort and the Death Eaters will come after me no matter what. So would it not be smart to have a few extra tricks up my sleeve. And as for the disadvantages, I think they can be overcome with some help from you two and my mothers".
Hermione and Ginny nodded in agreement with his reasoning and Ginny said, "I agree Harry. My family has long since been a target for dark witches and wizards because of our pro muggle reputation. It would be nice to have the means to actually protect them from harm".
Now it was Harry's turn to nod in agreement and Hermione said, "I agree with both of you but there is one thing we must consider. Are the advantages worth the eventuality of us becoming murderers"?
Ginny was quiet but Harry said, "this may seem cold, but no Death Eater's life is worth more to me than those of you two. So If I had to choose between ending theirs or sacrificing yours, that wouldn't be a difficult decision".
The other two thought about this and soon after each other, they came to the same conclusion as Harry. No Death Eater or other dark wizard was worth more than any of them.
"I think we should keep it and learn to life with both the pro's and the con's of it", said Harry and Hermione and Ginny both indicated their agreement. "let's go tell them then", said Hermione.
They made their way towards the water and saw Aurora and Gabrielle were dozing on a large inflatable mattress that was floating in the artificial lake. Harry put his fingers to his lips and got a mischievous grin on his face. "let's tip them over", he said to Hermione and Ginny.
"O, and by the way", Gabrielle said loudly, from the middle of the lake, "your hearing will also increase, as will your other senses. And if you even try to tip us over, you'll regret it".
The trio looked at each other with red faces and Harry said, "yes mom. But we have reached a decision, will you come to us, or shall we come to you"?
"we'll come to you", said Aurora and she sat upright, pointed her hands in the opposite direction and bright red flames shot from her palms, propelling the inflatable mattress back towards the shore, where Harry and the girls were waiting.
When they saw the flames come from her hands the trio looked in awe and when they had reached the shore Ginny couldn't help but blurt out, "that is so cool, can we do that as well"?
Aurora smiled apologetically and said, "I don't know Ginny, but I'm afraid not. It takes a lot of power and controle to do that, but", she added when she saw the bummed expressions on their faces, "you might be able to conjure fireballs, without a wand, if you are lucky".
They brightened at that thought and Gabrielle said, "so tell us. What have you decided, will you keep it, or shall we remove the blood"?
"we're keeping it", the trio said as one. And Aurora and Gabrielle grinned, "we thought you would", said Aurora, "we are going to be having a lot of fun together".
Hermione was obviously trying to hold back something and when Gabrielle asked what was she wrong she said, "can we see how you look in dragon form"? the short sentence left her mouth in a hurry but they all understood what she asked and Harry and Ginny were also looking pleadingly at the two adults.
"all right", said Gabrielle, "but then you will have to make one promise. When next you want something, just ask for it, instead of just taking it without telling". Both she and Aurora looked pointedly at Harry and Hermione and they understood that his parents meant their theft of the SILH's.
"yes mom", said Harry and Hermione said, "yes ma'am". Both adults nodded and they indicated for the trio to move back a dozen paces. When they had complied, Gabrielle looked at Aurora and when she nodded they both stepped a dozen yards away from each other and began their transformation.
When both had fully changed, Harry and Hermione were holding Ginny, who had fainted and both wore expressions of awe and wonder. "wow", breathed Hermione and Harry added, "yea I know, now that is impressive".
They brought Ginny back to consciousness and when she was clear headed again, the trio walked towards the two enormous dragons that lay stretched out on the beach and in the water.
For a few minutes the trio admired the dragons from every angle and were amazed by the sheer size and the combination of beauty and viciousness. When Harry and the girls stepped back, Aurora and Gabrielle reverted back to their human form and Aurora said, "don't get to excited you three. You will not be able to change into dragons, this transformation requires much more power than you have. You will however be likely to have an animagus form, we'll talk to Sirius and Minerva about that".
The trio nodded and together they returned to their seats were Charles was waiting with drinks and he asked, "mistresses, would you like to have dinner in the kitchen or shall we fire up the barbeque and have a real beach party"?
Aurora and Gabrielle looked at each other and then towards the hopeful looks of the trio and Gabrielle said, "beach party it is Charles, will you tell the others"? the elf bowed and vanished with a soft pop.
When he was gone, the remaining five sat back down on their chairs and Gabrielle said, "Ginny, I'm sorry to put this burden on you, but there is one very important thing you must understand. Nothing of what you have heard, or will hear in this house, may leave this house. We have and will share many secrets with the three of you, but you can tell no one, not even your parents".
Ginny nodded a bit disappointed and said, "yes ma'am. I had looked forward to bragging to Fred and George, but I understand the need for secrecy". Gabrielle nodded and said, "good, thank you Ginny".
Aurora cleared her throat and when she had the attention of the rest, she said, "there is one more thing the three of you should know. When you fight separate, your power is great. But when you fight united, your power is immense. This is what we will try to teach you, to think and fight as one, like Gabrielle and I are able to do".
We share a kind of connection, that allows us to sense what the other is about to do or say and so we can coordinate our actions without the need for words, giving us an advantage in any battle. We will try to teach you how to do the same".
When she was done speaking, Rosy opened the doors to the lake room and quickly made her way over to the group. She was followed by a small pure white swan, with a black beak. They could see a small leather cylinder on one of its legs.
The swan flew towards them and landed before Harry. The bird offered her leg to Harry, so he could remove a scroll of parchment from the cylinder. Rosy came running towards them and said, "master, mistresses this swan flew into the kitchen and refused to let us remove her letter, so Charles send me to bring her to you".
Harry said, "Thank you Rosy. Will you and the rest join us for dinner"? the elf nodded enthusiastically and her large ears were flopping on her head, "yes master. We is bisy in the kitchens to prepare". The elf waved to Hermione and Ginny before popping away.
While the swan flew towards the water and started to float with her head beneath her wings, Harry opened the scroll and said "it's from Fleur". When he saw Ginny's curiosity he said, Fleur is a friend of Hermione and me. She is a Veela and our friend since we were very young. Let's hear what she has to write".
Dear Harry and Mione.
I hope you are having a better time at school than I am. The palace of Beauxbatons is beautiful and the classes are fascinating. The professors are all very kind to me but unfortunately my fellow students aren't.
It seems that because I'm the only Veela at school, that makes me a target for everyone. The girls are envious of me and treat me like I'm some sort of harpy. Especially the older girls, who seem to think that I will steal their boyfriends or something.
The boys are even worse, mama says that it will get better at time, but unfortunately my allure has started to develop, causing it to spike at times and draw the attention of every boy in the same room as me. Last week one of the older boys even tried to kiss me, brrr, even the thought alone makes me sick.
Mama and papa keep saying that I should enjoy my time at school, but it is hard to do so, without my two best friends. The lessons are interesting enough, but it is hart to focus with all the looks I get and I'm afraid it will only get worse as I get older.
I really miss you, we have never before, not seen each other for so long. I was hoping I could come over for Christmas break if your parents are okay with it, mine are.
But on to the real reason I'm writing this letter. Yesterday evening at the Halloween feast, I suddenly got a very weird feeling. At first it felt as if I was shocked by something but there was nothing in the hall. A few minutes later I suddenly turned angry for no reason and almost slapped the girl next to me, when she asked me if I could pass on the bread basket.
I stayed angry for a short while and afterwards I felt worried. It is odd I know, but somehow I felt that these emotions were linked to you two. I stayed worried for a long while and couldn't get to sleep, out of fear that something would, or had happened to either of you. I'm writing this letter secretly under the blankets so that my dorm mates won't notice anything and start asking questions.
I have already spoke to mama and she says that, because we became friends when we were so young, my Veela instincts have somehow made a subconscious link to you and I will know if you feel a very strong emotion, like fear or anger.
Please let me know as soon as possible that you are okay because I'm worried sick.
With love, Fleur.
Ginny and Hermione were looking at Harry, while he was reading the letter, so the trio missed the surprised look between Aurora and Gabrielle. 'do you think it is possible', Gabrielle mentally asked her partner.
'I don't know, it is possible that it is only her Veela instincts. But it could also be that, because Ginny's addition, has triggered the start of Harry's and Hermione's puberty, the existing bond between them has strengthened and thus linked itself with Fleur's Veela instinct. We would have to do some tests when we have them all four together'.
'I agree' came the silent reply, "I'll send a letter to Jean-Paul and Apolline tomorrow and invite all four of them to come over for Christmas'. When they were done with their silent conversation they found Harry was writing a reply to Fleur, with supplies Daisy had given him. Hermione and Ginny were helping him with suggestions and advise about what he should write.
After a few minutes the letter was done and Harry whistled to the swan and it came flying towards them. It landed on the foot end of Harry's chair and he rolled-up the parchment, before stuffing it into the cylinder on the swan's leg.
Rosy came back and led the swan back towards the open air and it started its return journey towards the Pyrenees.
The elves started bringing in the dinner supplies and before long they were joined by Dan and Emma, Remus and Sirius, Ilona and James. Everyone was introduced to Ginny and she was immediately put at ease, as they all accepted her and welcomed her to 'the family'.
It was a great evening, filled with good food and even better company. When everyone was starting to get up and head home they said goodbye and the first five occupants made their way towards their own rooms. They said goodnight and Aurora added to the trio, "tomorrow, we are going shopping as there are a few things we will need".
They all agreed and everyone made their way to bed. Ginny lay in the soft bed and thought, 'I'm the luckiest girl in the world, got saved by my best friends and now I have super powers. From now on live can only get better'.
Authors note.
I hope you all like it and I think you can all guess who the fourth member of my dream team is going to be.
See you all next time
Medieval Maniak.