Harry Potter and Merlin's Gifts
Chapter 21: PART I – The First Time
I promised a long chapter, and here it is all of 11232 words pre ffnet count. Please forgive me for being soooo late, but I had to make sure everything was set in place for the future chapters. I was told inan email that I was not supposed to answer reviews in chapter, so I'll post them on my profile page.
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"I'm dishonest, and a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest. Honestly. It's the honest ones you want to watch out for, because you can never predict when they're going to do something incredibly... stupid."-
Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean)
Somehow, I think Severus Snape would agree to that!
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Last Chapter:
"Master Carcassone knew Harry Potter would refuse, but Master is telling Avig before Master dies that Avig must tell Harry Potter he must honour Master Carcassone's last request."
"I'm afraid Avig is right Harry." Said James. "A wizard's last wish is not something you want to ignore. Come, let's go and find Albus. He'll know what to do."
"Hello gentlemen, I did not make an appointment to see you this morning did I? I'm afraid my poor old brain is failing." Said Albus with a smile, "Tea? I'm sure you have not yet eaten."
"Old brain failing, Albus? Somehow, I don't believe that. Your mind is as sharp as ever and only a fool would underestimate it." Said James who poured tea for Harry and himself.
"Is anything the matter?" said Albus, watching Harry reread a rather crinkled letter.
"Harry received a letter from someone named Aquilon Carcassone, who seemed to have died this morning. Avig, are you still here?" said James
"Yes Master Potter, sir, Avig is here."
"Avig, this is Headmaster Albus Dumbledore." Said James
"Oh sir, it is an honour sir for Avig to meet one held in such high esteems."
"Thank you Avig. Would you mind explaining who Aquilon Carcassone is, and what does he want with Harry?" said Albus.
Hearing his name, Harry looked up and said, "What? Sorry, I didn't hear what you were saying."
"Avig was just about to explain how he comes to be here, Harry."
"Oh sorry Professor, please continue Avig." Muttered Harry.
"Master Carcassone wanted to give his last remaining relative his most prized possession. Master Harry Potter is Master Carcassone's last remaining relative. He is explaining to Avig that Avig must give Harry Potter a letter when Master Carcassone dies. When Master died Avig did what Master wanted. Master said Avig must tell Harry Potter he must honour Master Carcassone's last request."
"Thank you Avig. So you know how Aquilon is related to the Potters? I do not recall anyone by that surname in the Potter family." Asked Albus.
"Avig does not know, Master is not telling Avig."
"The letter…the letter said something. He um, he said, 'Enclosed is a copy of my family tree, you will find that my great-grandfather Scaliger Gamelle was briefly married to Renée Potter who died in childbirth…neither the child or mother survived. Scaliger, my great grandfather then went to Greece and married. Children were born from the two. Only I remain from that line. You are the last of the Potters, my distant relative though we do not share blood.' Said Harry.
He was very shaken up by Aquilon's death. For his short life, everyone around him who died had died a violent death. It was a bit of a shock that someone died a normal death as well as a stranger leaving something to him in a will. Why would someone just randomly bequeath their possessions to him like that? Harry had another eerie thought…what did Aquilon mean by the sight? He mentioned it to the headmaster who was talking to James. "Sir, maybe you should read this…I…he said something about returning the sight to its rightful owner."
"Aquilon was a very generous man, Harry, to have given your friends a generous sum of 7,000 galleons. Your father is correct that you cannot ignore a person's last request. However, James and I would go to the Gamelle Castle to ensure its safety, that is, if Avig would allow it?"
"Master Carcassone is saying to Avig to show Harry Potter how to enter. He did not say Harry Potter's father or the great Albus Dumbledore. Avig is showing Harry Potter and only Harry Potter to Master's home."
"It isn't safe for me to go Avig, I trust my father and Professor Dumbledore, well for the most part I do…please let them make sure that my friends and I are safe. I think Mr. Carcassone would have wanted that." Said Harry.
Avig thought about it for a few minutes, and offered to transport them to the castle right away. Both James and Albus accepted and Harry went to the Dungeons for breakfast to avoid telling his friends about the newest development in his life.
"Harry? What are you doing down here?" said Lily.
"Hi Mum." Said Harry dejectedly.
"What's that matter? Oh Harry, are you still angry about my Petunia complex? I don't know how else to apologise for being so short with you…"
"It's not that Mum. Honestly, can…can it wait? Dad can explain it to you." Said Harry. "On second thought, maybe you should read this letter. Dad and Professor Dumbledore are in Greece by the way, they should be back sometime this morning."
Lily quickly read through the letter and raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you're okay baby?" Lily brushed the fringe on Harry's forehead to cover the scar that marred Harry's forehead. "Harry, you're burning up! Lie down, let me call Popp…"
"No Mum, please I don't want to go to the Hospital Wing."
"Well, okay, let me ask Severus to…"
"Ask me to do what?" said Severus emerging from his bedroom with wet hair. "Are you going to spill another potion on me?"
"It was an accident! Men!" said Lily rolling her eyes. "Harry is sick…"
"I am not!"
"Harry is sick but he doesn't want to go to Poppy…"
"I don't see why anyone would…" muttered Severus
"Is anyone in this room going to let me finish a sentence? Could you watch my morning class or brew some potions for me?"
"I have a class this morning Lily." Said Severus.
"Then you don't mind brewing the potions? I knew I could count on you! Come Harry, I could run some diagnostic spells on you…"
"May I stay here? Please Sev? Mum? I don't…"
"…want to see your friends? If it is okay with Severus, it is okay with me."
"Trouble in paradise with the golden trio plus their sidekicks?" sneered Severus. He answered after both Harry and Lily rolled their green eyes "It is acceptable as I have very limited choice in the matter. Where is your missing half Lily?"
"Apparently in Greece with Albus." Severus raised an eyebrow in question. "Read this and ask no questions. They owe us an explanation. My guess is, they went to make sure the castle's security was maximum, or see if this Avig fellow is on the up and up."
"On the up and up? More Muggle speak…I was sure you'd grown out of it years ago."
"Grow up Severus. Hang on a minute, when did you get another room?"
"Don't you two pay attention? Congratulations Potter, it looks like you finally have your own room."
"I don't feel so good Sev…'m gonna be sick." Said Harry.
Severus sprung into action hastily conjuring a bucket for Harry, not wanting to get his carpet stained. After banishing the liquid in the bucket, Severus levitated Harry to his new room where Lily ran through all the diagnostic charms she knew.
Lily asked Ron and Hermione to inform Harry's Professors that he was ill and would not be in class today before going to her classroom. With a sigh she set the ingredients for the potion her class and waited patiently for them to arrive.
It seemed as if Lily was channelling Severus that day, to the students, who were hoping for class to be over. While she did not insult them, Lily was very short with the few who had ruined their potions. She was worried about Harry, both of them. The older one was sick and she did not know how to convince his younger version that she wasn't turning into Petunia.
Even though it seemed as if he could not remember much about his first childhood, Harry did. After he was sent into his room, Harry cried himself to sleep and reverted to the behaviour he exhibited when living with the Dursleys. He was very polite, quiet and shy. It pained Lily to find her little boy huddled in his closet with Ralph, a huge stuffed pink pig, crying. She apologised to him repeatedly, but Harry could not break out of the shell he developed to protect himself. Not even Sirius or James could make him smile with their crazy antics. Remus had tried reading funny children's stories to Harry and Ralph in the afternoon trying to get him to laugh, or even talk to him. None of it worked, and Lily feared she was going to lose her baby for a second time.
The older Harry seemed to accept her apology, but he was rather cold toward her as well. She didn't find him depressed at all, but the teenager had immersed himself into his school work, Sev's training, and learning from his tutors (Devlin and Savi). It was not surprising that he'd gotten sick from an overdose of the Pepper Up potion. She'd also discovered a few bruises and two spell burns because Harry was avoiding Poppy Pomfrey like the plague.
Harry didn't seem to mind that Lily took care of him earlier, then again, Severus was there…Severus conjured the bucket…Severus took him to the room the castle had created for Harry…Severus tucked him in…Severus, Severus, Severus, Severus! All she did was diagnose him.
Lily wanted her innocent happy baby back. She wanted to erase all the hurts Harry suffered and replace them with happiness. When he was de-aged, she was sure she had gotten the chance to do exactly that, but she'd ruined it and worse, she didn't know how to fix it.
"Potter you idiot, wake up." Said Severus
"What? Hmm? Oh hi Sev."
"Next time, please save me from having to witness the effects of your asinine decisions and actions."
"Come again?" asked Harry weakly
"You overdosed on the Pepper Up potion you imbecile." Said Severus. "Your body is very weak and is attempting to rebuild the energy it lost." Severus reached into the bag he was holding and removed a very large bar of Honeydukes chocolate.
"Don't want…"
"You will damn well eat every bit of this chocolate, Potter. I am very disappointed in you. You know the damage you could do to yourself with an overdose of ANY potion. Damn it Harry, you could have killed yourself. What do you think I am trying to do here? I'm not teaching you how to save yourself only to take your life thorough utter foolishness."
"Sev I'm…"
"You will damn well listen to what I have to say. Are you going to throw away everything you wished for? What the hell is wrong with you? I sat out there on the Quidditch pitch listening to you moan about wanting the chance to know Lily, wanting to make her proud of you…what happened? You are being a selfish bastard, you know that? You don't deserve to have the second chance that was handed to you on a GOLDEN platter."
"I…"
Severus' voice softened, "Don't you understand Harry? She loves you more than anything else in the entire world. You have proof of that in here…" Severus tapped Harry's heart. "Don't throw it away because you would regret it if something happened. Tonight, you will go to dinner with your family and the mutts, and you will have a good time."
"Won't you be there?" asked Harry, tears running down his face.
"No."
"I need you there Sev, please! I need you there, for moral support. Tell me you'll be there, please promise me, please Sev."
"I'll be there."
"Do you promise?" Harry asked
"Yes. Now help me take off your robes. I need to take care of the bruises and the spell burn. You should have told me you had gotten hurt."
"I guess…"
"You felt that because you were hurting the rest of you should. Am I right Harry? That's never the answer you know."
"I know, Sev, it felt like…"
"The only thing you could do."
"Do you love me Sev?"
"I care about what happens to you because you are my ticket to finally getting rid of the bastard that my stupid immature self bound himself to, satisfied?"
Harry chuckled. "Only you could say that I am a means to an end and mean that you love me."
"Turn over." Said Severus and began to rub the salve into Harry's muscles.
"Oh that feels so good Sev! I ought to get injured more often!"
"You're going to Poppy next time." Said Severus who pressed the heel of his hand into Harry's shoulder. "I'm only doing this because I can't give you a muscle relaxant. You're way to tense." The two said nothing more and Harry drifted off to sleep.
"Neville Longbottom," Severus said, his voice dark and eerie, "It is time to face your worst fear."
"I'm not afraid of you anymore sir." Said Neville, unconsciously straightening his back.
"Oh dear me, another student not quaking in their boots" drawled Severus. He walked around the desk and stopped behind Neville. "For today's assignment I want you to go to the Room of Requirement and come out alive.
"What does that m..m..mean sir?"
"Oh? So you are afraid, excellent."
"You expect me to die?"
"Not in the literal sense Longbottom. By now you should know that I am not interested in gutting students for potion making. When you exit the Room of Requirement, you will touch a parchment spelled to give your results. I only want you to come out alive, for now. You'll have to thank Alastor Moody for helping me put this together. Did you know he used to be an instructor in the 'Auror Academy' as he termed it?"
"No."
"This is a real Auror experiment. Everything you fear, from the greatest to the smallest would try to defeat you; your task is to live. You have three hours. The door will lock the moment you step into the Room of Requirement. You are allowed to take your wand and anything you can carry easily. Turn in your notebook with spells you have researched at the end of the day. In the event you are injured severely, your professors will be notified of your absence. Leave immediately. Good day."
Severus swept out of the room leaving a terrified Neville. What Neville did not know was that Severus as well as several Aurors would be there. Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Luna would also be there, but they would never meet. In the unlikely event they did, they would think the other is the enemy. Harry would unfortunately miss this exercise, but his would be more difficult…Severus was sure the room would create a faux Voldemort for Harry.
Three hours after Severus left Harry's Room, Fawkes appeared. He trilled a song and woke Harry.
"Fawkes! What are you doing here?" asked Harry. Fawkes flew toward Harry and landed on his pillow. "What do you want Fawkes? Is someone in trouble?" The bird tilted his head and placed a claw on Harry's lips. Harry automatically opened his mouth and Fawkes cried profusely.
"Thank you Fawkes. I don't know what I'd do without you." The firebird trilled again. To Harry it sounded like amused laughter. "I guess that's why I'm going to have my own protector soon, 'eh?" Fawkes chirped his agreement, and disappeared in a flash of fire. Harry climbed out of his bed, and went to Severus' office. He stopped when he heard Severus' voice saying
"I only want you to come out alive, for now. You'll have to thank Alastor Moody for helping me put this together. Did you know he used to be an instructor in the 'Auror Academy' as he termed it?"
"No." Harry heard Neville reply.
"This is a real Auror experiment. Everything you fear, from the greatest to the smallest would try to defeat you; your task is to live. You have three hours. The door will lock the moment you step into the Room of Requirement. You are allowed to take your wand and anything you can carry easily. Turn in your notebook with spells you have researched at the end of the day. In the event you are injured severely, your professors will be notified of your absence. Leave immediately. Good day." Harry ran back into his room when Severus said 'Good day.' He watched as his professor and friend leave, presumably for the Room of Requirement. When he was sure that Severus was gone Harry went to the cauldron of floo powder, and went to the common room.
He quickly changed into his duelling robes, a gift from Albus, and his new boots before grabbing his fully stocked Potions belt. Harry called for Fawkes and hitched a ride outside the Room of Requirement, where all the fun apparently was.
The door was spelled to open when Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny or Luna opened it. All but Harry and Neville were to enter it. Severus had notified Alastor that Harry was ill and could not make the training, but Alastor was not surprised to see Harry entering the room. He used a messenger spell to alert the other Aurors assembled that they were in for a show…Harry Potter has entered the Room of Requirement armed and ready for a fight. (1)
Severus was livid when he received Alastor's message, there was no way in hell Harry could have recuperated from the poisoning from the Pepper Up overdose. 'Then again, the brat has a penchant for attracting trouble' mused Severus…he was going to teach the brat a lesson.
Ron received a note from his Head of House that said Alastor Moody wanted to see him in the Room of Requirement at exactly 11:00am about his choice of career. He went inside but found a maze.
Hermione received a letter from 'Albus' asking her to help some Aurors with research they were doing about prophesies in the event that they learned something that would help Harry. She was to get there at exactly 10:45 am and was told that the door will automatically lock after entering to ensure privacy
Ginny was told by Professor Lupin during Defence that she was excused from class today. Her assignment was to duel with Hatcher in the Room of Requirement. She was to get there at exactly 10:50am not early or late or else she would fail.
Luna was given a letter by Severus Snape which stated that she was to report to the Room of Requirement at exactly 10:55am. She was to get there not early or late or she would regret the day she was born.
It was 11:03 when Neville entered the Room of Requirement, less than a minute behind Harry. Now that all the participants were here, the entrance was sealed for three hours and the game began.
It just happened that every one of the six students were in a different part of the very large room. Hermione was there for almost 20 minutes…her curiosity got the better of her and she decided to explore. All she had asked the room for was the place where the Aurors were, how was she to know that the room would give her this mess.
Luna was the first person attacked. She wandered near a camouflaged Auror who sent a stunner near her. Luna immediately dropped to the floor and began to fire spells. One of her trip jinxes flew just one centimetre over Hermione's head. Immediately the busy haired girl fired a knee reversing hex, the pepper breath charm and a blasting curse in rapid succession in Luna's direction.
The entire room was dark, lit only by the spells and hexes that flew across the room. Ron, Harry and Ginny had not fired any spells as of yet. The three were silently hunting the Aurors (Only Harry and Neville of course were sure Aurors were present) and did not want to give up their positions.
Neville found himself duelling an Auror while trying to get rid of his Grandmother's boggart. He dove on top of the Auror, pulled him to his feet and used a banishing charm to send him crashing into the Boggart. Neville was also afraid of spiders, snakes and Blast-Ended Skrewts and had to battle his way through them.
Severus had also not fired any spells…he was hunting for his prey, Harry Potter. Alastor and quite a few Aurors were attempting to surround Harry and catch him unawares, but Devlin had trained him well in the art of tracking and listening for people.
Luna and Hermione were duelling with each other, but neither knew the other was a friend, and so every horrible hex they could come up with was cast. The two had very different strengths; Hermione was a rational thinker and knew all the spells necessary to win a duel, but she wasted precious sends standing still, making decisions. Luna on the other hand, was very agile and moved constantly. While she mostly sent stunners and other minor hexes in comparison to Hermione's she got the most spells fired…her aim was a bit off, but she definitely made up for it by firing spells rapidly.
Ginny was battling three Aurors, as well as a Tom Riddle Boggart. Even though she managed to get rid of the one that showed Harry was dead, the Boggart Tom was very strong. She used the Room of Requirement to every bit of her ability. Asking the room for daggers, Ginny hid behind a huge boulder and threw them at the Aurors.
Ron, the strategist, realised that someone was following him. He did not know how he did, but supposed that hanging around Harry and Moody would make anyone paranoid. He asked the room to create an opening in the maze's wall that would make him invisible. After stepping through the wall, he saw Sergé and cast an Expelliarmus. Immediately Sergé's wand came flying to him. Using both wands Ron began casting spells as if his life depended on it.
Harry also knew that he was being followed, and sensed that he was being surrounded in an attempt to ambush him. He walked into an area with three Boggarts…One was a Dementor, one was Ginny lying on the floor dead, another was his parents dead, and as predicted the room created a…
"Voldemort! You bastard!" The Aurors were stunned to see 'Voldemort' standing in the middle of the Circle with Harry. The teen knew that Voldemort was a Boggart, but needed to take care of the Dementor charging at him. With a cry of Expecto Patronum, followed by three Riddikulus Charms, Harry charged 'Voldemort' with every bit of anger and frustration he had been feeling.
'Voldemort' did not disappoint. He was exactly as Harry, Severus, and Alastor Moody perceived him…the Room of Requirement met every specification the three people's subconscious thoughts provided.
"We meet again Harry Potter. Join me, and we can rule the world."
"I have everything I could ever want, you are nothing and I will destroy you."
"Never say I did not give you the chance to live Avada Kedavra!" Harry dove behind a stone and the green jet of light hit the wall which exploded upon impact. "You'll never win boy, I am more powerful than you are! I have the blood of Salazar Slytherin running through my veins."
"Believe me Dark Ignoramus, your ancestor is very disappointed in you. You are nothing but a worthless failure. You tried how many times to kill me now? You're nothing but a scared little kid in diapers ordering people around. Your Death Eaters, a stupid name for your followers by the way, only follow you because they know you would kill them…"
"Power is everything! You know nothing…"
"Do you know what an Ignoramus is Tommy?"
"Crucio." When Voldemort tried to curse Harry with the Cruciatus the Room of Requirement sent 'Death Eaters' to deal with Harry.
The Aurors got over their shock at seeing Voldemort and joined the 'Death Eaters' in attacking Harry. Harry did not know who was a real Auror and who the room created so he tried not to use any damaging spells…however, the Aurors were using spells that were at such a high level, that Harry had to abandon the minor spells. He was in a different league where Tarantallegra and the Jelly-Legs Jinx were abandoned.
Ron had taken out quite a few Aurors, and Death Eaters, but fell prey to Severus Snape. He was a devious bastard when it came to duelling, and he wanted the students to learn how to defend against that. True Death Eaters would not hesitate to use every dirty trick in the book to succeed.
Hermione and Luna took each other out of commission. Luna hit Hermione in the head with a mere Petrificus Totalus, but not before the older girl got her with a blasting curse which sent her flying into the wall.
Neville was giving his all to prevent anyone from preventing him from walking out of the room 'alive.' He was sure his Potions Master was hidden somewhere in the room ready to ambush him, and was on alert.
Harry shot arrows out of his wand and aimed it al the 'Death Eater's' legs. He dove behind another rock and shot Bone removing spells at the people he hit with the arrows…without bones in their legs, there was no way in hell they were going to be able to chase him.
Harry got hit from behind by Moody with a numbing spell. He hastily transferred his wand to his left hand and fumbled with his potions belt. Removing an exploding potion, Harry threw it in the direction spells were coming from and used it to escape from the position he was in. When Harry stood, he fell, not realising that he had sustained an injury.
'Voldemort' was also trying to get Harry, and the teenager cast a numbing spell in his leg, secretly thanking whoever it was that cursed him. 'Voldemort' cast an Avada Kedavra on 'Ginny' and threw her body to his right.
"That's right Potter, come and see what I did to your little girlfriend. Did you love her, Potter?"
Meanwhile the real Ginny was in a full duel against an Auror. She had broken a few ribs and was moving much slower than she normally would.
"You bastard! Ridikulus!"
"Come now Harry, you know I am not a Boggart. Why would you try to banish me with that? I see your Defence Against the Dark Arts Professors were very helpful, I should thank them for making my job easy."
"Sod off Tom."
"Language, language, Potter. What would mummy say? Hmm, if she knew you were saying words like that?"
"I think the better question is, Tommy, what would your mother think about you? Oh wait, the Council of Magic decided to give my mother another chance at life." Voldemort was pissed off and began to charge Harry, who also charged at Voldemort with Gryffindor's Sword and beheaded the snake face idiot. Five minutes after cursing the 'Death Eaters' the room was suddenly filled with a bright light, and Harry collapsed.
Severus and the Aurors helped Harry and the others out of the Room of Requirement, and touched a finger to the enchanted parchment. Hermione, Ron and Luna were 'Dead,' Neville and Harry were definitely 'Alive,' but Ginny's reading was 'Barely Alive.'
They were all taken to the Hospital wing to be treated for wounds. All but Harry was awake. After hearing about Harry's bout of sickness earlier that morning, Poppy put him to bed, poured potions down his throat and threatened everybody within an inch of their lives if they woke her patients…the others were also ushered into bed, even though it was just a little after lunch (2:00pm).
Severus was secretly proud of Neville and Harry. Of course he was going to tell them how dismal they were, but they need not know how he felt. With a sigh, Severus left to administer the first set of re-growth potion to Harry.
"Harry, are you in here?" asked Severus. He went inside the boy's room and found him holding Ralph under the desk. "What are you doing under there Harry?"
"Hiding."
"Why?" asked Severus.
"'cause Mummy doesn't like me anymorwe, and she's mean like An't 'tunia and stinky Dudley."
"I am quite positive your mother is not turning into her sister."
"I didn't do anyfing, Sevvie."
"You used a wand and replicated everything in sight. I think that warranted some punishment."
"Dudley didn't used to get punished, and he did lossa mean stuff."
"Your cousin was a bully Harry. When you do something wrong, you have to be punished. That's the rule for everyone."
"Nuh uh, Dudley gets stuff when he does bad stuff all the time, so now is my turn, 'cause I got a Mummy and a Daddy now." Said Harry, examining he pink hair on Ralph.
"That behaviour may be allowed in the Muggle world, but at Hogwarts, bad behaviour guarantees punishment. Is that understood?"
"I guess so, have you everw been p'nished by your Mummy Sevvie?"
"Quite a few times, for stealing Potions ingredients and attempting to make Potions on my own."
"Oh."
"Yes, she spanked me well enough." Said Severus
"I didn't get 'panked Sev."
"I'd consider that a good thing. Now, I think you should come down to the Dungeon with me so you could take a potion."
"Ewww don wanna take any 'tinky 'tuff." Said Harry wrinkling his nose.
Severus decided to appeal to the boy's Slytherin's side. "If you take it, you'll get older, and soon you would be able to hold a wand without getting into trouble, but if you want to be a baby forever…"
Harry's eyes lit up "Can I have it now Sevvie? Pwetty pease?"
"You will have to take a nap before dinner."
"I want it still Sevvie. You can't make me stop getting it."
"Do you remember how to floo to my room?"
The little boy nodded his head enthusiastically. Severus reached for the glass jar of floo powder and allowed Harry to take some. Seconds later he followed Harry into his rooms.
"You need to sleep without your clothes because it may choke you while you are growing."
"No, I don wanna. Can I seep in yourw nightclothes?"
"I suppose you may. Drink all of that, and I'll bring something for you to wear."
Harry eagerly drank the potion and waited for Severus to bring a change of clothes.
Harry groaned three hours after being placed in his bed in the Hospital Wing. A warm wet tongue licked the side of Harry's face, bring him fully out of he land of nod.
"Eww Padfoot. I ought to give you some mouthwash."
Sirius popped back into his human self. "Are you okay kiddo?"
"I'm fine. What time is it?"
"A little after 3…"
"You're awake!" said Madame Pomfrey. "Drink these potions…"
"When can I leave?" asked Harry
"Tomorrow, if you're feeling better, Mr. Potter."
"Tomorrow? I can't leave tomorrow! If I promise to just eat dinner and go to bed, can I leave?"
"Please Madame, Pomfrey?" said Ginny, "It's his last night…"
"Alright, but if any of you return here within the week, you're staying here until I see fit!"
"Yes Ma'am." Said Sirius with a salute and a wink.
"Out with you young man. And do be careful, I don't want another mishap similar to the end of last school year. I don't think you'll be granted a second chance." Said Poppy
"Oh Poppy, I know you'll miss me, but please…"
"OUT!" said Madame Pomfrey sternly, "Men! Can't live with 'em, can't live without them."
Little Harry gave a big yawn after drinking the potion. Severus shrunk one of his nightshirts, a long grey shirt and dressed Harry in it. The little boy snuggled with Ralph while Severus tucked him in. He was going to be a big boy when he woke up, and little Harry Potter smiled for the first time since he was grounded.
Four hours later, Severus woke Harry. The little boy, now seven ran to the mirror Severus conjured, just for him.
"Oh Sevvie, look how big I am! And my hair! It's soo long, longer than yours too!"
"At least you can now pronounce your r's."
"I can! I can! Fork, her, jerk, I need more words that have an r, can you believe it! I can pronounce r's now! If only I could think of words that have r's in them. I should really ask Hermione, (2) she's so smart, but she doesn't like it when I make her name short like Hermie."
Severus shook his head in disbelief. The boy had said no less than five words that contained an R…all he had to do was say his name for Merlin's sake. "Get dressed Harry, you don't want to miss the mutt."
"Sirius ,his name is Sirius, Sev, you should be friends. I think all you need to do his kiss and make up."
"I'll pass on that. Stand still, let me trim your hair, it is getting in your eyes." Harry stood patiently with his eyes screwed shut. Severus tied Harry's enlarged shoes and picked him and Ralph up. It was going to be a long evening.
Chapter 21: PART II: Innocent Eyes
The students stared at the boy their Potions Master was carrying. He insisted on walking, but Severus would have no arguments. This was the second time they'd seen the stern man with a child, and many suspected that they were his children. Of course they didn't know it was Harry both times, but it didn't matter; they ignored the fact that the boy did not resemble Severus at all and began to feed the rumour mill.
Severus put Harry down when he reached the portrait in front of the Potter's rooms. "Eripi" (3)
"Oh Harry! Look how much you've grown!" said Lily.
"Hi Mum, I'm sorry for being very bad." Said Harry shyly, "I'm seven now Sev says I can pronounce my r's now…"
"…but he just can't think of any words with that particular letter." Said Severus who was helping himself with a shot of whiskey.
"Oh sweetheart, Love means never having to say you're sorry, but I'll accept it anyway. I think your hair is a bit long dear."
"No don't cut…" Little Harry had finally seen Ginny. "…wow, she's pretty Mummy." Whispered Harry, eyes fixed on the teenage girl.
"Even at age 7 he's infatuated with her." Said Severus, pouring yet another shot.
"You're going to get a hangover if you keep drinking like that Sev." Said Lily, attempting to drag her now 7 yr old to wash his hands.
"Is she staying, Mum?" asked Harry quietly.
"Yes, and so are your other friends, Harry, and Jazzy."
"And Abus? And Aun' Minny?"
"Why don't you floo them love? They'd come if you asked, I'm quite sure!"
"You can send the white birdie to them, you know, the one from inside the wand."
Severus snorted at Harry's dazed response. Love, the boy positively reeked of it. He was still staring at Ginny.
"I think you have an admirer Ginny." Said Luna, taking a sip of her cold pumpkin juice.
"Who Luna?"
"Why young Harry over there of course." Grinned Luna, nodding her head in Harry's direction. All of the teenagers looked at Harry, and Harry (who was sitting next to Ginny) blushed. Hermione and Ginny giggled while Neville and Ron grinned good-naturedly.
"That's so sweet, Harry has a crush. His first, if you actually think about it."
"I'm sitting right here you know Hermione." Muttered Harry
"You know what I mean, Harry."
"Right! How about a game of Exploding Snap?" asked Ron when everyone said yes, he shouted "Oi Harry, want to play? You could partner with Ginny."
"We don't play partner in this game," Said Neville, "but you are welcomed to sit next to Gin."
Harry nodded and sat next to Ginny.
"Hi Harry, you don't remember me, but I'm Ginny. That's my brother Ron over there. Neville is next to him. On Ron's right there's Hermione, and Luna is right next to me."
"Hi everyone, Hi Ginny." said Harry shyly.
"Do you know how to play Harry?" asked Hermione. The boy shook his head. "All you have to do is pick a card from the person next to you without your hand blowing up. The other person must then choose from your set of cards, also without them blowing up."
"I think I get it, 'Mione."
"Hi love, did you miss me?"
"James! Where have you been? Harry mentioned something about Greece?" said Lily setting the enlarged table. "Albus returned hours ago." James kissed Lily, and set a paper bag on table.
"I went to pick up dinner. Remember that Muggle Chinese Food place you took me to? I went there. The food is still nothing I saw in China as a kid, but…is that Harry?"
"Yes, sweetheart, Sev aged him to 7, and he has a major crush on Ginny."
James laughed and said, "That's my boy."
"James!"
James laughed at Lily's mock outrage and picked his son up from behind! Harry squealed in delight, "Daddy!"
"You can't be Harry, you're way too big!" said James, turning the small boy upside down and sideways to properly examine him.
"It's me Daddy, it really is me. It's Harry!"
"Oh yeah prove it!" said James. The others were looking at young Harry and James with amusement…well, except for Severus who rolled his eyes and poured yet another shot.
"You're Prongs!" giggled Harry.
"And so I am, you must be Harry."
"Put the boy down Potter, unless you want him to be sick." Said Severus. "It's getting a bit warm in here, don't you think?"
"Would you like me to cast a cooling charm…" said Lily before shouting, "Sirius Orion Black, do not run in my rooms in your animagus form!"
"I don't think the rest of the castle heard you there Lils." Said Sirius, after transforming.
Dinner was an adventure onto itself. The Marauders seemed to have reverted to their boyhood days engaging in silly pranks at the dinner table, and picking fun at everyone including Albus. The headmaster did many pranks on the Marauders and Severus but Severus was too drunk to care about pranks being pulled on the children, having put a major dent in the whiskey bottle. He did however, glare at his boss drunkenly every time the headmaster looked his way.
Young Harry hardly touched his dinner because he was busy staring at Ginny and laughing with his godfather who was sitting next to him. Overall, it was an evening they all would cherish. It was a Friday night, there was lots of laughter, food, and camaraderie…they were taking a temporary leave from the beginning of war. Even Jasmine had fun from the games.
Harry didn't let himself forget however, but let the laughter wash over and into him. When it was time for Sirius to go, Harry couldn't let him go.
"Please Sirius, why do you have to go? I need you!" Begged Harry
"No Harry, you don't you have everything you ever need here. You have James, Lily, Jasmine, Moony, Ginny…" said Sirius, with a sad smile.
"But Padfoot, they're not you, you can't leave, please don't leave." Cried Harry
"Listen to me Harry. I don't belong here, not anymore." Said Sirius
"Yes you do!"
"I'm a prisoner here…while I admit Hogwarts is more of a home than I could ever hope to have, it's the same as #12 just smaller."
"What if I…?" asked Harry, in attempt to keep his godfather at Hogwarts. "What if you die?" asked Harry in a whisper
"Then it is my time."
"No, please don't say that. Please…"
"I have to go now Harry."
"Noooo you can't leave!"
Sirius pleaded to his former enemy with his eyes. Severus saw Harry holding onto Sirius with a death grip. There was a bewildered look on Sirius' face, and Severus felt sorry for the teenage Harry. Little Harry, now 7 gave Sirius a hug and told him to come home soon, but the 16 year old had experienced too much loss, pain and disappointment to let his godfather go.
He begged, cried, and tried to plead with Sirius again but to no avail. Some part of him knew that Sirius had to go, but he didn't want the possibility of losing his godfather again. It took James, Remus and Severus to pry Harry's hands off of Sirius and hold him long enough so Sirius could leave. Harry crumbled into a heap of tears, anger, and loss. Albus cast a sleeping spell on Harry, but before he went to sleep, Albus said to him, "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage. Sleep well, Harry."
Saturday was a very beautiful day, and everyone (save for the injured six under Poppy's orders) was outside enjoying the last days of warmth. Harry was understandably depressed and worried, and Albus had the perfect thing for Harry to do.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Harry, Severus, James, Lily and Albus were sitting on the floor of the room of requirement on cushions.
"Close your eyes Harry, and think about how angry you were when I first hit you with that spell, how pissed off you were when no one would tell you anything during your 5th year. I want you to feel the despair you felt when the Mu…Black died, how lost, lonely and unloved you felt living in a tiny cupboard under the stairs. Can you feel it, Harry?" said Severus.
"Yes."
"Now I want you to think about how happy you felt when you realised that your father, Sirius and I had crossed into the Living Realm. Think about your Sorting, how happy you were to be in Gryffindor. Don't forget the pain and anger you were feeling earlier though. Can you do that Harry?" asked Lily
"I think so."
"Don't give up Harry." Said James
"Harry, remember how you felt when everyone thought you were the heir of Slytherin? Think about how people thought you were trying to hurt Justin Finch-Fletchy?" said Severus
"Yes."
"Tell us what you felt when you first flew, Harry." Said James
"Anger, fear, excitement, freedom…"
"Excellent, now tell me what good could come out of the Killing Curse." Said Albus
"Nothing! That is dark…"
"Do not answer straight away, think for a minute." Said Albus
After a few minutes, Harry said "Well, I guess you could use it to put someone out of their misery."
"Ah, but who is to judge who dies and who lives?" asked Severus
"I'll give you a very simple answer, and then I want you to try and find an answer for the others." Said Albus
"Alright." Answered Harry.
"Suppose you are lost in a forest, and you are thirsty. There is a stream, but you do not know if the water is safe to drink. You could use the killing curse to make sure bacteria and germs in the water are dead. Now, the water is safe to drink."
"I never thought of that."
"Alright, Harry, think about the Cruciatus Curse. What does it do?" asked James
"Um, it feels like hot pin pricks sticking everywhere, burning, aching…you just want to scratch your skin off, pull your eyes out of your socket…"
"Okay Harry, that's enough. What does that tell you about the Curse interacting with your body?" said James
"It makes you feel pain?"
"A little more analysis than that Harry." Said Severus. "I'll give you a hint. Nerves make you feel."
"Oh, well, I guess the curse stimulates nerves and you feel pain. I don't think anyone would want that unless you were paralyzed or something, otherwise, it would be… "
"Yes! That's it, sweetheart. The Cruciatus curse helps paralysis patients stimulate their never endings so they could feel again."
"By dumb luck he stumbles on the answer." Said Severus. "The next one is a cinch, the Imperius Curse."
"If someone was going to commit suicide, you can cast the curse on them and bam no suicide."
"Morbid child, aren't you?" said Severus, "But I suppose I can't fault you for that, morbidity is a part of life."
"What was the point of this?" asked Harry, looking at each adult in the room
"I thought it was an excellent method of dispelling negative energy. Why do you suppose you were considering the good about things that are considered evil?" asked Albus
"I have no idea sir."
"At least the boy is honest." Muttered Severus. "I'd like to sit here and chat all day long, but I have better things to do than give my glutes a massage."
"Severus Snape!" gasped Lily, "I expect those things from others, but not you. If you need to leave, please do, but the lesson is almost over. The entire point of this exercise…"
"Lily…" said James
"Hush James…the entire point of this exercise is to show that magic is neutral, and it is the person's evil intent that focuses…"
"That's enough Lily. I know that lesson already, but since you blurted it out, I think Harry and I can leave. We have more pressing matters to attend to. Come along Harry, say your goodbyes and follow me to the dungeon."
Harry was grateful for the excuse to leave. He hastily gave his mother a kiss on her cheek and waved to the others. He was uncomfortable the entire time. His musings were cut short when Severus yelled, "Move it Potter, or that would be an entire week of detentions." Harry made sure the Phoenix egg was secure in his pocket and ran to his friend and mentor.
Three hours later, Harry and Severus were having an all out duel. Severus thought the only way to dispel anger and depression was having a duel. The only rules were no Unforgivables, and both Harry and Severus were fighting with every bit of strength and determination they possessed. They both had their own demons to exercise. Severus was feeling useless again; he had no real contribution to the order. Now that he was a known spy, there was nothing worthwhile for him to do. Sirius' departure, had nagged on Severus. It had only been one year ago that their roles were reversed, it was only a year ago his life was structured.
Harry was not clueless as Severus and many others seemed to think. He had noticed how everyone treated the younger Harry; he had stolen everyone's heart, and nothing he (Harry) could do would change that. He was just a clone, and soon when the 7 year old was returned to his proper age, he (Harry) would disappear into nothingness. Yet, not existing was not what bothered Harry. Somewhere in the recesses of his mind, he wondered if his parents at age 22 regretted having to deal with a 16 year old son with so many problems. It would be so much easier for his younger self to adapt to their…his parents. Even Severus seemed to accept young Harry at first glance. The little twerp had everyone wrapped around his finger. Harry remembered the glares of hatred he received from Severus in his first year, and attacked the man with all his might. He transfigured a strand of hair into a staff and pounced.
At night, Harry rejoined the others in the dorm and passed out fully clothed. Ginny took off Harry's shoes, socks and glasses, and banished his sweaty shirt and trousers. Ron walked into the 6th year dorm just in time (in his opinion) and with Neville's help put his pyjamas on.
In honour of Sirius, Neville charmed the stars on Harry's pyjama shirt to twirl and Ron charmed a few to flash different colours, and coloured his hair green. They tucked the unsuspecting Harry into bed, and pulled his curtains.
It was about 11:00pm when young Harry rubbed his eyes tiredly. He woke with a start! Something was wrong with his Mum. He got out of bed, and ran to his parent's room, only to find nothing wrong. He said,
"Daddy, what are you doing to Mummy?"
"Harry!" gasped Lily, "What are you doing out of bed?" At Harry's voice, both adults separated, trying desperately to hide from young Harry. James knew he had no preparation for explaining sex to a seven year old…it was bad enough when Harry was 16. Thankfully, Harry came to his own conclusion and said,
"Oh, you're kissing with no clothes on. You know Mum, you don't usually make that much noise when you have clothes on." Harry yawned and bid his blushing parents goodnight for a second time. Within minutes, his eyes drooped close, and he dreamed about racing brooms with Ginny.
That night, Sirius Black took a deep breath. He and Crookshanks (Hermione's cat jumped him and managed to touch the portkey seconds before activation) used a portkey to get close to Voldemort's last known hideout without being detected. He changed into Padfoot and began to sniff for a certain RAT. Even after a few years he knew Padfoot was able to recognize Wormtail's scent. He vowed to make Peter pay for his treachery, for cheating Harry out of the childhood he should have had, for making him spend almost half his life in hell… Right now though, he was grateful that Crookshanks was keeping him company. Who better to track a rat than a cat? 'The countdown to the end of your life has begun Wormtail, your life henceforth is forfeit.' Crookshanks stopped and refused to move, so Padfoot curled next to the cat, and slept.
PART III: Formerly Feu d'or
The egg in Harry's pocket began to burn. It was so hot the pants he was wearing caught fire and ignited the shirt and robes he was wearing. The flames spread and set fire to Harry's bed curtains, and a beautiful baby phoenix head popped out of the shell. The phoenix cried in alarm and fortunately woke the residents of Gryffindor's Sixth Year Boys Dorm.
"Merlin! Harry!"
"Anyone know the Flame Freeze Charm?" Seamus asked, but Ron didn't hesitate and ran into Harry's bed.
Neville sprung into action and cried "Flamma ventulus (4) quick get him out of there." Ron grabbed Harry and pulled him out if there. Neville quickly doused the flames, while Seamus went to get Professor McGonagall and Dean went to Madame Pomfrey.
"Harry are you okay?" asked Ron
"The egg." Said Harry
"What egg?" asked Neville.
"Phoenix." The bird chirped and Neville gently picked it up.
"Save the shell Nev. Oh my, it's…"
"Is it supposed to look like that?" asked Ron.
"What is going on here!" said a harried Professor McGonagall.
Neville just showed her the baby bird in his hand. He walked over to Harry, who had a charmed blanket waiting, and placed the phoenix in his hands.
"The egg hatched." Said Harry with a shrug, "I guess it got so hot, everything went up in flames."
Poppy came rushing into the dorms armed with potions and salves. "Is everyone okay?" she asked.
"Ron's got some minor burns…" said Neville.
"…and you are all going to be suffering from smoke inhalation!" said Poppy who made a large burst of air come from her wand in the direction of the window.
"I can get your bed replaced…" said Minerva McGonagall
"I'll go to my parents, if you don't mind."
"Of course, Mr. Potter, however, I'll escort you there." Harry nodded, handed her the bird, and picked up the three uneven pieces of shell.
"Alright, I'm ready to go."
"You come with me Weasley." Said Poppy Pomfrey. "You'll spend the night in the hospital wing."
"Professor, if it's alright, I'd rather go to the Dungeons."
"Be that as it may, Mr. Potter, I'd prefer if you visit the headmaster."
"I guess we both had different destinations in mind." Said Harry.
"Indeed." Replied Professor McGonagall with a small smile. At the Gargoyle, she said "Acid Pops. Have a good night, I trust I will see you in class, with your assignment?"
"It will be there, hopefully." Said Harry with a grimace.
McGonagall looked at Harry above her glasses. She recited a line from Harry's third year with a smile. "You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in. You would not believe how many times I've said variations of that comment to your father and his friends. This time, at least one of you has a reasonable excuse. Goodnight."
"Thank you Professor."
"Ah, Harry, Minerva." Said Albus, "Could I tempt any of you with a Lemon Drop?" The phoenix chirped and Fawkes flew over, grabbed it by the scruff of its neck, and took it to its perch.
Minerva bid the two goodnight and went back to her rooms.
"I see your egg has finally hatched." Said Albus.
"Yes. It set fire to my bed. Ron rushed in to wake me, Neville cast a Flame Freeze Charm, Seamus went to get Professor McGonagall, and Dean went to Get Madame Pomfrey…or was it Seamus who went to get Madame Pomfrey? I forget."
"Regardless, I believe the Gryffindor Sixth Years acted very responsibly tonight. 25 points to Gryffindor."
"What do you think I should call it, sir? How did you get the name Fawkes?"
"It seemed natural to call him that." Said Albus while Harry yawned. "However, it seems as if you need to go to sleep."
"May I go to the Dungeons? I don't want to have to bunk with, well, me, if I have to. I don't like being woken up, besides, the last time we shared a bed, he kicked me."
Albus chuckled and led Harry to his fireplace. "I believe it should be, you kicked yourself. Have a good night, my boy."
Harry stepped into the fire and climbed into his bed. He barely remembered to remove the shells from his pocket. He did not need to worry however, for there was an unbreakable charm on them.
Severus was alerted the instant the Harry flooed in. He watched as the teenager stumbled into his room. Harry pulled the egg shells out of his pocket and crawled into bed. He pulled off his glasses and accidentally dropped it on the floor.
Sev lit the small heater in the cold room, picked up the glasses and tucked Harry in. He left the door slightly ajar, because Harry did not like enclosed spaces. With a sigh, Severus climbed into his own bed and was serenaded to the land of nod as Harry's soft snores filled the room.
The early morning was wonderful. The Phoenixes were chirping merrily, and may have been having a conversation. Albus was sitting in bed reading and listening to the birds. He had a suspicion about the phoenix egg when Fawkes brought it to Harry, and it was confirmed last night. Harry was given the golden phoenix. Normally a phoenix would find its witch or wizard, but the golden phoenix was special; legend has it that after its charge had died, it saw its charge, gave the message two phoenixes and reverted to its shell. When the time came for the egg to be hatched, both phoenixes meet at the egg, and carry it to the owner. If one was killed or injured, the other would be able to give the egg. If both birds were killed the instant the second bird died the message would automatically transfer to another phoenix.
Albus closed the book. It was almost time to go to Greece for Aquilon Carcassone's funeral. He left another letter which made his final plans known. He wanted a simple cremation, with his ashes scattered over the water below the cliff on his property.
As it was a Sunday, Harry, his friends, Parents and Order Members would portkey to the House, have the funeral service and return to Hogwarts. Everything was planned down to the second, but Albus knew that almost all plans had a glitch, and something was going to happen today, something no one expected.
After waking in the dungeons, Harry showered and dressed for the funeral. He assumed his friends were doing the same, after all, they were inheriting money from this stranger, Aquilon Carcassone. Harry was wearing black trousers with a black long sleeved turtleneck, with a black blazer. He stared at himself in the mirror wondering what he should feel about this man. He ever grieved for the Dursleys, he never even went to their funerals because Aunt Marge took care of everything for them, and wouldn't want him there.
It was not the truth; Harry knew he was lying to himself, because the truth was, he was too busy living to care one iota for his dead relatives. He was thinking about everything but Petunia, Vernon and Dudley. A knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Are you okay Harry?" asked Remus
"Oh yeah, I'm fine, just thinking, I guess." Replied Harry, with his voice laden with guilt, shame and regret.
"What were you thinking about?" asked Remus, sitting on the edge of Harry's bed.
"Dursleys." Said Harry. He looked up and stared at Remus from the mirror.
"You couldn't go to their funeral Harry. It wasn't safe…"
"I didn't think about them one bit, not for one second. I was too selfish…"
"I would hardly say so; you're not selfish at all."
"I feel…"
"…as if you should not be here? As if every minute you are alive should belong to someone else? You're probably feeling shame at having forgotten them for so long, regret for things you said, things you didn't do, am I right?" Harry nodded. Remus patted the bed next to him. When Harry sat down, Remus draped an arm around him and said, "It's okay though. Do you think your life is so meaningless? What do you think losing you would accomplish? I am not referring to the prophesy at all, you know. How would Ron, Hermione, the rest of the Weasleys, feel? I'd miss you, so would all of your friends at Hogwarts, the teachers are sure fond of you. When I first saw you, back in your third year, you gave me a new purpose in life. I didn't know that I would find Sirius, and get your parents back, but I knew that if I could just do one thing for you then everything else wouldn't matter. You should be happy Harry. I am sure your aunt Petunia would want you to live. She made peace with you and you with her."
"I…I suppose you're right Remus, but…"
"…it gets easier with time Harry, I promise. Now, cheer up, we have a funeral to go to."
Harry chuckled "You're not supposed to be happy at a funeral Moony, but I appreciate you trying to make me smile. Would you walk with me to the dorms? I want to pick up the portraits and check on the phoenix."
"Ah yes, the culprit responsible for your fire last night."
"Yeah, Fawkes took it from me the minute I got to the Headmaster's office."
"Fawkes does know what to do with a baby phoenix, I wouldn't be too worried."
"I'm not, but honestly, what is Hedwig going to think? She's going to peck me, HARD."
"She'll forgive you, eventually."
"She always does."
Harry and Remus went to Gryffindor Tower and picked up the portraits. Ron and Neville were still asleep, tired from their interruption the night before. Having woken them, they headed to the Headmaster's office where Albus was waiting for them.
"Come in Harry, Remus."
"Good morning Professor." Said Harry who removed the shrunken portraits from his pocket, and went to Fawkes' perch.
"Hello Albus, lovely morning, isn't it?" asked Remus.
"I can't wait until the new frames arrive." Said Salazar "That way I wouldn't have to be jostled from room to room."
"Oh hush, you cranky old man. You're happy to be moved around, you're just trying to make Albus' life a bit harder than it already is." Said Helga, straightening her hair.
"Ordering the frames was no problem. The school's board members were very pleased to provide 12 frames for the founders."
"Why 12, sir?" asked Harry
"One set for the Headmaster's Office, the boardroom, HQ, and one for each Common Room of course. I have taken the liberty of taking a photograph of every founder, and sent it to a reliable artist, who will repaint portraits for the Common Room." Said Albus
"Will they still have their knowledge?" asked Harry, bringing the tiny bird with a tuft of golden feathers on top of its head and very light yellow feathers.
"Feu d'or, is that you?" asked Godric. The bird chirped happily and tried to fly over to Godric. "It is you! Good heavens, I never thought I'd see you again."
"You know this phoenix?" asked Harry and Remus at the same time.
"Why yes, Feu d'or was my phoenix. He was brought to me by two phoenixes. He'd just hatched from his egg when they dropped him off. It was the first and last time I'd seen three such magnificent birds." Explained Godric.
"He hatched, last night, Grandfather. How is it then, that he could be the same bird?" asked Harry.
"Feu d'or is the Golden Phoenix Harry, who comes along when the war between Good and Evil will be fought." Said Albus, "In fact, Feu d'or means gold bird in French."
"Very good Albus, that is why I named him Feu d'or. Of course Harry, you may call her whatever you please." Said Godric
"Oh please, I am the one who suggested that name." said Rowena
"Never in a million years my dear, I am the genius behind that name." said Godric.
"Genius Godric, you a genius? HA!" said Salazar disgruntled.
"Can you three stop arguing for five bloody minutes? I swear, if I had organs, you'd be giving me a headache." Said Helga, "You were saying Harry?"
"Oh, right, um… Feu d'or is a nice name, I guess. Maybe I'll come up with something for it." The phoenix, formerly Feu d'or, pecked Harry, HARD. "Ouch, what is it with me and birds!" Feu d'or pecked Harry again, "I'm sorry, her, I'll come up with a name for her, you, so please be nice?"
Remus and Albus chuckled. "Come in James, Lily, Harry." Said Albus.
"You know Albus, you've just got to tell me how you do it. Can you see through doors?" said James putting Harry down.
"Hi Albus, Moony, Harry." Said Little Harry. He stressed the L in Albus and looked at his Mum, and then helped himself to one of Albus' lemon drops.
"Did you sleep well?" asked Albus. Lily and James blushed, and began examining their nails and shoes respectively.
"Fine, b…"
"He slept fine, just fine. Didn't you, love?" said Lily.
"Muuuuum, I can answer for myself. Jeesh, just because you and Daddy like to kiss without clothes on…hey, that was gross!" said little Harry.
Harry promptly spat the tea he was drinking onto his younger self at that statement. Remus began to choke and knocked his cup to the ground. The edge, of Albus' lips twitched, but he cleaned the mess up with a wave of his wand without a smile.
Severus was on the spiral staircase leading to the Headmaster's office. When he opened the door, he heard little Harry say, "Jeesh, just because you and Daddy like to kiss without clothes on…hey, that was gross!"
"It looks as if everyone is having fun. It seems as if I arrived at a most opportune time."
"Severus, have a seat my boy. Harry was just telling us what he would like to name the phoenix, formerly known as Feu d'or."
"A gold phoenix!" gasped Severus as he examined the feathers. "Harry, I cannot accept your gift of the egg shells. You should keep it, lock it up for safety, gold…"
"Ah the children are here. Come in." said Albus, who was watching Severus, babble and stare in amazement at the bird.
"Hello Professors, Harry." Said the five in synchrony.
"Good Morning everyone, I know you have not yet had a chance to have breakfast."
"Yes sir, I mean, no sir, um…" Said Ron.
"Avig has prepared a light breakfast in Greece for us. Is everyone ready? After the small service, Mr. Carcassone's ashes will be scattered as per his wishes, you six will have a chance to explore the castle for a short time, and then we will portkey back to Hogwarts. Is everyone ready? Severus?"
Severus snapped into attention when his name was called. "Yes Albus?"
"Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes, yes I am."
"Excellent. Portus. The Portkey should activate in 1 minute. Gather round everyone." The twelve grabbed hold of a rather colourful wizard's hat, and waited to be transported to Greece.
Voldemort was growing impatient. He needed to find it, the thing that could win him the war, yet no one knew where it could be. His Death Eaters apparated all over the world to museums both Muggle and Wizard to search for it, but they could not find it.
He also sent his moles in the Ministry searching for it, but yielded nothing, not yet. He cast the Cruciatus Curse on some unsuspecting Death Eater, and picked up his book on the famous muggle Nostradamus.
The funeral service was short. No one actually knew Carcassone except for Avig and Rapp the two house elves who had been there since birth. The elves did not believe in mourning the dead; they celebrated the life that Aquilon led, and the life he will lead after his body had been buried, or in this case, burnt. They told Harry that his spirit was still here, to make sure that Harry and the others respected his last wishes, and then, he would ascend to the other realm, where his father and his father's father were waiting to greet him and take him to his judgment.
Harry and the others were exploring the castle and its grounds. Ron took Neville and Luna with him to see the field that according to him, was the perfect place for a game of Quidditch. Harry, Ginny, and Hermione were exploring one of the many offices in the house. In the room there were muggle pictures of the ocean, and of fishermen. There were rolls of parchment in drawers and curiously, a mirror encased in a glass box.
Hermione gasped when she saw it. "Oh Harry, that is beautiful! The mirror, it must be very old, look at the intricate patterns and jewels…"
"…look at the books here, Hermione." Said Ginny, "There are translated copies of what seems to be history books."
"Impressive! There are at least 7 volumes…"
"There you three are." Said James. "We've been looking everywhere for you."
"Sorry Professor Potter."
"It's alright Hermione. Come on, we have to leave soon."
Harry was barely listening to his father and was opening the case the Mirror was in.
"Harry!"
"Oh sorry Dad, I'm coming."
No one heard the voice say, "Harry Potter, I've been waiting for you."
QUOTES USED:
"Love means never having to say you're sorry." -Erich Segal
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Lao Tzu
(1) Messenger Spell: Sends a magical messenger to someone in the form of a silvery dart, rather like a small, ghostly bird. Dumbledore sent a message to Hagrid using this spell. He simply pointed his wand in the direction of Hagrid's hut and sent the messenger without saying a word. Hagrid came directly to Dumbledore, which suggests that it is possible to retrace the flight of the dart. (GF28) From HP Lexicon
(2) If you're wondering how Harry knew about Hermione before he went to his parents' rooms, remember he has selective memory. If he is actively thinking about something specific, say performing a Levitation Charm, he'd know that the incantation is Wingardium Leviosa and the Swish and Flick is the wand movement.
Eripi: save, rescue – imperative tense (i.e., "save me")
Flamma – Flame ventulus – breeze. Changes the properties of fire so that it's heat feels like a warm breeze. Spell used by witches and the wizards in Medieval times who were burned at the stake. They would then scream and pretend to be burning up (PA1) From HP Lexicon
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