Title: The Black Star
Author: AileenDickinson
Summary: His godfather is dead and Harry decides that it's time to cut the strings from the old twinkle eyed puppeteer, start revealing his secrets and live his life as he wanted to. There's a new star in the Black tapestry. Independent! Smart! Powerful! Harry - Character bashing- slash-
Pairings: Harry/Draco
Genre: Romance, Adventure
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Warnings: There will be Character bashing, mainly Dumbledore/Ron/Hermione/Ginny/Molly Bashing!
Slash pairing(s ?) . Don't like, don't read.
Author Notes: First of all, I would like to remind you that I'm Italian and there is a possibility that you will find spelling mistakes or the occasional wrong word, I will do my best to write correctly and double check.
Now, onto the story, I know that many love the old headmaster but personally I don't like him very much. Dumbledore will not be evil, but the greater good often makes him lose contact with reality and forget the difference between people and pawns, and the fact that everybody looks up to him like he can do no wrong does not help. Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Molly are another matter.
For those who follow my other story, Love of Legend, I'd like to say that I did not abandon the story. I found a bit of a writer's block, maybe it's because I have too many things I want to write about and no idea how to. I hope that maybe writing something else for awhile will help me.
§The Black Star §
-Chapter 21-
After finding their animagus forms, the first step was researching your animal and learning all you could about it. Dobby was sent to purchase several books on each of the animal they needed, the more they knew the better chances they had at transforming and not messing up.
They needed to learn not only the anatomy of the animal, but the behavior and habits, what was dangerous for them, as Remus told using Sirius and too much chocolate in dog form as an example, and anything else they could find, like how to fly for the ones who were birds.
They complained it was boring and wanted to start trying the transformation until Harry supported Remus.
"Really guys, it is no joke. You need to start be researching, then try to change only little parts like an hand, then the body and lastly the head. If not done correctly you can damage your inner organs, tear your muscles or worse. There was a wizard who crushed his own brain because he didn't consider the mass difference between his head and brain with that of a smaller animal." He said with a serious voice.
When teaching him Sirius had been unmovable, he wouldn't try unless he told him so and he was present. He didn't want anything to happen to his godson. The marauders, even though prepared, had been reckless in their attempt and it was only luck anything didn't happen. He didn't want Harry to emulate them, and Harry in turn didn't want his friends harmed.
Upon hearing that they all shut their mouths and started studying like mad. They liked their brains like that, thank you very much.
"Hey Luna. What are you doing?" asked Fred, dropping on the ground to sit next to her.
"Watching" she replied in her usual dreamy voice.
He looked around trying to understand what she was watching exactly, there was nothing to watch of interest. He scratched his head turning towards her. She was really pretty. Long blond almost white hair, big blue eyes and pale porcelain skin. She was also really petite, like he liked a girl to be.
He never noticed her before, apart from thinking that she looked lost and in need of a friend. The first time he saw her it was in seventh year, at the DA meetings, but didn't approach her. He knew that while a lot of students admired him and George, they also felt intimidated by their presence if they didn't already know them, almost like they expected the twins to prank them at any moment.
He was glad to see her interact with the younger students of the group, it made him feel less guilty for not doing something.
Now that he had the chance to get close to her, he found she had a really unique personality. He liked unique.
He felt dawn to her, like a bee to honey, and it was confusing for him. He wasn't new to crushes and feelings of attraction, but never he felt something so strong, so out of his control before.
He wanted to know her better than anyone, he wanted to be the only one she told her secrets to, he wanted to be the only one to hold her in his arms and kiss her and… 'this is getting crazy' he though shaking his head.
"You should just do it, Fred" she said
"Do what? And how do you know I'm not George?" he asked taken aback by her statement.
"I know you're Fred, because you're not George" she said like it was the most simple thing in the world. He blinked, really he should have expected an answer like that from Luna.
"And" she added turning towards him with her body, knees folded under her "you should kiss me"
"Wh.. what?" he said, almost squeaked but caught himself. He couldn't avoid the full out blush though. Damn Weasley genes.
"Kiss me." She repeated "You feel drawn to me, your soul is calling out to mine. I saw it"
"I.. don't understand, Luna" he stuttered, confused and embarrassed that she could read him so easily. Had he been too obvious with his feelings? He thought not but..
"I saw it." With that she leaned towards him, a dainty hand coming to rest on his shoulder for support, and kissed him. Her soft pink lips were pressing against him like the softest petals.
Shakily he raised an hand to her face and put more pressure into the kiss, wanting to taste her. She opened her mouth to him, almost shy, and moaned at the feelings her first ever kiss sparked in her.
The remodeling of number twelve were also going good. Kreacher had cleaned everything, removed the painting of Mrs. Black and all the elves heads from the stairs. Now he was ordered to start with the kitchen and equip it with muggles cooking appliances.
Harry wasn't sure why he was doing it. He doubted he was ever going to live there but he felt like he owned it to Sirius. He had to remove everythig that Sirius considered part of his bad memories from his childhood.
"Fuck!" Geroge shouted. He had tried the animagus transformation, by now they all had permission to try and change small things, and he fucked up. Then he tried to sit. Bad idea.
"What are you doing here?" asked Daphne from behind the door of his bedroom. She heard him swear and was worried something happened.
"Nothing!" he replied all too quickly. He couldn't believe he was so stupid, after all those years of sneaking around and lying he did a rookie mistake. Never reply so quickly.
"I'm coming in, you better be decent Prewett" she said before opening the door. She looked around but couldn't see him. "Where are you?"
"Right here of course" he replied from somewhere close.
"I can't see you" Daphne deadpanned.
"Um, yeah. I'm not so decent." Geroge replied, he had never been so embarrassed in his life. Well maybe the time McGonagall found him snogging in the broom closet with his first girlfriend.
"And instead of putting something on, you disillusioned yourself?" she asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yes" again too quickly. 'Stupid, it's like she has the power to turn your brain to mush' he thought.
"Oh, enough jokes" she said wipping out her wand "Finite"
'Fuck' he thought as he felt himself reappearing, wearing only his sweatpants riding low on his hips, barefoot, bare chested..
While Daphne was undoubtedly enjoying the view of his body on show like that, her attention was caught by a white tipped ginger tail swishing low behind him. Raising her eyes she saw also cute white tipped ginger fox ears on his head, they were turned downwards and behind. 'He's probably embarassed' she thought.
She tried to fight it but a smile found its way to her lips. She reached up to stroke one of the ears and she felt him almost purr at the contact.
"Don't you dare laughing" he muttered, eyes closed and enjoying the touch.
"I'm not. But you do look cute like that" she admitted, making him blush.
"'M not cute" he pouted "little boys are cute, I'm a man. I'm not meant to be cute" he complained making her giggle.
She was so beautiful for him, he tried to stay away from her and not develop feelings but it was easier said than done.
Deciding that he was tired to spend his time mooning after her, thinking if she would reciprocate or not his feelings, he did something typical Gryffindor. He lowered his head and kissed her full on the mouth, taking advantage of her position since she was still playing with his ear.
She made a little gasp of surprise before closing her eyes and closing her hand around a lock f his hairs tugging him closer.
His tail found his way around one of her legs, trickling it and making her giggle again into the kiss.
'Stupid tail' he thought resuming the kiss. He couldn't have enough of her now that he finally had her.
As their occlumency was progressing well Severus started them on the creating of their mindscapes.
"You must think of a safe place, one where you feel happy and secure. Imagine it in your mind, every littlest detail. It will take time before your mind takes its form, so you will have to picture it every time before going to sleep. The more realistic and detailed it is, the better." He explained.
They all closed their eyes, trying to imagine a safe place. For some it was home, others Hogwarts, others it was an hideout of their childhood.
For Harry it was Pegasus Heaven, the first real place that felt like home with his makeshift family, as unbalanced and crazy as it was.
"When you will have the place firmly in your mind, you can begin to place your memories in particular places to hide them and put protections around. You can use all your creativity with this, anything you can imagine can be true inside your mind." Severus drawled.
"For example. If I wanted a Salazar Slytherin himself protecting my mind, he would be there. My magic and imagination would make it so. It would not be the real him of course, just a shade of what he's known to be, but any intruders would be hard pressed against him. Or giant mud monster" he said looking at the twins "or whatever you can come up with" he said waving his hand.
"You will have until June to create your mindscape and protect it before I will test you" he said before turning "And do try not to fry your brains, please"
San Valentine's day passed pleasantly for the couples of Pegasus Heaven. Harry had organized a romantic dinner to be served under the gazebo in the garden, the ivy surrounding it with its small blue flowers made it look almost like in a fairytale. They had agreed to not exchange gifts for this time, but Harry charmed a rose to stay forever in bloom and gave it to the blond.
Fred and Luna opted for a picnic lunch under the shade of their tree, it was simple and special for them.
George and Daphne had a candle light dinner in the garden, near the forest. It was a place they both found relaxing and were they usually went to stay alone together.
Theo and Susan had lunch in the kitchens, she insisted in cooking for him and he offered to help. In the end they were both covered in flour laughing, while the elves made them something edible to eat along with the cake they made. It wasn't the perfect meal she had imagined but it was even better that way.
Bill and Tonks had gotten closer during the past months. They talked a lot and helped each other with their problems.
Bill, even though usually a confident man, after the deal with Fleur was afraid that women would think about him the same way as her. He wanted a relationship and maybe not so far into the future to start his own family but he never found someone to share it with.
Nymphadora was extremely insecure in her aspect, after having so many males asking for her to change to something different her confidence was ground level. He couldn't stand it and during their last talk he finally lost his cool.
"Bloody hell, Dora! How can you not see it? You're beautiful! Both in body and even more in mind. You're funny, witty, smart, caring and brave. Any man would be happy to be with you, those .. those worms didn't deserve to kiss the ground you walk on, let alone be with you!" he said, face red from anger and hair tousled from passing his hand through it so many times.
She was wide eyed at his rant and even flattered that he thought her beautiful. "Bill, you don't have to .."
"No, I don't. I'm saying it because it's the truth" he said more calm now "It's what I think"
"You.. what.." she stuttered. He couldn't be.. right? Surely not, she was just a clumsy girl.. and he..
"I'm attracted to you. I'm finding it difficult not to think about you every waking moment and dream about you when sleeping" he said looking at her in the eyes.
She blushed at his words. It was not the first time someone confessed to her, but never words more truthful and felt were spoken to her.
"I really like you and if you give me a chance I want to prove to you how really special you are and how much you mean to me. I won't hurt you I swear" Bill said, almost pleaded her in the end.
Tonks bit her lip, torn on what to do. Her heart told her to jump in his arms and snog him, her mind told her to run before she was hurt again. The look in his eyes, those deep blue eyes full of love and promises convinced her. She nodded shyly and slowly, almost afraid to scare her away, he touched her lips with his.
It felt like fireworks for them, wanting to never stop and continue forever like this but the need of air became strong. They parted but Bill kept her wound in his arms, not wanting to let her go now that he finally caught her.
"They're so cute, I'm happy for them" Lorelai said to Charlie. They had just walked in on Bill and Tonks kissing, not that they noticed.
"Yeah, they finally did it. I almost thought I had to put the twins to work with those two" he snickered. His arm was securely placed around the middle of her back while they walked outside. He led her to the rose bushes of the property, her favorite flowers.
While she admired the blossoms he got on one knee behind her and tugging her hand gently he made her turn.
Seeing him she gasped, an hand flying to cover her mouth.
"Lori, the last five years had been the best of my life simply for the fact that you were there with me. I can't imagine living without you anymore. Will you marry me?" he asked showing her a pretty diamond ring.
"Yes!yes! yes!" she replied while flying into his arms and kissing him all over the face, settling finally on his lips. She didn't even notice she was crying until his big rough hands wiped away her happy tears.
They all congratulated the happy couple and a grand meal was prepared to celebrate the engagement. The next day tough it was back to training.
They had almost finished with the Hogwarts curriculum and were now applying everything they learnt to dueling. Their skills had improved greatly along with their magic.
They realized quickly that a fit body meant a stronger magic. Now they could all run up to 9 laps, Harry to 15, without tiring too much and their exercises were now simple instead of torture. They all lost the little fat they had and started gaining muscle, the males more than the girls who instead developed a really toned body.
Amelia came around April with news for them.
"Since you completed the curriculum it's time for you to take your newts" she said.
"What? But we can't get out of there!" exclaimed Theo.
"Yeah, it's not like we can go out or the examiners come in" added Fred.
"No. It won't be necessary. The written part will be done with anti cheating charms on you quills under the supervision of Severus, for the practical part I am qualified to supervise it. My memory of the exam will be replayed by the usual examiners and they will mark your work." Amelia explained to them.
"So, are you willing to take your exams?" asked Remus with a smile
"Hell yeah!" "Sure" "Bring it on!" were the given replies from the excited students. The thought of having to take the exams when they exited the dome older than now was not pleasant.
Amelia organized everything while inside the dome they had another two months to revise and prepare, while continuing their training.
When the day of the exams came they were oddly calm, maybe because of all the work they did. Everything they studied was now forever imprinted in their minds, thanks also to occlumency who improved your memory.
The adults were all certain they would do good on the exams, as they told them at the end, and that they were proud of their work.
During the middle of the party to celebrate their newts Blaise took Neville outside with him. When they were far enough not to be heard he turned.
"Why don't you like me?" he asked bluntly to the lion.
"Wha-..I don't.. I like you" the shy boy stuttered, taken by surprise by the question and the force behind it.
"No. Why don't you like me?" he asked again putting the emphasis on 'like'.
Neville blushed catching the real meaning of the question. "Why are you asking me something like that?"
"Why? Because I've been flirting with you since July and you never gave me the time of the day! No matter how hard I've tried to make you notice me or impress you, nothing worked. So why don't you like me? What did I do wrong?"
"You.. you did nothing wrong" he replied quietly "I just.. you can't like me" he said.
"Excuse me?" Blaise raised his eyebrow. First rejected and now ordered around?
"I'm not good looking, I'm awkward and insecure and you're.. you could have anyone. It's impossible that you really like me. It's only cause we're trapped here and I'm the only one left.."
The dark skinned male could not believe his ears. He knew that the boy lacked confidence but that was ridiculous. To think he would just use him to pass time until the dome lifted…
Tired of hearing that crap he took the boy by the shoulders and crashed his lips to his. If he didn't listen to him, he would make him see another way.
He put all the passion and want he could muster into the kiss, trying to make Neville understand.
"Unlike popular belief, I'm not a man whore. If I'm interested in someone, it's for a serious relationship." He said when they broke apart "think about it carefully. If you want me, I'm yours. Otherwise, just say the words and I'll leave you alone, as much as I don't want to"
With that he left, leaving a glazed and shocked Neville behind.
When Severus tested their occlumency barriers in June he was positively impressed. Some of the things he saw were bound to give him nightmares, courtesy of the twins, but impressed nonetheless.
They would need to keep working and continuously update and sort their memories, and in a few years they would be able to resist his attacks at full force. They would resist Voldemort or Dumbledore too.
Their animagus forms were coming along pretty nicely. They had much of the body mastered and only the head , the more difficult part, remained. It would need more concentration and a good knowledge of the animal so they went back to revise the books before trying.
Not much after one after the other completed the transformation successfully. They had to turn back and forth several times before it became like a second instinct and could do it more quickly. It was strange at first, the feeling of your bones shifting and fur sprouting, but the faster it happened the less it became noticeable.
The last thing they had to do to be official animagus was find a name for their forms, as Remus cheerily told them.
Harry had already named his panther Ebony, with the help of Sirius. It wasn't extravagant but just fitting.
Draco opted for Ivory. His fur was white colored and created a nice contrast with Harry's name in his opinion.
Fred and George were quickly named Swift and Sly respectively, after attributes of their fox's counterparts.
Blaise the eagle became Talon, while Neville was called Simba after a muggle movie Harry told them about, and everyone could not wait to see.
Harry named Luna too, Odette after another movie featuring a beautiful girl turning into a swan because of a curse. Theo was dubbed as Glares, cause his owl form seemed to glare at everyone no matter what thanks to the marks around his eyes.
Susan became Bambi, this time it was Tonks to make the connection with the Disney movie and accepted no objections. Daphne was named Duchess after George suggested it, it was not after the movie but because of her elegance, he said she reminded of a classical noble woman.
Tonks jokingly named Bill's tiger Stripes, while he called her Cham, an abbreviation of chameleon. He said it was cute shrugging his shoulders.
Lorelai named her fiancée Koda, after a movie she saw, and he named her Cookie. He said that she was like a squirrel stoking up on acorns, just she did it with cookies, she was addicted to them.
Severus, much to his chagrin, was affectionately named Fangs. Remus was already called Moony and Andromeda insisted they just call her Andy, she was too old for a nickname like theirs.
With their new names they all transformed in their animal form for an impromptu game of tag, even Severus turned so he didn't have to be pounced on but he just found a quiet place on a tree to observe the others.
Before June was over Neville went to find Blaise, he knew they needed to talk.
He found him in his room and after asking for permission he entered closing the door behind him.
Gathering his courage he said, almost too low to hear "I like you, but I'm afraid you're going to hurt me"
"Oh, Neville. I don't want to hurt you, I swear" Blaise said, gathering the smaller boy into his arms "everyone just assumes I jump from a partner to another only because of who my mother is. I don't want that. I want someone to see me and maybe love me for me, nothing else. I want to have a real relationship. Let me prove it to you"
"I.. okay" he agreed. He wanted to believe the other, he needed to. If he got hurt, at least he wouldn't have regrets after.
Raising his head a bit Neville met the other boy's lips with his. It was a tentative touch, Blaise didn't want to push him too far too fast, he knew that his lion was inexperienced. But he was patient, he would wait as long as he needed to and they would take things at the pace he felt comfortable with.
Here's the new chapter! The second half of the first year under the time dome, I definitely felt romantic when I wrote this, so many new couples forming..
What did you think about it?
Now to answer some questions that came up in the reviews.. Harry and the others will age under the dome, so when they come out they will be 24 (Harry and the other students of his year).
Someone else asked me about Ted Tonks a while back, sorry for not answering right away, he will be mentioned later in the chapters but he won't be a big part of the story.
I saw that Severus the bat was well received =) what do you think about the other animagus and their names?
As always thank you everyone who added my story to their favorites and alerts lists and to all that reviewed!