Chapter 17: Christmas Surprise
Harry cast a quick Tempus and saw that it was almost time for the Hogwarts Express to leave the station. The girls and Neville still hadn't come back from the errand he asked them to do, and now he was beginning to worry that the train would depart without them.
Just as he was about to get up and Shadow Walk back to the Castle to look for his friends, the door to the cabin opened, and they all came waltzing inside with a smile on their face.
"What took you guys so long? I thought the train was going to leave without you."
Neville grinned at the blushing Hermione and replied, "Apparently Hermione here got into a little altercation with some Slytherins."
"And what exactly happened in this small altercation?," Harry asked curiously.
"Nothing at all," a still blushing Hermione answered.
"It wasn't nothing, Mia," Alex told her friend, as she wrapped her arm around Hermione's shoulder. "You stuck up for yourself, and I'm proud of you for doing it."
Harry kept looking back forth between his friends, and rolled his eyes at their banter. "Ahh...I'd still like to know what happened. So if someone could explain it to me, that would really be nice."
Daphne grinned at the irritated look on her fiance's face and decided to take pity on her adorable, green-eyed beau.
"In order to save some time, the four of us split up our tasks equally," she explained to Harry. "Alex went to return some books we had to the library, while Neville and I spoke to McGonagall and Flitwick and gave the two of them your message about coming to Potter Manor later this evening. Meanwhile Hermione here was tasked with saving us one of the carriages going to Hogsmead station. By the time we finally finished our errands and arrived at the carriages, we found Mia in the middle of a shouting match with Parkinson, Nott, Zabini, and Bulstrode."
As soon as he pictured the scene in his mind, Harry felt a grin suddenly appear on his face. Hermione "By The Book" Granger had actually gotten into a fight. Sure he'd seen the other Hermione fight in his old world, but that was against Death Eaters, and it sure as hell never happened in her first year. At that age, she was more prone to running away or silently taking the abuse without any retaliation. It made him proud to see how far this Hermione had already come in this new world.
When he saw the rosy blush begin to appear on Hermione's face, Harry couldn't stop himself from teasing the brunette Ravenclaw. "Wow...I can't believe what I'm hearing, Mia. I never thought I'd see the day where Hermione Granger was caught getting into fights."
"I didn't start it, Harry," Hermione replied primly.
"But you sure as hell did finish it, Mia," Neville stated with a grin.
Hermione maturely stuck her tongue out at the boy who lived, and then focused her attention back on Harry. "Now that everything is done, can you please tell us why it was so important for Professors McGonagall and Flitwick to come to your parents' house tonight?"
Despite his desire to tease his best female friend a little more, Harry knew better than to withhold information while Hermione was this irritated.
"Alex and Daphne already know a little about my surprise, but I guess I'm ready to tell you and Nev about it now."
Daphne's eyes widened in surprise as she realized what Harry was talking about. "Merilin!," she exclaimed in awe. "Your cure worked! It actually worked."
Harry couldn't help but grin smugly at his beautiful blonde fiance's expression, and replied, "You are correct, my Lady. I already received a report from the Goblins yesterday and all six test subjects are now free of their furry little problem."
Hermione growled softly in frustration, as she watched Alex and Daphne jump up and down with joy. "Can Neville and I please know what cure you guys are talking about. Since neither one of us can make it to Potter Manor tonight, I don't think I can enjoy my break until I know what this cure is."
"Harry cured Lycanthropy, Hermione," Alex explained to her friend. "The Goblins have been testing the potion he created for the past few months, and based on the silly grin on I can see on his face, I would wager that all six of the test subjects involved in the trial no longer have to change into a Werewolf anymore."
Harry nodded his head in agreement and said, "Yup. All six patients are no longer considered to be Werewolves. I've been waiting for the results for a long time, and now that I got what I wanted, I plan on giving the cure to my Uncle Remus tonight. I was originally going to wait until Christmas, but the potion requires the subject to drink one vial every day for the week leading up to the full moon. If I want Moony to be cured for Christmas, than he has to take the first dose tonight."
Out of all things that Hermione was expecting to hear, the cure for being a Werewolf didn't even make her list of things to consider. From everything she'd read about the infliction, it was supposed to be incurable.
For centuries Potion Masters, Healers and Charm Specialists had attempted to find a cure for those that were bitten, but every single one of them failed to do so. The closest anyone came to helping those with Lycanthropy was the Wolfsbane potion created twenty years ago. She couldn't believe her friend, a fellow first year, had accomplished what all those others were unable to do.
"But that's impossible, Alex. How did you do it, Harry? Please tell me. I have to know. This has to be the greatest discovery since the time of the Founders. Tell. Me. Everything."
Harry shook his head at Hermione's eagerness and answered, "Well, it all began when I was eight years old and realized I was really good at Potions..."
Lily and James arrived at Kings Crossing moments before the Hogwarts Express was supposed to arrive. With the Blacks and Greengrasses busy with their last minute Christmas shopping, and Remus looking after the kids, the pair were more than willing to pick up Alex, Daphne and Harry and bring the kids back to Potter Manor with them.
Thankfully things had gotten much better between the girls and their son, and all three sets of parents were pleased that they wouldn't have to worry about any teenage drama between the trio.
As the Potters made their way from the apparation point across the street from the station, Lily's ears perked up at the mention of her eldest son's name.
"I can't wait to meet the friends Hermione has been writing home about, Emma. Especially the two boys. What were their names again? Oh yeah...Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter."
"David Granger, I swear to god you will not embarrass our daughter in front of her new friends. She has finally made connections with people her own age, and you will not try to ruin it by intimidating those poor boys in some twisted fatherly duty you believe you have to do. Besides, right now she is much too young date or even think along those lines. I expect you to be on your best behavior when we pick her up. Do you understand?"
When Lily looked around the station to see who was talking about her little boy, she saw a couple walking hand in hand towards the 9 3/4 platform. At 5'5" the gorgeous brunette woman in front of her was wearing six inch cream colored high heels, a black office skirt that went down to her knees, and a beige colored blouse. Even at a glance it was plain to see the woman was related to her son's friend Hermione.
The man walking beside her was easily 6'3" in height, and he was wearing black loafers, grey slacks and a black turtle neck sweater. Based on how broad his shoulders were, and how snugly his clothes clung to his body, it was obvious to anyone who saw him that the man was no stranger to working out.
Just before the pair reached the entrance to the platform, Lily reached the couple and said, "Excuse me. I'm sorry to bother the two of you, but would you happen to be Hermione Granger's parents?"
"Yes we are," David replied politely. "My name is David Granger, and this is my better half Emma. And you are, Miss...?"
"My name is Lily Potter and this is my husband James. Hermione is actually good friends with our son Harry, and we had the pleasure of meeting her a few weeks ago during the first Quidditch match of the season. You must be very proud, she is really a gifted young girl."
James nodded his head in agreement with Lily's statement. If his son wasn't already betrothed to two beautiful and talented witches, after meeting and spending some time with Hermione, he wouldn't have been opposed to her and Harry dating sometime in the future. She really was a talented witch and in many ways reminded him of how his wife used to be in her younger years.
"I definitely have to agree with Lily. If even half of what the kids tell us is true, I have no doubt when she graduates that Hermione will be taking my wife's title away from her."
"Oh," Emma asked curiously. "And what title would that be?"
"Smartest Witch of her generation," James replied, clearly proud of his wife's intelligence.
While Lily blushed and then rolled her eyes at the compliment from her husband, David and Emma proudly puffed out their chests in response to the praise their daughter just received. Neither one was comfortable sending Hermione to Hogwarts, but regardless they were thrilled that their little girl was doing so well there.
"Thank you both for saying that. To be honest, both Emma and I were uncertain about allowing Hermione to go to Hogwarts, but we're glad she is doing so well there. I just wish there was a way for us to see for ourselves how well she is doing. But from the letters she sent us, apparently she is forbidden from using Magic outside of Hogwarts."
Having been Muggle raised herself, Lily knew well the mixed feelings the Grangers must be be feeling. After all, she'd seen her own parents deal with not knowing about the Magical world.
Hoping to help the couple understand what their daughter was going through, she said, "I was Muggle raised before joining the Magical world, so I can understand how confused you must be feeling. While your daughter can't practice Magic at your home due to underage restrictions, we'd be happy to have all of you come to ours. That way Hermione can show you everything she has been learning at school."
"Wouldn't the underage restrictions also apply to your home?," Emma asked.
James shook his head before replying, "They do, but because of the massive wards around our house, the Ministry can't track underage Magic in our home. The same would hold true for any of the Magical families in our world."
David was a little miffed to hear the disadvantage his daughter was at. "That doesn't seem fair."
"You're right, Mr. Granger. It's not fair, but it is understandable."
"How so, Mr. Potter?," Emma asked. "And please, just call use by our names. There is no need to be so formal."
"Thank you, Emma, and please feel free to do the same for us," James replied with the famous Potter grin. "Unfortunately the rules for Muggleborn children while unfair, make sense because their parents are unable to practice Magic. Should an accident at home occur, they would have no way of fixing the mistake made by their child and could breach the Statute of Secrecy our world is built around. On the flip side, in a Magical home the parents are solely responsible for all the Magic their children do. While many do allow their kids to use their wands while away from Hogwarts, they are still limited in what they can do at home. Fines for Magical families violating the Statute of Secrecy are more than double in comparison to Muggleborn infractions, because the parents should have been monitoring the Magical activities of their children."
Both Grangers were slightly mollified by James' explanation, but they were still not happy with the situation.
"Isn't there something we can do so Hermione can practice Magic outside of school?," David asked. "I know how hard she works in her studies, and I don't want my daughter to be disadvantaged in any way."
"Short of hiring a private tutor, which can get very expensive, I'm afraid the Ministry has no programs to help Muggleborn kids in this regard. But if everything goes according to plan, hopefully by this summer we may have something to offer Muggleborn kids."
While the restriction against undergage Magic did make sense to her for Muggleborns, Emma was clearly disappointed with the situation. But her ears perked up at hearing James' last statement.
"What does the Ministry have planned?"
The thought of the Ministry doing anything to help the Muggleborns made Lily simultaneously want to scream in frustration and laugh at the thought of the bigots in the Wizengamot doing anything to improve their society.
"The Ministry has nothing planned for the Muggleborns," Lily answered. "But my son's new company does. If everything gets approved like we hope it will, by this summer we intend to have a recreational center where all magical children can come and practice Magic. We plan on having several licensed instructors at the center, so all grade levels can be assisted with their summer assignments or any advanced reading they may be doing."
The Grangers were both thrilled to hear the news, but shocked that the company belonged to their son.
"I'm sorry, Lily, but did you say your son's company?"
Lily grinned at the surprised expression on David's face and replied, "Yes I did. Harry is quite the genius at runes, and he recently created an array that would allow Muggle technology to work around Magic. In the hopes of bringing our society into the modern world, my son started a company that will certainly help in making that dream a reality."
The two couples spent another ten minutes discussing the plans Marauder's Inc. had to help Muggleborns integrate into the Magical world more easily, before everyone realized the Express had already arrived.
Deciding to continue the conversation on Boxing day, when the Grangers would come over to Potter Manor for dinner, the two sets of parents quickly made their way through the barrier in front of them.
Luckily the Grangers had gone through first, because as soon as James and Lily made their way on to the platform, they were immediately bombarded by a stream of questions from the rabid media that instantly recognized the pair.
"Lord Potter, is it true that you have become estranged from your son, since he took up his recent Lordships?"
"No, that is not true at all. My son was, is, and always will be a Potter. Despite the Lordships he now claims, he will still continue to live at Potter Manor until he graduates from Hogwarts."
"Lady Potter, how would you describe your lack of attention to your godson, Neville Longbottom?"
"Due to the security concerns Madam Longbottom has in regards to her grandson, I haven't seen my godson as often as I like, but that has not prevented us from keeping in contact with one another on a regular basis."
"Lady Potter, how do you feel about your new Pureblood status?"
"While I'm thrilled to learn about my new heritage, a part of me will always view myself as a Muggleborn witch. I didn't get to know my birth parents, but I did know the parents that took me in and raised me as their own. I'm grateful for the time I spent with John and Lori Evans, and I will always consider them my mum and dad. It's because of them that I got a chance to really know both the Magical and the Muggle worlds."
"Lord Potter, how do you feel about your son testing out of Hogwarts?"
"I'm happy that my son...wait. What do you mean testing out of Hogwarts?"
"The official transcripts have not been released by the Ministry yet, but it has been confirmed that Lord Peverell-Daniels achieved 13 OWLs and 4 NEWTs for the exams he took on November 7th. Are you telling us you had no idea about these tests? Do you still believe you are not estranged from your son."
James was stunned Harry didn't tell Lily and him about the tests he'd taken, but he knew his son would have a reason for not mentioning it.
"While my wife and I were not aware of the tests Harry has taken, we trusted our son enough to emancipate him early, and so he does not need to tell us everything he is doing. He is an adult not only in our eyes, but also in the eyes of the law, and we have faith in him to make the right decisions. Based on the incredible scores he already achieved, it's obvious to us that his decision to take the test was a smart one."
Before the reporters could call out any more questions, James nodded his head at the Aurors assigned to the Hogwarts Express guard duty that day and once they began to push the reporters to the end of the platform, he quickly moved his wife away from the rabid media.
As the couple went to find the children, James couldn't help but notice the hurt look on his wife's face. He knew how much she enjoyed her new relationship with their eldest son, and he really hoped the kid had a good reason for not telling them about the tests he took.
Harry walked down the stairs of Potter Manor, with the file Ripclaw sent him firmly held underneath his arm. Things had been awkward since his parents picked him and the girls up from the station. At first he didn't realize what the problem was, but when his dad mentioned how hurt his mother was with not knowing about the tests he took, Harry felt a little guilty.
His parents had no idea that he was a nineteen year old that had not only survived a second Wizarding War, but had also been taking care of himself since he was four years old. As far as they were concerned, he was a brilliant eleven year old making adult decisions all by himself.
After the minimal relationship his counterpart had with the family, Harry could kind of understand why his parents were upset about the "new" him making such a big decision on his own. Since they didn't know about the training he already received in his old world, they would have no idea how easy the tests had been for him. After all, he wasn't really a kid learning things for the first time. He was a trained warrior tested and proven through the flames of battle.
As he made his way towards the living room, Harry promised himself that he would would make things right with his parents. His entire life he wished they had been around to help him, and now that they were actually there for him, he wouldn't miss out on asking for their advice in the future.
With his mind now set to fix the situation later in the evening, Harry took a deep breath and made his way to his awaiting family. The moment he entered the living room, Harry could tell that everyone was already there.
Along with his family, the Blacks, and the Greengrasses, there was also Professors McGonagall and Flitwick, as well as Madam Bones and her guard, Mad-eye Moody. When he saw everyone look up at him, Harry waved at his friends and family and flashed them all a smile.
"Thank you all for coming here on such short notice. I'm sure you're all wondering what I would like to talk to you about this evening."
Before he could continue any further, Harry was interrupted by his sister Rose. "We already know, Harry. The reporters told mum and dad that you took your OWLs a few weeks ago."
Harry mock glared at his sister and replied, "While I did plan on telling everyone about that later, Rose, that is not why I called for this meeting."
Professor McGonagall was stunned by the news. Since she and Flitwick had only arrived moments before Harry entered the room, neither one of them had learned of their favorite student's latest adventure.
"My word, Mr. Potter," McGonagall exclaimed. "I thought you invited Professor Flitwick and I here to talk about your becoming an Animagus. I had no idea you had recently taken your OWLs. How did you do?"
No sooner were the words out of the Professor's mouth, that James and Sirius jumped up excitedly. "You're an Animagus/What are you, pup?", they called out simultaneously.
Harry winced at the dangerous look that suddenly appeared in his mother's eyes, and he knew she had every right to be angry with him. Self Transfiguration is a very dangerous form of Magic, and he was well aware that it was deadly for anyone that didn't have a developed Magical core. Since he was technically only eleven years old and just recently gained access to his Magic, he could easily understand the reason behind her anger.
Hoping to prevent his mum from killing him before he could even break the news about his discovery, Harry quickly answered Professor McGonagall.
"Sorry Professor. The Animagus thing was something else I was going to share with my parents after this announcement. And I did well in my tests."
Not willing to let the matter go, Minerva arched an eyebrow at her Lion cub and said, "Would you mind elaborating a little more, Mr. Potter?"
When he realized he wouldn't be able to get to his news until he appeased the Transfiguration teacher, Harry reluctantly pulled out his Ministry results from his ever present Moleskin pouch and made a dozen copies before passing them out to everyone.
As she read through the her son's OWL scores, Lily couldn't help but feel thrilled at his brilliance. The fact that he held the highest scores in three separate subjects, was only superseded by the fact that he had done so without even completing his first year at Hogwarts.
"This is truly remarkable, Mr. Potter," Filius called out excitedly. "I never had any doubts about your intelligence before, but now I believe you have been severely holding yourself back in class. I'm curious if you could do the same in the rest of your subjects."
Still not used to being praised for his work, Harry felt himself blush at the compliment. "Thank you, Professor Flitwick. While I do believe I can easily test out of all the core subjects today, I have no intention of bypassing any further classes. I want to enjoy the time I have with my friends at Hogwarts, and since I want PAL to be successful, I felt that testing out of Runes, Potions, DADA and an elective would give me the time that I would need to help my fellow students. The other tests that I took are not really offered by Hogwarts, so they don't really affect my schooling in any way."
As he looked through the rest of Harry's results, Filius was surprised to see the distinction his favorite student received in duelling.
"Not to sound insensitive, Mr. Potter, but I'm curious how you did so well in duelling. If I'm not mistaken, I believe your medical malady wasn't resolved until a few months before you began Hogwarts. Where did you receive your training?"
The moment he took his test for duelling, Harry knew someone would ask him this question, and so he already had an answer ready. "I've never really had any formal training, Professor. I'm self taught."
When he saw the tiny Charms teacher stare at him intently, Harry continued with the rest of his made up story. "As you all know, I thought I was a squib for the longest time. Despite that, I still did everything in my power to try to learn Magic. At night I would sneak into the Potter duelling room and practice with the dummies my father had placed there. Since I didn't have any Magic to fight back with, I used the time to learn how to dodge incoming spells. As a duelling Master yourself, I trust you can see how beneficial such a skill would be?"
Once the half Goblin nodded his head in agreement, Harry finished the rest of his fabricated tale. "I know most of you are now aware of my prolific memory. During my time reading through the books in Potter library, I already knew the incantation and wand movements for several higher level spells. Once I reached Hogwarts it took me a few weeks to practice all of the spells that I had memorized, but after I was able to complete them properly, I saw no reason not to take the duelling test. Though I admit, I am surprised at the distinction I received in the subject."
Harry waited a moment to see if anyone had anything else to ask, and when no one spoke up, he decided it was time for the big reveal.
"The reason I called you all here today, was in a large part because of Uncle Moony."
Remus was surprised by to learn the meeting was about him, and blushed when he felt everyone begin to look in his direction. "What do I have to do with anything, cub?," he hesitantly asked his pseudo nephew.
Harry walked up to the rocking chair Remus was sitting in, and took a knee in front of the nervous man.
"You are without a doubt one of the smartest Wizards in Magical Britain, Uncle Moony, and it's a shame that your furry little problem has prevented you from achieving the success that you so rightly deserve. Even though I kept my distance from you growing up, I never once stopped admiring your resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the bigotry and unfairness you were constantly subjected to, you never once let them break your spirit. I know you don't realize it, but when I thought I was nothing more than a squib, you were my inspiration to keep moving forward."
Harry then pulled out the file he received from Ripclaw, and handed it to his adoptive Uncle. "Happy Christmas, Moony."
Remus was touched by his cub's words, and it took all his self control to not cry at the touching moment. When he saw Harry offer him a file, he was confused by the gift, but still accepted it graciously.
As he began to flip through his gift, Remus read through the contents, and he felt his heart beat faster with every word.
"Is this a joke, cub?", Remus growled. "Because it really is a bad one."
Harry stared into his Uncle's sky blue eyes and replied, "I would never joke about something this important, Uncle Moony. I swear to you it's true. If you want, I'm more than ready to take an unbreakable vow to prove to you it's not a prank."
The moment the words registered in his mind, Remus dropped the file in his hands, and embraced Harry tightly. No longer able to restrain his overwhelming emotions, the Werewolf ignored the tears that were falling down his face, and thanked the boy in his arms for making his dream become a reality.
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Harry. You don't know how much this means to me."
The rest of the group stared at the pair in astonishment. Finally unable to contain their curiosity any longer, James and Sirius got up and rushed over to the fallen file. As soon as they read through it's contents, they stared at each other in surprise, and then simultaneously joined in the heartfelt embrace Remus and Harry were in.
Amelia Bones sat patiently through the entire spectacle. The numerous revelations about Harry Potter had certainly been a surprise for her hear, but none of them actually required her presence. As the head of the DMLE her free time was incredibly precious to her, and she found herself wondering why she was even asked to be here.
"I'm sorry to interrupt this heartfelt moment, Mr. Potter, but I'm curious as to why I was asked to be here. Whatever you and Mr. Lupin are involved with, it obviously seems to be a family matter, and one that does not require my presence."
Before Harry could respond to Amelia, his father beat him to the punch. "My son cured Lycanthropy, Amelia, and the file shows the results of the six test subjects that already took his potion."
The entire room was suddenly filled with people asking questions or just celebrating the good news. Harry let everyone have a moment to rejoice, before he raised his hand and calmed everyone down.
"I'm sorry for all the mystery, Madam Bones, but the surprise was for Moony. I'm ready to answer any questions that any of you may have."
"How is this possible, Mr. Potter?," Amelia asked.
Harry took a moment to gather his thoughts, and then began to answer the question everyone was waiting to hear. "As you all know, Lycanthropy is a condition where the infliction is passed via a Werewolf bite. For centuries people have tried to "kill" or remove the virus, but all of them failed to do so. In my attempts to find a cure, I too fell into the same problem. The virus that causes Lycanthropy simply can't be killed. It was at this time that I decided to try an alternate approach. According to my understanding, Werewolves are really a bastardized version of Animagi that are forced to shift during a full moon. Wolfsbane actually manages to subdue a person's inner wolf and allow them to stay in control during their transformation. With me so far?"
When Amelia nodded her head in agreement, Harry continued with his explanation. "Since I was unable to kill the virus, I thought about trying to alter its function. By combining Wolfsbane, the Animagus revealing potion, and a mixture of my own creation, I was able to change the virus and force the subjects to turn from Werewolves into wolf Animagi."
The past four months, Gringotts has been running a trial of the potion with six test subjects that volunteered to take the cure. After ingesting one vial every day for the week leading up to a full moon, the subjects shifted from a Werewolf into an Animagus form. Since that initial shift, they no longer have a positive reaction to the Werewolf Identification Charm and for the past three months, none of them have shifted into their Werewolf form again."
"Like any other Animagi the subjects can turn into their wolf forms on demand, but that's it. None of the wolf forms have any of advanced healing associated with Werewolves, or even an allergic reaction to silver. Their new forms are in no way different from a regular wolf. The Goblins were quite thorough with their testing, and I have been assured that none of the test subject's wolf forms carry the virus. For all intensive purposes, it's as if they never had Lycanthropy to begin with."
Amelia was absolutely stunned by the revelation. If the young man in front of her was to be believed, his discovery would change the Magical world instantly. "If what you say is true, Mr. Potter, than you have single handedly changed our world for the better. Though I'm still curious as to why you wanted to share this discovery with me."
Harry smiled at the redhead and replied, "Because unlike the majority of the members in the Ministry, you are not a bigot, Madam Bones. Unfortunately all six of the test subjects were not registered under the Werewolf registration Act, and it would be easy for someone to claim that they were never Werewolves to begin with. Since I'm worried the Ministry would try to prevent me from continuing my work if they learned about my potion, I was wondering if you would be willing to contact some of the registered Werewolves on my behalf. If my cure continues to hold true with them, when I make my case to the ICW this summer, I can show them proof that the potion does work. Once the ICW is forced to accept the cure, I plan on Marauder's Inc. providing the potion free of charge to any Werewolf that wants to take it."
Amelia could see how quickly people like Umbridge would try prevent this cure from coming out, and was once again impressed with the young man's thinking. "Sadly you are correct in your assumption, Mr. Potter. Many people would try to prevent your cure from becoming a reality. If you will grant me permission to speak with the Goblins and the test subjects, once my concerns have been addressed, I would be more than happy to speak to our registered Werewolves on your behalf."
Harry bowed his head slightly and said, "Your stipulation is readily accepted, Madam Bones. I'll inform my Account Manager to provide you with any details you require and give you the contact information on all six of the test subjects in our trials."
As soon as her conditions were met, Amelia no longer saw any further reason to stay at the Manor. She quickly rose from her chair and extended her hand out to the brilliant young man in front of her. "Thank you for inviting me to this momentous occasion, Mr. Potter. It's obvious you are someone that will cause shockwaves throughout our little community, and I for one look forward to what you come up with next. I'll be sure to contact you within the next couple days."
After Harry shook hands with the older woman, he watched as Amelia and Moody made their way towards the fireplace in the hallway. Suddenly he remembered something else his departing guests could help him with, and while everyone was busy talking to Remus, he quickly made his way to the departing pair.
Just before they could reach the fireplace, Harry caught up with the duo and called out, "One second, Madam Bones. I had one more thing that just came to my mind."
Amelia turned around at the sound of Harry's voice. "What else can I help you with, Mr. Potter?"
"Actually, this time I was hoping Auror Moody could help me."
After everything Moody had learned about the kid today, he was definitely curious as to what the boy wanted with him. "Sure thing, kid. What can I do for you?"
Harry pulled out the only completed copy of the book he wrote and handed it to the senior Auror. Despite his experience in his old world, no one in this world knew of his abilities. If he wanted his book to become the new standard for DADA classes, Harry knew he would need the backing of an experienced Auror. And there was no one in the world better than Moody in helping him achieve just that.
"What the hell is this, kid?"
"It's a book I wrote for DADA. Recently some students were less than thrilled by our current instructor in the subject, and since I'm quite good in defense many of my peers have asked me to help them through the class. I'm hoping you will read through it and tell me if you find anything that I might have written down wrong. While I'm more than capable of combining the knowledge I retained from the several books I read on DADA, I lack the experience to properly portray the combat tactics I have put in there. I'm hoping you could point out any errors that I may have made. Naturally I would gladly compensate you for your time and experience."
Alastor quickly glanced through the book, and he was immediately surprised on how through it was. "How much?"
"As long as you're brutally honest, I'd be willing to pay you 250 galleons for you time. Since I know all senior Aurors get Christmas holidays off, I would like to get the book back at your earliest convenience. Hopefully before the end of break, since I want to use the book to help teach the students that asked for my help."
Moody's good eye widened at the amount being offered, and since he would have the time to do it, he saw no reason to not accept the job. "You got yourself a deal, kid. But don't come bitching to me if you don't like what I have to say."
Harry grinned and nodded head. "As long as you can explain why you think something is wrong, I'm ready for any criticism you can throw my way, Moody."
Once Amelia and Moody flooed back to her office, Harry quickly returned to the living room. As soon as he walked in, he grinned at the sight of everyone celebrating his discovery. Apparently the house elves had brought out food and drinks for everyone, and it looked like the gathering had turned into a party.
Before he could even think to join them, he saw his godfather standing next to Professor McGonagall and his parents, beckoning him to join them.
"What can I do for you Uncle Padfoot?," Harry asked his godfather.
"Well, pup. Now that you have revealed you great discovery to everyone, how about you show us your Animagus form. Minnie here says you're a black cat, and I for one would love to see it. I haven't had a chance to run around for awhile now, and Minnie refuses to indulge my inner dog. So what do you say, pup, want to play some tag with you dogfather? I promise to go easy on you."
When he looked over at his Transfiguration professor, Harry could see her fighting against the smile on her lips. Deciding to play along with her little prank, Harry replied, "Sure thing, Padfoot. I'll play tag with you."
Harry waited until he saw Sirius turn into his large grim-like form, and then eagerly shifted into Altor. The moment he saw Sirius' eyes widen at the sight of his massive black Bengal tiger form, Harry began to chase his terrified godfather all around the room.
Minerva grinned at the sight in front of her, proud of the prank she pulled off on one of the Marauders. When she turned back to James and Lily and saw their dumbstruck expressions, she couldn't ask for a better beginning to the holidays. After the years of the pranks she had to deal with from the pair, it was good to get one back at them.
As soon as the robed man apparated in front of the building, he was immediately surrounded by a dozen men with wands pointed in his direction. Rather than feel threatened, he flashed his dark aura and waited for his soldiers to recognize him.
Suddenly all of the men went down on one knee and slammed their fists to their chest.
"We are yours to command, my Lord," they all called out in unison.
The robed man approached one of the men and gently placed his hand on top of the man's blonde head. "Rise my soldiers. You have all done well, and now you may return to your duties."
Once all the other men had gone back to their jobs, the lone soldier that was left, got up and hugged the robed man. "It is good to see you again, my Lord. We have not seen you in many months."
"My apologies, Ivan, but my duties prevented me from coming any sooner. How is the prisoner?"
"He is alive, my Lord. As per your orders, we keep him to a loaf of bread, water and nutrient potions twice week. He is quite weak, but in no danger of dying anytime soon."
"Good. You and the Elite have done well in your assignment, Ivan. Know that I am pleased with all of you. Now, please open the prison door quickly. I have little time to spend here today, and I have to still meet our guest."
The two men made their way inside of the the building, and after going through four levels of deadly wards, they finally arrived at a steel door. Once Ivan opened the lock, the robed man motioned him away and entered into the tiny room.
Inside there was an old man chained to the wall like a common animal. His clothes were torn and full of grime. The holes were big enough to show signs of the obvious malnutrition and torture the man had been forced to endure.
Despite all of this, the old man's piercing blue eyes held power the likes of which few would ever see. If not for the runes carefully placed all across the floor preventing the prisoner from using his Magic, the robed man had no doubt his prisoner would be able to escape from his prison, even in his weakened state.
Walking over to the kneeling form of the prisoner, the robed man knelt down beside the old man, removed the covering from his face and said, "Hello, Albus. It's been awhile."
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, once proclaimed as the leader of the Light and the Defeater of the Dark Lord Grindelwald lay beaten and broken inside of his prison cell. For over forty years he spent locked away from the world, and even still he refused to forsake the Light.
Despite everything he had been forced to endure over the last few decades, he truly believed one day the Light would prevail. Until that day happened, he would not give up. He would not die. He would not allow his spirit to be broken.
When he heard someone call his name, Albus looked up and saw a healthy version of his own face smiling down at him.
"Hello, Gellert. I can't say it's good to see you. Have you come for more of my hair old friend?"
"I have, Albus. I hope you don't mind, but I'm no where near finished pretending to be you. The guards told me you haven't tried to escape for an entire month now. Keep this up old friend, and maybe we can do something to improve your diet. How about a nice steak for dinner?"
Albus was used to such banter. Ever since he was betrayed by the prison guards and replaced with Gellert in the Nurmengard prison, he had played this game with his old friend. For forty three years he had been kept as a prisoner.
At first he thought Gellert would be noticed masquerading around as him, but sadly the Magical world tossed aside any changes in their personalities as nothing more than oddities commonly seen in powerful Wizards.
Even the constant need for the Polyjuice potion was subverted through the use of the Lemon drops he so enjoyed in his youth. Who would suspect that his favorite candy was actually injected with the potion before hand.
"A steak does sound nice, Gellert," Albus replied, knowing that he would never see his request become a reality. "I would appreciate it if you had it cooked well. I'm not sure my body could handle a rare steak right now."
Gellert's eyes widened in surprise at the response, and he once again couldn't help but marvel at his old friend's indomitable will. "Why do you still fight, Albus? Join me. Give me an oath of your allegiance, and I'll have you moved out this hell immediately."
Albus grinned at the offer and slowly shook his head. "I will never join you, Gellert. Your path will lead to nothing but pain and destruction. In the end you will be defeated by the Light. and I will be there to see it."
Gellert hissed in annoyance, and casually struck Dumbledore across the face with a back hand. "You old fool. Even after all these years you go on and on about the Light. What has the Light ever done for you? You may have defeated me, Albus, but it's been you that has spent the past forty three years in suffering. Not me. Not one of your so called friends has ever discovered who I really am. It's time for you to realize there is no Light and Dark, Albus. There is only power, and those with the will to use it."
"You are just as old as I am, Gellert, and one day you will realize who the fool really is. For eons the dark has risen to rule the world, and every time the Light has turned it away."
"Perhaps you are right, Albus. Maybe the world can't be won by a Dark Lord. But that's not who I am anymore. Is it? To the masses I am you. The Greatest Light Lord since Merlin himself. Now that I have the Philosopher's Stone in my possession, once I take care of that puffed up half-blood, Riddle, I can begin to shape the world as I want it to be."
Albus barely managed to hide his shock at the news. Nicholas and Perennial had once been his mentors, and he knew how carefully they guarded the secrets behind the Stone. In the seven hundred years they had been alive, he knew for a fact they never once shared the secret behind, or the gift to the immortality that was in their possession.
"What have you done, Gellert?"
Grindelwald grinned at the righteous fury he could see in his old friend's eyes, and he couldn't wait to share his news about the Stone.
"What have I done? Oh nothing really. I just killed your precious mentors and stole everything they had. Why so angry, Albus?"
"They were good people, Gellert. You didn't have to kill them."
Grindelwald laughed when he heard Albus defend the Flamels. "Allow me to tell you how naive you have been in your life...old friend. The mentors you considered your family, the friends you considered to be the pinnacle of the Light, were nothing more than murderers. The Stone that granted them their immortality and great wealth, can only exist through the sacrifice of virgin blood. Trust me. I've ran dozens of tests on the Stone in my possession, and I can prove my words are true. In their quest to live forever your precious friends killed far more people than I ever have."
Albus was stunned by the news. From the years he'd spent with Gellert in the past, Albus knew his former lover was telling the truth. He couldn't believe the people he respected above all others, had committed such atrocities. It sickened him that he'd been fooled by their honeyed words.
Gellert felt his heart skip a beat at the pain that flashed across Albus' eyes. He knew how deeply his old friend cared about the Flamels, and he was sure that sharing the truth behind their immortality would be enough to break the last of Albus' faith in the Light. So far it seemed his plan was working.
Once his former lover was finally broken, Gellert would have Albus swear his allegiance to him. With the Philosopher's Stone now in his possession, he planned on ruling the world for a very long time. And he couldn't think of any one else to share his immortality with, than the only man he'd ever loved in his life.
"I will leave you to your thoughts now, Albus. But know this...the time for your final decision is soon approaching. Once I have finally dealt with Voldemort, I will begin my plans to take what is mine. On that day, I hope you will stand by my side once again. We can rule this world together."
As he made his way out of the prison cell, Gellert took solace in the fact that his offer wasn't immediately rejected. Soon he would have everything he worked hard for, and he would crush anything or anyone that got in his way. Albus and the world would be his.