A/N: I wished I owned Harry Potter. Alas, I do not. Ms. Rowling, I'd be happy to take it off your hands.
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Chapter 15: Pure of Blood
October, 1994
"So what's this I hear about an illicit tryst with Daphne?" Neville said as he and Harry headed to the classroom where Daphne and him had been meeting every Friday since the first week of school. Hermione had gone to the second meeting and then said she had better things to do. Occasionally Neville stopped by, and had decided to come today.
"Nothing to talk about," Harry shot back. "Just stupid rumors."
"Whatever you say," Neville said. "Loverboy," he added with a chuckle after a few moments.
"Ugh" Harry grunted in frustration, which just caused Neville to laugh. "Have I mentioned how annoying you are recently?"
"No, Lord Potter," Neville said with a half-bow. "I bow to your wisdom." Harry gave Neville a half shove, and soon they were both laughing as they entered the classroom Harry had been coming to the past month every Friday evening.
"What's so funny?" Daphne asked as Neville and Harry plopped down in seats across from her.
"Nothing, Lovergirl," Neville said, and Harry punched him again. "Sorry. I'll keep my very obvious observations to myself."
"Thank you," Daphne said with a grimace. "I wasn't myself yesterday."
"So then when you were yourself today, did you kiss him in runes?"
"Neville!" Harry said, tackling his year mate.
"I yield!" Neville said, and Harry got off him.
"You are worse than Fred and George," Harry told Neville. "Can you relax for like 1 hour?"
Neville nodded, but his smile remained on his face. Neville smiled a lot more now, but that was one of just a few changes that Neville had undergone during month since Neville had taken the role of "best mate." Harry was not so conceited to believe that he was the primary reason for Neville's change, but it would be foolish to consider the two events entirely unrelated.
Neville had, for lack of a better word, a confidence that could only be described as swagger. It only flashed through for short moments, and most of the time the future Lord Longbottom was reticent and shy, but occasionally, when he was around people he was comfortable with Neville could tease and quip with the best of them.
It was a welcome change in many ways. Neville was no closer to standing up to Snape, but he might speak unprompted in a variety of classes. A few approving nods from the professors in question solidified Harry's belief that Neville was changing in a way that others noticed as well. Now that Ron was almost entirely gone, Neville had taken a crucial role in their group. Dean was the jokester, Lavender the gossip, Hermione the queen of focus, Harry the key teacher of practical work, and Neville the glue that held the group together that balanced all the forces. Granted, whenever Susan and Hannah joined them, which was more often than not, Neville instantly reverted to his shyer self.
Harry had some beliefs about Neville's struggles to show his new self around the two Hufflepuffs girl, and had been thinking about how to address the problem. He figured that the solution would be to put Neville in a situation where his new confidence would shine through. To his surprise, earlier that week Lavender had taken Harry aside as he was approaching Neville.
"Leave it alone, Harry," Lavender had ordered him. "Neville is still the same for a very clear reason."
"I don't know what you mean," Harry lied. Lavender fixed him with a steely stare. "Fine." Harry admitted. "Would it be the worst thing in the world if Neville could be confident and braver with people who are not in our house?"
"Not at all," Lavender told him, "but he is a very important position, and even with all your good intentions if you rush in without thinking it through, you will ruin it for him." Lavender consistently surprised him with astute observations, and Harry once again was forced to recalculate his assessment of the bubbly girl, as he had been doing all year.
"Ok," Harry had agreed, and the odd dynamic had continued through that week. Dean and Lavender had knowing smiles the entire time, and Hermione was so focused on studying that she didn't pick up on it. Neville and Hannah were both oblivious, but it would have been no fun if they knew. What surprised Harry was that Susan had no interest in bothering the situation either, until Lavender had told Harry that the same day she spoke to Harry she had spoken to Susan, telling her to leave it alone as well.
"Are you two done joking now?" Daphne snapped, bringing Harry back to the present.
"Sorry Daphne," Neville apologized, and Harry echoed the sentiment. "If you don't mind, I guess I'll start today."
"With what?" Daphne asked. Almost always, she started their little chats. For Neville to interrupt the established rhythm must have meant he had something important.
"With info on Harry's magical guardian, or potential options for a future guardian" Neville said, which instantly shut Harry and Daphne up. Over all their talks, it had been determined that the information of who Harry's magical guardian, getting in touch with them and making sure they were a good guardian was deemed of paramount importance. Neville's grandmother had taken to the task, and while Daphne had been a little less forthcoming discussing who she had looking into it, she had reassured Harry that if there was information her source would dig it out even if it took time.
"I'll start with the bad news," Neville said. "The bad news was that my gran found that all records around Harry's parents, magical lineage, godparents and magical guardian were sealed by the Wizengamot. It's a mess trying to get through something like that without any legitimate legal clout. If my gran tried to convene a meeting to get that unsealed, it would be a nightmare. It would become common knowledge that Harry didn't know anything about the magical world, and that would be a devastating blow to your reputation."
"However, there were other things she could do," Neville continued. "My gran is technically, through a whole set of convoluted set of laws Harry's temporary current godmother. Harry you may not understand how important to role of a godmother is in the magical world, but if your current magical guardian cannot show a convincing reason for you to stay at the Dursleys she can petition the head of the Wizengamot for custody of you in a private session."
"That's great!" Harry said, knowing that Neville was happy with the excitement he was showing from his friends matching smile.
"Still on the bad news," Neville said, his smile fading. "She did exactly that, and in the process learned who your magical guardian is. Apparently, in your parent's will, upon their death you were supposed to go live with Sirius Black. Obviously that would never happen, but because of that request, other options in the will were thrown out such as living with me and Gram or even living with your father's dad Charles. He passed away when you were a kid."
"So I'm stuck with the Dursley's?" Harry asked, trying to keep the despair from his voice. Remus had explained at the end of the year that it would come out that he had spent the year away from the Dursleys and that Dumbledore had a reason for Harry to remain there. If there was another threat to Harry this year, he would return there this summer and Remus would not be able to smuggle Harry away again.
"Now time for the good, and frankly bizarre news," Neville said. "Daphne, do you want to explain what you need to keep pureblood status? You might also be better at explaining the Potter line."
"Harry, the Potter line is one of the longest lines in Wizarding Europe. My research showed that the only reason you were not one of the sacred 28 is because your side of the Potter line didn't live in Britain until around 200 years ago. You are connected to a family called Peverell that has been in Britain for ever, but only distantly. But for you to be deemed Lord Potter, you need to be Pureblood."
"Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to have a line of all Wizard parents to be a pureblood and keep any status your family has had for a long time," Daphne explained. "Anyone can keep their status as long as your parents have at least one magical parent. Your dad would clearly keep his title since both his parents were magical. Then since your mom had a wizard parent, you would retain the rights of the Potter line."
"But my mom is muggle born!" Harry exclaimed.
"No, she isn't," Daphne said. "Harry I'm so sorry but I didn't want to get your hopes up until we knew who. I told Neville two weeks ago that your mom was given up for adoption the day she was born. Your mother might have known because that record was sealed, and since your parent's will was sealed due to their request to have you live with a mass murderer there is no way of knowing if your mom knew who her birth parents were." Harry frowned at the description of Sirius. "I know, thank god you didn't have to live with that monster Black."
"About that…" Harry said, his voice tense. "Never mind," Harry said, changing his mind. There was enough going on to not have to get into the truth about his godfather.
"Since Neville said he had good news, I assume his grandmother managed to find out who your grandmother and grandfather are."
'She did, with a lot of favors, bribery and even a few well-placed threats. She couldn't unseal the will or the wizarding lineage, but she has a copy. Daphne it makes sense for you to know. But Gran had a few conditions for you, Harry, and Daphne I want you to accept them too."
"Of course," Harry said, and Daphne followed with a similar agreement.
"1: You cannot tell your grandmother who told you. 2: You cannot openly name her as your grandmother, not now. Your mother was born out of wedlock, and in some messy circumstances. Your grandfather was a muggle, and was married when he impregnated your grandmother."
"But you said my mom was born out of wedlock," Harry started, and then his eyes widened.
"Exactly. Apparently, they had only been on a few dates and were madly in love but when your grandmother told him, expecting him to be happy and ask to marry her she was met with rejection. The muggle man married someone else. She wanted to raise your mother on her own, but her parents convinced her to give the child up and never look up who the child was. Of course, these are only the rumors Gram could dig up. The facts are limited."
"The third condition is just for you, Harry." Neville said, a smirk on his face. "If I tell you who your grandmother is, you have to tell her and go hug her as fast as humanly possible. Don't take no for an answer."
"Of course," Harry agreed. "But I assume I would need to wait until Christmas break to do that."
"You agree to all the conditions?" Neville asked.
"Of course. One problem," Harry said, realizing something. "If my grandmother doesn't know she was the mother of my mom, why would she believe me?"
"Trust me," Neville said. "You won't need to wait until summer, and your grandmother is an exceptionally smart witch. She will put it together. The hat was on her head for a really long time, and people are still surprised that she was put in Gryffindor and not Ravenclaw." Harry gave Neville a puzzled look, and then heard a small shriek from Daphne.
"Neville, you can't be serious!" Daphne was almost frantic. "There is no way!"
"It's in Harry's official magical family tree."
"Can one of you please stop dancing around the subject and tell me?" Harry knew he was radiating anger and frustration, but Daphne and Neville seemed unbothered. Daphne's surprise was turning to happiness, and Neville was figuratively hoping from foot to foot in anticipation.
"I think Daphne figured it out, so I'll let her take a guess."
"Harry," Daphne said, a huge smile on her face, "the only reason you wouldn't need to wait until summer, I think, is because they are a professor here. There is only one professor here who was a Gryffindor and her husband passed away before they had children. Once I knew all that, it was easy. Harry, your grandmother, the woman who can claim possession of you, become your magical guardian, and rescue you from the Dursleys in one fell swoop is none other than Professor McGonagall."
Harry laughed a little, 100% convinced that Daphne was pulling his leg. Neville said nothing to correct her, and Harry turned to Neville and saw him nodding in agreement, and Harry felt clouded with doubt, and for the first time since meeting Sirius in the Shrieking Shack, Harry was totally and completely blindsided. He sunk to the floor in literal shock, and out of the corner of his eye he saw Neville and Daphne share a concerned glance.
"Harry, I thought you would be happy-" Neville started.
"You are serious?" Harry said, cutting Neville off.
"Absolutely," Neville said.
"Well then," Harry said, rising to his feet favoring both Neville and Daphne with a huge and genuine smile filled with complete glee, one he had given very few times in his life, "I guess we will have to call this session short. Neville, Daphne, I can't thank you guys enough for giving me my family back." Harry walked briskly to the door of the classroom.
"Where are you going, Harry?" Daphne asked.
"I promised to go hug my grandmother," Harry called over his shoulder, and then with a burst of speed started to race down the corridor towards the assistant headmaster's office. As he neared the office, he slowed, and then raced past it. He couldn't do this alone. It was hard enough for him to believe it himself. It took a few minutes, and then he was in front of Akira's door knocking frantically.
"Harry, you look insane," Akira said, issuing Harry into his room. Akira's room was fairly big, and there was a door leading to the washroom and another to the bed room. In the front room there were 4 2nd years Harry didn't know, all brewing portions. "What's up?"
"I need you to come with me," Harry whispered, "as my brother. Neville found out who my mom's wizarding parent was. Apparently, Sirius figured it out too, before he had to flee. I assume that he passed it on to someone who presented all the info to Fudge and Fudge had to recognize my position. The news filtered to a decent chunk of the wizarding world but not a lot of the students since it was a political announcement and not in the paper."
"Woah," Akira said, his mouth open. "Can it wait 5 minutes? I am almost done with helping these four."
"Ok," Harry said, and sat on Akira's couch, almost shaking in excitement. He didn't notice anything until Harry felt a touch on his shoulder.
"This must be big news," Akira said as he threw on his robe. "I've been calling your name for a minute." Harry nodded, almost incapable of speech. "I have to say, when I asked to be your brother this summer I certainly didn't expect to meet someone who truly shared your blood.
August, 1994
"Harry, a moment?" Hayashi Sensei asked as the muggle students were heading out the door on their way home. Normally he would be heading to technique training with Nambung Sa Bum, but he saw the taekwondo master was in the room with his karate master so Harry stepped into the side room, giving a slight bow as he entered.
"Harry, we have been discussing the situation you will be in once Nambung and I return to Asia for the rest of the year. There is concern that without concrete evidence of your ties to us, it might be hard to intervene if the situation in Britain continues to show signs of instability."
"As government officials, we have restrictions on how we can act in other countries," Nambung explained. "As an official in the Foreign Affairs of Korea office, I am limited in many countries outside of Asia in regards to my fighting capacity. Without a special dispensation from my government or the Asian governing body, I cannot use magic."
"While I already have that dispensation from the Asian version of your European International Confederation of Wizards to use magic worldwide, any action I took in England would lead to problems. As you may remember, I recently took the position of Head of Magical Martial Arts instruction in Asia, and that means I represent the combined forces in Asia. If I was to engage in battle, it could be perceived that I was representing my governing body's interest, and that could drag a continent into a war," Hayashi-Sensei explained.
"However, we have no intention of leaving you defenseless," Nambung continued. "There is a way that any student of the Hayashi school can get involved in your protection." Nambung turned to the door and waved Akira in, who sat next to Harry, a tentative smile on his face. "Akira will explain."
"Harry, I really have enjoyed being your roommate for the past 2 months, and I hope you feel as I do that we have grown close." Harry nodded in agreement. "Well, my father and I have discussed this, and he will, if you consent, bind us as brothers in blood."
"Wait, what?" Harry said, instantly confused and a little nervous.
"It's a pretty simple ceremony," Hayashi-Sensei said. "After the ceremony, Akira will be real family to you. I couldn't take you as your son, and neither can Nambung. The best solution is that Akira become your brother. The fact that my son has agreed to this is a very serious statement, Harry. Akira can do whatever he likes in England if it determined to be beneficial to this. You will be expected to lay your lives on the line to protect each other."
"Harry, I would want this no matter what," Akira told Harry. "I care about you, and I don't want you to be hurt. If you are in danger, there is nowhere I'd rather be than at your side."
"Akira!" Harry protested. "I have to be able to protect myself! I can't just rely on you to protect me."
"How about you think about it as backup then?" Harry had to laugh at that.
"You are sure?" Harry asked. Akira nodded and took out a knife. "Uh, what's the knife for?"
"Brothers in blood," Akira said, opening a gash on his arm. "Just a small gash, Harry," Akira said as he handed the knife over. Harry looked at the knife covered in Akira's blood and with no hesitation opened a similar gash on his arm. Akira extended his arm and Harry put his arm out, the two cuts overlapping. Hayashi-Sensei was chanting, and the words reached a climax as the two arms touched.
"I stand as a witness to this ceremony," Nambung said as Harry and Akira both stood, their arms still touching. "Akira Hayashi, is this man someone you recognize as a brother in blood?"
"Yes," Akira said, and Harry felt a small tear drip down his cheek at the open admission of affection, as well as the understanding of what Akira was willing to do for him
"I stand as a witness to this ceremony," Nambung said again. "Harry Potter, is this man someone you recognize as a brother in blood?"
"Absolutely." Harry felt a surge in his magic, and then Hayashi-Sensei pointed his wand at the arms. Harry felt enveloped by something dark and dangerous, and then he felt Akira begin to fight it. Harry threw his magic together with Akira, and after what seemed like an eternity, the darkness receded and both Harry and Akira leaned over exhausted. Harry actually had to sit down he was so tired. After a moment, Akira hauled Harry to his feet and hugged him.
"I stand as a witness to this ceremony," Nambung said. "Witness now Akira Hayashi and Harry Potter are brothers in blood." Akira's arms tightened around Harry as Harry hugged his new brother.
"Harry, thank you," Akira said as they disengaged from the hug. "But I'm afraid we were not entirely honest with you." Harry cocked an eyebrow at the statement. "There is a little more protection from this than just my support."
"Harry, if Akira is your brother, that makes you my nephew," Hayashi-Sensei said, and Harry's eyes widened. "That means that Takashi Hayashi and any students of his school may come to your defense. What's more, as a senior member of the Asian Ministry of Magic, I can grant magical provisions for other members of Asia on foreign continents."
"I might come along occasionally," Nambung said, throwing an arm over Harry's shoulder. Harry teared up and saw a tiny glint of amusement in the eye of his taekwondo instructor, but Nambung Sa Bum instantly quelled the emotion "Now is no time to get emotional. Just because you have a brother and you are exhausted doesn't mean you get out of training."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." And then Nambung proceeded to wipe the floor with him for two hours as if nothing had changed. But for Harry, everything had changed.
"How sure are you?" Akira asked as they stood outside the door of the Deputy Headmistress.
"Well, Neville and Daphne confirmed it, so pretty sure," Harry told his brother. "As sure as you are my brother." Akira put an arm on Harry's shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze.
"You have good friends." Harry felt a surge of warmth for his new friends, who had done everything in their power to find him a guardian and had potentially found him something Harry had desperately wanted. It had started with Akira and his kindness, the strict but fair teaching of Hayashi Sensei, and the reluctant affection with Nambung Sa Bum. Harry would give anything to have a family, and if it was true… "Well, what are you waiting for?"
"I don't know." Harry felt almost paralyzed as he stared at the door.
"Time for some of that famous Gryffindor courage," Akira said mildly. Harry nodded, steeled himself and then knocked on the door. It took a few seconds, but the door opened and Professor McGonagall looked at him over the rim of her glasses.
"Harry?" She then saw Akira standing behind him "Professor Hayashi? What is this about?"
"Professor, would it be ok if we stepped into your office?" Professor McGonagall nodded in response to Harry's request and all three of them stepped into her office. McGonagall stood watching as Akira closed the door behind him. "Professor, you might want to sit down," Harry suggested. McGonagall's eyes narrowed but she sat.
"Harry," Akira said, tapping his shoulder. Harry looked at Akira. "I'll put up some silencing charms to make sure no one hears," Akira said in Japanese.
"Good idea. Thanks," Harry replied in Japanese. Akira took out his wand and cast a few spells.
"All good," Akira said, switching back to English for the benefit of McGonagall.
"Professor, you know that I respect you as an instructor and mentor," Harry started. "But I think we may be closer than that."
"Harry, I can't say I know what you mean."
"Professor, you had a child out of wedlock born in January of 1960, didn't you?" McGonagall stiffened in surprise and Harry felt a glimmer of hope, that the impossibility what Neville had told him and Daphne had confirmed was real."
"How in the world could you know that?"
"Neville Longbottom and Daphne Greengrass know as well." Harry saw McGonagall start to rise from her seat in horror. "Neither of them has any intention of telling. That's actually why I'm here. Because of who that child is, and what became of her. You gave her up for adoption, didn't you?"
"Yes, I did," McGonagall said. She looked terribly haggard and sad at the mention of it. "I always wondered, but my parents sealed the record. "I was 24 and foolishly in love, and I had the girl at 25. I had no husband and I wanted to have a career. My parents and I fought about it, saying there was no way I could have both. So I gave the girl up. It is my greatest regret."
"Well, you actually met that girl when she was a child. With your blood flowing through her, she got a letter at age 11 and came to Hogwarts. She was actually placed in Gryffindor, and you knew her quite well."
"How could you know this?" Professor McGonagall asked, her face growing white, and Harry suspected she already knew how Harry had acquired this information.
"Well, I was looking for who my magical guardian was," Harry explained. "Along the way, Augusta Longbottom came upon a sealed copy of my magical family tree. Since I was able to gain the title of Lord, it was impossible my mom could be muggle-born. That bothered Neville's gran, so she was, with considerable effort, able to get someone at the ministry to unseal it." McGonagall rose, a tear in her eye. "Hello, Grandmother."
"Impossible," Professor McGonagall said, walking around her desk. Akira, still holding his wand, muttered a quiet spell, and there was a light blue aura around her and Harry. "Professor Hayashi, what is this?" McGonagall said, her eyes still on Harry.
"A simple test," Akira explained. "People of the same bloodline have traces of magic that appear in the next generation. You are two generations removed so the trace is faint, but the color confirms it. Harry shares your blood."
"Professor," Harry said, talking a step forward, "it's-" Harry was smashed back as McGonagall threw her arms around him a vicelike hug. She was sobbing, and Harry started crying as well, unbelievably happy.
"My grandson!" McGonagall managed to get out through sobs. "I never dared to think I might one day meet my grandson!" She hugged Harry even tighter. "For my grandson to be someone as noble and brave as you!"
"Grandma!" Harry was ecstatic as they sank to the ground, tears streaming down their face, arms wrapped around each other. "Professor, I-"
"Never call me Professor again," McGonagall told him, her eyes boring into his with intensity. "James called me Minnie, so maybe he knew. Harry, please if you could call me Minnie I would…" She choked back another sob.
"Of course, Grandma Minnie," Harry said, and a huge smile broke out across his Grandma's face. McGonagall hugged Harry again. The hug was tight, but it felt like the best hug Harry had ever received.
"Even if you weren't my grandson! I am so proud of you, for the man you have become. I know it must have taken courage to come and tell me, but thank you, Harry."
"Of course, Grandma Minnie," Harry told her, helping her to her feet.
"Harry, as much as I want to announce this to the entire world, that might create problems," Minnie, as Harry now thought of her, told him. "Don't think for a moment that I am not thrilled to be your grandmother, but this is extremely complicated."
"Neville filled me in," Harry told her. "I have no problem keeping this a secret, although Hermione deserves to know as well. She isn't the best at keeping secrets, but I think she can keep this one. She will be happy for both of us, I think." His grandmother nodded in agreement.
"And Neville and Daphne?"
"Neville I would trust with my life."
"He is a wonderful friend," Minnie told him. "While your division from Mr. Weasley made me sad, I am thrilled that you became such good friends with Neville. His classwork has made a marked improvement this year. What about Ms. Greengrass?"
"She wants something from me. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but she knows how to keep a secret. Daphne is smart, and she knows that she wouldn't be able to prove it and that she would make an enemy out of me and all my friends. I think something is going on in Slytherin that is making her nervous, which is why she is making a concerted effort to find friends outside her house." Harry reached out for Minnie's hand unconsciously seeking out her comfort and Minnie took it, barely noticing. "I wouldn't trust her, but for the moment it is in her best interest to keep this a secret."
"That's good," Grandma Minnie said. "I know you would love to talk to Hermione about this, but I was hoping, given the fact I just learned-"
"I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of the day catching up with you," Harry said. Akira waved his wand, and a chair appeared right next to the chair McGonagall had been sitting in behind her desk when Harry had entered her office. It had felt like a lifetime ago, and in some way it was. Harry's life had changed so irreparably for the better in the last 5 minutes that it was honestly like he was living a new life."
"Professor Hayashi, I have to thank you," Minnie told him. "Without your intervention, I never would have believed it. Now, I can't imagine how I missed it. It is wonderful to know that my daughter turned out to be one of the greatest women I ever had the privilege to know. Besides," she said, guiding Harry to the new chair and sitting down across from him, "you have my eternal gratitude for helping to give me my grandson."
"You are more than welcome," Akira said. "I'll take the silencing charms down, but you might want to put up your own. Like you said, this is big news, and I think we would all agree that the summer might be the best time to make it public." Minnie agreed and laid up her own silencing and privacy charms as soon as Akira took his down. "Harry, I think that since she is family, I can release you from your promises to not tell your teachers about the summer."
"Yes, Harry, I do think you owe me an explanation from this summer," Minnie said, turning and looking at Harry. They sat across from each other and his grandmother took his hands. Harry barely noticed that Akira had left the office, closing the door behind him.
"Where to begin?" Harry wondered aloud. "Well, it all started when I got to King's Cross Station.