Notes: Classes once again start this week so expect late replies (also, wish me luck, because this is gonna be a tough semester). Chapters will still be out every weekend so don't worry. As always, thanks to everyone who's been following this story so far. I really do enjoy waking up and seeing those messages in my inbox. Also, thanks to Crystal for beta-ing the chapters.

…

(T-6)

Chapter 26: The Sound of Thunder

Dinner that night was rather… odd. After Herbology, they accompanied a slightly nervous Neville in search of Zidane, who hadn't reappeared since he left them behind before the start of class. The trio was still somewhat uneasy with the events that had taken place that day. First there was the matter that Zidane was one of the few in their class, along with Harry, who could see the Thestrals. Then there was the flare of accidental magic that occurred when he faced Umbridge.

Harry had never felt anything quite like it. It felt similarly to a Dementor's presence, except that it wasn't cold and it didn't make him relive his fears. It did however unnerve him. In that moment he felt something inside him screaming 'danger!', and 'run away!', his whole body stiffening like a small prey facing a larger predator, while his lungs seemed to struggle for breath as an invisible force in the air pushed against them.

Then, of course, was the little incident after class; the exact reason why Zidane had been absent from Herbology. The blonde had at some point calmed down and the trio had engaged him in some light conversation. Then out of nowhere, Zidane seemed to pause mid-sentence and look off into the distance, his brow furrowed in concentration. Raising their suspicions even further, the blonde had immediately excused himself and left before they could even understand what had just happened.

'Did he hear something?' Harry thought to himself in slight worry.

Ever since his second year, he'd known that hearing voices wasn't a good sign, even in the Wizarding World. It was all because the Chamber of Secrets had been opened by Slytherin's heir and he was suddenly hearing a voice that spoke of spilling blood. In the end, he had turned out to be a Parseltongue who was just hearing Slytherin's Basilisk as it moved through the castle's pipes.

This just reminded him of how it was really a possessed Ginny who did all those things without intending to, and how she had been acting strangely as well. Icy fear seemed to claw at his heart as he thought that maybe Voldemort was somehow possessing Zidane as well. Was he under the Imperius curse like Victor Krum was during the third task last year? Was that why the blonde was hearing things? It did explain his strange and somewhat evasive behavior. Was he actually aware of it? But if he really was being possessed, then how much did Voldemort know? Fear gripped him again as he realized that Voldemort possibly knew about the DA.

'Come off it, you're probably just being paranoid.' Harry thought to himself.

"Hey, have you seen Zidane?" Neville asked the twins.

"Well we haven't seen him for a while now…"

"The last we saw of him, he was walking with Dumbledore and this other strange old bloke." The twins said with a shrug.

"Strange old bloke?" Hermione asked this time.

"Yeah, and this weird little creature. What would you say it looked like Fred?" George asked.

"I dunno George, maybe a flying koala with a pompom on its head?" Fred mused.

"I suppose." George replied. "Oh look, there it is."

The group turned and saw Zidane entering the Great Hall with a small little creature perched on his shoulder. Upon closer look, the creature did resemble a koala, only it had pale cream colored fur, pointy cat-like ears, a collar of fur around its neck, small purple bat wings, and what looked like a golden pompom hanging from a strange antenna on its head.

"Zidane!" Neville called from where he sat with Luna in front of the trio, and scooted over to give his friend some space to sit. "What happened?"

"Oh that." Zidane said sheepishly. "Well my great granduncle came over to deal with some problems with my paperwork. He's with Dumbledore at the moment."

Harry felt a pang of anger when he thought about Dumbledore. All this time the man hadn't said anything to him, almost as if he were purposely avoiding him. Was he too busy dealing with the Ministry of Magic or was it really something else entirely?

"Zidane, what is that on your shoulder?" Hermione asked curiously as she looked at the creature.

"Oh," The teen said, as if just realizing the creature was there. "this is Mog, or Madeen…which do you prefer to be called?"

The group was surprised to see Zidane actually asking the creature, but they were even more surprised when the creature actually seemed to answer. "Kupo."

"Mog then?" Zidane asked, and when the creature nodded, much to their amazement, Zidane continued. "Mog is, well you could say she is kind of like a familiar, only closer. She is my friend's familiar and she came over to visit."

"That's amazing, but what exactly is Mog?" Hermione asked in curiosity.

"Well you probably haven't heard of them, but they are called Moogles where I'm from. They can't be found any other place so most books don't even mention them." Zidane said with a shrug as he began to pile food into his plate.

"So they are like the Crumple-Horned Snorkacks." Luna said dreamily from where she sat. "How fascinating."

Hermione looked like she was about to retort by saying that those creatures did not exist, but quickly held back when she looked at the 'moogle' that wasn't supposed to exist either.

The rest of dinner went without a hitch. Neville was nervous about their punishment from Umbridge, but the blonde seemed to calm him down, stating that he already settled things with Dumbledore. Harry admittedly felt a pang of jealousy, since he had yet to talk to the wizened wizard about any of the things that were currently eating away at him. He knew Zidane didn't deserve any of his anger. He knew that it was irrational to feel anger towards the blonde, childish even, but he had so many questions. Questions only Dumbledore could give a definite answer to, if he would only stop ignoring him. He felt like a caged bird. Maybe the bird had been put away for its own protection, but it didn't matter because, either way, it had been put away in a cage away from the rest of the world.

"Listen, I think I'll head back. I still have to finish that essay." Harry lied as he finished his meal and got up. Giving the staff table a quick look, he realized that Dumbledore wasn't there today. 'He must still be talking to Zidane's great granduncle.'

"Alright, we'll see you there then." Hermione said, and Harry nodded.

Leaving through the large doors, Harry began to wander aimlessly through the corridors. He didn't actually have any homework that required his attention, he just needed a moment to be alone and think. With this thought in mind, he headed up the stairs and to the only place he was sure would be empty at this hour; the Astronomy Tower.

After reaching the top of the tower, Harry wrapped his uniform closer to himself and put his hands in his pockets for warmth. The night was chilly, with a biting cold wind that would occasionally blow through the canopy of trees, creating ripples on its surface that differed from those on the lake's surface only by the howling sounds it make. Puffs of his own breath danced about from the cold, a sign of colder days to come, yet the night was surprisingly clear, with stars twinkling up in the already-dark sky, brought out earlier than usual because of the arrival of Father Winter. The snow still blanketing the grounds almost seemed to glow serenely under the moonlight, contrasting the black waters of the lake, whose reflected moonlight seemed to twinkle like the sky above.

'This is home.' Harry thought to himself, though for some reason this statement rang like a lie.

Hogwarts didn't feel much like much of a home anymore, not with Dumbledore ignoring him, not with his Quidditch ban, and definitely not with Umbridge here. It was as if suddenly the entire world had turned its back on him. He knew that his current attitude could be partially attributed to lack of sleep because of his countless nightmares, but at the moment he just couldn't bring himself to care.

The only thing that really had him going was the DA. The DA had become his lifeline in these hellish times. It brought him so much satisfaction to know that they were rebelling against Umbridge. But in reality it was so much more than that. There, they all had good times together. They all learned together. They laughed together too. They had become so close during these past few weeks, and Harry could quite honestly say that he was proud.

"It is a beautiful night isn't it?" A voice said and Harry found himself jolted abruptly out of his thoughts, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. He had not heard the newcomer, and just like a child who had been caught sneaking biscuits from a tin, he felt cold dread slowly fill him. After all, he knew that he wasn't supposed to be here.

Turning to face the voice's owner, he came across a man with a long white beard, and his mind quickly shouted 'Dumbledore'. But upon a closer inspection, he realized that it was another man entirely. It was silly to make such a mistake, especially since this man's clothes were not nearly as colorful or flamboyant as the Headmaster's. Instead, the man just wore simple loose green slacks with a shirt underneath a thick travelling cloak. What caught his attention the most though, was the ornate wooden staff the man carried and the fact that he had never seen him before in his life.

"I-I'm sorry, I'll just leave." Harry said quickly and turned to leave before he got into trouble for being there in the first place, but before he could make his move, he was stopped by the old man.

"Nonsense, it's a beautiful night, and besides, I was the one intruding." The man said as he invited Harry to occupy the spot besides him. Harry joined the man, albeit a bit reluctantly. "Not to mention, I shouldn't be here either, but I do find that looking at the stars has a rather soothing effect. It's especially helpful on those who are troubled, Mr. Potter."

"How did-?" Harry began, but then realized that he was already quite famous, and he was not all that difficult to recognize. In response, the old man pointed at his own forehead while smiling. 'My scar.'

"I must say that I am quite fond of lightning, myself. I oftentimes prefer it over watching the stars." The man said.

"Excuse me, are you by chance Zidane's great granduncle?" Harry asked. The man didn't resemble the blonde at all, but he was the only known guest visiting the castle at the moment, and there was also something about him. He looked old, yes, but there was a certain aura around him, the way he carried himself as well. Not really like the frail old man he appeared to be, but stronger and more dignified. There was power there, too, and an indomitable will that made him think that the man before him could crush anyone in front of him in spite of his appearance.

"Is that what you believe?" The man asked. Harry nodded and saw that there was a look of amusement in his stormy gray eyes, only barely visible behind his long and prominent eyebrows. "Then you are correct, Mr. Potter. I'm Mr. Ramuh Strongbolt, though I must insist that you call me Ramuh."

"Actually, just Harry is fine." The emerald eyed boy said with a small smile, though a part of him couldn't help but think what a strange name 'Ramuh' was. He didn't know if it was his resemblance with Dumbledore or something completely different, but for some reason he almost felt comfortable around this oddly-named man.

"Well then Harry, what trouble ails you? It's not the first time I've seen that look on a person." Ramuh said. Harry leaned on the stone wall next to him, his eyes trailing over the stars above.

Perhaps it was his desire to speak to Dumbledore that made him want to confide in this lookalike, or maybe it was the fact that this stranger was actually willing to listen and provide a completely unbiased opinion that drove Harry to vent out his accumulated frustration.

"I've always thought of Hogwarts as my home, but…I'm not so sure anymore. With everything that's been going on lately, well I don't know. Suddenly it's like I'm alone. I'd like to know what's going on but nobody will tell me. It's like being put away with Umbridge as my warden." Harry spoke out. He had no idea why he was telling all this to the old man, but he supposed that unlike another certain old man, this one was willing to listen to him, and hopefully relieve him of his accumulated tension. Maybe old men were just very easy to talk to. Of course trust was too strong of a word. Harry didn't quite trust this man, but then again, he didn't intend to say anything too sensitive in content. Trust wasn't quite the issue here.

"Well you see, there's the problem." The old man began, drawing his attention. "Your current state of mind is clouded because of everything that has happened. You can only really get a half-clouded picture in this state. That's why you are unable to see anybody else who may be right there besides you."

"Like who? Dumbledore won't talk to me, and everyone else can't contact me because of Umbridge." Harry said a hint of irritation in his voice. It wasn't that he wasn't grateful for this advice, rather a rebellious part of him disliked the idea of being patronized. Stubbornly he didn't want to accept the idea that maybe he was wrong all along.

"How about your friends?" Ramuh asked him, and Harry clenched his jaw shut.

He thought about how they had kept the Order a secret from him during summer, only to later learn it was to keep him safe. He'd been so angry that time and of course, he'd expressed it quite loudly, too. Even so they had stood right by him all those years, despite just how close they'd all been to a violent and untimely death. Morbid as those thoughts may be, they all really had lucked out numerous times in those past years, in fact, it was rather scary how close they'd been to death and all of it because of him. Last year Cedric had ultimately died because of him, and a part of him feared the rest of his friends would follow. Their luck would eventually run out. They may be training in the DA now, but what if they had to face Voldemort once more like they always seemed to end up doing each year? Would their luck hold?

"I just don't want them to get hurt because of me." Harry answered.

"So you don't want them involved. Just like the adults did to keep you safe?" Ramuh asked and Harry became quiet. He'd certainly been seeking solitude a lot more lately, though it wasn't for a reason as noble as wanting to keep them safe, at least not entirely. Considering all that he was going through, their problems just seemed so mundane, and he doubted there was really any way they'd ever understand him, so for the most part he had pushed them away. However, based on his own personal experience with danger, was pushing them away such a bad thing?

"You see, all these conflicts that arise when you are in this state, you could say they are like the lightning in an electrical storm. Lightning will hit indiscriminately. Sometimes it will hit you, sometimes your enemies, and unfortunately, sometimes your friends as well. Sometimes you might even strike at your friends because of whatever circumstances."

"So I really should just leave them alone…" Harry said as he looked down at his feet. "They will be safer that way."

Ramuh only shook his head. "Harry, one cannot simply lead a good life by pushing others away. Yes, they may get hurt in the process, I will not deny that it is a possibility, but because of your friends, you can do things that alone would be impossible to accomplish. They stand by you in your time of strife, and with their help, you may become a stronger and better person. That alone is why I believe that this Dark Lord, Voldemort, everyone is so afraid of, is destined to fail."

Harry looked at the man in surprise. Not many wizards would be willing to say Voldemort's name. "But what if I hurt my friends in a way that can't be undone?"

"Well unfortunately, you never know if that may one day happen. When faced with two choices we never really know which one was the right one at first, all we must do is learn to deal with what comes after. Bad things do happen in life, and like that lightning I was talking about earlier, you never know when it may strike, but you see, that is also one of life's beauties. It is so unpredictable. Yesterday's enemy might become your friend today, a small child may defeat a powerful Dark Lord." Ramuh said, giving him a meaningful look through his stormy gray eyes. "Bad things may happen, but at the same time, good things may happen as well. Most people are so focused on the bad, that they ignore all the good around them. You see, that's all a part of life. If life were so predictable, then what would be the point of living?"

Harry thought about it, and though he didn't quite want to accept those words, he couldn't disagree with them, either. Had his parents not died for him, Voldemort would have never been stopped, and even if the man had never existed, they was always the chance that he would have never met his best friends, and found a family with the Weasleys, or rescued Sirius from the Dementors. He would have never started the DA, either.

"I think I understand." Harry said, and the old man seemed to gently smile at him.

"Your journey from here may not be easy, but if you keep your will alive and always remember the reason you fight, then nobody will ever be able to break you." Ramuh said. "You will be as unstoppable and unyielding as a storm."

"My reason for fighting?" Harry muttered in confusion. It sounded like such a heroic thing, like something that a knight in shining armour would have. He wasn't nearly as noble or heroic, and the idea seemed almost ridiculous for a moment.

"It doesn't have to be something grand. Earlier you told me that you viewed this place as your home. But can you tell me what really makes a home?" Ramuh asked.

"Home…" Harry muttered again. When Ramuh saw the look of concentration of Harry's face, he let out a small laugh.

"You don't have to give me an answer now. Once the storm in your head dissipates, you will be able to see things much more clearly. There, you will find your answer. " The old man said as he moved to the side so he could get a better view of the starry sky above and the snow-covered ground below. "Now, I believe your friends will be wondering where you are right now."

Harry let out a groan as he remembered that he told them he'd be at Gryffindor Tower. Hermione was probably in full mother hen mode by now, while Ron, well he would probably have to put up with her.

"I'm sorry but I really need to go. Thanks for the talk, I really appreciate it." Harry said hurriedly, though the old man just smiled in understanding.

"You're welcome. I am glad to be of some help." Ramuh said. "You may not realize this now, but you will play a most important part in the future. Many people will look up to you in the upcoming days of strife. You'd be wise in keeping close those most important to you."

Harry felt a shiver run down his spine as the old man spoke those cryptic words. Giving a small nod, his emerald eyes once more met Ramuh's stormy ones, and Harry felt something like an underlying current go through his body. It wasn't painful, just an odd feeling that, for a moment, he thought it was just his imagination.

"I will, thank you."

…..

"So what is it that you wanted to tell me?" Zidane asked as he stood near the changing rooms at the Quidditch pitch.

Just before dinner ended, Angelina had told him to meet up with her here, which was definitely odd since he still thought she was mad at him for the snow fight just yesterday. Angelina came out of the changing rooms, now clad in her uniform instead of the Quidditch gear she had been practicing in with the team. Or more like what was left of the team.

'Well there goes my changing room fantasy.' Zidane thought to himself when Angelina led him away. Which was unfortunate since Katie and Alicia were still changing inside. 'Dammit! Think about Dagger, think about Dagger, don't think about those other girls...hmmm Dagger in the changing room…'

"Listen Zidane, I know it's unfair to ask this of you…" Angelina started, and Zidane was snapped out of his rather lecherous thoughts.

'She isn't trying to ask me out is she?' The genome thought with worry.

"But I couldn't help but take notice of you these past few days…" Angelina continued.

'Oh crap, she IS trying to ask me out!' Zidane thought nervously in realization. 'I can't go out with her, I'm getting married! Well, I could, but then it would be cheating. Even though Dagger doesn't have to know…NO shit, you can't do that! Just think of Dagger…'

"I just couldn't bring up myself to ask you until now, but would you-?" Angelina began but was interrupted by the blonde teen.

"Listen, Angelina. It's not that I don't find you attractive, because you really are. It's just that there is already someone else in my life, and I already know that she is truly the one, so I'm really sorry." Zidane began, but rather than seeing the expected reaction, he was met by a puzzled look. "Wait, so you weren't asking me out?"

"No! I was just asking you if you would help me fill out one of the missing spots on the Quidditch team." Angelina said in exasperation.

"Oh…" Zidane said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well, this is awkward…"

Angelina nodded.

"Can we pretend this never happened?" The thief asked.

Angelina nodded again.

"So what was that about the Quidditch team?" Zidane said, trying to break the uncomfortable silence.

"Well, you know how Harry and the twins were banned. We can't play unless we have all players, especially a Seeker." Angelina said.

"And you want me to join the team." Zidane said incredulously.

"Well yeah, I already spoke to Ginny, and she is going to help as well. But before we can hold actual tryouts, we need candidates, and I am afraid most people aren't exactly up to standards. I've already seen a few people show me what they can do, and I actually fear for the safety of our team." Angelina said.

"Ouch…" Zidane said, wincing slightly.

"But I've seen you during the DA, and you have the makings of a great player. You're very fit and fast, with really good reflexes, and don't you dare deny it. I've seen you dodge out of the way of some stray spells, and get hit by some as well. Trust me when I tell you that you are much sturdier than you look. According to Hermione, you also have a sharp eye for details." Angelina said and Zidane whined.

"You talked to Hermione about this?" Zidane thought with a groan. 'That traitor! I see, this is all part of some evil plan of her's.'

"Yeah, I wanted her opinion on who would be a good candidate. She mentioned you and Ginny, since Ginny is used to playing up to Fred and George's level and apparently she is quite talented as well. All her family is, though I wish Ron would stop paying attention to the crowd and stop letting shots in. He is talented, he just lacks the confidence." Angelina said.

"Well, I would love to help, but I'm not exactly a great flyer." Zidane said ,both hands up as he started backing away very slowly.

"Well, we could fix that. And you could just be one of the Beaters since they don't require as much flying skills as Seekers do!" The girl argued.

"I don't have a broom." The cyan-eyed teen countered.

"You can use one of the school's,!We can even ask the twins or Harry to lend you theirs!" Angelina continued.

"Didn't Umbridge put them under lock?" Zidane asked.

"We can ask her to let us use them!" The tall witch insisted.

"You do realize she hates my guts, don't you?" The genome asked with a sigh, he couldn't stand saying 'no' to a pretty girls.

"Please! I really wouldn't ask you if I didn't need to. This is my last year in Hogwarts, and I really don't wish to be remembered as the captain that lost Gryffindor the cup!" Angelina pleaded. Zidane looked at her and felt himself caving in under the look she was giving him.

'Damn my weakness to cute girls.' Zidane said as he looked up at the stars and turned around. "Alright, alright, I'll do it."

The much-taller girl let out what could only be described as a squeal of happiness, before enveloping Zidane in a bone-crushing hug (which he did not mind at all).

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Angelina said, beaming at him. "We will need to get you a uniform fitted for you, and of course you'll need a club. I'll try to get you a broom as soon as possible so we can practice."

"Actually, I think I will go and get a broom myself." Zidane said with a small laugh. 'What the hell did I just get myself into?'

….

"You spoke to him then." Dumbledore said, his fingers intertwined as he looked thoughtfully at the spot before him.

"Indeed I did. The boy was quite troubled." Ramuh said as stormy gray met sky blue.

"I must express my gratitude then." Dumbledore said.

"You cannot ignore the boy forever. He will not take kindly to it." The disguised Eidolon said, giving the headmaster a meaningful look.

"You are aware of the link that exists between his mind and Voldemort's. It is only my wish to keep him from danger." Dumbledore said.

"Yes, and it is a noble intention, Albus, but danger will catch up to him eventually. Harry will have to grow up and you know that." Ramuh countered.

"Alas, you are right my friend. But I cannot bring myself to change things now." Dumbledore said sadly.

"Do you not believe he will be able to handle it? Because you would be quite surprised." The lightning Eidolon said. "Youth has the ability to do the most amazing things when the time calls for it."

"That I already know. Harry has not ceased to amaze me in all the years I've known him." Dumbledore said with a small smile. "But if I can give Harry a chance at happiness then I will. At least until the time comes."

"Ignorance is bliss then?" Ramuh asked and Dumbledore nodded. "I see…"

"Will you stay with us tomorrow?" Dumbledore asked. "I'm afraid it's been long since the last time I've had such interesting company. Even an old man such as myself yearns to learn new things. I'm afraid it's a desire that is somewhat lacking in the present generation."

"I'm sorry friend, but I'm afraid that I must return tomorrow. I have already spent too long away, and my Summoner surely awaits my return." The old being said sadly. "Besides, I have meddled in the affairs of this world enough. I don't need to explain that the knowledge I've given you must be kept as an absolute secret. If your enemy were to discover this power…well you can imagine what would happen."

"I understand." Dumbledore said solemnly. "Voldemort would surely try to capture your race and use them as weapons."

"Precisely, it has already happened before." Ramuh said, and then smiled. "But the night is still young, and I am not due to leave until the sun rises, so let's make tonight count."

"Ah, agreed." Dumbledore said with a smile. "I believe I have some of Madam Rosmerta's fine mead for such an occasion."

"You don't say?" The Eidolon asked. With a wave of his hand, two glasses appeared, and with another wave the dark colored bottle with the drink poured itself onto the glasses.

"Cheers?"

"Of course."

…

Zidane was sure to rise early the next morning to bid the Eidolons farewell. He snuck out of Gryffindor Tower with Mog just as dawn was approaching and followed Ramuh's trail to the Quidditch Pitch. They knew that it was the only place that was both spacious and far enough from the castle while still being safely inside the grounds. They had thought about doing this in the Forbidden Forest, but they all agreed that after the little run-in with the centaurs that Zidane experienced during his first trip there, it would be safer to avoid antagonizing them further.

'We have no idea just how much attention this will bring. If it looks anything like when an Eidolon is summoned then it will, without a doubt, be very flashy. There are also no guarantees that there won't be any collateral damage, so we need to do this in a wide open space and at a time when most students are still out.' Zidane thought. 'If something does happen, then we can just close off the Pitch and make some cover up story. Dumbledore insisted on coming too.'

Wrapping his scarf tighter around his neck to ward off the cold, he trudged forwards through the snow towards the pitch. Mog shivered slightly next to him, so he opted to carry the Eidolon with one arm while he used the other to cover her under his own cloak so they would share body heat. He supposed that despite being an Eidolon, Mog was still just a Moogle in her current form; a Moogle that was used to the intense heat of Madain Sari.

Finally, the duo managed to make it to the pitch, where Ramuh and Dumbledore waited patiently for their arrival. Zidane was quick to take notice of the dark bags under Dumbledore's eyes and the faint smell of alcohol that both old men gave off.

"Looks like someone had fun last night." The blonde thief commented with a smirk. "You could have at least invited me."

"Perhaps next time Mr. Tribal." Dumbledore said with a small chuckle, as if admitting that he had been found out.

"Just how did you get rid of the hangover?" Zidane asked in curiosity.

"Oh, it was nothing that some fine English tea and a bit of Pepper-Up potion couldn't handle." Dumbledore said with a small wink. Zidane made sure to remember that little tidbit. "So, I suppose it's time."

"Yes, I'm afraid so." The wizened Eidolon said.

Mog freed herself from the warm bundle that Zidane had formed for her and then flew towards the old Eidolon. "Kupo Kupopo Kupo."

With puzzlement, Zidane turned towards Ramuh for an explanation."What did she say?"

Ramuh nodded with a small smile and answered. "She says she wishes to stay for a bit longer and see more. She tells me to tell Eiko not to worry."

Mog flew back to Zidane and hid under his cloak in such a way that her head and pompom still poked through. Zidane smiled at the creature's antics before walking towards Ramuh. who had just exchanged goodbyes with Dumbledore.

"Have a safe trip, and don't forget about my message for Dagger." Zidane said good-heartedly.

"As long as you don't forget to be careful." Ramuh said and genome laughed.

"Of course I will." Zidane said.

"I very much hope so. If you upset my Summoner, then I believe you and I will have a few problems." The being said, though despite his words, his lips twitched upwards in a smile.

"You aren't serious are you?" The thief asked.

"We are counting on you to bring us a new generation of sSummoners." Ramuh said with a laugh. When Zidane mirrored him with his own chuckle, the Eidolon became serious once more. "That last statement wasn't a joke."

"I'll take your word for it." Zidane replied, both arms up in surrender.

Ramuh turned around and headed for the center of the pitch, the sky seemingly darkening at his command. Just when he reached the center, lightning seemed to crash down, making the wizened man disappear and be replaced by a mighty bearded entity. Floating there in his full Eidolon glory, Ramuh's pale robes and beard billowed in the stormy wind while thunder struck at his staff like a lightning rod and electricity raced over his body. With a small wave of his staff, the Eidolon began to glow intensely, making his spectators have to cover their eyes. The wind around them picked up and a sudden pressure appeared to materialize in the air around them. When the wind seemed to reach its peak, there was the ear-splitting sound of thunder crashing all over them, before the Eidolon in the middle vanished out of sight, and everything seemed to return to normal. The pressure was lifted, and the black storm clouds in the sky simply vanished. The only signs of it ever happening were the blackened Quidditch goalposts that had been unfortunate enough to draw the lighting strikes and a few holes in the stands where the remaining bolts had struck.

Zidane whistled as he looked around to assess the damage. "He sure knows how to make an exit."

To be continued…

….

A/N. Questions or comments? Just Review or PM me, I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible.