Force and Magic: The Beginning

Chapter Eighteen

"Young Harry Skywalker following in his brother's shoes only stopping to help a racer who was driven into the ground! How strange is that?" The announcer cried. Now if Harry will present himself to Jabba to receive his prize."

Fay and Sharrad both wore concerned looks. "I do not know what you have planned my padawan. I like it even less that you are going alone. May the force be with you."

"I am the light in dark; I tread in places where no others dare tread. Master." He said getting off his pod running a hand over his leg cast a numbing charm. "I will be back I have to spank a Twi'lek."

Before he could move two steps, he was met by Ahsoka and Assajj. The two women exchanged looks "We are not letting you go alone we can feel the pain you are in even with the numbing thing you did."

Harry stopped. "I do not want to risk you without cause if I could skip this next part, I would. I really do not want to do what I have seen coming but he is not going to let me go." The two girls again nodded and took up position flanking Harry but two steps behind

They were met by two gammoreans who in turn lead him to Bib Fortuna instead of Jabba. "My master will soon be dead and your lady will be mine!"

"The game is over Fortuna!" Harry deadpanned. "This is your last chance, are you going to back off and live!"

"You would do well to remember your place in the grand scheme of things else. Something might happen to that pretty little niece of yours, or maybe one of your other harlots you seem care for so much!" Bib Fortuna spat as he grabbed Harry by the collar. Harry had a lifetime of being grabbed like that and subconsciously his light stave appeared his hand and with a deft twist, Bib Fortuna lost both hands and leg causing him to fall over screaming. guards looked lost for a moment before they began to advance n Harry only to be dropped by the lightsabers of Anakin Skywalker and Master Hett. The whine of a repulsor and the sounds of Blaster fire filled the air with screams of the innocent bystanders accompanying it.

"Harry, I got hand it to you. "Anakin started causing Harry to groan. "You did not leave him a leg to stand on."

"You are going to get a lot of mileage out of that aren't you?" Harry said an audible groan escaping his lips.

"You have no idea little brother." Anakin smiled and master Hett rolled his eyes.

"Come on you two Jokers." Assajj said trying to contain a giggle. "Hermione and Master Yaddle will need our help.

Harry ascended the stairs He could see Hermione and Master Yaddle defending Jabba, and were about to be overwhelmed by a dozen troops dropping from a shuttle. Troops that looked to be Mandalorian. "We got Mandalorian Jump troops up here!"

Masters Yaddle and Windu sat with Hermione and Jabba watching the race with great interest. Master Windu having now been introduced to the extended Skywalker Clan had an epiphany. The force and the darkness that had been slowly blinding the Jedi had been thrown back, and while they felt that the Sith master was out there; they could not find him. However, over the last 3 days Master Windu had changed his mind on the bonding that had occurred. Largely because he could only see light emanating from the Skywalker clan. Although he was wary of both Hedwig and Dobby. The former had beat him about the head with her wings, and the latter had punched him in the groin…He had held nothing back. Apparently, it is not wise to threaten anyone connected to Harry Skywalker.

For Master Yaddle the last year had been an eye-opening experience the rate that young Harry learned was astounding that he naturally passed on what he learned to any and everyone was incredible. She could see that He would be a great force of change in the order.

Master yoda regarded the race with a tinge of sadness as he knew what was waiting for him when he returned to the temple. Someone had captured and cloned two Jedi Masters. those two had killed two others before they themselves were eliminated.

Hermione tried hard not laugh at the running commentary her two bondmates had going on however when the fighter started chasing Harry, she knew something bad was about to go down. Seeing Thantas get plowed made her look down the stairs to see Bib Fortuna leering at her. She then started looking around if she were him where would she attack from.

"Search for what do you?" Master Yaddle asked

"Bib Fortuna is far too happy." Hermione stated when she picked saw a spec descending toward the box. "Protego Maxima, Fianto Duri, Repello Inimicum!" She incanted Just before people started dropping from the shuttle. Twelve Bodies passed through ward, eight disintegrated leaving only four alive and in human form. The remaining for started raining blaster fire into their place on the dais as another six people dropped from the shuttle finally bringing down Hermione's ward. Hermione ignited her sabe and moved in front of Jabba and was deflecting blaster fire while the three masters tore the offensive to shreds. By the time Harry reached the top of the stairs there was only one survivor.

"Well, you guys certainly did not need my help!" Harry said with a chuckle. "Is that the remains of repelling ward I feel." His eyes grew big as he felt the power behind it. "Way to go Hermione!" He said giving the girl a hug only for Ahsoka and Assajj to join them. "Hermione it is my pleasure to finally introduce you in person to Ahsoka Tano and Assajj Ventress. My older Brother Anakin Skywalker and Our sister Thantas Shing."

They were interrupted by Jabba bellowing. "I Want the persons responsible for this travesty, and I want them now!"

"I think I can Help with that Jabba." Harry said with a straight face. "Master Hett could you give Bib Fortuna a hand getting up here."

When Thantas and Anakin groaned Hermione could not help but ask. "What did you do?"

Harry mumbled something. "I did not hear that Harry speak up so I can understand you."

"I removed both of his Arms above the elbow and his left leg with my lightstaff." Harry said embarrassment covered his face. "And that's when Anakin started cracking jokes."

Master Hett dropped Fortuna at the foot of the Hutt's dais. "Bib Fortuna I was going to let you live, but since you tried to kill and supplant me; the punishment must be clear for everyone to see." He then spoke to his lone guardsmen who took a wicked looking axe and cut the head off the Twi'lek."

"Well, he can't seem to get ahead." Hermione deadpanned, and the groans that went through the assemble crowd were a counterpoint to jabba's laughter.

"Young Harry Skywalker you have won your bet, and your freedom." Jabba said and motioned for Vak'Sava to give Harry his prize, a new freighter and 20000 Peggats." Perhaps when your shipping concerns takes off you will move legitimate cargo for me."

"That will be the purview of my brother and Father." Harry demurred. "After today I do not think I will be allowed to see the light of day if my mother and master have anything to say about it."

Jabba Nodded dismissively. "I will send them the proposal. May the force be with you."

Harry bowed before turning to everyone. "We can go now." He turned toward the stairs walking slowly down the stairs he saw his master with the Twi'lek girl he smiled. "Master Hett would you like to fly my ship to Naboo?"

Master Hett shook his head. "No I wish to stay with my family."

Thantas responded. "I would not mind, or we can slave your ship to Master Fay's.

Half way down the stairs the numbing charm wore off and the limp which was pronounced before turned into a dead leg causing him to lose his balance and tumble down the remaining stairs landing in an unconscious heap.

His master was not pleased. "Had your leg damn near blown off, and what do you do instead of getting it fixed you numb it so you can confront Fortuna …What were you thinking … Don't answer that it is obvious you weren't!" She fussed over him finally levitating him ono her ship and into the med bay. "Anakin, Thantas Slave Harry's ship to mine and we will be off."

"Master Fay Harry can't answer you he is out cold." Hermione told the Jedi Master. "if I were being completely honest, he would try to deflect attention away from himself. On some level he still does not believe he is worthy."

Fay was surprised by Hermione's statement. "How do you suggest we get it through to him that he is worth it."

Hermione looked at her other bondmates. "By not letting him push us away."

"Thantas and I will pilot the Ship to Naboo." Anakin said. "No need to slave it. It will give us time to catch up."

"I guess I better get to my ship." Assajj said downcast at the thought of travelling alone.

"Master May I travel with Assajj?" Ahsoka asked Anakin then getting up close. "She needs the company. Please Master?"

"Alright Snips." Anakin nodded. "We will see you on Naboo in three days."

Hermione also noted Assajj's demeanor. "Master Yaddle Would it be okay if I travelled with Ahsoka and Assajj?"

"Sadness you feel from padawan Narek?" The aged Jedi master asked Hermione nodded her eyes lowered to the floor. "Then go with her you must. A bond you share, grow it will not if you do not cultivate it."

"Thank you master Yaddle." Hermione said with a polite bow "Hey Assajj wait up Ahsoka and I are coming with you!"

A half hour later they were gone from Tatooine to their new home on Naboo.

Count Dooku had been watching this young red headed man train like a demon soaking up technique after technique, his anger and hatred knew know bounds it seemed. He had an uncommon understanding of strategy and tactics. With flash training he had been brought up to speed with knowledge, and through judicious use of force lightning he finally overcome his inherent laziness. "Nyalas Roweled that will be all for the training today. The master would like a word with us." Count Dooku said leaving no room for interpretation.

'My name is Ron Weasely, and someday I will be the end of you!' He thought as he deactivated his lightsaber. "Lead on Darth Tyrannus."

When they got to the holocomm terminal Darth Sidious' image was there waiting. "Good you are both here. Good Acolyte Roweled now that you are here, we can give you your first training mission. Images began to flash on the screen that Ron did not recognize. Until a picture of Harry and Hermione fighting with lightsabers under the tutelage of a what looked like a house elf appeared. Rage and hatred consumed him. "Potter and Granger. She scorned me, and he killed me after I killed her. How?"

"The how is not important. I have an assignment for you. If it done well, you will have your vengeance and you will be counted amongst the Sith." Darth Sidious said. "You are to go to Naboo. Your presence is not to be heard, seen, or felt. Cloak yourself in the dark side. When the time is right You will take that which holds the Skywalker clan together, and you will arrange for them to be wiped out. We will see how tight the bonds of family really are."

Count Dooku hid how he felt seeing his most recent padawan happy and interacting with Skywalker the younger and he could see how close He was with all three girls. He began to feel the pull of the force and it was pulling him away from the Sith. 'Maybe the fall is not complete.'

"How long do you want me to…" Ron chose his word very carefully. "Watch them?"

"As long as it takes for you to gather the information, I feel we need." Darth Sidious then turned to his apprentice. "Lord Tyranus, I need you on Cato Niemoidia. Ready our legions."

Count Dooku nodded. "I am expected on Serreno for the council of counts they are voting whether or not to join the confederacy."

"See to it they Join or…" Sidious drifted off leaving the else left unsaid.

"Yes, My Master." Dooku said but silently no longer agreed.

"You are both dismissed report in two weeks' time acolyte."

Fay and Sharrad Hett got Harry into the Bacta tank on her ship after they made the jump into hyperspace. Then she made a call to Padmé's ship.

"Master Fay, it is good to see you how did the race go?" Padmé asked. "Did Anakin beat Harry?"

"Padmé' could you get Shmi for this conversation." She said with a slight wince. "Please?"

Padmé who knew how to read people noted the wince. "Okay give me a moment. Shmi, we received a holo from Fay she needs to talk to us."

Shmi and Lars rushed to the bridge. "How are they? Where are they?' Shmi demanded.

Fay took her friends hysteria in stride. "Thantas was ploughed by a racer, Anakin lost to his brother, Harry was attacked mid race likely by someone Fortuna hired. Unfortunately, he received a bad injury to his leg. And is currently unconscious in the Bacta tank."

"Fortuna, what of him?" Cliegg asked tensely.

"Harry Disarmed him, and did not leave him a leg to stand on." Sharrad Hett commented with a smirk. "Then Hermione and Yaddle saved Jabba from the worst assassination attempt in History. Then Jabba had him killed publicly."

"Harry won the race the Lars Shipping Concern is ready to go." Fay said causing Cliegg to smile. "Jabba wants you to move legitimate goods for him so your first customer is in the bag as well."

"Beyond the leg Harry is okay?" Shmi asked and fay seemed to look like she had to choose her words carefully. "What did he do?"

"He numbed his leg with magic, cut off Fortuna's arms and a leg then helped Hermione and Yaddle a bit." She explained. "On the way down the stairs the numbing charm was overwhelmed by a spike of pain. He lost his balance and fell down the stairs breaking several bones and giving himself a head injury as well."

"How long will he be in the tank?" Padmé asked thinking the boy's life was punctuated by time in a Bacta tank.

"He should be out of it tomorrow morning at the latest." Fay admitted. "Grounding seems appropriate now two weeks!"

"That is too little time, Six months." Shmi countered.

"That seems a bit much don't you think?" Fay asked. "He is not a ill-mannered or misbehaving child, one month!"

"While what you say is true, he has earned his grounding." Shmi said stiffly. "Five months!"

"The punishment should fit the crime." Fay said exasperation in her voice. "Two months!"

"For force sakes Harry is grounded for 3 months during which he will still see his girls and will be helping myself, Owen, and out other kids set up our business." Cliegg Said firmly ending the argument. "Is that good enough for both of you?"

"Thank you for finally getting involved dear!" Shmi said looking at Fay a smile gracing her lips. "You get to deliver the news." Cliegg stared open mouthed at the pair until they started laughing.

"You set me up!" They both nodded and burst into laughter. "See you on Naboo Fay, take Care of my boy, Come on Shmi let's get some rest.

The Skywalkers left the cockpit area Leaving Padmé and the Jedi master alone. "Is Hermione, Okay?"

"Yes, she is fine her and Ahsoka are travelling with Assajj." Fay said. "Is everything ready?"

"Yes, her majesty thought it would be wonderful to let you use the training area. She asks if you can train her security forces?" Fay knew the request would come and Padmé did not look embarrassed to ask. If I would have thought about it, I would have had Obi Wan and Anakin train my security detail."

"That is fine Padmé." Fay chuckled in response. "For the first few weeks we will all be there. We will be seeing to Harry and Hermione with some flash training to give them the basics however, after three months we will all be going our separate direction for a few months and will meet back before Harry's Lifeday."

"I will start Planning the party." Padmé said smiling. "I need to get to be have some senatorial meetings tomorrow."

"Good Night Padmé."

Harry opened his eyes slowly. He was in his bunk he sat up slowly feeling his body creek a bit as he did so. He was content to sit for a moment before his stomach informed him that he was hungry. He slowly stood taking stock of the sleep pants and light shirt he was in, and decided to change putting on his training clothes he stepped out into the living area and was treated to the sight of his master working A-sharrad on using the force to divine a path through some very murky diplomatic problems

"Good Morning Master." Harry said as he bowed.

"Good Morning Padawan." Fay said somewhat stiffly. "There will be no training today your leg is still damaged."

Harry winced at her tone. "I get why you are mad. I am pretty sure Hermione, Ahsoka and Assajj are all going to vent their displeasure at me when I see them." He said looking around. "I know Assajj is bringing our stuff and Ahsoka is with Anakin. I am kinda surprised Hermione is not here."

"Only you could be both so right and so utterly wrong." Fay said softly the disappointment evident in her voice. "I did not want you in that race. Your mother and father are livid beyond words for the injury you received. Hermione is with Ahsoka and Assajj they are day behind us. Pretty much the only people who are not angry with you are your Brother, and Master Hett."

"So, I am up a river of bantha poodoo without gaffi stick." Harry admitted turning he returned to his room.

"WE are Done for the day A-Sharrad." Fay murmured. "You have done well. I believe you will quickly find a master who will take over your training."

"Thank you, Master Fay." A-Sharrad bowed and was almost through the doors to their quarters when he turned. "Master Fay, everyone should ease up on Harry. He wanted to make a clean break from Tatooine. He wanted to protect Cassandra and the rest of his family. I would have done the same if I were in his shoes." He then spun and disappeared before Fay could respond. Leaving her with a dilemma.

"Fay, we have an Incoming holocall it's the girls." Sharrad called over the ship wide PA.

Fay came up to the cockpit of her ship, and all three girls were waiting for her. "Hello Girls."

"Has he woken yet?" Hermione asked when Fay nodded. "Have you let him know of our displeasure?"

"Hermione, don't you mean yours and Ahsoka's displeasure?" Assajj smirked at the Hermione. "I understand his reasons for doing what he is doing. I just want to give him a hug… maybe steal a kiss."

"I am torn." Ahsoka admitted. "He was hurt so badly …I had a vision once. We were both older like adult older, and he walked in and helped me with my form and we kissed. Nothing like that will happen if he gets himself killed being reckless."

"It's nice to know that a plan I thought up before I knew you would be back in my life. Has made you displeased with me Hermione." Harry's voice came from just behind Fay surprising her. "I did not think Fortuna was going to send a fighter after me. So, I am Sorry if my getting hit in the leg somehow lessens the fact that I was able to get my entire family which includes you three off that planet alive. No Skip that I am not sorry not even a little."

"Harry…" Hermione started but was silence when Harry lifted a hand with the universal of 'talk to the hand.' "Oh, that's Mature." Which caused both Assajj and Ahsoka to laugh.

"Assajj, I look forward to both a hug and a kiss, many during our lives in fact." Harry admitted before turning to Ahsoka who was the youngest. "Ahsoka, I am sorry I don't mean to worry you are anyone really. I swear you will get that Kiss and more now if you ladies do not mind, I need to talk to my master."

The girls all nodded. "This is not over Harry!" Hermione said with her head cocked and her hand on her hips. She held the pose for a second before all three broke down laughing. "We will see you in two days Harry."

"Love you all!" He murmured ending the holocall. "Master Fay except for few knucklehead things I have done, I thought I had been a good padawan for the most part. I cannot be held responsible for the things criminal syndicates do. Don't think I did not feel you drop in over the fighter. I trusted everyone to watch the angles I could not see. I have the both the force and magic telling me that something is stalking my parents, Owen, Beru and Little Cassandra. The Sith are maneuvering and my family is the target and I don't know why. Yesterday was just the beginning." Harry said in a low voice, "Just the beginning." He repeated taking the copilots chair. His gaze becoming vacant as the stars streaked by in hyperspace.

Ron Weasley settled into his camp hidden by the cloak of the dark side in a cave by under one of the many waterfalls. He had reached Naboo a full three days ago. In the night he managed to disable the security systems, and plant a few spy devices to give him eyes on the Skywalker clan and the Jedi.

He watched Senator Amidala bring Harry's Adopted family to their new homes. He bristled when he saw Harry. Grudgingly he accepted that the time had been good to his former friend it was not until the ladies arrived that Ron's rage really began to simmer. There she was after he had already broken her so vibrant and alive. "Soon…Very soon!" he said to no one and then set out to get the lay of the land.

Here ends Force and Magic: The Beginning thank you for reading and reviewing the next book in the Saga of the Knight Protector Force and Magic: Paradise Lost will be in the works starting tomorrow for NaNoWriMo.

Thank you all for your patience over the last few months