Hello Guys! So it's been a while (about half a year to be exact). Honestly, I had completely forgotten about this story. I just recently got a new laptop and found the story while transferring some files to a flash drive. Anyway, I saw that I had a chapter that was half-way done and I had some time to spare (guess there are some positive sides to this quarantine, huh?) Either way, I thought I would finish it real quick and post it. Then I got a bunch of cool new ideas. Boy, do I have some stuff for you guys! I will try to write more in the future and hopefully, this story will develop accordingly. Also, I realize that Harry and Hermione's vocabulary might be a bit too refined, and they might be a bit too mature for their age. The maturity can be explained because of their difficult pasts. As to the cause of their speaking skills being so developed? Magic. There, don't question it.
Before you begin, I would also like to point out that in a previous chapter I used the USD currency instead of the GBP. Just ignore that, I'll try to use the correct one from now on. Either way, I think you've been waiting for long enough as it is, so I won't bother you with my comments. Here you go:
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all associated characters are property of J.K. Rowling.
He looked into her eyes and knew in that instant that she wanted him to make the promise. He could see that she too desired to finally have someone like her in her life.
Now that he thought about it, it didn't seem like that much of a sacrifice. At least this way he would finally have an equal, someone who actually understood. He would need a moral compass, someone who would keep him grounded and his ego in check.
After coming to that revelation, something shifted within him. He couldn't necessarily explain what, but he felt it nevertheless.
"Alright Hermione, you have yourself a deal," he said, letting go of his necklace and extending his hand.
Hermione gave him a smile and shook his hand.
"Come on, there are some people I want you to meet." She said, not letting go of his hand and leading him back towards the orphanage.
February 22, 1987 – Sunday, 9:00 A.M.
Harry woke to the pleasant smell of pancakes. Most people would maybe drift back to sleep for a little more, seeing as it was a bright Sunday morning, but he hadn't gotten much of it anyway. He reached over to the small nightstand for his glasses and put them on, studying the foreign surroundings. It was a small room with white walls and not much for decoration. Beside the door, there was a desk with a globe sitting right on it, and a few notebooks and pencils. On the opposite side of the room lay his wooden framed bed right under a window overlooking the Grangers' garden.
The Grangers. He was still having difficulties processing his current situation. After making his promise yesterday, Hermione had taken him into the orphanage and introduced him to her parents. Of course, she wasn't an orphan! Not with the expensive-looking clothing that she wore. Now that he thought about it, she hadn't really acted like the other orphans.
He was brought out of his thoughts by a knock at the door.
"Harry, are you up yet?" said Hermione while slightly opening the door.
"Yeah, I'm up".
Hermione took that as her cue to enter.
"So, how did you sleep? Are you ready to get breakfast? Mom said that she's taking us shopping later on today to get you some decent clothes. If we're lucky we might even stop at the library! Man, I can't wait. She's really looking forward to getting to know you, you know. Although I'm sure you've figured that out by now. Dad is going to be working all day, so you'll only get to see him later on tonight. By the way, I was thinking about what we talked about yesterday-".
"Woah there Hermione, slow down a bit, won't you? Don't forget to breathe" he said with a small smile. He had known her for less than 24 hours and already she was the most important person in the world to him. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something about her that made him open up unlike never before. Of course, he wouldn't be telling her that any time soon.
A small blush crept up her neck (honestly, what was she so embarrassed about?) and murmured a quick okay.
"Anyways, you should get ready, breakfast is ready. See you downstairs?"
"Yeah, I'll be down in a few. Still trying to process all of this, you know?" he said while gesturing to his surroundings.
"Yeah, I understand. I'll go and tell mom then" she said and headed downstairs.
Harry heard the faint sound of her footsteps getting further away until he could hear her no more.
He absentmindedly reached for his necklace and stared out of the window.
He really hoped that this thing with the Grangers worked out. He would be in his best behavior at all times and not take this opportunity for granted. He fished out his journal from under the mattress (the one he had gotten for Christmas) and wrote down a few quick thoughts. He hadn't really been using it that often, but he figured that he would look back someday and think about how his life had turned around for the better.
With a small sigh, he finished the last sentence and headed downstairs.
February 22, 1987 – Sunday, 2:00 P.M.
London, Westfield Shopping Mall
Harry looked up at the enormous building complex and wondered if this was such a good idea after all. He didn't do good in foreign places, especially seeing as he had never been to a mall before. Not to mention bustling London streets with its huge crowds and traffic.
"Well, here we are kids! Is there any store, in particular, you'd like to check out first Harry?" asked Emma with a smile, watching Hermione as she skipped to a small bookstore by then entrance.
"Actually Mrs. Granger, I've never really been shopping before…"
Emma looked a bit embarrassed at that revelation
"Ah, yes. Sorry about that Harry, I hadn't really thought about it" she said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
Harry instinctively recoiled as if struck but gathered himself quickly. The thought of physical affection still eluded him. Call him crazy, but he just didn't feel comfortable with people so close. Not yet anyway. He was pretty sure Hermione would be changing that in the foreseeable future.
"That's okay Mrs. Granger, I understand. It's not really your fault" he said with a small reassuring smile.
"Please, call me Emma. You are now as much a part of this family as the others, and never doubt that for a second! Either way, I don't think you'd be comfortable calling me Mom, at least not for now. But I really do hope that day comes" she said with a loving smile and a small pat on the same shoulder.
"Okay… Emma" he said, trying to return the smile. He really liked Emma; she was one of the nicest people he had ever met.
"Eh, I think we should get going before Hermione ransacks that bookstore," he said with a small chuckle.
"Don't even get me started; she has enough books as it is!"
June 21, 1991; Friday 9:00 A.M –Naples, Italy: Summer Solstice
Harry couldn't believe the summer he had had so far. They had traveled with his family all across Italy, visiting the usual tourist attractions and more. The rest of the time that was not spent sightseeing was used for going to museums and learning all about the country's culture and history. They would also stop and eat at the local restaurants and try some of Italy's best culinary delights (yes, that included pizza and gelato most of the time.) It had been a wonderful summer vacation, and he was really sad to see it come to an end.
Today was the last day they would be spending here, and then they would catch a plane back to England in the morning. He couldn't believe how much had changed. It had been almost four and a half years since he had met the Grangers. He had been speculative at first, not wanting to get his hopes up again, but they had really come through. He was as much a part of the family as Hermione!
Speaking of which, he was brought out of his thoughts by someone shifting in the sheets of the bed next to his.
"Morning Sunshine," he said with a mocking tone as Hermione sat up and stretched, her bushy hair falling over her eyes and standing out in all the wrong places. Not like he could complain, with his hair being just as messy if not more.
"Erghnn…"
"Looks like someone had a little too much apple juice last night," he said with a chuckle.
Thing was, she had drunk too much apple juice.
They had stayed out late at night with her parents, conversing amiably between each other and just having a good time overall, planning out the next day's trip to make it all that memorable. They had stayed out until 11:00 p.m., which was way after their curfew. By that time, Hermione had had around 5 or 6 cups of the stuff. Seeing as both her parents were dentists, she wasn't really used to consuming large quantities of sugar at a time. She ended up having a sugar rush and passing out in their apartment's living room.
"It's too early for your witty remarks, Potter," she said as she fell back on the bed, moaning the last part into the pillow.
"You are the embodiment of grace, Granger," he said ironically.
"Just let me sleep ten more minutes. After that, I promise you can throw all the witty remarks you want" she said, already drifting back to sleep.
"As tempting as that is…" Harry said as he started concentrating on the pillow.
"I have a better idea…"
Once he felt he was clear enough with his intent, he stretched his hand toward Hermione's pillow and poured magic into it, making it suddenly fly out under her head, as if an invisible hand had grabbed it by the corner and just yanked it out from underneath her.
Opening her eyes in defeat, she sat up and glared at her brother.
"It's on, Potter," she said, stretching out her hand towards Harry's pillow and pouring her magic into her intent as Harry had taught her.
Harry stared as the pillow slightly trembled, lazily levitated, and proceeded to fall back on to the bed.
". . . . . Phhwahaha, what was tha-"he said as he was turning back, only to get intercepted mid-way by a pillow to his face. He was knocked back towards his bed, tripping on the covers that he had pushed off during the night and fell on his bottom.
"Looks like raw talent isn't always enough, Potter," she said laughing, walking over and stretching out her hand to help him up.
Harry just stared at her, slightly irritated at how easily she had outsmarted him. He should have known it was a trick; they were almost equaled in the field of magic, for crying out loud. While Harry might be the more magic-attuned one, Hermione was no slouch either. What affinity Harry had for magic, Hermione compensated through sheer intuitiveness and wit.
Finally, he sighed and took her hand, standing upright beside her.
He noticed that he was almost as tall as her.
He had been scrawny for as long as he could remember, with all kids his age towering above him. Not that it was his fault. The simple fact was, he had been under-fed all of his life prior to meeting the Grangers. Always forced to make meals and not partake in them, constantly being taunted with food by his cousin. But there was a silver lining, Harry had to admit.
Even though he had been forced to learn how to cook, it was something that he had grown to love. Not only was it relaxing, but it also helped to escape the reality that had been his life. He could clear his thoughts and had an activity to kill time with. In the end, he would actually be glad that things had been that way. It had given him something that forged a special bond between Emma and him.
Getting back to the present, he noticed that Hermione was staring at him.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" he asked, wondering how long he had dosed off for.
"What are you talking about? You're the one who was staring at me with this weird look on your face. What was that all about?
"I'm sure you just imagined it," he said, quickly gathering himself.
With one final scrutinizing look, she finally let the matter drop.
"Whatever, let's just get ready, we have a long day ahead of us," she said while heading for their bathroom.
"Yeah, okay. I'll just start today's entry on my Journal" he said while reaching for said Journal and a pencil.
"Oh, you mean your Diary?" Hermione taunted with a small laugh in the end.
"Come on, you promised you wouldn't call it that!" he said as he heard the shower being turned on.
"Sorry, I can't heeaaar you" he heard from inside.
Harry ignored her and got started on that day's entry.
June 21, 1991; Friday 2:00 P.M – Mount Vesuvius, Naples, Italy
They had just arrived at the parking spot at the base of Mt. Vesuvius. About time too, that bus ride had been borderline torture. Aside from the small seats on the vehicle, the air conditioning had been malfunctioning and the windows being open hadn't helped one bit. On the bright side, they were going to check out an active volcano! Harry couldn't believe how cool that was.
It had originally been his idea, and he had spent the greater half of last night trying to convince Emma and Dan to skip their planned boat tour and go there. To be honest, he didn't know why he wanted to go so badly himself. They had momentarily passed the volcano when they were driving by the coast, and Harry had felt as if it were calling to him. That was the main reason his parents had agreed to come in the first place. Call it a reward for being honest with them, though they would still take precautions. Turns out parents don't like to take their children to dangerous areas, go figure.
They would be taking a small 200-meter hike to the edge of the main crater, after which they would visit the Historic Museum Observatory which was half-way down the trail. Then they would go back to the city and have a quiet dinner somewhere nice. But that was nowhere near here, Harry would be looking out for anything peculiar, or the tiniest sign that the weird feeling was coming back again.
Actually, now that he thought about, there was a small lingering feeling in the back of his mind. He couldn't really decipher it, but it felt like... anticipation? Huh, how peculiar.
"Hey Hermione? That weird feeling is back" he whispered to his sister.
She took a quick look at her parents who were busy talking to a local guide and gestured for Harry to come a bit further away.
"What do you feel now?" she whispered while grabbing a hold of his wrist. She had made him promise to tell her if he felt it again. She was scared that it would mean trouble or that something was going to happen.
"I don't know… I think its excitement? I mean, I don't know why I feel like this, it's just a volcano after all. It's as if I have been waiting for this for a long time. Pretty weird, huh?" he said with a chuckle.
"This is no laughing matter, Harry! What if you're just misinterpreting the feeling? What if we are being lured by something into danger?" she asked while slightly tightening her grip on his wrist.
"Geez Hermione, stop being such a pessimist. But in all seriousness, I don't think that's it. It's hard to explain, but I feel like I need to trust my instincts about this."
Hermione just stared at him, not sure how she felt about that.
"Hey, I had a pretty good feeling about you, and it turned out great. Please, just trust me on this" he begged with his emerald green eyes wholly focused on her, it was almost frightening. Finally, she gave in. Just like she knew she would. Sometimes, Harry was too good of a sweet-talker.
"Fine, but the moment things start going wrong, we're telling Mom and Dad," she said while crossing her arms.
"Deal! Now come on, let's go back before Dan decides to take over the Tour Guide's place."
June 21, 1991; Friday 3:15 P.M. – Mount Vesuvius, Historic Museum Observatory
Harry was currently browsing through the gift shop by the Observatory entrance. Hermione and the others had stayed behind in the Observatory to look around more, as the old antiques and history of the Volcano had completely fascinated them.
Harry, on the other hand, had other ambitions. He hadn't realized it, but the nagging feeling he had before had quietly drifted back from the secluded parts of his mind, getting stronger and more urgent by the minute. That is why he was currently here; the feeling had reached its peak when he walked past the shop at the end of the exhibition.
He was currently contemplating whether or not to go and tell Hermione. On the one hand, he still didn't think there was anything to worry about. On the other, he had promised to tell her if anything was up. With the latter weighing heavily on his conscience, he released a resigned sigh and headed back towards the exhibition hall.
He found the Grangers listening closely to the Museum Guide while he was explaining something to do with the last eruption of the volcano and the impact it had on Naples.
Trying but failing to catch Hermione's eye, he decided to do something risky. He wasn't really supposed to do this in public, but he really didn't want to draw Dan and Emma's attention.
Focusing on his intent, he tried to flare his aura as he had practiced with Hermione several times. It was a tricky thing, seeing as they were still fairly young and their full magical potential had yet to be fulfilled, but they had managed it before. Not on a great scale, but large enough to be noticeable. The fact that they had become so close and they could easily recognize each other's magic made their magic's strength irrelevant.
Hermione's eyes widened in surprised and she cautiously looked around.
She gave him a look conveying a question.
'Is it back?'
'Yes' Harry nodded and walked out of view of Hermione's parents.
"Hey Daddy, I'm going to go catch up with Harry at the gift shop, is that okay?"
"Yeah, sure thing sweetie. Just don't wander off" he said inattentively while pointing something out to his wife. They were currently occupied studying the jawline of a skeleton found under the volcanic rubble after the volcano's last eruption. Dentists, who would have thought?
Hermione turned and started walking to where Harry was waiting.
"So what happened?" Hermione asked urgently.
"The feeling, it's back. But it's not the same. Well, it is the same, only now it is much clearer! I really can't explain, but I think it's coming from the gift shop." he said excitedly.
"Okay, let's take a look around".
They entered the shop and started to study their surroundings. There wasn't much to look at, to be honest. The shop was of a modest, circular shape, with the cash register at the other end facing the entrance, and a circular display table in the middle of the room.
Shelves decorated the walls from the entrance all around the room. There were postcards, plush toys, and refrigerator magnets of the typical gift shop variety scattered everywhere around the shop. The only thing that was of any particular interest was the aforementioned table in the middle of the room.
The glass display contained several pendants and trinkets, along with a wide variety of rocks ranging from amethyst and geodes to other precious stones and metals. Among those stones was a particular one that caught his eye. It was dark as night and of an oval shape, approximately the size of a baseball. He couldn't be sure, but he was fairly convinced that it was calling to him.
It looked like a regular stone at first glance, with an unassuming shape and color. Obsidian if he was correct. Upon closer inspection though, one would be able to see miniature carvings running from the top of the stone, going around in eccentric circles down to the bottom of the rock, which was decorated with veins of purple fire in the inside.
He was pretty sure that they were runes, seeing as they were similar to those that he had seen earlier in the exhibition.
That's when the feeling started to solidify. A small sense of triumph and relief. He could feel the warmth emanating from the obsidian, enthralling him, and captivating his whole being. He stared deep into the stone and saw purple flames, promising warmth, and protection. He felt as if he should know what this rock was, but couldn't for the life of him figure it out.
Turning back to call out for Hermione, he was surprised to see her hovering over his should.
"Is that it?" she said, pointing at the stone Harry had been staring at.
"Argh, don't do that! You scared the living daylights out of me!" Harry exclaimed.
Hermione giggled but gave no answer.
"Whatever. Anyways, yes, I think this is it" he replied and turned back to look at the stone.
"It must be some rock; the price tag sure seems to think so." That was enough to bring Harry out of the small trance and look at the price tag.
"A hundred and ten Euros for a rock?! Emma and Dan will never agree to buy this, even if I used my own allowance!" and that's when it hit him.
-Flashback-
Realizing that he had company, Vernon quickly grunted a quick "I'm gonna have to call you back" before hanging up the phone and turning towards the boy. At first, he didn't say anything; he just stared at him with mixed emotions. He opened his mouth to talk, only to change his mind. Instead, he pulled out his wallet and procured a 100 Pound note from it, signaling for Harry to take it from him.
"This is the last time you will ever see us, boy. Consider that money a farewell gift. If I were you, I would spend it wisely." And with that, his Uncle turned his back on him, and they parted ways, never to meet again.
-Flashback-
Never in his life did he think he would thank that Walrus of an uncle.
Harry reached into his back-pack, taking out the small journal he always kept on his person.
He opened it up and took out the 100 Pound note he had kept in it for all these years. With that problem solved, he headed towards the cash register.
"Excuse me, Miss, I'd like to make a purchase," he said over the counter, standing on his toes so that his whole head was visible.
The shop assistant looked down at the customer and showed a friendly white smile.
"Sure thing Mister, anything I can assist you with?" she asked.
"Actually, I already know what I would like to purchase," he said, pointing at the glass display. "Is there anything you can tell us about that obsidian rock with the engravings on it?" he asked curiously.
The shop assistant came out from behind the register and headed towards the display, reaching into her back pocket and taking out a small keychain with different sets of keys hanging from it.
"Well, there's not much to say, to be quiet frank. It was recovered a few years back from a digging site not far from here, close to the edge of the crater. Some architects found it and sold it to us, thinking it to be some sort of mineral. Only after we had bought it off him had we realized that it was an old artifact carved from obsidian by the looks of it. Though I don't recall ever seeing obsidian with purple veins like that. The architect mentioned something to do with the summer solstice, though he wasn't really clear about that.
Interesting
"Anyways, if you're wondering why an artifact like this would be up for sale, long story short is that the boss deemed it an ordinary rock and decided that selling it would be for the best," she said with an unimpressed tone.
"How long have you had it in stock?" inquired Harry.
"Oh, it's been gathering dust for a few years now. Not really surprised though, I don't think many people would pay that much for a rock" she said while positioning the key into the lock, turning it slightly and opening the top of the display case. She took some latex gloves from inside her pocket, and carefully lifted the rock along with its case. She placed it inside and headed back to the cash register.
Here came the hard part. Time to lay the old Potter charm.
Phase One: Set trap
"Uhm, Miss? There happens to be a small problem. You see, all I have is this 100 Pound note, which I've been saving up for some time, so I can't-"
"-You can't pay in Euro. I'm sorry Mister, but I'm not sure if I can help you with your request. I don't think I'm authorized to make these kinds of decisions. "
Status: Complete
Phase Two: Lay Bait
"You don't understand Miss, this would literally mean the world to me!" he exclaimed with a little too much vigor.
Tone it down Potter, you're overdoing it.
"Oh, I highly doubt that young sir" she replied.
Status: Complete
Phase Three: Spring the trap.
Time for a guilt trip.
"Please, let me explain. You see, this here is actually my step sister. I lost my family when I was a baby and was adopted by her family a little while back after years of domestic abuse and starvation at the hand of my guardians. Don't even get me started on the orphanage… I just wanted to buy this as a reminder of this trip and everything that they have done for me. It's kind of why I'm willing to spend so much money on it, it reminds me that they literally provided me with everything I could ever need or want… A caring family, one who always gives and never asks for anything in return."
"Awww, I might just tear up! That is the sweetest thing I have ever heard! How could I say no to that?" exclaimed the assistant.
Hermione just stared at the exchange between Harry and the lady with her mouth slightly agape. Honestly, this guy! Are those… are those fake tears?! Man, she had to give it to him, it was a masterful performance. Honestly, she didn't know how he did it.
"Tell you what kid, I'm willing to pay for it with my own money in exchange for that note that you have there. What do you think?" she asked kindly.
"Really? You would do that for me? You're too kind Miss! You really don't know how much you've made my trip!"
Mission: Complete
Analysis: Effective Manipulation. Successful use of his mother's green eyes for an emotionally effective attack. Tears effectively multiplied the guilt trip's usefulness by 40%. Lines could use some chiseling, need to adapt to his growing age and social standing.
Overall Effectiveness: 75% Percent.
Conclusion: You're getting sloppy Potter.
It was with a spring to his step that Harry stepped out of the gift shop with Hermione in tow and headed towards their parents, eager to go home and take a look at the stone.
June 21, 1991; Friday 8:30 P.M – Naples, Italy
8 Minutes until Summer Solstice Sunset
Harry and Hermione were currently sitting in the little balcony overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the sun steadily heading closer towards the horizon in the west.
They were enjoying some Piña Coladas (alcohol-free of course) and the view, waiting for Dan and Emma so that they could go and have dinner.
The stone was back inside Harry's suitcase, as he had given up on it already.
Ever since he had bought it at the Observatory, nothing special had happened, much to Harry's disappointment. He had studied the carvings on the stone and researched what he could on an Encyclopedia he had found in the lobby of the Hotel, which sadly yielded no results.
He looked over at Hermione, who was staring at the sunset in deep thought.
"Penny for your thoughts?" he said, staring at the view as well.
After a few moments of silence, Hermione spoke.
"I just remembered what the shop assistant had said back at the volcano, regarding the summer solstice. Did you happen to look into that?" she asked.
"Eh, sort of. I couldn't really find anything that connected it to the rock though," he said a bit disappointedly.
"Well, if my memory serves me right, the guide at the exhibition had briefly mentioned that the summer solstice was actually today. That can't be a coincidence, right?" she asked in a low voice.
"When you put it like that, no, I don't think so either. But even if it wasn't, it doesn't change the fact that we basically know nothing about the stone," he said with slight trepidation.
"True, but I was thinking about the markings on it and the purple flame-like veins. Don't you think it's a bit peculiar that it looks like fire? I think that maybe, just maybe, it might have something to do with the sun" she said with a bit of doubt, not wanting to sound stupid.
Much to her surprise, Harry actually liked her idea.
"Hermione, you're a genius!" he said, getting up from his chair and opening the glass door separating the balcony and their room. He went inside and took out the stone from its case, carefully caring it outside to the balcony and placing it on the small table.
3 Minutes until Summer Solstice Sunset
Harry and Hermione studied the stone sitting on the table, waiting for something to happen already. They just sat in comfortable silence, enveloped by each other's presence and magical aura, something that seemed to happen naturally nowadays.
Suddenly, just as the sun was starting to disappear under the horizon, they felt a foreign magical presence in their company, completely unlike their own, filled with warmth and excitement. It seemed to be greeting them. Both simultaneously looked at the stone on the table, and then at each other. The carvings were slightly glowing and the flame-like purple veins seemed to have come to life. The looked on in silence, waiting for something to happen as the glowing was steadily increasing, up until the point that they had to cover their eyes.
Finally, the last of the sun submerged under the horizon, and the stone gave out a final bright, purple flash.
Once they thought that it was safe to look, they uncovered their eyes and stared at the table.
Harry was completely gob-smacked. On the table lay… a pile of ash? He looked towards where the sun had set, slightly angry. Honestly, was this small spectacle why he spent so much of his money? Man, Hermione would never let him live this down.
He was brought out of his musings as he saw some movement from the corner of his eye.
A small, bald head with big eyes and a small beak was sticking out of the top of the ash; it seemed to be some kind of bird, staring at Harry with unblinking eyes. That's when he knew where the foreign magical presence had come from.
Aaand there we go. I was planning on making this a short chapter, but I got a bit carried away and ended up changing things here and there. Please let me know as to what your thoughts are concerning the story, and if you have any ideas as to what we should name this mysterious creature (though I'm sure you have figured out what it is by now). Hopefully, I can get in another chapter by this weekend; I have already gotten started on it! Anyways, I hope you all have a nice week and take care of yourselves during these times!
