Hey everyone,
So this chapter, originally, was planned to just focus on Merden and Adeline and them preparing the people of Ariador for the announcement, but even if I did, had Queen Amyna make the announcement and had Harry – and maybe James – make a small speech, it would still make for a very, very short chapter.
Because of that did I decide to have this chapter make the characters return to the reading and to be honest, seeing as how this chapter is about Harry discovering the magical world, I think that it will really make for a happier change of pace compared to the slightly down-hearted atmosphere of the last few chapters.
Okay, let's go,
Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories.
Chapter 15
The Announcement And The Book
24th of December 1976
The upper castle floors
Merden's POV
Getting everything ready for the great announcements of the Queen in regards to Prince Hari and Crown Prince Jaurion was made a little easier thanks to how, yesterday, many of the city's people had already seen the King and two people who – to the people – looked very much like the king and so they got intrigued.
And then for them to hear that there would be an announcement by the Queen in regards to the Royal family had made practically all of the Capital move themselves from their homes and over to the huge plaza that is surrounded by the houses of those who work in or around the castle on a daily basis and to even try and fight for seats.
This is where the hard part came in as I had to instantly call on the guards of the castle, yet even with them keeping peace, had I had to take center stage myself and told everyone that they were much too early and that the Queen herself was still preparing as well as entertaining the guests the people saw entering the castle yesterday.
This had made many of those who had rushed for the plaza the minute they heard of the announcement as me why they weren't informed, yet Adeline had set them right with the retort that they had rushed at the plaza upon hearing about the announcement, but hadn't stayed for me to tell them when it would come.
Those that had tried to place the blame with me had felt a little guilty and yet, after this I had focused myself on something else they may not like, but that is nothing but proper to take care of and I had made contact with the other countries around Ariador and asked them if they could send either their own royals or representatives.
And to my great glee had the Time, Air, Water and Music Elves send their royals, whereas the Fire, Earth, Guard and Empathy countries had send their representatives, but they would be send with the request that His Majesty would visit to arrange for a meeting between their royals and him and his family at earliest convenience.
By now the Queen, Crown Prince Jaurion and Prince Hari have returned from the visiting tailor and Ladies Ginny, Luna and Lord Colin have brought everyone else to the rooms that was filled with dresses and dress robes for them to wear and all of them look absolutely amazing thanks to some last minute care from the staff.
All of them look royal, even those that are just friends of the royal line and I nod in agreement to how wonderful they look, even if the prince, some of the Weasleys, Snuffles, Lupin and Colin seem to feel slightly uncomfortable with how they look and others like Crown Prince Jaurion and the Malfoys look as if they dress like this every day.
"The difference in upraising between the Crown Prince and the Prince is definitely visible just by looking at their behavior." I think to myself and then say: "Your Grace, all of your citizens, the royals of the Time, Air, Water and Music kingdoms and the representatives of the Fire, Earth, Guard and Empathy kingdoms await your speech."
The regal woman nods and I step aside with my head bowed in respect as I let her pass, her robes having extravagant details, embroidery and an extra-long train to further emphasize her royal status and just the sight of her on the balcony causes an uproar of loving shouts and honoring screams from the public below.
The Queen smiles at this and then lets it go on just long enough for it to be considered polite before she raises her hand gently to silence them and the way that the crowd instantly listens and quiets down proves that, even with her and the king having been gone for the better part of 2 decades, the loyalty of the people is still strong.
"My sweet kingdom and my beloved people. Seventeen, almost eighteen years ago my husband – your King – and I left this incredible world in order to – as selfish as it sounds – have the main privilege of spoiling our son – your Crown prince – as much as we desired. Now we return to you – with a grown up crown prince."
And with that, while I can easily spot a single drop of nervous sweat rolling down his left temple, does Crown Prince Jaurion move over to stand beside his mother, a small hue of embarrassment showing on his cheekbones when the crowds again erupt into shouts and screams as they voice their glee at his return.
Here I see future Princess Lindilwen shake her head, making me wonder how she cannot see that this is not the same arrogant boy she has grown up with over the last few years and then Lord Severus hums and says: "That hue is definitely what I expected of the Potter I have been bullied by the last few years. And yet –."
Here he turns to Prince Hari and says: "His son is standing right there, so it really is him, incredibly enough." And while this seems to turn the sense of disbelief Princess Lindilwen seems to emit into one of confusion, does the Queen then again silence the crowd below before she steps back and nods at her son.
Jaurion looks a little confused for a minute, but then seems to understand her silent message and he nods back at her before he takes a deep breath and say: "Ladies and Gentlemen of Ariador. Members of my kingdom, your royal highnesses and royal representatives. I speak here and now in name of my father and myself.
And the first thing I want to say is aimed at all those who have ruled this incredible world in the name and spirit of my parents and it is this; thank you. Thank you for going on where my parents left off, thank you for keeping this world as incredible as I see it before me, thank you for all of your hard work, dedication and effort."
This alone seems to shock and astonish Princess Lindilwen and causes the crowds to erupt into polite applause, the sounds causing the hue to increase a little before Prince Jaurion regains himself and says: "However, it was not on recommendation of my parents that I came here. I came here on the request of Lord Merden."
And while this makes me turn a little red myself, does Prince Jaurion take a deep breath and say: "Lord Merden was approached by his future self – who originated from 1998 – and he partook on the adventure set by his future self. And by doing so, he has shown me an official promise for the future of our incredible kingdom.
Ladies and gentlemen, Elves of all kinds and all those who have done my parents proud, I myself am proud to present you, my son Hari Jaurion Valivial, Prince of Ariador." And while it's clear that the young prince feels very uncomfortable to be put in the spotlight like this, does he then clear his face of nervousness and walk over.
And as he comes to stand with his father, are my eyes wide as the boy is actually looking like the epitome of polite tranquility and royal professionality and I can't help but think: "How – how did he transform like that?" Yet then I see Lady Hermione and Lord Ronald smile at their friend and then Lady Hermione says:
"That is Hari alright. Always showing a brave, ever-accepting face whenever he is out in public and feeling like he needs to give hope and trust to those that look up to him." Here she shakes her head and says: "He only had to really do that for a single year and still – that one year made him such a professional, it's incredible."
And at this I give her right before Jaurion takes a single step back, giving center stage to his son before Hari takes a deep breath himself and this alone is enough to make the crowds below quiet down as they all give of a sense of excitement over hearing what the son of their Crown Prince could have to say.
Hari then looks at them all and smiles with kind love, the kind of love a brother would show their baby sister and says: "My fellow Elves, I am Hari Jaurion Valivial, yet I have known myself as Harry James Potter for practically my whole life. And under that name, I believe, I have grown into someone to be proud of.
I have my flaws, I have my strengths and – at this point in time – all I can do is promise you all is that I will fight my flaws, use my strengths and do my best for the sake of this gorgeous world. I may not have been raised alongside you all, but now that I am here, I am most, most excited to become part of your lives and world.
If you'll have me." And with that, without waiting for a response, does Hari turn himself around and walk away from the balcony, Crown Prince Jaurion looking at him with a huge, open-mouthed smile on his face, yet what is even more amazing is how Prince Hari swirls his royal cape to swirl behind him as he turns and walks.
The boy leaves the stage on top of the balcony and as he does, as the last of him disappears from view from the point of view of the people below, does an earthquake of sound almost erupt from the plaza below as the citizens, royals and representatives shout and scream their incredible approval of the Secondary Heir to the Throne.
Hari himself even seems shocked to hear this as he has turned around with the swiftness of an Air Elf, his whole demeanor back to his old self and now expressing great shock over the reaction to his speech before Crown Prince Jaurion walks in and says: "I think I might need to go back there and forfeit my right to the throne.
Seems the people have chosen their next ruler already." And this makes Crown Prince Hari hit himself on the head with a guilty smile as he says: "I really hope you're not serious on that, cause I am far from ready from keeping up a front like that for longer than necessary. Not yet at least, it's just one of my current flaws."
Here his father laughs and says: "Don't worry, kiddo, I wasn't planning on it. Trust me, I could easily tell that you were showing off a side of yourself that you don't show to the world all that willingly and while I am proud, do I not feel like it would be wise to push such a responsibility on you – at least not yet, I'd say."
And here both Hari and most of his friends sigh in relief as he says: "Thanks Jaurion. To be honest, pushing responsibilities onto me for reasons that even they themselves didn't agree with was something that happened to me a few too many times in my old timeline for me to be comfortable with, so I really appreciate that."
At this Crown Prince Jaurion nods with a worried look on his face and then Adeline says: "Your Grace, the representatives of the Fire, Earth, Guard and Empathy kingdoms came with the message of their royals that they hope either you or His Majesty will contact them with possible plans for them to meet with the new Royal Family."
The Queen nods, whereas Hari cringes in fear that he will be forced into his previous persona again sometime soon and then the queen makes him smile gratefully and says: "Please give them a further explanation into the mission given to you by your Future self and tell them we will contact them after the first book."
Here I bow as I can see how this arrangement can be considered a win-win situation for the young Prince as it will give him some more reprieve between now and next time he will have to adorn the persona as well as give him the chance to get used to said persona and then the king says: "Now let's go find a new reading room."
And while I take my leave from the group, do they leave the balcony and the still cheering crowd behind and as I move myself down to speak to the representatives and calming down the public, does only one thought go through my mind: "I hope you can make that persona yours, My prince, that or find a life you can be happy with."
The Center Tower
King Hendros' POV
It seems my grandson is greatly underestimating himself. He believes that the way he behaved in front of the crowd was but a persona he created for the sake of the people of Magical England during his own war, yet I could tell that he was more like becoming one with the part of him that recognizes his royal heritage.
"He is a born prince, he's just been raised in such a different kind of environment and with so many other responsibilities that he instinctively pushes down on any part of him that could have to take any more regal responsibility. He just wants to have fun. I may wonder why he desires that so badly, but who am I to deny him this wish?"
Goes through my mind as we again move up the spiraling staircase as Hermione had told us it would be best to keep the reading to the private quarters and that keeping it to the tower would give some of us the chance to retreat from the reading if we feel uncomfortable or incapable of reading or listening to certain chapters.
I had felt a little hesitant on whether or not we should really make it so that some of the future group wouldn't be reading all the books, yet when Hari had told us that most of it took place at Hogwarts, did I agree that there would definitely be parts in the story that the other group had already experienced for themselves.
Hari had then promised that he would be present for as many chapters as possible and again I had seen a part of him that others may think is just his hero-side, yet I recognize it as a royal loyalty to the people and again I feel that I need to help Hari have fun and make him realize he is more of a royal prince than he believes himself to be.
Then, one floor under where the guests are sleeping do I feel the castle actually respond to my presence and to the shock of many does the door to this floor open by itself, making me nod and say: "The castle has spoken. Let's find a room we can all be comfortable in. The reading is best off continuing as quick as possible."
The others nod and Jaurion asks: "Has the castle been known to do this, dad?" And I nod as I say: "Yes, it did this a lot of times when I was growing up, though it did that more to answer to my own adventurous nature without letting me be endangered by my own home. It usually made sure I didn't fall down stairs and whatnot."
This seems to amaze the younger man and then Amyna hums and says: "Unless I am mistaken, I do believe that there is a huge aula like room somewhere on this floor." And my eyes widen as I remember that room before I motion her to lead us there. Amyna smiles at me, the smile melting my heart and then does as said.
We move around the hallway and then, as we walk, does Hermione look around confused and say: "I thought we were in a round tower, are we not?" And I smile at her as Amyna says: "Actually, dear, the entire castle is enchanted by one of the first humans who came here and chose to stay here. Its enchantment is millennia old."
"Wait, are you saying this whole place is under an Extension charm?" Hermione asks shocked and I say: "Yes, and just before he himself passed to the next realm – as we Elves call it – he tweaked his own enchantment. As long as Wind Elves take care of one part of the castle, the enchantment gets powered by their care.
This is why most Wind Elves work in the gardens, those are all stationed either around or inside the castle and thus make it so that their care is well divided over the entirety of the castle and thus the whole castle gets to keep hold of its enchantment." The girl looks amazed and then Amyna stops at a door and says:
"Here we are." And when we move through the door, do I feel like taking a deep breath as this room has very often been used to help calm down problems between different kingdoms, yet it was also often occupied by me and mine after a hard day of work, both when I was Crown Prince and when I myself took the crown.
The room is a gorgeous mirage of the colors that represent the eight nations of our kingdom and while the floor and ceiling have earthy tones and the walls are made of a soft sky blue color are the furniture decorated in all the other colors; red for fire, blue for water, silver for guard, gold for empathy, black for music and bronze for time.
"This room looks incredible." Molly Weasley gushes and I say: "It's usually used for either the relaxation of the Royal family or to dispute argument between our kingdom and the other royals. To be honest, I practically grew up in this room and I definitely spent a lot of time here with Amyna when she was pregnant."
"I think I even gave birth to Jaurion here, didn't I?" Amyna asks and suddenly I look at one of the walls of the room, the room itself shaped like a cylinder, yet with small alcoves and hidden corners here and there, which are covered by either drapes, cushions, small fireplaces a few low coffee tables and windowsills.
I then look at the one alcove that has a nest made of cushions, blankets and pillows with a fireplace to one side of the alcove and a large window on the other side and as I speak, can I actually see what happened there almost 18 years ago. "Yeah. Yeah, you did. And after you and Jaurion had rested up, we took our Port Key to England."
Here Amyna moves over to lie her head on my shoulder with her arms wrapped around mine and she whispers: "My fondest memory of this room. I love that the castle guided us here to make new ones – with both our son and our new grandson." And this makes Jaurion, who had started blushing, as well as Hari smile widely at us.
We then all move over to the center of the room and there Lupin puts the whole set of books on a small wooden three-legged stool before he pulls the top one off and asks: "So, is there anything else we should know about this room before we start reading?" At this Amyna and I nod and I happily tell him and say:
"The alcoves and window sills that are black colored or has a black overtone in the furniture have the magic of Music Elves covering them in case my family came here and wanted some private time. They can be used for those who do not want to read along in certain chapters. Also, the staircase you see over there –."
And I motion for the earthen tone colored staircase on the left of the room and say: "Is enchanted to recognize whoever walks it and leads directly to each of our own bedrooms, yet its top is also enchanted with privacy spell so even Amyna and I need to be separate when we want to both enter our joined chamber."
Here everyone nods and then Hari smiles at us and says: "I know that the next chapter will have a few Dursley references, but I really think it should be either of you or Jaurion who should read next." To this we smile and then I say: "Well, you are my grandson, so I'd be happy to." And I happily take the book from Lupin and start to read.
Diagon Alley … good dream.
"I know how that feels." Both Sirius and Snuffles then say and the two look at each other shocked, yet Hari sighs and says: "Something tells me the two of you aren't talking of the same event." And Sirius asks: "The 27th of December 1976?" Yet Sirius shakes his head and says: "20th of July 1993." And this makes those of his group cringe.
We all look at them and Snuffles says: "It was the first day after I escaped the method that kept me from Hari for all those years." And to my confusion does his confusing hint make Remus cringe even harder, making me look at the younger boy, yet the teenage wolf shakes his head at me with pleading eyes and I nod as I read on.
Tap. Tap … was over,
"Talk about a natural premonition." Luna suddenly says and when we look at her, does she say: "The weather made everything chummy and wild in nature. That really does describe everything you have been through over the years, doesn't it Hari?" And the boy seems to think about this before he sighs and smiles at her.
Yet the smile alone is so filled with resigned acceptance it makes my heart weep with worried care for the young boy just like it did when I first laid eyes on him and saw the sheer disbelief that shone in his eyes as he looked at my son for what was clearly the first time in so long. Yet I shake my head at this memory and just read on.
Hagrid himself … the pockets."
"Is – he trying to teach Hari about the Magical world or – is he just being lazy?" Sirius asks tentatively and Luna answers: "Just lazy." And while Hari glares at her, does she look back and say: "Your loyalty does not beat my sense of honesty." And while this makes their friends snicker softly, do I just continue reading.
Hagrid's coat … bronze ones."
"You know, if you heard him like that, it almost sounds as if he has experience going to visit new Muggleborn or Muggle-Raised students and staying overnight or something." My darling wife then says and Lucius snorts as he says: "That better not be true or it would be a horrible case of lazy oversight by the staff."
"Why would you say that?" Hari asks and the younger teen gazes at him, proving he hadn't expected a response seeing how little they know each other, yet he still answers and says: "One of the qualities that is required of a Head of House is knowing all the ins and outs of what to speak about when it comes to new students.
Hagrid, for all his intents and purposes, does not seem like the person who would take the time to study things like politics, gold, finances, what books need reference materials, why one should take this trunk over the other; basically many things that make a new found student dependent on the one guiding them around.
Now I will say that, by doing this, they increase the chance for Purebloods to keep the upper hand and for things to remain the same on a much easier level, yet at the same time, do I feel it is one fault in the teachers' choice of acts and decisions that even I find unforgivable. And that is not because it currently involves royalty."
Here we all nod and Luna says: "Hagrid is a nice man, but he definitely needs to stick to the simple jobs that need brawn instead of brain. It's why his problems in my second were as big as they were. He just wasn't cut for the job." And while it seems as if her words only further irritate my grandson, do I nod at them all and read on.
Harry counted … a puncture.
"Elensia, be a dear and fetch the box on my vanity table, please." My beloved wife suddenly asks of one of the Water Elves that usually hang around this room in hopes of serving us while inside and the Elf bows before flowing out of the room at a hurried pace, her movement causing many of those around me to get wide eyes.
"And that is why most servant Elves around here are Water Elves. They may be high up in the air, but they can move so fluently it makes for faster serving of simple tasks. We use Wind Elves when we need something from outside the tower, Fire Elves to keep all rooms we are in at the right temperature and Earth Elves to do heavy chores."
"It – it all sounds so – demeaning." Hermione says, shocking me again before Hari groans and says: "Hermione, I'm as much in for Elven rights as you are, but for Morgana's sake! Accept that we live in a world that bases its lifestyle more or less on the Victorian era and that this is what makes people, even the servants, happy."
"Hari, how can you just –?" Hermione wants to ask, yet it seems as if Hari has heard her argue about this before as he interrupts her and snaps: "Because I don't feel like changing millennia of tradition, thank you!" And the girl looks shocked at how sharp and angered Hari sounded, yet Hari himself seems shocked as well.
"You are growing into your heritage a lot quicker than you seem to have expected. I take it you are very protective by nature, sweetling?" My wife asks and Hari nods before he whispers: "I – I just can't stand it when – when someone hurts or – or attacks something or someone I – that I deeply care about or believe in."
Here I nod and say: "And Elves have been protective by nature since the very first Elf was ever born, so it stands to reason that, now that you are growing to accept who you are in this world, your own natural sense of protecting is getting an extra boost to it." To which most of Hari's friends chorus: "Oh Ariador, spare us!"
And Hari glares at his friends before Hermione asks: "Was – was I really – really trying to –?" And the way she sounds so confused about herself makes Hari look at her with guilt in his eyes, whereas I can't help but notice how Lindilwen seems to be fighting off the urge to glare at Hari as if he were Jaurion pulling a prank.
"Hermione –." Hari says, but then Amyna gently stops him with a raised hand and says: "Maybe now is a good time for you to read that book I gave you last night, dear." And Hermione nods, yet still sends Hari a loving smile making my grandson sigh relieved before he smiles back and while the girl moves away, do I read on.
"Um – Hagrid?" … goblins, Harry.
Yet here I have to stop as Hermione actually snorts in her book and Ron laughs as he asks: "Hey, why didn't you give us that warning? Forgot about it or something?""YOU MESSED WITH GOBLINS?" Remus asks shocked and Hari shouts back: "I DIDN'T HAVE A CHOICE!" Shocking him and making me read on concerned.
Gringotts is … me, see."
"Sounds like Dumbledore might be behind why Hagrid sounded so used to explaining magic stuff to Muggle-raised." Lucius mutters but then Severus snorts and says: "Either that or Hagrid just got used to it after having so many students that are like Potter and Lupin visit him." And his fellow Snake nods in agreement as I read on.
"Got everythin' … Hagrid. "Flew?"
"My old motorbike, perhaps? I don't really recall ever getting back." Snuffles then mutters and Lupin nods as he says: "Hagrid told me he still had it after – well – that night. He also told me he moved it away when – well – when trouble of the worst kind hit the fan." This shocks all those of us from the present time and Lucius asks:
"What kind of trouble?" And Hari answers: "The trouble where the new chief in command is someone you believe to be on your foe's side, when before you believed him to be on your side." Yet while the others seem slightly disgruntled with how Hari said that, do I notice Draco looking at Severus as it is said.
This makes me look at the young teen myself and I wonder: "What could his role be in all this? Will he be there as Hari goes through his supposed trials? Was he one of the reasons Snuffles never really got close to Hari? Did he perhaps kill one of the souls that got saved as the others travelled back?" And I read on as I wonder on this.
"Yeah – but … security vaults.
"Only those who truly have something to hide would hide it behind a ferocious beast." My wife then snarls, me smiling at her as dragons at the Black vaults had always caused for friction between her and my in-laws and then I hear Ron mutter: "If only she knew." Sending a knowing look at his best friend as I continue reading.
And then … on summat."
"Unless you escape like little ol' Hari did." The twins then chorus and again those of the present look at him greatly shocked before Hari turns red and says: "Trust me, those Goblins wouldn't have wanted this in their vaults anyway. I was doing them a favor." And while William snorts at this, do I read on with a soft snicker.
Harry sat … the page.
Here even I sigh as I have been of the belief for some years now that the Ministry has been handling this war with Voldemort in all the wrong ways and I mutter: "Hate to admit it, but I give him right. That Ministry seems to fill up with more and more nincompoops the more time passes, even now." Yet to this Hari says:
"Trust me grandpa, a Ministry like ours – I doubt yours is even half as bad." To which Sirius asks: "Didn't Crouch just recently propose that bill for Aurors to use the Unforgivables?" To which the rest of us nod and yet Hari says: "Even Crouch wouldn't send – eh – never mind, Crouch would, but your current Minister probably not."
And while I wonder what Hari wanted to say – and while he looked at Snuffles when he changed his mind – does Lindilwen ask: "Do what?" And Hermione snarls from her book: "Send 32,000 people to Azkaban for stealing magic." Making the girl who asked the question get wide eyed while the rest of us feel beyond flabbergasted.
"Your Ministry did – WHAT NOW?" Sirius asks and Hari answers: "Yeah, and that was the Ministry in Voldemort's time. Before he came back, we had a Ministry that send people to Azkaban to be seen doing something, send other people to Azkaban without trial and send Dementors to Hogwarts and call it a protection measurement."
This shocks all of us even more and I whisper: "And I thought our Ministry was doing things bad because of Crouch's crazy proposition. Who the heck is in charge in your time?" And Ron wants to answer, yet Hari stops him and says: "I'm pretty sure Hagrid is about to mention him." Making me turn back to the book instantly.
"There's a … the job.
"Cornelius –." Jaurion whispers and Sirius finishes: "Fudge?" Before the two share a glance and burst out laughing, shocking Hermione from her reading with a yelp and making Amyna shake her head as she looks at the two before I look down and say: "I think Hagrid agrees with you boys." Before I read the next part.
Bungler if … fer advice."
"Oh yea, that's fudgy-ball, alright." Sirius wheezes and the twins ask: "Fudgy-ball?" To which the teen shrugs and says: "A nickname we gave him. He always tries to roll through his classes, but you only need to look at how he holds his wand to know he sucks at it. Heck, at sometimes he makes Filch look like a proper wizard – Filch!"
Here even I shake my head as I never considered that man a proper wizard, yet alone a worthy member of the Hogwarts staff and then Hari sighs as he says: "Well, he definitely didn't improve over the years." And the resigned way that all the others nod in agreement actually make me worry for the Ministry of the future as I read on.
"But what … left alone."
"Well, I guess you can call that the short version of it." Sirius mutters, looking a little baffled and then the twins speak up, one of them saying: "That's Hagrid for you." Before the other goes on and says: "Nice and simple." And even Lucius, who I know is no fan of Hagrid, nods in agreement with the duo as I continue reading.
At this … up, eh?"
"That sounds like you, dad." Charlie then laughs and the man turns red with a huge smile on his face before he kids back: "Why do you think Hagrid and I get along so well?" And all of us, bar Severus and Lucius, laugh at this and while I find it slightly shocking that even Draco is hiding a few snickers behind a hand, do I then read on.
"Hagrid," said … we go."
"Uhm, excuse me, your Grace?" Ron suddenly asks and when my wife nods at him, does he ask: "You – ehm – might not like me asking this right now, but – well – what was the craziest pet one of your people ever had?" And this question – as well as its timing – does indeed worry me quite a bit as my wife hums and says:
"Well, I would have to say – ehm – I do believe it was a – ah, it was this one time, just two years after I myself took the crown, that one of the Earth Elves tried using a Life Debt owed to his family by a family of Wind Elves to claim the youngest member of the Wind Elf family as their family pet. That really was just plain crazy."
And this seems to actually shock Ron before he mutters: "Wow, that Elf actually outdid Hagrid in crazy-ass beliefs in pets." And both his two best friends as well as Draco nod in solemn agreement, but then Hari looks at Ron and says: "And yet, Hagrid was more inconsiderate once." And Ron shudders as I read on.
They had … wondered aloud.
And as I read this part, does the Water Elf return from its task and my wife smiles at her as she turns to Hari and asks: "Hari dear, is it true that you – even after visiting Gringotts – wondered what Jaurion and Lindilwen left you?" And when Hari shrugs before nodding, does she say: "Allow me to show you an example."
And she accept the simple looking box that has small plain crystals on each side of the box, yet when she opens it, do the mouths of both my grandson as well as several of his friends drop to the cushions they are sitting on as the box actually loses a few of the jewel embedded bracelets and rings that are held inside.
The inside of the box is also inlaid with yellow, red and blue gems against a soft pink background and the whole thing is filled to the brim and beyond with bracelets, anklets, rings, necklaces, broches, badges, crowns, ringlets and other pieces of jewelry, of which at least three quarter of them are embedded with precious gems.
My wife then picks up the fallen rings and bracelets and puts them back before closing the box, clasping the lid as she says: "And that is just the box of gifts your father has been giving me since he first started crushing after me." Shocking even Jaurion and Lucius into having them end up with dropped mouths and wide eyes.
Amyna then puts the box away and says: "The reason that box is on my vanity table is because I have made it tradition to wear at least one piece every day. The gems inside the box are also enchanted to be in constant connection with another box back at Earth. Through this I have access to all these gifts regardless of where I reside.
However, while the Potters may be only a name created for the Royal family to hide under on Earth, but that does not mean that they don't have at least a few vaults under that name in the other world. There is, however, a contract with the Goblins that, if for any reason, the royals decide to remain in Ariador, all treasure returns there.
Including Goblin made gold and other items." This seems to shock Hari and Ron the most and then Ron asks: "May I ask something? Was Godric Gryffindor – was he by any chance – related to the king?" And while I am quite sure this will shock them quite badly, do I say: "He was my great-grandfather, actually."
And I get proven right as the boy's eyes widen even more before he groans and says: "I don't think I have ever wished you knew of your royal heritage any more than I do now, mate." And Hari himself seems to feel just as annoyed and resigned as his best friend sounds, yet he also looks slightly angry and he whispers:
"I will get my inheritance back." Making me wonder what he could possibly mean, yet Jaurion seems to get it as his eyes are wide and he asks: "Wait, you know where the Legendary sword of Godric Gryffindor is?" And this shocks even me as Godric died in a journey to Earth, yet hid the sword just before he was killed.
Since then no one has been able to find it and while both my grandfather, father and I had worked our hardest in attempts to find it and then Hari says: "I know where it is and what's more, both Neville, Ron, Hermione and I managed to make use of it several times over the last year." Shocking me and Jaurion asks:
"Where is it?" Yet Hari smiles and says: "Somewhere safe." Making his dad glare at him, yet Hari smiles and says: "Jaurion, I first find the sword in my second. Had I not found it until later I would have told you, but for now –." And while Jaurion sighs, does he still nod in understanding and I smile at them as I read on.
"If yeh … with shops.
"May I ask why the Magical Reversal Squad or the Obliviators haven't been on his tail yet?" Lucius suddenly asks and Hari answers with a question: "Remember what I told you about my time's Ministry?" Making the young man groan whereas Amyna and I share a concerned look together before I read on.
Hagrid was … magic wand.
"Those places all sound so fascinating." Arthur happily exclaims and then Hermione says: "Cinemas and hamburger restaurants have definitely become a crazy like hype amongst the teenage population across the world. Not surprising a Muggle Raised like Hari would notice them." And her friend smiles at her as he says:
"Maybe so, but I've never been to either of them." Shocking his friend before Amyna says: "Well, they aren't hamburgers, but still considered fast food here in Ariador and they might not show those famous Disney things, but actual memories from great heroes of the past, but – perhaps a trip for the future between grandma and grandson?"
Yet the shocked look that crosses Hari as he responds to her breaks my heart in two as it proves the boy was just kidding around with her friend with the belief that his silent plea would go unanswered, which only further makes me wonder what made a free spirit like Snuffles never partake in an activity like that with his godson.
And then Hari makes me almost tear up at how pure and kind his soul is as he tentatively asks: "Can – can – can Jaurion – can he come too?" And yet Amyna only sends Jaurion a questioning look, leaving the decision up to him, to which Jaurion smiles and says: "Count me in." Making his son and mother smile as I continue reading.
This was … trusting him.
Here I see Severus, Lucius and even Draco looking skeptical, even if Draco seem the least skeptical of the three and then Hari shrugs and says: "I think it depends on how you look at Hagrid. When you look at him with the eye of someone raised like royalty, he might not mean much, but if you look at him with a more – common eye –."
Yet while this makes Severus raise an eyebrow at the boy, do Draco and Lucius seem to accept the notion, yet Lindilwen seems to notice her friend's disbelief and says: "It also depends on whether or not you feel as if you even have anything in common with him in the first place or not. If your interests don't match –."
And while Hari seems thoughtful about this, does he then look at Luna and say: "I'm not sure I agree with that." But then Luna says: "Hagrid and I do care for different creatures, Hari." And with that does the boy seem to accept his mother's notion, yet while I can tell that this seems to annoy the young redhead, do I read on.
"This is … see it.
"The sign above the door is actually inlaid with Intention Gems that scan each and every passerby for whether or not they want to enter the place and also whether or not they even know the name of the pub. If not, it does indeed make the space between the book and record shop look too small for them to actually notice."
"So it's like a Fidelius charm?" Hermione asks, only for Amyna asks: "Who on Earth told you about that ancient technique?" Shocking us all and Snuffles asks: "Ancient?" To which I answer: "My father is even younger than that spell and he turned 732 years old." Shocking the others, yet then Hari shocks my wife and me as he says:
"But – but – but – but mum and dad used it to go down under when they wanted to protect me and – and the Order hid their Headquarters under it during our last war." This shocks us both and then I say: "Then it seems the magical world will be experiencing a magical regression in spell knowledge in the next few years.
And Jaurion, I better hear that this stays with your son's late father and not you in this timeline, you hear me young man? That spell is ancient, its structure has a good dozen rune-based loopholes as the spell itself is seriously based on nothing more than the intent of the caster and the power of the belief the target has in their Keeper."
And while Jaurion looks at me shocked, does Snuffles then slap himself on the head and mutter: "No wonder neither of those two spells actually worked. He wasn't even their primary choice and the Order had one serious doubt in Albus in regards to his choices. Those spells were just waiting to be ripped apart. Ugh."
And while this makes me hate how the man feels, does this make Lindilwen tremble as she asks: "Bla – Snuffles, how long did – did our future selves last?" And yet the look that crosses Snuffles' face makes the girl blanch and gasp before she says: "Wait, I – I'm sorry. I – I didn't – I – I should have – I'm so sorry."
Yet Snuffles proves that he really cares for her as he shakes his head and whispers: "A week." Shocking her again and Jaurion asks: "Say what?" And while his voice sounds like it resembles an Org, does Snuffles mutter: "A week. That – he kept your secret for one week." And while Jaurion looks devastated, do I read on.
Before he …this be –?"
Here Hari sighs and says: "Grandpa, brace yourself. You are about to read exactly why I hate the spotlight and having any connection to anything famous – well, anything famous that is related to anything I don't for the full 100% know I did myself." And while this makes me worry for what I am about to read, do I still read on.
The Leaky … Leaky Cauldron.
"Wait, did that just say everyone?" Jaurion asks and Remus goes on: "Forgive me if I'm wrong, but – shouldn't Hari's fame have died out some – I don't know – 5 to 7 years ago? I mean, didn't it happen 10 years ago?" And Hari mumbles: "Long live Magical decision making." His snarky tone making me read on, feeling troubled.
"Doris Crockford … Dedalus Diggle."
"They do realize that they are talking to an eleven year old boy who had been raised in the Muggle world for over a decade, right?" Lucius asks with a heavy sneer to his voice and Hari answers: "I repeat my earlier statement. Long live Magical Decision making." Yet when the young man looks at him curiously does he say:
"Particularly on what to recognize and what to ignore." And instantly the blonde's eyes show his understanding, whereas I hear Amyna groan in resignation and mutter: "Not just a regression in magical knowledge then, it seems." And both I and my grandson and his friends nod in great empathy before I read on.
"I've seen … was twitching.
And instantly two things happen. Percy, Neville, Draco, Cedric and the twins all groan in despair, yet at the same time do Ron, Hari and Hermione tense up and it is them I focus on as the way they suddenly look determined and even battle ready makes my heart reach out to them and how war-hardened they currently look.
The groaners, however, seem just as shocked and Percy asks: "Eh, guys." And Hari answers: "My first obstacle. The first lackey working for that – that – that –." Yet while he seems to have no words for the person, do we still all understand who he means and instantly we all whiten before a shocked Cedric asks:
"Wait, is that why he suddenly vanished? Because he served – him?" And Hari nods before he says: "To speak the words of a wise old man he shows just as little mercy to his followers as his enemies." And this time I see a horrid look crossing Draco's face as he whispers: "Don't I know it." To which I force myself to read on.
"Professor Quirrell!" … meet you."
"Wait, how could a weakling like that be serving – well him?" Peter asks shocked and Hari growls: "How do you think?" And the boy seems thoughtful before suddenly Percy curses and snarls: "Oh no, that better not mean what I think it does." Yet Hari's dark look seems to confirm it either way and the young man curses as I read on.
"What sort … on, Harry."
Here I sigh and say: "Yes Hari, I can see why you hate the spotlight. Hagrid should have handled much better and it would definitely make you hate anything that you didn't do by your own strength and ability." Here Hari nods and says: "And yet, I don't feel as conflicted with the idea of people revering me for being royal."
Yet here Amyna smiles and says: "That is because being royal doesn't always mean you have to behave in certain ways. It also gives you the room and chance to make name for yourself with your own achievements, whereas this title is like a list of obligations and dictations that others wanted to oppress you with."
Here Hari sighs and says: "Yeah, through means of students, their grapevine, their hormonal behavior, the newspaper, the Ministry and – of course – magic itself." Yet this shocks me as I can barely believe that my grandson had to oppose so many factions that were apparently so determined to believe in his fame and I shake my head as I read on.
Doris Crockford … usually tremblin'."
Here I want to lie the book down and slap myself on the head and then Remus says: "That was probably meant as a motivator for Hari to feel better, but –." And while the boy falters, does his older self say: "It came much too late and after Hagrid himself did nothing to control the masses." And the two nod as I read on.
"Is he … his umbrella.
Here Draco hums and says: "Interesting. I mean, I knew we were reading from his Highness' POV, but I guess it slipped my mind that we'd be experiencing how Muggleborns and raised feel when they lie eyes on Diagon Alley for the first time." And while he had been smirking when giving Hari the title, do I snicker and read on.
The brick … more eyes.
Here Ron lets off a small shudder, yet Draco seems to have his intrigue increased, while at the same time Lucius sends Severus a curious look, but the younger snake shakes his head and says: "My mother took me when I was five, I had grown used by that age." His blonde friend nods at him and I focus back on my reading.
He turned … they're mad…"
"Okay seriously, did the Magical World experience a devolution in the years since our supposed death or something? The Fidelius curse, bad control of fame and now ridiculous increases of basic potions ingredients which any parent with even a single child would be in need of? What's next, the revival of the Tri-Wizard Tournament?"
Yet at this do I, to my utter shock, see Cedric cringe before he looks down at his own cloths, the same cloths he actually came in here to and only then do I notice how they look like the outfit of someone partaking in an official tournament or other form of competition and I can only think: "Oh Meleniel, no." Before I read on.
A low … fastest ever –"
Here even Jaurion actually snorts and he asks: "So practically everything a normal witch or wizard would need to possess, whether in character or possession, has regressed and made a visit back to the Stone Age, yet the Broom company is still evolving? I am so glad to be Elven right now." And his son nods as I read on.
There were … treasure there.
By now I am smirking widely as my son and his friends along with Cedric are all shuddering at how I voiced that little rhyme, yet while Jaurion says: "Not funny, dad." Do I then notice how none of the other time travelers seem at all affected and Neville says: "We've heard voices that could change a Boggart with a single sentence."
And this fact alone makes me look at most of them with utter pain before Amyna says: "Elensia, please make sure that Lord Grendor and Lady Rendorfa come to his room at earliest convenience. Tell them their skills are more necessary than ever before." And the Water Elf bows before she flows out of the room as I read on.
"Like I … key, sir?"
"He better not have it. The Potter keys are supposed to appear before the ones with Potter blood upon their first entrance to the magical world and are supposed to be blood tied to that specific Potter from that moment on." I growl, yet Hari asks: "And – and what if that did happen when – I mean, before my first birthday?
What if the events of Halloween broke the blood tie?" But I shake my head and say: "Even if that had happened, which because of the war, I highly doubt, the same still should have happened – Hagrid better not have." I suddenly snarl, throwing the book down and shouting: "Guards, present yourselves this instant!"
And a whole army of Earth and Guard Elves rush into the room before standing ready for battle in two rows of elves, but instantly Hari stands up and shouts: "You can't! This happened in the future, remember?" And I curse my grandson's logic before I turn to one of the Elves and say: "Go to 1998 and explain the situation.
Gather Merden and take him with you if needed. Let –." But here Hari stops me again, this time by lying his hand on my arm and asks: "Grandpa, remember what Merden said? About your lives being saved and the old timeline?" And at this I curse as the boy is right before I dismiss the guards and plunge back on my seat.
"What had you so angry anyway?" Hari then asks and this question effectively shocks the anger out of me as I mutter: "I – I believed Hagrid may have taken your key in the midst of the crazy masses." Hari looks at me shocked and then Jaurion distracts him as he asks: "Wait, why did you stop him if you didn't know what angered him?"
And Hari's answer worries me as the same dead look as yesterday crosses his face again and he whispers: "Because I once worked on my emotions in the need to do something right – and it ended horribly in ways I – I never want to relive again." And the reaction to this from one of those in the room is instantaneous.
Snuffles rushes over to the boy and hugs him with all the strength of a Guard and Earth Elf, his eyes closed in pain over the fact that Hari is still remembering his death and his body encasing Hari just like I tried doing the first time I met my grandson; as if I want to envelop him with my form and protect him from all forms of harm.
Hari clings to the man with an equally strong need for comfort and reassurance and while I hate that it is a man that had been out of Hari's life for over a decade, do I still feel my heart growing weak with relief over the fact that, apart for years or not, Hari and Snuffles did grow very, very close and with that do I focus on my chapter.
"Got it … and thirteen."
"He seriously just said that in front of Jaurion and Lindilwen's daughter? The guy who has tried to map out all of Hogwarts and the girl that reads seven books just for one essay?" Sirius asks and Lindilwen snaps: "I do not!" To which Jaurion smiles: "You used to." Making the girl scowl as I hear Snuffles mutter:
"I still agree with Sirius. He may have meant that as a joke, but the consequences of that act will probably run throughout the entire tale." To which Hari, Ron and Hermione share a look before Hari says: "To be honest, until the very end, it was just teenage curiosity that drove us. We never planned to do anything more with it."
Here the man nods and then Percy asks: "Wait, does this all have to do with when Hari ran for Hagrid first, then inside the castle and then ended up in the Hospital Wing for 3 days?" Which worries me greatly as Hari says: "You missed meeting McGonagall and Neville." To which Percy looks at him shocked as I read on.
The goblin … yeh that."
"Then why did Dumbledore think it a good idea to have you do that job and escort a teenager? Does he even know what teenagers are like anymore?" Sirius asks and Hari, Ron and Hermione share a look before Hari says: "If I have to base my answer off of fifth year, I'd say – no." And his friends nod before Molly shouts:
"HARI!" Yet Hari glares back at her and says: "I got agitated on a daily basis, was followed in such a way I didn't even know about it –.""You didn't need to know about it, it was supposed to keep you safe!" Molly snaps back, yet this seems to be the wrong thing to say as a livid Hari jumps from his seat at hearing this.
Yet instead of shouting, does he seem even too angry to utter a single word and instead does he point a very sharp finger at Snuffles, the woman whitening when she sees this and Hari snarling: "No one was there when it mattered. No one ever is." And the woman looks down, admitting defeat as Hari snarls this at her.
Then Snuffles moves over and gently lies his hands on Hari's shoulders, using one of them to move his arm back down and as he helps Hari back into his seat, does he slowly move them both so that Hari's head is lying against the man's chest and while he then starts to move a hand across the boy's back does he not say a single word.
Yet when the man feels assured that Hari has calmed down and before I can continue reading, does he then look at Molly, Arthur, Lupin, Bill and Charlie and he says: "I said it a hundred times back then and I'll say it again: How is Hari supposed to trust us when we don't show proof we trust him?" Yet none of them have an answer.
Yet while none of the five people that Snuffles addressed seem to have a reply, do I still spot a few tears gleaming in Hari's eyes as the anger on his face gets replaced with a calm, happy smile before he cuddles closer against the man's chest and while this makes me share a happy smile with my wife and son, do I then read on.
Griphook held … was impossible.
"There are actually small stones in several walls and parts of the tunnels that work more or less similar to the stones in the Leaky Cauldron, except they scan whoever is checking out the walls and if it's not someone covered in Gringotts' employment magic, they cast very weak Confundus charms." Bill tells us before I read on.
The rattling … a stalactite?"
"You were actually wondering about that?" Ron asks Hari shocked and Hari shrugs as he says: "I was still very curious, but I could tell that trying to learn about the way wouldn't work so I focused on whatever else I saw." At this his best friend looks at him for a few minutes before he says: "I can see that." As I read on.
"Stalagmite's got … bronze Knuts.
"Just money but no artifacts, huh?" I mutter to myself and then say: "I guess it's just the trust vault set up for future generations." To which Hari asks: "So there are vaults with other stuff in there too?" And I nod as I say: "Yes, though they might be transferred here in due time." Shocking the boy before I say:
"Hari, I get that the goal behind the books is to help us understand how to end the war, yet if what I have seen so far is really the future of the Wizarding world, to regress as badly as it seems to have, I just don't feel safe keeping my family there any longer." The boy looks troubled over this and he stands up yet again.
Snuffles lets him go and Hari moves over to one of the windows in the room, standing quietly for some time as he seems to gaze over the land before he turns around and the peaceful smile on his face makes me feel relieved as he says: "You know, I think I already feel at home here, so yeah, I'm okay with that." Making me smile as I read on.
"All yours," … than blinking.
"Not possible." Jaurion says before he goes on and says: "Even with Lindilwen being your mother, Petunia would still need either your or her vocal or written permission before she could even be allowed along on trips down to the vaults, let alone to enter them." And while Lindilwen seems to cringe, do I continue reading.
How often … said Griphook.
"That's not true either, that counts only for the Regular Visitor Carts." Bill says and when Hari looks confused at the angry frown on his face, does Bill say: "According to several treaties, families like the Blacks, Malfoys, Potters and Bones' all have the right to Ancient House Carts instead." Shocking my grandson as I read on.
They were … nasty grin.
This makes Jaurion snort, yet Hari turns angrier the longer I read about the Goblin and then suddenly he mutters: "I should have remembered that and realized that he wasn't to be trusted." And while some of those from my time look shocked, do I see Bill send him a greatly worried look before I focus back on the reading.
Something really … feeling nervous.
"Couldn't he have just tried and find someone else to guide you around? He really isn't doing the greatest of job and leaving someone who he knows is completely new to the world as well as famous? That is practically asking for trouble." My wife then mutters, yet when she sees Hari looking angry, does she say:
"Hari, sweetheart, I only say this because I worry about you. Hagrid is a good person, but he has serious responsibility issues and for someone caring for the person he is supposed to be responsible for, that can cause those people to worry greatly." And to this Hari sighs, proving he hates having to give her right before I read on.
Madam Malkin … in fact."
And suddenly Draco tenses up before he sighs and says: "I forgot we met that day." Yet Hari sends him a caring smile before he says: "Mr. Malfoy, you and Draco are about to see how your behavior is taken by others. I hope you're ready." And while this seems to intrigue Lucius and excite my son and his friends, do I then read on.
In the … in somehow."
Here Sirius tries to hold back a snicker whereas Lucius sends his future son a raised eyebrow look, yet Draco shrugs and says: "It's like Hari said, this is you getting the chance to hear the results of your actions and then from the point of a view of someone completely unlike you." And the older blonde shakes his head as I read on.
Harry was … wouldn't you?"
"Draco, you can consider yourself so lucky Dora isn't here right now. She would skin you for that one." Lupin says and then he gets followed up by Cedric who says: "Not that I will be taking kindly to that sleight against my House." And Draco cringes, looking slightly afraid under Cedric's promising smirk before I read on.
"Mmm," said … come in.
Here Amyna shakes her head and says: "I guess that's my biggest problem with Hagrid. No matter how many faults he might make, he always tries to make up for it once he realizes it – when he realizes it." And while Hari seems troubled to agree with her words, does he also seem to appreciate her words as I read on.
"That's Hagrid," … his bed."
"Who on earth did you get that from?" Lucius asks, yet Draco smirks and says: "From you." Shocking the man before he clears his throat and says: "Yes well, I can only assume that my opinion of Hagrid must have taken a regression just like so many other things in the world." And while Sirius shakes his head in disbelief, do I read on.
"I think … at all.
Here Severus glares at the boy and asks: "Didn't you say that I was your godfather? Cause I sincerely doubt I would let you grow up with such disrespect for the dead." To which Draco cringes and says: "Actually, you raised me to care less than nothing about Prince Jaurion's death." And while Severus looks shocked, do I read on.
"But they … surname, anyway?"
"Says the Pureblood to the Halfblood prince of an entire world." Ron snickers and Draco snorts before he says: "And even before we knew Valivial was royal, it was just stupid of me to say all that even before I asked for his surname. I could have had an amazing chance of helping Valivial accept his father's heritage and I blew it."
Yet here Hari cringes and asks: "Would you have tried helping me learn about my father's heritage? Or about what it's like to be of my father's blood?" And the blonde looks thoughtful before he sighs and says: "Probably the second – and not in a good way." And the two boys share a look and nod of understanding as I read on.
But before … Harry lied.
"That is definitely one of your catchphrases." One of the twins says and then the other goes on: "And one of your more annoying ones, at that." And when Hari looks at them, one of them says: "You say that there's nothing wrong or that you're fine too often, even when there is actually something wrong or bothering you."
Here the other goes on, his voice filled with caring concern and he says: "You are definitely independent, Hari, but sometimes, you're too independent for your own good." And the boy they look at with that same caring concern, looks down with a guilty look as Snuffles again pulls him close and I read on, concerned myself.
They stopped … you wrote.
"You actually always used that when you worry about something or annoyed with someone. Makes you wonder why the teachers don't realize they need to talk to you more often when they see this kind of ink on your essays." Hermione mutters to herself, yet Hari rolls his eyes in a sense of disbelief at her words as I read on.
When they … a sister!"
Here Lindilwen looks at Lucius and says: "Speaking of that, thanks again for adopting me. The knowledge that I will never have to be known as related to – her – it's just so refreshing." And the blonde smirks as he says: "A Malfoy always looks out for proper talent, little sis." Making Lindilwen snicker as I read on.
"So what … the rules."
Here Hari turns to me and Amyna and asks: "Do Elves play Quidditch?" Yet Amyna and I smile at each other before I say: "The wind Elves do, but each of the other Elven races also have a famous sport of their own. And over summer and winter, we always play four of the eight sports in one huge and epic tournament."
"That sounds so awesome! What Elves play what sport?" Jaurion asks and Amyna answers: "Wind Elves play Quidditch, Earth Elves play something similar to football, yet it's still slightly different, Water Elves play several Water sport, skiing or ice skating competitions and Fire Elves do Metal Sculpture competitions.
Then there are the Talent shows of the Music Elves, Empathy elves actually perform magic shows with their various talents, Guard Elves do battle in giant arenas and – to me – the greatest of all are the Time Elves, who hold huge shows where each Elf gets one era of time and they have to prove they can discover something new of that time.
The bigger the discovery, the better the performance and the more interested the elf can get his audience, the higher a chance for said Elf to win the tournament. It might sound like a History lesson, yet – Time Elves can even make something like the evolution of fish into lizards look and sound amazing, trust me."
Here everyone looks amazed and then Hari says: "I know I'm a Music Elf and that Jaurion is a Wind Elf, but what kind of Elves do you think the others will be?" And here I lie the book down with a bookmark on the page as I rub one of my fingers across my lips in thought as I study all of the interested looking group around me.
"I – think Remus and Lupin will be Earth Elves, Sirius and Snuffles will probably be either Fire or Guard Elves. Peter, I think, will be a Water Elf, perhaps a Time Elf. Lindilwen, I think will be a Fire Elf as well, Lucius and Draco, I feel, will be Wind or Empathy Elves, Severus will probably be an Earth or Water Elf.
Hermione will be an Earth or Time Elf, Neville will definitely be an Earth Elf, Colin, I think, will be a Music Elf, Cedric, I think, an Earth or Guard Elf, Luna will definitely be an Empathy Elf and the Weasleys – I think I will just name each Elf and then see who of you falls under what category." The Weasleys nod and I say:
"Fire Elves; Ron, Ginny, Molly and Charlie. Water Elves, Fred and George, I think. Either that or Music Elves. Earth Elves; Bill. Wind Elves; Fleur, though she too might be a Music Elf. Time Elves; Percy. And Empathy Elves; Arthur. I do believe that covers all of the group, right?" Everyone nods and I read on.
"And what … Harry gloomily.
"We would have loved to have had you, Hari, really." Cedric then says, only for Hari to ask: "Do you think me having been a Hufflepuff would have made a difference? You know, during Second and Fourth?" And Cedric looks thoughtful as he says: "Second, not sure. Fourth, almost definitely." And Hari smiles as I read on.
"Better Hufflepuff … Vindictus Viridian.
"That is actually a teenage classic." Jaurion snickers, whereas Lindilwen huffs and says: "Well, I wouldn't want to be caught dead with that book, thank you very much." Only for Hermione to ask: "Not even against someone like Bellatrix or Walden Macnair?" And my son's future bride looks conflicted as I read on.
"I was … curse Dudley."
"Dudley, Vernon, Marge, Bellatrix, Lockhart, our old Potions Teacher – from before the end of the war – Junior, Romilda Vane, Marrietta Edgecombe, that traitor, Macnair, McLaggen –." Yet here Snuffles puts his hand on Hari's mouth and says: "We get it, you have enemies." And while this worries me, do I still read on.
"I'm not … birthday present."
"It really is such a shame that both your birthday and Christmas have already passed. I would have loved to have organized a party. You know, to make you feel welcome." Amyna then sighs, yet Hari smiles at her and says: "Just what you're already doing makes that happen, grandma, don't worry." Making her smile as I read on.
Harry felt … me sneeze.
Yet at this does Neville hit himself over the head, whereas Hermione turns red and mutters: "No wonder Hagrid asked me to keep Crookshanks inside the castle when I helped him. I thought he was siding with Ron, I actually even snapped at him over it." And while Ron looks shocked and I feel intrigued, do I then focus back on reading.
I'll get … her wing.
And as if the description is considered a cue to the animal does the gorgeous bird fly in, yet she also shocks us as she has another, smaller hyper active owl fly after her, an orange furred cat following it by foot and several other pets also flying or pawing the floor behind the beautiful winged creature, which then settles on Hari's shoulder.
Ron himself seems annoyed as he attempts to catch the hyper active ball of fluttering wings out of the air, yet the orange furred cat snarls at the little owl as it passes and the little thing tweeps in fright before getting caught and this is responded to by the cat sticking its tail up proudly before it preens over to where Hermione is reading.
The other pets take place with their owners, Neville happily asking an Elf for a bowl of water for his toad to swim in and while I am most intrigued by Ginny's pet, which looks like a ball of fluff that is not made of fur, yet not made of feathers either, do I then look around to be assured that all pets are with their owners, before I read on.
He couldn't … forward to.
And the others prove that they had been too as they all look at me excitedly, yet many of them are also happily pulling out their own wands and holding them and while I smile at them all, do I then say: "You know, seeing as how you might be Elves in a year or so, it is possible to be measured for special foci for your species."
The others look shocked and I nod as I say: "It will, of course, still take another 422 days before you will actually change, but just the last 24 hours have given you a stronger connection to the abilities you will gain when you do change. The very least we can do is get you guys tested by tomorrow or so, if you want."
Everyone looks at each other shocked and then Hari suddenly turns war hardened again and turns to me with a strong, determined look as he says: "I'd like that. I am now a Music Elf and if I can get a foci that will help me learn to control my new powers faster, than that will also mean we will have a new advantage in the current war."
This shocks the others and then Hari says: "I know this war is probably just as – as horrible as the one we just experienced and I have no doubt that returning there will just result in new emotional and mental scars, but – but I – I can't fight who I am or why I was born. And because of that, do I not care if I win that war as an Elf or wizard."
Yet while some of the others look at Hari with pained understanding, as if they know why Hari thinks that he believes he was born to end the war, do I myself look absolutely horrified that my grandson believes it is up to him and him alone to take down that atrocious mass-murderer and I share a look with my wife before Snuffles says:
"You're not alone." And Hari looks at him as Snuffles says: "You're not, Hari. Not when it comes to having emotional or mental scars, not when it comes to wanting but fearing to go back to that world and not when it comes to fighting that monster with every breath that escapes your lunges. You're not alone, pup."
And while I feel touched by the man's words and how heartfelt he sounded as he spoke, do I then see something I hadn't expected as Hari has tears of pain and gratitude in his eyes as he whispers: "Don't leave me, Padfoot." And Snuffles again pulls Hari close against him as he whispers: "Never again, pup. Never again."
And with that does the boy actually break down, tears of the same pain and gratitude falling down his eyes as he almost chokes on his own shallow breaths and yet, while Amyna, Molly, Hermione and Ginny want to move over to hug him as well, do Arthur, Ron, Colin, Luna and I stop each of them respectively from doing so.
Molly actually sends Arthur a betrayed look, yet gets returned a determined look of her husband as Arthur firmly shakes his head, making the woman sit down shocked as she looks at the two and while I do the same, do I also spare a quick glance at Jaurion, who nods in agreement with me before I see the two sitting down and read on.
The last … secret magic.
"You were hearing the inner voices of all the creatures that had donated parts of themselves for the wands to be crafted. A good first sign of you being in touch with your Inner Elf, my little one." Amyna tells the boy softly and Hari lets out a single happy hiccup as he keeps sniffling and crying softly as I read on.
"Good afternoon," … charm work."
"Ugh, I'll never forgive Revana for that one." Lindilwen suddenly grumbles, yet the way she almost seems to try and ignore her crying son to be worries me before Hermione asks: "What happened?" And the girl sighs as she says: "In an act to prove that I am unworthy of being a witch, the girl actually snapped my wand.
She got expelled for it, but I had to pay for a new one. And I had been ever so close to buying myself a dress I had been wanting since the summer before it happened. Ugh, I'll never forgive her. Thanks to her breaking my first wand, I had to wait and see how my wanted dress went out of sale only days before I managed to actually buy it."
"Now that's just plain wrong." Jaurion exclaims and then Severus: "Agreed, and Lindilwen and I actually think that that witch did it on purpose. That she waited for Lindilwen to almost have enough money and then make her move." To this Sirius rolls his eyes and says: "Knowing Revana like she is, I can see that being possible."
Before Remus suddenly asks: "You three do realize that you are actually agreeing with each other, right?" And the three young men look shocked before Draco smirks and says: "I guess it's right what they say. Somethings are just worth agreeing over, regardless of personal differences." And the three teens nod at this as I read on.
Mr. Ollivander … of course."
"Why? Why did my gran forget that? Why did I have to suffer five years of a faulty wand only to have it snapped and only then replaced?" Neville suddenly moans and Amyna gasps as she asks: "You went five years with the wrong wand?" Neville nods and solemnly mutters: "My dad's." To which Remus asks:
"Wait, what? But almost all of the teachers know Frank's wand inside out. He used to lose it in the Great Hall all the time. How come they never noticed that?" To which Neville shakes his head and says: "To be honest, the teachers' perceptiveness has also suffered a regression, really." Making me groan before I read on.
Mr. Ollivander … wizard's wand."
And this again makes me look up at Neville, only to see his share a knowing look with Ron, who then gets snapped at by Molly, who says: "Ronald, that wand of yours worked just fine!" Yet she gets shocked as he says: "Yeah, my third year wand did." And while the woman seems shocked at her son's retort, do I read on.
Harry suddenly … to become.
"Ugh, I remember that." Jaurion moans and while Hari looks shocked, does Amyna giggle and say: "You definitely took your fair time getting the right wand, didn't you son?" And the teenager nods before Hari asks: "How many did it take you?" And Jaurion groans again as he says: "A good seventy-six wands."
And while some of the others look shocked, does Percy then scoff and say: "Sorry, your Highness, but I top that with ninety-six wands tried before I found mine." And yet, while Jaurion looks at this shocked, does Severus then cross his arms with pride and say: "One hundred and twenty nine wands, thank you."
This makes both my son and the slightly older redhead look at him shocked, but then Luna calmly says: "Two-hundred and three." And Jaurion almost causes himself a whip-lash as he turns from his former rival to the young, carefree blonde, yet Luna seems completely obvious to the shock she caused and I read on, chortling.
"Tricky customer … "Curious… curious…"
"Is it a good kind of curious or a bad one?" Molly asks a little hesitant and Hari answers: "It's the kind that I am grateful for that it exists, yet it's also the kind I'd rather not have shared with someone like Rita Skeeter, if you catch my drift?" And the woman seems to know exactly what he means as she huffs in annoyance as I read on.
"Sorry," said … that scar."
This shocks many of those around me and then the twins say: "Yeah, sharing that with Skeeter." And the other goes on: "Is like telling her the lie." And they chorus: "That you bed Umbridge or something." And while some of shudder at this, do others shout: "THAT'S DISGUSTING!" Shocking the twins as I read on.
"Yes, thirteen … but great."
Did he describe Hari's actions there or was he predicting his future?" Fred asks, obviously trying to make up for his earlier mistake, yet George shakes his head and says: "Too soon, Fred, just – too soon." And Fred cringes as if he realizes that he might have said the wrong thing, yet while I wonder why, do I focus on my reading.
Harry shivered … strange, somehow.
Here Lupin, Lindilwen, Remus, Colin, Peter, Hermione and Severus all nod and Severus says: "It's one of the reasons I am so glad my mum took me when I was still young, it gave me much more time to get used to the difference between the two worlds." Yet here Hari seems to look down troubled and he says:
"I – I guess that's one of the reasons I hated going back to the Muggles every summer. It felt as if I had to just forget about the world I was supposed to have been raised in; as if it just didn't exist until the day it wanted me back. As if I didn't have a say in whether or not I wanted to believe in it; as if I didn't have a say in my own life."
This seems to actually shock Molly and Ron notices this and asks: "Mum, think about it like this. Ten months of living in the epitome of magic – and then suddenly more than a month of nothing but derisive Muggles and a letter here or there. No other contact, no personal communication, no permission to go visit friends.
How would that make you feel?" And while the woman looks shocked to hear her son asking her this, does she then lower her head and whisper: "I – I just –." And Ron mutters back: "You believed he was doing the right thing and so did he. But how is he supposed to learn right from wrong – if we don't tell him when he's doing wrong?"
Here the woman sighs and Hermione says: "He was definitely a great man, Mrs. Weasley, but like a famous comic character once said with great power comes great responsibility. And he just, sometimes, took more of that great responsibility than was good for him or even belonged to him." And with that do I read on.
"You all … parents died."
"You know that saying you just mentioned, Hermione, cause I do believe I failed it splendidly." Hari groans, yet then he gets overwhelmed as almost all of the Weasleys, Neville, Hermione, Luna and Draco all shout: "ARE YOU CRAZY!" And while Hari seems completely flabbergasted at the response, do I then quickly read on.
Hagrid leaned … had gone.
"Now that is just a strong sign of wizarding pride. He believed that Harry couldn't see him anymore and so he used magic to vanish, yet ignored the chance of other pedestrians seeing him vanish into nothing. That's the whole reason the Stature of Secrecy exists in the first place. Even though we kind of brought it to their world."
I end with a small smile and Jaurion asks: "What do you mean?" And I answer: "There had been a time where there were a huge ton of Muggle fights against Magicals as well as vice versa and some of them became dangerously close to merging into our own world, so after the end of one really bad fight we came up with the Stature.
It was what made the Wizards decide to just hide themselves away from the Muggles, yet our kingdom always used a majority of the magic that is actually part of the Stature to keep our world hidden from both worlds. These days Muggles only know us in fairy tales and Magicals only know of our brethren living in their world."
This seems to shock the others and I smile as I say: "Yeah, imagine the look on the Magical Leaders' faces when they get proven that it was a Magical Creature race that came up with their idea for protection against their – at the time – greatest rival." And this makes my son, grandson and their friends burst out laughing.
Hey everyone,
Wow this chapter actually came pretty hard. Well, the announcement part came easy, yet once I had the CR part put down, it felt as if the chapter was pushing me to do anything but write the reader's reactions to the text. At one point, I even tried working from the bottom up just to get this chapter actually finished.
Now, as some of you may have probably noticed, I actually wrote Snuffles' nickname according to how it is written in Canon. I will probably go over other chapters to fix this little issue some other time, but if, after this chapter, you notice me writing it wrong again, please let me know. Also, I have a new poll up, please vote.
Thanks in advance,
Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories.
PPS. What was your favorite part of this chapter, please let me know.