Hey everyone,
I really hope this chapter will come easier, though I have a strong hunch that certain parts will be very hard to write about. Like I have mentioned before, I hate the Muggles and there is also the fact that, starting this chapter, Percy and the rest of the Weasleys will start pointing out flaws they find in each other's characters.
And trust me, that will be quite the challenge. Cause whenever I think of Percy, I think of OotP and for the sake of this story, I want to think of him like he was at the near end of DH, wishing to redeem himself and get back with the family. So trying to bash a character I don't like in such a way it will improve his character?
That will be hard,
Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories.
Chapter 16
Fractured Bonds And Changing Eras
24th of December 1976
The Reading Room, Ariador
Jaurion's POV
All of this has been so amazing. From being summoned to Potter Manor to discovering my actual royal heritage, to meeting my son from about two decades into the future, to discovering about the bonds my son has formed with his friends as well as mine, to reading all of these chapters describing the start of my son's first year.
I may have been a prankster, and most of that character is really just part of the persona I created to protect myself from the harsh cruelty of those who just want to take advantage of my more positive and caring nature, but even I never imagined any kind of prank or other kind of idea that came any kind of close to something like this.
And to then hear what my son's life has been like thanks to Voldemort taking my own and my wife's lives is not something anyone would want to hear, whether they are a parent or not, yet at the same time am I very glad that I have Snuffles and my own parents around me to show me the proper ways of responding to these events.
Yet at the same time I can't help but worry about something that I never thought I would see happen. Everyone seems to take more and more to Hari the more we read, yet at the same time does it seem as if Lindilwen is fighting her actual role in Hari's life the more the book references to her being his mother – as well as my wife.
"It can't be that her hatred for my persona would make her deny Hari the chance to finally have his mother after all these years, can it?" Is a question that has been going through my head several times since we arrived in this world and even more during the Hut and the Diagon Alley chapter, yet then I decide to put my focus elsewhere.
"Dad read Hari arriving at Diagon Alley, I want to read of him arriving at Hogwarts. Can I, dad?" I ask the man after he had made my friends, son and me laugh outrageously and the man smiles as he says: "I couldn't have picked a better reader myself." And I preen as I hear the pride in his voice, before I start reading.
The Journey … wasn't fun.
"That's it! We'll be having a welcome home party next time you come home from Hogwarts." Snuffles then says and Hari asks: "You do realize I'm almost eighteen, right?" But then Hermione says: "But we never got a chance to even go through our seventh year. Vol – Riddle prevented it." And the boy shrugs as I read on.
True, Dudley … at all.
"Ugh, she decided on that tactic again, did she?" Lindilwen asks disgusted and Hari nods as Sirius says: "Yeah, that treatment sucks." Making Lindilwen look at him shocked before he asks: "What? You think I have some kind of good home life? I'm a Gryffindor living in a House that worships the Slytherin line, remember?"
The teenage woman still looks flabbergasted and Sirius points at her as he turns to Remus and says: "She actually thought my mum and I went along with me being a Lion, can you believe that? My mum's a nightmare." And then the Weasleys shock him as the four youngest and the eldest chorus: "Don't we know it."
We all look at them and Remus asks: "Walburga Black is still alive?" But Snuffles shakes his head and says: "She has a portrait. And it's just as insulting and annoying as she was, let me tell you." "Then how do they know about her behavior? Surely you would never invite them to that place – would you?"
Yet here Snuffles sighs in defeat and say: "I – I didn't have much of a choice. It was the – the safest place for me and – and the Order needed some proper headquarters and –." And here the man really sighs before he mutters: "And I didn't want to be alone while I hid myself away anymore." Which apparently shocks Molly as I read on.
Half terrified … very interesting.
"So you take after your mother in that too, huh?" Snape then asks, yet I sigh and say: "Snape, the whole I read it once and know the text thing that I show off to the school is part of my persona." This shocks both my son and my rival and Remus nods as he says: "I may have the studious reputation, but Jaurion studies way harder than I do."
"But he never shows this!" Lindilwen snaps and I sigh as I say: "Of course I don't. Studying isn't cool to those who want to be popular or look up to those who are popular and being popular is the only thing that protects me from re-experiencing the crap I went through back in my first." The girl looks shocked and then Hari shocks me.
"So – so – so that – that whole thing you – you pulled on Snape – at – at the end of your fifth – that was an act?" And while I am shocked that he knows about that, do I then sigh and say: "No, that – that was me being childish and selfish.""Selfish? How?" Hari asks and I sigh as this is one of my biggest secrets, yet I still answer:
"What you have to understand, Hari, Severus, is that your behavior annoys Sirius more than it does me, but that is because – well, that is up to him to explain. Anyway, Sirius hates you for his personal reasons and – and I hate how I have to hide who I really am just to not get bullied into wanting to leave Hogwarts all together, so –."
Here I leave the sentence hanging and Snape asks: "So you make my life hard, because your best friend has some stupid –.""You're my mum's ideal son." Sirius suddenly says and Snape looks at him shocked as he asks: "I – what?" And Sirius nods as he says: "Everything you say, do and how you behave – is what my mum desires of me.
I hate it, I hate her, I – I just hate anyone who behaves like that. It just – just reminds me of all the things my mum did to force that kind of character on me and – and as stupid and childish as it sounds – I know I can't do jack-crap to make my mum pay for all that -.""So you let your anger for her out on me. Just great."
Severus mutters and then Lindilwen snarls: "But that is totally unfair!" And then Hari replies: "They never said it was fair. They even admitted that it was selfish and childish. And while I'd rather they had done it against some kind of item instead of another student, do I very much understand where they are coming from, you know?"
"HOW COULD YOU?" The girl snarls and instantly we all feel our jaws drop, none of us able to believe she just asked Hari of that only minutes after hearing even more evidence of her only son's abuse and then dad looks at Adeline, who calmly walks over and says: "Come with me, Princess, you need to calm down."
And while I can see the girl's eye twitch at the title that reminds her of her future bond with me, does the girl still let herself be moved over to a fireplace on the other side of the room before Severus sighs and says: "I appreciate her trying to defend my rights, but – she did it against the wrong person. Thanks for understanding, Hari."
Hari nods, yet I can tell that this event has really hurt the poor boy and while I really want to just throw the book away and take the boy in my arms, does Snuffles do so instead before he shocks me as he says: "Maybe some forms of history are best off being changed, pall. Just saying." And I focus back on reading, feeling shocked.
He lay … the first.
"You didn't even have a regular calendar?" Hermione asks shocked and Hari answers: "The most recent I could find was from 1985 when some neighbor had given it to Dudley to help him with going to school and whatnot. Needless to say, Petunia did not appreciate the gesture." This makes Hermione snort as I read on.
On the … on television.
"Why on the last day? Did you forget?" I ask my son and he answers: "I had at first, but then remembered it a week before. Only then I noticed how they had an appointment the same day and decided to wait and see if they would cancel that or not. When they didn't I took my chance." I nod at him, smile and then read on.
He cleared … actually spoke.
"Those bastards." Sirius suddenly growls and when we look at him, does he say: "They knew. That blasted bint probably remembered the date and they planned this whole meeting out. That bastard not speaking until then proves it." And while I shouldn't be surprised at another sign of these two being heartless, am I still as Hari asks:
"So they – they played me?" And Sirius nods as he says: "Yeah, Petunia probably remembered whatever she has forced herself to forget for all these years and they based their comments, questions and statements on that knowledge, just to make you feel bad one last time." And while the boy sighs in defeat, do I read on.
"Funny way … to Smeltings."
By now both dad as well as Snuffles and Sirius are all shaking their heads in silent anger and Hari sighs as he asks: "I got played, didn't I?" And I sigh as I say: "Yes, and you also got a first person taste of why I decided to create my persona in the first place." And while this makes mum lie a hand on my leg, do I continue reading.
Harry woke … for him.
"Did that bastard actually get a change of heart?" Colin asks shocked, yet then Ginny lies a hand on his knee the same way mum has one on mine and asks: "Colin, you do realize who you are talking about, right?" And the boy sighs as he says: "A guy can dream, Ginny." Making his friend smile as she nods at him before I read on.
Harry thought … do they?"
"Why? Why is that bastard so adamant on proving to an actual wizard that magic shouldn't exist? If he doesn't care for Hari because of his magic, why is he trying so hard to make Hari deny himself his heritage?" Bill asks and Hari rolls his eyes as he says: "Vernon's one true passion; making the world his definition of normal."
This makes the elder redhead look at my son like he has lost his head and Hari rolls his eyes as he says: "Hey, I never said that passion was realistic or even feasible. I just said it to further explain why Muggles like him should never even find out the Magical World even exists." Here the elder Weasley nods in understanding and I read on.
He was … were laughing.
"That bastard can consider himself so lucky that his era of time no longer exists or I would have just send Merden with a bunch of guards and would have had him just simply locked up until all the books have been read and then judge them based on all the crimes we gathered from the books." My dad then growls and Hari asks:
"Isn't that fact just punishment in and of itself? The fact that he doesn't exist anymore?" And the man sighs before he says: "You would think it'd be, kiddo, but I just can't stand it; the idea that he would just leave a kid behind on a busy station like that. The fact that you are my grandson does not make it any easier, really."
Hari seems shocked with this, which further proves the effects of his upraising, but then Merden shocks my dad as he says: "Your Highness, if I use all of my power, I should at least be able to get the Vernon Dursley of 1980 and then, with your permission and the help of an Empathy Elf, I can transfer all these years of memories into him."
"Why not just get the Dursley from this year?" Peter asks and Merden looks at Hari as he says: "Because it would seem that his Highness truly wants the rebirth of his cousin, so fate has set his birth into the endless path of time." This shocks the others, but then I see Hari looking from those with him and then at Peter.
This confuses me, yet it seems to make sense to everyone who catches his gaze and dad sighs as he looks and says: "Do it, Merden. And then make sure you take at least a week off. No Merden, I insist. Not to mention, we both know how much an action like this would drain you." The Time Elf sighs, but then nods at my dad.
He then steps away from our circle and puts his hands together to form the circular form of a clock as he closes his eyes, yet while our eyes widen as his body gets covered in a bluish grey aura for a short while, do his own eyes then snap open as he whispers: "He's not there. Vernon Dursley is no longer part of the 1980 timeline."
"But – but what about Dudley?" Hari asks shocked and Merden again conjures up his aura as he seems to search the timeline for the infant before his eyes snap open in shock a second time and he says: "Dudley Dursley is none existent. He has been changed to Dudley Edgecombe and is an actual Halfblood wizard."
This shocks everyone and then Cedric asks: "Wait, Edgecombe? Isn't that the surname of Cho's best friend?" And to his shock do the faces of the four youngest Weasleys, Hermione, Luna, Colin and Hari all turn sour and Hari mutters: "Yeah, that's her, alright. Guess that doesn't change too much to Dudley's character, after all."
"So, what happened to Vermin Dumb-Dumb?" Severus then asks and Merden closes his eyes one last time before he smirks and says: "It seems that our little Halfblood Dark Lord did not take kindly to the Potters vanishing and decided to take it out on what he believed their heir cared for the most, only to receive more bad news.
Finally he discovered that of all his secondary targets, the Dursleys-to-be were the only ones he could actually go after, yet when he met Vermin, he forgot his initial reason for going after the bastard actually annoyed him enough, destroying him became his new primary goal. It actually kept him from raging war for over half a year."
And this shocks some of those around us and Hari asks: "Voldemort was so busy with that blasted Muggle, he called a truce with the Wizarding World for over half a year?" Yet Merden smirks as he shakes his head and says: "He apparently had enough enjoyment out of torturing Dursley to not desire to put effort into the war."
"Surely that hurt his side in the war, didn't it?" I can't help but ask and Merden keeps his eyes closed as he says: "Yes, yes it did indeed. In fact, it apparently inspired Dumbledore and Minister Bagnold to join forces quite a bit more than they did in the original timeline. Quite incredible, really." And this makes me read on with a happy smile.
Harry's mouth … wasn't one.
"Uhm sorry to ask, but what happened to the annual Auror that usually kept new witches and wizards from accidentally revealing our world in their need to get onto the platform?" Peter asks and Percy sighs as he says: "According to what I heard, cuts were made on the Auror budget. Really bad cuts." And I read on feeling cross.
In the … of course –"
"MOLLY!" Arthur shocks us as he asks: "What were you thinking? Why the heck would you risk the Statute like that? Did you actually see Hari before you did that? And even if you did, why did you do that instead of just approaching him?" The woman looks at her husband in shock and Arthur glares at her as he goes on and says:
"I can't believe how hypocritical you were back then. You complain about all of our kids possibly breaking the law or exposing our world with their rash actions and now you are doing so yourself. What were you thinking?" The woman stutters, yet seems incapable of coming up with a good answer and instead of that, do I read on.
Harry swung … I go…"
Here Arthur groans even harder and asks: "Why? Why are my wife and daughter working so hard to destroy the whole reason I started working for my Department? Why are they working together to bring shame to all my hard work? Why?" And the two red-haired females turn red with shame and bend their heads down as I read on.
"You're not …I'm George?"
This makes me look at the two boys, but then they smile and the one with the horrid scar on his ear says: "Trust me, we were practically identical only a year ago." Yet then I see Hari look inquisitive and he asks: "Grandpa, who is our best royal Healer?" And dad signals Elensia before he says: "Get the Royal Water Elf, would you dear?"
The female Elf bows before dad and then floats out of the room and when she returns is she joined with a gorgeous brown haired female elf who has blue eyes that look to be afloat with her many years of wisdom and when the two have bowed does dad turn to Hari, who returns the bow and asks: "Milady?" And the Elf asks:
"Yes, your Greatness." Making Hari turn redder than the Weasley hair before he collects himself and asks: "Have you ever worked together with Music Elves?""Yes Your Greatness. Healing Water Elves work with Music Elves all the time, whenever possible." This makes Hari smile in confidence and then he goes on and asks:
"And dark spells from Earth? Have you ever worked with those?" Again the Water Elf nods and says: "I have worked with those plenty of times, Your Greatness. We here even use some of the Dark spells of the Human Earth in our healing arsenal, but only when truly necessary." And while this shocks us, does Hari still go on and say:
"Then I will need your help. My friends over there have been identical twins since birth, yet a dark curse hit one of them over a year ago and took him his ear. I was wondering if our combined efforts could heal him, if not just help them make a little more identical." And while this shocks the group, does the Elf smile and say:
"It would be my honor, Your Greatness. Do you know which song you will need?" And Hari turns red as he says: "Not really, but this whole thing is being led to me by my instincts and those have only ever so rarely led me astray." The elf nods with a large smile on her face and she happily says: "Then let us get to work."
And instantly George is on his back with his head tilted to the side so that Hari and the Water Elf has a perfect access to the hole in his head and while the sight of it still makes me feel slightly queasy, do I feel relieved as Hari goes to sit in front of me, blocking my sight of what he is about to do and instead of that do I focus on him instead.
The boy's whole form proves that he is working his hardest not to let his determination to see this done overtake his body or make it turn too tense to properly function and while the Water Elf draws water from a few flasks on her side and moves it over to her patient, does Hari then open his mouth a little and start to sing.
At first the song sounds to be undermined by a small hint of concern and doubt, but then Snuffles comes to sit with him and instantly the tones of Hari's wordless song turn much softer and calmer and the Water Elf smiles at the older man before she starts to focus on her own ability and a shining light starts to appear above George.
The other Weasleys all turn tense with anticipation, yet Snuffles keeps Hari calm by rubbing his back with a comforting hand and just by how the shining light grows and shrinks in size like a wave makes me feel confident that my slightly older boy and this incredible woman are actually getting their astounding goal accomplished.
Then Hari stops his song and the Elf pulls her water back off of her patient before returning it to the flasks by her side and then she smiles widely as she says: "It might not look like it should, but that's just the new skin being very, very sensitive. Give that time to become stronger and you will soon be looking identical once again."
And instantly her patient shoots up from where he was lying down, a huge grin growing on my face as I see that the hole in his head has been replaced for an ear of which the skin looks either so washed up or got burned and thus turned badly wrinkled, yet at the same time does the dark pink skin definitely prove a chance for the ear to fully heal.
And while the boy's face is a mask of utter shock, does a huge smile of utter amazement grow on his face as he lifts a trembling hand over to touch his wrinkled ear and the smile on his face seems to be all the confirmation his family needs as his twin is the first of them all to jump him, causing him to fall right back on his back.
Everyone laughs at this sight, even Lucius and Severus have huge smiles on their faces and then the Water Elf looks at my former anger target with an interested look as she asks: "Your passion is Potions, is it not? Would you be interested to becoming my Apprentice? You certainly look to have the potential I am looking for?"
And the happy smile on the teen's face gets replaced with utter shock as he asks: "Are – are you sure?" And the Elf smiles as she says: "Trust me, I am not one to request something if I'm not a hundred percent certain of it, so yes, I am sure." And Severus nods in honored acceptance before I happily continue reading.
"Sorry, George … how to –"
"Wow, I forgot how socially awkward you used to be, mate." Ron says, but Hari doesn't reply and instead I hear Snuffles hushing him as he whispers: "Seems our little one needed a little too much focus to keep his song working on this challenge." And to my shock do I see Hari sleeping softly with his head resting in the man's lap.
"Is he okay?" Ron asks in great concern and Snuffles nods as he says: "He probably just overexerted himself. This is, after all, the first time he purposely used this new power of his." And this seems to shock the Water Elf as she asks: "Wait, the first? I didn't know that. If I had known I would have called on a Music Elf myself."
And Hari's friend looks at her worried as she looks down and says: "New Time Elves should never start practicing their talents through Healing; the effort in such an art is way too much for them to handle, no matter their age or level of experience in other forms of magic. I – I am so sorry for this, Sire, Your Grace."
Yet mum and dad shake their heads and dad says: "This is not your fault alone. You didn't know and we forgot how draining it can be for Time Elves to do something like this. Do not blame yourself for something we are to blame for as well." And the Water Elf smiles at my parents in gratitude before I decide to continue reading.
"How to … done it.
"And with that does an amazing young boy start a stream of accomplishments and actions that, while they may come with many a hardship and painful consequence, have truly helped the Wizarding World for the better, especially now." Luna says happily and softly and all those with her nod in agreement as I continue reading.
Smoke from … woman sigh.
Here the boy in question actually laughs and says: "Merlin, I was such a wimp back then.""Neville, you know –.""Don't worry about it, Hermione. I know the war changed me, it changed us all and personally, I am really happy with the way it changed me. Not how it had to happen, but definitely that it happened."
The girl looks concerned for a second, but then sighs and smiles at him in pride before Snuffles sighs and says: "That's just the way of life. Most people definitely change as they grow older, but war can change someone the most drastically. Whether for the better or for the worst is always up to chance." And everyone nods as I read on.
A boy … hairy leg.
This, to my shock, actually angers quite a few of those from the future and when they see us looking curious does Ron growl: "Hagrid had a pet like that in the forest. It got bred, it died and then its little kids decided to join Vol - Slytherin's forces in the last battle." And this shocks, but also worries me and I read on, slightly afraid.
Harry pressed … and help!"
This seems to startle Molly, yet it makes Arthur smile at his sons with great pride, George trying to hold back his snickers as Fred seems strangely intrigued with the fact that his twin brother has his ear back and keeps playing with it and flicking it with his hands and while this makes me work hard to hold back my own snickers, do I read on.
With the … the train.
Then Luna turns to the twins and says: "I know he's asleep right now, but Hari once told me that he really appreciates the both of you. He thinks that, sorry Ron, out of all of the Weasleys you have always shown the most effort in caring more for him than for his fame or title." And while this makes the twins smile widely, do I read on.
Harry sat … your nose."
"Oh, did Hari meet the Weasleys?" A familiar voice suddenly asks and as I look up, do I see Lindilwen cringing away from the angry glares she gets sent by Hari's loved ones and Adeline gently helps her sit down in a chair that is set slightly outside the circle, grasping her hand in comforting support before I shrug and read on.
The youngest … his nose.
"Eh Molly, why didn't you just hand Ron the handkerchief? You do realize that he is old enough to do this himself and that a gesture like this could badly affect any possible reputation he might want to create for himself?" Lupin asks his wife and Molly's eyes widen before she lowers her head in shame as I continue reading.
"Mom –geroff" … the twins.
"And a pair of brothers that are popular themselves and do nothing but mock him definitely won't help either, you know." The man then goes on and Fred says: "We don't mock Ronnie – I – oh." And the two look at each other shocked before George asks: "Are – are we really that bad?" And Lupin quickly intervenes and says:
"No, just creatures of habits, just like all humans. I'm sure you two have helped Ron plenty of times, I just think you're a little used to not openly supporting him when he's close. And how do I know? I heard what you guys had to say about him during both your fifth and the summer before your seventh year when it was just the two of you.
The problem is, though, that you two are doing it the wrong way around. Instead of making fun of him behind his back like most siblings do and supporting him to his face, you do it the other way around. And before you say anything, Molly, siblings teasing each other is something all siblings do; you can't stop that."
The woman sighs and the twins look down before they turn to Ron and Fred says: "Ron, we're –." But Ron shakes his head and then says something that really confuses me as he says: "I don't want you apologizing first." And while this confuses me, does it seem to make sense to his family as the twins nod before I just read on.
"Shut up," … "All summer –"
This makes said Weasley turn a soft shade of red and he mutters: "I only wore it every day cause I really wanted you to realize how important it was to me." At this the twins cringe, but then Lupin says: "Percy, if you continue wearing a badge outside the place where it has importance, it does tend to lose that importance over time.
Yes, your badge was important to you and the twins, in their own way, probably proved that they were proud of you for receiving, but after that, by continuing to wear it, you made them think you believed I don't care if I'm at school or not, I am still a Prefect. However, like the badge, that title doesn't have true power outside school."
Here Percy sighs and then the twins rub their necks as Fred says: "To be honest, we didn't really proved that we were proud of him at all." And while Lupin looks shocked, does George then shrug and say: "But that's just because we already knew he would be Prefect. It just didn't surprise us at all and, well, we showed that when it came."
The man sighs and nods before he says: "I can get where you are coming from with that, but by not showing any pride over him earning that badge, you unintentionally made him think you cared nothing for his actual accomplishments; that you didn't care for the fact he had to work hard to prove himself worthy of that badge."
The two look down and Fred says: "Of course we know that Percy worked hard to get that badge." And George goes on: "We were just so sure it'd be him, we kind of thought the others were all overreacting when it did come in. We're sorry." And this, strangely enough, seems to shock Molly yet again before I read on.
"Oh, shut … toilet or –"
"Molly!" Mum then moans and the woman cringes as she hears this as mum goes on: "If there is one thing I learned the first Christmas holiday that Sirius came to visit us and stay over is to never ever give a prankster ideas. They are bound to take you up on them." And while the woman turns red with embarrassment, do I read on.
"Blown up … with us."
"You really did." A sleepy voice then startles me and when I look up, do I see Hari smiling at the two and when Ron asks: "They did?" Does Hari nod and say: "Maybe not from the bigger things, but they definitely kept the masses from going mad on us. You know, all those times when our reps took a turn for the worst."
This makes Ron look at his older brothers in shock and the two of them smile with small hints of guilt showing through their smiles as Fred says: "Hey, we may notice the more obvious better than the hidden." And then George says: "But no one curses or hurts our brother without us getting angry." Making me read on, smiling proudly.
"Shut up," … eh please…"
At this Ginny groans beyond words and then says: "Weasley House, for the sake of the future generation, new rule. Whenever someone famous becomes big, we don't buy or believe a thing about their fame or raise the generation to believe any rumors until we have either observed or got the chance to meet said celebrity, agreed?"
And instantly all Weasley members chorus: "Agreed." Making Hari, who is still looking slightly sleepy and is still leaning his head on Sirius' shoulder smile at the whole group of redheads and he mutters: "Thanks everybody. That means the world to me." And the whole family smiles at him widely before I read on.
"You've already … looks like?"
Yet this instantly seems to utterly destroy the happy gratitude that Hari feels and replaces it for a look of pure loathing and he growls: "Yeah, that's all I'm good for to most of those bastards; my memory of what happened the night my parents were taken from me – and then they never even show a lick of care for that fact either."
And his anger seems to take away the last bits of his fatigue and replaces it for anger, but then Snuffles keeps him from raising up as he hugs the boy and then softly mutters: "They're not worth your anger, kiddo. They're gone, their era has vanished from the road of time and they no longer exist. They're no longer worth it."
And Hari sighs as he says: "I know they're not, Snuffles. And usually I can just move past it with serious ease." Here Snuffles nods and then says: "But because this was the first time it was mentioned and because it was done by someone who later became a friend, does it still bother you." Hari sighs and nods and I quickly read on.
Their mother … hair on."
"I hate saying this, but it sounds like there is a lot of tension between you and your sons, which – from what I can hear – comes from quite the lack of communication and consideration. Perhaps we can discuss this later? As one mother to another?" My mum asks Molly Weasley gently and the woman looks shocked before she asks:
"Do you – do you really think I need it?" Yet at this mum shrugs and says: "I'm just saying it based on what I'm hearing and, to be honest, what I heard so far this chapter really does worry me. It definitely makes me glad that Hari is friends with your sons, but it also worries me." And Molly sighs and nods before I continue reading.
A whistle … leaving behind.
This actually feels like a personal slight that makes me want to cringe and then Luna says: "Leaving home for the sake of one's education is always a good thing, but the education should never be considered better than one's home situation." And everyone nods in agreement with the blonde girl my age before I continue reading.
The door … is full."
"Sorry about that one, mate. I didn't really look in all of the compartments, but the ones I did look in were full, really." Here Hari sighs and then says: "Ron, it's okay. You will always have moments like this, I know that. You had one in fourth and you had one last year and I'm sure you'll have another before the books are finished."
Here the boy really turns red, but then Hari smiles at his best friend and says: "However, I also know that – when it comes down to it – you and Hermione are always the ones to be there for me before anyone else; whether they be student, teacher or otherwise. And that's what matters." The three friends smile at each other and I read on.
Harry shook … down there."
"Bad timing, you guys." Hari suddenly says and the twins look shocked before Hari says: "Ron had gotten traumatized from that little incident when he was three and you guys five and that just didn't help matters." This makes the two turn red in shame and they want to apologize, only to get stopped by Ron's glare before I read on.
"Right," mumbled … blurted out.
"Was that really so important?" Lindilwen asks and Ron sighs as he says: "To me, back then, it really did. Though I will also admit it mattered to me for all the wrong reasons. However, I'm sure you'll understand soon enough, Hari and I talk about it in a short while." The gorgeous redhead nods while still curious and I read on.
Harry nodded … nothing else."
At this the boy in question looks down heavily depressed before pushing himself closer against Snuffles, the man not even surprised at this as he just comfortingly wraps his arms around the boy and Hari mutters: "I hate my third year. I love it for certain factors, but I hate it for others." And his friends nod at him before I read on.
"Wow," said … about him."
"Why is that?" Lindilwen asks and Molly sighs before she says: "When he was eleven and he didn't get his letter it proved to him that he was actually a Squib and not a wizard and it made him hate us all so much that he ran away. One month later we actually found his dead, molested body. Since then we have just never spoken of him again."
The redhead looks shocked and Arthur hugs Molly close as he says: "According to what she told me, Molly and Jack practically grew up together and Jack always complimented her whenever she used Accidental magic, whereas Molly always spoke of her certainty that he was a wizard too. They were close as siblings.
But – then the whole thing with the letter not coming happened and he was actually so angry and spiteful about it that he accused her of stealing his magic. He even attacked her and when his parents pulled him away, he took that as a sign of them betraying him and them picking her over him and it made him run away."
"That's just horrible." Lindilwen exclaims in shock and Arthur nods as he says: "It is, but it was also one of our reasons to continue fighting Voldemort even when he took over the Ministry as he actually implemented a similar mindset in regards to Muggleborns." At this my future wife nods, her face still white with shock and I read on.
"So you … looking gloomy.
This causes confusion to cross the faces of all of the Weasley family, yet it's Bill that seems to get the reason behind this and he gently goes over to sit with his younger brother, hugging the younger teen close and giving him a warm supportive smile which gets answered with a grateful one from my son's best friend before I read on.
"I'm the … it first.
This actually seems to really shock Arthur and Molly and Arthur asks: "Ron, surely you know that we care for all of you regardless of your accomplishments?" At this Ron nods and then Molly asks: "Then why say things like this?" And Ron darkly answers: "Because you always made such a huge deal of all those badges."
The woman looks shocked and Ron says: "This one time Charlie had finished a perfect cake recipe, one he had asked to borrow from you – and then three days later Bill became Head Boy and you were way more proud of Bill for the badge than of Charlie for perfecting your recipe. And it only went downhill from there, really."
This seems to really shock Molly and then Ron looks at his twin brothers and says: "Mum, when I became Prefect, you said that everyone in the family was and George asked if they were next-door neighbors – and you just pushed him aside. What was I supposed to think?" And while the woman seems flabbergasted, do I read on.
You never … old rat."
"Mum, please tell me that you at least adjusted the robes to fit him. I mean, this whole thing sounds degrading enough, but at least tell me you, if nothing else, worked to make them his instead of mine." Bill says, but while he hugs Ron a little closer against him for comfort and while he glares at Molly turning red, does something else happen.
Charlie glares at his mother and snaps: "Forget that! MUM! What the heck! I left that wand with you because my boss told me it was too dangerous to use and you go and give it to Ron? Why the heck would you do that? I told you extensively why I couldn't use it anymore, so why would you endanger Ron like that?"
The woman looks shocked and then Arthur sighs and says: "Charlie, I get your anger and I give you right. Your mother really should have, if nothing else, given Ron a family wand. The only reason she probably –." But then Percy says: "No dad, it's not simply because of money shortage." And while his father looks at him, do I read on.
Ron reached … Scabbers instead."
"Wait, Arthur gave Percy an Owl for being Prefect and Molly gave him new robes – and Ron has to get everything second hand?" Peter asks utterly shocked and then Arthur glares at Molly and asks: "I thought we agreed that each of our kids would receive one gift – just one – for achieving things like becoming Prefect.
Why did you break that agreement when you knew another one of our kids was starting their first year? Did you really not realize what kind of implications that could make on Ron?" And Molly looks shocked before Arthur says: "It seems I need to start paying closer attention to my family life." And with that I read on.
Ron's ears … Ron up.
"Wow, wow, wow! That is not true! At least, not in the way the book makes it sound like. Hari just sounded really truthful and I grew respect for him for sounding like he really knew what my kind of life was like. He helped himself sound more human and that cheered me up as it made me feel as if I really had a chance at being his friend."
Ron almost begs us to believe him and I smile at him as I say: "Don't worry, Ron. With everything we've seen of the two of you over the course of this reading, we know you're not that kind of person. We believe you." And the redhead sacks down in relief as he smiles at me and Hari sends him a happy, grateful smile before I read on.
"… and until … or Voldemort –"
And just like all the other times the book mentioned the name and the magic upon it makes sure I read the name and not some hyphenation do I see everyone from the future tense up as well as everyone bar Cedric reaching for their wands before they all catch themselves onto this and this makes me read on, while really feeling for them.
Ron gasped. … the class."
"Hari, you were fifth in your year almost clear across the board the entire time throughout your third and you have been switching between that, the fourth and the eight position ever since. You're just fine, kiddo." Lupin tells the boy with a supportive smile, which Hari returns gratefully and I read on feeling seriously proud.
"You won't … cart, dears?"
"Did you get any potions, dear?" Mum then asks, yet Hari looks shocked and he asks: "Wait, she gives you potions too?" And mum nods as she says: "The cart lady is actually contracted with Hogwarts to look out for students who could, quite possibly, come from abusive homes or who have trouble at home.
She offers them potions they believe they may need and then writes their names down on a list that has a combination of a Geminio and a portkey charm on it, making the name appear on a chart in Madam Gerosi's office.""Wait, Gerosi?" Ron asks and then dad says: "Albus called the matron Poppy in the first chapter, remember dear?"
And mum blushes before the twins hum and Fred says: "You know, we raided that cart quite a few times in our first few years using our savings – and I don't really recall ever seeing said potions." This shocks mum and then she turns to dad and asks: "You don't think they stopped that, do you?" Yet dad doesn't seem to know and I read on.
Harry, who … his life.
"Did you even see any bottles at all?" Mum asks Hari and the boy shakes his head before Merden sighs as he says: "In the old timeline, some member of the Board of Governors decided to cut the practice simply because his son had graduated and he had lost care in the school. Though I can't see how he managed that."
This shocks everyone and Dad says: "Does he still exist in this timeline's 1980?" And when Merden nods, does dad say: "Bring him here. And Merden, from now on, you can pick up whoever I feel has wronged our loved ones from as far into the new timeline as you can manage." The Time Elf bows at the order and I continue reading.
Not wanting … corned beef…"
"Molly, corned beef is my favorite, not Ron's." Arthur exclaims in shock and this seems to be the last thing the woman can take as she breaks down, hiding her face in her hands as she starts to cry and Adeline gently moves over to hug her close before helping her to her feet and away from the group making me read on with concern.
"Swap you … lay forgotten).
"Ugh, that is such a boyish thing to do; bonding over candy." Lindilwen grumbles, but then mum smiles at her and says: "That's not entirely true, dear. After all, plenty of ladies bond over a good cup of tea, a cup of cocoa or even a box of chocolates." And my future wife seems to concede to this with a nod before I read on.
"What are … or Ptolemy."
Here Hari groans and says: "One of the reasons I started using glamour and other kinds of hiding charms after the war; reporters, ministerial officials and all kinds of other companies practically raged war against each other just to meet with me and some of them even started accosting me in the bloody dorm the second night after, honestly."
"They did what? How did they manage that?" Snuffles asks shocked and Hari rolls his eyes as he says: "The Fat Lady felt so proud of Housing the world's hero, she was only too happy to let those in that told her they wanted to share that pride with the world." Making the man groan in disbelief and I can't help but ask:
"I can only assume that Minnie didn't take kindly to that." And here everyone who was apparently witness to this all bursts out laughing and Ron says: "As excited as those idiots were to get into the common room and dorm, as hurriedly did they dash out to escape it when she came storming in. Trust me, she – was – PISSED!"
He practically sings at the end and everyone laughs a second time before dad says: "Minerva may have made the mistake of just letting Albus talk her into leaving Hari with those Muggles, but no one – sometimes not even parents – should get between her and her lions or try to do anything their lions don't want. Then she gets angry."
Everyone nods and Hari smiles ever so gently as he says: "McGonagall has definitely had her stronger and weaker moments over all the years that I've known her, but there is no doubting her true loyalty or her strength. Not when it matters." And everyone, even Severus and Lucius, nod in agreement before I continue reading.
Harry unwrapped … tenpin bowling.
And here I notice Ron and Hermione share a look of utter disbelief with each other, yet when Hermione turns to Hari, do her eyes widen before she says: "Ehm, Snuffles?" Yet the man smiles and says: "I know." Before he smiles down at Hari, who has again fallen asleep with his head on Snuffles' shoulder as I read on.
Harry turned … amazed. "Weird!"
"Actually, all pictures start motionless; it's a special potion that is made of very specific ingredients that allows for pictures to move. And with paintings and portraits a spell is cast on them to use the magic from the wall and house/building to make them movable, though some also get drenched in special Pensive Water."
Colin says thoughtfully and Hermione says: "Wow Colin, you really studied this very intensively, didn't you? I remember you telling Hari about the first potion back in your first year." Here the boy smiles and says: "It's been my life-goal since I was about seven. Oh, and – uhm – speaking of Hari –well –." Here Hermione grins and asks:
"You've been taking pictures, haven't you?" The boy nods and says: "I have. I also used last night to make multiple photo books to save them in. I hope none of you mind, but I've been taking pictures since Hari explained how we got back to life and all." And everyone nods in intrigued understanding before I continue reading.
Harry stared … from me!"
"Your toad gets away from you?" Remus asks and Neville sighs as he says: "Yeah, he always does that. Well, he didn't last year, but I can only assume he realized he'd be hurt or something if he did, but – yep, there he goes. Trevor! Get back here!" And to my shock does the lad start running after a hopping toad that hops around the room.
Everyone from my time looks absolutely shocked, yet those from Neville's time seem to take comfort and humor out of seeing this and I look around before looking back at Neville, just when the young man groans and pulls out his wand as he says: "Accio Trevor!" And the toad flies into his hand, croaking loudly and crazily.
"I don't know how you got here from my bedroom, but then again I don't know how you get anywhere most of the time, do I?" Neville groans as he holds onto the squirming toad and comes to sit with us and then Ron and Hermione sigh as Hermione says: "Merlin, I missed that." And her friend nods as I shrug and just read on.
"He'll turn … can't talk."
"Wait, I didn't see any rats with any of you. What's up with that?" Peter asks shocked and Ron shrugs as he says: "The end of our third year meant the death of my former pet and Snuffles gave me a new one on the train ride back." Peter nods in understanding, yet I feel like there is more to what he just told us as I continue reading.
The rat … you, look…"
Here Lupin suddenly looks dark with worry and then he stands up and asks: "Lady Healer, Arthur, could you both and your family come with me please?" And while I wonder what he could be worried about, do the Weasleys all share worried looks before they all get up for themselves and move over to a soundproof alcove.
There Lupin waits for them and when he opens his mouth, I get perfect evidence of the power of the Music elves as I can see the man's lips move, but I can't hear a word he's saying. Yet the concern on his face from before makes me look at Remus inquiringly, but the teen shakes his head and says: "Sorry Jaurion, it's a no go."
I nod at this and then notice how the faces of the Weasleys actually turn white before the Water Elf nods resolutely and Lupin sighs in relief before smiling at her and while I wonder what could be wrong with the Weasleys to worry him so and what it could have to do with what I just read, do they all come back silently as I read on.
He rummaged … out. Anyway —"
"Exactly, dangerous." Charlie growls, obviously still agitated from whatever Lupin discussed with them earlier and then Ron smiles at him as he says: "If it's any consolation, that broken wand did save my life before it met its true end." Yet his brother growls: "That doesn't help my concern for you." And Ron asks: "Why not?"
And Charlie snaps: "Because now I worry for whatever could have happened that a wand like that would have to save your life." And Ron sighs as he says: "It happened end second. I got a new wand the summer after that and it's been helping me go through everything that happened since." And Charlie sighs as I continue reading.
He had … front teeth.
"Ladies and gentlemen." One of the twins says and the other goes on: "Witches and wizards of all ages." And then the other goes on: "In name of the future.""We are honored to introduce you to –." And the two chorus: "Our very own Hermione Jean Granger." And while the girl in question turns red in angered shame, do I read on laughing.
"We've already … rat yellow."
Here I turn to the Weasley twins with a deadpan look and I ask: "Really, that's your idea of a joke? You two have a lot to learn, don't you think?" The two look shocked and Fred asks: "You – don't think it funny?" And I answer: "No, I think it simple and lazy, not funny." The two look shocked and Sirius says:
"Pranks and jokes are supposed to be pulled on those you know can either fight back or enjoy them themselves. Going after someone you underestimate – sorry, Ron – is not a sign of a good prankster, but a lazy jokester. And we thought you were better than that." And while the two share a shocked look, do I then continue reading.
He waved … is it?
"It isn't, it's just –." Lindilwen wants to say, but then Lupin interrupts her and says: "It's not that either. It's just evidence that, as they go into their 3rd year, they start their personal education and growth into what will later evolve into a successful business. Their shop was proof of that." This shocks me and I turn to the twins and ask:
"Wait, you guys had an actual jokeshop?" And the two nod as Fred says: "We did have to close it after – well – he took over the Ministry, but at least we had one year of successful business. We even made a year total of 216 thousand Galleons." And this seems to absolutely shock the others and Ron asks: "You made how much?"
"Yeah, we were just as surprised, but we got the numbers checked with Gringotts and they confirmed them for us. In fact, shortly after that the Ministry was taken and – well, we've been keeping the money on us ever since." And to the shock of their family, do they throw two moneybags into the middle of the circle.
"They're enchanted with Untraceable Extension charms. There is 107 thousand in one bag and 104 in the other. We were actually planning to move the money to the Bank, but then we had to give up shop and we just decided to take the money with us." Fred says and he and George then turn to my sleeping son before George says:
"When we realized that we had way too much money on us to really make use of while down under, we decided to use a small bit of it on our broadcasting stuff and the rest – well, we wanted to follow in Hari's footsteps, really." This confuses me and Ron asks: "His footsteps? What do you mean?" And the two smile as Fred says:
"Well, his Tri-wizard winnings were what started us off into our dream for the shop in the first place, so we decided that, once the war was over, we'd either donate the money to any charity he would want us to or we'd use it to create one in case there were no charities for him to like. Though we wouldn't donate all the money."
This shocks Ron and then Molly, who has come back, asks: "Wait, what do you mean his Tri-wizard winnings?" And I look at her shocked and ask: "That is what you focus on? Not even the fact that your sons wanted to donate money to charities that would be either handpicked by my son or created by your owns? Are you for real?"
The woman cringes as she seems to realize that I have a point and Arthur says: "Molly, I knew. I knew the twins had been given Hari's winnings. To be honest, I was really expecting nothing less out of him and Fred and George have proven they made good use of the money." And the woman smiles slightly as she nods and I read on.
I've tried … are you?"
By now the girl is groaning loudly and then Peter says: "Wow, you really changed. That sounded like a real effort, yet it also sounded as if you behaved like that more often." And the girl sighs as she says: "Back then, I always believed that proving my intelligence would help me gain friends, yet making friends also always made me nervous.
And, like so many others, I usually start ranting whatever I know about something if I get nervous." Here Peter laughs and he says: "I know how that feels. I used to be the same way, yet I was never very smart, so I often got tongue-tied trying to sound smart." This makes Hermione smile at him gratefully and I read on.
She said … feeling dazed.
"I really hope Albus gave permission for that." Dad growls and Merden closes his eyes as he says: "He didn't. He actually never did anything in regards to the fame, not to lessen or strengthen it." At which the twins, Ginny, Neville, Ron, Hermione and Colin groan: "Don't we know it." Which makes me read on, feeling worried.
"Goodness, didn't … with her.
"Wait, so she just left you to stay in the doorway like that the entire time while she made all those statements? How could she –?" Lindilwen asks, but then Neville strongly interrupts her and says: "She was a Muggleborn experiencing the Magical World for the very first time." And Lindilwen nods in acceptance as I read on.
"Whatever house … in Slytherin."
Here dad sighs and I ask: "What's wrong, dad?" And the man asks: "Jaurion, what is one rule I came up with during your first Christmas at home?" Here I think and mutter: "To never speak my mind about the feud between Slytherin and Gryffindor and why I think of it like that, right?" Dad nods and I ask: "Why? What does that matter?"
"Remember that I am actually 594 years old? Well, I went to Hogwarts when I was 11 my actual age – and casted a glamour charm to make it look as if I went a good 48 years ago – and back then, the Gryffindor-Slytherin feud wasn't even half as strong as it is now. In fact, it barely even existed; rivalry was way more evenly divided."
This shocks me and I ask: "Really?" And dad nods as he says: "Yeah, in fact, back then it was tradition for all Houses to try and find the secret chambers of all Founders bar their own – and now, looking at Hogwarts, it's just so obvious that those found chambers have been lost all over again. It's just depressing, really."
This makes me really feel for my dad as he must have gone to an utterly different kind of Hogwarts and then Ginny asks: "I feel quite a lot of worry for asking this, but did anyone ever find the Legendary Chamber? You know, Slytherin's?" Yet the girl sighs in relief as dad shakes his head and I continue reading, feeling shocked.
"That's the … finished school.
This makes me sigh as I have been using most of the last school year to try and decide what I want to do with my life after graduation, but then dad smiles at me and says: "Don't worry, son, I don't plan to hit the bucket anytime soon, you know." And this makes me send him a guilty yet grateful smile before I continue the chapter.
"Charlie's in … been caught.
This really shocks me and then dad turns to the door, sending it a strangely pointed look and to my shock do a few Earth and Guard Elves move in and ask: "How can we help, Sire?" But then Hermione says: "Sire, it happened fourteen years in the future and the perpetrator is dead." And the man sighs in relief before he says:
"Just – keep an eye on the door." And the three Elves bow before one of them says: "Don't worry, Sire. With so many of your line now finally back in our world and our sources telling us of the level of threat posed by the Earthen Dark Lord, we will not waver in our duty." And everyone smiles in relief as they leave and I read on.
My dad … behind it."
"They still think he's behind it? I thought they believed him dead?" Peter asks and then Arthur says: "It's the reputation he build for himself all the way up to his disappearance. It was so terrifying, his defeat and Hari's fame never really did manage to break people out of it." My youngest friends nods at this and I continue reading.
Harry turned … Harry confessed.
"Something I'm sure your father would have made you be raised to believe that to be a worldly sin." Lindilwen mumbles, but I smile at her and say: "Not really. I mean, sure I always wanted to share my passions with my future offspring, but – well, I guess that's always been one part of my upraising that I've always been thankful for."
At this I try heavily to ignore the skeptical stare the girl sends me and while a strong part of me wonders why she is so adamant on believing that my persona is me, do I smile at her and say: "The one thing my parents raised me with is the lesson that I should always make sure my family enjoys their hobbies and interests to the fullest.
So, would I like for Hari to love Quidditch as much as I do and take an active interest in each and every player of every active team? Yes. Yes, I would like that. Would I try to persuade him if he tells me he feels happier with other hobbies or past times? No, I would not, they're his hobbies and they are so, because he enjoys them."
This seems to shock the girl and then mum sighs and asks: "Lindilwen, sweetie, would you be okay with us meeting after this chapter? I think we need to clear the air a bit." And while the girl seems hesitant, does Severus shock us all as he says: "Lindilwen, if I can forgive Valivial and look past his persona, why can't you?"
The girl looks shocked and Severus looks at her as if he just can't understand her before mum says: "That will do, Severus, thank you. What do you say, Lindilwen? After the chapter? Or would you prefer later?" But Lindilwen sighs and says: "No, after the chapter is fine, thanks." Mum smiles at her in pride and I read on.
"What!" Ron … robe shop.
Here Draco groans yet again before he says: "I know what happens here and I just want to say beforehand; I went beyond too far, simply because – before all of this – my parents from the other timeline cared little for Lord Valivial and even less for his late wife." At this I nod, yet still feel worried as I continue reading.
He was … Draco Malfoy."
Here Hermione starts softly snickering and Draco shouts: "Hey! Come on, Granger!" But the girl stops snickering and say: "I'm not laughing at your name, Draco. I'm laughing because you remind me of a Muggle celebrity who is famous for introducing himself the exact same way." The blonde looks shocked and I read on.
Ron gave … do you?
"To be honest, I was kind of like Hermione. I didn't know about that famous Muggle, I just thought you were trying a little too hard to be your father's age and introducing yourself to the Minister or something. And because I had already realized that Hari was just another teen –." Here Draco sighs and nods at Ron as I read on.
No need … you there."
"Yeah, sorry but you ruined your chances right there." I tell the boy and when he looks at me, do I say: "You may have wanted to offer yourself as his advisor or something, you just chose the wrong topic; choosing one's friends. No teen would let another teen pick their friends and you really could have realized that."
"Not to mention you were behaving like you and Hari had been raised in the same kind of environment, as if he was used to being the Heir of an Ancient House. If you had just asked him about himself, studied that and then made him an offer based on those studies, you probably would have had more of a chance."
Here Draco sighs and says: "I probably wouldn't have done that. As you said, I was raised as the Heir of an Ancient House, not to mention that both my parents believed I would inherit both the Black and Malfoy line – long story – so yeah, they spoiled me and so, by the time I came to Hogwarts, I just believed I could get whatever I wanted."
"And then Hari came and proved you that not all you did was right and that for some things you actually had to work hard. No wonder you constantly tried to cause us so much trouble. You needed a reality check." Ron laughs and Draco snaps: "Oh, bite me." Yet while this causes most of us to laugh or snicker, do I read on.
He held … them, either.
This shocks everyone around me and I turn to Lucius as I say: "I never took you for someone who would speak so ill of the dead." And the teen sighs as he says: "I don't, but I have had to stop Narcissa from doing that several times now since we married. I can only assume that she was responsible for that."
Here Ron turns to Draco and asks: "Is that one of the reasons you don't like your mother?" And the boy sighs as he asks: "Remember meeting her at the World Cup?" Ron nods and then Draco snarls: "Yeah, that was her being friendly." Shocking those around him as Lucius asks: "Do I even want to know?" Before I continue reading.
You hang … have some."
"Wow, your ego is the same as Potter's." Lindilwen says and this shocks me again, but then Severus says: "You mean, it's more natural than Valivial's persona's ego." And the girl cringes as she says: "Sorry, I need to get used to the change of name." And everyone nods while I also look at a sleeping Hari worriedly before I read on.
Goyle reached … to sleep."
At this Ron turns to Hermione and asks: "Do you think Scabbers could have used magical abilities at that? When he bit Goyle like he did?" Yet the girl shrugs and says: "I can't really say. He could, but – well –." And here Draco sighs and says: "Trust me, that event opened my eyes real good." The two nod and I read on, heavily worried.
And so … get there!"
"Hermione, if a first year catches another first year doing something they think is against the rules, they're supposed to go and find a Prefect, not lecture them. That really won't help you make friends." Remus says and Hermione sighs before she mutters: "Don't I know it." Making Ron smile at her lovingly before I read on.
"Scabbers has … sniffy voice.
"It's the first day of a new semester in the most awesome school Magical England has ever seen and which houses hormonal teenagers. How else did you think they'd behave?" Sirius asks shocked and Hermione mutters: "I was – very mature for my age.""Translation, you needed to lighten up." My friend laughs and I read on.
"And you've … underneath them.
This makes Molly moan yet again and then Bill asks: "How did you get any of my robes anyway? I could have sworn I took them all with me when I left for Egypt?" And Molly turns red as she mumbles: "I saved all of your first year robes. I did the same with those of your brothers. It – it was a tradition I started for myself."
This seems to shock Bill and he asks: "Why'd you do that?" And Molly answers: "They were memorabilia to you being good enough for Hogwarts. I – I didn't want to use them, but – but then Percy became Prefect and – and I made some wrong choices and decisions and – and thought there was no other way."
This makes both Bill and Percy sigh as he says: "Mum, you should never let something like a celebratory gift get ahead of the needs of others. If I had known you gave Ron Bill's old robes because you were determined to give me a gift, I would have refused it. I just didn't because I didn't know your gift to me forced into this decision.
I'm sorry, Ron." But Ron shakes his head and then says four words I know his family would have never wanted to hear: "I'm used to it." And while they all look shocked, does Ron then shrug and say: "Besides, if there's one thing I learned the last few years, it's that possessions are futile in regards to the bigger picture.
I mean, look at all the events of the last 4 years. Hari and Cedric became Champions and could have won tons of gold; Cedric gets killed. Hari, Hermione and I create a top secret defense class with sign up coins and everything; we fail to use our lessons to save Sirius. Hogwarts becomes our fortress for the final battle – need I say more?"
This really worries me and the look Ron sends Lupin, Colin and Fred makes me really feel for the poor lad before he says: "No, I learned long ago that if I have to choose between being poor with family or loaded with poss – Hari, I seriously hate you right now, you know!" The boy suddenly snaps and this shocks me.
I look over at Snuffles, but then my eyes widen in concern as he and Hari are missing from their spots and then mum says: "Jaurion love." And when I look at her, does she motion for one of the alcoves, where to my relief, I find Hari asleep with his arms wrapped around a sleeping dog. I smile at the wondrous sight and then read on.
A voice … loud "Oooooh!"
Here everyone sighs in remembrance and delight and dad says: "No matter where one may go, Hogwarts is always a feast to the eye." To which everyone nods and then Colin says: "Though your world really outranks it in several categories, Sire." And dad smiles at the boy as he says: "Thank you, Colin." Before I read on.
The narrow … and towers.
Yet this seems to actually sadden many of those who have come back in time and when we all look at them does Hermione say: "Sorry, it's just – the final battle against Vol-Voldemort took place there and – it caused serious collateral damage. We just miss its glory days, is all." At this I nod at the poor girl and then continue reading.
"No more'n … and Hermione.
And this seems to be exactly what the group needs as three of the four mentioned smile at each other as Neville says: "It may have taken a bit longer for me to really join in, but we definitely had each other's backs when it mattered." To which Ron nods, but then Hermione says: "Neville, you were always there when it mattered.
You were with us when we met Fluffy, you tried warning us about Draco, you were with us on our 1st detention, you tried stopping us when you thought we were breaking the rules. And that's just first year alone." This makes the scarred boy turn red as well as smile gratefully, while Sirius whistles in appreciation and I proudly read on.
"Everyone in?" … of them.
"How did he get there?" Peter asks utterly shocked and then Neville rolls his eyes and says: "How does Trevor get anywhere? Honestly, you just saw him running around this place when I had put him in his tank just this morning before breakfast." And while I look shocked at the crazy escape artist of a toad, do I then continue reading.
"Trevor!" cried … castle door.
Here I sigh as that had been quite the chapter and then Hermione asks: "Should we go wake Hari?" But I shake my head and say: "I'd rather we take a short break so the Water Elf can check the Weasleys for whatever worried Lupin and Hari for his strange fatigue." And the girl nods, her face showing she shares my concerns.
"Not to mention that Lindilwen and I need some time to clear the air. Would that windowsill over there be okay for you, dear?" Mum asks, indicating a windowsill on the other side of the room that has a black frame and Lindilwen sighs but nods as we all disperse, the Weasleys moving to one alcove, the Water Elf and I to my son.
Hey everyone,
Well, this chapter was not easy. Let me tell you, like another chapter for Rituals And Reading, this chapter took me a lot of time to put together and yet, I am still quite proud of this one. I'm not entirely sure why this story seems to be blocking me at several turns, but at least this chapter didn't leave me feeling incomplete.
Now, as to Lindilwen and the Weasleys, I will admit that the CR content regarding the 2nd group was pretty hard for me to respond to as didn't want to sound like I was just bashing this or that character, I wanted genuinely realistic approaches and responses from the characters and I feel like I really accomplished that.
As for Lindilwen – I have plans with her. After all, in most fanfic canon stories, she is mostly known as Hari's mum and I really want to use this story to build some other kind of character out of her instead. Which is why Lindilwen made that comment to Hari and why Snuffles made that comment about the bonds.
Now, I do want to say that this whole thing will probably take a few more chapters, yet I also already gave a bit of a hint as to how Lindilwen's behavior will be responded to by Hari more than any other. Needless to say, he will not be taking this fracturing of the bond with his mother lightly – or healthy for that matter.
Oh boy, not good,
Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories.