Hey everyone,
Well, I don't know what it was about this chapter, but it decided to embody what I wrote about in my last two AN's. I swear, I finished most of this month's updates in the first two weeks of this month – and needed the rest of the month just to get this chapter going. It really just didn't want to be written, or so it felt to me.
Still, hope you enjoy,
Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories. Sorry, I've been forgetting to mention that the last couple of chapters. My bad.
PPS. I changed the ending of the whole "hidden stuff in Snitch" scene. Altered on Wednesday 24-10-2018.
26th of December 1976
The Reading Room
Jaurion's POV
While last chapter was supposed to give us all a break from worrying about my son and his friends, did it instead intensify everything that had been going wrong in the boy's first year. And while I am almost two years younger than my poor boy, do I take every chance I can get to be the father he never got to have in his life.
And all the stuff they mention about my son's fifth year as well as what Hari told us about how little people like Dumbledore and McGonagall cared for his health make me wonder if it will even be worth returning to England. But then I remember something we got told in the fourth chapter and I stubbornly think:
"No, I have to return too. I have to do what I can to make sure Albus makes me Head Boy and then start setting an example for them to follow for when I graduate. If they want us to learn from them, they need to realize they can learn from us as well. That they need to learn from us." And with that I pull Hari a little closer.
The boy happily cuddles with me, his form strong and filled with well-build muscles, but I know his heart makes him much, much younger and the fact that there is still a child hidden under all those battle scars makes me feel very much relieved and confident with the fact that things can get better for him and his friends.
"And I will do what I can to see that happen." I think, but then Sirius asks: "Ehhh Jaurion, what are you doing?" And I suddenly realize that I have zoned out and been focusing on my thoughts and my hold on my son so strongly the rest of the room and its occupants had become invisible to me. I look up and gasp in shock.
A gentle wind is blowing around my son and me, the flow of it looking soothing to the eye and somehow I can even smell a comforting, yet familiar scent coming from the wind as it flows around us, softly blowing through Hari's hair in such a way it looks as if the wind is caressing him and brushing through his locks.
"That is quite impressive, my son." Dad then says and while I am amazed at the fact that Hari seems too comforted by the feeling of the wind going through his hair and blowing past his back in a swirling motion, do I turn to him as he says: "You must have been feeling truly strong emotions to unlock your powers like that."
At this I look from him to my son and then smile, love going through my heart the way the wind blows through his long hair and I mutter: "I am, dad. I am. Hari, we need to read on." And yet the boy mumbles: "Go ahead. I'm listening." And while shocked at first, do I then smile, glad to know that I can be such a comfort to the boy.
Cedric's POV
I have been keeping to myself practically since being saved from certain death as I just wanted to get used to the fact that I am in the past, that I will now be living in another world, accept the fact that I have been saved from certain death and come down from the high that I had been on for the better part of my Sixth Year.
The knowledge that most of my friends and those I have been spending the last six years of my life are actually now older than me, even though everyone from the twins' year and under had been younger than me before all this had also not made things easier, but the castle in which we lived and read did do so at a slow pace.
By now I have accepted most of what is and has happened around me and the fact that Jaurion (James) Potter unleashed his inner Wind Elf through what he felt for his son makes it easier for me to calm down from how worried and frightened I had, yet again, felt over hearing what had happened at Hari's very first Quidditch Match.
I then turn to Hari's friends and ask: "What do you think the next chapter is about?" And I see the two share a look before Hermione says: "Considering the time lapses that have been happening over the last two chapters, we're pretty sure it's going to be Christmas – and something very, very personal." At this I nod and ask:
"Hari, are you okay with me reading of that?" To which Hari hums, proving that he is indeed listening, but is too comfortable about the situation he is in while in his father's embrace and surrounded by the younger teen's elemental powers to care. And so I happily take the book from Lucius Malfoy and start to read.
The Mirror Of Erised
"Uhm, excuse me?" The King suddenly asks and Ron winces as he asks: "Another item considered forbidden by the Elvish ways?" But the king shakes his head and says: "We Elves have no problem with a Mirror like that – unless it is stationed at an area that has a large part of the population include children and teenagers."
This makes Ron wince again and the king says: "In fact, in every city and town, you will find one part of the city or town magically locked off and guarded to keep those under certain ages away. Though that is also used for those who turn certain ages and want to prove their worth at having become said age at long last."
This really intrigues me and the man sighs as he says: "Ah, I remember my own three tests. When I was eleven, fourteen and seventeen. I actually failed the first one once, the second one I failed a good half a dozen times – yeah, my father had a good laugh on that – and yet I passed the final one right on my first try.
Trust me, after all the times I failed my second test, I was sure I needed to skip Hogwarts for my final year just to ensure that I would finally pass it. So you can imagine my shock when the examiners told me right after my first testing that I had passed with flying colors and one of the best performances they had seen in Elvish decades."
Everyone looks at the man amazed and then Hari asks: "Can we still do those tests?" And the king nods as he says: "It might not sound fair, but all those not born in Ariador are, by law, expected to pass as many of the age tests as they can handle, depending on how old they are when they finally move into our world."
At this Hari nods, but I only need to look in the boy's eyes to know what he's thinking. "Those tests will help prepare me for the war ahead." Is what goes through the boy's mind and I send a concerned glance at his father, Jaurion Potter only needing to catch it for a second before he regains his son's attention as I read on.
Christmas was … his turban.
And while this paragraph had started calming everyone down and bringing out a positive atmosphere, had the last bit caused for Hermione and Ron to tense up and share a horrified look and Percy asks: "That bad?" To which both nod, yet Jaurion seems well able at keeping Hari from getting equally concerned as I read on.
The few … off again.
At this Hedwig flies over to Jaurion and Hari and lands on the father's shoulder before starting to work on Hari's new hair and while it is still a bit of a shock to see him now that his rosary has been pulled off his arm, am I still able to see the boy I competed against for the Tournament and I smile at the scene as I read on.
No one … the classrooms.
Yet this confuses me and I turn to Percy as I ask: "Didn't you cast Warming charms on their cloaks before class?" And Percy looks shocked before he frowns and says: "I was told that was the duty of the older Prefects, so I left it to them. I just don't get why they never did it themselves." Which confuses me as Remus asks:
"Could it be that the Prefects of Sixth year were told that Percy and the female Prefect would do it?" At which I turn to Percy and ask: "Who told you that anyway?" And the slightly elder lad thinks hard before he mumbles: "I – I'm pretty sure it was Herman Peiter." And instantly I get what is going on her and sigh as I say:
"Then it wasn't your fault, Percy. Peiter is – or I guess I should say was – known for causing trouble for authority figures and he got in trouble more often than not for lying to their faces. Though I will say this didn't run out of hand until further down that year, so you really couldn't have known." Percy nods and I read on.
Worst of … at home."
At this Draco cringes and he mumbles: "I really should've realized that not going home usually had reasons other than not being wanted." But Hari smiles at him and says: "Those who are wanted at home never really need to understand why others aren't. Don't worry about it, Dragon." And Draco sighs as I continue reading.
He was … proper family.
Yet this time it seems that Draco is able to poke fun at himself as he snickers and says: "Yet now my Hari has a more proper, official family than I could ever get myself, especially when it comes to social standing." And everyone actually laughs at this, even Snape and the elder Malfoy and I smile at the blonde before reading on.
It was … stairs. "WEASLEY!"
At this Snape groans and says: "You just cannot be serious. I am actually pulling that bastard Willhelm's crap? That bastard pulled this crap on me more times than I can count, why would I want to pull the same crap on – oh, wait, I forgot who it was I thought I could annoy with this." And the lad sighs before I read on, feeling bad for him.
Ron let … and smirking.
At this Jaurion turns to Draco and asks: "Were you holding up a persona too?" Yet while Draco seems shocked that the teen believes this, does he then sigh and mutter: "No, I was just a bloody rotten person." At which Jaurion hums before he shrugs and says: "At least you mellowed out." Making the blonde smile as I read on.
"I'll get … and Snape."
And this seems to really hurt Draco, yet Snape seems to just accept it and he mutters: "Not like it's without reason." Yet then Hari says: "Draco, come here." And when the lad has gone to sit beside Harry's father, does Hari actually break free from the way Jaurion is comforting him and does he move to cuddle with Draco.
The blonde smiles gratefully at this and he mutters: "I'm going to need this reassurance a lot more over the books." To which Hari hums: "You have my heart, always." And somehow I can hear something coming through his voice that sounds both magical and utterly enchanting in its tune and the king hums as he says:
"It would seem that something is causing for things to go much faster than expected. Hari's musical powers just got activated as well. We'll have to schedule a time for you to start practicing, little one. There has never been an elf more unpredictable than an untrained Time or Empathy Elf." At which Hari nods before I read on.
"Come on … of candles.
"Would it be wrong if I said that the garden did it better?" Hari asks, yet none of us disagree with him and the king laughs as he says: "Then you'll need to see next year. This year the Elves did their best because they knew I was here. Imagine how hard they'll work when they realize for just how many of our family they can do it."
"Is that really fair? Wouldn't it exhaust them?" Hermione asks, but then the queen asks: "Wouldn't you want to work your very hardest to make those you care for happy?" And the girl hums before she turns red and smiles at the woman as she says: "Good point." And I think: "True, very true." And I proudly read on.
"How many … he is."
"But surely you realized how dangerous that was?" Mrs. Weasley asks frightened and Ron answers: "Mum, we wanted to find out who Flamel was, because whatever his relation with Dumbledore was made someone willing to try and kill Hari. We wanted to know what that was." At which the woman sighs and I read on.
"You what … the library.
"Just a quick question, why didn't you try and contact either McGonagall or someone else about this?" Remus asks and Hari turns red as he says: "Ron and Hermione felt it was about me and – well, I was still really hesitant to trust adults at the time. Plus, we suspected the Brewer, so –." Remus nods at this and I read on.
They had … to steal?
"Or whoever was willing to hurt our best friend for reasons we didn't even understand at the time. I mean, at the time, we had no idea how important Hari was going to be in light of the bigger picture." Ron says and Hari again glances at the Snitch in the wall as he growls: "No, and we didn't really find out – until it was too late."
At which I think: "That must have been after I died, but why do I feel that I am not the only one who had to suffer this fate for Hari to learn why he was so important to the war? And why would someone like Dumbledore consider a teen so important anyway?" And I send a confused and concerned look at the Snitch before I read on.
The trouble … Dark Arts.
"That reminds me. Hari, when I was in the library, I found the Valivial Manual and you have to read it. It's practically a compilation of everything you should have grown up learning – had it not been for that monster. Do you want me to move it to your room?" Hermione suddenly asks and Hari greedily nods as I continue reading.
"What are … up to.
"And with how often we had actually seen McGonagall meet about either Snakes hating on Lions or vice versa, we didn't want to take the risk with her either. Though that was more based on my concerns with trusting adults than anything." Hari mumbles to himself at the end and everyone nods in understanding as I read on.
Harry waited … wouldn't work.
At this a lot of those around me sigh wistfully and Hari smiles at them as he says: "Don't worry, everyone, once we have read these books, we can set up all we need to get back to that kind of life." And this makes Draco hug him close while those sighing smile at the boy in glee over the fact that he wants this as well.
Yet then I notice something and I ask: "Is something wrong?" And everyone turns to where I am looking and Ron mumbles: "I just thought of something. Something that might pose a problem once we have accomplished our goal. Once we have made sure that this war won't lead into another one later down the line."
Everyone looks at the boy and he mutters: "Let's face a fact. Hari became famous when he was only a year old and that fame lasted for almost two decades. And one person who could have easily – who out of experience should have wanted to – done something about this, didn't. And we all know how stubborn this person is."
He then turns to the rest of those who came back with him and asks: "So who's to say Dumbledore and the Ministry won't try the same crap and force us into situations that keep us from being able to get back here if we get this war to end?" And to my shock does it seem as if none of them have an answer before I go back to the book.
Ron also … lose him."
"Speaking of which, how did your chess games go, Ron?" The King asks and Ron sighs as he says: "Not too well. I tried using the board to reenact what happened in the course of our years at Hogwarts, but – I just couldn't change the battlefield in our favor in any of the battles that mattered." And the boy lowers his head in pain.
At this a lot of us share looks of concern and pain ourselves and then Lupin goes to sit with the boy and asks: "And what if Snuffles and I told you about what happened in the battles that are still to come? Do you think you can manipulate those to save valiant lives?" At this Ron smiles at him and nods as I continue reading.
On Christmas … his bed.
At this the king laughs and says: "Trust me, no bed is going to be big enough for the presents you will be receiving from the public next year. And before you say anything, young man, Ariador makes it tradition. The better a royal family cares for their land all throughout the year, the more the public buys them gifts for Christmas."
This shocks Hari, but then he says: "But I'm only the prince. Dad is next in line and you're the King. Surely –." But then the king says: "Yes, we are the ones ruling or next to rule, but do you really think we can do that by ourselves?" And the boy seems to have no answer to this, yet Draco smiles at the king as I continue reading.
"Merry Christmas … than Harry's.
"You expected him to be used to it, weren't you?" Mr. Weasley asks and Ron shrugs as he says: "I knew he was raised by Muggles, but I didn't think they'd keep him from the gifts his fans and friends of his parents would send him." Yet this seems to both make Lupin uncomfortable and turn Hari thoughtful and suspicious.
We all turn to the latter and he mutters: "I – I'm sure Dumbledore was behind that not happening all those years – and that part of it was the Dursleys stealing the stuff send my way – but –." Here he turns to Ron and Hermione and asks: "Why did that last – even after my Sixth?" And the two seem shocked at this question.
"You're – you're right. There – that – that shouldn't have happened after that. It – you – you should have been able to – to get back everything he – you turned seventeen that same summer. Why didn't he give it to you the same way he gave you that Snitch? What was he thinking?" And at this the King turns to Merden and asks:
"Do you know what they mean?" At which the Time Elf nods before the King asks: "Do you have an answer?" And the Elf seems to focus his powers before he mumbles: "The answer –." And for some reason that shocks even the trio, the man looks up and says: "Is in the Snitch." And we all turn to the ball that is still in the wall.
"You're joking, right? That old man put both that dratted stone and all those gifts and presents in that small ball? Are you for real here?" Ron asks shocked and the Elf nods as he says: "Apparently the Minister left out something important when he met with you. Namely a test he wanted to put the young prince through."
At which the redhead mutters: "Wow, how predictable. What was it?" To which the Elf focuses yet again and mutters: "Before you stands a crossroad. Two paths you can chose between. Either you destroy your first victory or you open at the close. Know your heart to know your fate." The Elf looks up and says:
"This was the message the Minister was supposed to give you upon presenting you with that Snitch, Your Highness. And he had actually left a last message with the rest of the Order." At which Lupin gasps and mutters: "If Harry is ever covered in golden dust, do what you must to end his struggle. Fight for him, if you see him like that."
And this seems to shock Hari beyond words before something happens that I never expected. Hari opens his mouth and a sound that is just too unholy, heartbreaking and broken to describe with words comes out of his throat, causing for me to drop the book and slap my hands over my ears, only for that action to be utterly useless.
Everyone else screams and shouts in shocked pain, but then, just as suddenly as that the scream started, as suddenly does it stop. I look up and see that Hari has been pushed to the ground, that Draco is on top of him and that the blonde is ravaging his elven mate, his lips sealing that of the tortured boy and causing Hari to moan instead.
Everyone sighs in relief and then Lindilwen asks: "What – what was that about?" And Ron growls: "Dumbledore's message – his test to Hari and his message to the Order – if that test had been voiced the last year would not have gone the way it did. It would have been completely and entirely different – and probably tons better."
And just by looking at how everyone looks as they think back on the last year that they seem to have gone through, do I easily see why this is so important and why Hari was screaming the way he did. I then look back at the two boys and just in time too as Draco releases Hari from the kiss and both boys are gasping for breath.
"You feeling better, my Raven?" Draco asks, but Hari just hides his face in the boy's robe and mumbles: "So much could have been better. So much could have been done better, faster. So many lives – they could have been saved. Why? Why did he wait till after? Why?" Yet Draco seems unable to answer and so I read on.
Harry picked … fifty-pence piece.
"I didn't write them." Hari suddenly mumbles and everyone looks at him as he mumbles: "I never wrote them. Whenever I went to the Magical World, I pushed them from my mind, forgot about them until the train back to London. I never got what they meant." Yet while the boy is now in Draco's lap, does the boy ask:
"Does it really matter?" And yet Hari nods and growls: "It was done by someone behind my back. I hate it when that happens. People doing what they think can help me, without taking who I am and what I care for into account. Having intentions that don't align with my rights." And Draco nods in understanding as I read on.
"That's friendly … sent these?"
"Didn't you give me that piece over summer, Ron?" Mr. Weasley suddenly asks and Ron nods as he says: "I got a little unsettled by the encounter on the platform and realized why Hari didn't like having the item. I didn't either, but I knew you liked Muggle stuff." At which the balding man nods with a smile and I happily read on.
"I think … Weasley sweater."
At this Mrs. Weasley glares at her son, yet then Hari says: "Mrs. Weasley, you shouldn't blame Ron. I had just given away a small gift and Ron must have taken that as a sign that I had high expectations of the gifts I was send. He must have believed I was only expecting something like Madam Mallekin's finest, not something hand-made.
And no, I'm not talking down on your skill, I am pointing out the difference and how Ron must have worried about that when he moaned about the gift. He had only known me for half a year, but about my fame for his whole life. It's not unusual for famous people to care about such differences or for Ron to have believed that."
This shocks the woman and then I say: "I can definitely see that. After all, it's really not unusual for teens to be uncomfortable with certain aspects of their lives. And living with someone who is famous, but who you only just start to realize is more than his fame – would make anyone uncomfortable with personal things like homemade stuff."
And then Jaurion sighs and says: "And then combine that level of fame with the fact that dad and grandpa were always open with their fortune and riches – anyone would expect Hari to only prefer the best of the best of the best and be used to only that. It would make any teen uncomfortable." At which I nod and continue reading.
Harry had … Ron gasped.
And so does Sirius as he grumbles: "Damn, now Snape is going to find out about one of our secrets." But then Hari, who is still seeking comfort with his mate, asks: "Isn't that a good thing seeing he will probably help us in the future against that monster?" At which Sirius mumbles: "Heh, good point." At which I continue reading.
"I've heard … it on."
Yet at this Lucius scoffs and says: "That's ridiculous. Who would send an eleven year old an old invisibility cloak? The Demiguise hairs on those things wear off in power after only two years." Yet then he notices how Jaurion's friends as well as Hari's are all smirking at him and he asks: "What?" Before I read on.
Harry threw … vanished completely.
"How is that even possible? Invisibility cloaks aren't supposed to be able to work that long! They – wait, is that cloak what I think it is?" Lucius suddenly asks and Ron groans: "You seriously figured that out already? We didn't realize that until last year." Shocking the blonde and I think: "It can't be." Before I hurry on my reading.
"There's a … following words:
"Why did he have it?" Peter asks and yet Jaurion goes on: "More importantly, why did I broke my promise. I promised dad years ago that I wouldn't lend out Family Heirlooms during war time, so what on earth could have made me decide to break that promise?" Yet while his friends remain clueless, does Hari say:
"You did it for your own sake." Everyone looks at him and he says: "I found out that you did it to make sure you couldn't let your agitation at the situation we were in just before Halloween get to you, to make sure it wouldn't make you give into the wrong temptations." Jaurion nods in understanding at this and I continue reading.
Your father … to you.
"I won't lie, if you hadn't gotten that before the next book, I would have sent the guards to the future to find out why and punish the one responsible. I can see and appreciate the reason why it came so late, but in my personal opinion, Hagrid should've had your cloak and your key." The king says, but then Lindilwen asks:
"And you really think an eleven year old can responsibly handle something like this?" And while I feel amazed that you can't hear any indication that she is saying this out of spite to Jaurion, does the King say: "I can't say for sure, but the importance here is not in age, but in the rights of ownership." At which the girl nods and I read on.
There was … his father?
"It had." Hari says and while Jaurion wants to say something to cheer up his son, does the boy turn to where the Snitch is still stuck in the wall and he growls: "And I have no doubt other things that once belonged to him are in there." And everyone looks at the Snitch, which seems to taunt us as a golden gleam runs over it.
This actually aggravates me and then Peter asks the question that is on my mind: "Why is that thing still existing anyway?" And at this several wands get pulled out and as one do the four youngest Weasleys, Neville, Luna, Hari and Hermione chorus: "BOMBARDA!" And yet again I notice Hari's voice sounding musically angry."
Thanks to this do I notice a strange aura of strength coming from Hari's spell and to the shock of everyone else does it encompass the other spells before putting them all together with Hari's. And so the spell that now hurries towards the Snitch is much faster, stronger and causes a massive blast to erupt upon hitting its target.
Yet then we all get shocked as, upon the mist clearing, do we see that there is a huge hole in the wall, but the Snitch itself is now lying on the ground, still gleaming and without even so much as a scratch showing on its golden surface. "Is that blasted thing trying to play with us or something?" Ron snarls, but Hari growls:
"No, Dumbledore just used his specific spell-crap to protect it to his desires." Making those that had tried to curse the little ball of gold glare at it and then Hari snarls: "Let me. Expecto Patronum!" And the same stag as the one in the Potions Master chapter jumps out of the wand and rushes over to it. Yet all he does is ram it with his antlers, throwing it up.
It once again hits the wall and gets stuck back in the same spot it was in before all of the curses hit it. The stag rushes at it again and attacks it, but no matter how its antlers grind against the ball, nothing happens. Hari snarls at this and slashes his wand, causing for the spell to break. Instantly Draco takes him into his arms to reassure him as I read on.
Before he … his head.
This makes Mrs. Weasley cringe and Mr. Weasley sigh before he says: "Molly, I know we managed to take your clock with us. Perhaps we'd need to find out if we can't get an item of similar nature, but then one for what our kids like and one for what they don't like. To help you remember stuff like this." His wife nods at him and I read on.
"You haven't … his sweater.
Yet Mrs. Weasley is obviously focusing on only one bit of what I was reading and looks at her third eldest with a broken hearted look, but then Percy sends the twins an annoyed glare and says: "If those two had let me finish, I would have said I don't want to do so untilI unpacked all my gifts." And the twins cringe as I read on.
Harry had … the table.
"Your Majesty, that reminds me. Will you and your family still attend the royal dinner?" Merden suddenly asks and the king looks thoughtful before he says: "As long as the other royals will not be expecting all of us, yes, I think we will." And I know he says this to do Lindilwen a favor, yet at the same time I think:
"Can we really keep giving her the chance to dip out of events that can have her grow close to the one person who wants her in his life more than anything?" And I look at Hari, knowing he will probably be pretty broken hearted if his parents don't end up together. This really worries me and I hope it won't come to that as I read on.
These fantastic … his slice.
At this Percy groans and he says: "I had the dumb bad luck that I was sitting near McLaggen. Bastard had the guts to suggest that my brothers and I were probably going to ruin the rest of the dinner, just because we wanted to, as he called it, make some more money." And this makes the rest of the group growl in insult and I angrily read on.
Harry watched … the grounds.
"I still don't get how you won that one, Hari. You were obviously completely new at this and yet you got hit the bloody least. How the heck did you do that?" Ron then asks his best friend and Hari smirks at him as he says: "Did you forget that I don't need a broom to be fast?" Making Ron glare at him in a friendly manner as I read on.
Then, cold … so much.
At this Percy glares at the boy, yet Hari seems too calm and at peace with where he is, lying in Draco's lap while the blonde is leaning against Jaurion's legs. The boy then shrugs and says: "What can I say? You're worse at chess than I am – and that's saying something." And while Percy grumbles in amusement, do I read on.
After a … prefect badge.
"You know, I've been thinking about all that and – I got to admit, I am kind of grateful." Percy says before his mother can do anything and everyone looks at the younger male shocked before he says: "You only pulled your worst stuff on my Prefect and Head Boy stuff – when we were in private or parts of small crowds.
And yet, when it came down to it, when I had the chance to prove I was the same – I did the extreme opposite and made sure to – to – to roast and complain about you both the most – when I was in crowds as large as the Wizengamot. And it made me feel like the better person to boot." Percy shakes his head at this and mumbles:
"I should never be given any sense of authority. It just leads me to my pride going to my head, me dropping out on my actual duties, doing a rotten job and listening to all the wrong people." But then Hari seems to shock the boy senseless as he says: "Well, it wasn't as if there was ever a good person in the seats of power."
Percy looks at Hari shocked and Hari says: "I'm not saying what you did didn't hurt, Percy, cause it did. It did. But you've always been the kind of person who is easily influenced by those high in power, so you going wrong – is as much your fault as it is theirs." And while Percy remains quite shocked, do I continue reading.
It had … had said.
I then notice Jaurion turning his body around and he seems to focus on something with great strength. Then I notice how there is now a gust of wind rushing and moving through the huge pile of items that is still lying under the crater that is now part of the wall where the Snitch had been. Seeing this makes me really curious.
The younger teen seems to be looking for something if the way he tentatively moves the wind through the pile is anything to go by and then he seems to have found what he is looking for. He moves his arm differently and actually causes for the gust to swirl around a book that actually has the corners of the front cover cut off from it.
He moves it over to where he, Draco and Hari are seated and moves it over to Hari, who takes it curiously as Jaurion says: "That is a very special journal, Hari. It's what I used to write down all I really thought, felt and believed in. It's what I used to make sure I wouldn't lose myself too much to my popular persona."
This makes Hari look at the book in utter amazement and he looks up as Jaurion says: "It helped me through my troubles. Want to see if it can help you through yours?" And a second later the boy has his son in his own lap, Hari mumbling words of gratitude as he hugs the younger teen close. Yet Jaurion proves his worth as he says:
"Hari, little one, is it not the duty of a good father to provide his son with whatever he can to help the child forward and to see him through any troubles or even traumas however they can, right?" And Hari stops mumbling, but does give his father a grateful nod and strong hug before he gets back to his seat and I happily read on.
He had … Flamel was.
This makes the twins and Sirius send the boy an astounded look, yet Jaurion seems to disagree with this as well and he turns to his father as he asks: "Dad, doesn't the cloak usually entice the Potters to seek out that one special room at Hogwarts upon their first use? What do you think could have kept that from happening?"
This shocks Hari and he jumps out of Draco's lap, only to run up the circular stair that leads to the bedroom floors. And while I had expected the boy to throw the journal in Draco's lap, does he actually clutch it against his chest as he runs. A few minutes later he runs back down, a silvery looking cloak trailing behind him.
And while I am amazed to see this incredible cloak in person, does Hari almost push the cloak in his grandfather's chest, his eyes begging the man to find out why this didn't happen. The king nods at the desperate teen and then runs his hands over the cloak, actually casting wandless spells onto it and scanning it as he does.
The man seems to only need a few minutes to find what he is looking for and he smiles as he says: "Ah, so that's what it is." He looks up and says: "Don't worry, Jaurion. It's just a small mishap caused by how little time your future-self had with Hari. It took him the chance to wrap Hari in it and hold him like that for a few hours."
At this Jaurion nods and Hari asks: "So, if Jaurion – I mean, James – hadn't had to give the cloak to another to make sure he could keep himself focused on my safety, he would have been able to carry me in the cloak and it would have led me to this special room in the castle upon my first use as a teen? Is that what you're saying?"
The king nods and Hari sighs in relief before he asks: "What kind of room is it, anyway?" And the king answers: "It's really just a room where a Potter can unwind and where they can hide away if the pressure of others becomes too much for them." He then smirks at his son, but Jaurion shakes his head and this shocks the king.
"You – you didn't make use of the room? At all?" The king asks and his son shakes his head as the queen asks: "But – but why?" And Jaurion answers: "The same reason I didn't drop my persona when at home. It took me too long to put it back up and I didn't want to risk that." And while this worries his parents, do I notice something.
Harry seems concerned and curious about something and he turns to his grandfather as he asks: "Grandpa, is this room available to anyone in authority?" But the king shakes his head and says: "Even the Headmaster forgets this room exists the minute he leaves Hogwarts – unless the current Potter constantly leads him there."
At which Hari grimaces and mumbles: "So that could have been it. It could have been my safe haven. My place away from everything. My fame, the costs, the constant reminders of my orphaned state, the constant change of treatment, maybe – even some of his – more hurtful plans." And as Hari sags down against Draco, do I ask:
"You don't mean that monster, do you?" And Hari shakes his head before he mumbles: "I mean the one man who always seemed so adamant – on keeping to my title of Boy Hero." And while Mrs. Weasley seems to disagree with this, does Mr. Weasley see his youngest nod in agreement and does he silence her before I read on.
He set … shouldn't be.
This amazes the king and he says: "Instinctive Music Skills. That is a serious skill very few Music Elves can actually get to have. I am going to assume this means that one of your spells is stronger than any other you have ever cast?" At which Hari gasps and he nods as he says: "The Disarming charm. It's my signature, as they call it."
At this the king nods and says: "If so, then that spell can help you do things that others won't be able to do with that same spell. Heck, if you train your skill well enough, you will be able to do things with that charm that no one else can ever manage." Yet at this I notice a lot of the travelers share a look with each other before Hari says:
"Actually grandpa, that already happened. I managed the – I guess you can say – the impossible just little over a week ago now. And yes, it really should have been impossible, but – this theory actually holds more ground than what I preached back then." And while the boy seems to feel really stupid about that, do I read on.
He had … was screaming!
This makes the king and others cringe and he mumbles: "That is either the alarm system of the Restricted Section – or you pulled a book of which the magic is incompatible with Elven magic." Yet while Hari is intrigued, does he also say: "I don't think it really matters, grandpa." At which the king nods and I continue reading.
Harry snapped … his ears.
And yet it seems as if this is the wrong thing for me to read as Hari suddenly starts shuddering and the king grimaces as he says: "Music Elves are pretty sensitive to sound when they get their powers unlocked. And if that elf has emotional traumas as well, that's just not a good combination." Which really worries me.
The king then turns to Jaurion and Draco and while I notice how Hari is starting to almost sink through his knees his legs are shaking that badly and the two males nod before taking Hari between them and while Draco starts to croon and let out other soft tunes, does Jaurion use his power to caress through Hari's long hair.
And the two do seem able to do what needs to be done as Hari slowly calms down, yet then proves that his traumas had a really strong hold on him as he whispers: "It – it – it wasn't – it wasn't my fault." At which I feel like telling him that he's right, but for some reason do I just not believe that he means my death.
And I get proven right as Hari doesn't look at me, but instead turns his eyes – which are pleading for the person he means to agree with him – on Snuffles, the man instantly rushing for his godson and hugging what little isn't being held by Jaurion and Draco as he mumbles: "No. No, it wasn't." At which Hari sighs and I read on.
He came … dying away.
Yet here Hari stands up and with a voice that scares me with how dead it sounds, he says: "I'm sorry. I – I can't handle this. Not right now.""Should I stop?" I ask, but Hari answers: "No, I know what happened. I – I don't need to hear it happen again." At which I nod and while the boy heads for a black-painted corner, do I read on.
That had … the way.
And even though I didn't describe it yet, does it not seem necessary either as both the king and Ron turn grim and Ron mutters: "Yeah, I can get why Hari doesn't feel able to read about that right now." And I suddenly notice him sending a very quick and subtle look at Lindilwen, which really worries me as I continue reading.
It was … on wohsi.
"I show not your face, but your heart's desire." Luna says and her toneless voice actually shocks me. I look at her and see that there is just nothing left of the dreamy, callous and sweet-heartened girl that I had known, who had shown up from time to time to help me with the Tournament. This alone worries me and I turn back to the book.
His panic … behind him.
"But – I thought he hated being famous." Lindilwen asks confused and I think: "Surely she has heard enough about him to realize who it is that Hari saw in there." And then Jaurion answers: "He does, with the same passion with which you hate my persona." And while this hint seems to miss its target, do I sigh and read on.
But the … the mirror.
"No." Jaurion mumbles and his voice sounds just as Luna's did earlier and while tears twinkle in his eyes, does he look at Lindilwen and say: "They exist – in that timeline at least – only in his heart." And this hint does seem to hit its mark as Lindilwen gasps and reaches for her chest with both hands before I go on with reading.
She was … whispered. "Dad?"
And here I make sure to put the pain and despair I felt when realizing that Hari had been alone against my murderer in my voice as well as my need to see him move past that event. And while it's not the same as an orphan's need to finally have his parents back does it still seem to carry the same emotions as everyone tears up.
And the sight of this happening even with Lindilwen, who is now looking at Hari with tears of longing and a slight hint of love in her eyes, makes me sigh in relief and I think: "There is still hope." Yet I don't let this sense of relief take me out of the story or the message I want to convey with its text as I continue reading.
They just … his life.
"That was my father. He shrunk a lot whenever he took on the rosary. It became even worse as he grew in his older years." The king says softly, not quite mumbling, but not sounding like he is stating a fact and this news does add a small sense of levity to the scene around me and actually makes me sigh relieved before I read on.
The Potters … terrible sadness.
And this seems to be the final straw for Jaurion as the man strides over to his son and hugs him close. Yet to my annoyance does this actually make Lindilwen sit back down as she had almost done the same. I glare at her to gain her attention and when she looks at me, do I keep my voice low as I hiss: "He needs both parents."
The young woman cringes, yet it doesn't seem as if even this is enough to have her see past the teen now sitting with her son. And Snuffles seems to take the same offense to this as I do as he growls at the girl before he joins his younger best friend. And while I am sure that Hari is, at least, well cared for, do I continue reading.
How long … the room.
I read this and make sure to add emphasis on the mother part, yet I only glance at Lindilwen from the corner of my eye. And what I see annoys me as the girl actually cringes, as if slapped by that single word. "She doesn't actually consider it an insult to be Hari's mother, does she?" I think to myself, yet don't voice this and just read on.
"You could … eating anything?"
And with this bit do I release a deep breath of relief and then Sirius asks: "How does the book do that? Bring up such a tense and heartfelt topic and then brush it all off with such a thoughtless comment?" At which Ron shrugs and says: "What can I say? I was a dumb, brainless teen." And Sirius nods at hearing this as I read on.
Harry couldn't … it, really?
"I can definitely empathize with that." George mumbles and the other Weasleys nod, Fred cuddling close against his twin's side and Ginny looks at Collin as she says: "I think we all can." And while the boy does the same as the elder Weasley and while Ginny cuddles her face in his shoulder, do I sigh and continue my reading.
"Are you … of him.
At this I really want to emphasize the first person named again, but refrain from doing so. Not because I don't want to push this girl further than I think she can handle, but because I don't feel like giving her a reason to make me wonder the same thing as before. "Or worse, prove me right." I think and so I just read on.
"See?" Harry … head boy!"
"What?" Most of the group asks in shock and then the twins and Sirius chorus: "Why would you want to be that?" But while Sirius turns to his friend in apology, do the twins remain focused on Ron, who has turned dark himself and the slightly elder boy mumbles: "Frivolous reasons." Worrying his elder brothers as I read on.
"What?""I … captain, too."
"You wanted to stand out." Luna suddenly says and we all look at the boy as he says: "You can blame that stupid fame Hari suffered from. Combine that with how mum always made drama of my brothers earning those badges – you did, mum – and it gave me a really flawed picture of what standing out could mean for someone."
Here the boy sighs and says: "I really don't know why I wanted any of that anymore, really. I mean, what's so great about standing out if it just makes people push you to do things you're either not able to or feel comfortable with doing? I just – didn't see it like that at the time." And while this really amazes me, do I then read on.
Ron tore … the future?"
At this some of his brothers slap themselves on the head and Mrs. Weasley snaps: "Ronald Billius Weasley!" But then suddenly Luna says: "In a way – yes." And everyone looks at her as she asks: "Doesn't Hari have his family now? And didn't Ron manage to truly stand out lately?" And we all look at her in shock.
"Good Merlin, the girl is damned right." Snape suddenly mumbles and Luna asks: "What? What's so strange about that? We might be in the past now, but our past is gone and – well, aren't we all Hari's future?" And to my relief does even Lindilwen seem to nod in agreement with this and I send both girls a proud smile before I read on.
"How can … don't go."
"I'm proud of you, Ron." Mr. Weasley suddenly says and when his son looks at him, he says: "You came face to face with your deepest heart's desire – and you still realize how much of a danger it is to your friend and his health. You may have had frivolous desires, but your friendship meant more to you." At which I nod and read on.
But Harry … stop him.
"I don't think even dad threatening me with disownment or something like that could have kept me from that mirror either. At least not, before we all got here." George mumbles and again his brothers and sister nod in agreement and again Fred moves to comfort his slightly younger twin brother. I look at the family and then read on.
That third … again, Harry?"
And this instantly makes the queen glare as she asks: "What does he mean again? How did that man even know that Hari had been there before? Had he warded the door with the same spell as the one on the Restricted Section?" But Ron shakes his head and says: "He explains it. Just listen." And the woman nods as I read on.
Harry felt … of Erised."
"A person who runs a school and is responsible for innocent kids or teens shouldn't think of the mirror as a Delight. Dumbledore is being influenced by it as well." The king mumbles, a growl sounding through his voice, but then we get shocked by a toneless voice saying: "He is." And we all look up as Lindilwen gasps:
"Hari." And the boy looks at her, a strong but broken wish for the teen to have come to his aid as well shining in his eyes before he turns back to his grandfather and says: "Dumbledore is like me. I found out recently that – he sees almost the same thing I do. Just – in a different way." The king nods, the three sit down and I read on.
"I didn't … head boy."
"You can't be serious!" Bill snaps in shock and he asks: "He had been there that night? What, did he send Mrs. Norris to make sure they would stop arguing or something?""Maybe he tried to scare them away from it." Lindilwen says, but Ron shakes his head and says: "That mirror had purposes." Making me read on concerned.
"How did … that help?"
"Such a person is just a dream. It's impossible." Luna mumbles and again most of those who have come from the other timeline nod before the girl hums and says: "Still, a nice way to teach the mirror's methods to a young teenage boy." And this the others agree with too, but then looking a lot better and I read on, feeling lighter.
Harry thought … around you.
At this, to my relief, do I see Lindilwen look at Hari with a slight sense of desire and the boy smiles at her gratefully at this, but then cuddles closely against Snuffles' side and for some reason do I get the feeling that the boy will be falling asleep again sometime soon. "But he's so energetic." I think to myself and read on, worried.
Ronald Weasley … to bed?"
"Has that man forgotten what it means to teach the next generation safely?" The queen asks aghast and while Mrs. Weasley seems to hesitate with answering, do the twins, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna and Hari strongly chorus: "Yes." The conviction sounding through their voices making me read on in concern.
Harry stood … the mirror?"
"His family." Hari mumbles and we all turn to him as he tries to hide a yawn and then mumbles: "I just don't get why he won't share that. Not with me, he did that in the end, but – ha-aaaah – with those that consider him their – ha-aaaaaah – their friend." And while his yawning concerns me and many others, do I continue reading.
"I? I … personal question.
"And this a really personal episode." I mumble and many voices hum their agreement. "Something's wrong." Snuffles then suddenly says and we all look at him as he looks down at how Hari is again lying in his lap, fast asleep and curled up. "Hari slept perfectly fine last night. He shouldn't tire this easily. It's just not him."
The man mutters and Lindilwen actually turns to the king in concern, making her win points with me as she asks: "Could this be due to his powers awakening?" But the king shakes his head and says: "It's something else. I just – don't know what." And we all look at the boy in concern, while the teen himself seems obvious to it all.
Harry, what is wrong with you?
Well, with how much more dangerous these chapters are going to be, do I think I can draw out the answer to that question for a little while longer. After all, with the chapters that are coming up, there is a high chance that Lindilwen will be repeating the behavior she presented in the Troll chapter more and more often.
Next chapter: the others all worry for Hari as he sleeps, yet take the fact that he is peaceful for granted and decide to tackle another chapter. So how will the past respond to reading of an even more ancient past? And what about Severus? How will he respond to his little meeting with Quirrell? What will he think of that?
Read and find out,
Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories.