Hey everyone,
So I need to make a confession to all of you. I was on the very verge of taking a month off from the monthly update schedule and post two chapters next month, but while this story is definitely one of the few that makes me want to do so, are there others – like The Moving Of The Light – that make me know I just can't.
Only better, right,
Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories
26th of December 1976
The Reading Room, Ariador
Cedric's POV
This is a chapter that I have been worrying about ever since the Nicholas Flamel chapter as I committed my own few missteps against Hari and even joined in on actions against the boy that I just know my friends, fellow Badgers and the others I did this with, would have never done it – had Hari not had his massive reputation.
Another thing I have been regretting for quite some time now is how I have treated Hari and thought of his reputation for the longest time. This because, like so many others, I believed I could treat Hari however I wanted as he just didn't seem interested, not in his fame nor in the attention it was getting him in general.
"I really shouldn't have thought of it that stupidly. I should have realized that someone like Hari, who saved the school twice, wouldn't not speak up against negative attention unlike having a good reason. I really should have tried and find out what that was, not just accept it and take advantage of it." And this thought just makes me sigh.
I then move over to where Peter is sitting with the book in his hands and while the lad looks a little hesitant when he sees me, does Hari then sigh and say: "Yeah, I guess this chapter is best read by someone who has as little to do with it as possible." And this convinces the younger lad to hand the book over to me.
I smile at Hari, even if I wonder if he has, perhaps, forgotten that I was part in several of the acts against him, yet then I remember that there is a three year difference between when he came back and when I came back and I remember that everything after my death was just terrible and much worse than the acts of harassment.
"Not to mention Hari seems angrier with McGonagall than with the students who actually harassed him. Though I do – wait, there is no way McGonagall would –." But then I stop myself as I realize that McGonagall has not treated her House the way a proper Head of House should and this makes me start reading with dread in my stomach.
The Forbidden Forest
Yet this instantly makes me ask: "Wait, what?" And Hari asks: "You didn't know about that?" To which I shake my head and Lindilwen says: "Surely Filch wouldn't be stupid enough to send you to the Forest for detention." But Hari frowns and says: "He didn't need to be." Which makes me grimace as I continue reading.
Things couldn't have been worse.
"Ah, the first time one gets caught for being out of bounds or even doing something against the rules. How we all think that the first time that happens." Sirius smiles as he shakes his head, yet then Lindilwen says: "You say it as if it's some sort of rite of passage or something." To which the twins snicker and turn to her.
"But Mss. Evans, don't you know?""It is a rite of passage.""Yeah, it proves you're a teen. They're known to get in trouble with authority every once in a while." They chorus at the end and while Lindilwen frowns at this, does Mrs. Weasley say: "I don't like it, but they are right." At which Lindilwen huffs and I read on.
Filch took … the cloak?
"You have been worrying over something that Hagrid never should have put you through for more than a week and were finally rid of something that could get you and a friend of yours in trouble. Personally, I think you did great. Way better than any of us would have done." Sirius tells the boy, who smiles as I read on.
There was … bags already.
At this the king shakes his head and says: "It really is just the worst that, in that entire paragraph, you don't even mention Hagrid once. You are taking responsibility that isn't yours; it's just wrong." And at this everyone nods, yet Hari sighs and says: "Trust me, it's not the last time that will happen." At which I read on, feeling angered.
Had Harry … of them.
"Why did you do that anyway? It wasn't your responsibility so why were you still trying to keep Hagrid out of all this?" Lindilwen asks and Hari sighs as he says: "You can thank your ex-sister and her husband for that one." And Lindilwen seems to appreciate the ex-part that Hari adds to the acronym as I read on.
"I would … into trouble.
At this the twins share a glance and Fred asks: "Is she confusing Hari for us?" But Jaurion shakes his head and says: "No, she's confusing Hari for his father, though in this case, I really can't see where she's coming from. Hari doesn't have a mean streak in him, not like that." And at this even Lindilwen agrees as I read on.
I've already … it, too?"
"Now that's just below belt." The twins chorus and Sirius says: "Yeah, even we never said things like that, not even to people we don't like." And while Lindilwen looks at him as if he's lost his mind, does Snape seem to think back before he says: "He's right. They were usually hurtful, but never vocally." At which I read on.
Harry caught … thing before!
"EXCUSE ME!" Jaurion, Lupin, Remus, Sirius, Snuffles and Peter all shout and Lindilwen shrieks: "She actually said that? What was she thinking? How dare she? She just – she just lied to his face – about his father no less!" And while I feel amazed that she is willing to acknowledge Jaurion as Hari's dad, do I continue reading.
You, Miss … than this.
"First of all, why should a House mean more to an eleven year old than breaking a rule or two?" One of the twins growls and the other snaps: "Second, why are you trying to pressure him like that?" And Hari growls: "Because she won't accept me for who I am." And a growl resounds through the entire room as I continue reading.
All three … from Gryffindor."
"I don't know what's worse here." Peter exclaims and he goes on: "The fact that she's trying to use some kind of secret on the Third Floor to guilt trip three eleven year olds or that she took FIFTY POINTS for being out after curfew. SERIOUSLY!" And with that he voices everyone's thoughts of anger as I read on.
"Fifty?" Harry … pointed nose.
"EXCUSE ME!" The king and queen shout, yet then I share a look with the twins and Percy and we all nod before I lie the book down and say: "Hari, Ron, Hermione and Neville, we – Percy, the twins and I – owe you a huge and gigantic apology." And this shocks the royals out of their anger as I take back the book and read on.
"Professor – please –… Gryffindor students."
"She's the worst." The twins growl, their previous sense of guilt now replaced with the anger that this chapter has been growing within all of us and one of them snarls: "We break rules of much greater magnitude on a weekly to bi-weekly basis.""And she never says things like that to us." And I shake my head before we get shocked.
"Hari, promise me something. If we manage to get everything done that we need to get done and we manage to have you be born, in a younger form that is, please help us make sure he doesn't end up in Gryffindor. At least not if McGonagall stays Head of House or turns into – well this." And Hari looks at him stunned.
"Wait, I thought going to Gryffindor was a family tradition of yours?" Lindilwen asks, yet Jaurion shakes his head and says: "It's just something we pride ourselves in, but – this? This might make our offspring bring pride to the House – through all the wrong ways." Yet Lindilwen still grimaces at something as I read on.
A hundred … for this?
"By either doing good in class or having Hagrid actually confess to his sins and clear your record." The queen says, yet Hari sighs and says: "We were too down to do the first and –." Yet here he keeps quiet and Lindilwen mutters: "You're too noble to do the latter." Earning her a smile from her son as I continue reading.
Harry didn't … first years.
"Wait, where did that come from? It doesn't sound like something McGonagall would say." Lindilwen says in shock, yet Neville grumbles: "It's actually exactly what she said, just – not with those words." This shocks the girl and she asks: "She – she didn't say – why?" And Neville shakes his head, yet the twins and I grimace as I say:
"Still, we didn't take it any better. Or proof our worth as honest, hard-working, courageous or chivalrous students either. If anything we represented practically everything wrong with being teenagers." At which Snape asks: "Even more than those four sometimes do?" To which I nod, making him hum as I read on.
From being … house cup.
"Seriously? Winning the House Cup was more important than treating an eleven year old fairly? More important than finding out all that actually happened?" Sirius asks and Snape snarks: "I can't believe I'm saying this, but this really is worse than those four. Even they never turned the entire student body against me."
At which Lindilwen looks at him shocked and he says: "I'm not saying I'm any happier with what they did to me over the years, but – even they were more fair than that. With them it was just four against one – instead of a couple hundred against three or four." And the girl seems to agree to this as I read on, cringing all the same.
Everywhere Harry … you one!"
Yet at this Lucius turns to Draco and says: "I can't imagine they were as happy with you as they were with that, were they?" And Draco shakes his head as he says: "I got lucky. I got them to believe that the 20 points were a sacrifice I had to make to get Hari in trouble. They accepted that." At which Lucius nods and I read on.
Only Ron … now on.
"And if I had kept to that promise, we'd all be dead now." Hari grumbles, yet this makes the royals frown as he asks: "Doesn't that just further emphasize how horribly useless the adults have become in the future?" And the twins groan: "Don't we know it!" Yet to my relief does Mrs. Weasley not argue with them as I continue reading.
He'd had … Quidditch team.
"But that will only take you a chance to get those points back." Charlie gasps in shock, yet Hari mutters: "At the time, I considered Quidditch a right I had earned for getting Neville's Remembrall back. I didn't think I deserved that right anymore after the points loss." And Charlie sighs at hearing this as I read on.
"Resign?" Wood … the Seeker."
This makes everyone look at the twins in utter shock and Mrs. Weasley shrieks: "How could you?" To which the twins cringe and one says: "Jealousy." "Resentment." "Teenage stupidity." Yet Percy asks: "Wait, why jealousy?" And Fred answers: "Hari lost more points in one night than we did in a year. Stupid, we know."
George then sighs and says: "Trust me, we feel bad enough even now." Yet to this Hari says: "You really shouldn't. You made up for it and never did something like this again. If anything you always turned against those that did so every other time." And this seems to calm Mrs. Weasley down and I sigh before I read on.
Hermione and … in silence.
"And none of the teachers were bothered about that? Or even questioned it?" Collin asks and Hari grumbles: "McGonagall just told them the story you heard her tell us.""And they believed that?" The boy asks shocked and Lindilwen mutters: "Even I would have had a hard time believing that, even if she said it about Valivial here."
Yet Jaurion seems angry over something else and he says: "Hari, I know from the book you're not going to be happy with this, but – Hagrid really isn't a friend of yours." This shocks the boy and yet Snuffles seems to get what the younger teen is on about as he growls: "You're right there.""What are you talking about!?"
Hari exclaims and Snuffles says: "Hari, Hagrid was at the Teacher's Lounge plenty of time, probably even when McGonagall told the other teachers the tale. He could have been a friend and told her the truth, but he didn't and let you take the blame for his wrongs. He really isn't a friend." And Hari looks devastated at this.
"I – I can't believe this. Why – why didn't he do that? I – I mean, he – he did apologize for letting that poacher know of Fluffy in the end, but – why would he let me suffer like that?" And Draco goes to sit with him, hugging the boy close. Yet while he does so, do I suddenly notice something that makes me feel better.
Lindilwen, before spotting Draco getting up and moving over, had actually risen out of her own seat, obviously ready to comfort the boy herself. "She obviously has trouble being a mother, but maybe she can be a friend to him. If given the chance." I think to myself and I silently make a promise to help her in this as I read on.
Harry was … up ahead.
"Wait, was that even safe? Walking on your own, I mean?" Lindilwen asks and Hari sighs as he says: "Don't worry, the students kept it to just finger pointing and insults – that time, at least.""I can't believe the students turn this – pitiful – in the future." Jaurion grumbles and Lindilwen seems to agree as I continue reading.
As he … again, please –"
And this actually seems to make the bad feeling that Hari, Ron and Hermione are feeling even worse, all three of them frowning and grimacing at just the sound of the man's name and Peter mutters: "As if things couldn't get any worse." Yet thanks to the title of the chapter do I just know that things will, which makes me read on worriedly.
It sounded … at last.
"Trust me, I wish I could take the credit for that." Snape grumbles, yet this concerns me and I mutter: "But, if it wasn't you – that would mean that – it was him. But – but how?" At which Hari mutters: "Trust me, you will soon find out – and regret finding out." Which makes me grimace at the lad before I continue reading.
Harry went … do, Harry?"
"Yeah, there are actually four of them in the advanced DADA section and three in the section for those who take CoMC for their NEWTs. Though I can only imagine that Dumbledore took those out when he put Fluffy behind that door." The king says and then says: "He better have, at least." And I nod in agreement as I read on.
The light … of explaining."
"And because most of that would incriminate Hagrid, you didn't feel right. Especially considering you didn't even think to prove him as the one responsible for the whole dragon and point loss problem." Sirius sighs and Lindilwen mutters: "You really are too noble for your own good." Making Hari smile at her again as I read on.
Hermione looked … Professor McGonagall
"So she's being unfair and a hypocrite? Seriously, McGonagall has become just the worst." Lindilwen groans, yet then I notice Sirius looking at Snape and he says: "That's – not entirely true. McGonagall has always been like this – she just never showed it to her own House." And the girl looks at him before looking at Snape.
"I wish I could say that I'm happy that you all finally realized this, but –." Snape looks at Hari as he says this and then goes on: "Our young prince really doesn't deserve to be treated like this." And Sirius mutters: "Not anymore than you ever did." Making Snape actually look at him shocked before I continue reading.
Harry had … they'd got.
"I do hope you both rid yourselves of that belief by now." The queen tells the two and Hari rubs the back of his neck as he says: "Well, I did still believe slightly that, if nothing else, I played a role in us all getting caught, but – now that I know of Hagrid and the Teacher's Lounge." The queen nods, looking relieved and I read on.
At eleven … you do."
Yet suddenly I realize I need to stop as I look up and see Neville, Ginny, Luna and Collin all shivering in remembered pain and even a sense of fear I never expected any of them would feel for the old Squib Caretaker. Instantly the Queen rushes for the four shuddering teens and so do Lindilwen, Mrs. Weasley and Fleur.
They each take one of them and use their holds on the teens' shoulders to lift them up before the queen motions for the staircase with her head. The other three nod and they gently guide their shivering teen upstairs, all of us looking at them in great concern as they disappear up and past the stairs. We then all share concerned looks.
A little while later Lindilwen and Fleur come back and Fleur says: "The queen called for the Water Elf Healers. She says to just read on. They're needed with Neville and the others." We all nod and Hari looks at Draco, who nods and says: "Part of the new regime." Making Hari grimace and Draco gently pulls him closer as I read on.
They marched … get started."
And thanks to his recent realization, does Hari turn dark with anger and he growls: "Oh sure, you're unwilling to actually take the blame, but you're willing to take on a detention you should have known we didn't deserve. Thanks a lot, Hagrid." And Draco's arms tighten around him, yet I remember the title and just read on.
Harry's heart … one piece."
"WHAT IS HAGRID THINKING?" Lindilwen shouts and she turns to the Marauders as she says: "Even you four aren't stupid enough to go in there!" Yet the four share a look and then Remus says: "The better phrasing would be, we're not stupid enough to go into the dangerous parts." Shocking her and she asks:
"You – you – you can't be serious! Why – why would you?" And Remus sighs as he asks: "Why do you think?" Yet I feel confused and I say: "I can get why you would, Pro – I mean, Remus, but – isn't that a bit dangerous for the rest of them?" And the four boys share a look before Snuffles says: "Please, allow me."
And to the shock of us all does the man actually change into a huge black dog, one that would have made me scream grim if I didn't see him transform, before the dog happily yips and hops over to where Hari is sitting, rising up on his hind legs and putting his front on Hari's shoulders as he happily licks the boy's face.
Hari laughs happily at this and says: "I missed this too, Snuffles." And he hugs the happily panting dog close to his form, while I personally look at him shocked. Yet then I notice that most of the other time travelers aren't as shocked and I think: "They found out after I died." And this takes me out of my stupor and makes me read on.
PS. Yes, I know Snuffles used his dog form to be there for Hari during their first night in Ariador, but Hari is referring to just having Snuffles around for the sake of normal company, not just supportive comfort.
At this … I heard."
At this Remus shakes his head and asks: "Is Dumbledore really still using that excuse?" Yet Hari and Ron share a look and Ron says: "Yeah, it's kind of stupid, really. If you think of what else is actually still in there." And this actually shocks me and Fleur asks: "You didn't encounter any of those things, did you kids?"
But Ron cringes and says: "They didn't. At least – not in that year. Hari and I found out exactly what was in there the year following. And you saw it being used during the last battle." This shocks Mrs. Weasley and Hari says: "They took Hagrid, remember?" And this shocks me as I can't think of anything strong enough to do that.
Mrs. Weasley also whitens and asks: "Wait, that – that – that – THOSE ARE IN THE FOREST!" She shrieks and Hari nods before she, to most of our shocks, turns to Charlie, who looks startled for a moment, but then nods and says: "I'll take care of it." Which makes his mother smile at him in relieved pride as I read on.
Neville clutched … his shoulder.
"This does not bode well." The king frowns and he says: "If Hagrid thinks he needs weapons to defend himself – then he really shouldn't have wanted to take eleven year olds into the forest with him." And instantly everyone turns either furious at Hagrid or concerned over the four teens as I read on, feeling both.
"Abou' time … fer it."
"How about you look into a mirror when you say that, you hypocrite?" Peter snaps, glaring at the book and then suddenly Merden says: "If any of you desire it, I can actually use the books combined with my gifts for one thing. I just couldn't before, because the magic of the books was too fresh to work in sync with my powers."
We all turn to him and he says: "From each book that we read, once we have read it, I can use my powers to take the spirit of one person from young Prince Hari's time – 1998, to be precise – and bring it here. It won't bring the person back from non-existence, just allow his or her soul to appear here before us. But only one."
Here everyone shares a look and the king says: "So far the people we want here to be punished the most are Hagrid, Dumbledore, McGonagall and the Dursleys." Yet then Snape says: "Though I wouldn't mind talking to my own future self either." Yet this suddenly makes most of those from the future wince in pain.
"Is – that a bad idea?" Lucius asks and Draco looks down as he says: "Uncle Sev – well – he too died in the Final Battle. The fight that also took the lives of Fred, Collin and Lupin." This shocks Lucius, but then Snape says: "Never mind then. Let's just keep it to our list and pick one from that." We all nod and I continue reading.
"But this … a moment."
At this Draco looks down and mutters: "I forgot he said that." And most of us look at him before Hari says: "What you did was just teenage stupidity. What Hagrid did was outright irresponsible. Not to mention, he kept acting like a hypocrite." And Draco sends him a grateful smile, hugging the boy close before I read on.
He led … unicorn blood.
"IS HAGRID EVEN SERIOUS!" Lindilwen asks horrified and she says: "Anyone who takes DADA past their fourth year or who takes the first year of CoMC knows that only those truly, truly desperate would try and hurt a Unicorn, let alone take its blood! This is no job for eleven year olds!" And we all nod as I read on.
There's a … its misery."
"That's it! I am going to convince Dumbledore to bloody fire Hagrid. He has enjoyed the luxurious pleasures of working for and being trusted by Dumbledore for way too long! Thinking it anything other than horrifying to let eleven year olds take out a Unicorn?" Charlie raves in furious anger and I read on, grinding my teeth.
"And what … at least."
"If there's blood on the path, why in the name of earth or Ariador would he want them to split up? Is he trying to purposely endanger two of them or something?" Snape asks furiously, yet Draco cringes and says: "I haven't given Hagrid reason to be resentful of me like that – at least, not yet." And I read on with a grimace.
"I want … let's go."
"Hagrid, those four kids are more careful and more responsible than you are with your forty-something years of working for Dumbledore. And that's not a good thing." The king growls and Sirius mumbles: "He sure is winning points of being the one to be summoned at the end of the book." At which I nod and read on.
The forest … Harry asked.
"For the record that was the only Dark Being I had heard about so far. Quirrell hadn't even covered a single one yet and I was yet to take CoMC." And while he looks at Lupin and Remus as he says this, do both of them smile at him to prove they don't take the words of his younger self personally and I happily continue reading.
"Not fast … close by.
"That stream is really nice. Remy, Jaurion, Peter and I usually go there and just spend the night, if we don't feel like having some fun, that is. Though we do always stay out of the spots Hagrid only goes to when he's armed." Sirius tells us all, smiling at the king in a reassuring manner at the end and the king smiles at him as I read on.
There were … the ground.
This is almost enough to make me drop the book in scared shock, yet I manage to reaffirm my grip just in time while Percy turns his wide eyes to Hari and asks: "He – he – he was there? In – in – in the forest?" And Hari nods, Draco actually shuddering to prove he remembers this happening and I read on, shuddering slightly.
Hagrid was … a horse?
"It was a being that doesn't know how to pick sides until they have no other choice. And even then they don't even fight for anyone but themselves." Hari mutters with a grimace and Lindilwen asks: "You don't like Centaurs?" And Hari answers: "No, I like one Centaur." And this makes me continue reading, feeling curious.
To the … Hermione faintly.
"Really can't blame you there. Getting punished for something you didn't do, constantly fearing something worse than a werewolf and then meeting a centaur. I sure wouldn't have been able to even say a thing." Peter mumbles and Hermione sends him a grateful smile, while Collin and Percy nod in agreement and I read on.
"Good evening … bright tonight."
"And it stayed bright for another seven years to come." Hari sighs before he turns to me and says: "And sometimes, Pluto would join him." And while I never took CoMC, do I realize what he means, making me smile at him and whisper: "I'm here now." At which the boy smiles at me and nods before I focus back on the book.
"Yeah," said … is now."
And yet again I notice Hari's intense gaze as he says: "Ain't that the truth." Yet I turn back to him and say: "I don't really think Ronan meant me. I think he was referring to what little innocence you had left after being raised by those Muggles." This startles Hari a little, but then he says: "Maybe." And I read on, smiling at him.
"Yeah," said … many secrets."
"And that statement fell on deaf ears, Ronan, considering the secret Hagrid hid from the teaching staff about his role in the point loss." Hari growls and Ron goes on: "Not to mention the secret he hid that actually almost took him his own life in the end." And yet again Mrs. Weasley whitens in clear fright and I read on.
A movement … the moon."
"And you don't recognize a warning when it's given to you on a note written with the letter size of your own arm." Draco growls and he goes on: "Seriously, even Crabbe and Goyle would be able to get that Always the innocent are the first victims thing." Yet then the boy seems to remember something and sighs, looking down.
We all look at him and Hari snuggles closer against his form as Hermione says: "Just before we got our hour of peace from Riddle, Draco lost one of his friends to a horrible mistake, a spell that went wrong and got out of the wizard's control." This makes a lot of us wince and Draco tightens his hold on Hari as I read on.
"Are there … being watched.
"Yeah, by someone who was actually in the know and realized how dangerous it was for us to be in there." Hari mutters and Draco asks: "Is this the same person that helped you escape – well, him?" Hari nods and Draco sighs relieved, yet the knowledge we will meet him somewhere in this chapter makes me read on, concerned.
He was … first place."
At this Hari cuddles even closer into Draco's form and mutters: "I don't want you getting hurt anymore, ever." And Draco smiles at him, softly kissing his forehead as he says: "I know, but you were fully in the right not to care for me at the time. It wasn't your responsibility." At this the rest of us nod and I continue reading.
The minutes … this done."
"If you wanted to get this done, you should have called on a bunch of experts like Unspeakables. Not a bunch of kids that are already in trouble because you won't acknowledge that you did something or confess to you being responsible for them getting caught." Charlie growls, obviously furious with the half-giant and I read on.
So Harry … did Fang.
"If I had been there and I was eleven, I would have done the same. Heck, if I ever come face to face with him like that, I would probably do the same even now." Peter says and several of the others nod in agreement while I think: "So glad I died before I actually had to." And while this makes me grimace, do I then read on.
The hooded … on fire.
This makes everyone look at the boy in frightened concern and makes Draco tighten his grip, yet Hari smiles at them all and says: "Don't worry, that problem was fixed before we got here." Yet this doesn't make me feel any better as I think: "That's still seven years too late." And I grimace before I continue reading.
Half blinded … palomino body.
"The centaur you like?" Lindilwen asks and I happily notice that she is sounding quite worried and Hari answers: "The only centaur I actually respect. And now that I know what I do, even moreso than I once did Hagrid." And this seems to take the last of Lindilwen's concerns, making her smile in relief before I continue reading.
"Are you … his back.
"A centaur that is willing to let a human ride him? You were right to respect him." Charlie gasps in awe and Hari nods, Draco slowly but surely releasing the strength of his grip as Hari says: "Like I said, Firenze understood the severity and danger of the situation much better than Hagrid." At which I sigh relieved and read on.
There was … behind them.
"And that was only one of many times he did that." Hari mutters, yet Lindilwen huffs and says: "Well, that Bane deserved it. He's more arrogant than Valivial's persona for crying out loud." And this makes Jaurion snicker as he says: "I didn't even think that was possible." Which makes the girl smirk at him before I continue reading.
Harry didn't … isn't it?"
"Not if you have been trying to escape your fear of death since you were practically in your teens." Hari mutters and Peter asks: "What teen would fear death?" To which Fleur answers: "The same creep who uses my home language to create himself an acronym." Yet this doesn't make me understand it any better and so I read on.
"It is … their chance?"
"And who will cease to exist the minute these books are finished." Hari growls, yet then Lucius asks: "Wait, wouldn't it be better to show the book that describes that happening to the Guard Elves or other warriors of the world?" But Merden shakes his head and says: "The idea has merit, but won't have the same positive results."
At this Hari, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna and Ginny share a look and Hari mutters: "Those last words. On the Truth scroll." And the others all grimace before they turn to the royal family. And Jaurion looks shocked before the King says: "We will do what we can." Which makes the group sigh relieved as I read on.
It was … all right?"
And this makes a lot of us sigh relieved, none of us caring who it is that said this as it just feels like a sort of confirmation that Hari is now back to being safe. And while those sitting near the ones sighing go to give them a comforting hug, do others smile at those that had shown their relief. And I read on, feeling the same.
Hermione was … those times."
At this Merden smirks and says: "They were. Though I am not happy with how, they actually started being wrong after you passed your Fifth. They were only right once, at the end of your Sixth." And this pains Hari before it shocks him and everyone from the future shares a greatly shocked look before I continue reading.
He turned … behind him.
At this Hari turns to Merden and asks: "Merden, would you – would it be possible if you – could you –?" Yet the Elf says: "I will, your Highness, once you are ready – to truly forgive yourself." And Hari winces at this before he hides his face in Draco's shoulder, the Veela looking at him in great concern as I continue reading.
Ron had … still shaking.
"I actually bite my bottom lip when I am shaken like that." Jaurion says and Sirius goes on: "I do pace, though I do it in either circles or in my Animagus form." And Snuffles nods at this before Lupin sighs and says: "I look into the sky." And Remus is this time the one to nod, yet I don't let others tell their quirk as I just read on.
"Snape wants … as well."
"It wasn't." Merden growls and this shocks everyone, yet then Hari asks: "Was – was what – what I was told to do by – by the memories –?" And Merden turns even more furious as he says: "That was predicted to happen much sooner – and with none of the consequences." Shocking the entire group from the future as I read on.
"Will you … be happy."
"Is Bane really more important than us?" Peter asks horrified, but Hari answers: "At the time I didn't know you and I had been raised to put my own health after the desires of others. I only had Ron and Hermione and I didn't think they would care, not that much. Same reason." This makes his friends grimace, but nod as I read on.
Hermione looked … in case.
And reading this last line leaves a bad taste in my mouth as the king growls: "Proof that adults really are useless in the future. That they rely on those that are supposed to be able to rely on them. I would love to find out who that was and what their reasons were." Yet this seems to be the wrong thing for the king to say.
"Excuse me." Hari says, his tone dark and void of any real positivity or light. And while everyone looks at him worried, does Hari get up from Draco's lap, but he also keeps one hand stuck in Snuffles' fur and actually guides the dog to come with him. And at the top of the stairs, he meets and passes his grandmother.
The woman looks from her grandson, who only looked up at her for a second before just passing her to the rest of us before she asks: "Is he alright?" And the king grimaces as he says: "I don't think so, it seems I asked a question at the wrong time for him." And yet again do we all look back up the staircase, all of us greatly concerned.
Poor Hari.
So next chapter will probably be about the queen, Mrs. Weasley and the time they spent with Neville and the others as well as Hari and the time he spends with Snuffles. I'm not sure if I will have Hari "forgive himself" like Merden implied, but I do think I will set Hari down the path a little, if only for now.
Also, I do think you can expect me to take a break sometime this year. I am not sure when, but I do promise this. If I ever take a month off, expect TWO CHAPTERS for each story for the following month. So even if you don't get your update when you expect it, know that I got your back and will reward your patience next month.
Hope that's okay,
Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories.