Hey everyone,
So this chapter might be the second to last for the first HP book, but there is also a chance that that will be the April chapter. Why is that? Well, those that read the bottom AN of last month's chapter will know. Yes, I am calling it out that barely anyone ever reads the Author's Notes. Still, I also thank those that actually do.
You lot are great,
Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories.
26th of December 1976
The Reading Room, Ariador
Amyna's POV
Molly told me to just go down and care for my family a few minutes after she was done laughing at my little joke. "This is my family. Yours needs you downstairs." She had told me and I had agreed, even moreso when I passed my grandson on the way down. The look on his face had truly brought one message home.
My grandson was scarred. He had seen death and had actually survived it himself more times than anyone his age should be able to handle. And the dead look on his face also proved something else, something that became much clearer when Cedric allowed me to read the last few paragraphs of the chapter they were reading.
And because the book actually wrote the three words in the cursive handwriting – as if the letter itself had been copied and pasted into the book itself – do I instantly understand why my grandson looked so lost, so forlorn. He had been given ultimate proof that Dumbledore relied on him way too much, way too soon.
Yet while we are all hoping that Hari will come down looking better, can I instantly tell that this is not the case when he actually comes down the staircase. The boy's eyes are red and rimmed, proving he cried heavily. He is gripping his coat with one hand and Snuffles' hand with the other, as if both are lifelines he can't be without.
Instantly I want to get up, but in the time that we have been waiting for him, did I notice something. And so instead I motion Hendros and Jaurion to stay seated, yet do so without drawing the attention of the person who actually heads for my precious little boy. And while this shocks Hendros, does it make Jaurion smile in relief.
Lindilwen slowly approaches Hari, meeting him at the bottom of the staircase and while she ignores the grateful smile that Snuffles gives her as he softly untangles his hand from Hari's and walks on, do the two just keep standing, looking at each other and both looking lost, even if it's obviously for different reasons respectively.
"She's young, but she has a mother's heart. I know she does." I think to myself and I get proven this only a minute later as Lindilwen, tentatively, raises her arms up, as if inviting Hari in for a hug. And Hari seems to recognize how hesitant his future mother is in all this as he slowly moves into her embrace, wrapping his arms around her.
And yet, when Lindilwen has Hari that close to her, does she instantly hug him the way a mother hugs her son in a need to see him feeling warm and comforted. Hari also strengthens his own grip on the younger woman and the two just remain standing there. And while neither really says anything, is it obviously not necessary either.
"Can I sit with you?" Hari then softly asks and while I worry that this might be a step too far or fast, does Lindilwen prove me wrong as she whispers back: "Of course. Come on." And she gently guides him over to her seat, not even blinking an eye at the fact that Snuffles has also taken a seat there or at the smile he is sending her.
"You may need your time and space, but you are everything I remember, Lindilwen. And yes, that is a compliment." The man says and Lindilwen smiles at him, yet she still seats herself so that Hari is between them both. Hari, however, doesn't care for this and seems to appreciate it as he instantly grips Snuffles' hand again.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Lindilwen then asks, but Hari violently shakes his head and turns to Snuffles, who says: "We were talking about Dumbledore. Hari, through that last line, realized how much Dumbledore relies on those much younger and less experienced than him. How he takes his role of teaching too far.
He feels that, because so many of Dumbledore's men were just talented Hogwarts graduates who never really had any combat or wartime training, it only caused more death, heartache and grief. And he wondered why Dumbledore thinks such a thing a good idea and whether or not it's because that Killer does the same."
Yet here he again releases his hand and wraps it around Hari instead as he says: "Yet Hari was pacing and facing away from me at this point and when he mentioned a few of the names of people we know are already Death Eaters, he mentioned my killer as well – and turned to me as he did." And instantly we all get what he means.
And Lindilwen, whether out of true care or just a growing mother's instinct, pulls Hari close, Hari himself tensing for a second before he happily cuddles his face under her arm pit. Yet then I notice that Snuffles is smiling in pride at the younger lad and he says: "It took him some effort, but he managed to escape the memory.
I had to really call out to him – probably worried a couple of servants if they were passing – but he managed to break through and realize where he was, managed to get a grip on reality again." He then turns to Merden and says: "He's getting there." At which Merden nods, even though I don't really know what they mean.
"I don't think we should continue reading, you guys." Cedric then suddenly says and we all turn to him as he says: "The next chapter. The title proves that it's not going to be an easy one." And I notice Lindilwen's arm tightening in response to this as Jaurion asks: "What's it called?" And Cedric makes us all whiten as he reads
"Through the Trap Door." Instantly Lindilwen looks down and Molly turns to her son, who says: "Same problem as Dumbledore. We got proven, in a different manner, that teachers just can't be trusted.""Hate to ask this, little bro." One of the twins says, yet before the other can continue, does Hermione answer:
"McGonagall. We went to McGonagall." And while it should have shocked a lot of us quite heavily, do I know that last chapter kind of helped us expect such a thing before Hari mutters: "And even after she dismissed us, did we try to keep an eye on what we thought was the threat. We didn't go down there until after that failed."
Yet his voice makes me agree with Cedric, that is until Hari turns to Hendros and says: "We need to read on.""Hari." Hendros tries, but Hari turns his face back into his mother's embrace and shocks and impresses me as he says: "The Delegates to several other Elf Kingdoms have waited long enough. We promised to meet with them.
Plus, the quicker we read, the quicker we can get this over with. Then we can schedule some time away from this reading, really get our bearings without fearing for the climax, meet the other Kingdoms and start the next book with a fresh mind and calm heart." And while some are hesitant, do we all nod at this.
Yet I then turn to the others and say: "And before we start the next book, will I make sure to think of Elven names for all of you, dearies. Oh, and Hendros dear, we need a little talk before we meet the other Kingdoms." And I send a quick wink at Molly, at which the woman sends me a relieved smile in return as Cedric asks:
"So – ehm – who reads next?" And Severus sighs as he says: "I'm practically one of the only ones who hasn't read yet. I'll take it.""Even with the knowledge that the Brewer will be accused even more this chapter?" Lucius asks concerned and Severus answers: "Yes, because he isn't me." At which we all nod as he starts to read.
Through the … half expected
Yet here Severus stops and looks up as he says: "Can I just say, I find it incredibly impressive that you would dare to say that Killer's name back then." Yet to this I gasp and say: "Oh, I am so sorry, I completely forgot." Which makes everyone look at me in confusion and I tell them: "The Taboo doesn't count here.
Hendros and I found out a few months ago, the day after Jaurion took the Hogwarts Express for his Sixth year. We were using a portal to have a meeting with a council made of several of the other Kingdoms and they noticed how we kept catching ourselves whenever we almost said his name or tried to hide our winces when they did.
We explained it to them and they told us they had been doing it for a while. Yet nothing happened and they then proved it even more. After all, they had been saying it all meeting, yet nothing had happened and even the wards of our own home didn't fall." This seems to amaze the whole group and Hendros says:
"We are both so sorry we didn't tell you kids. We really should have after you all started using acronyms every time his name came up in the books, but we just didn't think of it. We just got so used to using acronyms, we didn't even remember what happened at that meeting." Severus sighs in relief at this and reads on.
Voldemortto … locked door.
"You actually thought Fluffy would get killed?" Lindilwen asks shocked and Hari sighs as he says: "When I realized who was behind it, I feared that that could happen if the whole thing took too long. This is the Killer we're talking about." And the words your killer go unsaid, but not unheard, making Severus frown as he reads.
It was … had whiskers.
Yet here I notice Hermione, Ron and Neville look confused and Hermione says: "That – that's not right. We had to Transfigure a chunk of wood into a jewelry box." But Hari seems to feel confused and he asks: "What? But when I came in, there was a mouse on the desk and McGonagall herself told me to do this."
The two look at each other, neither really getting it, yet then Jaurion groans making them turn to him. "When I had my turn, I was really nervous because Transfigurations was my absolutely favorite subject, yet McGonagall always made me nervous. I shuffled over, but tripped over my own feet and yelped a spell as I fell.
It hit the wood and somehow changed it into a rat. I really wanted to apologize, but she just sent me to the Hospital Wing because I broke my glasses and had some shards in my cheeks and later told me I passed with flying colors. I didn't really get it, but was happy and just didn't want to question it. I was just glad I didn't have to redo it."
Everyone looks at him and the young man grumbles: "She purposely changed the task on you, because – even now – she wanted you to prove you were my son, by pushing you to do the opposite of what I accidentally did, even though anyone who was there could have easily seen it was a bloody accident, honestly."
He then turns to Merden and asks: "I know that Dumbledore, especially after that whole thing with Harry and Snuffles' killer, is in the lead to be brought back, but is it possible that he can send messages to McGonagall?" At which Merden shrugs and says: "I can't say, their souls only exist for me to bring back.
Otherwise they simply don't exist. Or better said, they exist, but only in limbo. They are –." And here he turns to Neville for some reason, who turns furious, but then he says: "Considering all they did wrong, they sure deserve that much, though the same can't be said for the rest." At this the rest nods and then Severus reads on.
Snape made … in it.
At this Hendros and I turn grim and my husband says: "I really wish you went to McGonagall about that, but considering what happened in the last chapter, I can definitely get why you didn't do that." And I nod while I think: "McGonagall is definitely earning points in Merden's plan." As I listen to Severus, who reads on.
Maybe it … worry yet."
"Ron, really." Molly tries, but Hari says: "Mrs. Weasley, that's just how Ron is. He always assumes the worst when it comes to his studies, but because we have Hermione, we also always know that we can only be happily surprised later. It's just his way to ignore his nerves until it's necessary." The mother nods and Severus reads on.
Harry was … danger's coming..."
At this I turn to my grandson, but the young man says: "I got it fixed. It wasn't easy and – like Merden said – it – it didn't need to go the way it did, but – in the end it was fixed. I don't feel any more pains, there will be no more warnings hurting me, nothing." At this, while his words worry, do I nod as Severus reads on.
Ron couldn't … Dumbledore down."
"Still want to make that bet?" Neville actually laughs and Ron jokes back: "That depends. Do you think your eleven year old-self would recognize you if he could see you now?" And Neville rolls onto his back laughing as he says: "No way in Ariador." Yet I don't really consider that a good thing and worry for him as Severus reads on.
Harry nodded … him letters.
"Which is something I'm still not happy with. When are we going to find out why that is anyway?" Jaurion then asks and Lupin sighs as he says: "Sorry Jaurion, but none of us, in person, got back into Hari's life until his Third year. Though that will also be explained that same year." Jaurion nods, looking upset, and Severus reads on.
Hagrid would … never... but –
And Hari is the one to growl here as he says: "But he doesn't know how to be loyal to anyone other than Dumbledore either. Or how to show he actually has a bloody conscious or cares for those that consider him friends." And while Lindilwen pulls him a little closer, does he then seem to remember something and he growls:
"He got what he deserved." Everyone looks confused and Hari turns to his friends as he says: "At the Final battle, after I left for the Forest." And while Lindilwen and I wonder why he would willingly head into the Forest, do the others whiten, proving they remember what he means, yet they don't voice this and so Severus reads on.
Harry suddenly … it before?"
And Severus, who reads this, sounds more and more shocked as he reads, yet it's Charlie that hits himself on the head and he says: "How did I not realize this? Why didn't I ever question Hagrid on that? How could I have missed such a vital fact all these years?" And while his mother comforts him, does Severus read on.
"What are … cloak off."
"OH FOR THE LOVE OF!" Charlie shouts and he actually jumps out of his seat and moves over to one of the areas that are painted black. There he pulls out his wand and sends Hendros a look. My husband nods and while we can't hear him, does Charlie start to cast spells, charms and curses all over the area he is in.
Yet then Hari sighs and actually pulls out of Lindilwen's grip as he pulls out his own wand and moves over. And when Charlie sees him, does the elder lad actually not hesitate before he starts meeting him halfway through. And the duel that ensues between the two of them has me amazes, shocked, slightly horrified and utterly impressed.
Charlie barely moves a step from where he is standing, yet managed to create several shield charms through which he can actually keep casting without weakening the shield itself, yet he doesn't hit Hari even once as the boy is just all over the place, rolling, dodging, jumping and side-stepping every charm, curse and spell Charlie shoots at him.
And his spells fly from his wand all the while, his wand moving so fast his wand arm is almost a blur and the fact that he can jump and turn on his axis so that he lands on his hands before jumping back up and landing back on his feet, all the while casting three more curses has me look at my young grandson in amazement.
Yet the two prove that they are each other's equals and when Hari realizes that Charlie has released all of his anger and rage, does he actually raise his arm and drop his wand, proving to Charlie that he is done. Charlie nods and does the same, dropping his shield at the same time. And the smile they share proves everything.
They then both pick up their wands at the same time and put them away while walking back to us, Peter having actually fainted and the rest of the kids from this timeline looking at them with various levels of shock and amazement on their faces. Only Lucius seems able to hide his amazement behind his usual mask, but only barely.
And then Charlie drops a bombshell even I didn't expect as he says: "Thanks Hari, but – please don't hold back next time, okay?" Yet Hari turns dark and says: "If I don't, Charlie, I will take the duel as if I'm back in the Final Battle. So don't ask that of me, please." And Charlie nods, looking guilty for asking before Remus asks:
"You – you – you were – holding back?" And Hari answers: "Only on how serious I was taking the duel. I already just explained why. I kept my focus on why I was dueling him. If I hadn't –." Yet while he doesn't go on, does the look on his face prove he doesn't have to and instead he just retakes his former seat.
Lindilwen instantly lies a hand on his and Hari smiles at her for this, proving that he understands that he shocked her so much she just doesn't feel able to do more and that he appreciates her putting in effort nonetheless. Lindilwen sees this and smiles back, the glint of guilt in her eyes vanishing as Severus shakily reads on.
He saw … hood up."
"Hagrid, just because shady folks come to the Hog's Head, doesn't mean you can lower your guard. If anything, that place is the one spot where your guard needs to be up at all times. Heck, even old Alastor doesn't go there, just because it works too much on his paranoia." Bill grumbles in annoyance before Sirius asks:
"You know Alastor Moody? The famous Auror that is being the soul of the current Auror squad against the Killer?" And Hari answers: "He was supposed to be our DADA teacher back in my fourth and was a big help for the Order from my Fifth year onward." And while this amazes Sirius, does Severus read on.
Harry sank … gamekeeper here...
"Hagrid, if there was ever a sign that you should have left that man well the hell alone, it was right there. Someone coming to Magical England and not knowing who Hagrid is? Yeah, that's a con artist." Remus growls and Lupin goes on: "Or someone with really dark intentions." At which Severus frowns and reads on.
He asked … be easy..."
At this the whole group groans and Ron moans: "Why? Why did he mention Fluffy? He has Aragog, Buckbeak, the centaurs and even the Thestrals as evidence that he can handle great dangerous beasts." To this Charlie says: "Heck, he could have said he was friends with me and it would have done the job." At which Severus reads on.
"And did … around Hogwarts?
At this Severus falters, actual fright sounding through his voice and Molly shrieks as she hears this, but then Charlie turns to Ron and says: "You, me, corner now. You're telling me this instant who this Aragog is." But Ron says: "His kids kidnapped Hagrid during the battle." And that seems to say enough at which Severus reads on.
So I …ter sleep –"
At this Charlie groans something horrible and he asks: "You can really only bring back one person at a time?" And Merden nods as he says: "Only one, sorry." Yet then Hari says: "Leave Hagrid for next book. Trust me, he's going to deserve it much more then." At this Charlie nods and then Lindilwen asks: "And what about McGonagall?"
To which Hari sighs as he says: "I won't say that she doesn't deserve it – or that she won't deserve it more than once down the line, but – I really want to do Dumbledore first. Wait, is that even possible, considering that he's dead too?" And while those from my time look shocked at this actual confirmation, does Merden say:
"I know that was mentioned when young Severus mentioned the Brewer, but at this point in time, it really no longer matters. Both those that died and those that didn't now share one fate; they are no longer existent the way your timeline remembers them. Therefore, it matters not." At which Hari nods and asks:
"And the fact that he died a year before we went back?" Yet at this Merden raises his eyebrow at my grandson and the boy groans as he says: "Right, never mind. So that actually really happened?" And what Merden says next seems to astound Hari beyond words: "Yes, and it should have happened instead of Snuffles."
At this Hari looks at him as if he just got told that he himself is supposed to be Voldemort or Grindelwald or something, yet when tears start gathering in his eyes, does Merden raise his hand and say: "It was not due to your actions that that didn't happen; it was his." And instantly Hari rubs the tears out of his eyes.
"Then it's official. Albus will be the one we call back at the end of this book and – sorry everyone – but I call dibs on being the one to tell him this." Snuffles then says, yet Lupin says: "I don't think anyone deserves that more than you, my puppy." And everyone nods in agreement to this before Severus goes back to the book.
Hagrid suddenly … Snape or
Yet here Severus wants to stop, but then he seems to remember what Hendros and I told him and still he seems hesitant. "Come on, Snape. Be ambitious." Sirius then says and this motivation shocks the young Snake for a bit as well as a few others who know Sirius well, but then he nods at the young Lion and reads on.
Voldemort under … Dumbledore's office?"
And at this question does Percy hit himself on the forehead as he asks: "How? How could I have ever had any pride over my badge – when I failed to live up to so much of the actual job requirements?" Yet none of those who were under him seem to hold this against him and Ron just shrugs at him before Lucius says:
"Trust me, you're not even half as bad as a Prefect I had under me when I was Head Boy." At this Percy looks at him and Severus groans as he says: "I remember that. Ernest Fate. Good grief, he was a nightmare to both First Years and Second. Heck, by Halloween, the First years relied on us more than they did on him."
At this Lucius rolls his eyes and says: "You got that right. Merlin, he even tried to put the duty of escorting the First years on my shoulders. Needless to say, I didn't give him much of a chance. And of course, Slughorn had more respect for me than he did Fate, so Fate trying to get me in trouble with him – yeah, that didn't work."
"Was he really like that?" Percy asks and Lucius answers: "Yep, in fact, when Slughorn realized what Severus just told you, he called Fate to his office. The idiot then went one step further, gushed about how he thought it about darn time that he was invited to the Slug Club, because that's what he thought he was called in for.
And when he then asked when he could replace me for Head Boy, Slughorn was finally done with him. He told him he had two options. Become a lowly Hufflepuff – Slughorn's words back then, not mine – or just give up his Prefect Badge and keep his mouth shut for the rest of the year, unless a teacher asked him a question."
"Let me guess, he chose the latter?" Ginny asks, but Lucius shakes his head and says: "That was the one thing that proved the idiot had Slytherin ambition. He thought he could prove himself better than the Hufflepuff Prefects at the time and so got Resorted instead. And then Resorted again over Christmas. And again over Easter."
"He got Resorted three times?" Ron asks shocked and Sirius answers: "Yep, ended up in Gryffindor last. Tried to actually make each of us replace one of the others for him. Needless to say, we all showed him exactly what we thought of him." He then turns thoughtful and turns to the other boys in his year as he asks:
"Didn't he change his name into something else after we finally put him in his place? Gil-something?" And instantly Ron asks astounded: "Not Gilderoy Lockhart?" And Sirius snaps his fingers as he says: "That was it! Yeah, Gilderoy Lockhart. Still got no idea how he got to that name in the first place."
Yet Severus doesn't care for this and instead he asks: "How did you know that so quickly?" And Ron groans as he says: "We met him multiple times during our Second. And when I say multiple, I mean way more than necessary." To this Hari grumbles: "More like several times too many." And his friends nod as Severus reads on.
According to the HP wiki, Lockhart is actually someone who came into Hogwarts in 1975, several years under the Marauders, and was a Ravenclaw, but something about Fate just reminded me too much about him, so I decided on this twist. Let me know if you like.
They looked … see him.
"Even you guys?" Remus asks and the twins shake their heads as one of them says: "McGonagall was always the one to handle us. Either her or the Brewer." Yet the other looks pretty pissed off and says: "Though she never treated us as unfairly as she did Hari." And this pisses my son of as well as Molly as Severus reads on.
"We'll just … doing inside?"
"Ehm Severus, may I have the book for a minute?" Hermione suddenly asks and Severus looks confused but complies. "Sorry, but you read that line all wrong. It was like this." Hermione tells him and then rereads the line. Yet as she does, does her tone turn high-pitched and does it sound as if she's catching someone red-handed.
Everyone looks at her shocked and astounded and Lindilwen says: "I didn't think I could ever hear such a simple question sound like the Head of the DMLE is questioning a Death Eater in front of the Wizengamot or something. I thought this was at Hogwarts, not the Ministry." And Hermione gives the book back at which Severus reads on.
It was … of books.
"Why does that explain the whole situation? Why does that one sentence make the whole thing make sense? And why didn't any of us realize that was what was going on?" Remus moans and Peter lies a hand on his shoulder as he says: "Because we shouldn't have to." At which I nod in agreement with the young lad as Severus reads on.
"We want … do."Why?"
"Aaaawww, is someone feeling skipped? Are you feeling left out, Minnie?" Sirius asks with his voice lit with fake care and concern before he snorts and says: "Well maybe if you had done your job, Hari would have felt confident in going to you instead of your boss." Yet to this Hari turns dark with pain and he mutters:
"Though right now, I don't feel confident going to either of them, at least not the ones from my time." At which I approach him and lie a hand on his shoulder as I say: "Don't you worry, dear. There is a plan in mind to make sure that the current Minerva and Albus don't turn into these two – or at least not more than they already have."
I say as I turn to Severus, who nods in gratitude to me and Hari also smiles gratefully before he asks: "Really?" And Molly says: "Yes dear, your grandmother and I came up with it while we were worrying over Ginny and the others." And this makes Hari smile at us both before I retake my seat as Severus reads on.
Harry swallowed … nostrils flared.
"Cats may be curious little creatures, but you have no rights to be suspicious now. You have no one but yourself to thank for that." Jaurion angrily tells the book and while I know that Severus is used to his rougher tones, does it still seem to affect the young Snake. Yet his mask doesn't really let this show as he reads on.
"Professor Dumbledore … at once."
"The owl that Hari noticed before. When he realized how Hagrid fell for the simplest trick in the book." Charlie gasps in shock and Peter turns to Hari as he asks: "Do things always line up like that for you?" And Hari answers: "They sure did for the first four years of my Hogwarts career." And Severus reads on, clearly intrigued.
"He's gone … his time –"
"And would normally never put those above the safety of his students. So why is he doing it here when he hasn't done this once the last six years?" Peter asks confused and Hari answers: "Because he believes the school to have a back-up protector; not that I knew he considered me that at the time." Severus growls at this and reads on.
"But this … and suspicion.
"I hate to say this, but I am partially to blame for that." Lupin suddenly says and everyone looks at him shocked, yet he shrugs and says: "I never told McGonagall of Jaurion and the others until after Hari's third. And my secret, it was pretty well kept. It's probably what gave her this ego. The Head of House of the 1st Hogwarts Werewolf?"
Yet at this Hendros says: "Lupin, you couldn't be more wrong. Yes, she was probably proud of having such a title, but there is the nigh-on thirteen year gap between your graduation and Hari's First year that you need to take into account as well." At which Lupin turns thoughtful before he sighs and says: "Good point."
And Hari goes on: "No Lupin, this has nothing on you. This is purely her pride getting the better of her. She was there when I was left at the Muggles, is Dumbledore's Second in command and Dumbledore was responsible for how far my fame grew over the years. She tasted off that as well and that didn't help matters.
To then have the hero and son – I think we can all read the word clone in her in her eyes – of her favorite late student join her House, only for him to be nothing like the world – she herself included – expected of him. Yeah, she'd do anything to make him into her desired image and be suspicious of him if he behaved otherwise.
Thus the bloody lies, the crazy-ass point loss, the careless treatment after dangerous situations had passed, the horribly accusing tone and everything else. It's all in her need to see me become what my dad could have been had he not been killed. That was all I was to her, back then." And while he growls, does Severus read on.
"Professor Dumbledore … standing there.
"That Brewer had noticed them coming in and just waited around the corner while McGonagall handled them, didn't he?" Collin asks, yet his question causes for Ron, Hari and Hermione to share a shocked look before Hari says: "I never thought about it, but – he's probably right." And Collin smiles at him as Severus reads on.
"Good afternoon … to you."
"Hold on a second. Anyone with ears could have picked up on how Hari almost accused the Brewer right there – and he still takes Hari's concerns for what supposedly happened that night more seriously than McGonagall, Hari's own Head of House? Good Merlin, that woman!" Severus rolls his eyes at this and then reads on.
He strode … own house!"
"Why were you even so surprised about that? It happened only a few months ago." Peter asks, yet Jaurion doesn't let Ron answer as he growls: "Now she does her job? When she actually gets the chance to see if Hari really is as much of a hero as she and the whole world think him to be? Is she actually serious?"
Yet at this Hari and Ron share a look and then Hari asks one question I really don't want to think about: "How much are you willing to bet that, if you had gone with Hermione and I had gone there alone, she wouldn't have turned up?" And Ron's face proves his thoughts just fine, making Severus growl as he reads on.
Harry and … were glittering.
And here something wonderful happens as, without any hesitation, Lindilwen softly says: "That sounds like me, when I decided on my project to make sure I could pass Ancient Runes with flying colors back in my Third." And the way Hari shines at her actually makes her smile back at him before Severus reads on.
"I'm going … Stone first."
At this Lindilwen sighs and actually proves that she is slightly more ready to be Hari's mother as she pulls him close and whimpers: "I really wish you had tried other teachers first, but – I can really get why you wouldn't, if you get proven you can't even trust your own Head of House." And Hari nods as Severus reads on.
"You're mad … parents, remember?"
Severus actually stopped reading halfway through, his voice too awed to continue and so Ron just went over and picked up the book. And the way that the boy read this part, it's obvious he is reciting exactly what he remembers his best friend's voice to have been like back then. And the tone itself is absolutely astounding to hear.
Fury, rage, fear and determination sound through his voice, yet he also tries to make it sound much younger than he is, obviously to further convey that Hari was only eleven, still a child, when he said all this. And the fact that a child, a pre-teen, felt all this and conveyed it through his voice brings tears of pride to my eyes.
I turn to Hari, yet the boy seems to have only eyes for his mother, who smiles down at him with tears of her own in her eyes as she whispers something almost soundlessly. Yet because I have seen Jaurion do this with Sirius so often, have I learned how to lipread and so I know she says: "You did great there, little Hari."
And while it's not really a compliment that would come from a genuine mother, does the end of it prove one thing. Slowly but surely, Lindilwen will start to consider Hari part of her family. And right now she cares for him enough to see him as someone who deserves her care and pride. And with that do I listen to Ron reading on.
He glared … after that."
The group snickers at this, even though some of them do look impressed with the fact that the girl scored more than the full 100%, yet then we get shocked and confused when suddenly a knock is heard on the door. We all turn to it as it opens and a small-looking elf, that is actually bald and has large, bat-like ears.
Instantly Hari seems to recognize him and he gasps in shock as he asks: "Dobby?" And in a squeaky voice the Elf says: "Yes Hari Po-Valivial sir. It be me, Dobby, sir." And everyone who seems to know this elf looks at him shocked. Yet Jaurion seems to also notice something about the being as he turns to his son and asks:
"Hari, why is there an unfinished Elf-owner bond connecting this Elf to you?" Yet when his son and the others all turn to him startled and shocked, does Jaurion say: "Because you didn't know it existed, apparently.""But – but – but – but I – I thought Dobby – that he – isn't he a Free Elf?" Hermione asks and instantly Sirius asks:
"A free elf? What are you talking about? There is no such thing like a free elf. Elves that are freed need to be bonded to another person or family or they die. Either that or turn crazy mad and never be able to properly function, that is." And as Hermione hears this, does she gasp and turn white for reasons that concern me.
"No worries, Mss. Hermione. Dobby constantly took all the pretty hats and other things that Mss. Hermione made for the other Elves. Though they didn't like them, didn't see them for the pretty gifts Mss. Hermione had left for them to thank them for their hard work, so they stopped working at the common room. Dumb elves."
Dobby then tells the witch and when Hermione wants to say something, does Ron stop her and say: "Hermione, no need to be modest." And Hermione turns to both him and Hari, who seems to send her a telling look at which the girl sighs and says: "Good to know, Dobby. I'm glad at least someone got to enjoy my – ahem – gifts."
And instantly I get what is going on here. "She made those hats because she thought she had to free the Hogwarts House Elves, but didn't realize that, as just another student, she didn't have that kind of power over them. The poor girl." Yet then Hari turns back to Dobby and asks: "Dobby, where have you been all this time?"
And the elf rubs his still-developing ears as he says: "Dobby be sorry, Hari Valivial Sir, but Dobby could sense the magic of the Great Elf Kingdom already working on him and he heard enough rumors from the Hogwarts House Elves to know that a House Elf changing at the Kingdom would go through great, great pain.
And Dobby knew that Hari Valivial sir had just gone through lots and lots of pain, both personally and indirectly, sir, so Dobby didn't want Hari Valivial to see Dobby in pain, not when Hari Valivial had just saved Dobby's life." This makes Hari turn to Hendros who shrugs and says: "He's not wrong, sorry kiddo."
"So, now what?" Ron asks and Hendros stands up. He moves over to Dobby and I easily notice the gems in the crown he has been wearing ever since we made the announcement about Lindilwen, Jaurion and Hari starting to shine. He then lies a hand on Dobby's shoulder and says: "You are one of ours now."
And while it may not sound like much, do the gems in his crown flash brightly before the raggy cloths that Dobby is actually wearing change into the uniform that some of the servants wear. Dobby seems to get really frazzled over this and starts to hyperventilate, but then Hendros redraws his attention and sternly says:
"You are a House-Elf no more. Remember that, Dobby." And this seems to calm the Elf down at which he lowers his head and mutters a word of gratitude. Hendros then turns to Merden and says: "Please take Dobby to the Stables, Merden. I'm pretty sure Toya recently made a request for new helpers back there."
At this the Time Elf nods and he gently guides the other Elf back out of the room before Hermione asks: "Wait, you know what kind of Elf Dobby turned into?" And my beloved King smiles before he turns to Hari and says: "Yep, a Guard Elf, which is why I took him to our stables. Our best Guard Elves are our Riders."
This seems to intrigue Hari, but he asks: "Why are you looking at me while saying that, grandpa?" "Because I'm pretty sure that, when Dobby finds out about this, he will work his ultra-hardest to become a top-notch rider, just to protect his current owner, his Harry Potter sir." And while Hari turns red, does Ron snicker and read on.
After dinner … after all.
"I can't believe –.""– how stupid we were being." The twins moan at hearing this and while Ron, at Severus' silent indication, hands the book back to him, does Percy roll his eyes at himself and say: "Forget that, I can't believe how incompetent I'm being in my duties." Yet Severus pulls them out of their flunk as he is the one reading.
This was … like singing.
"That's a real shame, considering what kind of Elf you are." Ron jokes at his best friend, yet Hari shrugs and says: "Maybe so, but I ain't singing until I've had some training. Either that or until I've started my own transformation." At this his best friend fakes to pout at him, yet Hari is unfazed by this as Severus reads on.
He ran … for freedom.
"Whatever happened to him anyway?" Ron suddenly asks, which confuses me because Trevor came in with the other pets just earlier and Neville answers: "He escaped into the Lake when it became apparent what Hogwarts was like. Though he did return when I heard where we were going." Ron nods and Hermione asks:
"So you didn't have to worry about him at all last year, did you?" And Neville shakes his head as he says: "No and that was a good thing, too. I got proven pretty quick into the first week alone that I would have plenty other things to worry about." And he turns to Luna and Ginny, who smile at him as Severus reads on.
"Nothing, Neville … more trouble."
"You really should have been there when Hari made his speech." Sirius says, yet at this Remus turns thoughtful and he says: "That reminds me, how is it no one else heard that speech anyway?" Yet, just like with the Troll on Halloween, does it not seem as if the three have any answers for this and Severus frowns as he reads on.
"You don't … "I'm ready!"
"You know, you really reminded me of myself back there." Hari suddenly says and Neville looks at him shocked as he says: "I mean one of the only times I tried to stand up to Dudley and his gang. They had me cornered and – well – I was just done running, so I tried to stand up to them. Trust me, they made me regret it."
This causes for those around him to either growl in annoyance at the other boy's disgusting actions or look at him in concern as he turns to Neville again and says: "I remembered how much that hurt and I didn't want to put the same on you. That's why I did what I did." Neville nods in understanding at this and Severus reads on.
Harry turned … so sorry."
Yet at this Neville rolls his eyes, apparently not even fazed with all this, but then Hendros says: "You may be used to much, much worse now, but this was a big deal back then. I think we can both agree on that, can't we Neville?" And Neville seems to get what my husband isn't saying as he turns red and nods as Severus reads on.
"We had … on them.
And at this Neville seems to regain himself as he nods and says: "I know how that feels. After we started needing to hide ourselves away in the room and realized the room didn't provide us any food or drinks, we felt the same way every time we needed to head to the kitchens." And I look at him worried as Severus reads on.
At the foot … sudden idea.
Yet Ron again stops the boy and says: "Sorry, Severus, you're a good reader, but you are terrible with voices. And this deserves the proper voice. Hari?" And while the Marauders and Weasley twins look really excited at this, does Hari take the book and say: "I don't know if I can do it like I did back then, but –." And he starts to read.
"Peeves," he … in shock.
Just like Ginny, Luna, Neville, the twins, Charlie and Arthur almost fall out of their chairs but manage to catch themselves just in time, unlike Sirius and Peter, who actually yelp and fall back, their chairs losing their balance and falling over, making Peter even go so far as to roll out of his seat and land a few feet away.
The boy then makes it even more funny as he wildly looks around himself before he focuses back on Hari, who hums and says: "Guess I still got it." But then Hendros smiles and says: "Hari, you just reached into your inner elf powers. You perfectly emulated the voice of the dead." And Hari turns red at this before he reads on.
He caught … scooted off
By now Hari is even more red as those that either almost or completely fell out of their seats are all looking at him in great amazement and Hari mutters: "I'm getting a teacher the minute we finish reading." At which I giggle and say: "I'll make sure Master Monte is informed soon enough." And Hari nods as he reads on.
"Brilliant, Harry … said Hermione.
"There really is nothing that can break your trio apart." Neville says proudly, yet Ron turns red at this and starts rubbing the back of his neck. Yet before he can do more than open his mouth, does Hari say: "Trust me, Neville, there is magic that can – or at least try pretty well." Neville looks at this shocked, yet Hari just reads on.
Harry pushed … deep sleep.
"I really wonder what would have happened if you had decided to sing for it, Hari." Collin says, but Hari replies: "Probably nothing good, Collin. I mean, even now, I can only emulate my own emotions and the sounds of other beings. I can't actually use my gifts to properly sing, not yet." His friend nods and Hari reads on.
Harry climbed … Dumbledore, right?"
"Why didn't you think of that sooner?" Lindilwen suddenly asks and Hari answers: "Because, until after dinner, McGonagall kept keeping an eye on us and her look constantly conveyed the same message. Try anything and points will be lost." At this Lindilwen looks quite annoyed and I agree with her as my grandson reads on.
"Right," said … down and –
"And your very first crazy adventure has officially begun." The twins chorus, yet while Hari gives the book back to Severus, does he turn to them and say: "Guys, I appreciate the effort, but just call this all by its proper name; my first test." And the twins sigh, yet they don't disagree with their younger friend as Severus reads on.
FLUMP. With … of plant.
"That does make sense. After all, a ladder would prove that they don't take any of this seriously, but to not put something there to break a fall could cause them to risk the potential of being sued for serious, if not fatal injuries. Though I doubt that's the only reason that's there." Lupin mumbles at the end as Severus reads on.
"It's okay … you both!"
And at this most of those from the future groan or slap themselves on the foreheads, but then I say: "I'm glad that they made this mistake. It really proves that they're still innocent, still untrained." Yet while I don't say it, can I tell that the others all think it: "That didn't last very long, though." And Severus reads on, looking grim.
She leapt … his neck.
"It actually is. If you know a name, you know what to look for. This helps if you want to remember something or if you are looking something up in a library. Though I guess that didn't count when you were looking for Flamel." Luna suddenly say, sounding dreamier than I expected her and Severus seems off his game as he reads on.
"Shut up … no wood!"
"Is it wrong that I am enjoying this? These small facts that prove how innocent and untrained these three are, I mean?" Lindilwen suddenly asks and Molly and I smile at her as Lucius says: "No, it proves how much you care for them, it's not wrong at all." And the girl smiles at her new brother as his mate reads on.
Hermione cried … bad enough...
"There wouldn't be." Charlie says and everyone turns to look at him as he smirks and says: "If he was, there wouldn't have been a single mention of Hagrid all story. He would have been down there the entire year through." At which a few people snicker, while others nod to show they agree with him as Severus smirks and reads on.
"Can you … Alohomora charm.
"You thought they would have forgotten about that because it's such a simple basic charm, didn't you?" Lindilwen asks and Hermione shrugs as she says: "I did, though that was more because they hadn't protected the first door against it, really.""Good point." Lindilwen sighs at this and Severus grimaces as he reads on.
"Now what … the door!"
"And there you have it." Sirius then suddenly says and everyone looks at him. He shrugs and says: "Call me naïve, but – I just didn't want to believe Hari. No offence, kid, but I wanted to believe that, if nothing else, not all of the teachers who wanted to guard that Stone would do so through stuff that could be used to test you.
I wanted to believe at least people like the Brewer or Flitwick would take their job seriously. Call me stupid or naïve or whatever you want, but – yeah." Yet at this most of us shake our heads and Remus says: "It's none of those things, Sirius, it's your good right to want to believe that." He pulls the boy close and Severus reads on.
"But there … no faces.
At this I sigh and say: "I hate to say it, considering how horrible she has been all this time, but –." But then Severus says: "That protection was weak." We all look at him and he says: "Any true warlord or megalomaniac is a strategist. Strategy is best practiced through chess. This protection is the weakest and most useless so far."
At this everyone looks shocked and then Ron shrugs as he says: "He ain't wrong. I mean, take Fourth year for example. If anything proves that bastard killer is a master strategist, it's Fourth year." To which Hari says: "Not to mention the way he managed to make name, vanish and then make name all over again with two different names."
"Wait, what do you mean by that?" Sirius asks confused and Hari says: "I mean that I know the killer's true name. And if you find out who that is and what he is most well-known for, you would be hard-pressed to believe that he is the same monster that rages against Dumbledore these days." At which Severus reads on, awed.
"Now what … Hermione took.
"Why didn't they just let you ride and use them?" Molly asks frightened and Lupin mutters: "Minerva must have charmed them against that. Remember what she said, she believed the stone to be well-protected. This must be part of why she believed that." Yet this only increases the woman's concerns as Severus reads on.
"White always … Hermione shouted.
And this is repeated by the entire Weasley clan here in the room, startling Severus, who had actually started to really get into the story and started improving on his voices. Yet then Ron says: "I never told Hari or Hermione this, but – looking back, those white pieces actually blocked several tactics I tried that would have let me do otherwise."
"Wait, the – the white chessmen were – were charmed –." His mother stutters and his dad turns grim as he says: "Must be more of Minerva's enchantments. She must have thought that there'd be only one person at a time trying to get through, so she charmed the other side to play in such a way, he would have to sacrifice himself.
Best way to stop an enemy is by making them hurt, damage or even endanger themselves. Though that certainly doesn't stop madmen like that Killer." He growls at the end, yet then Hari turns to Hermione and says: "You know, it's actually kind of funny." And we all turn to him as Hermione asks: "What is?"
"We're talking that – Voldemort here. The being that really doesn't care who or what he kills or destroys as long as he gets what he wants. Don't you think it funny that he didn't just blast each and every protection to smithereens? I mean, one overpowered Bombarda and all those chessmen would have been history, right?"
At this everyone looks at the boy shocked and he shrugs as he says: "I'm just saying, seeing how long he has been trying to get that thing, it's kind of – crazy that he managed to keep his calm long enough to just move through the protections instead of blasting them." And most of us nod in agreement with him as Severus reads on.
"That's chess … knocked out.
"To be honest, that hit didn't hurt all that much after I woke up. I can only assume that McGonagall put one small safety spell in her enchantments. You know, to make the pieces hit less hard if the enemy is the size of a student or something." Ron says, calming his concerned family down and Severus sighs as he reads on.
Shaking, Harry … its head.
At this some of the readers turn to Hari and he shrugs as he says: "Combination. One, it was the protection of his lackey and two, I can only assume that, as much as he was trying to keep a low-profile he still needed to let off some steam." Those that turned to him nod at this and turn back to Severus as he reads on.
"I'm glad … first sight.
At this Lindilwen and Severus both gasp and they share a look before Lindilwen smiles at him and he sighs as he says: "Guess there are still bits of me left in that Brewer, after all." And Lindilwen nods at him as she says: "The one thing I could never beat you in. Thank you, Severus, you are the only one who actually took this serious."
At this Severus looks back up at her and locks gazes with her, his stare strong and determined as he says: "If there is one thing I will always take seriously, Evans, it's the protection of those that need it." And while my son and his friends turn red in shame at this, does Lindilwen smile at the boy before he turns back to the book.
Hermione let … lucky again."
"Though if you were in full control of your actual abilities you would have been a real threat to him. Guard elves might be the best warriors, but they often really test their mettle up against Earth and Music Elves." Hendros then says, yet at this Hari mutters: "No wonder that –." But then Merden stops him and says:
"That, your Highness, was a mistake that was never meant to happen." And everyone bar Cedric looks at the Elf, who returned after we read of Hermione lighting the Devil's Snare on fire, in utter shock before Hari turns the same look as he had before and Snuffles glares at Merden before he says: "Excuse us a minute."
And this time it's him that guides Hari up the stairs and out of the room. "And Hermione always says that I have no tact." Ron growls at Merden in fury, while Molly has her arms crossed and is shaking her head in disappointment at Merden, her face proving she considers him nothing more than a kid that she caught doing wrong.
Merden sighs and says: "My apologies. I believed that he only meant the time when that mistake was created. I forgot that it was also connected to the one outside act that his Highness still believes is his fault, even if that, like the mistake, was something that never should have happened – and wasn't cause by him either."
At this Ron rolls his eyes and says: "Trust me, you dimwit, we know that. It's just that Hari never got the time to really learn to believe that himself. After all, what did Wizarding England start doing not three days after that happened?" And Merden sighs as he says: "Call his Highness the Chosen one. Yeah, I get it."
And while I really don't want to imagine why an entire nation would want to rally behind a teenager like that, do I then look up at the staircase as I wonder: "Do you think this will make it easier for Hari to learn to forgive himself – or harder?" Yet no one seems to have an answer to this, even as I whisper it at the end, and Severus just reads on.
Yet then he falters and looks up and only then do I notice that Luna has lost all of her dreaminess and is staring at my husband with the same disappointment as Molly was looking at Merden at and then she says: "Hari will never be a threat to Voldemort, it will just remind him too much of what happened in the past.
I told Arden this and I will tell you; nothing and no one should ever give Hari the belief that he should have any – any – leading role in this war. It will make him think it's all up to him and will just scar him the same way the last war did. It – cannot – happen." And with those chilling words ringing through the room, does Severus read on.
Hermione's lip … even Voldemort.
And at those ominous words does Severus stop, his voice faltering a little at the name as it has been doing all chapter, yet none of us really blame him as it has been six years that that monster has been reigning terror upon English shores. Yet while this is true, do I just not feel the need to care for the other world right now.
Instead, I stand up and move over to the staircase, Jaurion, Hendros and – to everyone's happy surprise – Lindilwen following me. We go through, yet to my shock do we not enter Hari's room. Instead we enter the hallway in front of his doorway. And when I put my hand on the knob, do I find it unable to be turned.
Uh oh, what's going on?
Why won't Hari let anyone other than Snuffles into his room? What is happening on the other side of that door? To be honest, I'm not entirely sure yet, but I won't make it a repeat of the last time Hari went upstairs. However, by the time we get to next chapter, I will hopefully know what I want to see happen there.
We shall see,
Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories.