A DAY'S WORTH
Chapter 14
Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to their respective owners.
-ADW-
Harry blinked as he slowly came to and sighed when he saw Jack's unmoving body. He looked down at the woman snuggled up to his side on the mini-couch, snoring lightly and couldn't find it in himself to wake her up. Fixing Jack's body had taken quite a toll on her mentally as she had been doing the most work while Harry just lent his magic.
Harry had used a spell that healers at home used when the task at hand required way more magic than what the healer was capable of. It allowed the healer to form a connection with another witch or wizard and she fed off their magic to complete her task. Harry had not been sure if it would work with Claire since she was a muggle but things had worked out well enough.
For about three hours, Claire with a bit of help had used her knowledge of the human body and directed Harry's magic to fix and repair Jack's body. Vanishing those parts that were beyond repair and regrowing them back while making sure that those that had not been tampered with were in peak condition. She had then watched him pull Jack's soul from the ring and wrestled it back into his body and jumpstart it to begin functioning normally.
They then had a task of monitoring his vitals to make sure they were working well and by the time her healer mind was sated, it was way into the night and all they had to do was wait for him to wake up. He had advised her to get some sleep but she had insisted on staying in case something went wrong so he conjured a couch and waited with her only for him to doze off.
Harry nudged her awake and she woke up with a curse. Harry raised an eyebrow at her and she mumbled an apology. When she saw Jack, she jumped into action and immediately checked on him. Taking his pulse, his eyes and many other things that didn't make any sense to Harry. When she was finished, she sighed and checked her watch.
"Bollocks! I'm late." Cursing, she darted past Harry through the door and disappeared upstairs.
Harry chuckled as he turned back to his friend. His chest was rising and falling gently and everything looked fine. The whole thing had gone smoothly, even better than when they had tried it with Luna as the blonde's soul had fought him with all it's might when he had been dragging it back to Luna's body. When Luna had woken up, all she had remembered was dying and the next instant she had woken up.
There had been no complications and when Luna woke up everything had just gone back to normal like she had never killed herself to experiment on Harry's ability to manipulate souls and the soul anchors. It should have reassured him that things had gone even better with Jack but it didn't. He couldn't shake off the feeling that the other shoe was just waiting to drop.
"Harry?" Jenny's voice pulled him from his musings and he turned to the door. "What are you doing here?"
"Hey, kiddo." Harry greeted as she gave him a hug. She was still in her pyjamas. "Did you sleep well?"
"Better than I expected actually given what you had just told me." She replied still pressed into the hug. "I feel like I should hate him but I just can't muster up the feeling."
"It shows just how mature you are." Harry pulled back and stared in her light green eyes. "You love your father and despite what you found out about his past, I like to believe that you understand the fact that our past doesn't have to determine what will be in our future."
"Your father did something that he regretted and tried to make sure he never found himself doing anything like that again." Harry continued. "We should always learn from our mistakes and while it doesn't do us good to dwell on the past, it's better to always look back and make sure we never do the same mistakes all over again."
The girl hugged him even tighter. "I am glad you are here."
"So am I kid, so am I"
When she released him she turned and saw Jack for the first time.
"What's wrong with him this time?"
"Well, after talking with you, we found ourselves in quite a situation." He said putting an arm around her shoulder. "Come on, let's make some breakfast while I fill you in."
As he led her out of the dispensary, Harry prayed to anyone that could listen that his gut was wrong for once. He wasn't sure he would forgive himself if he lost Jack because of his carelessness.
Harry filled her in on the version he had agreed on with Claire. He told her of Belasco hitching a ride in Jack's body, and him taking over completely then kidnapping him to Limbo. He told her of his trip with Illyana, the fight and his defeat of the demon Lord. When he told her of his rule over Limbo, the girl demanded every detail about the place and Harry was more than willing to indulge her.
She was interested in Illyana's alter-ego and Harry described her as much as possible. The fact that Illyana was now his apprentice also meant that she would be seeing the Russian girl more often something which pleased her.
"Will he be fine?" Illyana asked worriedly as she took a seat at the dining table.
"I'm hoping so." Harry said as he served himself. "Possession is very nasty business. It takes a very strong character to recover from that and even then, there are always very severe consquences."
"Well, there is no need to be worried." Jenny shrugged. "This is Jack we are talking about."
"I know." Harry sighed. "I wish I as optimistic."
"You worry too much Harry." Jenny said in an imitation of his voice. "How you don't have grey hair, I can only imagine."
Harry chuckled as the pit in his tomach eased slightly and for the better part of the meal, Jenny did her best to make him laugh. Halfway through the meal, Jack woke up and joined them at the table.
"I am starving." Jack declared as he started wolfing down toast without even sparing then a glance. When he was finished, he grabbed a glass if juice and gulped it down before releasing a loud burp. "Much better. Oh hi guys, didn't see you there."
"I bet you didn't." Jenny said carefully. "Can you tell Harry that you're fine, he is looking at you like you are about to drop any minute."
"Why wouldn't I be fine?" Jack frowned. "In fact I have never felt better in my life. Especially after we had a night at Karen's."
"You see Harry, everything is fi- wait what?"
"Well it's not like we were there the whole night but it was pretty late I tell you." Jack said. "Then again it would have been even longer if it wasn't for the old man. Where is he by the way, still sleeping?"
Harry exchanged a worried look with Jenny.
"Where is who?" Jenny asked hesitantly when it became clear Harry wasn't going to speak.
"Jake of course." He replied slowly apparently having realized something wasn't right.
"Jake is dead, Jack." Harry said flatly.
"What? That's stupid, we were with him yesterday at_"
"No Jack, you were with me and we were attacked by Belasco."
Jack stared uncomprehendingly at the two of them for a moment before he chuckled and shook his head.
"That's not funny, guys."
"No mate, Jake has been dead for years now." Harry said. "And you are most definitely not fine."
Jack's reply was cut off by a stunner and he slumped back into his seat. The two were quite for a moment both not sure what to say before Jenny sighed.
"This...is bad."
"Yeah, that's one way of putting it." Harry answered. "Why don't you call Claire, she will be very interested in this."
He waved his hand and the utensils floated back to the kitchen while Jenny talked to Claire through her watch. He then levitated Jack back to the dispensary and gently placed him on the table. Prying his eyes open, Harry easily slipped into Jack's mind and took a look and wasn't surprised that nothing looked out of place. At least at first glance.
Harry went back and studied Jack's memories proper and what he found was equal parts amazing and worrying. Harry watched through the memories over and over and with each turn he was even more surprised. When he finally retreated, he found Jenny and Claire seated on the couch watching him worriedly.
"I know that face." Claire stated. "What's wrong with him?"
Harry sighed tiredly as he squeezed his way between them on the couch. He had not had any serious sleep in almost three days with the time differences between London, New York and Limbo and he could feel the weariness creeping up on him. He looked at Jenny who was on his right.
"You remember when I told you that we had to force Jack's soul back into his body?" The girl nodded. "Well, it didn't work."
"What, we just ate breakfast with him!"
"Yeah, but that wasn't the Jack we know." He turned back to his friend. "Not exactly."
"Harry you're not making any sense." Claire said frowning at him. "Jenny said he had amnesia."
"The human brain is a very curious thing." Harry chuckled. "As a matter of fact, we had a full department of bookworms in the government who studied them."
"Still not making sense."
"I know Jenny." Harry chuckled. "You see, Jack doesn't have amnesia. Infact, his mind is quite perfect."
"Then what did you mean he is not our Jack?" Jenny asked. "And why doesn't he seem to remember about dad?"
"Because in his mind Jake is still alive." Harry answered. "When Belasco expelled him from his body, Jack truly died and only his essence was captured in the ring."
"What is a person's essence?" Jenny asked and Claire answered her.
"It is one's innate characteristics, quality and substance of thoughts and actions that make them who they are." She turned to Harry. "Are you saying that he doesn't have a soul?"
"He does, how_ I don't know but he should have been no more than a wizard portrait." Harry shook his head. "But that is besides the point_we didn't bring Jack's soul from the dead, we by all intents and purposes...created a Jack of our own."
"I am going to be very honest with you, Harry." Claire said. "I'm not sure I understand what you're talking about or where you're going with this so I am going to ask one question, what is wrong with Jack."
"Jack's brain had an imprint of his memories and when we put his essence back, it created memories." Harry paused to make sure they were following. "Memories similar to what Jack had experienced but with some things different from what actually happened."
"Like Dad." Jenny said and Harry nodded.
"Yeah, in his memories Jake wasn't killed." He replied. "We got tired of working for the government and offed them before Jake established J-Corp."
"So his brain had an imprint of his real memories?" Claire started and Harry nodded. "So when we put back what was in the ring, the brain used what it had to create memories that Jack believes have been his entire life yet those memories have parts differing from what was in the originals?"
"Exactly."
"But how is that even possible?"
"Well, I imagine magic had something to do with it." Harry answered. "From Belasco's possession to reconstructing his body and then the process of bringing back what we thought was his soul, well there was quite a lot of magic inside the body."
"But you said you had done it before and there were no complications like this." Claire said and Harry nodded.
"Yeah, but now that I think about it I can't even be sure." He chuckled. "Luna wasn't exactly your average human and if the same had happened, I would have probably thought of it as Luna being... well Luna and since she wouldn't have known of any difference then there was no way to find out."
"Couldn't you look at her memories to find out like you did with Jack?"
"Well, going into Luna's mind is literally suicide." Harry told them. "I consider myself to be a master at the mind arts but I wouldn't have survived for more than five seconds without going insane."
"So, what now?" Claire asked after a moment of silence.
"Honestly, I have no bloody idea." Harry sighed. "I feel like we should be mourning our friend yet by all intents and purposes he is lying right in front of us, only with some memories different from our Jack's."
"Well I don't care." Jenny declared drawing the adults' attention. "That bloke lying there is Jack. So what if his brain created better memories for him? You guys said the essence is what makes a person who he is and if it's his essence that is in there then it is still Jack all the same. He will not suddenly turn into a sycophant because that bloke over there is still the one I have grown calling my favorite adult. Uhm, no offense meant."
"Some taken!" Harry stated and she frowned at her. "But you have a point. Deep down, it's still Jack. Whatever memories he has fabricated for himself, we can always correct him."
"Well, if that's settled I should get going, I have things to do." Claire said getting up. "Unlike some people who don't go to school and those who spend the day sitting around."
Harry and Jenny watched the woman walk out of the dispensary with amused looks.
"I think she was talking about us." Jenny giggled.
"You reckon?" Harry grinned back. "Actually I think it was you, me I don't just sit around."
"Oh, really? What exactly do you do everyday?"
"Things that are too complicated for you to understand yet."
"Low blow, Harry." She adopted a hurt expression. "Really low."
Harry just shook his head.
"So, anything I should look out for?" Jenny asked gesturing towards Jack.
"Well, he apparently hooked you up with your girlfriend, Gianna."
"My girlfriend?"
"Yeah, and he is dating her mum." Harry paused. "Well it's more of friends with benefits but you get what I mean."
"No. I do not get what you mean."
"Oh right, you weren't given the 'talk'" Harry nodded in mock realization. "I'll be sure to remind Jack when he wakes up."
"You wouldn't!"
"I most certainly would and will."
Jenny's retort was cut off by a groan from Jack as he woke up. "What's with all the noise?"
"You are awake!" Jenny exclaimed and grabbed him in a hug. Jack looked at Harry over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow and he just grinned back at him.
"Thanks, Jenny." Jack drawled. "I hadn't noticed."
She tried to punch him but he leaned out of the way easily and dodged his way around her before settling on the couch. Jenny huffed and stormed out of the dispensary leaving the two alone.
"You stunned me." Jack stated and Harry nodded. "Something is wrong, isn't it?"
"Not the word I would use but yes, we have a... problem." Harry answered. "We have a lot to talk about but it would be easier to explain with a pensieve."
When Jenny was finished with dressing up, Harry teleported them to the Potter Cottage in his study. He got the pensieve and put all the memories he had with Jack that differed from those he had seen in Jack's mind and allowed the blonde to view them.
When Jack came out, he just looked at Harry blankly. He had also included the memory of Jack's death and how he had worked with Claire to bring him back.
"I died."
"You did." Harry agreed.
"You brought me back." Harry nodded again. "And yet those memories I saw were different from what I remember."
"Yes " Harry agreed again. "It is a side effect from the ritual. My belief is that there were certain things that your subconscious didn't agree upon. So when given the chance to rewrite your life..."
"My brain got rid of them and rewrote what I wished had happened." Jack finished and Harry just nodded in agreement. "So, what now?"
"Honestly, I have no bloody idea." Harry admitted. "As much as I wish things could get back to how they were, I know it won't happen."
"That's true." Jack said. "I think I need some time to myself. I've got to grieve for my friend whom I'm still having a hard time believing he is dead and I also need to get_"
"I understand, Jack." Harry interrupted. "Take your time, I am just glad you are alive."
"Thanks mate." Jack smiled. "Maybe I'll have that world trip my other self had wanted."
"Yeah, that is a good idea." Harry smiled sadly. "I'm sure I can keep J-CORP from collapsing for a year or two."
Jack stood up to leave the study and paused at the door. "I am glad for what you did, Harry."
Harry nodded and his friend left to go upstairs. A minute later, he heard Jenny screaming and a couple of things breaking. It would seem the fourteen-year-old wasn't thrilled with the news. When Jack came down, he looked like he had done some crying but all things considered, he looked well enough
"I am going to need another port-key." Jack said as he slipped the ring from his finger and handed it to Harry. "And I want you to hold onto this for now."
"This ring protects your mind from mental intrusion, contains your suit and works as an anchor in case you die." Harry looked at him directly in the eye. "Are you sure you want to leave it behind?"
"Yes."
"Very well." Harry waved his hand and Jack's watch glowed blue for a second. "That is a one-time port-key to the J-mansion in Queens. Will I see you on New Year's Eve?"
"Why_ oh right, the memorial, of course I'll be here."
"Good." Harry hugged him tightly for a moment and then with one last sad smile, Jack disappeared.
Harry sighed and turned to get back to his study only to stop when Jenny barrelled into him. She hugged him tightly as she sniffled into his shirt.
"Hey, it's alright."
"Is he ever gonna come back?"
"He will." Harry assured her. "Infact he said he would be here for the memorial."
"Will he though?" Jenny pulled back. "It doesn't mean anything to him, not really, except all that we have told him."
"Perhaps, perhaps not, but one thing I know is that Jack is not a liar." Harry told her. "If he says something, then he means it."
"The Jack we knew maybe." Jenny mumbled but Harry heard her all the same.
"What is this, I seem to remember someone telling us how nothing had changed." Harry teased but she just shook her head.
"I was wrong, alright!" Jenny said. "The Jack I knew would never have left us or ran away from the only person who could help him just because he is afraid of you."
"You know that's not true."
"We both know I'm right." She argued and Harry sighed.
"Jack is not afraid of me." Harry raised his hand to stop her arguments. "He is scared, he doesn't know what to think and he has just been told that he died and the life he believes he has lived is a lie."
He saw that he had her full attention.
"Basically, his entire life has been turned upside down." He continued. "It is only natural that he would want to have some space to regain his bearings without the reminder of what his life is supposed to be."
"Im not sure I understand but I guess I shouldn't blame him." Jenny sighed. Her face then became very serious. "I have made a decision concerning my mother."
"Oh, do tell." Harry said, surprised at the sudden change of topics.
"I want to meet her."
"Do I want to know what prompted this?"
"Probably not."
-ADW-
Cloaked with his magic but still visible, Harry and Jenny teleported into the neighborhood where he knew Jenny's mother lived. While Illyana had been sleeping, he had gone back to the orphanage where they found Jenny and made some inquiries.
With a little bit of leglimency, he had found out about the woman, Jennifer. Apparently, she was a lawyer, just like her husband and they owned a big duplex just at the outskirts of north London. Compared to the J- mansion, the house wasn't that big though it was obviously bigger than Claire's.
"Are you sure this is the place?"
"Yep. This is the residence of Mr and Mrs. Weatherby."
"How exactly does one end up with such a name?" Thankfully, it wasn't raining but there were signs of it starting soon though.
The two were clad in identical black coats, black pants and boots. Jenny also had a black scarf and a pair of gloves. The dark clothes were imbedded with charms to ensure they were comfortable enough.
"Humans are strange creatures, Jenny." Harry said as he led the way towards the door. "Surely you have learned that by now?"
"That's what I always think but I keep getting surprised everyday."
Harry rang the doorbell and waited as he heard footsteps coming towards the door. When it opened, it revealed a handsome man, probably in his mid-thirties. He was lean and tall, much taller than Harry, around Jack's height.
"Mr. Weatherby?"
"Yes, please." The man confirmed, dark eyes peering at him suspiciously. "How may I help you Mr..."
"Potter. Harry Potter." Harry said, not bothering to offer his hand.
"Yes, Mr. Potter. How may I help you?"
"Actually, I was hoping to speak with your wife."
"And what business could you be having with my wife, Harry Potter?" The man asked glancing at Jenny.
"Something tells me you already know the answer to that question." Harry answered while he slipped his hands into the pockets of his coat.
"Michael, what's the hold up?" A woman's voice called from inside the house and the man sighed and gestured for them to enter.
Harry turned to Jenny and mouthed 'Micheal Weatherby' to her and was rewarded with a snort of amusement before he followed the man. They were led to a big living room and looking around, he could see that the Weatherbys were quite well off. He saw a large frame that had Micheal, a woman who could only be Jennifer and two kids, a boy and a girl with blonde hair but clearly weren't related as that was all they had in common.
"Quite a beautiful family you've got yourself there, mate." Harry commented and the man smiled.
"I know." Michael replied. "We fit quite perfectly despite the circumstances that brought us together."
"What do you mean?" Jenny asked. "Er...if you don't mind me asking."
"Of course not." He waved her off. "Their parents were our clients who were being blackmailed into giving up their wealth. We managed to get enough evidence to throw the guys in prison but they were very happy. Money was exchanged and soon the blokes were released, seeking vengeance."
He paused and glanced at Jenny as if wondering whether to continue but the decision was taken from him.
"They set the apartment on fire and the three-year-old twins were found in the ruins." A woman's voice said as she entered the living room. "We found them and adopted them seeing that they_"
She abruptly cut off her story telling when she laid her eyes on Jenny and her jaw dropped. Harry took time to study her. She was quite beautiful, her red hair was lighter than Jenny's and her hips were quite filled out. She kept herself in shape and if her figure was any indication, then Harry knew he was going to have a hard time keeping the boys off Jenny when she got into her looks.
Michael walked over to the frozen woman and led her to a sofa. Harry could see that her hands were shaking even as she kept her eyes firmly glued on Jenny.
"We later realized how lucky we had been when we adopted those two." Michael continued the story. "Especially when we found out that the pregnancy she had at sixteen had rendered her unable to have children."
-ADW-
Hi guys, it's been a while but now I'm back. I've been watching The Originals so I didn't really have time to write but none of you care about that so just enjoy the chapter and wait for the next one on Friday.
#ALL_LIVES_MATTER.