A/N: I do not own Harry Potter nor the Advent of the Archmage. They are owned by J.K. Rowling and Mo Xiang respectively.
Rose Potter was the happiest she's ever been. Ever since coming to Hogwarts, her life had changed for the better. First, she no longer had to spend the year at her 'relatives' house, only during the summer did she return, and even then she didn't spend the majority of her time there.
The Grangers made sure of that. What with constantly picking her up every other week, or Link visiting privet drive every other day she was not at his place.
Honestly, having a friend as amazing as Link was the most magical thing she received by coming to this world of magic.
She had also made other friends, her dorm mates, her house-mates, even students from other houses. Specifically, Luna, ever since Link had helped her with her bullying problem and introduced her to their group of friends, she became a near-constant presence. She was just so innocent, and the creatures she spoke of were always amusing to listen to. Speaking of magical creatures, Luna is becoming more and more convinced she is going to find the rarest of her creatures, the Crumple Horned Snorkack, right here in Hogwarts.
"Daddy and I always thought we would find it in Norway or Sweden. But we were wrong, Hogwarts is one of the most magically potent areas in the world. So of course we will find it here. I can't believe we never thought of that. So many missed places. I can't wait to share with daddy when I discover the Snorkack. He will be so delighted."
That was Luna's response when she was questioned on her increased creature hunts.
It would have been more alarming had they not been in Hogwarts. It's the safest place in Britain, surely last year's occurrence was a one-time thing. There is no reason to believe otherwise.
Even Link seems to share this sentiment, as he isn't concerned. Though he did gift his fellow Ravenclaw a pendant with similar protection as her own. With a shield charm that would rebuff most spells cast on her person. It would also notify Link should she be attacked.
Rose had to admit, but only in the confines of her mind, that she was a bit jealous that Luna had received something similar to her necklace. Of course, she squashed that dark thought as soon as she saw Luna's beaming face, and was reminded that the innocent girl was in fact a victim of severe bullying. That more than anything, allowed Rose to come to terms with Link gifting another girl such a precious item, in fact, she encouraged it.
But now, she was annoyed. Link had just told her that he might be graduating early. She was glad for her friend, but he will be leaving her alone in the school. He can't do that.
I mean he can, but… he can't.
If he is to graduate next year, she will be alone for 4 years. Well, not alone, she had other friends, but without Link. The very thought of it was, for some reason, very alarming.
She won't tell him this, of course, she won't. She will not be the reason Link holds back his potential. She wants him to be the best he can be. Instead, she will spend every waking moment in his company. She will create the best memories with what little time she has left.
Though one thing that came out of this 'ordeal' that is positive, is Rose's increased seriousness in her classes. Although she wasn't the best, she maintains a top10 position in her overall academics. With Link's extra tutoring, she is very near the best in practicals. In fact, she ties with Malfoy, he may be a whiny spoiled brat, but his parents were thorough in their teaching of magic theory pre-Hogwarts. They reinforced his education during the summer break too. He bragged about it enough that the entire castle was aware of it.
When questioned on how he got around the no magic rule, it was easily explained that their house was warded. Most pureblood manors were. Another show of bigotry towards the muggle-born. Though, Link is a true thorn in their side when it was spread that he will be graduating early.
Most were praying for his failure. Some of the older Slytherin students made sure to express just how displeased they were with this mudblood. Jeers and sneers were the most common method, though sometimes they cast jinxes and hexes his way.
Though the blatant attempt at bullying enraged Rose, especially since it was targeting her best friend. However, it was equally amusing for Link to evade their every attempt as casually as taking a stroll through a garden. The nonchalance expressed in regards to their attempts only enraged them further. The humiliation of being looked down on by a second-year was damn near unbearable to some of them.
Fortunately, they kept their wits about them and did not shed all sense of cordiality yet. Strangely enough, Draco was often the one to keep others away from Link, though judging by those malevolent gazes it is not too far a leap in logic to guess that he had something big planned. It seemed to be the calm before the storm. Though, Link appeared as uninterested as ever.
"They are not worth the time taken to be worried about their little schemes, Rose. Whatever their little minds can think of, I'll be ten steps ahead. They are not a threat."
She had laughed loudly at that, after all, he had spoken loud enough for them to hear. Going by their darkened gazes, they heard.
Life was always fun with Link around. Christmas was just around the corner, she had to think of a gift for Link and his family. I wonder if they would like a book.
In his previous life, Link was born into a world of war and strife. He was the bastard child of a noble and a common maid. An illegitimate son, but a noble's son nonetheless. After attending a magic academy, Link's life was on the fast road. He graduated early, joined the army and stayed on the battlefield for 5 years.
During his 23 years of life, all he cared about was his ailing mother. Until he was 17, he did not have money and his noble father deemed it unnecessary to provide medical assistance to a simple maid, mother of his child or not. When he graduated by age 18, he was conscripted and was forced to the front lines. When he was 19, he was one of the commanders of the army, he finally had enough money to cater to his mother.
However, when he returned home he realised that his mother was sold to another. He was beyond enraged. He was a Level-8 at the time. The kingdom's ace. The strongest magician. Though his identity was kept a secret. At least, his noble family had no idea. He wished not to associate with them. He was to take his mother and place her in a manor in the capital, where she would live the rest of her life in luxury. He regretted that decision.
He requested the King to help look for his mother while he stayed at the frontlines. He was needed, he was the reason the realm of men have not fallen to the Dark elves and the demons summons.
The King had promised to do everything in his power to look for her. To be fair, the King did try. However, it was difficult to look for a common maid in such a huge territory, especially when she had no defining criteria. She was common looking, nothing really spectacular, but to Link, she was his mother, an angel of the god of light himself. It took them a year to find her. By then, it was too late.
She was brought to the capital and was treated to a manor. Link, now a level-10 legendary mage, teleported directly to the capital. He was met with the dire news that his mother had a month to live. With all his power and knowledge, Link had not learnt any medical magic. After all, that was restricted to the priests of the god of light. That was the second time he regretted something.
He spent the month with his weakening mother, every day his heart was being rendered by the state his mother was in. Her appearance was withering at a pace visible to the naked eye. Though she maintained her gentle smile, she would run her hand through her son's hair and pinch his cheek.
"You made it Link. I am so proud of you, my son. I am so happy for you. Please be happy."
With tears streaming down his face, Link listened to his mother's last words.
The funeral was held within the week. The King who now considered Link as the most important asset in his kingdom, saw fit to use this opportunity to further ingratiate himself with the Legendary mage. He offered to take care of the final rites, he also offered him the Land of Ferde. One of the largest domains within his domain, and while not very fertile, it was rich with magical energy and mostly coastal.
Link accepted the offer for what it was, a way to appease him and to keep him linked to the Kingdom. He agreed and had a few contractors travel there to build the city. He paid for it with the loot he took through his years of war.
Speaking of war, Link returned to the frontlines with a vengeance. He used the realm of darkness as a source of outlet for misplaced aggression. The war ended soon after.
After celebrating this great victory, Link retreated to his territory and built his Mage tower. It quickly became the premier school of magic and magical research in the world. Link delved almost entirely into research and development for magic. He created many spells, spells used to better the lives of the common folk, and revolutionised the world for the better. He created arrays that can help reduce blood loss, reduce infection, and diagnostic terminals, etc… He made sure that none other shall lose their mother because of inadequate medical equipment, or priests availability.
He also created barriers, weather changing rooms, cleaning arrays, he also developed some military weapons, though those were few and far between. Link mostly focused on the civilian aspect of improvement.
He made sure that while he grew in fame during wartime, his legacy is in the improvement of the quality of life for the human race. Unfortunately, he died while developing a transportation array that will connect the country instantly.
Link Morani had died that day, with no family, friends or anything of the sort.
Link Granger was born soon after, he was blessed once more with a kind and beautiful mother, and was doubly graced with a caring and attentive father. There was no war. He also experienced for the first time, the beauty that is friendship.
This life was a thousand times better than his last one simply by attaining that which he lacked all his previous life. Of course, he was still coming to terms with what it means to have friends and not just an ally. He is getting better at it, every day.
Because of the new relationships he has with his year mates, especially Rose, he laughs a little more, cries a lot less, and smiles more often. It took a while, but he finally adapted to the idea of friendship, and that hole that had accompanied him unawares for most of his previous life, is now replaced by warmth and affection.
It is this very warmth that is the cause of his thunderous expression. People were avoiding him, and even Rose was worried for him, as for the first time his visage is not one of calm serenity, but of actual rage. Soon the school will know the reason.
His parents were just attacked.
It was an exhausting day at the ministry. Everyone would agree if you were to spend too much time with that bumbling idiot of a minister you would feel mentally drained at the end. Here he was before the chimney in the ballroom. Two armchairs with the most intricate of designs on the handles. A flowery pattern mingled along the edges of one of them, and if one were to pay close attention to the flowers, one might notice faint lines running in between them, a vague representation of Ley-Lines that run through the Earth; a subtle show of power. The other was blunter in its display of power. Imagery of dragons roaming unopposed in the sky, conquering all that lay before them.
Seated on them, the Lord and Lady of House Malfoy. Sipping from an exquisite crystal wine glass, an expensive brand of wine. The very best from the hearth of France, fermented in the best conditions with barrels made from elder trees. So expensive that even the Malfoy family would only drink from it once a week. Of course, other families wouldn't be able to afford it once a year.
Every end of the week, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy would seat themselves on these very thrones/chairs, and immerse themselves in the euphoric feeling of drinking such smooth wine. Of course, it isn't just the taste that makes this wine so valuable. The process of fermentation allows the wine to become a form of inferior elixir. It won't increase your magic reserves, but it can replenish them. Also, the flow of magic triggers incredible sensations in the heart of all beings, especially those of a magical kind.
Truly, the French Champs d'Arc was worthy of contending with England's very own Ogden's Firewhiskey. Though, in Lucius' not so humble opinion, the wine added a certain elegance to it that the English spirit lacked. After all, even students are able to buy firewhiskey. But only the true elite were able to savour this phenomenal wine.
Though they were in the midst of their few true pleasures, Narcissa asked if he read the letter from Draco. Sighing, Lucius nodded. It seems it's back to business.
The contents of the letter were rather simple. Draco described his encounters with the muggle-born that has caused him some problems since last year. Honestly, his son can't even handle a single measly mudblood, how is he going to become a lord when he grows up?
However, the more they read, the more the Malfoy parents understood the seriousness of the situation. A Mudblood is breaking tradition, daring to prove himself so advanced that he is given the option to graduate early. A Privilege not seen since the time Merlin himself walked these halls. Even the dark Lord did not obtain such prestige.
He must be nipped at the bud, can't have him cause an upheaval. His mere presence is already reaching the ears of the masses. Soon the muggle-borns will see him as a source of pride and a potential member of the wizengamot. The first of their kind.
It will be the biggest disruption of tradition to ever grace the magical community since the time half-bloods were first allowed to attend the prestigious political body.
This mudblood will accomplish something that even the great Albus Dumbledore couldn't. It must not be allowed to happen. As purebloods, it is their prerogative to intervene before such a travesty may occur.
"I have had the boy investigated for some time now. This mudblood was already considered the smartest mage of his generation. I also suspect that he is the one in possession of the artefact I intended to use against the Weasley's. Merely the fact that he meddled with my plan, he deserves to die. But now this, I believe something must be done, he must learn his place. Luckily, plans are already in motion."
Nodding absentmindedly, Narcissa caught onto the last bit.
"What did you have in mind?"
"Well… I do so detest muggles."
Confused for a moment, Narcissa widened her eyes in realisation, chuckling softly.
"Can it be linked back to us?"
"No my dear, I hired a little mercenary group to do the deed. They aren't very powerful, but they are going against muggles. To tie up loose ends, they will be disposed of as soon as they accomplish their mission. I'm already preparing an illegal Portkey to deposit their bodies in the ocean."
Nodding, Narcissa relaxed once more into the chair and simply enjoyed the rest of her glass.
"Three surgeries, how can we schedule so many surgeries in one day?"
In response to this whiny complaint, Mrs Dr Granger let loose a loud laugh. It was only slightly funny because she too had 3 surgeries scheduled that day. The two Doctors were exhausted, they were looking forward to relax at home.
"It's how it's always been. Christmas makes people want to have better teeth. We can't complain too much, this is a tradition by now, we went through it many times already."
"I know, but really, we need to relax too. Let's not come tomorrow, let's take a little breather."
"As much as that is appealing, we can't. We have surgeries scheduled for tomorrow too."
*Sigh*
Slumping forward, the adult Grangers were just too tired. Had they been slightly more vigilant, they would have noticed a few people walking behind them. They were dressed weirdly, as though they were a part of some cult. Their robes were of similar colour and design, as though they were in uniform.
The couple kept treading forward, hoping to reach home and be out of the cold weather and on their warm couch, and enjoy a hot cup of tea.
"It's unfortunate that Link decided not to come this holiday, I miss him."
"I miss him too, but this is a good thing too. It means he is making some friends, and that he enjoys spending time with them. Our little boy is growing up"
"Yeah, I'm happy for him. But I still miss him."
Dan brought his arm around his wife in a gesture of comfort, still unaware of the 6 people tailing them. They did however notice the 4 that came up ahead of them, out from the alley, and just stood in their way.
Alarmed, Dan and Emma started walking backwards, hoping to avoid confrontation with the muggers.
Unfortunately for them, the 6 that were tailing them surrounded them in that brief moment of shock. The two Doctors eyes were wide with fear now that they realised they had nowhere to go.
The group of ten forced the two into the Alleyway, away from all prying eyes.
"We don't want any trouble. We can give you our wallets, just let us go. At the very least let my wife go"
Dan tried to be brave. Futile as it is, he had to take the chance to let his wife live. They can't leave Link on his own. One of them had to take care of him.
The 'muggers' burst out in loud, malicious laughter.
"What do we need muggle money for?"
"Muggle? You're wizards?" Emma gasped, eyes wide in realisation.
"That's right" one of them, he seems to be the leader, replied.
"Then why are you here? We didn't do anything"
"Ha! If you want to blame someone, blame your son. We are here to silence you; so that we get to him."
Eyes narrowed, the Granger parents stopped being afraid. As though they were never afraid, their backs straightened, their gaze sharpened, and the mouth curled in a snarl.
"You keep away from our son" They growled out.
The love of a parent is truly a wondrous thing to behold. Danger means nothing in the face of their protective instincts. It is a magic in of its own.
Stunned at first, the mercenary wizards were incredulous. Where did these muggles get their courage from? Then, they were enraged. How dare these lowly muggles dare demand things of them.
"You know, we were going to end this quickly. One spell and poof simple death. But you just angered us. We're going to play a bit now. Break their bones." That last bit was directed to his subordinates. They were only too eager to start.
Immediately, their wands were pointed towards the two muggles.
"This is going to hurt, a lot" smirking, one wizard cast a simple cutting hex towards the two.
Fate works in mysterious ways. Simple everyday decisions influence the future every day. Sometimes without even realising it. Sometimes it is obvious, take a step to the left and a car brushes your sides going through right where you were. Sometimes, it's less so, like drinking three mouthfuls of water in the morning, which made you go to the bathroom for slightly longer, which made you a few seconds 'late', so you speed up a little more in your commute, which catches the attention of a cop. The butterfly effect.
Had the mercenaries stayed professional and cast the killing curse immediately, their targets would be dead and no one the wiser until a few months later. But due to their anger, they cast a normal spell instead of an unblockable unforgivable.
Link is a genius for more than just academic and magical prowess. His strategic mind was the bane of his enemies in his previous life. Now, it was used to provide protection to his loved ones.
As soon as the spell left the wand, it was detected by the two bracelets Link had enchanted for his parents. A shield sprung up first, blocking the spell, surprising all present. The shock provided ample time for the portkeys to activate, taking 2 seconds to do so. Dan and Emma suddenly found themselves in their home. Link set-up wards around the house as well. Once the wards sensed the emergency portkey, they slammed shut and would only open once Link made it there.
The mercenaries trying to get to the location of the portkey were bounced back from the wards, preventing their apparition. Cursing, they fled to their safe house for the time being. They had to leave the country soon. They failed the contract.
It took a few seconds before they realised what happened. Once they did, Dan and Emma collapsed onto each other and slumped onto the couch. Relief flooded their system, tears streamed down their cheeks. It was a close encounter with death, and they had lived mostly peaceful lives.
"How… How did we get here?" Emma asked, slowly getting out of her shock.
"I'm not sure, but I think it has something to do with Link. I think I saw our bracelets glow for a second."
"You mean, our son was able to create something like this?" Her eyes were wide in disbelief, but then it melted into immense pride. She may not know how difficult the entire process was, she just knew that Link did something amazing.
The third function of the bracelet was something they did not notice yet, as it sent a distress signal along with coordinates to Link.
In fact, at this moment our resident genius was making his way out of the Hogwarts grounds so that he can apparate home. He had to make sure everything was fine.
Link had just made it out of the large doors of Hogwarts, wanting to exit the premises so that he could get to his parents. Just as he made it outside, Rose caught up with him. She was looking at him with worry, this was the first time she saw Link express such intense emotions. And it wasn't the good kind either.
"Link... What's wrong? Talk to me, please."
"Sorry Rose, I don't have much time. I will explain later, but my parents were just attacked. I need to get to them." With that, he turned and continued running to the exit. He had to hurry.
Gasping, Rose was horrified at the news. Drs Mr and Mrs Granger were great people, she was coming to view them as her uncle and aunt, more so than her relatives that's for sure.
When she came back to her senses, intending to join Link, he was already gone. Wringing her hands, Rose thought about going to Dumbledore with the news. After some thought, it was the best course of action for the time being. So she turned and ran towards his office.
Link arrived at the house, relieved to see it still intact. He went inside and saw that his parents were fine, a bit shaken but fine.
When he was noticed, the parent Grangers embraced their only son with intense relief. They had thought that he too was attacked, but it looked like he was fine.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, we're fine. Thanks to you I believe. Your bracelet brought us here with no harm." explained Dan with a giant smile.
Relief flooded his system when he confirmed their well being. He already lost a mother once, he will not allow the death of his new parents.
"What happened?"
"We were attacked by a group of wizards I think. They caught us on our way from work." His mother was describing the scene. He was able to guess where it happened.
Finally, he excused himself.
"Mom, Dad, I'm glad you guys are fine, but I need to get back to school."
"Go on then, don't worry. We're fine, don't skip on classes."
"Will do, in fact, I have some good news I want to share with you later. I'll write it in my next letter."
Smiling, they watched Link leave.
Just as they were relaxing, they heard a knock on the door. Instantly alert, Dan cautiously opened the door, only to relax as he recognised the Headmaster of his child's school.
"Hello, Headmaster, welcome. Please come in."
"Ahh, thank you for having me." Walking in, Dumbledore was smiling gently, a twinkling in his eyes. "I'm sorry to hear that you were just attacked. One Rose Potter informed me a little while ago that Link had left school grounds to check up on you."
"I hope he isn't in any trouble?"
"Not to worry, everything is already taken care of. Speaking of, is Link here? We must be going back to Hogwarts, now that we are sure that you are fine. Worry not, I shall initiate an investigation with the DMLE, and the department of magical misuse. We will catch those that assaulted you, you can be sure of that."
"We appreciate that Headmaster. Before you leave, could you tell us how Link is doing? As you can imagine, he doesn't speak much about his experience."
"But of course Madam. Link is such a delight, a true prodigy in every sense of the word. Why not too long ago the staff and I conducted an oral examination on him and unanimously agreed to graduate Link early. He has so much potential it is extraordinary."
The Granger parents were beyond proud with all the praise heaped on their son, they were almost hyperventilating when they heard that he might graduate early. That must be what he wanted to tell them.
It took another 10 minutes before Dumbledore was free enough to return to Hogwarts.
"FUCK…[Insert explitative]"
"We had them… what the fuck happened?"
The mercenaries were currently in their safe house. They were to leave in 10 minutes. They have to get away from the ministry, they also have to get away from Malfoy. They failed the contract after all. None of them were stupid enough to provoke that man.
They had just finished packing and were gathering together to determine where they will meet after they split up. That's when they felt it. A sort of heaviness that permeated the air. Looking around in the brightly lit room, wands slowly unsheathing.
All of a sudden, the lights went out, startling them badly. They shouted in alarm and jumped into a ready battle stance. It took a few seconds, but..
"You idiots, we're wizards… someone cast a Lumos"
"Lumos Maxima" a bright light ascended, illuminating a good deal of the room. It wasn't as bright as it was before, but at least they could see.
Speaking off… they had just noticed the extra person standing before them, dressed in all black, his face covered by a hood.
"Who the fuck are you?"
The man did not respond and stayed in his position, as silent as death.
Irritated, the leader marched towards the intruder, extending his arm to grab the man.
"Are you bloody deaf? I asked who the f-"
That was as far as got. Under the bewildered gazes of the surrounding crowd, all they saw was a sword piercing through their leader's head.
Finally, the intruder moved, lifting his head, revealing his youthful face and brown eyes.
"None of you are leaving here alive."
With that whispered response, all hell rained loose.
A/N: Sorry for the late update. It was a really hectic 2 months. On top of everything, my laptop is still not repaired, which is annoying.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Thank you