The Hero Hidden Beneath A Traitor's Clothing
Summary: Voldemort is at the height of his power once more, terrorizing both the Muggle and Wizarding World's he is considered unstoppable and ruthless. There is only one person left who can truly defeat him, a boy that the world has set on a pedestal. In his seventh year the boy is now a man and single handedly taking on the dark forces but are the people truly grateful to this mysterious warrior, or will he have to depend on another girl several years younger than him and a complete stranger to believe in him.
Rated: R (for adult content and some violence)
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, the talented Ms. Rowling does, and the WB has some rights to the series. I just write for the hell of it all, so don't sue. I don't have anything worth taking me to court over.
Chapter 5: Insanity
As soon as the Headmaster started the meeting his first order of business was to introduce the new members, or in Harry's case to introduce their new informant. When introduced Harry couldn't help but cringe at the array of skeptical and outraged comments. Some people had gone so far as to point their wands at him until Dumbledore calmed them enough to set them on the table.
When Harry thought he was actually out of the blue someone had to ask him 'what exactly a ninja mage was and how he came to be one.' That frustrated him to no end and he sat groaned softly trying to protest to answering when he met equal gazes of curiosity and many were determined to probably tie him down and force it out of him.
It was then that Harry realized he was in a trap. A very bad one in fact. There were more than fifty trained wizards and witches that were all more than competent than any Death Eater he had gone up against before and he feared that if he angered them then he would be bound and stunned before he could say "Transportus Point A" to get whisked away back to his room.
//Right looks like I'm answering.\\ he gulped seeing Dumbledore urge him on.
"Well seeing as you're all curious I might as well tell you since this won't really put anyone in danger." Harry took a deep breath and thought about a clever way to say things without revealing too much to put him in danger but revealing enough to satisfy their curiosity.
"Well basically I came upon the idea of a ninja mage from a very old eastern book. It basically explained that ninja mages are warriors with a background of martial arts and other forms of self defense including offensive fighting technique whom possessive a magical potential of over a grade H that's two grades away from the highest yet its still not the highest since Merlin's magical grade was said to be off the charts. Anyways I'm getting off topic here. Mages are wizards or witches that have enough magical potential to combine magic with the physical and in retrospect to be able to complete any form of magic set in front of them. Its all a matter of understanding, reading, performing and using correct strategy to complete the work." He said hoping that was enough but Dumbledore seemed to have more questions.
//Well I can't go to hell for this, it isn't exactly a lie though it isn't exactly the truth either.\\ Harry mused to himself waiting for the next question that surely enough followed his earlier answer and he was surprised how easy it was for him to lie. Lie's just seemed to slip off the tip of his tongue these days.
"So you're saying that if there's understand and good strategy along with a high level of magical energy anyone can be a mage?" Harry realized the old bastard was egging him on milking him for all he was worth while seemingly looking innocent.
"No that's not what I'm saying, what I'm saying is that you have to be determined enough to do it. Unlike all of you that are sitting on your arses screaming Voldemorts coming run for your lives! I chose to do something about it Dumbledore, I actually chose to stop being completely helpless; see what one human being can do all by his itty-bitty self? And all of you think that you don't matter a gram!" he hissed at them bitterly.
"Unfortunately my boy some of us do not have the leisure of jumping around like kangaroos fighting off Death Eaters left and right." The old man chuckled at his own joke then continued. "You've told us what a ninja mage is now tell us how you became one, what's your magical grade then if you're able to become one so easily."
//Well I didn't say that you have to be practically the magical messiah to become a ninja mage.\\ he thought to himself and rolled his eyes making another fib up out of nowhere.
"I had teachers, both in the magical and muggle world who taught me about muggle weaponry and combat fighting. Alastor Moody as you know has helped me as well. The Others shall no be named. As for the rest I gathered from books, used reason, spied, and whatever else I needed. My magical grade if you don't mind I'd rather not discuss though." Harry said sharply indicating the time for questions was over and the time for the meeting to start was upon them already. All the while no one realized that when Harry spoke of the Others he actually meant a certain group of teachers not just random people who trained him to this level.
The Headmaster leaned back in his chair and stroked his long beard with one hand while contemplating what he just heard. For Harry it was already giving away too much for comfort but for Dumbledore it was barely enough to cover the basics.
"And why exactly do you wish to hold your magical grade from us?" the old man continued to pry but instead of sounding rude in everyone else's ears he came off like a curious child which Smoke ended up glowering at.
"Albus, I think it might be in all our interests if we didn't know. But I believe we have important business to get to at this meeting and I for one want to win this war sooner or later!" a voice barked stunning practically everyone in the room.
Harry stared wide eyed at the man who had just spoke, his jaw was hanging so far open at the moment he probably could have fit an entire baked potato in it.
Never in a million years would Harry Potter have expected his most hated teacher, former Death Eater, the bane of his existence, and his father's past rival, Severus Snape to stand up for him. The young man stood stock still staring at the former Death Eater whom at the moment sported a stubborn expression mixed with the disgusted sneer that always seemed to grace his face.
Faltering slightly as he was taken aback by the Potions Masters severity on the subject Dumbledore soon regained his senses and nodded shortly. It seemed that although the Slytherin didn't admit it, he somehow knew the ninja mage.
"Of course, you are quite right Severus, I suppose we should carry on." The old man said before progressing with the rest of the conference.
Severus Snape had absolutely no idea why he had just stood up for the ninja mage, for Potter no less! Either he had contracted a sever illness that demented the senses and befuddled ones ability to think clearly, or he was going soft in his old age.
As Harry listened to the different sides of the war as each Order member added their own piece and a new fragment of information he couldn't help but feel like he was wasting his time. All of which they were still trying to figure out or track he had either already known months or weeks before hand or had absolutely no significance in the midst of things. All in all it was a complete bore as he leaned his chin on his elbow and listened to everyone's account of things.
It seemed that each month the wizarding world was falling faster and deeper into a large black hole that centered on Voldemort and his dark army. The Ministry of magic was practically in shambles with Fudge still running things. The only reason he wasn't resigned from his position was due to the fact that everyone else feared to much for their lives to take it upon themselves, but Fudge simply could not understand such dangers and was currently being guarded by 50 of the best aurors in Britain 24 hours around the clock and 7 seven days a week.
In Harry's opinion it was a major waste of time, money, and good aurors causing them to lose little by little to the Dark Lord.
The chance to speak went around in a circle from person to person until it was finally Hermione's turn at which point Harry forced himself to listen when Dumbledore propelled a question at her seemingly out of nowhere much to the surprise of many at the meeting.
"No Miss Granger I have been rather curious about this subject for quite a bit of time and seeing as you might be one of the only people that could answer it I'd like you to answer as truthfully as possible for this may mean a lot to our business here." The old man gently said and the brunette in question nervously nodded her head as all eyes turned to her giving her everyone's undivided attention.
"Hermione, I understand that yourself and Harry Potter have been rather close friends from your first year here at Hogwarts am I correct?" Dumbledore sounded very much like an attorney prosecuting the poor girl and her eyes widened fearfully. Now knowing the truth about her friend she had to protect him but in the process seem sincere. The whole ordeal was causing her to freeze up and gulp, afraid that she may screw things up inevitably by exposing just a little more than necessary.
Seeing her reluctance and panicky attitude Harry reached his hand under the table across Snape who seemed to twitch feeling him near and as inconspicuously as possible gently took her sweaty hand in his gloved one. The touch had made her jump as she hadn't expected it but feeling the gloves she realized it was Harry supporting her and met stretched her hand out farther to him so he wouldn't have to lean in as much. Now though their joined hands were resting on the lap of a very grouchy Head of Slytherin House whom sat fuming but didn't move.
"Yes Professor Harry, and I along with Ron have been friends since first year." She answered finally finding the courage.
"Good, good." The old wizard murmured before going on. "Well then, several students and teachers have noticed him acting quite peculiar since the beginning of his fifth year. He has been known to disappear, he has changed quite a bit over the space of these two years and his studies have improved greatly. We fear it very suspicious and are only looking out for Mr. Potter's safety if you know anything it would be greatly appreciated." Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled in their own mysterious way as he gazed imploringly at her.
Harry silently glowered at the man squeezing Hermione's hand reassuringly as if trying to send over the appropriate answer to this question. He himself if asked that would have been greatly tempted to shout, //Care about me my arse! The day you start caring is the day Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon treat me better than Dudley who in turn will become my new best friend! Go wank yourself you pathetic old codger.\\ In his mind that was exactly what was being replayed over and over again at the moment.
"Well of course he'd act differently." Hermione frowned at them all and put on her best impression of Mcgonagal looking like she was scolding little children. "He saw one of his school mates die that summer, he saw Voldemort resurrected! Why shouldn't he be affected? And then after that you still sent him to those muggle relatives that not only harbor a very strong case of hatred toward him but also abused and starved him?! And you expect him to be happy and dandy again!?" she nearly screamed herself hoarse and managed turning red in the face, red enough that she could have out a Weasley to shame.
All around everyone sat quietly feeling guilty in their own but the girl was far from finished.
"You expect him to live a stress free and happy life with people putting the weight of the world on his shoulders expecting him to defeat Voldemort while not even you yourself Professor Dumbledore can do it. You expect him to be all chipper with everyone watching him like a hawk? And I can't believe you don't expect him to be upset if he knows less about his past than a mere stranger does. Year after year you refuse him the truth and it hurts him! He's been lost for so long Professor he just wants to find a place where he belongs and you aren't helping matters any, none of you are, and I'll admit that I haven't helped either."
By now Hermione had released his hand and stood up with tears rolling down her cheeks. That was probably the most caring thing anyone had ever said about him and Harry wasn't unaffected either. Leaning back in his chair he took in a shaky breath. It was only luck that she found out who Smoke really was because without that luck Harry Potter might have been the next suspect number one since Hermione didn't exactly put all her trust in him before either.
Leaning over a little Snape leered at him and hissed close to his ear. "You are one lucky bastard you know that Potter?"
"That I am." Harry answered softly. "That I am."
"Sooner or later your luck will run out Potter." Harry's eyes widened and he turned his head slightly to the right and hissed back to seemingly no one.
"Shut up! I don't need this from you, not right now at least so leave me be."
Snape stared at him as if he had gone mad and the young Gryffindor didn't blame him. Talking to an invisible person could easily put him into St. Mungos, the insanity ward probably right next to the Longbottoms. Luckily Snape was the only one who heard.
"Potter, are you sure all your marbles are in tact?" The man leaned in and whispered cautiously.
"Don't worry I'm fine Professor." He quipped back still staring toward his invisible contact.
Ever so slowly the figure Harry had been looking at started receding with a satisfied smirk on its face until it became transparent and melted into the stonewall disappearing until a later time.
The meeting had gone off without another hitch after that. Everyone had thought best to leave both the ninja mage and Harry Potter unmentioned and barely even paid either him or Hermione any attention fearing they would be reprimanded like children again.
While Harry had told them of the information he received everyone stared in awe at him. Some of what he said they simply wouldn't believe. It seemed so far fetched that the man was telling them of events that would occur weeks in advance when most of their information was almost as late as the birth of Merlin.
"I'm telling you that the Death Eaters will attack heedless of how much you argue Mr. Weasley." Harry said in a strangled voice toward Bill Weasley who sat stunned but vehemently shook his head and refused to believe a word the mage said.
"What proof do you have that they'll be attacking Gringotts? It's too heavily guarded and secure for them to even consider such a thing. Tell us where you get all this nonsense from?"
Although Bill Weasley the eldest of the Weasley children did not realize it but that was nearly the last straw for Harry, no one would believe him and frankly he was getting sick of it.
A loud echo resounded through the room and the sound of wood cracking met everyone's ears as Harry slammed a fist down on the table making a large crack in the hard wood.
"You don't believe me? Fine then it doesn't matter! Lose this war, suffer, die, let others suffer and die but I won't. How do you think I always get to the fights so fast? I know things in advance and it isn't your place to ask me how I get my information or from where. So now if you'd excuse me it looks like I won't be coming back here since you all trust me as far as you could throw a Hippogriff."
Despite the situation Sirius couldn't help but snort trying to muffle his laughter when a mental picture of someone like Bill Weasley trying to throw a Hippogriff over his shoulder. Particularly old Buckbeak whom he had returned to Hagrid just last year after finding him a little too much of a burden. To say the least the half-giant had been ecstatic when he caught sight of the Hippogriff and nearly broke down into a loud wave of tears. It was a tender site indeed.
It had been an hour since Harry with a burst of anger and a tremendous amount of energy he thought he wasted tearing the ruins of Beaxbatons away did he rip through the anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards on Howarts and teleport himself to his room in Gryffindor Tower where instead of just shredding his uniform he used his pendant to transform back. From there he quickly raced down to the Hospital Wing carefully avoiding everyone in his way until he reached the room Gabrielle stayed in.
It seemed for privacy Madame Pomfrey had given her a separate room instead of a curtained away bed. It had taken him a few minutes to find it but when he reached the room opening it a little and peeking in to make sure no one else was present he found Gabrielle sitting up right in a chair in front of a small mirror above a sink that stood beside her bed. She was trying to groom her hair as best she could without a brush and only her hands, the only problem was that her hair was still matted due to the fact that she hadn't had a shower since the day her school collapsed. At least they had been able to get all the dirt and blood out of it.
'Knock, knock, knock.' He tapped the door lightly with his knuckles waiting for her to acknowledge him, which she did, although with a bit of a jump as she was surprised by the disturbance.
Turning to face him her face broke into a smile and she shifted in her chair so she was now facing the door and invited the Gryffindor in.
"So?" she asked slightly worried. "How'd the meeting go?"
"Not to well." He hesitated looking around a little awkwardly before stiffly moving over to the bed and sitting down by her chair and explained everything that had gone on in a sullen tone showing his annoyance and despair.
"I don't even understand." He complained quietly. "I don't understand how I'm building power so fast, I don't understand how I'm able to do things others can't." he trailed off as if lost in a memory, his bright green eyes glazed over and sat staring at her for moments before shaking his head and continuing now even quieter than before.
//He's so quiet\\ the blonde thought sympathetically. //Almost as if he's afraid to raise the dead.\\
Little did she know how right she was in her one thought Gabrielle got up feeling stronger now and sat by him nudging him with her forehead against his shoulder before sitting up straight and tugging at him.
"What is it Gabby?"
"Lean against me." She told him with a commanding tone that he didn't even try to argue with and instead lightly leaned against her chest, his ear pressed against the spot above her heart where he could hear its rhythmic thump. Carefully Gabrielle leaned back bringing him with her and let him lean his head against her just like her sister would to her.
"Tell me, tell me what's wrong Harry." But he didn't answer; he just stared at the corner of the room by the basin Gabrielle had been sitting in front of earlier. He was gazing so fixedly at that spot that the blonde could almost believe there was something there that she couldn't see. But what?
"Harry." she whispered trying to get him to look at her or offer some sort of response. "Harry, you're scaring me." She said and her voice shook when she noticed his lips moving and forming words but never speaking them. Then finally she grew impatient and snapped. "Harry!"
"What!?" he half snapped back startled recovering from his daze and apologized quietly for scaring her like that.
"It's fine, but what were you looking at?"
"No more questions." The Gryffindor begged and buried his face in her hair feeling comfortable beyond belief. Being embraced this way was soothing and something rare altogether. Of course there have been times where Hermione had forgotten completely of her suspicions when he walked by miserably and was immediately drawn into one of her warm hugs but that wasn't what he was feeling. Hermione was almost like a sister even with all the distrust that had gone on between them. And even the lovers he'd shared his bed with didn't give him this amount of tranquility.
"I just want to rest for now." He murmured yawning and hugged her around the waist still using her chest as a pillow and nodded off into deep sleep.
"Of course Harry." She whispered so softly that she wasn't sure she had even uttered a sound herself. Planting a kiss on his cheek she stroked his smooth hair closing her own eyes and letting slumber overtake her and leaving all her worries behind.
"I'm telling you that there's something wrong with him! I know you're blinded by the fact that your perfect godson is an angel but haven't you ever seen him act a little strange?!" The tallest of the three men standing in an empty hallway yelled at his arch nemesis.
"I don't know what you're talking about Snape! Harry is perfectly fine! And I'd appreciate it if you keep your hooked nose out of it." Sirius Black yelled on the verge of leaping on the other man and most likely choking him to death. And indeed that's what he would have done if Remus wasn't holding him back.
"Sirius, Severus, calm down please and we might be able to talk like civilized people." The calmest of the three said gently but firmly enough to get his point across.
"But Moony," the ex-convict whined. "He thinks Harry belongs in a loony farm."
"Personally I believe you belong in a loony farm as well Black." The Slytherin sneered and rolled his eyes as Remus once again had to restrain his friend form leaping on him. As the lyncanthrope tried to calm and restrain the animagi they suddenly heard a hushed voice down the corridor and quiet footsteps.
Curious to find out whom it was Snape pulled all three of them into an alcove behind a large tapestry depicting a hunting scene.
"What are you doing?" Sirius hissed obviously not hearing the noise down the hall and immediately having Remus clamp a hand over his mouth and shush him.
When the person got closer it became apparent it was a male and it almost seemed like he was talking to himself. They all listened closer as the person approached and managed to make out a few sentences.
"But honestly dad how am I supposed to bewitch a time turner to take me back almost about 20 years?! And since when did you become an expert in it?" There was a pause where only footsteps could be heard getting closer to each other and by then all three confirmed that who ever this young man was, he needed proper treatment right away.
"Sounds like a bit of a psycho doesn't he? Talking to his dad when there's no one there." Sirius whispered and all three momentarily forgot their argument and nodded in agreement listening as the person went on.
"Really? How did you and Sirius get a time turner and why? I mean saving mum's cat from being eaten by one of Hagrids pets is a bit extreme isn't it? You could have just gotten her another cat." The young man again said and in that instant Sirius and Remus both stared wide-eyed at each other mouthing //Harry\\ with astonishment.
"Potter?" Snape asked in a hushed whisper and they both nodded. "I told you he belonged in the insanity ward."
"No." Remus said quietly as if thinking about it. "We never told him any of that and only Sirius and myself know about that happening. Don't get me wrong, it really is strange to hear him talking about things he should know but also to himself but I actually think someone is there."
"Have you gone insane to Lupin? Am I the only one who has a grain of sanity left? The boy could have gotten the information from a different source you never know, especially with his resources." Snape said meaning the fact that he knew too much from an unknown source.
But this time it was Sirius who had looked pensive and made them quiet down so he could here what else his godson was saying.
"Dad you and I both know that I'm not going to go ask the Others for assistance. Salazar already bugs the hell out of me especially when he showed at the meeting and Snape heard me talking to him. Do you know how much trouble I'll be in if someone finds out? They'll all think I'm a dark wizard and they'll throw me right into Azkaban without question."
"He's mad." Snape said with a huff and clenched his fist peaking out the tapestry to see Harry walking down closer to them.
"No, I really think there's someone there, more importantly I think James really is there in some essence, maybe in spirit." Remus told them staring almost willing his eyes to see whatever was there.
"Lupin your one dog biscuit short of a whole bowl." The greasy haired Potions master sneered and was elbowed abruptly in the ribs by Sirius who was trying to catch more of what Harry was saying.
"Severus." Remus snapped clearly annoyed. "I'm guessing you weren't paying to much attention to his words. Remember he said if anyone found out he was talking to imaginary people that he would be thrown into Azkaban for practicing the dark arts?" A short nod from the other man signaled that he had heard.
"Well I bet you that if Sirius changed into Padfoot and walked up there he'd feel something, like a cold rush around him." Getting blank looks from the other two men he continued explaining. "Dogs and cats can often sense spirits and other worldly beings before humans can. And I'm willing to bet that our old Prongs has come for a visit." He whispered quite excited now and just as a look of awe passed by Sirius' face he transformed in a flash and ran out of their hiding place straight at his godson before either men could hold him back.
"So you're telling me he can see and speak with the dead?" Snape had a look of unbelieving on his face but the lyncanthrope nodded watching his friend silently.
Hearing the padding of a dog's paws hitting the stone floor and the slight panting Harry looked up and nearly attacked in surprise when me caught sight of Padfoot racing to him and making an abrupt half right by his feet.
"Sirius?" he asked uncertainly. "What the hell are you doing here and why are you whining, why don't you just change back and tell me what's the matter?"
It seemed Remus had been right all along as soon as he had gotten nearer Sirius had felt that cold rush like a chilly wind sweeping across him and the hair at the back of his neck prickled. The dog inside him sensed this and didn't like it at all as he started whining and fighting his instincts to run away.
There was no doubt in the animagi's mind that his old friend James was there at that very moment and with a 'pop' he changed back and faced his godson.
"Where is he?"
Looking around but only finding the nearly transparent figure standing near him and his godfather in front of him who surely couldn't see the figure he shrugged playing innocent.
"Where's who Siri?"
"You know better than that Harry," he nearly growled and looked to the spot where he had seen the young man facing while talking to the unseen spirit. "I heard you talking." He stated flatly. "James is here isn't he? I felt him as Padfoot." Seeing that the young man was about to protest he begged him with his eyes to tell him his friend was there.
"Yes." Harry admitted closing his eyes in a defeated manner. He was letting things out to quickly. He wasn't being careful at all anymore.
Maybe it was the fact that he felt all was a lost cause and he started giving up in a way. It had only been a week since he was found to be the mage Smoke by several people and now something that could be fatal to not only him but also others around him had come into the clearing. He was thankful though that it was only Sirius that knew, at least he thought it was only Sirius but he didn't even know where the man came from much less if he was alone. At that moment Harry would have given anything for the ring he had given to Gabrielle, at least then he would have seen the track prints.
"God Harry." His godfather nearly choked. "Why didn't you tell me? Where is he? What's he saying? How come you can see spirits?" the man was absolutely bursting with curiosity and the young Gryffindor was being flooded by questions that he couldn't and wouldn't even if he was permitted to answer.
"I'm sorry Siri, I hope you'll forgive me." He whispered and raised his wand pointing it directly at his godfather whom had a very bewildered expression glued to his face.
"Obli--" he started to say the incantation for the a rather strong memory charm when he was stopped by another two voices crying out
"WAIT!!!" It was Remus and Snape. The world must have been ending to see Snape with the two Gryffindors, hiding out together no less and standing up for his godfather. "Harry don't! He deserves to know!" Remus cried.
//Great!\\ he thought //Lets all have a party and invite the Dementors while we're at it.\\
"I should go, your mother might have some information about Voldemort by now." The figure next to him said brushing a strand of unruly black hair from his eyes and looking straight at his with his blue eyes, framed by the familiar thick-rimmed black glasses that used to perch Harry's nose as well.
"No, stay just a little longer." He whispered looking back sadly at his godfather and put down his wand seeing the desperate look the man was giving him. "I think that some friends have missed you and I'm sure it would put this particular one at ease to hear a few choice words from you."
Reluctantly the figure nodded and with a heavy sigh Harry led them all to an empty classroom deep inside the abandoned part of the castle where hardly anyone went anymore.
Neither of them just happened to notice a solitary figure watching them from around the corner and as soon as they were out of site the figure nodded to itself and left.
*************************************AUTHOR'S NOTE*********************************
Hello all! Well I've finally updated and I hope you like this chapter. For some reason I fear I am moving to fast and I'm leaving you in the dark around a few things so if you have any complaints please feel free to express them. I hope you have something good to say about the story too.
REVIEW PLEASE!!!!!!
Summary: Voldemort is at the height of his power once more, terrorizing both the Muggle and Wizarding World's he is considered unstoppable and ruthless. There is only one person left who can truly defeat him, a boy that the world has set on a pedestal. In his seventh year the boy is now a man and single handedly taking on the dark forces but are the people truly grateful to this mysterious warrior, or will he have to depend on another girl several years younger than him and a complete stranger to believe in him.
Rated: R (for adult content and some violence)
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, the talented Ms. Rowling does, and the WB has some rights to the series. I just write for the hell of it all, so don't sue. I don't have anything worth taking me to court over.
Chapter 5: Insanity
As soon as the Headmaster started the meeting his first order of business was to introduce the new members, or in Harry's case to introduce their new informant. When introduced Harry couldn't help but cringe at the array of skeptical and outraged comments. Some people had gone so far as to point their wands at him until Dumbledore calmed them enough to set them on the table.
When Harry thought he was actually out of the blue someone had to ask him 'what exactly a ninja mage was and how he came to be one.' That frustrated him to no end and he sat groaned softly trying to protest to answering when he met equal gazes of curiosity and many were determined to probably tie him down and force it out of him.
It was then that Harry realized he was in a trap. A very bad one in fact. There were more than fifty trained wizards and witches that were all more than competent than any Death Eater he had gone up against before and he feared that if he angered them then he would be bound and stunned before he could say "Transportus Point A" to get whisked away back to his room.
//Right looks like I'm answering.\\ he gulped seeing Dumbledore urge him on.
"Well seeing as you're all curious I might as well tell you since this won't really put anyone in danger." Harry took a deep breath and thought about a clever way to say things without revealing too much to put him in danger but revealing enough to satisfy their curiosity.
"Well basically I came upon the idea of a ninja mage from a very old eastern book. It basically explained that ninja mages are warriors with a background of martial arts and other forms of self defense including offensive fighting technique whom possessive a magical potential of over a grade H that's two grades away from the highest yet its still not the highest since Merlin's magical grade was said to be off the charts. Anyways I'm getting off topic here. Mages are wizards or witches that have enough magical potential to combine magic with the physical and in retrospect to be able to complete any form of magic set in front of them. Its all a matter of understanding, reading, performing and using correct strategy to complete the work." He said hoping that was enough but Dumbledore seemed to have more questions.
//Well I can't go to hell for this, it isn't exactly a lie though it isn't exactly the truth either.\\ Harry mused to himself waiting for the next question that surely enough followed his earlier answer and he was surprised how easy it was for him to lie. Lie's just seemed to slip off the tip of his tongue these days.
"So you're saying that if there's understand and good strategy along with a high level of magical energy anyone can be a mage?" Harry realized the old bastard was egging him on milking him for all he was worth while seemingly looking innocent.
"No that's not what I'm saying, what I'm saying is that you have to be determined enough to do it. Unlike all of you that are sitting on your arses screaming Voldemorts coming run for your lives! I chose to do something about it Dumbledore, I actually chose to stop being completely helpless; see what one human being can do all by his itty-bitty self? And all of you think that you don't matter a gram!" he hissed at them bitterly.
"Unfortunately my boy some of us do not have the leisure of jumping around like kangaroos fighting off Death Eaters left and right." The old man chuckled at his own joke then continued. "You've told us what a ninja mage is now tell us how you became one, what's your magical grade then if you're able to become one so easily."
//Well I didn't say that you have to be practically the magical messiah to become a ninja mage.\\ he thought to himself and rolled his eyes making another fib up out of nowhere.
"I had teachers, both in the magical and muggle world who taught me about muggle weaponry and combat fighting. Alastor Moody as you know has helped me as well. The Others shall no be named. As for the rest I gathered from books, used reason, spied, and whatever else I needed. My magical grade if you don't mind I'd rather not discuss though." Harry said sharply indicating the time for questions was over and the time for the meeting to start was upon them already. All the while no one realized that when Harry spoke of the Others he actually meant a certain group of teachers not just random people who trained him to this level.
The Headmaster leaned back in his chair and stroked his long beard with one hand while contemplating what he just heard. For Harry it was already giving away too much for comfort but for Dumbledore it was barely enough to cover the basics.
"And why exactly do you wish to hold your magical grade from us?" the old man continued to pry but instead of sounding rude in everyone else's ears he came off like a curious child which Smoke ended up glowering at.
"Albus, I think it might be in all our interests if we didn't know. But I believe we have important business to get to at this meeting and I for one want to win this war sooner or later!" a voice barked stunning practically everyone in the room.
Harry stared wide eyed at the man who had just spoke, his jaw was hanging so far open at the moment he probably could have fit an entire baked potato in it.
Never in a million years would Harry Potter have expected his most hated teacher, former Death Eater, the bane of his existence, and his father's past rival, Severus Snape to stand up for him. The young man stood stock still staring at the former Death Eater whom at the moment sported a stubborn expression mixed with the disgusted sneer that always seemed to grace his face.
Faltering slightly as he was taken aback by the Potions Masters severity on the subject Dumbledore soon regained his senses and nodded shortly. It seemed that although the Slytherin didn't admit it, he somehow knew the ninja mage.
"Of course, you are quite right Severus, I suppose we should carry on." The old man said before progressing with the rest of the conference.
Severus Snape had absolutely no idea why he had just stood up for the ninja mage, for Potter no less! Either he had contracted a sever illness that demented the senses and befuddled ones ability to think clearly, or he was going soft in his old age.
As Harry listened to the different sides of the war as each Order member added their own piece and a new fragment of information he couldn't help but feel like he was wasting his time. All of which they were still trying to figure out or track he had either already known months or weeks before hand or had absolutely no significance in the midst of things. All in all it was a complete bore as he leaned his chin on his elbow and listened to everyone's account of things.
It seemed that each month the wizarding world was falling faster and deeper into a large black hole that centered on Voldemort and his dark army. The Ministry of magic was practically in shambles with Fudge still running things. The only reason he wasn't resigned from his position was due to the fact that everyone else feared to much for their lives to take it upon themselves, but Fudge simply could not understand such dangers and was currently being guarded by 50 of the best aurors in Britain 24 hours around the clock and 7 seven days a week.
In Harry's opinion it was a major waste of time, money, and good aurors causing them to lose little by little to the Dark Lord.
The chance to speak went around in a circle from person to person until it was finally Hermione's turn at which point Harry forced himself to listen when Dumbledore propelled a question at her seemingly out of nowhere much to the surprise of many at the meeting.
"No Miss Granger I have been rather curious about this subject for quite a bit of time and seeing as you might be one of the only people that could answer it I'd like you to answer as truthfully as possible for this may mean a lot to our business here." The old man gently said and the brunette in question nervously nodded her head as all eyes turned to her giving her everyone's undivided attention.
"Hermione, I understand that yourself and Harry Potter have been rather close friends from your first year here at Hogwarts am I correct?" Dumbledore sounded very much like an attorney prosecuting the poor girl and her eyes widened fearfully. Now knowing the truth about her friend she had to protect him but in the process seem sincere. The whole ordeal was causing her to freeze up and gulp, afraid that she may screw things up inevitably by exposing just a little more than necessary.
Seeing her reluctance and panicky attitude Harry reached his hand under the table across Snape who seemed to twitch feeling him near and as inconspicuously as possible gently took her sweaty hand in his gloved one. The touch had made her jump as she hadn't expected it but feeling the gloves she realized it was Harry supporting her and met stretched her hand out farther to him so he wouldn't have to lean in as much. Now though their joined hands were resting on the lap of a very grouchy Head of Slytherin House whom sat fuming but didn't move.
"Yes Professor Harry, and I along with Ron have been friends since first year." She answered finally finding the courage.
"Good, good." The old wizard murmured before going on. "Well then, several students and teachers have noticed him acting quite peculiar since the beginning of his fifth year. He has been known to disappear, he has changed quite a bit over the space of these two years and his studies have improved greatly. We fear it very suspicious and are only looking out for Mr. Potter's safety if you know anything it would be greatly appreciated." Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled in their own mysterious way as he gazed imploringly at her.
Harry silently glowered at the man squeezing Hermione's hand reassuringly as if trying to send over the appropriate answer to this question. He himself if asked that would have been greatly tempted to shout, //Care about me my arse! The day you start caring is the day Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon treat me better than Dudley who in turn will become my new best friend! Go wank yourself you pathetic old codger.\\ In his mind that was exactly what was being replayed over and over again at the moment.
"Well of course he'd act differently." Hermione frowned at them all and put on her best impression of Mcgonagal looking like she was scolding little children. "He saw one of his school mates die that summer, he saw Voldemort resurrected! Why shouldn't he be affected? And then after that you still sent him to those muggle relatives that not only harbor a very strong case of hatred toward him but also abused and starved him?! And you expect him to be happy and dandy again!?" she nearly screamed herself hoarse and managed turning red in the face, red enough that she could have out a Weasley to shame.
All around everyone sat quietly feeling guilty in their own but the girl was far from finished.
"You expect him to live a stress free and happy life with people putting the weight of the world on his shoulders expecting him to defeat Voldemort while not even you yourself Professor Dumbledore can do it. You expect him to be all chipper with everyone watching him like a hawk? And I can't believe you don't expect him to be upset if he knows less about his past than a mere stranger does. Year after year you refuse him the truth and it hurts him! He's been lost for so long Professor he just wants to find a place where he belongs and you aren't helping matters any, none of you are, and I'll admit that I haven't helped either."
By now Hermione had released his hand and stood up with tears rolling down her cheeks. That was probably the most caring thing anyone had ever said about him and Harry wasn't unaffected either. Leaning back in his chair he took in a shaky breath. It was only luck that she found out who Smoke really was because without that luck Harry Potter might have been the next suspect number one since Hermione didn't exactly put all her trust in him before either.
Leaning over a little Snape leered at him and hissed close to his ear. "You are one lucky bastard you know that Potter?"
"That I am." Harry answered softly. "That I am."
"Sooner or later your luck will run out Potter." Harry's eyes widened and he turned his head slightly to the right and hissed back to seemingly no one.
"Shut up! I don't need this from you, not right now at least so leave me be."
Snape stared at him as if he had gone mad and the young Gryffindor didn't blame him. Talking to an invisible person could easily put him into St. Mungos, the insanity ward probably right next to the Longbottoms. Luckily Snape was the only one who heard.
"Potter, are you sure all your marbles are in tact?" The man leaned in and whispered cautiously.
"Don't worry I'm fine Professor." He quipped back still staring toward his invisible contact.
Ever so slowly the figure Harry had been looking at started receding with a satisfied smirk on its face until it became transparent and melted into the stonewall disappearing until a later time.
The meeting had gone off without another hitch after that. Everyone had thought best to leave both the ninja mage and Harry Potter unmentioned and barely even paid either him or Hermione any attention fearing they would be reprimanded like children again.
While Harry had told them of the information he received everyone stared in awe at him. Some of what he said they simply wouldn't believe. It seemed so far fetched that the man was telling them of events that would occur weeks in advance when most of their information was almost as late as the birth of Merlin.
"I'm telling you that the Death Eaters will attack heedless of how much you argue Mr. Weasley." Harry said in a strangled voice toward Bill Weasley who sat stunned but vehemently shook his head and refused to believe a word the mage said.
"What proof do you have that they'll be attacking Gringotts? It's too heavily guarded and secure for them to even consider such a thing. Tell us where you get all this nonsense from?"
Although Bill Weasley the eldest of the Weasley children did not realize it but that was nearly the last straw for Harry, no one would believe him and frankly he was getting sick of it.
A loud echo resounded through the room and the sound of wood cracking met everyone's ears as Harry slammed a fist down on the table making a large crack in the hard wood.
"You don't believe me? Fine then it doesn't matter! Lose this war, suffer, die, let others suffer and die but I won't. How do you think I always get to the fights so fast? I know things in advance and it isn't your place to ask me how I get my information or from where. So now if you'd excuse me it looks like I won't be coming back here since you all trust me as far as you could throw a Hippogriff."
Despite the situation Sirius couldn't help but snort trying to muffle his laughter when a mental picture of someone like Bill Weasley trying to throw a Hippogriff over his shoulder. Particularly old Buckbeak whom he had returned to Hagrid just last year after finding him a little too much of a burden. To say the least the half-giant had been ecstatic when he caught sight of the Hippogriff and nearly broke down into a loud wave of tears. It was a tender site indeed.
It had been an hour since Harry with a burst of anger and a tremendous amount of energy he thought he wasted tearing the ruins of Beaxbatons away did he rip through the anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards on Howarts and teleport himself to his room in Gryffindor Tower where instead of just shredding his uniform he used his pendant to transform back. From there he quickly raced down to the Hospital Wing carefully avoiding everyone in his way until he reached the room Gabrielle stayed in.
It seemed for privacy Madame Pomfrey had given her a separate room instead of a curtained away bed. It had taken him a few minutes to find it but when he reached the room opening it a little and peeking in to make sure no one else was present he found Gabrielle sitting up right in a chair in front of a small mirror above a sink that stood beside her bed. She was trying to groom her hair as best she could without a brush and only her hands, the only problem was that her hair was still matted due to the fact that she hadn't had a shower since the day her school collapsed. At least they had been able to get all the dirt and blood out of it.
'Knock, knock, knock.' He tapped the door lightly with his knuckles waiting for her to acknowledge him, which she did, although with a bit of a jump as she was surprised by the disturbance.
Turning to face him her face broke into a smile and she shifted in her chair so she was now facing the door and invited the Gryffindor in.
"So?" she asked slightly worried. "How'd the meeting go?"
"Not to well." He hesitated looking around a little awkwardly before stiffly moving over to the bed and sitting down by her chair and explained everything that had gone on in a sullen tone showing his annoyance and despair.
"I don't even understand." He complained quietly. "I don't understand how I'm building power so fast, I don't understand how I'm able to do things others can't." he trailed off as if lost in a memory, his bright green eyes glazed over and sat staring at her for moments before shaking his head and continuing now even quieter than before.
//He's so quiet\\ the blonde thought sympathetically. //Almost as if he's afraid to raise the dead.\\
Little did she know how right she was in her one thought Gabrielle got up feeling stronger now and sat by him nudging him with her forehead against his shoulder before sitting up straight and tugging at him.
"What is it Gabby?"
"Lean against me." She told him with a commanding tone that he didn't even try to argue with and instead lightly leaned against her chest, his ear pressed against the spot above her heart where he could hear its rhythmic thump. Carefully Gabrielle leaned back bringing him with her and let him lean his head against her just like her sister would to her.
"Tell me, tell me what's wrong Harry." But he didn't answer; he just stared at the corner of the room by the basin Gabrielle had been sitting in front of earlier. He was gazing so fixedly at that spot that the blonde could almost believe there was something there that she couldn't see. But what?
"Harry." she whispered trying to get him to look at her or offer some sort of response. "Harry, you're scaring me." She said and her voice shook when she noticed his lips moving and forming words but never speaking them. Then finally she grew impatient and snapped. "Harry!"
"What!?" he half snapped back startled recovering from his daze and apologized quietly for scaring her like that.
"It's fine, but what were you looking at?"
"No more questions." The Gryffindor begged and buried his face in her hair feeling comfortable beyond belief. Being embraced this way was soothing and something rare altogether. Of course there have been times where Hermione had forgotten completely of her suspicions when he walked by miserably and was immediately drawn into one of her warm hugs but that wasn't what he was feeling. Hermione was almost like a sister even with all the distrust that had gone on between them. And even the lovers he'd shared his bed with didn't give him this amount of tranquility.
"I just want to rest for now." He murmured yawning and hugged her around the waist still using her chest as a pillow and nodded off into deep sleep.
"Of course Harry." She whispered so softly that she wasn't sure she had even uttered a sound herself. Planting a kiss on his cheek she stroked his smooth hair closing her own eyes and letting slumber overtake her and leaving all her worries behind.
"I'm telling you that there's something wrong with him! I know you're blinded by the fact that your perfect godson is an angel but haven't you ever seen him act a little strange?!" The tallest of the three men standing in an empty hallway yelled at his arch nemesis.
"I don't know what you're talking about Snape! Harry is perfectly fine! And I'd appreciate it if you keep your hooked nose out of it." Sirius Black yelled on the verge of leaping on the other man and most likely choking him to death. And indeed that's what he would have done if Remus wasn't holding him back.
"Sirius, Severus, calm down please and we might be able to talk like civilized people." The calmest of the three said gently but firmly enough to get his point across.
"But Moony," the ex-convict whined. "He thinks Harry belongs in a loony farm."
"Personally I believe you belong in a loony farm as well Black." The Slytherin sneered and rolled his eyes as Remus once again had to restrain his friend form leaping on him. As the lyncanthrope tried to calm and restrain the animagi they suddenly heard a hushed voice down the corridor and quiet footsteps.
Curious to find out whom it was Snape pulled all three of them into an alcove behind a large tapestry depicting a hunting scene.
"What are you doing?" Sirius hissed obviously not hearing the noise down the hall and immediately having Remus clamp a hand over his mouth and shush him.
When the person got closer it became apparent it was a male and it almost seemed like he was talking to himself. They all listened closer as the person approached and managed to make out a few sentences.
"But honestly dad how am I supposed to bewitch a time turner to take me back almost about 20 years?! And since when did you become an expert in it?" There was a pause where only footsteps could be heard getting closer to each other and by then all three confirmed that who ever this young man was, he needed proper treatment right away.
"Sounds like a bit of a psycho doesn't he? Talking to his dad when there's no one there." Sirius whispered and all three momentarily forgot their argument and nodded in agreement listening as the person went on.
"Really? How did you and Sirius get a time turner and why? I mean saving mum's cat from being eaten by one of Hagrids pets is a bit extreme isn't it? You could have just gotten her another cat." The young man again said and in that instant Sirius and Remus both stared wide-eyed at each other mouthing //Harry\\ with astonishment.
"Potter?" Snape asked in a hushed whisper and they both nodded. "I told you he belonged in the insanity ward."
"No." Remus said quietly as if thinking about it. "We never told him any of that and only Sirius and myself know about that happening. Don't get me wrong, it really is strange to hear him talking about things he should know but also to himself but I actually think someone is there."
"Have you gone insane to Lupin? Am I the only one who has a grain of sanity left? The boy could have gotten the information from a different source you never know, especially with his resources." Snape said meaning the fact that he knew too much from an unknown source.
But this time it was Sirius who had looked pensive and made them quiet down so he could here what else his godson was saying.
"Dad you and I both know that I'm not going to go ask the Others for assistance. Salazar already bugs the hell out of me especially when he showed at the meeting and Snape heard me talking to him. Do you know how much trouble I'll be in if someone finds out? They'll all think I'm a dark wizard and they'll throw me right into Azkaban without question."
"He's mad." Snape said with a huff and clenched his fist peaking out the tapestry to see Harry walking down closer to them.
"No, I really think there's someone there, more importantly I think James really is there in some essence, maybe in spirit." Remus told them staring almost willing his eyes to see whatever was there.
"Lupin your one dog biscuit short of a whole bowl." The greasy haired Potions master sneered and was elbowed abruptly in the ribs by Sirius who was trying to catch more of what Harry was saying.
"Severus." Remus snapped clearly annoyed. "I'm guessing you weren't paying to much attention to his words. Remember he said if anyone found out he was talking to imaginary people that he would be thrown into Azkaban for practicing the dark arts?" A short nod from the other man signaled that he had heard.
"Well I bet you that if Sirius changed into Padfoot and walked up there he'd feel something, like a cold rush around him." Getting blank looks from the other two men he continued explaining. "Dogs and cats can often sense spirits and other worldly beings before humans can. And I'm willing to bet that our old Prongs has come for a visit." He whispered quite excited now and just as a look of awe passed by Sirius' face he transformed in a flash and ran out of their hiding place straight at his godson before either men could hold him back.
"So you're telling me he can see and speak with the dead?" Snape had a look of unbelieving on his face but the lyncanthrope nodded watching his friend silently.
Hearing the padding of a dog's paws hitting the stone floor and the slight panting Harry looked up and nearly attacked in surprise when me caught sight of Padfoot racing to him and making an abrupt half right by his feet.
"Sirius?" he asked uncertainly. "What the hell are you doing here and why are you whining, why don't you just change back and tell me what's the matter?"
It seemed Remus had been right all along as soon as he had gotten nearer Sirius had felt that cold rush like a chilly wind sweeping across him and the hair at the back of his neck prickled. The dog inside him sensed this and didn't like it at all as he started whining and fighting his instincts to run away.
There was no doubt in the animagi's mind that his old friend James was there at that very moment and with a 'pop' he changed back and faced his godson.
"Where is he?"
Looking around but only finding the nearly transparent figure standing near him and his godfather in front of him who surely couldn't see the figure he shrugged playing innocent.
"Where's who Siri?"
"You know better than that Harry," he nearly growled and looked to the spot where he had seen the young man facing while talking to the unseen spirit. "I heard you talking." He stated flatly. "James is here isn't he? I felt him as Padfoot." Seeing that the young man was about to protest he begged him with his eyes to tell him his friend was there.
"Yes." Harry admitted closing his eyes in a defeated manner. He was letting things out to quickly. He wasn't being careful at all anymore.
Maybe it was the fact that he felt all was a lost cause and he started giving up in a way. It had only been a week since he was found to be the mage Smoke by several people and now something that could be fatal to not only him but also others around him had come into the clearing. He was thankful though that it was only Sirius that knew, at least he thought it was only Sirius but he didn't even know where the man came from much less if he was alone. At that moment Harry would have given anything for the ring he had given to Gabrielle, at least then he would have seen the track prints.
"God Harry." His godfather nearly choked. "Why didn't you tell me? Where is he? What's he saying? How come you can see spirits?" the man was absolutely bursting with curiosity and the young Gryffindor was being flooded by questions that he couldn't and wouldn't even if he was permitted to answer.
"I'm sorry Siri, I hope you'll forgive me." He whispered and raised his wand pointing it directly at his godfather whom had a very bewildered expression glued to his face.
"Obli--" he started to say the incantation for the a rather strong memory charm when he was stopped by another two voices crying out
"WAIT!!!" It was Remus and Snape. The world must have been ending to see Snape with the two Gryffindors, hiding out together no less and standing up for his godfather. "Harry don't! He deserves to know!" Remus cried.
//Great!\\ he thought //Lets all have a party and invite the Dementors while we're at it.\\
"I should go, your mother might have some information about Voldemort by now." The figure next to him said brushing a strand of unruly black hair from his eyes and looking straight at his with his blue eyes, framed by the familiar thick-rimmed black glasses that used to perch Harry's nose as well.
"No, stay just a little longer." He whispered looking back sadly at his godfather and put down his wand seeing the desperate look the man was giving him. "I think that some friends have missed you and I'm sure it would put this particular one at ease to hear a few choice words from you."
Reluctantly the figure nodded and with a heavy sigh Harry led them all to an empty classroom deep inside the abandoned part of the castle where hardly anyone went anymore.
Neither of them just happened to notice a solitary figure watching them from around the corner and as soon as they were out of site the figure nodded to itself and left.
*************************************AUTHOR'S NOTE*********************************
Hello all! Well I've finally updated and I hope you like this chapter. For some reason I fear I am moving to fast and I'm leaving you in the dark around a few things so if you have any complaints please feel free to express them. I hope you have something good to say about the story too.
REVIEW PLEASE!!!!!!