The characters are the property of someone else except the original ones.

This is the final chapter of this one, but if you let me know how much you like it, I may do another based on this one. Geneaux

CHAPTER 10: BLOODLINES REVEALED

Having slept for several hours, Harry awoke feeling refreshed and took immediately to his task of waking everyone for dinner. He managed to get all the boys up and about with surprisingly little effort. The boys groggily went to their wardrobes and hurriedly dressed.  They were all anxious to see who would be joining them for dinner, most of all Dudley.

Harry, Ron, and Seamus all donned their scarlet robes with Griffyndor crests, and Dudley wore a new green robe. They headed for the Great Hall in relative silence as they thought back to all that had happened over the past couple of days. Dudley had displayed an incredible proficiency with magic, a giant spider had attacked them, and Dudley had saved them from the same spider with the help of Tarot, his magical familiar. They had come to Hogwart's weeks early to help Dudley catch up to other first years, and nothing had seemed to go as planned. All of them thought that it was more than fitting that Harry and Dudley are related.

After a few minutes, they entered the Great Hall, which looked much different than it had at lunch. It was decorated with flags of different colors and well lit. There were several tables pushed together and set for dinner, and the formal silver and goblets were in place. They were the first to arrive, so they took seats together and waited for the professors and guests to arrive while helping themselves to pumpkin juice.

Within moments, a group of adults began to enter the hall from the front. Led by Professor Dumbledore, they formed a line at the head of the table.

Smiling brightly, Professor Dumbledore looked at the boys and told them, "Please stand and introduce yourselves." Each boy took his turn, and they all took their seats. Professor Dumbledore then waved at the guests as they proceeded to present themselves to the boys.

"Bartemis Crouch, Ministry of Magic, Office of International Cooperation."

"Professor Severus Snape, Head of Slytherin House and Hogwart's Potions Master."

"Professor Alastor Moody, former and new Defense Against Dark Arts teacher."

"Lizza Argknot, Ministry of Magic, Department of Mysteries, Head Assistant Minister of Magic."

Ambassador Pontius Levan, British Secret Service, Muggle Affairs Liaison."

"Now that we all know each other," Professor Dumbledore began, "Let us enjoy a fine meal."

Soft music began to play as food appeared on the table. The adults talked quietly as they ate, occasionally glancing at Dudley and Harry who winced slightly as they noticed, and wondered what was being said about them. The boys also spoke quietly to each other about what this whole dinner was leading to.

"What's with the guy who has that weird extra eye?" Dudley questioned.

"That's Professor Moody. That eye sees everything. I've seen him take it out before, now that's a strange experience." Harry answered.

"Well I can't believe how many people are here from the Ministry." Ron chided.

"I know," Seamus cut in, "Something major is about to happen, and I'm guessing that Harry and Dudley are right at the center of it."

Dudley began to look very nervous as he asked, "What could they possibly want with Harry and me?"

"I think they are going to test the extent of your powers, and then plan an attack on You-Know-Who!" Ron said.

"That's silly Ron!" Harry retorted. "Voldemort is no where to be found. Even if we did find him, he would be so weak that they wouldn't need us to kill him. Besides, they are all here just to help Dudley get caught up. I knew it would take more than just Professor McGonagall and Hagrid to get Dudley on track."

The boys hadn't realized how loud the conversation had gotten until Professor Snape said, "You actually are both correct, but we will kindly discuss the plan with you after dinner." Professor Snape cast at Harry an almost pleasant look as he returned to his meal.

The dinner started to wind down as dirty dishes began to disappear from the table. The boys finished their dessert quickly as Professor Dumbledore stood and led the other adults to the front of the hall. With a wave of his wand he conjured a set of very comfortable sitting chairs, which were all taken by the adults, save four. The boys took the remaining seats, which were arranged in a wide circle so that everyone seemed to be facing each other.

Professor Dumbledore grinned as he called the meeting to order, "I have assembled you all tonight because we will need to discuss something of an historic milestone that has transpired here at Hogwart's today. Mr. Dudley Dursley has displayed a use of magic in the defense of others that should be well beyond his abilities. Similar acts by Mr. Harry Potter. Mr. Ronald Weasley, and Mr. Seamus Finnegan were also witnessed during the last term. While we are aware that these students did not know that their power was as great as it is, the Ministry has deemed it necessary that special recognition be awarded.

To that end, I will give to you Ms. Lizza Argknot."

"Thank you Professor. If you will all stand, I will be brief. Mr. Dudley Dursley, you are awarded the Order of Merlin, third class. Aside from Professor Dumbledore, you are the youngest recipient of this award. It is awarded to a wizard or witch who demonstrates extraordinary talent in wielding magic that results in saving life. You will find that being ranked at such an early point in your career at Hogwart's will give you much incentive to improve. On behalf of the Ministry of Magic, I congratulate you."

Dudley took the medal, which was gold and had shapes of stars and crescents etched into it, shook the hand Ms. Argknot, and returned to his seat. He looked at Harry and smiled as tears fell from Harry's eyes in a show of deep joy for his cousin. Dudley reached out and grabbed Harry's hand, and they embraced each other while seated.

"Mr. Ronald Weasley and Mr. Seamus Finnegan," Ms. Argknot continued as Ron and Seamus stood and approached her. "For your display of magical prowess, and for your courage in defense of life, putting yourselves in front to protect the one who would come to save you in the end, you two are also awarded the Order of Merlin, fourth class. On behalf of the Ministry of Magic, I congratulate you."

Ron and Seamus took their medals and sniggered as they returned to their seats. Harry and Dudley shook their hands as Harry was called next.

"Mr. Harry Potter. You have shown remarkable power, courage, knowledge, and selflessness since you were first returned to our world. You have met and exceeded each challenge in your life with the grace, respect, and honor of Merlin himself. We have known for years that a child produced from the bloodlines of Potter and Evans would be incredibly powerful. I must tell you that I am personally grateful for all that you have done to restore order to our world. Many wizards with considerably less power than you possess have caused more harm than you have caused good.

 I am sure that you are wondering why so many Ministry officials are present here tonight, and frankly, if not for security issues and short notice, more would surely have attended. There are family and friends who are waiting to celebrate with you in Hogsmeade directly following these proceedings.

There are three awards to be presented to you Mr. Potter. First, you are hereby granted your diploma from Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Everyone gasped as Harry was handed the diploma. Harry was too deep into shock to do anything except take the diploma. At this point even Professor Dumbledore happily wept. Professor McGonagall sobbed loudly and blew her nose into a scarlet handkerchief as Ms. Argknot continued.

"Secondly, you are hereby made a Professor of Magic. If you agree, you are hereby named the teacher of the first ever; Magical Mysteries course to be taught at Hogwart's this term.  Thirdly, and I believe most importantly, it is with great pleasure and the sincerest admiration that I present to you on behalf of Cornelius Fudge and the entire Ministry of Magic, you are the youngest recipient ever to receive it; the Order of Merlin," she paused to gather herself through red, teary eyes then said as she cleared her throat, "First class!"

Harry thought he would faint as he accepted the large medal, and everyone in the room cheered loudly. Dudley ran up to hug him, as did Ron and Seamus. Even Professor Snape patted him on the back, as all the room wiped their eyes and returned to their seats.

Harry remained standing, as he knew that he would be required to say something.  "I um, I don't really know what to say. I try to always do the right thing. When you enjoy doing the right thing, it just doesn't seem all that special. When you enjoy doing the right thing, you can be passionate about it. When you are passionate about it, you use it to care for people. When you care about people, you have the greatest power in the world. I know that if it wasn't for my friends and Dudley, my family, I would not be here today. So thanks for all of this attention, and thanks for letting me care for you. This means so much, and I hope that I can live up to it."

Again the crowd roared as Harry took his seat. Professor Dumbledore announced that a small party had been organized at The Three Broomsticks for the four boys. After a few more minutes of congratulations, they all headed out of the Main Hall and walked to Hogsmeade.

All four of them were proudly carrying their medals, and Dudley was beaming. " I wish mum could see this."

"She will, Dudley. Aunt Petunia will be very proud of you. I know I am." Harry said as Dudley and he lightly punched each other playfully.

"I can't believe I got an order of Merlin for casting a stunning spell!" Ron laughed sarcastically.

"I know. I mean I understand them giving me one, but you? They must have a bunch too many and needed to unload an extra." Seamus said as they all laughed.

They reached the Three Broomsticks and heard a lot of noise coming from inside. As they entered, a booming cheer met them. They looked around and each of them noticed people they didn't expect to see.  Seamus saw both of his parents and ran into their hugs as they cried and repeatedly congratulated him.  Ron's entire large family was present. Mrs. Weasley's eyes poured tears as the family engaged a huge group hug.  Harry spotted Hermione Granger and ran to greet her when the Weasley's caught site of them and added them both into an already gigantic group hug.

Dudley was feeling a bit lonely.  He knew some of these people, but not well enough to really celebrate with him. He turned to walk outside for air and walked into the last person he expected to see. Professor Dumbledore had apparated directly in his path. The professor gave Dudley a warm hug and then stepped to the side. Dudley couldn't help crying loudly as he saw his mother, and ran into her open arms.

"I didn't think you would be here, mum! Did you hear what happened? I love you! Thanks so much for coming. I know it must be hard for you." Dudley said as his mother just hugged him more tightly.

"Great job Dudders! Professor Dumbledore has told me everything, and I am so proud of you. I've been told that you have already surpassed all the first years in just a couple of days." Aunt Petunia finally spoke.

"I thought you would be uncomfortable in a place like this mum." Dudley said.

"I am a little, but once I accepted that you were going to continue the Evans' magic bloodline, I became agreeable to the small amount of magic in me." Petunia confessed. "Now let's get inside and enjoy the party. It's for you, you know.

Dudley, Petunia, and Professor Dumbledore all went inside. Everyone was having a great time talking, congratulating, and dancing.  Butterbeer was iced down in large tubs all over the place, and as the night went on, so did the party. Music played loudly as odd couples paired off and danced. Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall, Ambassador Levan and Ms. Argknot, Professor Snape and Hermione were just a few.

After a couple of hours Petunia told Dudley that she had to be going. The two hugged for what seemed like hours, then Petunia kissed Dudley on the forehead. She looked at him sternly, with tears in her eyes, and said, "Goodbye my son. Please know that your mum's love for you will never die."

She walked over to say goodbye to Harry, who was dancing with Hermione, kissed him on the forehead and turned to Professor Dumbledore. They apparated away with a pop.

Professor Dumbledore returned shortly and announced that due to the late hour, he should return the students to Hogwart's. After a few goodbyes, the boys gathered around Professor Dumbledore and were back outside the main gate of Hogwart's in a pop.

"Mr. Dursley, there will be other students arriving in a few days. We have made arrangements to start the term a few days early. You will need to get plenty of rest over the next few days, as there are challenges awaiting you that will require your full attention. I ask that you refrain from doing magic during this time." Professor Dumbledore said as he turned to Harry. "I would like a word with you, Mr. Potter. In my office if you please."

Harry nodded and waved at the others as they headed to Gryffindor Tower. Harry and the professor approached Dumbledore's office, and went inside.  Sitting in front of the fireplace, Professor Dumbledore began, "Harry, we have reason to believe that Dudley's power is more than coincidence. While we cannot be certain which house he will be sorted to, we feel that it will give us some valuable insight into the validity of these suspicions. You will be given quarters in Gryffindor Tower that you will hopefully find adequate. I ask that you please look for anything about your cousin that reminds you of anyone. Please come to me the moment that you do. Keep in mind Harry, that it will just be a feeling you have. I do not know that your cousin is in any real danger, but something is not as it should be. I will need you help if I am to get to the bottom of it."

"Professor, I already have a feeling about Dudley's powers.  I suspect that you already knew that." Harry replied as Professor Dumbledore smiled back at him.  "Each time I see Dudley doing magic, for a second I can almost see someone else standing there instead. But the person I see is very familiar, and it can't be who I think it is, can it?" Harry asked with a puzzled look.

"Call me Albus, Harry, after all you are a professor now. And it depends on who you think you see." Dumbledore responded.

"Right. Well I think I see Salazar Slytherin. Pro… Albus, is it possible that the heirs of Gryffindor and Slytherin are descendants of the same bloodline?" Harry asked using the Headmaster's name uneasily.

"Yes, I do think that it is possible. It may be likely considering what we know about your bloodline. You don't know this, but after you all but killed Lord Voldemort, the Ministry did extensive research into your bloodline.  We found that Cedric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin were of the same magical bloodline.  The Slytherin bloodline dated much further back of course, but a Slytherin fathered a child with an Evans' descendant. As you are indeed heir to Gryffindor, you are aware that you are well within the Gryffindor family. Because you are male, you likely got that from your Potter blood. If Mr. Dursley is sorted into Gryffindor, we will know that we are wrong, and we will have to seek out another explanation for his amazing magical power."

"I see. So we can only wait until the sorting to know for sure?" Harry asked.

"That would be best for now, Harry. I would ask that you do not discuss this with anyone. I am telling you because you are now a staff member, and I try to keep the staff informed at all times. You may return to the tower for some rest, and we will meet tomorrow morning after breakfast. Please join the rest of the staff at nine. Goodnight Harry."

"Goodnight Pro… uh, Albus." Harry replied as he turned to leave.

A few days later, Hogwart's was buzzing with the arrival of all the students. Harry sat with the teachers as Professor Dumbledore made the usual speech, complete with warnings about off- limit areas of the school, and Professor McGonagall readied the chair for the sorting. All the first time students formed a line at Professor McGonagall's direction, and the Sorting Hat was brought forward. Applause was abundant as the Hat began another variation of his customary poem.

Once there lived four great wizards,

  Whose names you'll come to know,

  Who built this school with vision,

  Seeds of knowledge they meant to sow.

  Who to sort when they were gone?

   Gryffindor made me,

 So everything inside your head

  This Sorting Hat will see.

 

I could put you in Gryffindor,

If you're brave and strong of heart,

Or perhaps the House of Hufflepuff

Where hard work and justice set you apart.

It could be wise old Ravenclaw,

For extra special minds,

Where those who crave great knowledge

Can always find their kind.

Last, not least, is Slytherin who,

Will achieve at any length,

To slither like a snake sometimes,

Is quite a handy strength.

So place me firmly about your head,

I'll know what it is I see,

I am the all-knowing Sorting Hat,

Come see where you will be.

Professor McGonagall called all the names, and students were sorted into different houses. Each group happily accepted its new members until all names were called except one.  Harry and Dudley looked equally nervous as Professor McGonagall called Dudley's name. The Hall went silent since everyone had heard of The Famous Harry Potter and his Golden Cousin, Dudley.

Dudley took his seat, and Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat firmly on his head. The Sorting Hat made a knowing, silly face, and for the first time in the history of sorting, he sighed. Everyone began to look around the hall not knowing the significance of the Sorting Hats decision. The Sorting Hat gave another sigh, and then gave this year's final rhyme.

I sense in you much power,

Which may well spell your end,

I should expect no less I'd say,

From HARRY POTTER'S KIN!

Gryffindor? Ravenclaw?

In both you would fit in,

But since you're certainly His heir,

You belong in SLYTHERIN!

The Hall erupted with applause as Dudley headed for the Slytherin table. Professor Snape applauded as though he had gained a new best friend.  Draco Malfoy gave Dudley a wicked sneer as Dudley took a seat directly across from him.  Harry noticed this, and hoped secretly that Dudley would not fall in with Malfoy's lot, or Snape's, for that matter.

Professor Dumbledore called for food, and the banquet began.

Harry and the other Professors enjoyed their meals as they considered what would happen with the heirs of Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor possibly combining forces. Professor Dumbledore looked unusually disturbed, and Harry was anxious for the banquet to end so he could discover why. Harry had lost his appetite, and when he caught Professor Dumbledore's eye, he nodded towards the side door leading to the teacher's meeting room. Dumbledore excused himself from the table, and followed Harry into the meeting room.

"What is it Professor?" Dumbledore asked cordially.

"Call me Harry. We are colleagues now." Harry said playfully as Dumbledore smiled and nodded. "You looked almost as disturbed by the sorting as I did, Albus. I was wondering if you'd like to share with me why."

"Harry, you should spend as much time with your cousin as you can over the coming hours. I had hoped that I would not have to tell you this. It will be quite hard for you to accept, but you should know. The power that Dudley possesses should not be. It is a wonder that his body has managed to contain it all of this time. You see, Harry, the heir of Slytherin is cursed. Salazar Slytherin died shortly after leaving Hogwart's because his ambition led him to Dark Magic. As you are aware, the effect of mixing Dark Magic and Light Magic is very explosive. Salazar intended to master this said mixing, and very nearly did. As he approached success, he used Black Magic to charm his bloodline. He meant to ensure that his heirs would also be able to control opposing magical forces. The charm was effective, and only Salazar himself could reverse it. In the beginning, I had hoped that after many generations, Salazar's heirs would find a way to maintain the power they inherited by doing only Light Magic. That was a mistake on my part. The Dark Magic is inherent to them. It is magic of their bloodline. I know now that doing Light Magic is the catalyst for their self-destruction. By my calculations, the next Light Magic Dudley does will kill him."

Harry felt tears forming, and he looked at Dumbledore as if he had just predicted Harry's death.

 "I have contacted Dudley's parents and told them of this news. They have agreed through their grief, that Dudley should decide how to spend his final day." Dumbledore said through his own tears.

"Is there no way to save him, Albus? I would do anything." Harry asked sadly.

"There is one way, Harry, and you are the only one who can make it work. You must cast a spell that draws all of Dudley's Dark Magical Blood into yourself. We would then have to pray that you are strong enough to resist its pull. I believe that you are, but it is strictly Dudley's choice. Without this Dark blood, he will have no magic left."

"Does Dudley know all of this?" Harry asked.

"Yes, and he is waiting for you in your quarters.  I gave him access, knowing you would do the noble thing and try to help him. I have also placed charms on your quarters to alert me in the event that Dudley will not allow you to help him. Be warned that he is still in possession of his wand, and that he could end his own life at any time he chose. There would be nothing left of his body, but he may linger in spirit if he chose to. I'm sorry Harry." Dumbledore hugged Harry, and turned to leave the room.

Harry ran to his quarters, and found Dudley playing with Tarot in front of the fireplace.

"Hiya Harry!" Dudley exclaimed with excitement unfitting a dying person. "I can tell by your red eyes, that you've heard the news."

"Dudley, please…" Harry began, "I can take the curse from you. I am not Slytherin's heir, so I would not be affected. Please let me do this for you. The way we've gotten close this last week has felt better than years. You will always be the first family that I could honestly say I love. I don't know if I can bear to lose you." Harry began to sob heavily.

Dudley continued to smile as he took Harry by the hand and led him to the small couch in the middle of the room. They sat holding each other for hours as Harry continued to sob and plead for Dudley to accept his offer of help. Finally, Dudley pulled away from Harry. Harry realized that Dudley' mind was made up.

"I appreciate everything you've done Harry. I know that you would do anything to keep me here, but I will not put you at any risk just to stay. I have learned so much from you. You have changed me. I am now a better person. I will love you always, not as my cousin, but as my brother. I want you to know that I am not afraid of death. It isn't as final as some people would like to think. Harry, please take care of Tarot for me. He has told me that you are the only one who can make him feel close to me. I love you Harry, goodbye for now, brother."

"Goodbye Dudley. I will always remember you with love, brother."

Dudley then pointed his wand at himself and said softly, "Incendio."

His body began to glow with soft flames as he smiled at Harry, and said with a ghostly voice as soft as rose petals, " Remember my smile Harry. It will sustain you. Know that there is an indomitable will within both of us, connected to our love for each other, that ensures that the books of our lives are never completely written."

Harry watched as Dudley's body disappeared like a dying flame. He cried aloud as Ron, Seamus, Hermione, and Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape all arrived and comforted him.

Later, they all held up glasses of pumpkin juice to Dudley Dursley. Harry toasted Dudley's memory saying, "May all who knew him realize that his true magic lie in his ability to hope with child-like naivety, that in the end, only the love you share with others will truly last."

                                                               FINIS