Harry Potter, Heir of Gryffindor
The Awakening
As Harry passed through the final band of darkness separating the two worlds he focused himself upon the tasks of fully and completely integrating everything he had learned into even the most basic structures of his soul and completely merging with his body's magical core so that he could take full advantage of his newly acquired abilities. His first task, however, was of a more personal nature. He sorted through and stored all of his memories of the times he had spent with his parents, Sirius, his children and all of the other people he had met during his Maturo Auctus and permanently placed them in a special chamber deep within his soul where he could access them at will but where they would be safe from any and/or all intrusions.
As he completed the last of these tasks he slowly became aware of several magical, spiritual, intellectual and emotional signatures that seemed to be hovering around his physical body. Two of these signatures were standing, huddled in a distant corner, discussing the health of their patient: One was concerned with the neurological implications of such a traumatic experience while the other, a matronly soul, was concerned with the overall health of her charge. Near the foot of one of the beds were two more: One, a motherly sort, was a bundle of nerves, trying to solve several problems at once while racing from one to the other, never settling long enough on any of them to consider all of the possible solutions while the other, her partner in life, was calmer and more reserved. He seemed to be trying to get his wife to calm herself and settle down long enough to think things through. The fifth soul was seated near the head of the bead: She was worried and concerned. But it seemed that years of experience had trained her to hide her emotions from the world and appear stoic and reserved for the benefit of those around her. The other two human souls were stationed outside the door to this room: They were worried, tense and concerned. One was worried that he might be in the process of losing the last link to his childhood while the other was concerned for her friend and terrified that she might lose someone she considered to be a very good friend, even though they had only known each other a short time. Both of them were good at hiding their emotions but Harry could tell that they were nervous wrecks and that his current condition was tearing them apart. These two were guarding this room and protecting its occupants from all but a few comers.
The two remaining souls were not exactly human but were no less important as each of them had a deep and abiding love for Harry that they could not deny no matter their circumstance. One of these souls belonged to a proud, yet humble, snowy owl who was currently perched on the metal rails that formed the footboard of the bed next to his own. She was intently watching her friend, master and companion, fretting for his health and welfare. The other soul was that of an excitable house elf who feared that he might lose his master and friend, a young, powerful and great wizard who insisted upon treating him as his equal and friend and who refused to treat him as anything less than human. This elf was nervously pacing the length of the room.
The next thing Harry experienced was the sudden shock and pain as his body's physical senses returned to his conscious awareness. The pain was so intense and excruciating that he wanted to scream out but he had not yet regained control of his physical abilities so he had no choice but to wait it out.
Gradually the pain subsided and he became aware of his physical surroundings: He was lying in a bed; the room was warm yet cool and smelled of a variety of medicinal potions. The sheets were soft yet crisp. The sounds came next and the most prominent of there were the hushed conversation being carried on at the foot of his bed and the worried hoot of an owl nearby. "What's going to happen to him, Arthur," a woman's voice whispered urgently. "He has no family now. I don't know how he survived; but You-know-who is sure to try again. What if he never wakes up? Oh, Arthur! What's going to happen?"
"Calm yourself, Molly," a man's voice said gently. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. All we can do right now is wait and hope and pray."
Slowly opening his eyes and letting them adjust to the sudden flood of light, Harry saw that everything was a blur and then remembered that in this world he needed to wear glasses to see clearly. He decided that he would have to see what he could do about rectifying that situation as soon as possible. Carefully testing his voice he hoarsely whispered, "Um, hello?"
The room suddenly fell silent. Then, in rapid succession, Arthur's voice said, "Harry;" the woman sitting next to his bed stiffened in her seat, bumping her chair against the bedside table as she turned towards him and said, "Mister Potter;" Molly's voice gasped, "Thank God;" the two people at the end of the room - the medical people - began running towards his bed; the owl hooted happily as the house elf screamed, "HARRY POTTER IS ALIVE;" and the door banged open as the two guardians ran into the room.
Harry brought his hands to his face and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. "Um, where am I," he asked.
"You're at Hogwarts." The woman next to him said.
"Where?"
"You are at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," a second man's voice said in carefully measured tones.
Suddenly Harry's mind was flooded with memories: the memories of Hagrid and the cabin at sea, the sorting hat, Ron, Hermione, Professor Quirrel and the Sorcerer's Stone, Ginny Weasly and the fiasco with Tom Riddle's diary, Quidditch, Professor Lupin, dementors, confronting Sirius Black who turned out to be his godfather, the Triwizard Tournament, the death of Cedric Diggory, Voldamort's return, his trial at the Ministry of Magic, Dolores Umbridge, Professor Snape, Sirius' death, Professor Dumbledore and the prophecy. Harry closed his eyes and groaned. "I suppose I'm in the hospital wing again, aren't I?" he said.
"Yes, Harry. You're in the hospital wing," the second man said gently. "How do you feel?"
"I don't know," Harry said honestly. "Everything seems to work," he said as he tested his arms and legs and hands and feet, "I'm . . . I . . . I don't know. It's like waking up from a long, complicated dream. I'm . . . I'm just a little lost. That's all. "What happened?"
"You were attacked," a third man's voice said happily despite the recognized seriousness of the situation.
Harry closed his eyes as he remembered the day twenty or more masked wizards had appeared out of thin air at Number Four Privet Drive. He remembered running down the street and being surrounded at an intersection. Then he remembered the blinding green lights issuing from his attackers' wands as they screamed "AVADA KEDARVA!" "How many," he asked.
"Twenty-three," the third man's voice said a bit more somberly. "Apparently the charm works, Harry, and it is powerful enough to defeat multiple Killing Curses while fending off three Cruciatus Curses. I'm sorry you had to be the one to test it," the as yet unnamed but very familiar voice said, "but at least now we know it works. The twenty who cast the Killing Curse died instantaneously. The three who cast the Cruciatus Curse were held in place until you passed out."
"The Dursleys?" Harry asked.
"Dead," the woman next to his bed said stoically.
Harry sighed resignedly. "Well, I guess that's that then. All of the blood protection is gone. How much do the papers know?"
"They know that you were attacked and they know that you survived," the woman sitting beside his bed said tiredly.
Harry suddenly recognized her voice and, turning to face the woman, said, "Professor McGonagall, how are the rest of the students?"
"They are nervous, Mister Potter. They are all very frightened and very nervous." she said as she handed him his glasses. Then, glancing at her watch, she stood up suddenly and said. "I must be off. The sorting ceremony is about to begin and Albus asked me to inform him of your status as soon as you awoke."
Putting his glasses on, Harry sat up on the edge of his bed. He felt a little dizzy at first but it soon passed. "And where do you think you are going, Mister Potter," Madam Pomfrey said sternly as she stepped in front of him, placing her hands on his shoulders to steady him and then gently push him back down.
Harry braced himself and then looked tiredly up into her eyes. "I'm sorry, Madam Promfry, but this is important. One of Voldamort's main weapons is fear. It may not be much but if I can give the students and their families even a little bit of hope by showing up at the feast tonight then that is a sacrifice I am willing to make. I may be weak and I may need help getting there but this is something I feel I have got to do."
Madam Pomfrey loosened her grip on his shoulders and looked over at the doctor from St. Mungo's for an answer, but he had none. After a lengthy pause Remus stepped forward and said, "He's right, Poppy. A part of every war is the psychology of fear and uncertainty. Right now Voldamort holds all of the cards. Anything we can do to give our people hope is worth the effort."
An unfamiliar looking man, a man who had been carefully observing him from a distance stepped forward and said, "I will have to agree with you, Mister Lupin. However, I must insist that he drink this restorative draught before going any further. My name is Doctor Francis Stone, Mister Potter, and my specialty is the neurological effects of spell damage. And I must say that I have never seen anyone come through anything even remotely similar to this in my life. You are now the only person in the history of our world to survive the killing curse, not just once but twenty-one times."
Harry looked at Dr. Stone warily then groaned. "Great. That's all I need. Next time why don't we make it a hundred and twenty-one?"
Tonks, in her natural state and with a smile plastered on her face that Harry felt sure would take more than just a crowbar to remove, stepped forward and looked him in they eye. Gripping his shoulders firmly she very nearly blubbered, "Harry Potter, don't you dare talk like that. I don't think I could stand the thought of losing you again," as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Harry grinned sheepishly then, as he began to blush with the realization as to how much his friendship really meant to the clumsy auror, said, "Don't worry, Tonks. I won't do it again unless absolutely necessary." Then, turning expectantly towards Madam Pomfrey, looked at her questioningly for several seconds until she finally gave in.
"Alright," Madam Pomfrey said reluctantly. "But I insist on accompanying you, Mister Potter."
Harry looked cautiously between the two medical professionals and said, "Fair enough." Then, looking at the vial in Dr. Stone's hand, asked, "What is it?"
"This," Dr. Stone said, "is a restorative draught that counteracts the effects of prolonged comas. But I must warn you: It makes Pepperup Potion seem mild by comparison."
Harry looked apprehensively at the vial then, closing his eyes, lifted it to his lips and drank the contents in one swift gulp. His eyes flew open and bulged as steam rose from every pore on his body, obscuring his view as a dense fog rose around him. The stench that surrounded him as the fog lifted was enough to make him gag but before he could either say or do anything he felt himself being enveloped in a refreshingly cool, soothing breeze that removed the stench and cooled and dried his skin. Looking up he saw Dobby standing on the bed across from him with a broad grin spread across his face. "Hey, Dobby," he said. "Thank you for that."
"You is most welcome, Harry," the excited house elf squeaked. "Is there anything else Dobby can do for you?"
Harry thought for a moment then said, "Er, I could do with some clothes if you have a moment."
"Dobby smiled knowingly, glad to be able to once again serve his master after fifteen long and painful days of uncertainty, and snapped his fingers. What appeared to be a freshly laundered and folded school uniform appeared on the bed next to Harry. "There is your clothes, Harry," Dobby said happily and Harry could not help but smile at his friend's obvious joy.
Looking apprehensively into Remus' eyes Harry smiled shyly and said, "Well, at least we know it works."
Tears of joy sprang into Remus' eyes as he realized that Harry was going to be all right and that his sense of humor was intact. The werewolf jumped forward, pulling Harry into a bone-crushing hug that Harry felt could easily rival one of Hagrid's rib crushers. Returning the hug, although with somewhat less vigor, Harry couldn't help but smile.
Several minutes later, after Remus, Mr. Weasley and Doctor Stone had helped Harry change into his school uniform Harry, with Hedwig on his shoulder and flanked by Tonks and Remus and closely followed by Molly and Arthur Weasley, Madam Pomfrey and Dr. Stone, followed Dobby out of the hospital wing and began walking slowly towards the Great Hall. Every so often they could hear muted cheers as the first years were sorted into their respective houses. Then, a little later, they heard the school song being sung to at least a hundred different melodies. When the last notes died away there was a brief silence.
As they entered the final leg of their journey Harry could hear Professor Dumbledore delivering his start-of-year announcements. "And finally," he said as they approached the Great Hall, "you will notice that we do not have a Defense Against the Dark Arts Instructor this year. This is due to the fact that with Voldamort's return I have decided to take this course in hand myself. I may teach a few of your classes but for the most part you will be taught by a number of people who are experts in their fields and, if I am not mistaken . . ." he said, glancing up as Harry and his entourage crossed the threshold into the Great Hall, "one or two of your peers as well.
"Ah," he said peering over his glasses at Harry and smiling in acknowledgement, "Harry. It's good to see you up and about." The Great Hall was suddenly silent as everyone turned towards Harry and his entourage. "A word, if you please. I believe the Acting Minister of Magic would like a formal statement."
"Stay close," Harry whispered to Tonks and Remus. "I get the feeling it is important for them that I enter under my own power. But stay close in case I need you. Let me do as much of it as I can on my own."
As Harry slowly walked the length of the Great Hall towards the teacher's table he picked up two additional guards as Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mad-Eye Moody stepped in behind him from their posts on either side of the enormous double doors and was supremely conscious and uneasily aware of almost everyone in the room watching his progress. He wanted to look for Ron and Hermione but was afraid that if he moved his head too fast he would lose his balance. He was so focused on walking that he didn't even hear the first claps. But as the applause grew louder he became aware of the fact that he was receiving a standing ovation from most of the students and almost every teacher. Even Professor Snape, whose mouth hung open in shock and disbelief and whose face was even paler than usual, was standing. He wasn't clapping but the look on his face was enough to tell Harry that he had earned his respect.
When they reached the teacher's table Professor Dumbledore motioned them towards the door leading to the chamber the champions had used at the beginning of the Tri-Wizard Tournament almost two years previous. Beads of perspiration began pouring down his face as he walked the final few meters to this door and as he placed his hand on its latch he whispered hoarsely, "Help!"
Tonks and Remus were immediately at his sides, supporting his weight and helping him through the door.
A few moments later Harry found himself sitting in an armed chair at the head of a long table. Dobby disappeared briefly but quickly returned with a large, steaming bowl of soup and several bagels. Winky appeared at his side moments later with a large goblet of pumpkin juice, and placed on the table before Harry.
The applause was still ringing in the Great Hall several seconds later when the door closed and Professor Dumbledore walked over and sat down in the chair nearest him and to his right. "Well done, Harry," he said softly. "They needed that more than you know. In fact, I think we all needed that."
As Harry dipped one of the bagels into the soup Madam Bones, the Acting Minister of Magic, took a seat along the left-hand side of the table, and looked at Harry with nothing but respect in her eyes. "Oh my God," she said softly. "And to think that anyone ever doubted you."
Harry took a bite from the saturated bagel in his hand and looked up at the Minister. He chewed the soggy bread slowly as he carefully weighed his options then swallowed. Then, with a sigh, said, "What would you like to know?"
Madam Bones was caught so totally off guard by the levels of maturity and experience in Harry's voice and demeanor that she didn't respond at first. Then, as if coming suddenly to her senses, turned to her assistant. "Are you ready," she asked.
The young woman, apparently Percy's replacement, unrolled a blank piece of parchment, opened a fresh bottle of ink and trimmed the tip of her quill. "Yes, ma'am," she said.
"Now, Harry," the former head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement began, "we need to know what happened on Privet Drive on August seventeenth. All we know for certain is that twenty-three wizards and witches apparated to your address that afternoon and that several seconds later three Cruciatus Curses and twenty Killing Curses were cast at an intersection near the Dursley's home. Aside from that, all we know is that when help arrived twenty known or suspected Death Eaters lay dead and that three students - who have since been expelled and sentenced to life terms at Azkaban - were being held in the grip of their own curses. What we do not know is how you, without the use of your wand, as it was still in your leg holster when the aurors arrived, were able to defeat twenty-three witches and wizards. Whatever defensive maneuver you used was so powerful that it was off the charts. No one had ever seen anything like it before. Could you please fill us in on what happened?"
With Remus' help, Harry spent the next hour describing the research they and Hermione had done on the defensive charm and its development and the events leading up to the attack. "We had only tested it against a few basic charms and curses before the attack," Harry concluded, "but since I was outnumbered and I knew they were going to try to kill me anyway I had no choice but to put the charm to the ultimate test."
Picking up the last bagel and dipping it in his soup Harry looked over at the Madam Bones and said, "I know I probably broke several laws while defending myself this summer, ma'am," Harry said, "and if you want to take me in I will go peacefully."
"No, Harry," Madam Bones said softly while shaking her head. "No. You are not going to be expelled and you are most definitely not going to go to prison. Professor Dumbledore has informed me of your circumstance and in my opinion you did what you had to do. We are here to help. You tell us what you need and we will do the best we can. But first we need to know about this charm. What are its components and how does it work?"
For the next hour Harry, again with Remus' help, described the charm he had used to defend himself against the Death Eaters. When they were finished Professor Dumbledore smiled and nodded his approval. "Well done, Harry," he said, obviously pleased. "It would seem that you, Professor Lupin and Miss Granger have solved a centuries old wizarding problem using muggle means."
"Yes," Madam Bones agreed. "This is very advanced and, I might add, very powerful magic."
"I don't know about that," Harry said tiredly, "but I do know that I would like to go over it with Professor Flitwick before we release it. I don't want all of its inner workings released just yet but as soon as we get it perfected I would like it released to the public through all media outlets."
"Good idea," Madam Bones said as Professor Dumbledore excused himself and returned to the Great Hall. "Now, Harry," she began hesitantly, "we have to figure out what to do with your guardianship."
"My what?" Harry asked, looking up in surprise.
"Your guardianship," the Madam Bones said uncomfortably. "Technically, and under the law, you are still a minor. With the Dursleys' deaths you have no legal guardian. There is no real problem so long as school is in session; but you still have two years to go. We need to find you a family."
Harry's mouth fell open and he sat in stunned silence for several seconds before he could think of anything to say. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, he began to stammer. "I . . . I . . . What am I going to do?" he asked vacantly.
Mr. Weasley, who had taken Dumbledore's seat, leaned forward and said, "Molly and I have been thinking about this and if it's alright with you, Harry, we would like to adopt you," he said carefully.
Harry, his mouth still hanging loosely open, looked over at Mr. Weasley and became aware of Mrs. Weasley who was standing behind her husband with a warm smile radiating from her face. "It's just a formality, of course," she said hopefully. "You are already almost like one of the family. And with Fred and George living in Diagon Alley we have more than enough room."
Harry closed his mouth and drank the last of his pumpkin juice. Then, after studying his hands for several seconds as he considered the possibilities and looking over at Remus who smiled encouragingly and nodded his head, he looked over at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and then over at Madam Bones. "Alright," he said softly. "But I want the records sealed and I want it to go no further than this room. Voldamort killed my parents trying to get to me. Sirius died trying to protect me from him. And his followers killed the Dursleys in an attempt on my life. I don't want anyone who doesn't have to to know about this because I don't want anyone else hurt because of me. My guess is that he already knows that he can't kill me without getting hurt himself. I don't want him hurting any more of the people I care about." Then, with a determined look in his eye punctuated his acceptance. "I want the records sealed and placed in a 'need-to-know' security vault in the most secure building on Earth. I don't want to take any chances. And as soon as Professor Flitwick and I get this charm perfected I want to be allowed to teach it to all of the Weasleys and Hermione Granger."
Madam Bones let out an explosive sight of relief, as though she had been holding her breath for several minutes. "Good," she said. "That's settled then. If there is anything else the Ministry can do for you, Harry, please do not hesitate."
Professor Dumbledore chose that moment to re-enter the room. "Most of the students have left, Harry," he said merrily. "However, it would seem that you have a loyal following and several are refusing to leave without welcoming you back personally. I believe most of them were in your study group last year."
Harry smiled and stood up. Mr. Weasley stood up as well and shook Harry's hand. "Welcome home, son," he said confidently; and Harry could feel the love in his voice.
Mrs. Weasley stepped around her husband and wrapped her arms around Harry in an embrace that told him that he was now officially a part of the Weasley family. "Welcome home, Harry," she said. "You're one of us now."
"Thank you," Harry said softly, finding it difficult not to smile stupidly. "Thank you."