Title: The Coven of Number 16, Magnolia Crescent

Author: P.L.S.

Rating: Mild chunky salsa with scoopable Fritos

Disclaimer: I own nothing really, because I could care less if you desided to take this and plaster your name on it. I write for my own enjoyment, to get rid of stereotypes in fandoms, or to fill a gap in.

Summery: Harry never got his Hogwarts letter, but he is magical. He is taken in by his best friend's mom and taught how to focus, listen to the unseen, and do yoga. Then Hogwarts finds the young spirit healer and yogi...

[Chapter Two- Passing Through the Gate]

Harry and Cameron showed up at Katrina's door right on time. It was her usual family barbecue to celebrate the summer, she was going to introduce them to her family because her cousin was bringing a few of his friends from school. Harry knocked and a short but sprightly middle aged woman answered.

Hello, we're Cameron and Harry. Cam said in a tense voice. The woman smiled.

I'm Katrina's mother, nice to finally meet you both. she said pleasantly.

So where's the Kat? asked Harry. Katrina's mother smile grew.

Fighting with her cousin. Follow me. Harry and Cam followed her to the large backyard that was filled with people. Cam spotted Kat scowling at a larger boy who had a few other boys with him at his back. Both boys soon flanked her and placed a hand on each of her trembling shoulders.

You came. Thanks, can you beat this prat up for me? she asked. Harry laughed.

No way, Kat. I'm a yogi, not a martial artist and Cam's just a reader. Harry said and Kat pouted.

But Dean is being awful to me. Cam? she looked to the lighter colored boy who was grinning.

I could give them bad fortunes or poison, but no on the beat down and besides Harry's a spirit healer, fighting would give him bad karma. Cameron said, I'm Cameron Greenglass, and this is my honorary brother, Harry Potter. Cameron introduced himself to the four boys. All four of the boys looked at Harry as if he grew another head.

Did you say Harry Potter? asked the redheaded boy. Harry sighed.

Yes, is there a problem? Cam did your mum give permission behind my back for that article to be published? Harry turned to his best friend who looked confused.

No. Maybe they heard of your awards in art or biology? Cameron suggested. Dean laughed.

No, mate, listen, Potter you, you're kind of famous and thought to be dead. explained Dean, You ever hear of Hogwarts? asked the boy. Harry frowned.

No. The only way I could be famous for anything is my yogi status or my being a faith healer. Harry said.

What if we told you we all go to a school for wizards to learn magic? asked a small rather clumsy looking boy.

Good for you, but Harry and I work through the brahman and the spirits, not magicks like those fool Earth witches and druids. Cameron said.

Yeah, Cam calls on the old spirits for his herb stuffs and reading of the signs. Harry uses brahman for his healing and other things like the hope and heart shields and blessings. Cam's mum is a brilliant dream reader and talisman maker. She's teaching me how to make talismans and charms too. Kat defended. Harry put a hand to his head.

Headache or one of those odd visions? Cameron asked as Kat ran to get a chair. Harry leaned on Cameron.

Vision. I'm going to try to block, do you have the drink? Cameron nodded as he sat Harry into the chair Kat brought. The boys all looked worried and a few adults just dismissed it all as the kids playing.

What's going on? asked Dean. Kat frowned as Harry drank an elixir that Cameron had in a hip flask.

Since I was twelve I've been having headaches, but now this presence is, ouch. Harry winced.

Mum's seen a dark shade that's been trying to drain Harry of his power. Luckily, Harry is stubborn and is so strong. Not to mention that drink is something of mine that boosts mental stamina and aides in the production of walls around his mind. Cameron finished as Kat wrapped her arms about Harry and started to chant in Latin.

Wat's she doin'? asked a boy with a thick Irish accent.

Kat can help by invoking the guardian spirits. Without her help Harry wouldn't have a chance some days. Mum does what she can, but Kat has a stronger connection because she's not his teacher. Kat?

Michael has responded. I think he wants to stay with Harry longer today. The dark one is very angry and desperate. Kat responded as she whipped away a tear.

He's not happy, he can't find me. No one can. They've looked but they think I moved with the Dursleys. Fools the lot of them. Harry said coming out of a trance.

Harry. Are you okay? asked Cam.

Sure, the Archangel is protecting me. Thanks for calling up someone so strong. Harry hugged Kat who beamed, Saying Hogwarts triggered that. I'd refrain from mentioning it, unless you want the dark one to kill me. Harry said to the four wizards.

Right then. Can we get your address? My dad knows someone who's been missing you. asked the redheaded boy. Harry, Cam, and Kat shared an unsure look.

You can trust him, his entire family is fighting You-Know-Who. said the short boy. Harry gave him a withering look.

No I can't. You four just think I'm going to trust you when I don't even know your names? I don't trust anyone but Cam, Miss Greenglass, and Kat. It's not that I don't trust that you have some kind of training in magicks, I'm a yogi, I can feel that much. It's that I've learned not to trust anyone unless you know their heart. Give me a while, I need to get my mind under control before I can even start to try to figure you four out. Harry said. The youngest seven all fell silent until Kat's father announced that it was dinner time.
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Harry watched as his Aunt Al walked some poor woman through a rather common dream. Chased by wolves, dark wood, no moon, death by falling. Harry could even tell the lady her worries were overwhelming her and because she saw no hope she was going to loose control of her life. Really to fix what ever it was all she needed to do was ask for help.

The yoga basics class he taught wasn't to start for another ten minutes. It was in those minutes he got the much needed time to just be with his teacher and the only adult he trusted. Aileen finished and asked the woman if she wanted a candle with a scent that brought out confidence and peace of mind and a book on dealing with stress in a healthy manner. Contrary to popular thought, the reason fortune tellers and readers were trusted by many was due to the fact they followed up with solutions after finding the troubles. Many of those who took the three week class in meditation or the five week yoga basics were those who were read by Aileen or Cam. A few came after trying to get a custom charm from Kat. It worked nicely.

Kat's parents were happy that she finally found friends and an after school job that was safe and not in a market. The Thomases even advertised the shop in the small drug store they owned, and Kat had slept over so often that she had her own space in the extra room and some of the younger students at Stonewall thought all three of them were adopted siblings. Besides if it weren't for her, who knew how sane he would be today. She convinced St. Michael to take up his protection as a personal honor quest and now he could always feel that buzz of power from the Archangel.

The door banged open as the woman took the bag of her purchases. In walked a tall dark man with sallow skin and limp but long hair. He looked very vexed to be coming into the shop, but looked about as Aileen finished with the customer.

Bye, and trust me you just need to ask for help. she said as the door opened and closed. Harry smiled and watched as Aileen looked at the sour looking man, How may I help you, sir? she asked. The man sneered. Harry was getting that feeling he got from the boys at the Thomas family cookout.

Don't bother. He one of the ones I warned you about. Harry said as he stepped out of his place. Aileen smiled.

A wizard. Oh, I do see the resemblance in the spectrum, but his doesn't have your balance but the roses have bloomed strongly. she said. Harry nodded and smiled at her in thanks. He didn't have the gift to see auras but he could feel them after all his meditation. Aileen turned back to the wizard, So are you looking for him or my mundane wares and divination's? she asked.

I am looking for a youth who goes by the name Harry Potter. he said in a rather cool voice. Harry sighed.

Those foolish boys couldn't just trust in my skills. Blast. Harry muttered, he then looked back up at the man, I'll need you to sit through a reading from Cameron, and Kat's going to want to summon someone to inspect you. Harry said.

Don't forget about your class. warned Aileen. Harry nodded and he frowned.

You have two choices, hang out with Aunt Al or come with me while I go to my class. Harry told the man who sighed.

I'll watch you as you go to class. I have no desire to track you down again. Harry shrugged and went to a stairwell crowded with people of many ages. All the people greeted Harry with respect and gave him room to the closed door at the top of the stairs.

Why haven't they gone in? Snape asked gruffly. Harry smiled.

I have to bless the room before they'll go in. It's tradition for us. Harry said as he opened the door an walked to the center of the room. Snape stood outside while he watched Harry open his arms until he stood like a pillar. Waves of magic and energy pulsed off of him and washed over the room. Snape recognized the pattern as a strong accident and protection ward, but how could a child cast it without a wand or training? The group started to pile in the large plain room and Harry stripped off his jumper and his shoes and socks.

Then it hit Snape, Potter was teaching the class. Harry stood at the front as the students all sat on odd mats First off any new hurts? A few older members raised their hands as did a child. Harry put his hands over the child's scraped knee. A brief flicker of magic and the child's injury was gone. Harry repeated it on everyone who claimed a hurt, and Snape was getting to be impressed.
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As the class finished Harry walked about the room asking students about their loves, work, and finances. All in all to Snape it seemed rude, but the people all looked happy that Harry asked and cared enough to bother.

For some with health concerns Harry dispensed advice. Others took out small bits of rock or wood and asked Harry if they needed to get someone called Katrina Thomas to look at it. Still more told him of trouble at home or work and Harry asked if they meditated to calm themselves as well as to gain perspective. It was like watching a young Dumbledore, able to talk to all ages as an equal and wise to boot. When the last person left, an old woman who swept Harry into a crushing hug, Snape breathed a sigh of relief.

That bad, sir? asked Harry as the boy did some more complicated stretching.

Snape admitted, Just odd. Harry laughed and finished his exercise.

Well as you saw, I'm a yoga and faith healing master. I really have no desire to bother with your school, as I'm almost finished with my schooling here. Snape looked from a picture that had caught his eye back to Harry.

And what, pray tell, is your education here teaching you? Harry was pulling on his socks.

Advanced biology, anatomy, genetics, and beginning botany, as well as my training in Latin, the arts, and in basic chemistry. The classes a healer or doctor needs. Harry said with a smile.

I still need to speak with you about something my students relayed, your connection to the Dark Lord. Harry's eyes widened.

Oh, yes, you would. Cam and Kat are going to want to interrogate you first. Oh, don't worry. Cam is kind of a fortune teller, but much better at it than most, and Kat is a medium. That and they and Aunt Al are my family. Harry said and Snape only got tenser.

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So what did you guys think of him? asked Harry as Cam and Kat rushed down the stairs followed by a shaken Snape.

The spirits trust him. Said he will protect you, and he's a dark warrior. Kat said.

He'd rather be a hermit but I think we can trust him to keep his word. Don't trust the sage behind him. Harry, the sage is going to want you to fight and kill. Cam said seriously. Kat gasped.

No! I won't let them. They can't make Harry give up his gift. Kat was steaming now.

Who said he had to give up any gifts? Snape asked. Cameron laughed.

Harry's a faith healer. It's because of his good karma that he can channel the positive force needed to heal in every way. He's also a master at blessing, another art you need a pure soul for. None of us can kill or really fight just to hurt someone. Kat needs a pure soul to reach the good spirits and block out the dark ones, and none of the things I do would work if I didn't have good karma.

Harry maybe the strongest of us all, but he is still a healer first. Besides Mike won't let Harry. Kat said defiantly.

Who's Mike? asked Snape.

St. Michael, the archangel. Kat has bound him to me to keep the dark one from harming me. Between his help and the elixirs that Cam keeps pumping into me, I'm fine. Harry said. Snape scowled.

What have you been drinking? I'm a potions master, and I need to be sure he isn't accidentally harming you. Snape asked with a glare at Cam who smiled and passed him a hip flask.

It's that. Snape opened it and took deep breath.

A bloody muggle brewed a Fortification Brew? You three are insane, but you have done well for no training in magical defense. Snape sighed, And you are also very right about the sage wanting to turn him into a warrior.

Keep our secrets? asked Kat, We can't let them take our brother. Cam nodded.

Harry's our brother, if you let them, the sage and the dark one will kill him. Cam said and threw his arms over both Kat and Harry's shoulders. Snape sank down into a seat on the ratty old sofa.

I know we ask for a lot, but the Dark Snake wants us to trust you, and wants for you to be safe as well. Kat said as they all took up their seats in the sitting room.

I'm a spy in this war. I was almost thrown in prison, killed, and in the end the only place that will hire me is Hogwarts. Aileen walked in from the kitchen.

Pish, posh. Join our little commune. We can clear out the attic and fix you up a nice section of the basement of the shop to work from. Besides, I need someone here to help me keep the monkey children in line. Aileen said.

I don't see how that fixes anything. said Snape. Aileen grinned.

I saw you in a dream, Potions Master. I know what you make in your cauldron, and I know you hate teaching children who don't care. Cam needs a teacher like you, someone who can keep him on his toes. I say you go back to that castle, pack your things and live with us. she grinned, It's not like you'll give up anything, and Harry's a healer. If you go back to the old man, he will die. Aileen said with a scowl. Snape sighed.

Kat and Cam grinned and Harry sighed in relief.

Welcome to the family. None of us share blood, we share the heart though. And one big rule, no lying or half-truths of any type. The trust needed here is big, so we ask that you trust us as much as we trust you. Aileen said.

I promise. Snape answered with a slight smile.
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[To pass through a gate= unhappy news from someone far away]