Chapter Three*~~
Harry had landed on a flat stone in the middle of a small pond. There were slightly smaller flat rocks surrounding the one he stood on, making a pretty pattern. He hopped from one to the next until he found himself on the soft green grass that went in every direction. He walked to the edge of the high hill he was on and peered over.
There was a town with a pebble road leading out of it and stretching out of view, a few scattered houses along its path. The houses were mostly earth shades, some covered with moss or ivy or other green plants. A large woods was a little ways behind the town. He saw what looked like people among the buildings, dressed in clothes that seemed straight from Lord of the Rings.
"Wow," Harry breathed as he turned around. There was the pond he had been in and a large oak tree towering nearby to his left. Flowers were sprinkled along the green grass.
"It's pretty, isn't it?" asked a woman's soft voice. He turned to find himself staring at a pale skinned woman with long black hair and purple high lights. Her eyes were bright blue and her dress was pale yellow and flowed like water. Her ears were pointed.
"Yes," Harry said. "I don't wish to be rude, but do you know where I could find Atonics or his sister?"
"You must be Harry," she said, smiling. "I am Atonics sister. My name is Kilala. It's Elvish for swift waters."
"It's a pretty name," Harry said with a smile. He held out his hand for hers. She shook her head.
"Here we do this," she said. She made his hand lie flat, palm up. She placed her own like that before turning it sideways and then flat again. "You must learn basic life of the Elves before your training begins. Come, I will take you to Atonic's home. His twin daughters Kigali and Mitra are eager to meet you."
"What do their names mean?" Harry asked as the two started down the hill and to the pebble road.
"Kigali means spirit of the sun and Mitra means spirit of the moon. They are such opposites yet quite the same. You receive your name when you are two," Kilala said. "Until then you are a number."
"That's interesting," Harry said.
"You will also need to have another name. A name appropriate for an elf," Kilala informed him. They were walking towards the town. "Now, there are very few ranks of position here. There is the Head. He lives a good number of towns over so you will see little of him but there is a bow you will need to learn. Also, Royal Magicians, Fighters, and Guards all get a respective bow but they must give them too. If not on official business you may just use the greeting I just taught you. Other than that there are no ranks. Royals have died out of their time but we still use that name reference."
She had halted in front of a large stone house with ivy growing all over the walls. The large front doors were hand carved. "This is the house of the High Magician, Atonics. He will train you. Now that I have fulfilled my duties as guider I can drop this annoyingly business demeanor," Kilala said happily.
"Huh?" asked a confused Harry.
"A guider is chosen for each person sent here for a task, I was chosen for you. Now that I have brought you to Atonics house I don't have to act like a dictionary. I'll be training your fighting as I'm the High Fighter. Atonics will do your magic. A Royal Guard named Ricatone can teach you behaviors. She's just about your age. Come on."
For the next few weeks Harry found himself learning things about the Elvin Realm from names of everyone in the town to their healing mushrooms. He met his magician instructor Atonics, a man about thirty with a great sense of humor. His eyes were blue like his sisters but his hair a sandy brown.
Ricatone was a quiet and soft girl with amber eyes and pale yellow hair. She was good at her job all the same. She was a Royal Guard with the duties of taking care of affairs in other dimensions and organizing the Hall of Records.
Atonics's six year old daughters Kigali and Mitra were different in many ways. Kigali had dark brown hair and her father's blue eyes and Mitra had almost white hair and her dead mother's brown eyes. Kigali was more outspoken and Mitra quieter but both had a lot of energy. Kigali liked fighting while Mitra preferred magic. But both adored Harry.
The cook/maid/nanny/everything was named Sala. She was a good friend to the family since Juria's death three years ago. Sala liked Harry very much.
At the end of his second month Harry woke up and went into the large library to meet with his three instructors. The walls were basically books. Except the fireplace. "So, what's it for today?" asked Harry as he flopped into a chair behind the oak desk he used.
"You've learned enough for now. It's time for training," Ricatone said.
"You'll be up at four every morning to practice fighting with me," began Kilala. "After breakfast as seven you'll go to magic with Atonics until eleven. Then an hour of free time before lunch. Then at one you'll do more training with me until dinner at six. After dinner there's two hours you have to spend in town. Then back here at ten you'll do some stuff in the library. After an hour and a half you go to sleep."
"Okay," Harry said after a moment.
"You'll need a name," Atonics said as he stood to grab a book off a shelf. He snapped his fingers and it floated down form the top shelf, fifty feet above them. "This is a book of names."
"Can I suggest one?" asked Harry. Atonics shrugged.
"I was thinking Prat but whatever." Harry stuck his tongue out before talking.
"Prongs Jr.," he said.
"Ah, your father's nick name. I guess, just let me see something," Atonics said. He flipped through some pages and smiled.
"What is that look for?" asked Kilala asked.
"If you do some root searching Prongs would come back as meaning symbol of hope, bravery, and love," Atonics said.
"Aw, that describes him perfectly," squealed Kilala sarcastically.
"Just with out loud, nosy-" but Harry cut him off.
"I was being nice today," he said with a pout. They laughed and stood up.
"Just get some rest for tomorrow," said Ricatone smartly. Harry nodded before grabbing a ladder and looking for some books.
Two years later Harry was very muscular. He was at ease with his life in the Elf Realm. But he missed everyone dearly. It was hard to believe that only about three days had passed there. Harry had spent less time worrying about Sirius, feeling confident that he was alive in that forest.
One morning Harry went into town after magic training before lunch. He walked to Kilala's shop. She sold jewelry, pierced ears, and did hair. "Here for your highlights, Prongs?"
"No, I don't do highlights," Harry said for about the zillionth time. He had let his hair grown to his shoulders as it was calmer then.
"But white or blue highlights would look so cute!" persisted the elf. Harry shook his head.
"You are an insufferable prat," he said.
"You sound British," Kilala teased.
"Loctarium. Shetoe brevardia mwat sess Kilala," Harry said in Elvish. (means, I am. You should know that by now Kilala)
"Hmm, I guess you're right. But people are starting to use British sayings around here," she said. She shook her head as two girls bounced over. The 8 year old twins smiled at them.
"Hello, Aunt Kilala, Prongs," they said together.
"The fact they talk together reminds me of Fred and George," Harry said, shaking his head.
"We got them pranks for when you get back," Kigali said. Harry had gone to lengths talking about his friends.
"Yeah, they're new. Maybe the twins can make something similar," Mitra suggested. She had become slightly more talkative in these two years. They handed him six firecrackers. He smiled and slipped them into the leather pouch on his waist.
"Thanks," Harry said grinning. He loved the little girls. "Come on, lunch time." He led the way out of town to the large house.
At the end of his fifth year Harry had a sorrow in his heart along with his happiness. His life was four years, 11 months, and three weeks longer than it would have been. He had made great friends but had to leave them behind. But Harry missed everyone so much.
"I have been getting herded with the same question for two months," grumbled Atonics.
"What is that?" asked Harry. It was his last day and they were in the library, finishing the touches on his gifts for his friends.
"Kigali and Mitra want to know if I'll let them go to Hogwarts. Dumbledore made the offer," Atonics said with a sigh.
"They would be safe and it would be a good experience," Harry said.
"Prongs, our dimensions are bonded now. Because you have so many friendships you'll visit us and we'll visit you. But things are very complicated. I know I'll come visit and everything but... we are two different worlds, Atonics said with a sigh.
"But we will interact more and that is better. We will have stronger bonds, bonds that make us and our worlds stronger," Harry said. "There is good in this."
"Yes, yes, but I can't shop in your world with my money!" groaned Atonics. Harry burst out laughing.
"Just get it exchanged. Dumbledore'll help," Harry said with a grin.
That night Harry stood with three leather bags and a sword held at his waist. There were daggers at his ankles hidden by his muggle jeans and shooting stars in his back pocket.
All of his friends were there. They exchanged hugs. Harry's hair was still long though he would cut it when he returned but right now some of it was pulled away from his face and in a tie at the back of his head. As she hugged him Kilala performed the one spell she was perfect at. Harry groaned. He had white streaks down his hair.
"You are so dead," he threatened.
"You are SO late!" Kilala said. She tossed him the jewel. He smiled and muttered the spell. This time a window of light appeared and he walked through it. On the other side he found himself facing Remus, Snape, Tonks, Kingsley, Moody, and Mrs. Figg.
"Hey," Harry said in greeting. The group stared. Even Moody seemed startled. "What?"
"Your hair is green," Remus reported. Harry groaned.
"Shidokara Mihodala sipatra. Agraveeda sidohay milo! Kilala shihard oliphiana!" Harry cried in Elvish. "Sorry, uh, Kilala put a spell on my hair. Shidobe." His hair turned from green to the way it had looked when he left the Elvin Realm.
"You look different," commented Tonks.
"Yeah, the highlights won't come out for two months. It's Kilala's idea of a present. She's done it once before but then she decided it was a bad idea as she had to put with puke green hair just as long," Harry said grinning.
"You have more muscles but otherwise you're the same, just more relaxed," Remus reported.
"Hey, it was five years to me, I had to relax a little," Harry said with a shrug.
"What did you learn?" asked Snape curtly, obviously trying his best to be polite.
"A lot, but I'm glad to be back. I even missed you, Professor Snape," Harry said. "I think I'll be a little better at Occlumency now."
"So, you had fun with Atonics?" said Dumbledore from behind him.
"Yes, I did. And I learned to deal with Sirius's death," Harry said. He turned around and took them all by surprise by hugging the old man whom he had once been so mad at. Then eh hugged everyone there, though he quickly let go of Snape. Snape seemed to be rendered speechless at this.
"About that," Remus said, his eyes were bright. "You see, Melody worked in the Department of Mysteries. There's a chance Sirius may still be alive. It was at first a small one but now it is quite larger. He may have only appeared to have fallen through the Veil. The ministry used to cast the appearance of a Veil in that room but the real one is in a broom closet."
"W-where would he be?" asked Harry, stunned by this news.
"He would have been transported to Siberia. But Sirius is a remarkable wizard. He may very well be waiting for help, praying to get home to you and the rest of us," Dumbledore said, smiling.
"Jigo Mertiku u Aashiti," was all Harry could manage.
"You seemed to convince Atonics his daughters did belong at Hogwarts. They have accepted my offer to join our school," Dumbledore said with twinkling eyes. Harry grinned.
"I figured he would," Harry said grinning. "So, I guess this means I'll see the midgets again. Though they were up to my chin when I left."
"I believe you have Defense lessons right now. The rest of us will take our separate ways," Dumbledore said, giving meaningful looks to everyone but Remus and Harry. They all left their own ways so only Remus and Harry remained. They sat on the two fixed swings.
"So, want a hair cut?" Remus asked. Harry nodded and sat still as Remus quickly chopped his hair back to its normal length. There were still blond streaks in it though. "Now, I want a detailed story. Lessons are postponed until Wednesday." Harry laughed and started his tale.
*************
As Harry waited for Snape's arrival for their lesson the next day he sat swinging in the park as usual. His thoughts were back on Sirius as Dudley's gang found him. "Potter!"
"What?" he asked looking up. He knew very well that he could finish them in an easy fashion.
"Where you been?" snarled Piers.
"An alternate dimension where five years passed," Harry said as calm as usual. He had practiced keeping his temper under control in the Elf Realm.
"Yeah, and you attend a school for magic people all the time," said Andrew sarcastically. Harry shrugged.
"Good guess," he replied.
"Don't lie, you filthy orphan," sneered Dudley.
"I don't," Harry said calmly. The golden chain around his neck dropped to his chest where a small tear drop shaped crystal was glowing warm. It meant that his friends from the Elvin Realm were safe and alive. This fact seemed oddly reassuring to him. He fingered it as the gang continued their usual school boy taunts.
"Potter, the headmaster has come to-" but Snape stopped mid-sentence as he saw who was with him. He was in his usual muggle clothes, but beside him was Albus Dumbledore, in clothes a grandfather would wear. "Not them again."
"Yes, us again," Piers snapped. "Got a problem with that?" A Snape opened his mouth to reply, Dumbledore put a hand on his shoulder and the man fell silent.
"Not yet, however," Dumbledore said in his wise and powerful way, "If you do not leave Harry alone, that may change." He raised his eyebrows. Harry smiled and shook his head. His headmaster cast a powerful aura even on muggles.
Dudley's gang looked positively frightened and scampered away. Harry smiled wider. He had really missed that look. He had missed Dumbledore. "Thanks, they were starting to repeat themselves."
"It would seem that I truly was mistaken in my images of your summers. I had no idea your cousin bullied you," Dumbledore said in a calm and apologetic way. Harry shrugged.
"Not that big of a deal. It's old news to me," Harry said. He fingered his necklace again.
"What, may I ask, is that?" Dumbledore asked. Harry pulled it out from under his shirt.
"It's a special necklace from the Elvin Realm. Once you put some of a person's heart into it if they are in danger or are injured or harmed in any way it will turn the color of their magic. A few people have just black or white but others are different colors. If a person dies, their color will flash before the diamond becomes pure black," Harry explained.
"Am I right in guessing you have your elf friends' connected to that?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes. I would rather like to add you and Professor Snape," Harry said. "The two of us may not get along but if he's dead I'd like to know." Snape smirked- almost smiled. He obviously had forced it back.
"What do we do?" Snape asked.
"Give me your wand hand," Harry instructed. After they had done so, Harry placed the diamond first on Dumbledore's palm. Harry placed his own hand over the top and let his emerald green and wound silver (NOT related to Slytherin) magic bond the two. Then Dumbledore released some of his love for Harry into the jewel. Harry repeated the same with Snape.
"That was interesting," Snape said. "I feel oddly powerful."
"It's normal," Harry assured him. "At least you aren't high like Kigali got. That would be a scary site." Harry shuddered. Snape glared at him.
"Now, back to Occlumency," Snape announced. Harry grinned. Snape pointed his wand at Harry and muttered.
In a few moments Harry had shot Snape out of his mind. "Good," Snape said with a nod. "Now, we still have to work on getting you to deflect upon entrance. Then Dumbledore and I will start using full power." Harry nodded and deflected again.
Harry had landed on a flat stone in the middle of a small pond. There were slightly smaller flat rocks surrounding the one he stood on, making a pretty pattern. He hopped from one to the next until he found himself on the soft green grass that went in every direction. He walked to the edge of the high hill he was on and peered over.
There was a town with a pebble road leading out of it and stretching out of view, a few scattered houses along its path. The houses were mostly earth shades, some covered with moss or ivy or other green plants. A large woods was a little ways behind the town. He saw what looked like people among the buildings, dressed in clothes that seemed straight from Lord of the Rings.
"Wow," Harry breathed as he turned around. There was the pond he had been in and a large oak tree towering nearby to his left. Flowers were sprinkled along the green grass.
"It's pretty, isn't it?" asked a woman's soft voice. He turned to find himself staring at a pale skinned woman with long black hair and purple high lights. Her eyes were bright blue and her dress was pale yellow and flowed like water. Her ears were pointed.
"Yes," Harry said. "I don't wish to be rude, but do you know where I could find Atonics or his sister?"
"You must be Harry," she said, smiling. "I am Atonics sister. My name is Kilala. It's Elvish for swift waters."
"It's a pretty name," Harry said with a smile. He held out his hand for hers. She shook her head.
"Here we do this," she said. She made his hand lie flat, palm up. She placed her own like that before turning it sideways and then flat again. "You must learn basic life of the Elves before your training begins. Come, I will take you to Atonic's home. His twin daughters Kigali and Mitra are eager to meet you."
"What do their names mean?" Harry asked as the two started down the hill and to the pebble road.
"Kigali means spirit of the sun and Mitra means spirit of the moon. They are such opposites yet quite the same. You receive your name when you are two," Kilala said. "Until then you are a number."
"That's interesting," Harry said.
"You will also need to have another name. A name appropriate for an elf," Kilala informed him. They were walking towards the town. "Now, there are very few ranks of position here. There is the Head. He lives a good number of towns over so you will see little of him but there is a bow you will need to learn. Also, Royal Magicians, Fighters, and Guards all get a respective bow but they must give them too. If not on official business you may just use the greeting I just taught you. Other than that there are no ranks. Royals have died out of their time but we still use that name reference."
She had halted in front of a large stone house with ivy growing all over the walls. The large front doors were hand carved. "This is the house of the High Magician, Atonics. He will train you. Now that I have fulfilled my duties as guider I can drop this annoyingly business demeanor," Kilala said happily.
"Huh?" asked a confused Harry.
"A guider is chosen for each person sent here for a task, I was chosen for you. Now that I have brought you to Atonics house I don't have to act like a dictionary. I'll be training your fighting as I'm the High Fighter. Atonics will do your magic. A Royal Guard named Ricatone can teach you behaviors. She's just about your age. Come on."
For the next few weeks Harry found himself learning things about the Elvin Realm from names of everyone in the town to their healing mushrooms. He met his magician instructor Atonics, a man about thirty with a great sense of humor. His eyes were blue like his sisters but his hair a sandy brown.
Ricatone was a quiet and soft girl with amber eyes and pale yellow hair. She was good at her job all the same. She was a Royal Guard with the duties of taking care of affairs in other dimensions and organizing the Hall of Records.
Atonics's six year old daughters Kigali and Mitra were different in many ways. Kigali had dark brown hair and her father's blue eyes and Mitra had almost white hair and her dead mother's brown eyes. Kigali was more outspoken and Mitra quieter but both had a lot of energy. Kigali liked fighting while Mitra preferred magic. But both adored Harry.
The cook/maid/nanny/everything was named Sala. She was a good friend to the family since Juria's death three years ago. Sala liked Harry very much.
At the end of his second month Harry woke up and went into the large library to meet with his three instructors. The walls were basically books. Except the fireplace. "So, what's it for today?" asked Harry as he flopped into a chair behind the oak desk he used.
"You've learned enough for now. It's time for training," Ricatone said.
"You'll be up at four every morning to practice fighting with me," began Kilala. "After breakfast as seven you'll go to magic with Atonics until eleven. Then an hour of free time before lunch. Then at one you'll do more training with me until dinner at six. After dinner there's two hours you have to spend in town. Then back here at ten you'll do some stuff in the library. After an hour and a half you go to sleep."
"Okay," Harry said after a moment.
"You'll need a name," Atonics said as he stood to grab a book off a shelf. He snapped his fingers and it floated down form the top shelf, fifty feet above them. "This is a book of names."
"Can I suggest one?" asked Harry. Atonics shrugged.
"I was thinking Prat but whatever." Harry stuck his tongue out before talking.
"Prongs Jr.," he said.
"Ah, your father's nick name. I guess, just let me see something," Atonics said. He flipped through some pages and smiled.
"What is that look for?" asked Kilala asked.
"If you do some root searching Prongs would come back as meaning symbol of hope, bravery, and love," Atonics said.
"Aw, that describes him perfectly," squealed Kilala sarcastically.
"Just with out loud, nosy-" but Harry cut him off.
"I was being nice today," he said with a pout. They laughed and stood up.
"Just get some rest for tomorrow," said Ricatone smartly. Harry nodded before grabbing a ladder and looking for some books.
Two years later Harry was very muscular. He was at ease with his life in the Elf Realm. But he missed everyone dearly. It was hard to believe that only about three days had passed there. Harry had spent less time worrying about Sirius, feeling confident that he was alive in that forest.
One morning Harry went into town after magic training before lunch. He walked to Kilala's shop. She sold jewelry, pierced ears, and did hair. "Here for your highlights, Prongs?"
"No, I don't do highlights," Harry said for about the zillionth time. He had let his hair grown to his shoulders as it was calmer then.
"But white or blue highlights would look so cute!" persisted the elf. Harry shook his head.
"You are an insufferable prat," he said.
"You sound British," Kilala teased.
"Loctarium. Shetoe brevardia mwat sess Kilala," Harry said in Elvish. (means, I am. You should know that by now Kilala)
"Hmm, I guess you're right. But people are starting to use British sayings around here," she said. She shook her head as two girls bounced over. The 8 year old twins smiled at them.
"Hello, Aunt Kilala, Prongs," they said together.
"The fact they talk together reminds me of Fred and George," Harry said, shaking his head.
"We got them pranks for when you get back," Kigali said. Harry had gone to lengths talking about his friends.
"Yeah, they're new. Maybe the twins can make something similar," Mitra suggested. She had become slightly more talkative in these two years. They handed him six firecrackers. He smiled and slipped them into the leather pouch on his waist.
"Thanks," Harry said grinning. He loved the little girls. "Come on, lunch time." He led the way out of town to the large house.
At the end of his fifth year Harry had a sorrow in his heart along with his happiness. His life was four years, 11 months, and three weeks longer than it would have been. He had made great friends but had to leave them behind. But Harry missed everyone so much.
"I have been getting herded with the same question for two months," grumbled Atonics.
"What is that?" asked Harry. It was his last day and they were in the library, finishing the touches on his gifts for his friends.
"Kigali and Mitra want to know if I'll let them go to Hogwarts. Dumbledore made the offer," Atonics said with a sigh.
"They would be safe and it would be a good experience," Harry said.
"Prongs, our dimensions are bonded now. Because you have so many friendships you'll visit us and we'll visit you. But things are very complicated. I know I'll come visit and everything but... we are two different worlds, Atonics said with a sigh.
"But we will interact more and that is better. We will have stronger bonds, bonds that make us and our worlds stronger," Harry said. "There is good in this."
"Yes, yes, but I can't shop in your world with my money!" groaned Atonics. Harry burst out laughing.
"Just get it exchanged. Dumbledore'll help," Harry said with a grin.
That night Harry stood with three leather bags and a sword held at his waist. There were daggers at his ankles hidden by his muggle jeans and shooting stars in his back pocket.
All of his friends were there. They exchanged hugs. Harry's hair was still long though he would cut it when he returned but right now some of it was pulled away from his face and in a tie at the back of his head. As she hugged him Kilala performed the one spell she was perfect at. Harry groaned. He had white streaks down his hair.
"You are so dead," he threatened.
"You are SO late!" Kilala said. She tossed him the jewel. He smiled and muttered the spell. This time a window of light appeared and he walked through it. On the other side he found himself facing Remus, Snape, Tonks, Kingsley, Moody, and Mrs. Figg.
"Hey," Harry said in greeting. The group stared. Even Moody seemed startled. "What?"
"Your hair is green," Remus reported. Harry groaned.
"Shidokara Mihodala sipatra. Agraveeda sidohay milo! Kilala shihard oliphiana!" Harry cried in Elvish. "Sorry, uh, Kilala put a spell on my hair. Shidobe." His hair turned from green to the way it had looked when he left the Elvin Realm.
"You look different," commented Tonks.
"Yeah, the highlights won't come out for two months. It's Kilala's idea of a present. She's done it once before but then she decided it was a bad idea as she had to put with puke green hair just as long," Harry said grinning.
"You have more muscles but otherwise you're the same, just more relaxed," Remus reported.
"Hey, it was five years to me, I had to relax a little," Harry said with a shrug.
"What did you learn?" asked Snape curtly, obviously trying his best to be polite.
"A lot, but I'm glad to be back. I even missed you, Professor Snape," Harry said. "I think I'll be a little better at Occlumency now."
"So, you had fun with Atonics?" said Dumbledore from behind him.
"Yes, I did. And I learned to deal with Sirius's death," Harry said. He turned around and took them all by surprise by hugging the old man whom he had once been so mad at. Then eh hugged everyone there, though he quickly let go of Snape. Snape seemed to be rendered speechless at this.
"About that," Remus said, his eyes were bright. "You see, Melody worked in the Department of Mysteries. There's a chance Sirius may still be alive. It was at first a small one but now it is quite larger. He may have only appeared to have fallen through the Veil. The ministry used to cast the appearance of a Veil in that room but the real one is in a broom closet."
"W-where would he be?" asked Harry, stunned by this news.
"He would have been transported to Siberia. But Sirius is a remarkable wizard. He may very well be waiting for help, praying to get home to you and the rest of us," Dumbledore said, smiling.
"Jigo Mertiku u Aashiti," was all Harry could manage.
"You seemed to convince Atonics his daughters did belong at Hogwarts. They have accepted my offer to join our school," Dumbledore said with twinkling eyes. Harry grinned.
"I figured he would," Harry said grinning. "So, I guess this means I'll see the midgets again. Though they were up to my chin when I left."
"I believe you have Defense lessons right now. The rest of us will take our separate ways," Dumbledore said, giving meaningful looks to everyone but Remus and Harry. They all left their own ways so only Remus and Harry remained. They sat on the two fixed swings.
"So, want a hair cut?" Remus asked. Harry nodded and sat still as Remus quickly chopped his hair back to its normal length. There were still blond streaks in it though. "Now, I want a detailed story. Lessons are postponed until Wednesday." Harry laughed and started his tale.
*************
As Harry waited for Snape's arrival for their lesson the next day he sat swinging in the park as usual. His thoughts were back on Sirius as Dudley's gang found him. "Potter!"
"What?" he asked looking up. He knew very well that he could finish them in an easy fashion.
"Where you been?" snarled Piers.
"An alternate dimension where five years passed," Harry said as calm as usual. He had practiced keeping his temper under control in the Elf Realm.
"Yeah, and you attend a school for magic people all the time," said Andrew sarcastically. Harry shrugged.
"Good guess," he replied.
"Don't lie, you filthy orphan," sneered Dudley.
"I don't," Harry said calmly. The golden chain around his neck dropped to his chest where a small tear drop shaped crystal was glowing warm. It meant that his friends from the Elvin Realm were safe and alive. This fact seemed oddly reassuring to him. He fingered it as the gang continued their usual school boy taunts.
"Potter, the headmaster has come to-" but Snape stopped mid-sentence as he saw who was with him. He was in his usual muggle clothes, but beside him was Albus Dumbledore, in clothes a grandfather would wear. "Not them again."
"Yes, us again," Piers snapped. "Got a problem with that?" A Snape opened his mouth to reply, Dumbledore put a hand on his shoulder and the man fell silent.
"Not yet, however," Dumbledore said in his wise and powerful way, "If you do not leave Harry alone, that may change." He raised his eyebrows. Harry smiled and shook his head. His headmaster cast a powerful aura even on muggles.
Dudley's gang looked positively frightened and scampered away. Harry smiled wider. He had really missed that look. He had missed Dumbledore. "Thanks, they were starting to repeat themselves."
"It would seem that I truly was mistaken in my images of your summers. I had no idea your cousin bullied you," Dumbledore said in a calm and apologetic way. Harry shrugged.
"Not that big of a deal. It's old news to me," Harry said. He fingered his necklace again.
"What, may I ask, is that?" Dumbledore asked. Harry pulled it out from under his shirt.
"It's a special necklace from the Elvin Realm. Once you put some of a person's heart into it if they are in danger or are injured or harmed in any way it will turn the color of their magic. A few people have just black or white but others are different colors. If a person dies, their color will flash before the diamond becomes pure black," Harry explained.
"Am I right in guessing you have your elf friends' connected to that?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes. I would rather like to add you and Professor Snape," Harry said. "The two of us may not get along but if he's dead I'd like to know." Snape smirked- almost smiled. He obviously had forced it back.
"What do we do?" Snape asked.
"Give me your wand hand," Harry instructed. After they had done so, Harry placed the diamond first on Dumbledore's palm. Harry placed his own hand over the top and let his emerald green and wound silver (NOT related to Slytherin) magic bond the two. Then Dumbledore released some of his love for Harry into the jewel. Harry repeated the same with Snape.
"That was interesting," Snape said. "I feel oddly powerful."
"It's normal," Harry assured him. "At least you aren't high like Kigali got. That would be a scary site." Harry shuddered. Snape glared at him.
"Now, back to Occlumency," Snape announced. Harry grinned. Snape pointed his wand at Harry and muttered.
In a few moments Harry had shot Snape out of his mind. "Good," Snape said with a nod. "Now, we still have to work on getting you to deflect upon entrance. Then Dumbledore and I will start using full power." Harry nodded and deflected again.