Chapter Eleven*~~
Harry fidgeted as they ate dinner that night. 'Where are the Marauders?!'
'And you yell at US for thinking loud!' Kigali thought to him sourly.
'You'll be lucky if only elves heard that!' Kilala thought to him. He rolled his eyes. Ron, Ginny, and Hermione were giving him weird looks.
"Telepathy," Harry muttered, blushing. They shook their heads and returned to pushing their food around their plates.
It was about twenty minutes into the meal when the doors finally opened. Remus and Sirius were walking in, bickering under their breath. Snape sighed heavily. Mel's eyes danced.
Suddenly thousands of water balloons splashed down on them. Some were filled with water. Others with food. Some still contained paint. "What the hell!" cried Remus. Students around the hall gawped at his language.
"SNAPE!" cried Sirius. Professor Snape was laughing his arse off up at the Head Table. "DAMMIT!"
Emerald green words began to form in the air. ^Shut-up, Padsy.^
"Hell," muttered Remus. Snape had gotten himself under control, curious as to what was happening. Mel didn't even bother to stop laughing.
"Stop it!" yelled Sirius. "Who are you!"
^Not you, us.^
"Well," Remus said. "We would like to get on with hexing you."
^Ah, so you think you can? Well, the polite thing to do would be to tell you.^
^WHY would we be polite?^ The lettering had gone from green to midnight blue.
^Yes, why?^ Now it was purple.
^BECAUSE!!^ defended red.
"Just get on with it!" cried Sirius.
^Keep your knickers on, Black.^ That was green.
^Just tell them,^ blue wrote.
^Yessum.^ Purple.
^We are you successors. The Marauders. The NEW Marauders. Mr. Lightning, Mr. Nightly, Ms. Quill, and Ms. Amethyst.^
"HARRY!" yelled the two together.
"These people seem rather brilliant," Harry called innocently.
"Get your arse over here! NOW!"
"Ah, but that would be stupid, dear godfather," Harry replied.
"Just come here!" Remus yelled. He and Sirius shot a spell at him. Cobalt barriors came up. A very angry looking Ricu stood, hand open.
"Ricu?" Harry said.
"What is going on?!" he yelled, eyes flashing.
"Damn," muttered Ricaotne. She came over and rested a hand on his shoulder. Suddenly his hand began to shake. He fell to the ground. The elves gathered around him, as did Harry.
"Maybe he should go home," Sala said softly. "We can call in Ginjo."
"This isn't about defending you," Harry said quietly.
"What?"
"I wanted him to come because he needs to be away. He needs to rest. Ever since Figushiro-"
"FIGUSHIRO NO LONGER EXISTS!" screamed Migra. She ran from the hall. Harry watched her go and then looked down at Ricu again. Then he raised his eyes to the elves.
"Since Figushiro became Ukigol, he's been on edge. He's afraid and worried. He's alone. He doesn't want to show it. It's like how Remus was after Sirius seemed to die. And Migra is like me. It's all bottled up. She's too afraid to let it out," Harry said.
"Thank you," came Ricu's hoarse voice came. "I've needed to hear that. Figu- Ukigol is NOT coming back. I need to let go. My brother is dead."
"Yes, he is," Harry said. "But we may be able to save him yet."
"You know him. His mind is set on being who HE wishes and doing as HE wills."
"Yes, I do know him. I know he is no more evil than I am Voldemort's brother. There are times when the line may appear thin, but it is there. And somehow we can go back form one side to another."
"Yes, well, if he does, he'll just have to face our laws. We are different from these people. Our laws are harsher. You-"
"I will NOT fight him," Harry growled. He stalked back to his table and plopped down. A dim glow of emerald green could be seen by all, surrounding him. The elves looked frightened.
"Harry?" asked Hermione tentatively. He sighed and started eating. Slowly, the light dimmed. Remus and Sirius came over. Sirius laid a hand on his shoulder. Harry turned to him, seeing question in his eyes. Harry rubbed his own.
"Meet us in the Layer after dinner," Harry said softly.
"Nice work," Sirius said. "Now please, clean it up." Harry rolled his eyes and flicked his wrist. Their clothes changed back to normal. Sirius walked up to Mel. Remus lingered for a moment.
"Couldn't pick anyone better to carry on our work," he said softly. Smiling he followed his best friend.
"Students! Surely you noticed Professor Lupin's- Sirius, do not laugh at him- return. He has brought with him, Mr. Bl-"
"Mr. Padsy!" called Harry. He blushed deeply when Dumbledore gave him a hard look.
"Mr. Padfoot," Sirius said.
"Yes, well, they will be staying here. They have the power of a teacher. Do not cross the line. You do not want to face the wrath of their minds." Snape snorted. Remus floated his goblet above his head and dumped it on him.
"You escaped for one year, Snivellus," Remus said. "But now I know the truth about Padfoot. You remember hell, correct? Well, be careful, it has come back."
"Shut-up," Mel called. "You annoy me."
"Why is my sister so mean to me? We are flesh and blood. Father-" Mel screeched and threw bread at Remus. He had immediately clapped his hand to his mouth.
"You idiot! I HATE our father! I HATE HATE HATE him!"
"Calm down, Mel!" cried Sirius. She took a deep breath.
"Re, there is a REASON why my name isn't Lupin. Our father abandoned my mother. He was an all around bastard," snapped Mel.
"Like I don't know that?!"
"You sure speak lightly of him!" Quickly she left the hall. Remus sighed and went after her.
"And it's begun," Sirius said, throwing his hands in the air. He slipped into Mel's vacated seat and began talking to Professor McGonagall.
Harry furrowed his brows. He had secrets, he knew that. He had good reasons. But apparently, his friends did as well. And maybe they weren't as deep and staining as his, but they were there.
************
Harry led them into the Layer. Sirius and Remus were sitting on the red couch in front of the fire, prodding something in between them. "What did you do?" asked Hermione, plopping into a chair across from them. They jumped.
"What is it with you guys and the sneaking up on people thing?" snapped Sirius.
"What is it with you and not telling us who you're related to?" asked Ron. Harry was glad he didn't have to say it, what with all of his secrets.
"Is there a reason why you needed to know?" asked Sirius.
"I don't know, is there? Furthermore, is there a reason we didn't?" asked Ginny mysteriously, perching on the arm of the couch. Harry forced himself to sit next to Sirius, opposite of Ginny. Otherwise the urge to touch her may have been unable to be stopped.
"Look, the person who relates us is not really a light subject with Mel, if you hadn't noticed," Remus murmured. "Our father wasn't exactly nice. And he left her mother. He left mine as well. Technically, I'm not a Lupin. And Mel's not a Clemmins. Our father was Daniel Oviture. He came back when we were in our third year and told us we were siblings. We already knew that but he fought for legal custody of us. He ended with shared custody. Christmas break we were supposed to spend with him. But he got arrested after our first Christmas there."
"Why?" asked Harry, eyes boring into Remus.
"He- he just did," Remus choked out. Sirius looked away. Harry shot telepathic messages to each of his friends. They changed the subject.
"So, don't you want to ask about a certain prank?" teased Ginny.
"You can't be Marauders," Sirius said, miraculously serious.
"WHAT? WHY!" screeched Hermione. Harry quickly found out what was going on with his telepathy and shoved the two men off of the couch.
"Hey!"
"Hey, what, Potter?" asked Remus, rubbing his bum.
"Just initiate us already," he snapped.
"HOW do you do that?" asked Sirius.
"Elves," replied four people.
"Whatever. We'll have the initiation as soon as you can become animgai," Sirius informed them.
"So, let's get down to business. What are your animagi forms?" asked Remus. And they began their lessons.
***********
Early the next morning Harry and the others headed to the quidditch field to train. Today, he worked by himself, moving quickly and swiftly in practice patterns. When he finally stopped, he joined Atonics and Kilala.
"What are you working on?" asked Harry.
"We've just figured out their special fighting talents," Atonics said.
"Well?"
"Hermione's strong point is archery, Ron's is staff, and Ginny's is traditional swordsmanship," Kilala informed him. Harry nodded.
"I'll work with Ron," Ricu said, walking over. Everyone knew that he was great with short swords. Especially double.
"Obviously, I get Hermione," Atonics said, smiling. He wasn't as great a fighter as Kilala but he was a very good archer.
"I'm going to work with Ginny," Harry told Kilala.
"Excuse me, my student?"
"I'm going to work with Ginny. You should train with the other Guards. Keep them on their toes. And figure out drills for basics with these three. Besides, the only thing that I'm better at then swordsmanship is unarmed combat," Harry told her decisively.
Kilala shrugged. Picking her bow up, she walked over to the others. "You all suck at archery, with the exception of Kigali. Get out your bows. Get moving!"
Harry led Ginny near the locker rooms. He magically created a sword. It glowed green for a while. "Pick it up," he instructed. Ginny sagged under the weight. "That's made from one of the heavier earth metals. It's weighted with solid lead."
"Are you insane?" snapped Ginny.
"No," said a very amused Harry. "You'll need to strengthen your arm muscles for wielding the sword and your leg muscles for moving around. Today, we're going to start with your arms."
He magically transported a box form hidden armories within Hogwarts, to the pitch. He pulled out six heavy balls. He tossed three to Ginny, who caught them with little difficulty.
"Watch." Harry began very simple hand movements with the heavy balls. Ginny began to mimic him. Once in a while she'd drop one and start over. Eventually Harry started circling her, watching. He'd correct her wrist movements and then he'd show her a new and more complicated piece.
He glanced at Hermione. Atonics was drilling her over and over on how to string a bow. She fasten it and unfasten it rapidly, improving in both speed and ability as she went. Her fingers moved as though on fire.
When he looked, he saw Ron working on moving his feet. He was learning to dance, hard Elvish steps used to show off at court or at large parties and war endings. Harry watched for a while. Ron would be able to dance with Hermione at the next ball. That was for sure.
Harry stopped Ginny five minutes later. "Time for school!" Harry called. Everyone else had already begun to stop. They al headed back to the castle. Harry noticed A large black dog roaming the corridors when they walked in.
"Padfoot!" Harry called. Padfoot trotted over to Harry. He crouched down and scratched his ears. "What are you doing?"
"He stole my sock!" cried Remus, running down the stairs. He leapt at the dog. Werewolf and dog wrestled across the entry hall. Eventually Harry broke them apart and gave Remus's sock to him.
"Padfoot, Moony, go to your chambers. You're confined to your chambers until further notice," Harry ordered.
"Aren't we supposed to be in charge of him?" asked Sirius.
"I think so," Remus said slowly. They continued discussing this until they reached their rooms. Then they had to occupy themselves with making their own breakfast.
"They are truly hilarious," Ron said, shaking his head. They all went up to get changed and then to breakfast.
As Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were leaving the hall, Atonics called them over.
"How are you?"
"You saw us an hour ago, training," Hermione said, rolling her eyes.
"Look, it's a simple question," Atonics snapped.
"Do you want something or do you just enjoy watching us walk back and forth across the hall?" asked Ginny.
"It's about our class. You'll be taking it today. I wanted to ask you something," Atoncis said. His gaze was held firmly on Harry. He looked away. "We're going to be telling them anything they ask questions about. Anything."
"Even how you wife died? Other personal details?" asked Harry, voice bitter.
"Yes," Kilala said. "The elves that are within Hogwarts play giant roles in our history." Harry looked out of a window.
"Tell them what you will. Just leave me out of it."
"You are the Jistone. We cannot do that," Kilala said.
"Ki, just call me the Jistone then," he sad. Without waiting for a response he made a quick bow and left. His three best friends followed him.
"What aren't you telling us?" asked Ron.
"As it seems, you'll end up finding it out in these classes," Harry said irritably.
"Maybe we want to hear it from you," Ginny said softly, resting her hand on his arm. Harry looked at the hand.
"I can't," he said quietly. Then, before their eyes, he transformed into a sparrow with a lightning shaped white mark and flew away. Ginny sighed.
"Don't worry," Hermione said, squeezing her shoulders. "He'll tell us, eventually."
"I just hope it's before we find out in class," Ron said. They parted from the younger girl. She went to stare out of a window, the one Harry had gone through.
"Mertiku and Aashiti bless you," Ginny whispered to the winds. She let her hand fly to her mouth. Where were those names from? How did she know them?
*****************
Harry was last to arrive that day to Potions. Shortly after his own arrival, Professor Snape arrived. "I'm partnering you up and you'll be making the potion Harry and Draco made last time. You'll be tested with me in private. Ron-Harry, Draco-Hermione, Justin-Ernie. Susan-Terry."
They moved to their partners and Harry began silently cutting up the madle roots. "Harry? Are you okay?"
"I guess."
"Why are you so worried?"
"Just am. Look, we better do this right."
"Okay. So, why do you think Snape partnered Mione and Ferret?"
"Because, what with Draco's secret, his concentration had been off. Hermione's the best in the class. She'll make sure he does okay."
"Guess that makes sense. I've been thinking about Ferret," Ron said slowly. "He's changed since summer. Guess it's got something to do with his parents. But, I think we should make piece. Come time for the war, we could use his help."
"You're right. We should. Besides that, he's becoming an animagi. I can sense it," Harry said. There was no more time for discussion as they got to work.
One by one they went into Snape's office. Soon enough it was Harry's turn. He was last, again. He whipped his hands on his pants, which made him less worried about it slipping from his sweaty hands.
"Harry, same question as last class." Harry drank the serum.
"There was a war."
"What are you talking about?" asked Snape, obviously confused as to why a war would be a deep secret.
"When I was in the Elvin Realm. There was a war. I was in the center of it. That's where I found out I was a r-" emerald light flashed in the room.
Snape rubbed his eyes, trying to see. At his feet, lay Harry Potter. Unconscious from his own magic.
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(I could leave it there)
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(But I won't)
Snape levitated Harry into the air and slammed the door open. "Clean up and get to your next class. Ron, Hermione, who do you have your next class with?"
"We've got Defense with Slytherins," Ron said. "Is Harry alright? What happened?"
"Draco, tell your wench of a Defense teacher her godson is in the hospital wing. Ron, Hermione, come along."
The two rushed after their potions master. "What happened to him?" asked Hermione.
"I don't know," Snape said quietly. "Can you think of anyone to get? Clemmins I'm sure will go get Lupin and Black."
"Atonics and the restof the elves. They'll know what's going on," Ron said.
"You get them. I'll get Ginny and the twins."
"Hurry," Snape called after them. He successfully got Harry to the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey took a look at him and sent Snape for Dumbledore.
When Snape returned with the headmaster, they met Ron, the elves, Mel, Sirius, and Remus in the corridor. Hermione was already by his bed with the twins, Sandra, and Ginny.
Ginny had closed her hand over Harry's and kept running her hand over his cheek. "What happened?" she whispered, looking at Atonics. He looked sorrowfully at the boy.
"He's spelled himself so he'd never tell anyone things about- an event. Not unless of his own free will. I'm guessing he figured he'd never even say it with a potion. But he did. A truth serum?"
"Yes, but he's taken the same one before," Snape said. "There was a flash of emerald light. Like the light of the killing curse."
"That's because that is the color of Harry's magic," Kilala said. She motioned Atonics over. "He knocked himself out so he'd shut up."
"I can fix him. He'll be ready for his next lesson on time," Atonics said. "Ginny, you have to let go of his hand." Slowly, Ginny did as asked.
Harry's body began to glow. First Atonics's powder blue magic, then emerald took over. Harry sat up and moaned. "How much longer until Defense?"
"A few minutes," Mel said. "But I have to go. Need any help, Harry?"
"No." He swung out of bed and stretched. He smiled reassuringly. "Sorry 'bout that, Professor Snape."
"Sure," he mumbled. The students left the adults alone, heading for their classes.
"You sure you're okay?" asked Ginny when they arrived in front of her class door. He smiled. Ginny reached her hand up on impulse and rubbed a bit of dirt from his cheek. "No more going unconscious," she whispered and walked into the room. Harry stared after her.
"Time for defense!"
Harry walked into the room and chose a seat in the front. He pulled out a parchment and began absentmindedly scribbling Elvish symbols.
Harry fidgeted as they ate dinner that night. 'Where are the Marauders?!'
'And you yell at US for thinking loud!' Kigali thought to him sourly.
'You'll be lucky if only elves heard that!' Kilala thought to him. He rolled his eyes. Ron, Ginny, and Hermione were giving him weird looks.
"Telepathy," Harry muttered, blushing. They shook their heads and returned to pushing their food around their plates.
It was about twenty minutes into the meal when the doors finally opened. Remus and Sirius were walking in, bickering under their breath. Snape sighed heavily. Mel's eyes danced.
Suddenly thousands of water balloons splashed down on them. Some were filled with water. Others with food. Some still contained paint. "What the hell!" cried Remus. Students around the hall gawped at his language.
"SNAPE!" cried Sirius. Professor Snape was laughing his arse off up at the Head Table. "DAMMIT!"
Emerald green words began to form in the air. ^Shut-up, Padsy.^
"Hell," muttered Remus. Snape had gotten himself under control, curious as to what was happening. Mel didn't even bother to stop laughing.
"Stop it!" yelled Sirius. "Who are you!"
^Not you, us.^
"Well," Remus said. "We would like to get on with hexing you."
^Ah, so you think you can? Well, the polite thing to do would be to tell you.^
^WHY would we be polite?^ The lettering had gone from green to midnight blue.
^Yes, why?^ Now it was purple.
^BECAUSE!!^ defended red.
"Just get on with it!" cried Sirius.
^Keep your knickers on, Black.^ That was green.
^Just tell them,^ blue wrote.
^Yessum.^ Purple.
^We are you successors. The Marauders. The NEW Marauders. Mr. Lightning, Mr. Nightly, Ms. Quill, and Ms. Amethyst.^
"HARRY!" yelled the two together.
"These people seem rather brilliant," Harry called innocently.
"Get your arse over here! NOW!"
"Ah, but that would be stupid, dear godfather," Harry replied.
"Just come here!" Remus yelled. He and Sirius shot a spell at him. Cobalt barriors came up. A very angry looking Ricu stood, hand open.
"Ricu?" Harry said.
"What is going on?!" he yelled, eyes flashing.
"Damn," muttered Ricaotne. She came over and rested a hand on his shoulder. Suddenly his hand began to shake. He fell to the ground. The elves gathered around him, as did Harry.
"Maybe he should go home," Sala said softly. "We can call in Ginjo."
"This isn't about defending you," Harry said quietly.
"What?"
"I wanted him to come because he needs to be away. He needs to rest. Ever since Figushiro-"
"FIGUSHIRO NO LONGER EXISTS!" screamed Migra. She ran from the hall. Harry watched her go and then looked down at Ricu again. Then he raised his eyes to the elves.
"Since Figushiro became Ukigol, he's been on edge. He's afraid and worried. He's alone. He doesn't want to show it. It's like how Remus was after Sirius seemed to die. And Migra is like me. It's all bottled up. She's too afraid to let it out," Harry said.
"Thank you," came Ricu's hoarse voice came. "I've needed to hear that. Figu- Ukigol is NOT coming back. I need to let go. My brother is dead."
"Yes, he is," Harry said. "But we may be able to save him yet."
"You know him. His mind is set on being who HE wishes and doing as HE wills."
"Yes, I do know him. I know he is no more evil than I am Voldemort's brother. There are times when the line may appear thin, but it is there. And somehow we can go back form one side to another."
"Yes, well, if he does, he'll just have to face our laws. We are different from these people. Our laws are harsher. You-"
"I will NOT fight him," Harry growled. He stalked back to his table and plopped down. A dim glow of emerald green could be seen by all, surrounding him. The elves looked frightened.
"Harry?" asked Hermione tentatively. He sighed and started eating. Slowly, the light dimmed. Remus and Sirius came over. Sirius laid a hand on his shoulder. Harry turned to him, seeing question in his eyes. Harry rubbed his own.
"Meet us in the Layer after dinner," Harry said softly.
"Nice work," Sirius said. "Now please, clean it up." Harry rolled his eyes and flicked his wrist. Their clothes changed back to normal. Sirius walked up to Mel. Remus lingered for a moment.
"Couldn't pick anyone better to carry on our work," he said softly. Smiling he followed his best friend.
"Students! Surely you noticed Professor Lupin's- Sirius, do not laugh at him- return. He has brought with him, Mr. Bl-"
"Mr. Padsy!" called Harry. He blushed deeply when Dumbledore gave him a hard look.
"Mr. Padfoot," Sirius said.
"Yes, well, they will be staying here. They have the power of a teacher. Do not cross the line. You do not want to face the wrath of their minds." Snape snorted. Remus floated his goblet above his head and dumped it on him.
"You escaped for one year, Snivellus," Remus said. "But now I know the truth about Padfoot. You remember hell, correct? Well, be careful, it has come back."
"Shut-up," Mel called. "You annoy me."
"Why is my sister so mean to me? We are flesh and blood. Father-" Mel screeched and threw bread at Remus. He had immediately clapped his hand to his mouth.
"You idiot! I HATE our father! I HATE HATE HATE him!"
"Calm down, Mel!" cried Sirius. She took a deep breath.
"Re, there is a REASON why my name isn't Lupin. Our father abandoned my mother. He was an all around bastard," snapped Mel.
"Like I don't know that?!"
"You sure speak lightly of him!" Quickly she left the hall. Remus sighed and went after her.
"And it's begun," Sirius said, throwing his hands in the air. He slipped into Mel's vacated seat and began talking to Professor McGonagall.
Harry furrowed his brows. He had secrets, he knew that. He had good reasons. But apparently, his friends did as well. And maybe they weren't as deep and staining as his, but they were there.
************
Harry led them into the Layer. Sirius and Remus were sitting on the red couch in front of the fire, prodding something in between them. "What did you do?" asked Hermione, plopping into a chair across from them. They jumped.
"What is it with you guys and the sneaking up on people thing?" snapped Sirius.
"What is it with you and not telling us who you're related to?" asked Ron. Harry was glad he didn't have to say it, what with all of his secrets.
"Is there a reason why you needed to know?" asked Sirius.
"I don't know, is there? Furthermore, is there a reason we didn't?" asked Ginny mysteriously, perching on the arm of the couch. Harry forced himself to sit next to Sirius, opposite of Ginny. Otherwise the urge to touch her may have been unable to be stopped.
"Look, the person who relates us is not really a light subject with Mel, if you hadn't noticed," Remus murmured. "Our father wasn't exactly nice. And he left her mother. He left mine as well. Technically, I'm not a Lupin. And Mel's not a Clemmins. Our father was Daniel Oviture. He came back when we were in our third year and told us we were siblings. We already knew that but he fought for legal custody of us. He ended with shared custody. Christmas break we were supposed to spend with him. But he got arrested after our first Christmas there."
"Why?" asked Harry, eyes boring into Remus.
"He- he just did," Remus choked out. Sirius looked away. Harry shot telepathic messages to each of his friends. They changed the subject.
"So, don't you want to ask about a certain prank?" teased Ginny.
"You can't be Marauders," Sirius said, miraculously serious.
"WHAT? WHY!" screeched Hermione. Harry quickly found out what was going on with his telepathy and shoved the two men off of the couch.
"Hey!"
"Hey, what, Potter?" asked Remus, rubbing his bum.
"Just initiate us already," he snapped.
"HOW do you do that?" asked Sirius.
"Elves," replied four people.
"Whatever. We'll have the initiation as soon as you can become animgai," Sirius informed them.
"So, let's get down to business. What are your animagi forms?" asked Remus. And they began their lessons.
***********
Early the next morning Harry and the others headed to the quidditch field to train. Today, he worked by himself, moving quickly and swiftly in practice patterns. When he finally stopped, he joined Atonics and Kilala.
"What are you working on?" asked Harry.
"We've just figured out their special fighting talents," Atonics said.
"Well?"
"Hermione's strong point is archery, Ron's is staff, and Ginny's is traditional swordsmanship," Kilala informed him. Harry nodded.
"I'll work with Ron," Ricu said, walking over. Everyone knew that he was great with short swords. Especially double.
"Obviously, I get Hermione," Atonics said, smiling. He wasn't as great a fighter as Kilala but he was a very good archer.
"I'm going to work with Ginny," Harry told Kilala.
"Excuse me, my student?"
"I'm going to work with Ginny. You should train with the other Guards. Keep them on their toes. And figure out drills for basics with these three. Besides, the only thing that I'm better at then swordsmanship is unarmed combat," Harry told her decisively.
Kilala shrugged. Picking her bow up, she walked over to the others. "You all suck at archery, with the exception of Kigali. Get out your bows. Get moving!"
Harry led Ginny near the locker rooms. He magically created a sword. It glowed green for a while. "Pick it up," he instructed. Ginny sagged under the weight. "That's made from one of the heavier earth metals. It's weighted with solid lead."
"Are you insane?" snapped Ginny.
"No," said a very amused Harry. "You'll need to strengthen your arm muscles for wielding the sword and your leg muscles for moving around. Today, we're going to start with your arms."
He magically transported a box form hidden armories within Hogwarts, to the pitch. He pulled out six heavy balls. He tossed three to Ginny, who caught them with little difficulty.
"Watch." Harry began very simple hand movements with the heavy balls. Ginny began to mimic him. Once in a while she'd drop one and start over. Eventually Harry started circling her, watching. He'd correct her wrist movements and then he'd show her a new and more complicated piece.
He glanced at Hermione. Atonics was drilling her over and over on how to string a bow. She fasten it and unfasten it rapidly, improving in both speed and ability as she went. Her fingers moved as though on fire.
When he looked, he saw Ron working on moving his feet. He was learning to dance, hard Elvish steps used to show off at court or at large parties and war endings. Harry watched for a while. Ron would be able to dance with Hermione at the next ball. That was for sure.
Harry stopped Ginny five minutes later. "Time for school!" Harry called. Everyone else had already begun to stop. They al headed back to the castle. Harry noticed A large black dog roaming the corridors when they walked in.
"Padfoot!" Harry called. Padfoot trotted over to Harry. He crouched down and scratched his ears. "What are you doing?"
"He stole my sock!" cried Remus, running down the stairs. He leapt at the dog. Werewolf and dog wrestled across the entry hall. Eventually Harry broke them apart and gave Remus's sock to him.
"Padfoot, Moony, go to your chambers. You're confined to your chambers until further notice," Harry ordered.
"Aren't we supposed to be in charge of him?" asked Sirius.
"I think so," Remus said slowly. They continued discussing this until they reached their rooms. Then they had to occupy themselves with making their own breakfast.
"They are truly hilarious," Ron said, shaking his head. They all went up to get changed and then to breakfast.
As Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were leaving the hall, Atonics called them over.
"How are you?"
"You saw us an hour ago, training," Hermione said, rolling her eyes.
"Look, it's a simple question," Atonics snapped.
"Do you want something or do you just enjoy watching us walk back and forth across the hall?" asked Ginny.
"It's about our class. You'll be taking it today. I wanted to ask you something," Atoncis said. His gaze was held firmly on Harry. He looked away. "We're going to be telling them anything they ask questions about. Anything."
"Even how you wife died? Other personal details?" asked Harry, voice bitter.
"Yes," Kilala said. "The elves that are within Hogwarts play giant roles in our history." Harry looked out of a window.
"Tell them what you will. Just leave me out of it."
"You are the Jistone. We cannot do that," Kilala said.
"Ki, just call me the Jistone then," he sad. Without waiting for a response he made a quick bow and left. His three best friends followed him.
"What aren't you telling us?" asked Ron.
"As it seems, you'll end up finding it out in these classes," Harry said irritably.
"Maybe we want to hear it from you," Ginny said softly, resting her hand on his arm. Harry looked at the hand.
"I can't," he said quietly. Then, before their eyes, he transformed into a sparrow with a lightning shaped white mark and flew away. Ginny sighed.
"Don't worry," Hermione said, squeezing her shoulders. "He'll tell us, eventually."
"I just hope it's before we find out in class," Ron said. They parted from the younger girl. She went to stare out of a window, the one Harry had gone through.
"Mertiku and Aashiti bless you," Ginny whispered to the winds. She let her hand fly to her mouth. Where were those names from? How did she know them?
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Harry was last to arrive that day to Potions. Shortly after his own arrival, Professor Snape arrived. "I'm partnering you up and you'll be making the potion Harry and Draco made last time. You'll be tested with me in private. Ron-Harry, Draco-Hermione, Justin-Ernie. Susan-Terry."
They moved to their partners and Harry began silently cutting up the madle roots. "Harry? Are you okay?"
"I guess."
"Why are you so worried?"
"Just am. Look, we better do this right."
"Okay. So, why do you think Snape partnered Mione and Ferret?"
"Because, what with Draco's secret, his concentration had been off. Hermione's the best in the class. She'll make sure he does okay."
"Guess that makes sense. I've been thinking about Ferret," Ron said slowly. "He's changed since summer. Guess it's got something to do with his parents. But, I think we should make piece. Come time for the war, we could use his help."
"You're right. We should. Besides that, he's becoming an animagi. I can sense it," Harry said. There was no more time for discussion as they got to work.
One by one they went into Snape's office. Soon enough it was Harry's turn. He was last, again. He whipped his hands on his pants, which made him less worried about it slipping from his sweaty hands.
"Harry, same question as last class." Harry drank the serum.
"There was a war."
"What are you talking about?" asked Snape, obviously confused as to why a war would be a deep secret.
"When I was in the Elvin Realm. There was a war. I was in the center of it. That's where I found out I was a r-" emerald light flashed in the room.
Snape rubbed his eyes, trying to see. At his feet, lay Harry Potter. Unconscious from his own magic.
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(But I won't)
Snape levitated Harry into the air and slammed the door open. "Clean up and get to your next class. Ron, Hermione, who do you have your next class with?"
"We've got Defense with Slytherins," Ron said. "Is Harry alright? What happened?"
"Draco, tell your wench of a Defense teacher her godson is in the hospital wing. Ron, Hermione, come along."
The two rushed after their potions master. "What happened to him?" asked Hermione.
"I don't know," Snape said quietly. "Can you think of anyone to get? Clemmins I'm sure will go get Lupin and Black."
"Atonics and the restof the elves. They'll know what's going on," Ron said.
"You get them. I'll get Ginny and the twins."
"Hurry," Snape called after them. He successfully got Harry to the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey took a look at him and sent Snape for Dumbledore.
When Snape returned with the headmaster, they met Ron, the elves, Mel, Sirius, and Remus in the corridor. Hermione was already by his bed with the twins, Sandra, and Ginny.
Ginny had closed her hand over Harry's and kept running her hand over his cheek. "What happened?" she whispered, looking at Atonics. He looked sorrowfully at the boy.
"He's spelled himself so he'd never tell anyone things about- an event. Not unless of his own free will. I'm guessing he figured he'd never even say it with a potion. But he did. A truth serum?"
"Yes, but he's taken the same one before," Snape said. "There was a flash of emerald light. Like the light of the killing curse."
"That's because that is the color of Harry's magic," Kilala said. She motioned Atonics over. "He knocked himself out so he'd shut up."
"I can fix him. He'll be ready for his next lesson on time," Atonics said. "Ginny, you have to let go of his hand." Slowly, Ginny did as asked.
Harry's body began to glow. First Atonics's powder blue magic, then emerald took over. Harry sat up and moaned. "How much longer until Defense?"
"A few minutes," Mel said. "But I have to go. Need any help, Harry?"
"No." He swung out of bed and stretched. He smiled reassuringly. "Sorry 'bout that, Professor Snape."
"Sure," he mumbled. The students left the adults alone, heading for their classes.
"You sure you're okay?" asked Ginny when they arrived in front of her class door. He smiled. Ginny reached her hand up on impulse and rubbed a bit of dirt from his cheek. "No more going unconscious," she whispered and walked into the room. Harry stared after her.
"Time for defense!"
Harry walked into the room and chose a seat in the front. He pulled out a parchment and began absentmindedly scribbling Elvish symbols.