Chapter Twelve*~~
It was five minutes after all of the fifth and sixth years taking the class were seated that the elves entered the room. Harry didn't watch them, just continued writing names and symbols on his paper.
"Welcome to History of the Elves. I'm Atonics. This is Kilala, Ricatone, Ricu, Migra, and Sala. These are the basics of elves, there is a Head Elf. He has most of the power. Ours is currently Jihiro Mikatos.
"Then there's a Head Magician. That's me. Basically I've proved I'm the master of magic of all elves. Then there's Kilala, who is the Head Fighter. Next are the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Liquid and Solid Healers. Sala is the Silver Liquid Healer. After that there's the Royal Gaurds. That's these three. Ricatone is Supreme Guard.
"Questions?"
"Don't you have royals?" called Malfoy. They exchanged uneasy looks.
"Long ago, the royal elves were most powerful," Kilala said. "But then Prince Albahino left. His successor was evil and we threw the royals out of power. During our last war, the royals tried to regain power. However, the heir of the Last Prince- Prince Albahino- was found. Right now, all power is being transferred back. It's a result of ancient Elvin balances and power."
"What kind of wars do you have?" This came from Justin.
"Lots. Some are of pointless family rivals. Long ago two sides of the royal families tried to gain control of the thrown at the same time. A war broke out. That was the War of the Throne. Needless bloodshed," answered Ricatone.
"How many wars have you been in?" asked Luna.
"Myself, Kilala, and Sala have been in seventeen. Some were small, some big. Kilala and I are one thousand years old last year. Sala is two thousand twenty six," Atonics said.
"The three of us have been in six wars," Ricu said, bitterness etched in his voice. Migra placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Harry made a furious symbol on his paper.
"Which was the biggest?" asked a Slytheirn fifth year- Natara Kinders.
"The." after Atonics's first word, no one would continue.
"The War of Liston." Heads turned to Harry.
"Yes, the War of Royal Blood once translated," Atonics said.
"What was it about?" asked Malfoy after a moment.
"Royal blood," said Kilala. "Distant royals wanted the throne. There was a direct royal elf that had just arrived. He didn't know it. Things got crazy. It turned to the harshest war with the most lost since the War of Elves, which was when the five separate countries of our realm became one and one family made the throne."
"Can we learn about the war?" asked Grace. Harry cursed under his breath. The elves nodded hesitantly.
"DAMN YOU ALL!" he yelled. Harry stood up, the green glow around him again.
"Harry," Kilala said softly.
"NO!" he screamed. Dim green flashed through the room and the elves were thrown back. Harry was in the front. "I will not do this. Not again. Not now, not ever." His voice was shaking with fury. He stormed from the room.
Ginny watched him go. The elves exchanged worried glances. Ron and Hermione also exchanged looks. But all of their thoughts were interrupted when a beautiful blue phoenix flew in through the window.
It landed in front of Ginny. She stared. It held out its leg. There was a letter with 'Marauders' written on it. She pulled it off and the phoenix flew out of the room the way Harry had gone.
"What on earth..." Hermione trailed off.
"Why was Emrys here?" asked Ricu in awe.
"Don't open that!" ordered Migra. She snatched it. "Atonics?"
He took the letter and enclosed it in a small sphere of his blue magic. Then, with his magic he opened it. A large explosion went off. It happened in the sphere but a great deal of pressure came through, knocking everyone off of their chairs.
"What was that?" asked Ginny, frightened.
"That was a trap. The blue phoenix Emrys belongs to an enemy. The phoenix is imprisoned. We've been trying to break him free. But he's also our only safe link to the enemy," Kilala explained. "The right hand man of our last war is still loose."
"Than when did the war happen?" asked Ron.
"A year ago," was the quiet response from Migra.
"But our realms only just fell into the same pace. That would have happened over the...." Hermione never finished. Atonics looked up sadly.
"Over the summer."
Suddenly things clicked. The three friends stood up and rushed after their other best friend. The elves watched them go before turning back to the students.
"We're going to be teaching you about Elvin protocol and about our magic. Nothing else. Not yet. You won't learn our magic. It's not something we can do without consent of the Head and now the Prince. Besides which, the really interesting things can only be done by an elf." *************
The four were seated in the Layer. Harry wouldn't look at them. Ginny let her hand rest on his arm. "Harry, is what you haven't told us something to do with the war?"
"Yes," he said, a few minutes after the question.
"What?" came Ron's soft voice. He looked carefully at Harry. Harry sighed.
"It was because of me. I was the reason there even was a war."
"Harry?" asked Hermione. Harry let a tear slip down his cheek. Ginny rubbed his back. Harry shook his head.
"I... just can't." Ginny looked at the other two. They nodded.
"Then we'll wait until you can," Ginny said soothingly. Harry smiled weakly.
"Time for working on animagi," Harry announced. They smiled too.
But no matter what they looked like, they all knew the smiles were fake. And only on the surface.
*****************
It was two days later- Saturday. Almost the whole school was seated at the tables. It was then a soft phoenix song filled the air. Harry looked up, confused. A beautiful purple and silver phoenix swooped in. He rolled his eyes as she came and landed in front of Ginny.
"You're beautiful," she whispered. Carefully, so as not to disturbed the bird, Ginny took some bacon and offered it to her. The phoenix took it and leapt onto her shoulder. Ginny giggled.
The phoenix pecked Harry's ear, who sat next to the pretty red head. She kept on doing so until Harry looked crossly at her. "Knock it off, Edana."
"You know this phoenix?" asked Hermione, awed and surprised.
"Yeah, she's mine. And a show off, too. Loves being fawned over. And she loves bacon."
"What does her name mean?" asked Ron, engrossed.
"Tiny flame," Harry said fondly. Edana moved to his offered hand. He stroked her head. "When I found her in the mountains back in my first year, she was very small and her purple and silver tail was glowing with her uncontrolled fire. It was a tiny flame though. That' s how her name came about."
"How'd she get here?" asked Ginny. Harry's brows drew together.
"There'd only be one way, and that's not a good one," he said bitterly. Harry rested the bird on Ginny's shoulder and left the Hall.
It was late that night and Harry was lying on his bed, trying to fall asleep. 'You almost forgot why you can't love Ginny. Or rather why she and you can't be together. You can't forget anymore. And you can't get closer to her.'
Harry fell into a restless sleep.
**************
It was soon Halloween. The Marauders had just had their induction a week ago and were waiting for the feast for their first real, full Marauder, prank. Harry was also nervous because he had to pull off the ultimate gift for Remus on that day. He really hoped it would work.
There were no classes, so the Marauders spent the whole day making sure everything was right and playing around in their animagi forms. They all insisted that Harry show them all sorts of shapes.
"Harry you need one, official Marauder shape," Ginny said.
"A wolf," he said instantly.
"Great Michi!" exclaimed Ginny. Harry stared at her.
"Where did you hear that?" he asked, perplexed. Ginny furrowed her brows in thought.
"I have no idea. I don't even know what it means. It just came out!"
"Mihci is the God of Matika. Elvin Animagi are called Mariho- Michi's servants," Harry said. "He's one of my favorite of our gods."
"But how would I know that?" asked Ginny softly as Hermione and Ron asked him more questions.
"What are the other Elvin Gods?" asked Hermione.
"There are a lot," Harry said.
"So make a book," Ron said.
"You know," Harry said thoughtfully. "That's not a bad idea. I'll give it to you guys tomorrow, alright?"
"Well," said Ginny, "We have a while till dinner and I could go for a butterbeer." They all grinned and headed to the secret passage. Transforming, they went at top speed through the passage. Once in the cellar of Honeydukes, Harry changed from wolf to fly and they headed up.
After they had a butterbeer, they walked out to the outskirts of the town and changed into their animagi forms. Before long they had to head back to school for the feast.
They quickly took their seats. "Are you ready?" asked Ginny excitedly. The other three smiled evilly and nodded. The dinner began a few moments later.
Harry concentrated and sent out the signals to his friends. Using his Elvin magic he performed his part on the teachers, elves, and Gryffindors. At the same time, Ginny did her work on the Slytherins from under the table. Hermione took care of the Ravenclaws and Ron the Hufflepuffs.
There was silence in the hall before a burst of squeals.
The Slytherins were decked in red and gold. 'Go Lions!' and 'Lions Rock!' were written on their faces and robes. Above their table in a deep purple lettering glittered. 'Courtesy of Amethyst.'
The Ravenclaws were all sporting purple eyed cat and stunning grey wolf things. Some students were turned into such animals. Above them glittered midnight blue writing. 'Courtesy of Quill.'
The Hufflepuffs supported Ron and Hermione by being decorated in things to do with long eared owls and graceful eagles. There were a few select students transfigured- like Luna in the form of an eagle. Ron's signature color of scarlet glittered in the form of writing above them. 'Courtesy of Nightly.'
The Gryffindors were sporting a mix of four colors- emerald green, deep purple, scarlet red, and midnight blue. Where their Gryffindor badges had been and on their backs were something like the Hogwarts badge but in place of the house colors there was the Marauders' colors.
On their respective colors were the Marauders animagi forms. On the two top corners and the point at the middle of the bottom there was an animal. The top left sported a stag (which was closest to Harry), the right had a shaggy black dog and the bottom had a werewolf.
Where there was Gryffindor on the Hogwarts crest there was Harry, for Slytherin Ginny, for Hufflepuff Hermione, and for Ravenclaw Ron. (has nothing to do with them personally) Where it would say Hogwarts there was Marauders.
This hung behind the teachers now. Above the Gryffindors in emerald green was 'Courtesy of Lightning.'
The teachers and elves all had their hair dyed with the same spell Harry had used on Hermione. The most noticeable were Snape's gold and red, Dumbledore's green with blue dots, Kilala's emerald with black stripes, and Sirius and Remus's matching four colors of the Marauders.
Above their table floated four words in four colors. 'Courtesy of the Marauders.' Then slowly, four names appeared in their colors. 'Lightning, Nightly, Quill, Amethyst.'
"Quiet!" commanded Dumbledore. Kilala rose fuming.
"HAROLD JAMES POTTER!"
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger, Miss Weasley, please come here," Dumbledore said calmly. They grinned and rose. The only ones in the Hall unaffected, it was obvious who the Marauders were.
"Yes, Professor?" asked Harry, completely innocent.
"The four of you will all report for detention in my office tomorrow after your last lesson. This is very impressive magic, but I must ask you take it off," Dumbledore said calmly, eyes dancing.
"Sorry, the dye stays for two months," Ginny said sweetly. Kilala was glaring daggers at Harry.
"Jistone," she hissed warningly.
"I swore I'd get you back. My hair's only just gone normal."
"I challenge you to a duel at the Midwinter Elvin festivals. In the Field of Pallaton," Kilala declared loudly. Harry groaned.
"I refuse to except unless it is held now in the field of quidditch."
"Aren't we witty," snapped Kilala. "Fine. Same rules of the Field of Pallaton. I suggest the weapon of long swords."
"Fine," Harry said waving his hand. "Your death wish. Lucky for you we can't kill in the Field of Pallaton. On we go to the Field of Quidditch."
"I'll officiate," offered Dumbledore, smiling. "It's been too long since I've seen a friendly duel near the likes of one of the Field of Pallaton's."
"Suit yourself," Kilala said. Harry walked quickly out of the Hall, followed by Marauders. They were followed by the elves. The elves were followed by the teachers. And everyone else slowly filtered out.
Harry stood on the field, quickly going through a few stretches. Then he snapped his fingers. He wore breeches, a soft white cotton shirt, an emerald tunic, and an emerald battle cloak.
"What is this?" Ginny asked. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Kilala's being a baby. She challenged me to a duel. Because of my, er, position in the Elvin Realm I can't refuse the Field of Pallaton. But only people who want to fight to settle a baby's grudge or simply wish to have a friendly battle challenge in that field. Because you can't kill or do anything that can help settle real scores in the Field of Pallaton."
"Later, right?" asked Hermione. Harry smiled. He called on a sword in the elves' rooms. It appeared in a burst of emerald.
"I have a duel to fight," Harry said, smiling.
"Mishtika llinor," Dumbledore said, as though he had every day of his life. "Jist!"
Harry and Kilala's swords were together and then they swung apart. Each took their fighting stance. The first of students (mainly DA) were on the field. Suddenly, sowords clanking rang through the air as Kilala attacked.
After a few moments, no one could see the actually swords anymore. The two moved quickly with the art of great practice. Once in a while they'd be locked in a barring position with either Kilala or Harry on top. Only the Marauders noticed Harry used his left hand instead of his right.
Then, Harry switched hands. A few moment later, Kilala's sword was hurtling through the air right at Dennis Creevey. It halted in front of his face, a bright emerald glow to it. It vanished along with the sword Harry held.
Dumbledore bowed to Harry. Harry waited until Kilala had bowed as well before tilting his head to her and bowing deeply to Dumbledore. Then he walked back to his friends.
"So, anyone up for Exploding Snap?"
"Harry," Ron hissed. Harry looked up and blushed. They had gathered a very large crowd.
"Come on," Sirius said. He led them inside with Remus. "We never knew you could fight like that."
"I know," Harry said. He paused and glanced out the window, biting his lip. "Look, this Christmas I have a feeling that I'll have to go to the Elvin Realm. You can all come too."
"Really?" asked Ginny, animatedly. Harry smiled and nodded. He forced himself to remember the sign and let his emotions be pushed aside.
"Remus, you have to come with me to the Layer. Just us." He looked very concentrated. Remus shared a confused look with Sirius before he followed Harry to the Layer.
"Harry what is this about?"
"You'll see," was all Harry would say. "Do you trust me? Completely and utterly?" Remus nodded. "Good, just concentrate on that trust or this won't work."
He circled Remus. After the first complete circle he pulled out a completely black and shiny stone. He drew an invisible circle with it on the ground. Then, he began to lift off of the ground.
"Don't look up." Remus obeyed.
Harry sprouted majestic wings of a pale yellow with feathers of barely red, green, purple, and blue feathers scattered around. When he was directly over Remus he took out a fistful of orby blue colored powder. He blew it around in a circle, spinning in the air with his wings.
The invisible circle burst into a ring of emerald green and orb blue flames. Harry and Remus's magic. Harry raised his hands to the ceiling and cried out an Elvish chant. "Kindarini hiro jikol, nibaru kindarini uhri jikol, ji linopri guh resht plonitri."
I
Remus blinked. Harry was lying on the ground few feet away form him. Remus's head was splitting. He rubbed his forehead. Slowly, he got to his feet and crouched by Harry. There were two tears in his shirt near his shoulder blades.
"Harry," he croaked. After a moment Harry groaned and rolled over.
"I'm alright."
"What did you do?"
"You'll find out tomorrow."
"What-?" but Harry was leaving. Harry walked back to Gryffindor Tower.
'So much for the untamed werewolf.'
***************
Harry fingered the coin in his hand. He had just made it different. Now that Marauder lessons had been completed, he could start with Dumbledore's Army. They also needed to invite a few new members. He sent coins to each at breakfast.
After Hermione's last lesson- History of Magic- and Ginny's last lesson- Muggle studies- the two met up with Ron and Harry and went to their detention with Dumbledore.
Dumbledore was waiting for them in his office. When they entered he smiled. "Ah, there you are."
"Hullo, Professor," Ron said brightly.
"What torture have you in store for us?" asked Ginny dramatically, adding a pretend faint at the end. Harry caught her before she hit the couch. When she opened her eyes in surprise, he let go. Ginny squealed and after she stood up, punched his arm lightly.
"You see all of my little trinkets? Well, have fun dusting them. I have to leave for a while. If you finish early, please wait for my return. Also, feel free to experiment with the things you are cleaning. In a few minutes there will be a goblet for you each and plate for food. They will refill to your needs. Have a nice night."
Harry glanced around and saw that everything he had destroyed last year was replaced. He went red at the memory. "And, Harry, I'd appreciate it if you'd be extra careful with the newer looking things. I'd hate to have to buy replacements right away, again." Harry's blush deepened.
Dumbledore left. "What was he talking about?" asked Hermione. Harry sighed.
"There are many things I should tell you. But you have to wait for a few weeks. I just need time. Only a few weeks. Please?"
"Whatever you say," Ginny assured him softly. Harry smiled.
They soon got to work. When they had finished, Harry glanced out the window and saw the full moon glowing brightly in the night sky. He smiled and raised hand to touch the window. It glowed his magic color before clearing to show a room where Atonics and Kilala sat at a desk, talking.
"Hello Harry," Kilala said turning to the window.
"Hey. Now's the moment of truth. I performed the spell!"
"YOU WHAT?!" screamed the twins together. Harry smiled wickedly.
"I masked it from you."
"I outta-!" but Harry cut them off by breaking the connection between the window in Dumbledore's office and the window in the room where they had History of Elves.
The door opened and Dumbledore walked in along with Sirius and Remus. Harry's three friends gaped at Remus. He was standing there, looking dazed and confused. Sirius looked exactly the same. Dumbledore simply looked interested.
"Apparently you have all noticed that Remus is in human form," Harry said brightly.
"Harry WHAT was that spell? How did you do this? Why?" Remus stared at him, completely stunned. Harry smiled and stuck his hands in his pockets.
"That was a spell that tamed your werewolf side. It's pretty hard to do but I spent forever practicing it in the Elvin Realm. It has to be done on a day where all dimensions are close together.
"The Day of the Dead- or Halloween- is the day when we're all closest and our separations weakest. That's because in all places that day is the day when the dead are remembered. All dead, from everywhere- any realm. Also, the summer solstice, winter solstice, spring equinox, and autumnal equinox are the other weakest days.
"Now you can go back and forth between werewolf and human when you please. The full moon simply makes you stronger than any other night." Everyone in the room was staring.
"That's very complicated Elvin magic, something only an elf can do," Dumbledore said. His eyes were inquisitory. Harry looked away form his penetrating gaze.
"You would know, wouldn't you?" asked Harry softly. Dumbledore started.
"What do you mean?" he asked quickly. Too quickly.
"Nothing," Harry said absently. His focus had moved to something behind the headmaster.
"Harry?" asked Sirius.
"Sorry, just looking at something. What is that, Professor Dumbledore?"
Dumbledore turned and pulled down the object Harry had asked about. It was obviously a blue silk material wrapped around a small object. Carefully Dumbledore opened it. He pulled out a golden chain. Hanging on the end, set in gold, was a beautiful completely black stone.
"That's beautiful," Ginny said quietly.
"And very powerful," Dumbledore said. His eyes looked lost for the briefest of seconds. Then he refocused his attention on the stone.
"A power stone." Harry wasn't asking a question and they all could tell.
"Correct. It's from long, long ago," Dumbledore said, running his hands along it. "They're very rare and they can only be found in the Elvin Realm."
"Very few people can get one," Harry said slowly, carefully, as though he were working his way up to something.
"You had one," Remus said. "I saw it. You used it when you cast the spell on me."
"Yes I did," said Harry with a shrug. "I had a few connections."
"I believe the same ones as I did," Dumbledore said. Something in his eyes clearly showed his words had a double meaning.
"We would, Grandfather," Harry said quietly. But Remus heard him. And so did Ron and Ginny and Sirius.
"Grandfather?!" they exclaimed as one. 'Damn, forgot about that. Werewolves, cats, dogs, and owls have extremely good ears.'
"Harry?" questioned Dumbledore. Harry saw quite clearly the worry in his eyes.
"I've had a hunch since I went to the Elvin Realm. I learned a lot there. And I saw a lot. I looked up my family history. My grandmother, Hallie Evans, was adopted. About two months before you were married. And before those two months-"
"I had spent nine months in the Elvin Realm," Dumbledore said softly. "I knew something was wrong with Shirina when I left. I never thought- you really think you could be my great-grandson?"
"No, I know it," Harry said, not daring to look up. "I tested our blood. I'm your heir, Grandfather. There's no other explanation for it."
"Obviously," muttered Remus.
"What?" Sirius got out. "You mean to tell me, my godson is heir to Albus Dumbledore?"
"In one way or another," Harry said. Dumbledore met his gaze and knew immediately that Harry knew everything. Everything about him and his past. Dumbledore sighed and shook his head.
"You are one smart young boy," Dumbledore said. He smiled, eyes dancing. "However, in order to stay one, I suggest you and your friends return to your dormitories and work on homework before the time for sleep comes."
"Whatever you say, Grandfather," Harry said in response. He led his three friends out after hugs were exchanged with the two older men. Also, Harry gave his grandfather a squeeze before dashing to the Gryffindor Common.
"Harry, how long will it be before you tell us everything?" asked Ron. "I mean, I know you need time and everything, but. there's only so much we can take in as shocking and blunt surprises!"
Harry smiled. "Bill's wedding is in three weeks, right? Well, I swear that the night before that, I will tell you all I can. But I... I can't tell you it all. I just can't." Pain was visible in his eyes.
"We understand," Hermione assured him. Ginny smiled softly. "Now, you, Mr. Potter, are coming with me to get a few books from the library."
Ron and Ginny gathered their things and went up to Hermione's empty room while Harry was dragged by Hermione to the library.
"Hermione, why did you really want me to com e down here?" asked Harry when they began looking through the shelves in the Restricted Section.
"I want to know something," said Hermione. She stopped and leaned on the shelves. "I know you like Ginny. Don't try to deny it."
Harry looked up wryly. "I know I can't. You're very good at that. You knew long ago when I had feelings for Cho."
"And I can tell these feelings are much different. But where did they some from? I mean, she did say she'd gotten over you. Then, suddenly, you fall head over heals for her! It doesn't make sense!"
"Hermione," Harry paused. He stood across form her and scuffed his foot on the ground. "When I was in the Elvin Realm I thought a lot about everyone. And I remembered things and realized things. Like after some thought, I realized with ease, you and Ron were wonderful for each other.
"So, after a lot of time- and female elves- I realized something about Ginny. She was funny. And smart and she'd begun to look quite beautiful. Then I found a way could see you guys for a while. Not speak to you, but see what you were up to. I could pick three people and three places."
"So?" Hermione said after a while.
"I chose you and your room in Grammauld Place, Ron and his room, and then after a lot of thought, I chose Ginny and HER room. I saw her so differently; she was so beautiful and so amazing. I spent hours watching her. Unfortunately each of the three of you only got one day. That was all I could see. And everything had already happened. I could only watch what you had done the first day of time I had been gone."
"You mean you spied on Ginny?!" exclaimed Hermione. She was standing up now, instead of leaning on the shelves.
"Sort of," Harry muttered, going red. "And then I slowly fell for her. And I can't DO anything about it!"
"Tell her," Hermione said. She came over and placed a hand on his arm.
"She's over me. She said it herself. Besides, I'm dangerous. And I don't have a choice," Harry said. He turned away as a tear slid down his cheek. 'I hate this. I hate not having them know. But they wouldn't understand. They can't., not until they see it. And if they see it. I just can't. God, I want to have Ginny so bad, but I can't!'
"Harry, talk to her," Hermione said. "Just please, talk!"
"I do, and it makes me love her so much more. But you don't get it. I really CAN'T love her. I shouldn't but I DO. And I wish I could change that," Harry said. He whipped away the other tear that had slid down his cheek. He summoned the books they wanted. "Come on."
Hermione followed him slowly, keeping a few steps behind the boy who was one of her best friends. 'Love, he said he loved her!' was all Hermione could think of. 'I have to talk to Gin. But what does he mean, he can't? Of course he can! Dammit, what isn't he telling us!'
*******************
Hermione and Ginny led the boys up the stairs and to the Head Girl's dorm. They quickly broke in and opened the door to the Head Boy's dorm. As the Head Boy was Slytherin and the Head Girl a Ravenclaw (Cho.), they were empty.
"Ah, sweet bliss," said Ginny, falling carelessly onto a couch. "I officially declare these rooms ours!"
"And what gives you the authority to?" asked Ron. "I say we plan a prank!"
"Does that have anything to do with our topic of discussion?" asked Harry, rolling his eyes and sitting next to Ginny's head. She popped herself upright and sat cross-legged.
"No, but he has a point," Hermione said.
"I say we should prank the new additions to the Gryffindor team," Ginny announced. "Save me, of course. And Quill."
"You're trying out?!" exclaimed Ron.
"No need to be so shocked, Nightly. You know very well I got past you a good few times this summer! Didn't I, Gin?"
"I'd say so," Harry said.
"Shove off, Lightning."
"Uh-oh, Amethyst, I think Nightly's a bit upset," Harry said to Ginny. She grinned.
"I don't know...." Ron glared and leaned over to snog Hermione.
"EW!"
"Do they like doing that?" asked Harry.
"I think they're trying to make us hurl," Ginny said supportively. "If not, they're doing an excellent job of it anyways."
"Just because you two don't have anyone to snog!" Harry and Ginny threw pillow at Hermione. "HEY!"
"Really? I don't see any hay," Ginny said casually.
"You are so cheesy," Harry told her. She rolled her eyes.
"Duh!"
"Now then, weren't we planning a prank just a few seconds ago?" asked Hermione pointedly.
"Oh, yes!" exclaimed Ron. "Now then, after Saturday when me and Harry select our new quidditch team, they'll all need a little initiation."
"Unless they're me and Quill," Ginny pointed out.
"Unless they're you or Quill," agreed Harry.
"So, what exactly do you think we should do?"
********************
Harry walked to McGonagall's desk while Ginny left the room with Colin. "What did you want, Professor?" It was Thursday and Harry had to be sure to get to DADA.
"Harry, Ron came to see me yesterday. He told me he wished that you'd be given position of captain and that if I even bothered to offer it to him, he'd simply refuse it," McGonagall told Harry. "It seems he felt you should get the position."
"I- does that mean I have it?" he asked. He needn't have as he already knew the answer. He had read her mind. It was a habit he didn't like getting into as he didn't think it was fair, but he did it when he was excited.
"Of course. Now, I expect you to be as good as our last captains," she said sternly. Harry grinned.
"No problem. I'll make sure we've got an excellent team."
Harry slid into his seat between his best friends just as Mel entered. "Hello, class," she greeted brightly.
"Hello, Professor Clemmins."
"Now then, our last lesson was rudely interrupted. This means that it's time to get down to business. I want to start with shields. In groups of two, you'll cast minor hexes and your partner will use the Sincarta shield."
"Oooooooooh! Ooooooooooooooh! Ooooooooooooooooooh!" cried Harry.
"What do you want, Harry?" asked Mel. "You're beginning to sound like Sirius. That is never a good sign. He infests quickly. He's already gotten to Kigali and Mitra."
"No, they were always like that," Harry said waving his hand absently. "I was wondering if we got to PICK our partners."
"No."
"Mean woman."
"Be nice, I'm your godmother." Harry fell off of his chair.
"When was I to be informed of this?"
"Now," she replied matter-of-factly. "It wasn't like I could take care of you. Besides, you already knew, didn't you?"
"Sod off."
"One point from Gryffindor for you being a prat," Mel said. "And five points to Ron for laughing when you fell off your chair. Not then, Potter- Malfoy- don't glare, Potter- Granger-Weasley- no snogging-" this caused furious blushes on the couples part "Zambini-Abott, Longbottom-Finch- Fletchly, Patil-Patil, Brown-Thomas, Bulstrode-Nott(Nicholas-Slytherin), Finnigan-Bones, Mcmillan-Boot (Terry who was previously Troy), Bucklehurst(Mandy- previously Grace)-Turnip (Lisa- a R), and Moon(Robert-R)- Perks(Sally-Anne-R).
"Now, get to it! I want ONLY minor spells," Mel announced. She added under her breath, "Like you'll listen."
Malfoy quickly sent the jelly legs hex at Harry. He easily through up the shield. He returned the spell to Malfoy who just barely got it up. Harry took a deep breath. "Try flicking your wrist form left to right instead up the other way. It makes it go up faster and makes it stronger."
Malfoy gave him an unreadable look. But when Harry went a tap dancing curse at him, Malfoy did as Harry has suggested and blocked it with ease.
After class as they were leaving, Malfoy paused. "Thanks," he said in a barely audible voice. If not for the elves' hearing skills, Harry was sure he wouldn't have heard.
"You guys," Harry said as they sat down to lunch with Ginny. "Malfoy is really weird. I mean, he just said thanks to me as we left class! You remember what he said in potions the first day? Well, I think that that affected him a lot."
"I think you're right," Ginny said. "When I saw him in the corridor today he stopped and told me-" Ginny stopped. She went slightly red. "He told me that I had grown up nicely."
"WHAT! THAT BLOODY-"
"Ron!" cried Ginny. "Calm down! He smiled this oddly sincere smile and walked off after Blaise Zambini."
"We should talk to him," Hermione said. "I mean really talk to him. If he really ahs changed, he'd be a very good asset to our side. We don't know why Voldemort has slowed down now."
"He did all of that stuff at the beginning of summer to scare us," Harry said. "He murdered exactly twenty five people and cast the dark mark in thirteen different places. The same number of people he killed on the day he began to strike terror at his first uprising and the same with the dark mark."
"But he must be planning something," Ron said.
"I agree with Ron," Ginny said. "Why else would he have been so quiet for so long?"
"I have a very bad feeling he's made a new colleague," Harry said. 'An elf,' he added to himself.
"Well then, the DA is all the more important," Ginny said.
"Our first meeting is Monday," Harry said.
"We know," said Hermione with an eye roll. "We check our coins." Harry stuck out his tongue.
"Look, hurry up and finish, we've got to get to Elvin History," Ginny said. A few moments later they were on their way to the classroom.
They sat down in their same seats. "Oh, here, I've got the first part of the Book of the Gods done," Harry said. He pulled out a deep maroon book. "But there's something you need to know first."
"About our 'earth'," Atonics said. "And you'll be learning that today."
"Right, everyone's here," Kilala said.
"Good. Now, you call your planet earth, correct? Well, we elves call our "Earth" Jinro," Atonics began.
"We have two Suns," said Sala. "One is called Ko and the other is called Du. We have three moons. One is called Ri, one Sa, and the last Ky."
"Now, there is a sun on either side of us. It's their gravity pulling us both ways that means we have no orbit. But also, this causes Jinro to spin in place," Atonics said. "There are two sides of sun- our days. There is the Ko side which when we care facing that side we call a Ko day and then there is the Du side which when we face it we call a Du day."
Ricu spoke up now. "There are two moon sides as well- our two different night views. When we face the way that was Ri and Sa in it we call it Risa night which follows a Ko day, so it is also called a Ko night. When we face the side that has Ky in it, it is a Ky night or a Du night."
"The lengths of our days," said Ricatone, "Are the same as yours and so are our nights. We just have two days and two nights before we complete a full rotation."
"There are five other planets besides Jinro," Migra said. "Afertisk, Linato, and Pirona which revolve around Ko. Then there's Rimoku and Frinoda which revolve around Du. Afertisk is too low to pass through us and our sun. Linato passes once every five hundred years and Pirona passes through once every hundred years. For elves that is not that long and for elves, we are young. Now then, Rimoku passes through once every three hundred years and Frinoda once every six hundred years."
"About ten years ago, there was a threat to our planet with a huge 13 mile long comet. It was headed straight for us but we were able to destroy it. We will have to go home around Christmas to destroy Comet Blood before it hits us."
"Comet Blood?!" called Hannah.
"Ah, yes. You see our God of Blood- Kano- reigns over the Blood Stars. We believe that this comet came from that region of space and so we have named it Comet Blood, after Kano's stars," Ricatone explained.
"Oh."
"Now then, we have a model to show the orbits.."
After class Harry led them into the Sleeping Layer; that was what they had christened the Head Boy and Girl dorms. "Here." He pulled out a maroon leather book. The pages were of slightly old parchment. "This is The Book of the Gods- I wrote it for you. It has almost every god in it. I'd suggest just reading the first few. If you need to, just look up others later."
"Let's read it now!" cried Hermione. She opened it. Ron rolled his eyes behind her back.
"Some thing never change," he mouthed to the other two. Hermione hit his chest without looking up.
"I know what you're doing, Ronald," threatened Hermione. He shrugged.
"Read out loud, will you?" he asked instead.
"Alright, well here goes. (A/N This book isn't completely done. That's why they aren't reading the while thing. It was a pain in the ass and took me forever. Hop you enjoy!)
"Book of the Gods
Aashiti- Mother Goddess
Aashiti is the first female god. She is mother of the stars and to all elves- she mainly looks after the female elves. She is the high goddess. Aashiti works with Mertiku (see below) to decide if an elf's deeds are enough for he or she to become a god. And if so, Aashiti decides their title and the stars they rule. Also, she decides what land they are given in the God's Plane. Ashiti is the god/goddess with the most influence because Mertiku listens to her.
Mertiku- Father God
Mertiku is father of all elves and stars. His female is Ashiti. Though he may be father to all elves, he cares mainly for the males, as Aashiti takes care of female elves. He helps decide which elves become gods and goddesses. It is up to him to choose their rank and the power they are given. Aashiti can influence him greatly with her kind touch and thoughtful words. Mertiku is the most powerful of all gods and goddesses.
Michi- God of the Matika
Michi rules over all the Matika. He is a High God. He also rules over Matika Gods and grants elves the power to be a matita and what their form is. Michi also holds the power to decide when and who an elf is granted the power to speak to Matika. He controls the Stars of Matika which form constellations of animals. Elves say that other creatures use these stars to predict the future.
Pallaton- God of Battle
Pallaton may be the God of Battle but he's very kind and gentle. He is a fierce battler but hates battles over nothing. Despite his rank, he cannot stand meaningless battles. Any battle faught within the Field of Pallaton is for fun and no one may kill in his field. Pallaton controls the rest of battle gods.
Hiroma- Goddess of Soul Mates
Hiroma is the goddess who makes sure all of the elves find their soul mates. She decides when and how they find them and if they are allowed to actually be with them. Hiroma reigns over a large band of stars known as the Love Stars. She also rules over other gods and goddess who relate to matters of the heart and of love.
Jimu- God of Nature
Jimu is the harshest and gentlest of al gods. He is very open minded. Instead of ruling over stars, he rules over the main god and goddess of nature- God of the Suns and Goddess of the Moons. He also rules over the rest of the nature gods. Jimu has close ties with Michi. They often work together when doing very important tasks.
Kindorio- God of the Suns
Kindorio rules over the two suns of the Elves. He is brother to the God of Light, God of Planets, Goddess of the Moons, and the Goddess of Dark. Kindorio is a very temperamental and overprotective god. He is not appealed to for help very often by the elves, though they are sure to keep honoring him. Kindorio also makes sure Ri and Ko keep Jinro in its stationary position and spinning at the correct time. As well as this, it is his responsibility to make sure that the suns' light doesn't reach Risa and Ky.
Aria- Goddess of the Moon
Aria is known as the calmest of gods and goddesses. She is very patient and listens whenever asked. It is her nature to be very observant. She rules over no stars but rather of the three moons of Jinro. She also commands the other moon gods who rule over the moons of other planets and the moons of Jinro itself. Aria is Kindorio's twin and she often calms him when his temper gets flared. She is the only god known who can control Kindorio aside from Aashiti, Mertiku, and their parents who are both low level gods.
Kano- God of Blood
Kano is the god who controls family ties. He makes sure people who are right find their family or stay with them. However, he can only control so much. When a family member is killed in battle or something else of that sort, Kano tries to rebuild the family left behind. He also rules over the band of stars known as the Blood Stars. Those are his warriors and elves often turn to them to predict what their family's future hold. Kano also has the power to uncover the three lost lines of Elvin blood- that of the Last Prince, of the formerly distant branch of royal blood that would be heirs to Princess Kina, and that of the legendary Woman Warrior, Jinka.
Perdius- God of Life
Perdius keeps to himself because some dead often seek revenge on the God of Life. He must decide who will birth a child of which gender from his stars' sparks. He controls the Telling Stars which elves try to predict from what will come of their children and their lives. Perdius is known to have a gentle hart but firm hand. He makes some of the toughest decisions gods must make. Also, Perdius is known to be the lover and soul mate of Veradia Goddess of Death (see below).
Veradia-Goddess of Death
Veradia is settled with the most difficult power-and one of the most important. She must decide how to kill an elf. They all must die eventually and when they are born, before the Ionok, God of Personalilty (see below), can give them the object that shapes them, she must decide their inevitable fate. She must also decide what to do with the elves that never become gods. Whether or not they should be sent to a god to join their stars. She is the only other god to know what happened to the elves that never returned to their realm besides Mertiku, Aashiti, and Perdius. She still had to decide their fate. She and her love Perdius get along well because they both draw away from others as so many search for revenge. Veradia's stars are the Stars of Inevitability and elves look to them for answers to death.
Ionok- God of Personality
Ionok give each elf an object at birth. How that object is introduced to them and how they use it, sculpts their personality. He was tenth of the first ten gods to follow Mother Goddess and Father God. Ionok does not control how an elf's personality develops as Hiadi (see below) won't allow it. He and Hiadi are cousins.
Hiadi- Goddess of Free Will
Hiadi makes sure no gods overuse their power and try to completely control and elf's life or personality or deeds. She works closely with her lover, Driado, God of Fate.
Driado- God of Fate
Driado makes sure nothing happens to change and elf's fate. He controls the Fate Stars. They encircle Ky. Ky is the moon his sister- Goddess of Moons- rules over. Elves often make him offerings so they may have the fate they wish. Few elves understand that your fate is decided when you are born, not later. Fate is inevitable, another reason why Driado gets along well with the Goddess of Death."
"That should be enough," Harry said, stopping Hermione before she began reading about Aeka (eye- a - kuh), Goddess of Water.
"Wow, Harry that's amazing," Ginny said. She gently took the book from Hermione and quickly flipped through the pages. "It's very well done. (no I'm not complimenting myself, you'll see why she says it..)"
"I'm not a very good writer. I did keep journals in the Elvin Realm," Harry said. "I think I threw them in the Layer somewhere. Or they're in my trunk. Who knows, they aren't really important."
"Whatever," Ron said. "So, you ladies excited for the trials?"
*****************
Harry slung his Firebolt over his shoulder and waited as Ron grabbed his Nimbus 2000 fro his trunk. Then the two marched down to the quidditch field. As they entered, a bunch of Ravenclaws left. They saw Cho talking to another seventh year Ravenclaw- the captain of the team.
"Hey, Cho," Harry said. He and Ron walked to her and Gregory Earnest.
"Hullo," she said, smiling. "Greg, I believe you know Harry and Ron? Good. We're co captains of Ravenclaw."
"Congratulations," Ron said brightly. "How many new players did you need? I mean, I know you had to replace Roger Davis.."
"There was also Roger's best friend, Kristen," Greg said. "She was the best beater we've ever had."
"Terry Boot's gotten Roger's place and Michael Corner is our new beater," Cho said. Harry noticed she went a little pink when she talked of Michael.
"Lucky you," Harry said with mock bitterness. She looked up surprised. "Am I really that bad at mocking?" he asked Ron.
"You have no idea," he replied solemnly. Harry gave him a shove before turning back.
"Me and this git are all that's left of the legendary Gryffindor quidditch team. Sure, there are he subs from last year when me n the twins were booted by Umbridge, but we're starting clean. None of that counts anymore," Harry said.
"Good luck," Greg said, as though they'd really need it. Cho shook her head as she watched him go.
"Greg's still bitter that we've never managed to get the house cup out of you. He and Ced were pretty good friends. That's why Ced took a liking to me. Anyways, he's a bit off with me because of me and Mic-" Cho stopped and went furiously red.
"Michael?" finished Harry, smiling. Cho nodded.
"I do feel bad though. I talked to Ginny on the train, after out Prefect's meeting. She was really nice about how Michael broke up with her. I hadn't even known why until she told me. He was in some pretty hot water after that," Cho said, grinning vindictively.
"He still is," Ron said darkly. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Yes, I know. You may want to warn your boyfriend that he's in a Marauder's line of attack, and it's not Ginny. Nightly here has a nice little scheme," Harry told Cho. Ron glared at his best friend.
"I outta-"
"Get the balls ready! What a brilliant idea!" cried Harry. He shoved Ron towards the chest of balls. Ron was grumbling under his breath. "Sorry bout him. He has a few brother issues."
"You could never tell," Cho said sweetly. Harry smiled.
"See you at DA?"
"No doubt about it," Cho said. With a wave she mounted her broom, kicked off, and headed towards the broom shed through the air. Harry knew exactly what she'd find there. Michael. 'I really need to stop with the telepathy.'
"Harry!" called Ron. People were beginning to file onto the field. There was Dennis Creevey, Ginny, Hermione, second years Euan Abercrombie and Genevieve Roubin, last years replacement beaters Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper, a third year named Timothy Greene and a girl Harry didn't recognize. He looked at the sheet and found her name easily. 'Raina Julliardius. I know that name. She's top of third year!'
"Alright, I want chasers on this side and beaters on the other!" Harry ordered.
**************
"Now then," Harry announced, standing in the Common Room atop a table. "I won't make you all wait for weeks to find out who made the house team-" cheers interrupted him at this point. He grinned. "- so all gather round. Now, everyone was very good and it was tough to choose- you all HAD to have practiced over the summer, to be as improved as you are. Especially G-"
Ginny didn't even wait for him to finish her name. She walked stoutly over and yanked his pants down, revealing red boxers that had 'Ooops, dropped my pants' written on them in twinkling golden letters. Harry pulled his pants up.
"Some of us seem to have forgotten our age," Ron declared, standing at Harry's right hand side.
"Now then, despite her immature acts-" snorts filled the room "-Miss Virgin Weasley will be on the team as chaser."
"HARRY!" Ginny cried. red at the virgin comment.
"The other two chasers will be Eaun Ambercrombie and Hermione Granger- which no one expected." This got him a hex thrown at him; Harry shielded it easily. "Our beaters are Dennis Creevey and Andrew Kirke. We also have chosen a reserve, Raina Julliardius."
There were cheers through the Common Room. Harry smiled sweetly. "I propose a toast!" Suddenly people grabbed the glasses that had been set out. "To the new Gryffindor quidditch team!"
As the new team drank along with everyone else, a loud pop sounded. They had been given an icy shower of bucket water with lemon. "Now then," Harry said. Hermione and Ginny were laughing, being the only new members dry. "If you wish that not to happen again, I suggest that you be up bright and early on Saturday for your first official team practice of the year. Things have started a little late, and we're going to be just as good. It's only fortunate that the first game is Ravenclaw against Hufflepuff."
**************
Later that night, as he lay in his bed, Harry thought back to the sorting song. It seemed more like a prophecy than anything. And he knew it was about him. But.
Many, many years ago
When Hogwarts had just begun
The four founders lived in harmony
Proud of what each had done
Their dreams were unfolding
Yet loosening their bonds
Teaching young successors
To wield a skilful wand
Ravenclaw chose to guide
Those of brilliant mind
So if your brain quick
Ravenclaws are your kind
Gryffindor always chose
Those most brave inside
So if your nerves are made of steal
Put all but Gryffindor aside
Hufflepuff most valued
Those with a gentle trait
So if your heart is supple
It's Hufflepuff that awaits
Last there was Slytherin
Who valued great ambition
So if you strive to be great
You'll be Slytherin's new addition
Last I sang, I warned you all
To join up and unite
For now it's most important
That you listen to my plight
As two worlds align again
As these new days dawn
We'll discover new allies
Who are nothing if not strong
Some we thought would never change
Surprise us with their choices
As those we never knew
Fill our head with voices
Some we thought we knew all about
Will reveal a surprising past
And open up doors once closed
Just as dark shadows are cast
The wolf will try to hide
Yet that battle he shall loose
For they will come no matter what
And it's then that he must choose
Despite all odds that they will send
We must stand side by side
True identities must be revealed
And rules must be defied
For we will know the truth
Of his long lost blood
As fire turns to ice
And waters run to mud
The ring of power of will appear
And it will bring rest
As piece by piece, we begin
To understand this mess
So heed my words and listen well
We must come together within
There's nothing more to do
So now the sorting shall begin
'The ring of power? That may very well be a fairy tale. No one really knows! And the rest would be the other three. DAMN! Why are things always so complicated?! That line though. The wolf will try to hide. I know exactly who the wolf is. but what does it mean that battle he shall loose? Something tells me things are about to get a lot more complicated.'
Harry groaned. He didn't need that. 'Everything was confusing enough in the Elvin Realm. And then when I was able to see into the lives of three people here for a different day each. those windows changed me then, only it took me until I saw Ginny to understand why. And now with everything going on..'
Harry whacked his head on his hands before rolling over and trying to sleep again. 'But I can't sleep. Sure, I dated a few elves- I was even psycho enough to think Tone and I might work together. But no one, and I mean no one, sparks me like Ginny. Why don't I get it? Sure, Gin's nice and beautiful and smart and energetic and- GAH! What is WRONG with me? I can't get her out of my head. When did this happen? And Michi be damned, WHY?!'
It was five minutes after all of the fifth and sixth years taking the class were seated that the elves entered the room. Harry didn't watch them, just continued writing names and symbols on his paper.
"Welcome to History of the Elves. I'm Atonics. This is Kilala, Ricatone, Ricu, Migra, and Sala. These are the basics of elves, there is a Head Elf. He has most of the power. Ours is currently Jihiro Mikatos.
"Then there's a Head Magician. That's me. Basically I've proved I'm the master of magic of all elves. Then there's Kilala, who is the Head Fighter. Next are the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Liquid and Solid Healers. Sala is the Silver Liquid Healer. After that there's the Royal Gaurds. That's these three. Ricatone is Supreme Guard.
"Questions?"
"Don't you have royals?" called Malfoy. They exchanged uneasy looks.
"Long ago, the royal elves were most powerful," Kilala said. "But then Prince Albahino left. His successor was evil and we threw the royals out of power. During our last war, the royals tried to regain power. However, the heir of the Last Prince- Prince Albahino- was found. Right now, all power is being transferred back. It's a result of ancient Elvin balances and power."
"What kind of wars do you have?" This came from Justin.
"Lots. Some are of pointless family rivals. Long ago two sides of the royal families tried to gain control of the thrown at the same time. A war broke out. That was the War of the Throne. Needless bloodshed," answered Ricatone.
"How many wars have you been in?" asked Luna.
"Myself, Kilala, and Sala have been in seventeen. Some were small, some big. Kilala and I are one thousand years old last year. Sala is two thousand twenty six," Atonics said.
"The three of us have been in six wars," Ricu said, bitterness etched in his voice. Migra placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Harry made a furious symbol on his paper.
"Which was the biggest?" asked a Slytheirn fifth year- Natara Kinders.
"The." after Atonics's first word, no one would continue.
"The War of Liston." Heads turned to Harry.
"Yes, the War of Royal Blood once translated," Atonics said.
"What was it about?" asked Malfoy after a moment.
"Royal blood," said Kilala. "Distant royals wanted the throne. There was a direct royal elf that had just arrived. He didn't know it. Things got crazy. It turned to the harshest war with the most lost since the War of Elves, which was when the five separate countries of our realm became one and one family made the throne."
"Can we learn about the war?" asked Grace. Harry cursed under his breath. The elves nodded hesitantly.
"DAMN YOU ALL!" he yelled. Harry stood up, the green glow around him again.
"Harry," Kilala said softly.
"NO!" he screamed. Dim green flashed through the room and the elves were thrown back. Harry was in the front. "I will not do this. Not again. Not now, not ever." His voice was shaking with fury. He stormed from the room.
Ginny watched him go. The elves exchanged worried glances. Ron and Hermione also exchanged looks. But all of their thoughts were interrupted when a beautiful blue phoenix flew in through the window.
It landed in front of Ginny. She stared. It held out its leg. There was a letter with 'Marauders' written on it. She pulled it off and the phoenix flew out of the room the way Harry had gone.
"What on earth..." Hermione trailed off.
"Why was Emrys here?" asked Ricu in awe.
"Don't open that!" ordered Migra. She snatched it. "Atonics?"
He took the letter and enclosed it in a small sphere of his blue magic. Then, with his magic he opened it. A large explosion went off. It happened in the sphere but a great deal of pressure came through, knocking everyone off of their chairs.
"What was that?" asked Ginny, frightened.
"That was a trap. The blue phoenix Emrys belongs to an enemy. The phoenix is imprisoned. We've been trying to break him free. But he's also our only safe link to the enemy," Kilala explained. "The right hand man of our last war is still loose."
"Than when did the war happen?" asked Ron.
"A year ago," was the quiet response from Migra.
"But our realms only just fell into the same pace. That would have happened over the...." Hermione never finished. Atonics looked up sadly.
"Over the summer."
Suddenly things clicked. The three friends stood up and rushed after their other best friend. The elves watched them go before turning back to the students.
"We're going to be teaching you about Elvin protocol and about our magic. Nothing else. Not yet. You won't learn our magic. It's not something we can do without consent of the Head and now the Prince. Besides which, the really interesting things can only be done by an elf." *************
The four were seated in the Layer. Harry wouldn't look at them. Ginny let her hand rest on his arm. "Harry, is what you haven't told us something to do with the war?"
"Yes," he said, a few minutes after the question.
"What?" came Ron's soft voice. He looked carefully at Harry. Harry sighed.
"It was because of me. I was the reason there even was a war."
"Harry?" asked Hermione. Harry let a tear slip down his cheek. Ginny rubbed his back. Harry shook his head.
"I... just can't." Ginny looked at the other two. They nodded.
"Then we'll wait until you can," Ginny said soothingly. Harry smiled weakly.
"Time for working on animagi," Harry announced. They smiled too.
But no matter what they looked like, they all knew the smiles were fake. And only on the surface.
*****************
It was two days later- Saturday. Almost the whole school was seated at the tables. It was then a soft phoenix song filled the air. Harry looked up, confused. A beautiful purple and silver phoenix swooped in. He rolled his eyes as she came and landed in front of Ginny.
"You're beautiful," she whispered. Carefully, so as not to disturbed the bird, Ginny took some bacon and offered it to her. The phoenix took it and leapt onto her shoulder. Ginny giggled.
The phoenix pecked Harry's ear, who sat next to the pretty red head. She kept on doing so until Harry looked crossly at her. "Knock it off, Edana."
"You know this phoenix?" asked Hermione, awed and surprised.
"Yeah, she's mine. And a show off, too. Loves being fawned over. And she loves bacon."
"What does her name mean?" asked Ron, engrossed.
"Tiny flame," Harry said fondly. Edana moved to his offered hand. He stroked her head. "When I found her in the mountains back in my first year, she was very small and her purple and silver tail was glowing with her uncontrolled fire. It was a tiny flame though. That' s how her name came about."
"How'd she get here?" asked Ginny. Harry's brows drew together.
"There'd only be one way, and that's not a good one," he said bitterly. Harry rested the bird on Ginny's shoulder and left the Hall.
It was late that night and Harry was lying on his bed, trying to fall asleep. 'You almost forgot why you can't love Ginny. Or rather why she and you can't be together. You can't forget anymore. And you can't get closer to her.'
Harry fell into a restless sleep.
**************
It was soon Halloween. The Marauders had just had their induction a week ago and were waiting for the feast for their first real, full Marauder, prank. Harry was also nervous because he had to pull off the ultimate gift for Remus on that day. He really hoped it would work.
There were no classes, so the Marauders spent the whole day making sure everything was right and playing around in their animagi forms. They all insisted that Harry show them all sorts of shapes.
"Harry you need one, official Marauder shape," Ginny said.
"A wolf," he said instantly.
"Great Michi!" exclaimed Ginny. Harry stared at her.
"Where did you hear that?" he asked, perplexed. Ginny furrowed her brows in thought.
"I have no idea. I don't even know what it means. It just came out!"
"Mihci is the God of Matika. Elvin Animagi are called Mariho- Michi's servants," Harry said. "He's one of my favorite of our gods."
"But how would I know that?" asked Ginny softly as Hermione and Ron asked him more questions.
"What are the other Elvin Gods?" asked Hermione.
"There are a lot," Harry said.
"So make a book," Ron said.
"You know," Harry said thoughtfully. "That's not a bad idea. I'll give it to you guys tomorrow, alright?"
"Well," said Ginny, "We have a while till dinner and I could go for a butterbeer." They all grinned and headed to the secret passage. Transforming, they went at top speed through the passage. Once in the cellar of Honeydukes, Harry changed from wolf to fly and they headed up.
After they had a butterbeer, they walked out to the outskirts of the town and changed into their animagi forms. Before long they had to head back to school for the feast.
They quickly took their seats. "Are you ready?" asked Ginny excitedly. The other three smiled evilly and nodded. The dinner began a few moments later.
Harry concentrated and sent out the signals to his friends. Using his Elvin magic he performed his part on the teachers, elves, and Gryffindors. At the same time, Ginny did her work on the Slytherins from under the table. Hermione took care of the Ravenclaws and Ron the Hufflepuffs.
There was silence in the hall before a burst of squeals.
The Slytherins were decked in red and gold. 'Go Lions!' and 'Lions Rock!' were written on their faces and robes. Above their table in a deep purple lettering glittered. 'Courtesy of Amethyst.'
The Ravenclaws were all sporting purple eyed cat and stunning grey wolf things. Some students were turned into such animals. Above them glittered midnight blue writing. 'Courtesy of Quill.'
The Hufflepuffs supported Ron and Hermione by being decorated in things to do with long eared owls and graceful eagles. There were a few select students transfigured- like Luna in the form of an eagle. Ron's signature color of scarlet glittered in the form of writing above them. 'Courtesy of Nightly.'
The Gryffindors were sporting a mix of four colors- emerald green, deep purple, scarlet red, and midnight blue. Where their Gryffindor badges had been and on their backs were something like the Hogwarts badge but in place of the house colors there was the Marauders' colors.
On their respective colors were the Marauders animagi forms. On the two top corners and the point at the middle of the bottom there was an animal. The top left sported a stag (which was closest to Harry), the right had a shaggy black dog and the bottom had a werewolf.
Where there was Gryffindor on the Hogwarts crest there was Harry, for Slytherin Ginny, for Hufflepuff Hermione, and for Ravenclaw Ron. (has nothing to do with them personally) Where it would say Hogwarts there was Marauders.
This hung behind the teachers now. Above the Gryffindors in emerald green was 'Courtesy of Lightning.'
The teachers and elves all had their hair dyed with the same spell Harry had used on Hermione. The most noticeable were Snape's gold and red, Dumbledore's green with blue dots, Kilala's emerald with black stripes, and Sirius and Remus's matching four colors of the Marauders.
Above their table floated four words in four colors. 'Courtesy of the Marauders.' Then slowly, four names appeared in their colors. 'Lightning, Nightly, Quill, Amethyst.'
"Quiet!" commanded Dumbledore. Kilala rose fuming.
"HAROLD JAMES POTTER!"
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger, Miss Weasley, please come here," Dumbledore said calmly. They grinned and rose. The only ones in the Hall unaffected, it was obvious who the Marauders were.
"Yes, Professor?" asked Harry, completely innocent.
"The four of you will all report for detention in my office tomorrow after your last lesson. This is very impressive magic, but I must ask you take it off," Dumbledore said calmly, eyes dancing.
"Sorry, the dye stays for two months," Ginny said sweetly. Kilala was glaring daggers at Harry.
"Jistone," she hissed warningly.
"I swore I'd get you back. My hair's only just gone normal."
"I challenge you to a duel at the Midwinter Elvin festivals. In the Field of Pallaton," Kilala declared loudly. Harry groaned.
"I refuse to except unless it is held now in the field of quidditch."
"Aren't we witty," snapped Kilala. "Fine. Same rules of the Field of Pallaton. I suggest the weapon of long swords."
"Fine," Harry said waving his hand. "Your death wish. Lucky for you we can't kill in the Field of Pallaton. On we go to the Field of Quidditch."
"I'll officiate," offered Dumbledore, smiling. "It's been too long since I've seen a friendly duel near the likes of one of the Field of Pallaton's."
"Suit yourself," Kilala said. Harry walked quickly out of the Hall, followed by Marauders. They were followed by the elves. The elves were followed by the teachers. And everyone else slowly filtered out.
Harry stood on the field, quickly going through a few stretches. Then he snapped his fingers. He wore breeches, a soft white cotton shirt, an emerald tunic, and an emerald battle cloak.
"What is this?" Ginny asked. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Kilala's being a baby. She challenged me to a duel. Because of my, er, position in the Elvin Realm I can't refuse the Field of Pallaton. But only people who want to fight to settle a baby's grudge or simply wish to have a friendly battle challenge in that field. Because you can't kill or do anything that can help settle real scores in the Field of Pallaton."
"Later, right?" asked Hermione. Harry smiled. He called on a sword in the elves' rooms. It appeared in a burst of emerald.
"I have a duel to fight," Harry said, smiling.
"Mishtika llinor," Dumbledore said, as though he had every day of his life. "Jist!"
Harry and Kilala's swords were together and then they swung apart. Each took their fighting stance. The first of students (mainly DA) were on the field. Suddenly, sowords clanking rang through the air as Kilala attacked.
After a few moments, no one could see the actually swords anymore. The two moved quickly with the art of great practice. Once in a while they'd be locked in a barring position with either Kilala or Harry on top. Only the Marauders noticed Harry used his left hand instead of his right.
Then, Harry switched hands. A few moment later, Kilala's sword was hurtling through the air right at Dennis Creevey. It halted in front of his face, a bright emerald glow to it. It vanished along with the sword Harry held.
Dumbledore bowed to Harry. Harry waited until Kilala had bowed as well before tilting his head to her and bowing deeply to Dumbledore. Then he walked back to his friends.
"So, anyone up for Exploding Snap?"
"Harry," Ron hissed. Harry looked up and blushed. They had gathered a very large crowd.
"Come on," Sirius said. He led them inside with Remus. "We never knew you could fight like that."
"I know," Harry said. He paused and glanced out the window, biting his lip. "Look, this Christmas I have a feeling that I'll have to go to the Elvin Realm. You can all come too."
"Really?" asked Ginny, animatedly. Harry smiled and nodded. He forced himself to remember the sign and let his emotions be pushed aside.
"Remus, you have to come with me to the Layer. Just us." He looked very concentrated. Remus shared a confused look with Sirius before he followed Harry to the Layer.
"Harry what is this about?"
"You'll see," was all Harry would say. "Do you trust me? Completely and utterly?" Remus nodded. "Good, just concentrate on that trust or this won't work."
He circled Remus. After the first complete circle he pulled out a completely black and shiny stone. He drew an invisible circle with it on the ground. Then, he began to lift off of the ground.
"Don't look up." Remus obeyed.
Harry sprouted majestic wings of a pale yellow with feathers of barely red, green, purple, and blue feathers scattered around. When he was directly over Remus he took out a fistful of orby blue colored powder. He blew it around in a circle, spinning in the air with his wings.
The invisible circle burst into a ring of emerald green and orb blue flames. Harry and Remus's magic. Harry raised his hands to the ceiling and cried out an Elvish chant. "Kindarini hiro jikol, nibaru kindarini uhri jikol, ji linopri guh resht plonitri."
I
Remus blinked. Harry was lying on the ground few feet away form him. Remus's head was splitting. He rubbed his forehead. Slowly, he got to his feet and crouched by Harry. There were two tears in his shirt near his shoulder blades.
"Harry," he croaked. After a moment Harry groaned and rolled over.
"I'm alright."
"What did you do?"
"You'll find out tomorrow."
"What-?" but Harry was leaving. Harry walked back to Gryffindor Tower.
'So much for the untamed werewolf.'
***************
Harry fingered the coin in his hand. He had just made it different. Now that Marauder lessons had been completed, he could start with Dumbledore's Army. They also needed to invite a few new members. He sent coins to each at breakfast.
After Hermione's last lesson- History of Magic- and Ginny's last lesson- Muggle studies- the two met up with Ron and Harry and went to their detention with Dumbledore.
Dumbledore was waiting for them in his office. When they entered he smiled. "Ah, there you are."
"Hullo, Professor," Ron said brightly.
"What torture have you in store for us?" asked Ginny dramatically, adding a pretend faint at the end. Harry caught her before she hit the couch. When she opened her eyes in surprise, he let go. Ginny squealed and after she stood up, punched his arm lightly.
"You see all of my little trinkets? Well, have fun dusting them. I have to leave for a while. If you finish early, please wait for my return. Also, feel free to experiment with the things you are cleaning. In a few minutes there will be a goblet for you each and plate for food. They will refill to your needs. Have a nice night."
Harry glanced around and saw that everything he had destroyed last year was replaced. He went red at the memory. "And, Harry, I'd appreciate it if you'd be extra careful with the newer looking things. I'd hate to have to buy replacements right away, again." Harry's blush deepened.
Dumbledore left. "What was he talking about?" asked Hermione. Harry sighed.
"There are many things I should tell you. But you have to wait for a few weeks. I just need time. Only a few weeks. Please?"
"Whatever you say," Ginny assured him softly. Harry smiled.
They soon got to work. When they had finished, Harry glanced out the window and saw the full moon glowing brightly in the night sky. He smiled and raised hand to touch the window. It glowed his magic color before clearing to show a room where Atonics and Kilala sat at a desk, talking.
"Hello Harry," Kilala said turning to the window.
"Hey. Now's the moment of truth. I performed the spell!"
"YOU WHAT?!" screamed the twins together. Harry smiled wickedly.
"I masked it from you."
"I outta-!" but Harry cut them off by breaking the connection between the window in Dumbledore's office and the window in the room where they had History of Elves.
The door opened and Dumbledore walked in along with Sirius and Remus. Harry's three friends gaped at Remus. He was standing there, looking dazed and confused. Sirius looked exactly the same. Dumbledore simply looked interested.
"Apparently you have all noticed that Remus is in human form," Harry said brightly.
"Harry WHAT was that spell? How did you do this? Why?" Remus stared at him, completely stunned. Harry smiled and stuck his hands in his pockets.
"That was a spell that tamed your werewolf side. It's pretty hard to do but I spent forever practicing it in the Elvin Realm. It has to be done on a day where all dimensions are close together.
"The Day of the Dead- or Halloween- is the day when we're all closest and our separations weakest. That's because in all places that day is the day when the dead are remembered. All dead, from everywhere- any realm. Also, the summer solstice, winter solstice, spring equinox, and autumnal equinox are the other weakest days.
"Now you can go back and forth between werewolf and human when you please. The full moon simply makes you stronger than any other night." Everyone in the room was staring.
"That's very complicated Elvin magic, something only an elf can do," Dumbledore said. His eyes were inquisitory. Harry looked away form his penetrating gaze.
"You would know, wouldn't you?" asked Harry softly. Dumbledore started.
"What do you mean?" he asked quickly. Too quickly.
"Nothing," Harry said absently. His focus had moved to something behind the headmaster.
"Harry?" asked Sirius.
"Sorry, just looking at something. What is that, Professor Dumbledore?"
Dumbledore turned and pulled down the object Harry had asked about. It was obviously a blue silk material wrapped around a small object. Carefully Dumbledore opened it. He pulled out a golden chain. Hanging on the end, set in gold, was a beautiful completely black stone.
"That's beautiful," Ginny said quietly.
"And very powerful," Dumbledore said. His eyes looked lost for the briefest of seconds. Then he refocused his attention on the stone.
"A power stone." Harry wasn't asking a question and they all could tell.
"Correct. It's from long, long ago," Dumbledore said, running his hands along it. "They're very rare and they can only be found in the Elvin Realm."
"Very few people can get one," Harry said slowly, carefully, as though he were working his way up to something.
"You had one," Remus said. "I saw it. You used it when you cast the spell on me."
"Yes I did," said Harry with a shrug. "I had a few connections."
"I believe the same ones as I did," Dumbledore said. Something in his eyes clearly showed his words had a double meaning.
"We would, Grandfather," Harry said quietly. But Remus heard him. And so did Ron and Ginny and Sirius.
"Grandfather?!" they exclaimed as one. 'Damn, forgot about that. Werewolves, cats, dogs, and owls have extremely good ears.'
"Harry?" questioned Dumbledore. Harry saw quite clearly the worry in his eyes.
"I've had a hunch since I went to the Elvin Realm. I learned a lot there. And I saw a lot. I looked up my family history. My grandmother, Hallie Evans, was adopted. About two months before you were married. And before those two months-"
"I had spent nine months in the Elvin Realm," Dumbledore said softly. "I knew something was wrong with Shirina when I left. I never thought- you really think you could be my great-grandson?"
"No, I know it," Harry said, not daring to look up. "I tested our blood. I'm your heir, Grandfather. There's no other explanation for it."
"Obviously," muttered Remus.
"What?" Sirius got out. "You mean to tell me, my godson is heir to Albus Dumbledore?"
"In one way or another," Harry said. Dumbledore met his gaze and knew immediately that Harry knew everything. Everything about him and his past. Dumbledore sighed and shook his head.
"You are one smart young boy," Dumbledore said. He smiled, eyes dancing. "However, in order to stay one, I suggest you and your friends return to your dormitories and work on homework before the time for sleep comes."
"Whatever you say, Grandfather," Harry said in response. He led his three friends out after hugs were exchanged with the two older men. Also, Harry gave his grandfather a squeeze before dashing to the Gryffindor Common.
"Harry, how long will it be before you tell us everything?" asked Ron. "I mean, I know you need time and everything, but. there's only so much we can take in as shocking and blunt surprises!"
Harry smiled. "Bill's wedding is in three weeks, right? Well, I swear that the night before that, I will tell you all I can. But I... I can't tell you it all. I just can't." Pain was visible in his eyes.
"We understand," Hermione assured him. Ginny smiled softly. "Now, you, Mr. Potter, are coming with me to get a few books from the library."
Ron and Ginny gathered their things and went up to Hermione's empty room while Harry was dragged by Hermione to the library.
"Hermione, why did you really want me to com e down here?" asked Harry when they began looking through the shelves in the Restricted Section.
"I want to know something," said Hermione. She stopped and leaned on the shelves. "I know you like Ginny. Don't try to deny it."
Harry looked up wryly. "I know I can't. You're very good at that. You knew long ago when I had feelings for Cho."
"And I can tell these feelings are much different. But where did they some from? I mean, she did say she'd gotten over you. Then, suddenly, you fall head over heals for her! It doesn't make sense!"
"Hermione," Harry paused. He stood across form her and scuffed his foot on the ground. "When I was in the Elvin Realm I thought a lot about everyone. And I remembered things and realized things. Like after some thought, I realized with ease, you and Ron were wonderful for each other.
"So, after a lot of time- and female elves- I realized something about Ginny. She was funny. And smart and she'd begun to look quite beautiful. Then I found a way could see you guys for a while. Not speak to you, but see what you were up to. I could pick three people and three places."
"So?" Hermione said after a while.
"I chose you and your room in Grammauld Place, Ron and his room, and then after a lot of thought, I chose Ginny and HER room. I saw her so differently; she was so beautiful and so amazing. I spent hours watching her. Unfortunately each of the three of you only got one day. That was all I could see. And everything had already happened. I could only watch what you had done the first day of time I had been gone."
"You mean you spied on Ginny?!" exclaimed Hermione. She was standing up now, instead of leaning on the shelves.
"Sort of," Harry muttered, going red. "And then I slowly fell for her. And I can't DO anything about it!"
"Tell her," Hermione said. She came over and placed a hand on his arm.
"She's over me. She said it herself. Besides, I'm dangerous. And I don't have a choice," Harry said. He turned away as a tear slid down his cheek. 'I hate this. I hate not having them know. But they wouldn't understand. They can't., not until they see it. And if they see it. I just can't. God, I want to have Ginny so bad, but I can't!'
"Harry, talk to her," Hermione said. "Just please, talk!"
"I do, and it makes me love her so much more. But you don't get it. I really CAN'T love her. I shouldn't but I DO. And I wish I could change that," Harry said. He whipped away the other tear that had slid down his cheek. He summoned the books they wanted. "Come on."
Hermione followed him slowly, keeping a few steps behind the boy who was one of her best friends. 'Love, he said he loved her!' was all Hermione could think of. 'I have to talk to Gin. But what does he mean, he can't? Of course he can! Dammit, what isn't he telling us!'
*******************
Hermione and Ginny led the boys up the stairs and to the Head Girl's dorm. They quickly broke in and opened the door to the Head Boy's dorm. As the Head Boy was Slytherin and the Head Girl a Ravenclaw (Cho.), they were empty.
"Ah, sweet bliss," said Ginny, falling carelessly onto a couch. "I officially declare these rooms ours!"
"And what gives you the authority to?" asked Ron. "I say we plan a prank!"
"Does that have anything to do with our topic of discussion?" asked Harry, rolling his eyes and sitting next to Ginny's head. She popped herself upright and sat cross-legged.
"No, but he has a point," Hermione said.
"I say we should prank the new additions to the Gryffindor team," Ginny announced. "Save me, of course. And Quill."
"You're trying out?!" exclaimed Ron.
"No need to be so shocked, Nightly. You know very well I got past you a good few times this summer! Didn't I, Gin?"
"I'd say so," Harry said.
"Shove off, Lightning."
"Uh-oh, Amethyst, I think Nightly's a bit upset," Harry said to Ginny. She grinned.
"I don't know...." Ron glared and leaned over to snog Hermione.
"EW!"
"Do they like doing that?" asked Harry.
"I think they're trying to make us hurl," Ginny said supportively. "If not, they're doing an excellent job of it anyways."
"Just because you two don't have anyone to snog!" Harry and Ginny threw pillow at Hermione. "HEY!"
"Really? I don't see any hay," Ginny said casually.
"You are so cheesy," Harry told her. She rolled her eyes.
"Duh!"
"Now then, weren't we planning a prank just a few seconds ago?" asked Hermione pointedly.
"Oh, yes!" exclaimed Ron. "Now then, after Saturday when me and Harry select our new quidditch team, they'll all need a little initiation."
"Unless they're me and Quill," Ginny pointed out.
"Unless they're you or Quill," agreed Harry.
"So, what exactly do you think we should do?"
********************
Harry walked to McGonagall's desk while Ginny left the room with Colin. "What did you want, Professor?" It was Thursday and Harry had to be sure to get to DADA.
"Harry, Ron came to see me yesterday. He told me he wished that you'd be given position of captain and that if I even bothered to offer it to him, he'd simply refuse it," McGonagall told Harry. "It seems he felt you should get the position."
"I- does that mean I have it?" he asked. He needn't have as he already knew the answer. He had read her mind. It was a habit he didn't like getting into as he didn't think it was fair, but he did it when he was excited.
"Of course. Now, I expect you to be as good as our last captains," she said sternly. Harry grinned.
"No problem. I'll make sure we've got an excellent team."
Harry slid into his seat between his best friends just as Mel entered. "Hello, class," she greeted brightly.
"Hello, Professor Clemmins."
"Now then, our last lesson was rudely interrupted. This means that it's time to get down to business. I want to start with shields. In groups of two, you'll cast minor hexes and your partner will use the Sincarta shield."
"Oooooooooh! Ooooooooooooooh! Ooooooooooooooooooh!" cried Harry.
"What do you want, Harry?" asked Mel. "You're beginning to sound like Sirius. That is never a good sign. He infests quickly. He's already gotten to Kigali and Mitra."
"No, they were always like that," Harry said waving his hand absently. "I was wondering if we got to PICK our partners."
"No."
"Mean woman."
"Be nice, I'm your godmother." Harry fell off of his chair.
"When was I to be informed of this?"
"Now," she replied matter-of-factly. "It wasn't like I could take care of you. Besides, you already knew, didn't you?"
"Sod off."
"One point from Gryffindor for you being a prat," Mel said. "And five points to Ron for laughing when you fell off your chair. Not then, Potter- Malfoy- don't glare, Potter- Granger-Weasley- no snogging-" this caused furious blushes on the couples part "Zambini-Abott, Longbottom-Finch- Fletchly, Patil-Patil, Brown-Thomas, Bulstrode-Nott(Nicholas-Slytherin), Finnigan-Bones, Mcmillan-Boot (Terry who was previously Troy), Bucklehurst(Mandy- previously Grace)-Turnip (Lisa- a R), and Moon(Robert-R)- Perks(Sally-Anne-R).
"Now, get to it! I want ONLY minor spells," Mel announced. She added under her breath, "Like you'll listen."
Malfoy quickly sent the jelly legs hex at Harry. He easily through up the shield. He returned the spell to Malfoy who just barely got it up. Harry took a deep breath. "Try flicking your wrist form left to right instead up the other way. It makes it go up faster and makes it stronger."
Malfoy gave him an unreadable look. But when Harry went a tap dancing curse at him, Malfoy did as Harry has suggested and blocked it with ease.
After class as they were leaving, Malfoy paused. "Thanks," he said in a barely audible voice. If not for the elves' hearing skills, Harry was sure he wouldn't have heard.
"You guys," Harry said as they sat down to lunch with Ginny. "Malfoy is really weird. I mean, he just said thanks to me as we left class! You remember what he said in potions the first day? Well, I think that that affected him a lot."
"I think you're right," Ginny said. "When I saw him in the corridor today he stopped and told me-" Ginny stopped. She went slightly red. "He told me that I had grown up nicely."
"WHAT! THAT BLOODY-"
"Ron!" cried Ginny. "Calm down! He smiled this oddly sincere smile and walked off after Blaise Zambini."
"We should talk to him," Hermione said. "I mean really talk to him. If he really ahs changed, he'd be a very good asset to our side. We don't know why Voldemort has slowed down now."
"He did all of that stuff at the beginning of summer to scare us," Harry said. "He murdered exactly twenty five people and cast the dark mark in thirteen different places. The same number of people he killed on the day he began to strike terror at his first uprising and the same with the dark mark."
"But he must be planning something," Ron said.
"I agree with Ron," Ginny said. "Why else would he have been so quiet for so long?"
"I have a very bad feeling he's made a new colleague," Harry said. 'An elf,' he added to himself.
"Well then, the DA is all the more important," Ginny said.
"Our first meeting is Monday," Harry said.
"We know," said Hermione with an eye roll. "We check our coins." Harry stuck out his tongue.
"Look, hurry up and finish, we've got to get to Elvin History," Ginny said. A few moments later they were on their way to the classroom.
They sat down in their same seats. "Oh, here, I've got the first part of the Book of the Gods done," Harry said. He pulled out a deep maroon book. "But there's something you need to know first."
"About our 'earth'," Atonics said. "And you'll be learning that today."
"Right, everyone's here," Kilala said.
"Good. Now, you call your planet earth, correct? Well, we elves call our "Earth" Jinro," Atonics began.
"We have two Suns," said Sala. "One is called Ko and the other is called Du. We have three moons. One is called Ri, one Sa, and the last Ky."
"Now, there is a sun on either side of us. It's their gravity pulling us both ways that means we have no orbit. But also, this causes Jinro to spin in place," Atonics said. "There are two sides of sun- our days. There is the Ko side which when we care facing that side we call a Ko day and then there is the Du side which when we face it we call a Du day."
Ricu spoke up now. "There are two moon sides as well- our two different night views. When we face the way that was Ri and Sa in it we call it Risa night which follows a Ko day, so it is also called a Ko night. When we face the side that has Ky in it, it is a Ky night or a Du night."
"The lengths of our days," said Ricatone, "Are the same as yours and so are our nights. We just have two days and two nights before we complete a full rotation."
"There are five other planets besides Jinro," Migra said. "Afertisk, Linato, and Pirona which revolve around Ko. Then there's Rimoku and Frinoda which revolve around Du. Afertisk is too low to pass through us and our sun. Linato passes once every five hundred years and Pirona passes through once every hundred years. For elves that is not that long and for elves, we are young. Now then, Rimoku passes through once every three hundred years and Frinoda once every six hundred years."
"About ten years ago, there was a threat to our planet with a huge 13 mile long comet. It was headed straight for us but we were able to destroy it. We will have to go home around Christmas to destroy Comet Blood before it hits us."
"Comet Blood?!" called Hannah.
"Ah, yes. You see our God of Blood- Kano- reigns over the Blood Stars. We believe that this comet came from that region of space and so we have named it Comet Blood, after Kano's stars," Ricatone explained.
"Oh."
"Now then, we have a model to show the orbits.."
After class Harry led them into the Sleeping Layer; that was what they had christened the Head Boy and Girl dorms. "Here." He pulled out a maroon leather book. The pages were of slightly old parchment. "This is The Book of the Gods- I wrote it for you. It has almost every god in it. I'd suggest just reading the first few. If you need to, just look up others later."
"Let's read it now!" cried Hermione. She opened it. Ron rolled his eyes behind her back.
"Some thing never change," he mouthed to the other two. Hermione hit his chest without looking up.
"I know what you're doing, Ronald," threatened Hermione. He shrugged.
"Read out loud, will you?" he asked instead.
"Alright, well here goes. (A/N This book isn't completely done. That's why they aren't reading the while thing. It was a pain in the ass and took me forever. Hop you enjoy!)
"Book of the Gods
Aashiti- Mother Goddess
Aashiti is the first female god. She is mother of the stars and to all elves- she mainly looks after the female elves. She is the high goddess. Aashiti works with Mertiku (see below) to decide if an elf's deeds are enough for he or she to become a god. And if so, Aashiti decides their title and the stars they rule. Also, she decides what land they are given in the God's Plane. Ashiti is the god/goddess with the most influence because Mertiku listens to her.
Mertiku- Father God
Mertiku is father of all elves and stars. His female is Ashiti. Though he may be father to all elves, he cares mainly for the males, as Aashiti takes care of female elves. He helps decide which elves become gods and goddesses. It is up to him to choose their rank and the power they are given. Aashiti can influence him greatly with her kind touch and thoughtful words. Mertiku is the most powerful of all gods and goddesses.
Michi- God of the Matika
Michi rules over all the Matika. He is a High God. He also rules over Matika Gods and grants elves the power to be a matita and what their form is. Michi also holds the power to decide when and who an elf is granted the power to speak to Matika. He controls the Stars of Matika which form constellations of animals. Elves say that other creatures use these stars to predict the future.
Pallaton- God of Battle
Pallaton may be the God of Battle but he's very kind and gentle. He is a fierce battler but hates battles over nothing. Despite his rank, he cannot stand meaningless battles. Any battle faught within the Field of Pallaton is for fun and no one may kill in his field. Pallaton controls the rest of battle gods.
Hiroma- Goddess of Soul Mates
Hiroma is the goddess who makes sure all of the elves find their soul mates. She decides when and how they find them and if they are allowed to actually be with them. Hiroma reigns over a large band of stars known as the Love Stars. She also rules over other gods and goddess who relate to matters of the heart and of love.
Jimu- God of Nature
Jimu is the harshest and gentlest of al gods. He is very open minded. Instead of ruling over stars, he rules over the main god and goddess of nature- God of the Suns and Goddess of the Moons. He also rules over the rest of the nature gods. Jimu has close ties with Michi. They often work together when doing very important tasks.
Kindorio- God of the Suns
Kindorio rules over the two suns of the Elves. He is brother to the God of Light, God of Planets, Goddess of the Moons, and the Goddess of Dark. Kindorio is a very temperamental and overprotective god. He is not appealed to for help very often by the elves, though they are sure to keep honoring him. Kindorio also makes sure Ri and Ko keep Jinro in its stationary position and spinning at the correct time. As well as this, it is his responsibility to make sure that the suns' light doesn't reach Risa and Ky.
Aria- Goddess of the Moon
Aria is known as the calmest of gods and goddesses. She is very patient and listens whenever asked. It is her nature to be very observant. She rules over no stars but rather of the three moons of Jinro. She also commands the other moon gods who rule over the moons of other planets and the moons of Jinro itself. Aria is Kindorio's twin and she often calms him when his temper gets flared. She is the only god known who can control Kindorio aside from Aashiti, Mertiku, and their parents who are both low level gods.
Kano- God of Blood
Kano is the god who controls family ties. He makes sure people who are right find their family or stay with them. However, he can only control so much. When a family member is killed in battle or something else of that sort, Kano tries to rebuild the family left behind. He also rules over the band of stars known as the Blood Stars. Those are his warriors and elves often turn to them to predict what their family's future hold. Kano also has the power to uncover the three lost lines of Elvin blood- that of the Last Prince, of the formerly distant branch of royal blood that would be heirs to Princess Kina, and that of the legendary Woman Warrior, Jinka.
Perdius- God of Life
Perdius keeps to himself because some dead often seek revenge on the God of Life. He must decide who will birth a child of which gender from his stars' sparks. He controls the Telling Stars which elves try to predict from what will come of their children and their lives. Perdius is known to have a gentle hart but firm hand. He makes some of the toughest decisions gods must make. Also, Perdius is known to be the lover and soul mate of Veradia Goddess of Death (see below).
Veradia-Goddess of Death
Veradia is settled with the most difficult power-and one of the most important. She must decide how to kill an elf. They all must die eventually and when they are born, before the Ionok, God of Personalilty (see below), can give them the object that shapes them, she must decide their inevitable fate. She must also decide what to do with the elves that never become gods. Whether or not they should be sent to a god to join their stars. She is the only other god to know what happened to the elves that never returned to their realm besides Mertiku, Aashiti, and Perdius. She still had to decide their fate. She and her love Perdius get along well because they both draw away from others as so many search for revenge. Veradia's stars are the Stars of Inevitability and elves look to them for answers to death.
Ionok- God of Personality
Ionok give each elf an object at birth. How that object is introduced to them and how they use it, sculpts their personality. He was tenth of the first ten gods to follow Mother Goddess and Father God. Ionok does not control how an elf's personality develops as Hiadi (see below) won't allow it. He and Hiadi are cousins.
Hiadi- Goddess of Free Will
Hiadi makes sure no gods overuse their power and try to completely control and elf's life or personality or deeds. She works closely with her lover, Driado, God of Fate.
Driado- God of Fate
Driado makes sure nothing happens to change and elf's fate. He controls the Fate Stars. They encircle Ky. Ky is the moon his sister- Goddess of Moons- rules over. Elves often make him offerings so they may have the fate they wish. Few elves understand that your fate is decided when you are born, not later. Fate is inevitable, another reason why Driado gets along well with the Goddess of Death."
"That should be enough," Harry said, stopping Hermione before she began reading about Aeka (eye- a - kuh), Goddess of Water.
"Wow, Harry that's amazing," Ginny said. She gently took the book from Hermione and quickly flipped through the pages. "It's very well done. (no I'm not complimenting myself, you'll see why she says it..)"
"I'm not a very good writer. I did keep journals in the Elvin Realm," Harry said. "I think I threw them in the Layer somewhere. Or they're in my trunk. Who knows, they aren't really important."
"Whatever," Ron said. "So, you ladies excited for the trials?"
*****************
Harry slung his Firebolt over his shoulder and waited as Ron grabbed his Nimbus 2000 fro his trunk. Then the two marched down to the quidditch field. As they entered, a bunch of Ravenclaws left. They saw Cho talking to another seventh year Ravenclaw- the captain of the team.
"Hey, Cho," Harry said. He and Ron walked to her and Gregory Earnest.
"Hullo," she said, smiling. "Greg, I believe you know Harry and Ron? Good. We're co captains of Ravenclaw."
"Congratulations," Ron said brightly. "How many new players did you need? I mean, I know you had to replace Roger Davis.."
"There was also Roger's best friend, Kristen," Greg said. "She was the best beater we've ever had."
"Terry Boot's gotten Roger's place and Michael Corner is our new beater," Cho said. Harry noticed she went a little pink when she talked of Michael.
"Lucky you," Harry said with mock bitterness. She looked up surprised. "Am I really that bad at mocking?" he asked Ron.
"You have no idea," he replied solemnly. Harry gave him a shove before turning back.
"Me and this git are all that's left of the legendary Gryffindor quidditch team. Sure, there are he subs from last year when me n the twins were booted by Umbridge, but we're starting clean. None of that counts anymore," Harry said.
"Good luck," Greg said, as though they'd really need it. Cho shook her head as she watched him go.
"Greg's still bitter that we've never managed to get the house cup out of you. He and Ced were pretty good friends. That's why Ced took a liking to me. Anyways, he's a bit off with me because of me and Mic-" Cho stopped and went furiously red.
"Michael?" finished Harry, smiling. Cho nodded.
"I do feel bad though. I talked to Ginny on the train, after out Prefect's meeting. She was really nice about how Michael broke up with her. I hadn't even known why until she told me. He was in some pretty hot water after that," Cho said, grinning vindictively.
"He still is," Ron said darkly. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Yes, I know. You may want to warn your boyfriend that he's in a Marauder's line of attack, and it's not Ginny. Nightly here has a nice little scheme," Harry told Cho. Ron glared at his best friend.
"I outta-"
"Get the balls ready! What a brilliant idea!" cried Harry. He shoved Ron towards the chest of balls. Ron was grumbling under his breath. "Sorry bout him. He has a few brother issues."
"You could never tell," Cho said sweetly. Harry smiled.
"See you at DA?"
"No doubt about it," Cho said. With a wave she mounted her broom, kicked off, and headed towards the broom shed through the air. Harry knew exactly what she'd find there. Michael. 'I really need to stop with the telepathy.'
"Harry!" called Ron. People were beginning to file onto the field. There was Dennis Creevey, Ginny, Hermione, second years Euan Abercrombie and Genevieve Roubin, last years replacement beaters Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper, a third year named Timothy Greene and a girl Harry didn't recognize. He looked at the sheet and found her name easily. 'Raina Julliardius. I know that name. She's top of third year!'
"Alright, I want chasers on this side and beaters on the other!" Harry ordered.
**************
"Now then," Harry announced, standing in the Common Room atop a table. "I won't make you all wait for weeks to find out who made the house team-" cheers interrupted him at this point. He grinned. "- so all gather round. Now, everyone was very good and it was tough to choose- you all HAD to have practiced over the summer, to be as improved as you are. Especially G-"
Ginny didn't even wait for him to finish her name. She walked stoutly over and yanked his pants down, revealing red boxers that had 'Ooops, dropped my pants' written on them in twinkling golden letters. Harry pulled his pants up.
"Some of us seem to have forgotten our age," Ron declared, standing at Harry's right hand side.
"Now then, despite her immature acts-" snorts filled the room "-Miss Virgin Weasley will be on the team as chaser."
"HARRY!" Ginny cried. red at the virgin comment.
"The other two chasers will be Eaun Ambercrombie and Hermione Granger- which no one expected." This got him a hex thrown at him; Harry shielded it easily. "Our beaters are Dennis Creevey and Andrew Kirke. We also have chosen a reserve, Raina Julliardius."
There were cheers through the Common Room. Harry smiled sweetly. "I propose a toast!" Suddenly people grabbed the glasses that had been set out. "To the new Gryffindor quidditch team!"
As the new team drank along with everyone else, a loud pop sounded. They had been given an icy shower of bucket water with lemon. "Now then," Harry said. Hermione and Ginny were laughing, being the only new members dry. "If you wish that not to happen again, I suggest that you be up bright and early on Saturday for your first official team practice of the year. Things have started a little late, and we're going to be just as good. It's only fortunate that the first game is Ravenclaw against Hufflepuff."
**************
Later that night, as he lay in his bed, Harry thought back to the sorting song. It seemed more like a prophecy than anything. And he knew it was about him. But.
Many, many years ago
When Hogwarts had just begun
The four founders lived in harmony
Proud of what each had done
Their dreams were unfolding
Yet loosening their bonds
Teaching young successors
To wield a skilful wand
Ravenclaw chose to guide
Those of brilliant mind
So if your brain quick
Ravenclaws are your kind
Gryffindor always chose
Those most brave inside
So if your nerves are made of steal
Put all but Gryffindor aside
Hufflepuff most valued
Those with a gentle trait
So if your heart is supple
It's Hufflepuff that awaits
Last there was Slytherin
Who valued great ambition
So if you strive to be great
You'll be Slytherin's new addition
Last I sang, I warned you all
To join up and unite
For now it's most important
That you listen to my plight
As two worlds align again
As these new days dawn
We'll discover new allies
Who are nothing if not strong
Some we thought would never change
Surprise us with their choices
As those we never knew
Fill our head with voices
Some we thought we knew all about
Will reveal a surprising past
And open up doors once closed
Just as dark shadows are cast
The wolf will try to hide
Yet that battle he shall loose
For they will come no matter what
And it's then that he must choose
Despite all odds that they will send
We must stand side by side
True identities must be revealed
And rules must be defied
For we will know the truth
Of his long lost blood
As fire turns to ice
And waters run to mud
The ring of power of will appear
And it will bring rest
As piece by piece, we begin
To understand this mess
So heed my words and listen well
We must come together within
There's nothing more to do
So now the sorting shall begin
'The ring of power? That may very well be a fairy tale. No one really knows! And the rest would be the other three. DAMN! Why are things always so complicated?! That line though. The wolf will try to hide. I know exactly who the wolf is. but what does it mean that battle he shall loose? Something tells me things are about to get a lot more complicated.'
Harry groaned. He didn't need that. 'Everything was confusing enough in the Elvin Realm. And then when I was able to see into the lives of three people here for a different day each. those windows changed me then, only it took me until I saw Ginny to understand why. And now with everything going on..'
Harry whacked his head on his hands before rolling over and trying to sleep again. 'But I can't sleep. Sure, I dated a few elves- I was even psycho enough to think Tone and I might work together. But no one, and I mean no one, sparks me like Ginny. Why don't I get it? Sure, Gin's nice and beautiful and smart and energetic and- GAH! What is WRONG with me? I can't get her out of my head. When did this happen? And Michi be damned, WHY?!'