DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and friends don't belong to me, because, quite frankly, if they did, I wouldn't be posting this right now. However, Alexandrea is mine and so is Echidna and both Trinities and almost everything else that you don't recognize.
SUMMARY: After a mysterious light takes Harry Potter away from Privet Drive and he doesn't seem to be returning, he is presumed dead. Then exactly a year after his disappearance the Dragon Prince appears.
RATING: PG it WILL go up later, but for now, there's nothing too terrible future chapters.
A/N: I rewrote this chapter THREE times. THREE. That's what took so long. Sorry about the wait, I hope it was worth it!
Harry Potter and the Heir to the Phoenix Throne
Chapter 6: Workshops and Hormones
Alexander Servator was pissed off. He had been in the human realm for a month, a month, and every day of that month had involved some kind of argument with Gar. As he stalked back to his office, black dress shoes clicking angrily on the stone floor, their conversation replayed itself in his mind.
"Why won't you just let me tell Hermione and Ron, Gar?" Harry had demanded, yelling loudly in Elvish. "They are suffering!"
"As sorry as I am to hear that, gehail, you know perfectly well that you cannot tell them," Gareth answered back calmly, sitting at his desk with his hands folded atop the wooden surface. "We agreed to this before you returned."
"The point is, Gar, they miss Harry Potter, and I think I owe them an explanation!" Harry yelled, throwing a book for emphasis.
"What I think is most interesting, Alexander, is that you return to this realm for only a month, and you begin to act like a petulant brat yet again. Do you not have other things to concern yourself with? Shouldn't you be worrying about stopping your Nathestis and not about spilling your secret to your little friends? Friends, may I add, that will probably no longer understand you. You know the lot of a Dragon is a lonely one, Alex. Telling your friends will not make it any different." The Griffin told him, still in that infuriatingly calm tone.
"My loneliness is not the issue right now, Gareth! How many times do I have to tell you that? It is their well being that—"
"Yes! Their well being! How well will they be carrying your secret on their shoulders? Think of how much greater risk they'll be at, knowing your true identity. Not even Dumbledore should have to bear that burden! We will tell the Wizarding World when the time is right."
Harry looked at the man in front of him scathingly as he continued, "Furthermore, perhaps you should put the spare time you undeniably have (since you clearly have time to pester me everyday) to a more beneficial and productive task?" Gar asked.
Harry rolled his eyes, still in a mood, "And what would that be?" he asked in a bored voice.
"Perhaps extra Defense tutorials and clubs? To teach these students, whose well being you so ardently care for, to better protect themselves," Gareth suggested, a hit of mocking laced in his voice.
"God, you're annoying!" Harry sneered before he turned heel and exited the office in a huff.
When he reached is office, he slammed the door and set the first thing he saw (which happened to be a rare tropical plant) on fire. It was then that Harry paused to reflect on how therapeutic setting things on fire actually was.
After several calming breaths, Harry instinctively realm-hopped to his room back in the Elven Realms. When he entered the warm honey colored sanctuary he flopped back on his bed, staring blankly at the sun on the ceiling.
He must have fallen asleep because the next thing he remembered was hearing a knock at the door and instead of the golden light of the Elven sun shining in from his terrace, it was twilight that was streaming through.
"Commmin," he muttered groggily, waving his hand in the general direction of the door, causing it to open. When it did, it revealed Alexandrea leaning on the door frame, wearing a straight collared navy blue slinky gown(1), her black hair was down flying wildly about her. Harry grimaced at the look on her face.
"I heard you and Gareth haven't been getting on very well," she said calmly.
"Erm, no," Harry said sheepishly, burying his head in the plush pillows.
"Harold." Her voice was deep and dangerous as she entered the room.
"Alexandrea," Harry whined.
"Harry," the Phoenix said with a weary smile, as she down on the foot his bed. He popped his head of from the fluffy shield he had created for himself.
"Harry, darling, I really think we need to work more on your chemical imbalance—" she started kindly.
"Tell me about it," Harry muttered, sitting up, "one minute I'm furious, the next minute I'm exhausted, the nextI'm whining andacting like I'm five."
There was a distinct pause until Alexandrea finally cracked.
"Oh Harry," Alexandrea sighed, "I had hoped it would not come to this, I had hoped you would have found your Griffin before this." Again she paused trying to form her words gently, "You are literally imbalanced, gehail. You need your other half, your Griffin. Without that person your hormones don't know handle themselves."
Harry just stared at her for a moment before bursting into tears.
"Oh darling," the queen said before gathering Harry in her arms and letting him cry. When his sobbing died down to sniffles, Alexandrea continued. "Harry you need to channel your frustrations into something. I think what Gar suggested was on the right track, yes?" her voice was soft and mothering, exactly what Harry needed.
Harry pulled away, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands looking mortified. "Yes," his voice was hoarse and he continued hastily, "I'll look into extra curricular work."
"Gehail, there is no need to be embarrassed, your are viscously imbalanced—"
"Great, now I'm a nutter!" He was starting to get riled.
"Harry you know that's not what I am saying!" Alexandrea said, raising her voice. Catching herself, she added quieter, "Why don't you take a run on the k'makilé, hmm?"
Harry did go for a run—a viscous, brutal, tiring run that had left him utterly exhausted. He barely remained awake through his steaming hot shower and literally had to drag himself to bed. But when he woke up, he felt the most relaxed and calm he had felt since his coronation. Alexandrea was right. He really did need to focus elsewhere or he was going to go insane. Either that or blow Hogwarts up—whichever came first.
Rolling over, he was surprised to see a steaming hot cup of tea and a fresh scone sitting on his bedside table. He reached over and found a note. It read:
Gehail, enjoy breakfast and get back to work!
All my love, Aná(2)
Harry grinned despite himself. He then proceeded to scarf down what his surrogate mother had left him, change his clothing and quickly realm-hopped back to Hogwarts. He had a meeting to schedule with Dumbledore.
"Professor Servator, are you positive you can handle this workload?" Dumbledore asked passively.
"Of course, Headmaster. I am no stranger to work." Harry responded firmly.
"I understand that, Alex, but a dueling club, a defensive arts club, a combat club, and tutorials in all the subjects offered at Hogwarts, plus independent studies and all your regular duties?" Dumbledore seemed a bit skeptical, bless him. And he had ever right to be. A normal man would have buckled under the schedule Harry had proposed. But since when was Harry Potter normal?
"I assure you, Headmaster, the work and chaos will be much appreciated. Honestly. I know what I am capable of." Harry seemed almost desperate for the headmaster's approval.
Dumbledore sighed, "Fine, Professor. I grant you permission to hold as many extra curriculars as you wish providing they do not interfere with your preliminary responsibilities."
"Thank you, Headmaster. You won't be disappointed." Harry said, relieved. He did not need his hormones getting the best of him.
"Naturally," Dumbledore said with a nod, then he added, "Well if that is all, Alexander, then may I offer you a lemon drop?" Dumbledore asked, brandishing the tin and popping one into his mouth.
"No thank you, Headmaster, I must be off. But thank you for your time" Harry said, standing up and shaking the Dumbledore's hand.
As Harry reached the door, Dumbledore called, "Oh and Alex?" Servator turned, to find the Headmaster twinkling merrily "Should you find yourself overwhelmed, my I suggest employing the Heads to assist you?"
Harry nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips. He might just do that.
It was nearing the end of a double defense lesson with Gryffindor and Slytherin. They were currently doing practical work involving shielding charms. Harry blew his whistle signaling for them all to stop their work.
"The period ending in five minutes," he announced, "would the Head Boy and Girl please see me after class?" a pause for affirmation. "Thank you, you may allpack up." With that they was a muffled commotion while all the students worked to reach their next class as quickly as possible (the Gryffindors had Potions).
When the last students filtered out, Harry beckoned Draco and Hermione into his office.
"Please have a seat, Mr. Malfoy, Ms. Granger. I have a proposal for you," with that he sat down at his desk, ready to brief them on his plans.
"Obviously this school is severely lacking in Defense information." he stated,"As your Defense professor it is my responsibility to rectify that. I'd like to set up multiple tutorial programs open to all students. However, I will need assistance and I was hoping you two would be interested. You are not obligated to help, but it would be most appreciated."
Hermione's answer was an immediate, "Yes, of course, Professor," while Draco took a moment longer to decide.
"My father—" he stared warily.
"—will not know you had a choice in the matter, should you say yes." Harry reassured. Draco seemed to smile for a moment, but on second glace it was only a smirk.
Then Draco nodded curtly, "It will be a privilege to assist you, Professor."
Harry smiled infectiously, "Thank you both. I will call you in for a meeting at a later date. I'd like these workshops to be open to all students in about two weeks."
The heads both nodded, each excited for their new project.
"You are dismissed." He said with another smile.
As Harry watched them both go, he felt a twinge of something. He brushed it off as crazy hormones.
A week and a half later, Harry, Hermione and Draco were in the library writing up lesson plans and researching topics to teach. Draco and Hermione were there toadvise Harry on what the students needed the most and to help him with any research he might need to conduct at the last minute. Harry was there to actually do most of the work.
Hermione and Draco were sitting in stony silence just barely tolerating each other, while Harry obliviously worked on a plan for aura reading. Just as he finished the last word with a flourish he looked up and tried his mightiest not to laugh at the picture they made. While Hermione was sitting with her body cheated toward a window, a thick tome in both hands, diligently ignoring her Head Boy, Draco was sitting on the back two legs of his chair looking at the ceiling with a bored expression on his face, drawing patterns on the ceiling with his wand.
"You better not let Madam Pince catch you doing that, Mr. Malfoy." He said, finally cracking a smile. Draco, startled out of his glazed daydreaming, brought the legs of his chair back to the ground with a thump.
"Sorry, Professor," Draco muttered, sheepishly waving his wand to erase the doodles.
"Quite alright, Mr. Malfoy, just don't do it again. In my presence, at least." He said kindly, then in a more clinical tone, he continued, "Now, after much deliberation, I have decided that, at least to begin with, I will use you both were your strongest abilities lie. Ms. Granger," Hermione had recently looked up from the dusty book she was reading and nodded when Servator addressed her, "I shall have you assist me with the theoretical aspect of these workshops as well as transfiguration tutorials." She nodded again, happily. Transfiguration was her best subject, along with Arithmacy
"Mr. Malfoy," Harry continued, "I would like you to assist me in the practical application—the actual performance of the spells as well as with potion tutorials." Draco also nodded, pleased with his assignment.
"However," Harry continued, his voice sharpening, "by the end of this year, I will require you to work together. These are dark times and we must stand united or we will—"
"Oh sweet Merlin! Dumbledore put you up to this didn't he?" Draco cut in bitterly.
"Not at all Mr. Mal—" Harry tried to assuage.
"Oh, please! 'We must stand united?' That's straight for that meddling fool's mouth! Furthermore, I will not be required to work with a mudblood!" Draco fumed.
"Mr. Malfoy! You will remember with whom you are speaking! Control your temper!" Harry boomed, standing so quickly he knocked his chair over. "I'd also like to remind you that Ms. Granger is the most brilliant witch of your year and you should show her respect, regardless of how pure you believe her bloodline is!"
"Yes, Professor," Draco sneered.
" Furthermore, perhaps you should consider your options more clearly. Either you work with muggle borns or for a half-blooded monster who feels no remorse about letting your father rot in prison! One day Mr. Malfoy, you will be forced to choose. I have seen your work, Mr. Malfoy, you have a brilliant mind and you are an exceptional young man. I only hope you will be able to live with whatever decision you make." Harry raged on.
Draco met the professor's eyes, and for a moment Harry thought he saw fear and confusion laced in those grey eyes, but they were emotionless again before he could be sure. Then the Head Boy turned and stalked angrily out of the library.
After calming himself: 'Waterfalls, Harry, waterfalls.' He turned to Hermione who had tears in her eyes and a thankful expression on her face.
"Ms. Granger, you must give him some time, he has been raised to hate," he said calmly, walking over to give her a hug. He launched herself at him. He continued, "he is only just learning to think independently." He felt rather than saw her nod as she continued to cry.
"However, that is no excuse for his behavior," Harry said softly. "you are a brilliant, strong, wonderful young witch. And you mustn't listen to blind, bigoted statements, Ms. Granger." After Hermione's sobs finally subsided, she looked at her professor shyly.
"Thank you, Professor. Really I'm fine. This year is just hard, you know? Dealing with everything. But really, Draco's been on my case since first year and he can't stand that now, I'm basically perceived as his equal." Hermione sniffled giving him a watery smile andstraightening herself.
"Of course, just give him time, Ms. Granger. He'll come around." Harry said softly.
Hermione smiled weakly and nodded, not quite meeting Servator's eyes.
"Anyway, it's nearly curfew, and even if you're Head Girl, I suggest you get a move on. You have Defense first thing, after all." Harry said with a joking smile.
"Of course, I can't be tired for your class, professor," Hermione scoffed, and then she seemed to remember that she was talking to a professor.
Harry laughed at her horrified expression, "Don't worry about it, Ms. Granger. I won't tell a soul you scoffed at me." She smiled sheepishly. "But really, I am tired. So even if you're not, I am going to bed." He said and with that he stood up, and began to slowly walk toward the door.
Hermione just smiled at his exiting form, glad to have a professor that she could talk to, that saw her as more than the mourning friend of the Boy-Who-Lived. She grabbed a few books from their table and was getting ready to start walking out of the library, when Servator staggered and let a shrill scream escape before he cut it off by biting his lip. His knees buckled and his lip began to bleed. His hand flew up to forehead, which was now bleeding from an invisible point on his forehead. Hermione watched in horror as he collapsed and started to seizure.
"Oh my God!" She whispered as she dropped her books, starting to hyperventilate. "Professor? Are you alright?" She asked him, running to his side as he writhed on the floor.
He started coughing up blood; Madame Pince was going to be positively livid when she saw the stains on her floor.
"Help! Someone go get Madame Pomphrey! Servator's having a fit!" Hermione called, trying her best not to panic (and failing rather miserably).
When she finally was starting to loose hope anyone would hear her, in ran not one, but two Geniui Guards. In they dashed, darting to Servator's side as though he were their son and not a nameless life that they were sworn to save. They held their hands (which were surrounded by a light purple-ish light) inches over his face, as though they were trying to calm him. They spoke to him softly in their strange language, soothing him, and the female Guard even started to hum what Hermione assumed was a lullaby.
Curious by there behavior, Hermione slide away from them and into the shadows, in order to observe them without having to worry about them seeing her. Her professor finally came to, shaking, and the female petted away his blood and sweat drenched hair. He slowly opened his eyes that were once an unnatural shade of blue-green, but now they were a strikingly familiar shade of rich emerald green. Regine (the female guard) continued to stroke his hair, suddenly revealing a scabbed mark on his forehead, which must have been the point from which he was bleeding. This mark made Hermione's eyes bugout and her knees buckle. A lightening bolt. A lightening bolt shaped scar.
Alexander Servator was Harry Potter.
Tears streaming silently down her face, Hermione ran out of the library faster than she had ever run before. So concerned were the Geniui for their charge, that they didn't even notice her.
TBC
Yes, that was mean, and yes, I'm sorry. But really it was an excellent place to end.
Now:
IMPORTANT: We need to discuss Harry's Griffin. I need to know for the next chapter, so please, please give me your input.
It's either Hermione or Draco. One or the other. If there no one responds, I'll probably end up making it H/D, because I'm not really into H/H myself, but for this story, I think it's the most probable Het pairing. Slash is never probable for this series, so I won't even go there. Anyway, Draco or Hermione. Pick, please.
My reasoning: Right now I'm thinking Harry/Hermione; Harry/Ginny is completely out of the question. A lot of people, however, are against H/H. I refuse to write an original character to play Harry's girlfriend. Slash is the only other option. I don't know if I can write it, and I don't know if you want to read it, which is why I want your advice!
Thanks to everyone who reviewed my story. After much consideration, I have decided to partake in some reviewer appreciation. This is my first time doing this so I apologize for the ridiculous awkwardness of this batch.
Anyway. For this chapter:
neverraven: thank you so much for the review! I hope this chapter lived up to your expectations. I checked out your favorites, and my fic aside, you have brilliant taste in fanfiction!
pinkharry: thank you! Sorry it wasn't as soon as I would have liked.
fireinuyuki12: hopefully this is a little longer for you, thanks for the review!
Nic'sim87: you're so nice! Thanks for the positive feedback!
Xavier-Malfoy: I actually think this might be a Harry/Hermione…like I said, it's either that or Harry/Draco. Just give it a chance no matter what and cast your vote! Thank you for the review!
Roy: here it is! Thanks for reviewing!
kretcher000: he'll probably reveal himself in the next chapter, since Hermione's just found him out. Thanks for reviewing!
Andine: you rock, man. Thanks for reviewing. And thanks for staying with the story!
nice book: you want to produce?
jeppe nielsen: continuing! Thanks for the review
diane: thanks for reviewing! I hope you're not disappointed with where the story's going.
REVIEW! please. I want 5 before continuing. Flaming will NOT be appreciated and will be diligently ignored.
Footnotes:
(1) Think Hilary Swank and the Academy Awards
(2) Means mother
I love you all and don't forget to review, it's very motivation!
Lucia
