A/n: I know that last chapter had Snape and Harry seeing eye to eye for the first time so nothing to it for now. Don't worry the problems are just starting.
"English"
Japanese
THE RELUCTANT SLYTHERIN
Chapter 17: Next Stop Greece then Japan
"Ok guys this is where our next stop is going to be," Tory said pointing at the map that Snape found. "We need to head south to Greece," she said, "Up north where we are there are too many Deatheaters to count. We need to head south to Greece where we can hitch a ride on the Jetstream as far east as China and Japan rest a few days and then make the crossing to Hawaii," Tory said and the group seemed to have a few question, "Why Greece?" asked a second year Ravenclaw one Tory remembered as Hanna Kirkinson. "Because the Jetstream flows from west to east and at the moment it is over the middle east. We need to replenish ourselves further before heading towards the Jetstream which lies just north of it before heading east. The winds alone can take us at least three days or so to get to Japan because that it where it starts to make a southerly trend towards Hawaii. But to cross the ocean is a nonstop flight unless we take the oceanic route which will take longer." Tory said and they all nodded. "I agree flying there is the fastest and safest way to travel," said Blaze and Snape nodded as well, "But what about food and supplies?" asked another this time it was a third year Slytherin. "We have to rough it as my father says," said Tory. "From now on we are no longer humans. Until we get to Hawaii we will stick to animal forms you got it?" Harry said and the group nodded. Snape was impressed with Harry's leadership skills being the only adult. "I agree Potter until we get to Hawaii no human forms unless necessary,"
Just then someone ran down the street shouting but one word caught all their ears, "DEATHEATERS!" he shouted and the group turned to see several shadowy figures racing down the street. "MOVE!" yelled Snape and everyone scrambled. "Bahamut you need to fly away far away got it!" Tory shouted to the dragon who nodded and took off into the night.
They came by groups as they had several ghost dogs sniffing out the runaways. "Everyone out!" Snape yelled, "Go, Go, Go!" Yelled Harry and everyone ran out. Tory was the last to leave turning into a wolf as she ran and then into a Griffin and beside her was Snape who transformed into a Hippogriff along with Harry. Tory kept her eye on the skies, Professor, Harry with me, Ron, Hermione take half the group and go left while Neville, Blaze and Luna go right we will meet you at Greece let your instincts guide you, with that Tory dodged an incoming spell from a few Deatheaters on brooms, alright you asked for it Tory said as she dove after them, talons bared and screamed as she broke them apart. Harry and Snape did the same and pulled up. All three weaved in and out avoiding spells, What are we doing? Snape demanded, It is called Dog Fighting Professor, Tory said as she dove low through the burnt buildings of Paris and had three Deatheaters and from the looks of it one plane after her so she weaved this way and that.
Harry was watching Tory at the same time as avoiding spells as he braked and came behind a deatheater and knocked him off his broom. Snape came beside him and Harry used his front legs and gave the professor thumbs up. Nodding Snape did the same as both pumped their wings and flew after Tory.
Tory flew through the Eiffel tower weaving through the many holes like a pro and the Deatheaters found themselves in a maze of pipes and ladders. Tory shot upwards twisting and turning as she went and they followed as she pumped her wings for altitude and then plunged through the holes while two of her charges smashed into the highest tower. Her third tried hex after hex at Tory but thanks to Tory's lighter weight she was faster and more maneuverable as she weaved through buildings and the last Deatheater fell back as two more Hippogriffs came from behind and Tory screeched with joy as Harry and Snape flew right beside her and they flew upwards as the sun began to rise in the east. The rays blinded their escape towards their new destination Greece.
Voldemort sat on his thrown with Lucius talking to someone just at the entrance. All his loyal followers are still searching the grounds and the forest for any sign of Harry Potter or Severus Snape. The Deatheaters had placed the children and the remaining teachers in the dungeons even though they are paralyzed and can't escape and some dead. Bellatrix was having fun at the moment down there and the very thought made Voldemort smile viciously. Lucius came into the light and bowed to his lord. "What is it my loyal servant," he said and Nagini flicked her tongue out at him. "I have just received word that there was a group of Hippogriffs that had escaped Paris my lord," Lucius said, "And…." Voldemort said, "They have eluded us sir as well as taken down a number of Aerial troops we have," Lucius said, "What about the Muggle forces?" Voldemort said and Lucius smirked, "They are unable to fly my lord and thus are unable to attack," said Lucius, "Any word on Potter?" "None my lord," said Lucius. Voldemort was not pleased, "Dismissed Lucius and by the way Crucio!" he said and the man fell.
Harry, Tory and Snape managed to out fly the Deatheaters and made their way south following Tory. But still a bit weak Tory was supported by Snape and Harry and was told to shift back and rode on Snape's back. The southlands of France were wide open as fields gave way to desert as they made their way south. Being so high up everything looked like blotches to the trio. Tory then pointed to the distant horizon as she tapped the Professor on the shoulder and pointed. Nodding Snape then angled in that direction followed by Harry. Harry followed suit as they neared the distant white buildings. The sun shown brightly as they neared a landing site.
Ron was the first to see the trio as they began to descend, "Look!" he said and everyone looked out to see Snape and Harry making a descent. Slowly they circled and Harry was the first to land followed by the Professor. When both landed Tory was helped off and given food and water along with Harry and Snape, "How did you fly like that?" Harry asked, "Dog Fighting I've seen it on the Muggle television," Tory shrugged, "I just used those techniques in my own flying." Tory said and Snape smirked, "How impressive," Snape said, "Definitely worthy of my house," Snape said and they all rolled their eyes but dropped their mouths to see him smirking at them. All traces of malice are gone replaced by sheer amusement.
In the days that followed in the cave the group replenished supplies and rested up. On the night of departure they all met around a small camp fire. "Ok listen up our next trip is going to be even longer to Japan but we will make a break in China. This time we fly to an altitude of four to five thousand feet just above the low level cloud line. That is where the Jetstream is now we need to go something that can travel at both high altitudes and long distance. Birds would be an option but we need to save out strength so it has to be something bigger." Tory said, "How about Rocs or phoenix's" someone suggested, "I got a better idea how about dragons," said Hermione, "Dragons?" Everyone asked, "Why not? I mean a phoenix can travel far but it would be noticed," "So would dragons," Cho said, "Not the Asian Wind," replied Hermione, "The Asian Wind Dragon?" Cho asked, "It is one of those newly discovered ones yes?" said Luna, "Yeah I read about them they are supposed to be fast," said another Ravenclaw, "But if they are fast then how are we going to get to Japan unseen," said Blaze, "We need to fly but I don't think Tory can handle flying that far," said Harry looking at a now sleeping Tory.
Snape and the others looked too, "I know Potter I've tried but nutrient potions are not enough to gain back all the weight that Tory has lost and by constantly shifting she is burning it all off," Snape said, "I think we should take turns carrying Tory," said Alex a first year Slytherin. "I agree," said a Hufflepuff. "Tory needs us as much as we need her," everyone nodded, "Ok then but how do we shift into wind dragons? I mean don't we have to know what they look like and the instincts that they have." Said Neville and Hermione nodded as she typed some things into Tory's laptop and an image of a wind dragon came into view. She then shut the computer down and flew some powder into the flames and the image of a wind dragon came into view. Unlike any other dragons this dragon looked more like a wraith because it lacked the front legs but they could tell it was a dragon. The way the wings were designed gave it away. "Ok people tomorrow night we make ready to fly," Harry said and they all got out their sleeping bags and fell asleep.
As the sun set the night brought along a group of dark figures as they stood at the edge of a cave, "Alright people you know the plan," Harry said and changed into a dragon. His features changed into a long silvery colored dragon with a dark grey hue to it. It looked like an Asian dragon but had wings like a bat that attacked to the base of its tail. The tail was forked to allow it better maneuverability in the air. The dragon's head was shaped like a bird's. It was smooth and hooked along with its eyes. Turning around Harry took off and he was followed by Snape, Cho, Ron, Luna, Blaze, Hannah Abbot of Hufflepuff, Hermione and everyone eventually filtered out.
They formed into many V shaped formations as groups got together fighting to altitude Harry held on to Tory who was resting on his neck. She had a warm robe on to keep her from freezing. Tory knew that she did not have the strength to change and so held on as they climbed higher. "Remember when we hit the jetstream just glide and flap once in a while to keep up momentum and altitude," Tory said and Harry nodded. He roared and everyone roared back saying they got the message. The evening sky gave way to night as they soared higher with Tory shaking once in a while to get rid of the ice that is starting to gather on her robes. Closing it around her she held on as a wind began to pick up from behind. Snape rumbled from beside her and Tory nodded and held on tight.
The wind came in strong and everyone braced for it as they hit and at first it was rumbled as they fought to remain in formation. Then when they had it under control they broke back into formation and the exhilaration began. Flapping the group and Tory felt the exhilaration of the wind as it pushed them. It is like being in a tunnel of wind!
As the hours droned by they could make out small lights far below like stars twinkling. Tory used this as a guide as they followed the wind even when it took them south. Harry's green eyes stared at Tory's brown a bit of worry on his voice as Tory looked down. She conjured some goggles a while ago and now held on to them as she focused. The much smaller lights of small towns gave way to some brighter lights but in the distance more lights could be seen and Tory pointed to them and Harry nodded as he signaled to Snape who roared a reply throughout the group.
The Japanese wizarding world looked to the skies they were shocked to see bright silvery shapes take form above them as they circled and many called out. Tory called in Japanese and many men and women went to get something to guide them in. Harry deciding to show off glided off the rough water as he neared the ground. Stretching out his legs he prepared for a landing. Bouncing off the ground he hopped a few times and came to a halt. Tory leaped off and told Harry to remain a dragon. He growled low to the others who nodded even Snape. You have a lot of Wind Dragons, said a rather small looking wizard but Tory yawned and he saw her face for the first time, You have not eaten well in a while so you must rest. We will take care of your dragons he said without asking Tory where have she come from. They quickly ushered her to a home just up the hill.
Tory lay on some straw and fell asleep instantly. The doors to the stalls opened and a small boy entered, I am here to bring some food he said and placed the tray down and Tory gladly ate it. The same child came again carrying some other trays filled with food and he was followed by a middle aged woman. "My, my when they said a foreigner was here I did not know it was you Tory," she said and Tory looked up to see a Japanese lady with a stern look in her features but her eyes shown with much amusement. "Professor Nakagawa?" Tory asked and the woman bowed, "The one and only. I've heard from Headmaster Hamakua that you were on your way back with some friends," she said and Tory nodded to everyone and she was surprised to see them transform back into there selves. "My I did not realize that they were the dragons," she said and conjured a seat with her hand. "Um Tory who is this?" Professor Snape asked, "Oh sorry I forgot to introduce myself I am Professor Aiko Nakagawa potions master at the Hawaiian Academy of Magic," she said bowing. "Professor Severus Snape Potions Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." He said bowing the same.
After some explanations and conversation later Professor Nakagawa stroked her chin, "This is bad indeed," she said, "When I was contacted by Professor Hamakua a few days ago when he got your message he told me of the events that happened. Deatheaters have attacked Europe and now attacking Africa and Asia," she said, "Picking off the weakest of the heard before the strongest," Snape said and Nakagawa nodded, "Yes, I originally came here to visit my family and to collect some potions ingredients that only grow in Japan and transport them back to the Academy. I had no idea that you of all people would land here," she said, "Of course you have to make a stop before finishing your journey," she said, "Now I will be returning to Hawaii in a few days so I will inform the headmaster of your arrival," she said and the group nodded before retiring for the night.
It took a week before the group was ready for the rest of the trip which would be nonstop overseas. Tory having been recovered enough was ready to take the rest of the journey with the group. They all gathered ready to fly since the Professor already left the day before to prepare for their arrival. "Now remember we will fly to Lahina Maui and then swim over to Molokai got it," Tory said, "Why can't we just fly there?" asked Neville, "Because if we fly there all the way we will be spotted. Remember Hawaii is U.S. territory and you know how we bloody yanks like to patrol our waters," Tory said and the group nodded. "I've seen it on the Tele once and boy are you guys fierce when it comes to defending territory," Dean said and Seamus agreed with him.
That night they spent stretching and preparing for the long trek to Hawaii, "Remember we are using the jetstream but when we near Hawaii we have to fly low so that way no one will see us," Tory said and explain the radar system to them, "Wow Tory you know a lot about military equipment," said Hermione, "Well I had to do it for a report," she said and they all gotten ready. As the sun started to set on the shore Tory waved good bye to her Japanese friends that helped them for the past few days before taking off.
"CRUCIO!" a curse shot out of Voldemort's wand and hit Lucius Malfoy hard and sent the man to the ground. He reeled in pain as another curse sounded and he fell, "Why didn't you look at the report more thoroughly Lucius," Voldemort sounded very angry. "I apologize my lord but I thought it was nothing," Lucius said and was hit again with another curse. "Do not trifle with me Lucius remember who gave you your power and who can take it way," Voldemort said and Lucius nodded and the dark lord released his hold.
Lucius coughed up blood as Nagini curled up her master's throne and rested her head on his lap. "Who knew that a single heard of Hippogriffs was really Potter and his friends. Very clever, very clever indeed. Who knew that witch had such power to do such a thing." He said, 'Only a guardian of Gaia could do that my lord,' Nagini said and Voldemort stroked the serpent, "Yes Nagini only one from that academy could hold such magic. But she can't do it alone someone must have helped to release the energy from within. Now Lucius I have something for your," Voldemort then pulled something out of his pocket, "These are photos taken from a Muggle camera that I so happen to have fallen into my lap. From what I gotten Potter made his way to Greece and then disappeared but according to my sources he is heading east for some reason," Voldemort said, "Why would Potter head east," he said thinking when the answer became obvious, "That brat is heading for Hawaii!" he said, "The Academy! That brat plans to go to the academy! Send someone to Hawaii NOW! I want Potter dead and bring me the bitch who led them their DEAD!" he said snarling and the Deatheaters did as they were told.
Alone in his throne room that used to be the great hall of Hogwarts. Voldemort then petted his serpent, 'I can't have Potter learning the arts of those beings Nagini. If Potter does learn then it would be the end of me,' he said and the snake hissed in reply, 'I have found something interesting my master,' the snake said, 'show me,' Voldemort said and Nagini slithered out and down to the bathroom. Already Voldemort's memories returned to him, 'Ah I remember this place,' he hissed as he walked over to the sink. 'Open,' he said and the sinks opened up to reveal the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets and he floated in.
Now when one decides to enter the dark chamber no one knew that all the bones were gone till they looked good. Already the many skeletons were removed leaving nothing but a clear tunnel that led to the entrance to the chamber. 'Open' Voldemort said and watched as the many serpents engraved on the wall pulled back and a single serpent slithered across the door opening it. What Voldemort saw was not what he had seen last time. The chamber looked as if someone lived there. It still had the statues of the many snakes and pipes and the statue of Salazar Slytherin at the end but the water that made the ground wet was gone. It was dry and well kept with the walls clean and shining.
On one side grew plants that Voldemort have never seen before like a rainforest yet not so. There were mats everywhere like a training area and weapons on the walls. The thing that caught his eye however was the fragments of a nest on the inside of the statue. "Strange," he said in English. The nest itself was turned into a room with a shabby bed and a hot bath on one end. There was a full bathroom and changing room but one to speak of it soul occupant. 'What you have shown me was most curious Nagini,' he said and the serpent flicked her tongue at her master, 'The scent here is different then what I normally smell master,' she said, 'the smell is like that of a wounded animal, a predatory animal dying from lack of food and water but the scent has faded somewhat,' Nagini said, 'True my pet I bet this used to be the dwelling of the so called Exchange Student,' he said and headed back to his chambers. 'That is not all master I sensed a basilisk had been here recently a rather young one,' Nagini said and Voldemort turned to look at her, 'A young basilisk?' he said, 'yes I picked up its scent by the plants over there,' Nagini said pointing, 'It was mixed with a strange scent kind of like an owl but not.' She replied. Voldemort rubbed his chin, 'most interesting indeed,'
TBC
