HARRY POTTER AND THE IMMORTAL BONDING
Summary: During the summer after his fifth year, Harry Potter must deal with the death of his godfather, the prophecy that Dumbledore revealed to him, and his own feelings for three female classmates. Elsewhere, other Hogwarts students are also dealing with their own feelings. Meanwhile, a new prophecy is made that will alter Harry's destiny and unleash the "power the Dark Lord knows not."
Author's Note: As some of you have pointed out, there are two slight discrepancies in my timeline. The first revolves around my first saying that Harry, Hermione, and Ginny would be spending 3 months (or 1 week of 'normal' time in the first realm), and then later on saying they were there for 6 months. This was a mistake on my part. They spent 6 months in each of the three realms.
The second discrepancy revolves around my statement that they are now three years older then before they disappeared. CanisD rightly pointed out that if they spent 6 months in each realm, then they would b 1 ½ years older, not 3. However, all three received an incredible amount of new power first in the mist from the mysterious woman, then from Godric Gryffindor right after they went to that realm. In order to accommodate the infusion of new power and magic, their bodies were altered, adding a total of a 1 ½ years to their age. So they would now be 3 years older.
Finally, as to why the Quickening didn't happen each time they killed an opponent in the fight in Seattle: Only the last to die was an Immortal. The other four were people that he had gathered around him and trained to use a sword. Sort of a gang of sorts.
Chapter 9: Order of the Phoenix
An hour later, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Dumbledore took a special portkey to Grimwauld Place, which the Order was now using as its Headquarters, and as of an hour ago, the living quarters of those family members of the Order of the Phoenix that Dumbledore felt would be to big of a target. Among those who were now residing there were the Weasley clan.
"Harry! Hermione! Ginny!" Mrs. Weasley shouted when she spotted them, rushing over to them and pulling them each into a bone-crushing hug. "Where have you been?"
"I think it best to wait until the meeting starts before pressing them for that information." Dumbledore replied.
"The meeting? But they can't attend the meeting-" Molly started to protest. Dumbledore held up his hand.
"Molly, they have more right to be in the meeting than anyone else here. A fact which will be fully explained once the meeting starts." He said.
"Well, if it isn't the Famous Harry Potter. Decided you needed to come back and get another hit of attention?" Ron's voice sneered from behind them. "Oh, and here's the Mudblood and the traitor whore." Molly whirled on her son.
"Ronald Weasley!" she shouted, before she was cut off by Ginny.
"Don't waste your time, mom." Ginny said. She turned to the others. "Let's go."
"Thank you all for coming so quickly." Dumbledore said, peering at the faces in the large study of Grimwauld Place. Every member of the Hogwarts staff was present, along with the entire Weasley family (except Ron), Remus, Tonks, Kingsley Shackelbolt, Mad-Eye Moody and many others, some of whom Harry, Hermione, and Ginny did not recognize.
"What's this all about, Albus?" one of the men present that Harry didn't recognize asked. "And who are these people." He waved his hand at the trio.
Looks like you owe me that money back. Ginny teased Harry through the link. She had bet that due to his changes, no one outside of Hogwarts or their inner circle would recognize him. Harry chuckled.
"Is there something funny, young man?" the man asked.
"Yes actually." Harry responded. "But I'm being rude. Allow me to introduce myself. Or should I say reintroduce myself. My name is Harry Potter. And this is Ginny Weasley and Hermione Granger."
Pandemonium broke out among those who had not been aware of the trio's return. Hurried whispers and gasps filled the room.
"Settle down." Dumbledore said. "If everyone will remain quite, I believe the time has come to reveal some secrets that for necessity, have been kept from many of you. Harry, if you would be so kind as to secure the room." Harry nodded and drew his wand, muttering several charms. He didn't really need his wand, but he, Hermione, Ginny and Dumbledore had decided to keep secret their wandless abilities for as long as possible. These charms not only made it impossible for anyone to enter the room or eavesdrop, but also made it impossible for anyone in the room to divulge what they heard without his, Hermione's and Ginny's permission. A moment later he nodded to Dumbledore.
"Many of you have been aware of a partial prophecy that was made prior to Mr. Potter's birth. For those of you who have not heard it before, this is what it said.
The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…
A moment ago I said a partial prophecy. In fact, what I have just repeated is only a portion of a prophecy that was made to me. As most of you know, there was a spy in the Hogs Head Inn the night this prophecy was revealed. That spy only heard the portion that you have all been told. Recent events now make it clear that it is time you heard the rest.
…And the Dark Lord shall mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not…and either must die at the hands of the other for neither can live while the other survives…" Dumbledore repeated.
Silence fell on the room as those gathered digested the prophecy, many eyes flicking to Harry and his trademark scar. Finally Dumbledore spoke again.
"As you have probably guessed, the prophecy was referring to Mr. Potter." He said.
"What about this 'power the dark lord knows not?" Tonks asked.
"Love." Dumbledore said. "Voldemort cannot comprehend love. Love is what allowed Harry's mother to cast her protection over him. It has always been my belief that love was the power that Harry had that would help him defeat Voldemort. And I was right, though not in the way I assumed.
Several weeks ago another prophesy was foretold to me; one that changed things considerably.
The balance has shifted. The Dark Lord is too powerful for any one person to defeat. In order for the light to triumph the child of prophecy must join with his immortal bonded…three shall become four, then three. The blackness of death shall attempt to steal them, but fail, unleashing their power."
Silence once again reigned in room as the members of the Order attempted to comprehend what they had just been told. Finally, Snape spoke up.
"Am I to understand," he sneered. "That not only is Potter no longer able to defeat Voldemort by himself, but that the 'Immortal Bonded' this new prophecy speaks of are Ms. Granger and Ms. Weasley?" Dumbledore nodded.
"That is correct." He said.
"But how can a person have two soul bonds?" Arthur finally said.
"I do not know." Dumbledore replied. "What I do know is it has in fact happened, and further that it has already had dramatic results." He turned to the trio. "Perhaps you would be kind enough to relate the events of the last few weeks." Harry took a deep breath.
Harry spent the next twenty minutes relaying the events of the last four weeks, starting with the dream, then moving on to the first fight in Diagon Alley, their travel to the realm of light, their travel into the past and to the realm where they studied Shaolin. He deliberately left out their visit to the realm of the Immortals; he, Hermione, Ginny and Dumbledore had agreed that it would be best to keep that information secret at the moment.
Throughout the tale, Hermione and Ginny were observing the faces of those presents. There was a mixture of amazement, confusion and sadly, disgust, particularly when Harry described the bond they shared. Snape in particular, along with one or two others seemed very offended by the fact that not only was Harry bonded to Hermione and Ginny and vice versa, but also that Ginny and Hermione were bonded. Harry fought to control his emotions as he saw the looks on their faces.
"I see in some of your faces that you don't approve." He said coolly, gazing directly at Snape. "That's too bad. We love each other and nothing can come between that. So deal with it."
"Now, Harry, that's no way to talk to your professor." Molly chastised. Harry turned to her.
"He is no longer my professor, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said.
"Our training has taken us well beyond the need to attend Hogwarts." Ginny continued.
"In fact, we've received more training than most in this room." Hermione finished.
"Mr. Potter, Ms. Weasley and Ms. Granger are correct." Dumbledore broke in. "Besides their rather spectacular display in Diagon Alley earlier today, I spoke at length with them before coming here. Their knowledge and skills are well beyond Hogwarts." Dumbledore gazed around the room, and then continued. "Which is why I have asked them to fill the positions of Defense Against the Dark Arts instructors this coming term." Snape stood up, eyes flaring.
"Headmaster, surely you can't be serious!" he shouted.
"I am deadly serious, Severus." Dumbledore said. "I can think of no one more qualified. You all saw what they did in Diagon Alley. Do you really believe there is anyone else more capable?" Snape looked down at the floor. "I didn't think so. Now, onto the most important reason for this meeting."
Eyes shot up in surprise; what could be more important that the news they had just been given over the last hour.
"As many of you know, I have been the leader of the Order for nearly twenty years. You also know that the Order has appeared in various incarnations before in the past. But what you don't know; what I didn't know myself until recently is the whole history of the Order.
The Order was first founded some four thousand years ago in ancient Egypt. A great evil was threatening the very existence of the Empire. So the Pharoh called together the greatest mages and warriors in the known world, forming the Order. Since that time, the Order has gathered anytime a great threat has appeared.
Now, for the first three thousand years, leadership of this group was passed down in the same familial lines of its founder. That is until the death of the most famous leader of the Order. With no blood heirs to succeed him, leadership of the Order from that point on was given to the person who re-organized it or who had been elected by the members of the Order. That is how I gained the leadership role. However, the time of my leadership is over; for we have in our midst the heir of that great leader."
It took several seconds for everyone to digest what Dumbledore had said, many looking around in confusion, not sure what he was saying. Finally, Mad-Eye Moody figured it out.
"Potter." He said. Dumbledore nodded.
Chapter 10: The Bombshell, Reactions, and the Trio of Darkness
"Well, that was interesting." Remus said, walking up to Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Dumbledore. The announcement that Harry was now the rightful leader of the Order had met with some resistance, though not as much as they had anticipated. Even Molly Weasley was rather sedate in her protests. The group was now standing in the empty room, the security spells having been taken off. Remus looked at Harry. "I still can't believe it all." Harry, Hermione, and Ginny grinned.
"How do you think we felt?" Harry responded.
"Yeah, at least you were sitting down when the news was broken." Ginny chimed in. Then she looked at Harry and Hermione. "But I wouldn't change anything." Harry and Hermione nodded in agreement. Remus and Dumbledore smiled.
"If your dad could only see you now." Remus said. Suddenly Hermione's eyes widened slightly.
"Oh, my god. I completely forgot about my parents." She said.
"I took the liberty of sending a note your parents, Hermione." Dumbledore said. "I only informed them that you had been found and were ok but exhausted and it would be morning before they could see you."
"Thank you, Albus." Harry said, and then turned to Hermione. "We'll talk to them tomorrow."
"Now that this is all settled," Mrs. Weasley said walking up to the group, "it's getting late and it has been a rather trying day. I suggest we all retire. Harry, I put your things in the master bedroom; I figure until Ron stops acting like a baby it would be the best place."
"Thank you." He said. Then over the link he said to Hermione and Ginny, Here it comes. Molly turned towards Hermione and Ginny.
"I had planned on you two sharing a room, but under the circumstances, Ginny, I'll have to move your stuff to another room." Mrs. Weasley said.
"Actually, that won't be necessary." Harry said. "The three of us will stay in the master bedroom." Mrs. Weasley flushed slightly.
"That would not be appropriate." she began but was cut off by Ginny.
"Well, considering we're married, I don't see what the problem is." Ginny said.
"M…M…Married?" Mrs. Wealey said in shock. A moment later she fainted.
Ron was extremely angry and unhappy. For the past four weeks all anyone, even his parents and siblings, could talk about were their concerns for Harry, Hermione and Ginny. The only exception was Cho. After he had explained the truth about Harry to her during their encounter in Diagon Alley, he and she had been exchanging letters. Despite his disgust for his sister, he could understand their worry; after all, she was family. But why did they care so much about a Mudblood and a glory seeker who only brought trouble to those around him?
He didn't even really care where they had gone or what had happened to him. Whatever it was, it was just something else that Harry got that he didn't. Then they had gone into the Order meeting, which infuriated Ron even more. Now he was interested in what was going on.
He had tried to listen in using the twins' latest improvement to the extendable ear, but someone had cast some very powerful warding spells, which prevented him from hearing anything. So he sat himself down in a corner, and waited for the meeting to end, thinking that perhaps he would be able to overhear some conversation. He watched as most of the Order left, but did not see his mom, Dumbledore, Remus or his former friends among them.
Slowly he crept towards the door, and heard conversation.
"Now that this is all settled," he heard his mom say, "it's getting late and it has been a rather trying day. I suggest we all retire. Harry, I put your things in the master bedroom; I figure until Ron stops acting like a baby it would be the best place."
"Thank you." Harry said.
"I had planned on you two sharing a room, but under the circumstances, Ginny, I'll have to move your stuff to another room." Mrs. Weasley said. Obviously she had to be talking about her and Hermione. But why would they need separate rooms?
"Actually, that won't be necessary." Harry said. "The three of us will stay in the master bedroom." At this Ron started, his mind racing.
"That would not be appropriate." his mom began but was cut off by Ginny.
"Well, considering we're married, I don't see what the problem is." Ginny said.
"M…M…Married?" Mrs. Wealey said in shock. A moment later he heard a thump. Dazed with shock over what he had heard, Ron popped his head around the door and saw his mother on the floor. Harry and Remus moved over towards her and helped her up.
"But how?" she asked, finally regaining her composure.
"It wasn't easy." Ginny said. "Even in the other realms we went to, a three-way marriage was uncommon and looked down upon. But thankfully Godric was able to uncover a rather ancient wizarding law that provided for the possibility." The trio shared a brief glance. This was of course not the truth, but since they had decided not to reveal anything about their time in the Immortal realm, at least not yet, it was necessary.
"But you're so young. And you've only been dating each other for such a short time." Mrs. Weasley protested.
"It may have been only four weeks for everyone here, but it has been three years for us, remember." Hermione said. "Besides, our actual marriage was a mere formality. The soul bonding that I share with Harry and Ginny and they with me and with each other has joined us in a way that is more permanent and wonderful than some artificial ceremony."
Listening, Ron couldn't believe what he was hearing and his anger was rising greatly. A three-way marriage? Of all the sick, unnatural, disgusting things! He thought. He watched as his mother took on a look of acceptance.
"Well, then, I guess its time to officially welcome you and Harry into the family." She said, her eyes tearing up. This last statement was the straw that broke the camel's back. Ron burst into the room, his wand drawn.
"I can't believe you're okay with this!" he shouted at his mother and then whirled on Harry. "Its not enough you get all the money, all the fame! Not to mention my sister drooling over you! No, you have to go and seduce this Mudblood! And then enter a three-way marriage? It's disgusting! Its time someone put you in your place!" He raised his wand, his eyes full of rage and hate. Before he could utter a curse however, Harry was on the move. Within seconds Harry knocked Ron on his ass and taken his wand.
"I would suggest," Harry said calmly, "that you get up and get out of my site. And stay as far away from me as possible. I am tired of your jealousy; your temper, and your whining.
Do you know how lucky you are? You have a family that loves you, or at least you did until you started turning into an ass. And over what? Because Hermione didn't have feelings for you? I got news for you Ron, life isn't fair. But you know what, you've had it better than most. I would give up almost everything I have, except for Hermione and Ginny's love, to get my parents back or even to have siblings."
Ron struggled to his feet, glaring daggers. "You just wait, Potter. One day you're going to get yours." Then he stormed out of the room.
"I'm sorry about that." Mrs. Weasley said, tears running down her face. "I honestly don't know what his problem is. He is not the son I knew."
"It's okay, mom." Ginny said. "If anyone owes an apology its him. Its not your fault."
Ron Weasley fumed silently as he lay in his bed, still smarting from the beating that Harry had just inflicted. He was full of rage and hatred. But he was also angry with himself. Since Harry's birthday he, joined by Cho, had buried himself in books, determined to learn enough to show up Harry, Hermione and his sister. Like Dumbledore, he was sure they weren't dead. Potter always had to make a scene; he'd probably show up again. He had thought he was making progress; but the events of tonight had ended that dreamed.
Damn them. I have to get stronger. He thought.
As he sat there, he kept running through everything in his head. In truth, it wasn't the idea of Ginny and Hermione's feelings for each other that bothered him, at least in the abstract. But his feelings for Hermione made it impossible for him to accept.
What really bothered him was Harry getting Hermione and his sister. He always got everything. Ron had always been regulated to the sidekick. And he was tired of it.
I'm going to show them all.
Many miles away, a pretty young Asian girl was sitting in her bedroom, raging in anger. Her life was coming down around her. Last year she had gained the chance to land the most eligible bachelor at Hogwarts, only to lose him because she couldn't move past her feelings of hurt over the death of an old boyfriend. On top of that, her jealousy had caused her to blow up with him when he mentioned her. Then her friend had betrayed him and his friends. Because she was angry with him, she had taken her friend's side. But despite everything, Cho Chang was sure that she would have another chance with Harry Potter, the boy who lived.
That was until a few weeks ago. She had been stunned when she heard the news of Harry's death and the death of Hermione and Ginny. Depression immediately set in for several days. Soon it was replaced with anger and determination that she would get revenge on those who took him from her. She had begun training herself, determined to join the Order of the Phoenix as soon as she was able.
She had been making progress and never doubted her course of action, until two weeks ago. On a trip to Diagon Alley she had run into Ronald Weasley, Harry's best friend. Thinking he must be feeling much the same as her, she had approached him. She was completely shocked when he told her that he really didn't care that they were dead. Pressing him, he had bitterly let out that just before their deaths, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny had started fancying each other. He then went on to tell her the very disturbing details of the last five years, highlighting what he called examples of Harry's quest for attention and betrayal of his friendship. He even went so far as to tell her of Harry's confession that he was glad that Cedric was out of the picture.
Cho had become nauseas at hearing all of this. At first she refused to believe it. But a little voice in her head kept bringing her back to the possibility that it was true. Within days she had decided that it was all true and resolved to move on with her life. Her and Ron began to exchange letters; he let her in on his belief about the possibility of their return. Together they decided to team up to show them up when they did. She had hoped that perhaps she would be able to convince Harry that he should be with her again. But despite this, Cho never seriously believed they would return. Then, like a lightening bolt, the Trio had resurfaced in the middle of a battle.
She had read the accounts of the battle in the Prophet. It looks like Ron was right. She should have known that Potter wouldn't be able to resist the limelight.
Sitting on her nightstand was a crumpled up piece of parchment. Ron had owled her only minutes earlier telling her of what he had overheard after the Order meeting. Fury waged up inside her. How dare those sluts steal Harry from me! How dare Harry fall for them!
"What's wrong love?" Hermione asked Harry. She and Ginny were lying on the bed, recovering from a rather vigorous round of lovemaking. Harry had gotten out of bed and was now sitting in front of the fireplace, a far away look on his face.
"Ron." He said, sighing. "I didn't expect him to get over his anger and jealousy towards me, but I was kind of hoping he would have lightened up on the two of you." Ginny and Hermione exchanged glances, then got out of bed and walked towards where Harry was sitting.
"Harry, I know Ron better than anyone." Ginny said. "Mom and dad and everyone else might have been blind, but I've always known he was not how everyone saw him. He's always hated his life and been obsessed with getting money and glory. Even more than Percy.
I think he saw his chance when he met you. Except, it didn't work out the way he hoped. Instead of being famous, he was relegated to the role of sidekick."
"I don't want the fame, dammit." Harry said exasperated.
"I know," Ginny said. "So does everyone else who knows you. But Ron's whole childhood was filled with dreams of fame and fortune. It's taken over his life. He can't see past the fame and things you have. He hasn't grown up; he doesn't understand what's really important. More importantly, he doesn't understand that the world doesn't bow to his whims."
"I know." Harry said. "I just wish he'd grow up."
Several hours later, a young man lay tossing and turning in his bed. If it were possible to see a person's magical aura, one would see that rather than the normal white aura or the bright bluish-white that surrounded the Trio. Instead it was black. In fact it had always been so, from the time he was born.
Tonight, like he had for several nights, the young man was dreaming. They were all the same. He would find himself leading a great and terrible army against a place and a foe he knew all to well. At his side, also leading the army, were two figures, whose features were blurred to the point of making them unrecognizable. Suddenly the scene changed and he found himself in a thick, gray mist.
Where am I? He thought, looking around. He spotted a figure through the mist and moved towards it. As he moved closer, he made out a tall, gaunt woman, dressed in long, dark gray robes.
"Greetings, young one." She said.
"Wh…Where am I?" he demanded.
"You are in the realm of Darkness." She replied.
"The what?" he asked.
"The realm of Darkness." She replied. "You come from one world; in reality there are thousands of parallel realities, each different than the others. Some have only minor differences; others major differences. The realm of Darkness is one of two connecting realms that join all of these realities together."
"Why am I here?" he demanded.
"I brought you here." She said. "You see, young man, you are very special. Far more special than anyone, even yourself, can imagine. You are destined to have more power, glory and fortune than anyone else, except two. Many years ago a prophecy was made about three teenagers who would one day travel to this realm to accept their destiny and challenge the champions of the Light."
"You mean…I'm destined to kill Dumbledore and Potter?" the boy sneered.
"No. Dumbledore's fate lies in the hand of the Dark Lord, just as the Dark Lord's fate lies in the hand of the champions of Light: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ginny Weasley. Before the year is out, they will defeat him.
However, you, young man, and two others are destined to be their greatest enemies. You will wage a terrible war, more terrible than anything ever seen in either the muggle or wizarding world." She replied.
"Do we win?" he asked.
"I do not know." She said. "The outcome of this final battle is still shrouded in fog. But know this: you will be prepared. You and your two bonded shall return here every night in your dreams for training."
"Why can't we come here permamently until we're ready?" he asked.
"Because, the rules are very clear, young one. The champions of light must first defeat Voldemort before the final conflict can begin. For that reason, you will be trained more slowly. However, you are free to begin recruiting others to your side." She said.
"And just who are these other two?" he asked.
"I believe they are approaching now." She said. The boy followed her gaze as two figures, coming from opposite directions came into view. A moment later all could make the other's out.
"What are they doing here!"he exclaimed