Chapter 5: A Day for Redemption
Harry woke the next morning disoriented and extremely sore. He was in an unfamiliar room and his memories were a little fuzzy on how he got there. When he tried to sit up, he found it very painful.
'What happened?' he thought. He hadn't felt this bad since the first week of Demin's brutal traning sessions. Then all of a sudden his memories of last night came crushing in on him. He abruptly sat up, an action which he immediately regretted as his room began to spin around him.
"You're finally awake," came a voice from somewhere to Harry's right. Harry turned to see a very relieved looking Sirius standing in the doorway. "How do you feel?"
"Like I was hit by the Hogwart's Express," Harry said, resting his aching head in his hands.
"I don't doubt it. You scared the heck out of us last night," Sirius said, coming to sit on the edge of Harry's bed.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
Sirius shook his head. "We're not sure, though Dumbledore thinks that it will all be explained to you when you return to the Elf Realm for your Birthday."
Harry nodded. He didn't really want to think about that trip right now. His head felt like it was ready to explode. That thought was just extra pressure inside his head. "What time is it?"
"Seven-thirty. We all figured you would sleep longer after what happened," Sirius told him, smiling. Sirius reached out and messed up Harry's already devilish hair.
Harry swatted Sirius' hand away and said, "Yeah, well, if you had to get up at four every morning for the last month, seven-thirty is sleeping in.
Sirius laughed. "Guess you're right."
"Sirius where are you?" Remus' voiced called from the other room.
"In Harry's room," Sirius called back.
Remus came into the room, followed by Demin. "Did Padfoot wake you up?" Remus asked. "I told him to leave you alone."
"I did not wake him up!" Sirius said indignantly, glaring at his friend.
"He didn't. I woke up on my own. Though I really am starting to regret it. I feel like I've been through one of Demin's training sessions for ten hours," Harry said.
Demin laughed and came forward to sit on the other edge of Harry's bed. He rested his fingertips on Harry's temples. They slowly glowed blue as Harry's pain started to disappear. The pain drained from Harry starting at his head and leaving all the way down to his toes. Finishing, Demin removed his hands and Harry opened his eyes.
"Better?" Demin asked.
"Much," Harry said with a smile. "Thanks Demin."
"Don't mention it," Demin said getting up off the bed. "So are you ready to go train?"
All three adults began to laugh at Harry's horrified expression.
"I was just kidding!" Demin said, whisps of laughter in his voice.
"That wasn't funny," Harry said sourly to his mentor.
"Actually it was," Sirius said with a huge grin on his face. "You should have seen your face!"
Harry pulled a face at Sirius before asking, "What's for breakfast?"
"We'll go have the house elves bring it up while you get dressed," Remus said before exiting from the room followed by Demin and Sirius.
Twenty minutes and a shower later found Harry refreshed and sitting at the table with the other three men.
"I've been meaning to ask you Harry, what ever happened to your glasses?" Sirius said while buttering a roll. Demin, who was sitting next to Harry, started choking on a piece of fruit he had just put in his mouth.
Harry slapped Demin on the back a little harder than necessary then answered, "I don't need them anymore. My eyesight was healed when I was in the Elf Realm."
Both Remus and Sirius looked at Demin who immediately shook his head. "Oh it wasn't me that healed his eyes. Healing one's eyesight is a little more complicated than healing wounds or pain. Harry just happened to have someone there that was willing to do it, even if it was against his will."
"Demin," Harry said warningly. "Don't you dare tell them."
Demin just smiled mischieveously at his student and said, "Eat your breakfast." Then he turned back to Sirius and Remus. "When I first brought Hary to the Elf Realm news had spread pretty fast that a human child was coming to our realm. So Harry had quite a welcoming when he got there. Well, needless to say most of the girls there were a little taken with him."
At this point HAry was ready to kill Demin, bu found he was unable to anything. He was stuck to his chair and his voice was temporally not working.
"There was one girl in particular who was rather, er . . . abscise with him," Demin said amusedly. "She was alwyas trying to catch Harry alone, and not matter how many times Harry told her that he had a perfectly good girlfriend, would she stop pursuing him. Then to top it all off she kept stealing Harry's glasses because she couldn't see his mesmerizing green eyes when he wore them." At this point Remus and Sirius were laughing and Harry was looking murderous.
"Finally she recruited Delia's help and one day at dinner she and Delia slipped the eye healing potion into Harry's goblet. The next morning when Harry woke up he was completely blind. Needless to say, Harry was freaked out. I can't say I blame him, that's one of the side effects of the potion. The person's eyes shut down completely to give the potion time to work, thus leaving the person unable to see for twelve hours. To tell you the truth I was a little freaked myself until Delia confessed what she and this girl had done. Harry was furious. While I, on the other hand, found it amusing. It had taken the girl weeks to make the potion and days to persuade Delia into helping her. I just couldnt find it in my heart to punish her. Even though what she had done was very dangerous. If she had gotten one thing wrong Harry could have been blind for life. When I asked her why she had done it she said, 'Harry's got such amazing eyes I thought it a shame to hide them behind glasses.' That and she thought Harry would at least give her a kiss afterwards," Demin said, concluding his story.
"Wow Harry, I didn't know you were such a ladies' man," Sirius said.
Harry glared at his Godfather and finding he could speak again snapped, "That's because I'm not!"
The rest of breakfast was spent talking in detail about the eyesight potion, much to Harry's annoyance. By the end however, Harry could see the humor in it. Besides, he didnt have to wear his glasses anymore, which was definitely a plus.
They were just finished up when the portrait hole opened to reveal Dumbledore. "Good to see you up Harry, how are you feeling?"
"Fine Sir," Harry said.
"Glad to hear it. You had us all worried." Then turning to the other men in the room he asked, "Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes, I believe we are," Sirius said, looking nervous for the first time that morning.
"Sirius, don't worry, things will be fine," Dumbledore reassured him, the familiar twinkle in his eyes. "Harry I'm afraid I'm giong to have to ask you to remain here. I do no want Fudge to know of your whereabouts until after you've returned from your next trip to the realm."
"What!" Harry yelled. "That's not fair! I have just as much right to come as anyone. Besides, I don't have to go as myself. I can easily disguise myself."
Dumbledore shook his head. "We can't risk somoen seeing through it."
"What if I go in one of my smaller Animagus forms in somebody's pocket?" Harry asked. Dumbledore looked pensive for a moment, then agreed to allow Harry to come along under these conditions.
"Just how many Animagus forms do you have?" Sirius asked.
"Not sure," Harry said. "During my training we started to notice that I could change into more than one animal. We discovered I couldn't turn into anything from the same family line that I already had a form in. In other words, I can change into a panther from the feline family, an eagle from the fowl family, a wolf from the canine family, etc. We haven't gotten through all the familiies yet, so some of my forms are still unknown."
"Interesting," Dumbledore commented. "I've never head of such a type of Animagus. I've heard of people having more than one form before, but even that was rare. I've certainly never heard of anything like this."
"Well, wasn't it you who said Harry was full of surprises?" Remus asked.
Dumbledore chuckled and said, "Quite right. Come, it's time to go."
Ten minutes later Harry found himself in the front pocket of Demin's robe. He was in his rodent form, a hamster. Harry ahd been so thankful that his rodent form was not a rat.
That had actually been the cause of the incident in which Demin had found himself with pink hair and very far from home. Demin thought it would be amusing to charm the mirror they were using so Harry could see his new Animagus forms to show Harry as a rat instead of the hamster he was. Needless to say, Harry wasn't amused and Demin had found himself high on a mountaintop.
Peeking his head out of Demin's pocket, Harry got a good look at the courtroom they were now occupying. It looked like Fudge ws trying to keep the proceedings today as quiet as possible. Harry was however relieved when he spotted two reporters sitting the far corner talking animatedly to one another. Other then Hary's group and Fudge, there were ten Aurors around, five on each side of the room, lining the walls. Up front sat the jury. It consisted of six witches and six wizards. Dumbledore had taken his seat in front next to Fudge and behind him sat the three Order Members who had supposedly been responsible for the capture of the Death Eaters on trial. Behind them sat a handful of other people Harry didn't know.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, as Minister of Magic, I would like to call these trials to order," Fudge started, silencing all voices other than his. "We meet here today to bring to trial seven fellow wizards who are accused of Death Eather activity. Albus Dumbledore and I will be utilizing the questions while the individual is under the influenece of Veritaserum. If you will now bring in the first prisoner."
With that a side door opened and two Aurors dragged in a terrified, plump, balding man. They placed Wormtail in a seat where they proceeded to tied him down. After he was secured they forced his mouth open and put a drop of the clear truth potion in his mouth.
"Can you hear me?" Fudge asked the prisoner.
"Yes," Wormtail answered, his face now void of emotion.
"Can you tell me who I am?" Fudge questioned.
"Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic."
"Good. Now state your name."
"Peter Pettigrew."
"How is it that you are alive?" Fudge questioned calmly.
"I was never dead. I faked my own death fifteen years ago."
"Why?"
"So I could frame Sirius Black for the betrayal and death of James and Lily Potter." Wormtail's clear, mechanical voice rang through the courtroom.
"Excuse me?" Fudge said, thunderstruck. The rest of the people in the room who didn't alreayd know the truth wore similar expressions/
"So I could frame Sirius Black for the betrayal and death of James and Lily Potter," Wormtail repeated into the stunned silence.
Fudge looked like someone had just whacked him upside the head, so Dumbledore took the opportunity to speak.
"Was Sirius Black the Potter's secret keeper?" Dumbledore asked Peter, a fierce look in his eyes.
"No," Wormtail said.
"Who was?" Dumbledore asked.
"I was." This statement caused an uproar in the courtroom that took several minutes to calm down. The Aurors attempted to bring the courtroom back into control, but they themselves weren't doing much better with the news.
"Did you betray James and Lily Potter to Voldemort?" Dumbledore continued when the room was quiet again.
"Yes."
At this point Fudge seemed to have regained his voice and said, "There were several witnesses that saw Sirius Black kill those 13 muggles!"
"No, that was me," Wormtail stated.
"What!" Fudge cried histerically.
"The night of the death of the Potter's and the fall of my Lord, Sirius Black tracked me down to take revenge on what I had done to James and Lily. He trapped me in an alley and I had no way out. That's when a plan started forming in my head. I put my wand behind my back, yelled for the whole street to hear that Sirius had betrayed James and Lily, then blew up the street behind me. I then transformed and disappeared into the sewers, leaving only a finger behind."
By now it looked like Fudge was hyperventilation, while the jury members were looking resolved.
"What do you mean by 'transformed'?" Dumbledore asked, picking up the questioning again.
"I am an illegal Animagus, rat form."
"Was Sirius Black responsible for anything that happened on or afer October 31st, 1981?"
"No."
"Are you a Death Eater?" Dumbledore asked, turning his line of questioning.
"Yes."
"Whom are you currently working for?"
"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, My Lord."
There were several audible gasps and several people looked ready to faint. Harry heard a soft thud. Apparently someone had fainted.
"You mean Lord Voldemort?" Dumbledore asked. Even under Veritaserum Wormtail winced at his master's name.
"Yes."
"When and how did he rise again?" Dumbledore inquired. Harry had to hand it to Dumbledore. He sure knew the right questions to ask.
"Last year at the end of the Triwizard Tournament, during the third task." Wormtail stated then went on to describe what happened. The courtroom was completely silent after he had finished.
"You killed my son!" an enraged Auror cried walking forward, looking murderous. Harry felt his heart wrench as he recognized Mr. Diggory.
"If your son was the one with Harry Potter then yes, I was the one who killed him." Wormtail's emotionless voice stated.
It took three Aurors and a stunning spell from Dumbledore to stop Mr. Diggory's progress in pounding Peter into a bloody pulp. After they had carried Mr. Diggory out of the courtroom Dumbledore continued the questioning. Fudge had sat down heavily in his chair in a state of shock.
"Why has Voldemort not made a move or attacked the ministry?"
"Because he was not strong enough. Fourteen years of being a mere spirit had weakened him greatly. He needed time to regain his strength and gather more followers. Thanks to your ministry, My Lord has had enough time to prepare. When he attacks it will be swift and brutal."
"When will this attack come?"
"I do not know. No Death Eater does, it will come when My Lord wills it," Wormtail said his face taking on an insane look.
Dumbledore looked at Wormtail for a moment with disgust before turning to Fudge and saying, "I have no further questions." Fudge nodded numbly and stated he had no further questions either. The jury was then given a five- minute recess, but returned after two to read the verdict.
"We, the jury, find Peter Pettigrew guilty of being a Death Eater. We also find the prisoner guilty of the death of James and Lily Potter and betrayal their whereabouts to He-who-must-not-be-named. We also find him guilty of the death of 13 muggles that took place fifteen years ago and the recent death of Cedric Diggory. We therefore sentence Peter Pettigrew to receive the dementors kiss."
The wizard that had just read the verdict sat down and a witch next to him stood up and started to speak.
"We also equate Sirius Black from all charges and declare him innocence. This news is to be published in tomorrow's copy of the Daily Prophet. Sirius Black will not have to go through a trial since he has already spent twelve years in Azkaban paying for some else's crimes. The Ministry officials are to reimburse Mr. Black when he is found and given his old job back, if he so desires. When Mr. Black is found one of are jury members must be present to witness the encounter so things are carried out as we have ordered." With that the witch sat down.
Harry felt like shouting and jumping for joy! His Godfather was free! He really wanted to hug Sirius right now, but knew it was impossible. Where Snuffles lay on the floor at Remus feet, Harry could tell he was just as happy and relieved.
Fudge then stood up shakily and said. "We will now questioned are next prisoner. Bring him in."
Harry had stayed another hour and listened to the questioning of some of the other Death Eaters, where Wormtail's news about Voldemort's rebirth was reinforced. Close to noon Harry left the courtroom and Apparated about a mile from the Burrow, where he then transformed into an eagle and flew the rest of the way. When he reached the house he landed smoothly on a branch just outside the open kitchen window.
"When did dad say Harry was coming?" Ron's voice drifted out to Harry.
"Around noon dear," Mrs. Weasley answered her son.
"But mum is past noon, where is he?" Ron asked irritably.
"For Merlin's sake Ron!" Came Hermione's exasperated reply. "Your dad said sometime around noon, not right at noon!"
Harry heard Ron mumble something he couldn't understand before asking. "Where's Ginny?"
"She said something about getting some air. I think she went for a walk," Hermoine answered him. "Why don't you do some of your homework while you're waiting."
Harry could have laughed at Hermione's usual attempt to try and get Ron to do his homework, but decided to look for Ginny instead. It didn't take him long; she was just a little ways from her house sitting by a small stream that ran through their property. He transformed and then quietly crept up behind her.
"Do you mind if I sit down?" Harry asked when he was just inches behind her.
"Harry!" Ginny said jumping up and spinning around so fast Harry wondered if she had given herself whiplash. Before Harry could say anything else Ginny had thrown herself in his arms and started crying.
Harry just held her like that for sometime, reassuring her that he was there and was fine. After about two minutes Ginny pulled away and smacked Harry, rather hard, in the arm.
"Where have you been?" Ginny demanded. "I want an explanation and I want it now!"
Harry sighed and rubbed his arm where she had hit him. "I will gladly explain, but I only want to do it once so lets go get Ron and Hermoine."
"You mean you haven't seen them yet?"
Harry shook his head. "No I wanted to find you first just incase your brother decides to kill me."
Ginny laughed wiping away the rest of her tears and grabbed Harry's hand. "Come on the longer you keep him waiting the more painful he'll make your death."
Harry groaned, but allowed Ginny to guide him into the house and into the kitchen where she announced. "Look what I found!"
A crying Hermoine immediately pounced herself upon Harry. "Oh Harry you had us so worried," Hermione's choked voice said from his shoulder. Harry didn't know what to say so he just hugged her back. After about a minute Hermoine finally let go.
Which was how he found himself in Mrs. Weasley's warm embrace. "Don't you ever scary us like that again," Mrs. Weasley replied firmly as she let go of him. "Is that understood young man?"
"Yes mam!" Harry replied giving her a mock salute. Which she laughed at before making herself busy again. That was how he found himself facing Ron.
"Hey Ron," Harry said nervously.
"Harry," Ron said simply. The tension that followed that statement could have been cut with a knife.
"Well." Mrs. Weasley said brightly, breaking the silence. "I have your food packed, so why don't you children go on outside and enjoy it under the sunshine." She then proceeded to hand Ginny a picnic basket and Hermoine a blanket. Then she literally shoved Ron out the door follow quickly by Ginny and Hermoine. As Harry passed by her he heard her say softly. "Don't worry about Ron, he'll come off it soon. He'll be the last one to admit it, but he was really worried about you," Harry gave her an appreciative smile, before catching up with the others.
They found a nice flat spot near the stream where they laid their blanket. The two girls then proceeded to unpack the food, but no one really felt like eating. Harry soon found three pairs of searching eyes on him, which signaled for him to begin.
"First off I'd like to apologize to you again, but in my defense I'd just like to say that there was no way at all I could have contacted any of you."
"Why not?" Ron snapped at him, which caused both girls to shoot death glares at him firmly telling him to 'shut up'.
"Well you see I was sort of kidnapped and taken to the Realm of the Elves," Harry explained.
Their gasps and wide-eyed expressions let Harry know that they all had some knowledge of the place, so he proceeded to explain. He told them about Demin, the training he was going through, the strict forbiddance to contact anyone, and why he was headed back today.
What he didn't tell them was about the Order and what had happened last night. Because in all reality Harry wasn't sure what had happened last night. After he was done all three of them were staring at him stunned.
Ginny was the first one to speak. "You are coming back, right?"
Harry smiled at her and said, "Yes. I still have some training to do and some kind of ritual to perform on my birthday, but yes I'll be back for the start of term."
"You really went through all that training?" Ron asked awed.
Harry pulled a face. "Yes. And I have the distinct feeling that Demin will make sure I keep up my training once school starts."
"Ugh physical exercise," Ron said pulling a face of his own. "Sucks to be you, mate."
"It's not really that bad," Harry told Ron truthfully. "I've actually come to like it. Besides Demin's a really remarkable teacher."
"I'm going to have to agree with Harry," Hermoine said with a sly smile shot in Ron's direction. "Physical fitness is good for you besides it does wonders for ones appearance. Take Harry for example."
"Hermoine are you hitting on my boyfriend?" Ginny asked a murderous look on her face, though her eyes gave her away.
"You know I would never do that Ginny," Hermoine said still playing her game. "Though if I were you I'd keep close taps on him when we start school again."
"Oh for Merlin's sake!" Harry snapped at the two. "Stop it!" This only sent the girls into a round of giggles.
"Girls," Ron muttered. "But really Harry speaking of your appearance what happened to your glasses?"
"Well . . . Er . . . you see," Harry stuttered.
"Oh!" Hermoine said. "This defiantly has something to do with a girl."
Harry glared at her and snapped, "Yes a very annoying girl!" Harry then proceeded to tell them the full story behind it.
"That's brilliant!" Ron said laughing after Harry finished. "The famous Harry Potter can't even go to another realm without girls chasing him!"
"Well at least he can attract a girl's attention," Ginny said pointedly to her brother, effectively shutting him up.
"Who asked you anyway?" Ron asked his sister sourly.
"No one," Ginny said shoving a roll into her brother's mouth, which he nearly choked on.
"Dad told us you were attending a trial today, what for?" Ginny asked. Finally filling her plate with food.
Harry looked up surprised. "You mean he didn't tell you?"
"No. He said something to the effect that you would want to tell us yourself," Ron said, his mouth full of food.
"Oh, well it was nothing important really," Harry said as causally as he could. "We just happened to catch Wormtail yesterday morning."
"What!" all three of them yelled at once, Ron accidentally spraying his food everywhere. Then they all started talking at once.
"You actually caught that rat?" Ron said.
"Not important! Good grief! Are you draft!" Ginny wanted to know. Ginny had found out last year all about Harry's famous Godfather and the slimy rat Wormtail.
"So what happened?" Hermoine demanded. Harry laughed and told them.
"So Sirius is free?" Ron asked after Harry had finished.
"In a sense yes. He still has to make his appearance at the ministry and answer a few questions, then yes, he will be officially free. It should be announced in the Daily Prophet tomorrow so Sirius, who is supposedly on the run and is in contact with no one, will be notified," Harry told them.
"So when does Sirius plan to make his grand entrance?" Ron asked.
Harry shrugged. "No idea, he was still discussing it with Professor Dumbledore when I left."
"Yes, but he's free!" Hermoine said, eyes shinning. "I'm so happy for the both of you."
"Thanks Hermoine," Harry told her with a smile.
The four of them then continued eating their lunch talking about what the others had done while Harry was gone (besides worrying about him). Then the talk drifted back towards Harry's time he had spent in the Elf Realm. Harry told them all about Delia and all the trouble the two of them like to cause Demin. Then he went on to tell them about Destiny and Elle, which caused Hermoine and Ginny to go into girl mode, demanding to meet them.
"Don't worry I plan on bring them back with me," Harry informed them.
"What about Demin and Delia?" Ginny asked.
"I'm guessing they'll stay in the Elf Realm, I mean that is their home," Harry said.
"Won't you miss them?" Ron asked.
"Terribly," Harry admitted, then laughed, "Ok so I won't miss Demin's brutal training and annoying voice at four o'clock in the morning. But they have became like a family to me."
"I'm sure you'll be allowed to visit." Hermoine said noticing her friend's deep sadness.
"I hope so," Harry said with a sad smile.
"So do we at least get to meet Demin before you leave?" Ron inquired of his friend.
"Yes!" Harry said smiling happily now. "He plans on picking me up when it's time to go. Speaking of which I have something to give you all before I leave."
Harry then waved his hand in front of him and three black velvet boxes appeared in front of Ron, Ginny and Hermoine.
"What are these?" Hermoine asked curiously, eyeing the box in front of her.
"Open it and find out," Harry told them. They did as they were told and lifted the lids. Inside all three of them find the same items. There were about twenty flat, square stones of a variety of different colors and what looked like a bracelet lying on top.
Hermoine drew hers out curiously and observed it. It looked like a normal muggle bracelet, until she noticed that the stones that lay in the box would fit perfectly into the empty slots on the bracelet. So with a questioning look she looked towards Harry.
"I made these when I was in the Elf Realm with Demin's help. They're called Life Bracelets," Harry told them. He then reached to his own wrist where he pulled off his own bracelet. The only difference between Harry's bracelet and theirs was, he had two brightly glowing stones in two of the slots.
"Why are your stones glowing and ours aren't?" Hermoine asked.
"Because these stones are filled with life magic, more precisely Demin and Delia's life magic," Harry told them. "And these," Harry said presenting them each with a silver stone that was glowing brightly, "Are filled with mine." The three of them took the stone Harry offered and clipped it in their own bracelet.
"You see, no matter where I am, or what I am doing. As long as that stone is glowing it means that I am alive and all right," Harry clarified for them. "Just like I'll know if Demin and Delia are all right when I have to leave them. Just like I'll know if you three stay all right when I have to return today. With these stones we will always know if the person is alive and fine."
The three of them looked at Harry in wonder, then at the magical bracelet that lied in their hands.
"Wow Harry." Hermoine said breathlessly. "These are incredible. I've never even heard of such a magical article. Are these common items in the Elf Realm?"
Harry shook his head. "No, these bracelets are very rare and very valuable even in the Elf Realm. You see one night when I was researching in the back of the library I stumbled upon an old piece of parchment that looked like it had been torn from a book. It was written in the old elfish language so I brought it to Demin and he helped me translate it. Needless to say Demin was very surprised with what the text said. It was the knowledge of how to create these Life Bracelets. Knowledge, that according to Demin had been lost for centuries. Demin then took the text to the counsel who then proceeded to tell him that since I was the one to find the text it was mine to keep."
"It was lost information and they let you keep it?" Hermoine asked looking scandalized.
"Yes. They told Demin that it had not been an accident that I had found the text. They told him that I was meant to find it and it was mine to use as I saw fit," Harry told them.
"This is unbelievable cool!" Ron said. "Can we add anyone's life magic?"
"Yes," Harry smiled. "That is what the extra stones are for, so you can add your family members. I plan on adding Sirius and Remus to mine. But first, I'll need teach you how to draw on your own life magic so you can instructed the others."
Twenty minutes later Harry was clipping three new glowing stones to his bracelet. An orange one for Ron, in honor of his favorite Quidditch team, a purple one for Hermoine and a yellow for Ginny.
"Hermoine what's wrong?" Ron asked the girl when he noticed her cast fallen face.
"It nothing." She told Ron forcing a smile.
"Nothing my broomstick. There's something wrong and I . . ," Ron trailed off eyes widening in understanding. "You won't be able to add your parents will you?"
Hermoine nodded. "They don't have magic."
"Ah Hermoine you think I'd forget something that important," Harry said with a smile. "You see those two stones in the bottom right hand corner?" Hermoine nodded and took out a gray and a white stone. "Those are enchanted stones. Through your connection with your parents you can draw upon their life force, since they don't have life magic. The stones should work just like the others."
Hermoine looked up at Harry tears shinning in her eyes. "Thank you Harry. I don't think you know how much this means to me." She then threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
"Your welcome," Harry told her.
Ginny was next to hug him, though he also got a kiss, much to Ron's disgust. "I love you Harry Potter. Don't you ever forget it."
"I wouldn't dare," Harry told her. "And I love you too."
"Thanks mate," Ron said grinning.
"Does this mean I'm forgiven?" Harry asked half-teasing, half-serious.
"Yeah," Ron said. "I guess you had a good enough reason. Besides by the sound of it you could easy pound me into a bloody pulp."
They all laughed at that before Harry informed Ron that he didn't plan on beating any one up, except Voldemort and his followers. Which is how the conversation got turned to Voldemort and what they each thought he was up to.
"I don't know," Harry finally said after an hour of talk. " I think he's up to something big. I just hope the ministry will start preparing now that there is no denying his return."
Ron snorted. "Took them long enough."
"Yeah," Harry said looking out over the field. "I just hope it's not too late."
Silence followed Harry's statement. As all of them wondered just what the future held for them. Harry was pulled out of his thoughts as he sensed three people approaching.
"It's time for me to go," Harry told his friends.
"What are you talking about?" Ron asked confused.
"Demin, Sirius, and Remus are on their way," Harry said explaining.
True to his word, the three men appeared in front of them a minute later. The next ten minutes were filled with greetings, introductions, and congratulations. Then Harry found himself saying goodbye to his friends.
"I'll see you guys on the Hogwarts Express on September 1st," Harry said as he hugged Hermoine, then Ginny, then said goodbye to Ron.
Harry waved them goodbye before Apparating with the other three men to a big meadow somewhere in Ireland.
"Isn't Dumbledore coming with us?" Harry asked, noticing his absence.
"He will join us tomorrow. He had some things he had to take care of at the ministry," Demin said while removing a crystal gem from around his neck.
"Are you ready?" Demin asked. All three of them nodded and Demin then proceeded to hold the gem out in front of him. "Lord Demin, Harry Potter, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin are seeking the Elf Realm, please show us the way."
The gem then begun to glow and a silver light descended upon them and with a bright flash all four of them disappeared.
Sirius and Remus felt their feet land on something-solid minutes later. Blinking a few times trying to clear the spots from their eyes they turned around and their jaws dropped in awe.
Demin and Harry smiled at their reaction and Demin said. "Welcome my friends, to the Realm of the Elves."
THANK YOU TO MY BETA READER NATURAL ANTHEM!
Harry woke the next morning disoriented and extremely sore. He was in an unfamiliar room and his memories were a little fuzzy on how he got there. When he tried to sit up, he found it very painful.
'What happened?' he thought. He hadn't felt this bad since the first week of Demin's brutal traning sessions. Then all of a sudden his memories of last night came crushing in on him. He abruptly sat up, an action which he immediately regretted as his room began to spin around him.
"You're finally awake," came a voice from somewhere to Harry's right. Harry turned to see a very relieved looking Sirius standing in the doorway. "How do you feel?"
"Like I was hit by the Hogwart's Express," Harry said, resting his aching head in his hands.
"I don't doubt it. You scared the heck out of us last night," Sirius said, coming to sit on the edge of Harry's bed.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
Sirius shook his head. "We're not sure, though Dumbledore thinks that it will all be explained to you when you return to the Elf Realm for your Birthday."
Harry nodded. He didn't really want to think about that trip right now. His head felt like it was ready to explode. That thought was just extra pressure inside his head. "What time is it?"
"Seven-thirty. We all figured you would sleep longer after what happened," Sirius told him, smiling. Sirius reached out and messed up Harry's already devilish hair.
Harry swatted Sirius' hand away and said, "Yeah, well, if you had to get up at four every morning for the last month, seven-thirty is sleeping in.
Sirius laughed. "Guess you're right."
"Sirius where are you?" Remus' voiced called from the other room.
"In Harry's room," Sirius called back.
Remus came into the room, followed by Demin. "Did Padfoot wake you up?" Remus asked. "I told him to leave you alone."
"I did not wake him up!" Sirius said indignantly, glaring at his friend.
"He didn't. I woke up on my own. Though I really am starting to regret it. I feel like I've been through one of Demin's training sessions for ten hours," Harry said.
Demin laughed and came forward to sit on the other edge of Harry's bed. He rested his fingertips on Harry's temples. They slowly glowed blue as Harry's pain started to disappear. The pain drained from Harry starting at his head and leaving all the way down to his toes. Finishing, Demin removed his hands and Harry opened his eyes.
"Better?" Demin asked.
"Much," Harry said with a smile. "Thanks Demin."
"Don't mention it," Demin said getting up off the bed. "So are you ready to go train?"
All three adults began to laugh at Harry's horrified expression.
"I was just kidding!" Demin said, whisps of laughter in his voice.
"That wasn't funny," Harry said sourly to his mentor.
"Actually it was," Sirius said with a huge grin on his face. "You should have seen your face!"
Harry pulled a face at Sirius before asking, "What's for breakfast?"
"We'll go have the house elves bring it up while you get dressed," Remus said before exiting from the room followed by Demin and Sirius.
Twenty minutes and a shower later found Harry refreshed and sitting at the table with the other three men.
"I've been meaning to ask you Harry, what ever happened to your glasses?" Sirius said while buttering a roll. Demin, who was sitting next to Harry, started choking on a piece of fruit he had just put in his mouth.
Harry slapped Demin on the back a little harder than necessary then answered, "I don't need them anymore. My eyesight was healed when I was in the Elf Realm."
Both Remus and Sirius looked at Demin who immediately shook his head. "Oh it wasn't me that healed his eyes. Healing one's eyesight is a little more complicated than healing wounds or pain. Harry just happened to have someone there that was willing to do it, even if it was against his will."
"Demin," Harry said warningly. "Don't you dare tell them."
Demin just smiled mischieveously at his student and said, "Eat your breakfast." Then he turned back to Sirius and Remus. "When I first brought Hary to the Elf Realm news had spread pretty fast that a human child was coming to our realm. So Harry had quite a welcoming when he got there. Well, needless to say most of the girls there were a little taken with him."
At this point HAry was ready to kill Demin, bu found he was unable to anything. He was stuck to his chair and his voice was temporally not working.
"There was one girl in particular who was rather, er . . . abscise with him," Demin said amusedly. "She was alwyas trying to catch Harry alone, and not matter how many times Harry told her that he had a perfectly good girlfriend, would she stop pursuing him. Then to top it all off she kept stealing Harry's glasses because she couldn't see his mesmerizing green eyes when he wore them." At this point Remus and Sirius were laughing and Harry was looking murderous.
"Finally she recruited Delia's help and one day at dinner she and Delia slipped the eye healing potion into Harry's goblet. The next morning when Harry woke up he was completely blind. Needless to say, Harry was freaked out. I can't say I blame him, that's one of the side effects of the potion. The person's eyes shut down completely to give the potion time to work, thus leaving the person unable to see for twelve hours. To tell you the truth I was a little freaked myself until Delia confessed what she and this girl had done. Harry was furious. While I, on the other hand, found it amusing. It had taken the girl weeks to make the potion and days to persuade Delia into helping her. I just couldnt find it in my heart to punish her. Even though what she had done was very dangerous. If she had gotten one thing wrong Harry could have been blind for life. When I asked her why she had done it she said, 'Harry's got such amazing eyes I thought it a shame to hide them behind glasses.' That and she thought Harry would at least give her a kiss afterwards," Demin said, concluding his story.
"Wow Harry, I didn't know you were such a ladies' man," Sirius said.
Harry glared at his Godfather and finding he could speak again snapped, "That's because I'm not!"
The rest of breakfast was spent talking in detail about the eyesight potion, much to Harry's annoyance. By the end however, Harry could see the humor in it. Besides, he didnt have to wear his glasses anymore, which was definitely a plus.
They were just finished up when the portrait hole opened to reveal Dumbledore. "Good to see you up Harry, how are you feeling?"
"Fine Sir," Harry said.
"Glad to hear it. You had us all worried." Then turning to the other men in the room he asked, "Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes, I believe we are," Sirius said, looking nervous for the first time that morning.
"Sirius, don't worry, things will be fine," Dumbledore reassured him, the familiar twinkle in his eyes. "Harry I'm afraid I'm giong to have to ask you to remain here. I do no want Fudge to know of your whereabouts until after you've returned from your next trip to the realm."
"What!" Harry yelled. "That's not fair! I have just as much right to come as anyone. Besides, I don't have to go as myself. I can easily disguise myself."
Dumbledore shook his head. "We can't risk somoen seeing through it."
"What if I go in one of my smaller Animagus forms in somebody's pocket?" Harry asked. Dumbledore looked pensive for a moment, then agreed to allow Harry to come along under these conditions.
"Just how many Animagus forms do you have?" Sirius asked.
"Not sure," Harry said. "During my training we started to notice that I could change into more than one animal. We discovered I couldn't turn into anything from the same family line that I already had a form in. In other words, I can change into a panther from the feline family, an eagle from the fowl family, a wolf from the canine family, etc. We haven't gotten through all the familiies yet, so some of my forms are still unknown."
"Interesting," Dumbledore commented. "I've never head of such a type of Animagus. I've heard of people having more than one form before, but even that was rare. I've certainly never heard of anything like this."
"Well, wasn't it you who said Harry was full of surprises?" Remus asked.
Dumbledore chuckled and said, "Quite right. Come, it's time to go."
Ten minutes later Harry found himself in the front pocket of Demin's robe. He was in his rodent form, a hamster. Harry ahd been so thankful that his rodent form was not a rat.
That had actually been the cause of the incident in which Demin had found himself with pink hair and very far from home. Demin thought it would be amusing to charm the mirror they were using so Harry could see his new Animagus forms to show Harry as a rat instead of the hamster he was. Needless to say, Harry wasn't amused and Demin had found himself high on a mountaintop.
Peeking his head out of Demin's pocket, Harry got a good look at the courtroom they were now occupying. It looked like Fudge ws trying to keep the proceedings today as quiet as possible. Harry was however relieved when he spotted two reporters sitting the far corner talking animatedly to one another. Other then Hary's group and Fudge, there were ten Aurors around, five on each side of the room, lining the walls. Up front sat the jury. It consisted of six witches and six wizards. Dumbledore had taken his seat in front next to Fudge and behind him sat the three Order Members who had supposedly been responsible for the capture of the Death Eaters on trial. Behind them sat a handful of other people Harry didn't know.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, as Minister of Magic, I would like to call these trials to order," Fudge started, silencing all voices other than his. "We meet here today to bring to trial seven fellow wizards who are accused of Death Eather activity. Albus Dumbledore and I will be utilizing the questions while the individual is under the influenece of Veritaserum. If you will now bring in the first prisoner."
With that a side door opened and two Aurors dragged in a terrified, plump, balding man. They placed Wormtail in a seat where they proceeded to tied him down. After he was secured they forced his mouth open and put a drop of the clear truth potion in his mouth.
"Can you hear me?" Fudge asked the prisoner.
"Yes," Wormtail answered, his face now void of emotion.
"Can you tell me who I am?" Fudge questioned.
"Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic."
"Good. Now state your name."
"Peter Pettigrew."
"How is it that you are alive?" Fudge questioned calmly.
"I was never dead. I faked my own death fifteen years ago."
"Why?"
"So I could frame Sirius Black for the betrayal and death of James and Lily Potter." Wormtail's clear, mechanical voice rang through the courtroom.
"Excuse me?" Fudge said, thunderstruck. The rest of the people in the room who didn't alreayd know the truth wore similar expressions/
"So I could frame Sirius Black for the betrayal and death of James and Lily Potter," Wormtail repeated into the stunned silence.
Fudge looked like someone had just whacked him upside the head, so Dumbledore took the opportunity to speak.
"Was Sirius Black the Potter's secret keeper?" Dumbledore asked Peter, a fierce look in his eyes.
"No," Wormtail said.
"Who was?" Dumbledore asked.
"I was." This statement caused an uproar in the courtroom that took several minutes to calm down. The Aurors attempted to bring the courtroom back into control, but they themselves weren't doing much better with the news.
"Did you betray James and Lily Potter to Voldemort?" Dumbledore continued when the room was quiet again.
"Yes."
At this point Fudge seemed to have regained his voice and said, "There were several witnesses that saw Sirius Black kill those 13 muggles!"
"No, that was me," Wormtail stated.
"What!" Fudge cried histerically.
"The night of the death of the Potter's and the fall of my Lord, Sirius Black tracked me down to take revenge on what I had done to James and Lily. He trapped me in an alley and I had no way out. That's when a plan started forming in my head. I put my wand behind my back, yelled for the whole street to hear that Sirius had betrayed James and Lily, then blew up the street behind me. I then transformed and disappeared into the sewers, leaving only a finger behind."
By now it looked like Fudge was hyperventilation, while the jury members were looking resolved.
"What do you mean by 'transformed'?" Dumbledore asked, picking up the questioning again.
"I am an illegal Animagus, rat form."
"Was Sirius Black responsible for anything that happened on or afer October 31st, 1981?"
"No."
"Are you a Death Eater?" Dumbledore asked, turning his line of questioning.
"Yes."
"Whom are you currently working for?"
"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, My Lord."
There were several audible gasps and several people looked ready to faint. Harry heard a soft thud. Apparently someone had fainted.
"You mean Lord Voldemort?" Dumbledore asked. Even under Veritaserum Wormtail winced at his master's name.
"Yes."
"When and how did he rise again?" Dumbledore inquired. Harry had to hand it to Dumbledore. He sure knew the right questions to ask.
"Last year at the end of the Triwizard Tournament, during the third task." Wormtail stated then went on to describe what happened. The courtroom was completely silent after he had finished.
"You killed my son!" an enraged Auror cried walking forward, looking murderous. Harry felt his heart wrench as he recognized Mr. Diggory.
"If your son was the one with Harry Potter then yes, I was the one who killed him." Wormtail's emotionless voice stated.
It took three Aurors and a stunning spell from Dumbledore to stop Mr. Diggory's progress in pounding Peter into a bloody pulp. After they had carried Mr. Diggory out of the courtroom Dumbledore continued the questioning. Fudge had sat down heavily in his chair in a state of shock.
"Why has Voldemort not made a move or attacked the ministry?"
"Because he was not strong enough. Fourteen years of being a mere spirit had weakened him greatly. He needed time to regain his strength and gather more followers. Thanks to your ministry, My Lord has had enough time to prepare. When he attacks it will be swift and brutal."
"When will this attack come?"
"I do not know. No Death Eater does, it will come when My Lord wills it," Wormtail said his face taking on an insane look.
Dumbledore looked at Wormtail for a moment with disgust before turning to Fudge and saying, "I have no further questions." Fudge nodded numbly and stated he had no further questions either. The jury was then given a five- minute recess, but returned after two to read the verdict.
"We, the jury, find Peter Pettigrew guilty of being a Death Eater. We also find the prisoner guilty of the death of James and Lily Potter and betrayal their whereabouts to He-who-must-not-be-named. We also find him guilty of the death of 13 muggles that took place fifteen years ago and the recent death of Cedric Diggory. We therefore sentence Peter Pettigrew to receive the dementors kiss."
The wizard that had just read the verdict sat down and a witch next to him stood up and started to speak.
"We also equate Sirius Black from all charges and declare him innocence. This news is to be published in tomorrow's copy of the Daily Prophet. Sirius Black will not have to go through a trial since he has already spent twelve years in Azkaban paying for some else's crimes. The Ministry officials are to reimburse Mr. Black when he is found and given his old job back, if he so desires. When Mr. Black is found one of are jury members must be present to witness the encounter so things are carried out as we have ordered." With that the witch sat down.
Harry felt like shouting and jumping for joy! His Godfather was free! He really wanted to hug Sirius right now, but knew it was impossible. Where Snuffles lay on the floor at Remus feet, Harry could tell he was just as happy and relieved.
Fudge then stood up shakily and said. "We will now questioned are next prisoner. Bring him in."
Harry had stayed another hour and listened to the questioning of some of the other Death Eaters, where Wormtail's news about Voldemort's rebirth was reinforced. Close to noon Harry left the courtroom and Apparated about a mile from the Burrow, where he then transformed into an eagle and flew the rest of the way. When he reached the house he landed smoothly on a branch just outside the open kitchen window.
"When did dad say Harry was coming?" Ron's voice drifted out to Harry.
"Around noon dear," Mrs. Weasley answered her son.
"But mum is past noon, where is he?" Ron asked irritably.
"For Merlin's sake Ron!" Came Hermione's exasperated reply. "Your dad said sometime around noon, not right at noon!"
Harry heard Ron mumble something he couldn't understand before asking. "Where's Ginny?"
"She said something about getting some air. I think she went for a walk," Hermoine answered him. "Why don't you do some of your homework while you're waiting."
Harry could have laughed at Hermione's usual attempt to try and get Ron to do his homework, but decided to look for Ginny instead. It didn't take him long; she was just a little ways from her house sitting by a small stream that ran through their property. He transformed and then quietly crept up behind her.
"Do you mind if I sit down?" Harry asked when he was just inches behind her.
"Harry!" Ginny said jumping up and spinning around so fast Harry wondered if she had given herself whiplash. Before Harry could say anything else Ginny had thrown herself in his arms and started crying.
Harry just held her like that for sometime, reassuring her that he was there and was fine. After about two minutes Ginny pulled away and smacked Harry, rather hard, in the arm.
"Where have you been?" Ginny demanded. "I want an explanation and I want it now!"
Harry sighed and rubbed his arm where she had hit him. "I will gladly explain, but I only want to do it once so lets go get Ron and Hermoine."
"You mean you haven't seen them yet?"
Harry shook his head. "No I wanted to find you first just incase your brother decides to kill me."
Ginny laughed wiping away the rest of her tears and grabbed Harry's hand. "Come on the longer you keep him waiting the more painful he'll make your death."
Harry groaned, but allowed Ginny to guide him into the house and into the kitchen where she announced. "Look what I found!"
A crying Hermoine immediately pounced herself upon Harry. "Oh Harry you had us so worried," Hermione's choked voice said from his shoulder. Harry didn't know what to say so he just hugged her back. After about a minute Hermoine finally let go.
Which was how he found himself in Mrs. Weasley's warm embrace. "Don't you ever scary us like that again," Mrs. Weasley replied firmly as she let go of him. "Is that understood young man?"
"Yes mam!" Harry replied giving her a mock salute. Which she laughed at before making herself busy again. That was how he found himself facing Ron.
"Hey Ron," Harry said nervously.
"Harry," Ron said simply. The tension that followed that statement could have been cut with a knife.
"Well." Mrs. Weasley said brightly, breaking the silence. "I have your food packed, so why don't you children go on outside and enjoy it under the sunshine." She then proceeded to hand Ginny a picnic basket and Hermoine a blanket. Then she literally shoved Ron out the door follow quickly by Ginny and Hermoine. As Harry passed by her he heard her say softly. "Don't worry about Ron, he'll come off it soon. He'll be the last one to admit it, but he was really worried about you," Harry gave her an appreciative smile, before catching up with the others.
They found a nice flat spot near the stream where they laid their blanket. The two girls then proceeded to unpack the food, but no one really felt like eating. Harry soon found three pairs of searching eyes on him, which signaled for him to begin.
"First off I'd like to apologize to you again, but in my defense I'd just like to say that there was no way at all I could have contacted any of you."
"Why not?" Ron snapped at him, which caused both girls to shoot death glares at him firmly telling him to 'shut up'.
"Well you see I was sort of kidnapped and taken to the Realm of the Elves," Harry explained.
Their gasps and wide-eyed expressions let Harry know that they all had some knowledge of the place, so he proceeded to explain. He told them about Demin, the training he was going through, the strict forbiddance to contact anyone, and why he was headed back today.
What he didn't tell them was about the Order and what had happened last night. Because in all reality Harry wasn't sure what had happened last night. After he was done all three of them were staring at him stunned.
Ginny was the first one to speak. "You are coming back, right?"
Harry smiled at her and said, "Yes. I still have some training to do and some kind of ritual to perform on my birthday, but yes I'll be back for the start of term."
"You really went through all that training?" Ron asked awed.
Harry pulled a face. "Yes. And I have the distinct feeling that Demin will make sure I keep up my training once school starts."
"Ugh physical exercise," Ron said pulling a face of his own. "Sucks to be you, mate."
"It's not really that bad," Harry told Ron truthfully. "I've actually come to like it. Besides Demin's a really remarkable teacher."
"I'm going to have to agree with Harry," Hermoine said with a sly smile shot in Ron's direction. "Physical fitness is good for you besides it does wonders for ones appearance. Take Harry for example."
"Hermoine are you hitting on my boyfriend?" Ginny asked a murderous look on her face, though her eyes gave her away.
"You know I would never do that Ginny," Hermoine said still playing her game. "Though if I were you I'd keep close taps on him when we start school again."
"Oh for Merlin's sake!" Harry snapped at the two. "Stop it!" This only sent the girls into a round of giggles.
"Girls," Ron muttered. "But really Harry speaking of your appearance what happened to your glasses?"
"Well . . . Er . . . you see," Harry stuttered.
"Oh!" Hermoine said. "This defiantly has something to do with a girl."
Harry glared at her and snapped, "Yes a very annoying girl!" Harry then proceeded to tell them the full story behind it.
"That's brilliant!" Ron said laughing after Harry finished. "The famous Harry Potter can't even go to another realm without girls chasing him!"
"Well at least he can attract a girl's attention," Ginny said pointedly to her brother, effectively shutting him up.
"Who asked you anyway?" Ron asked his sister sourly.
"No one," Ginny said shoving a roll into her brother's mouth, which he nearly choked on.
"Dad told us you were attending a trial today, what for?" Ginny asked. Finally filling her plate with food.
Harry looked up surprised. "You mean he didn't tell you?"
"No. He said something to the effect that you would want to tell us yourself," Ron said, his mouth full of food.
"Oh, well it was nothing important really," Harry said as causally as he could. "We just happened to catch Wormtail yesterday morning."
"What!" all three of them yelled at once, Ron accidentally spraying his food everywhere. Then they all started talking at once.
"You actually caught that rat?" Ron said.
"Not important! Good grief! Are you draft!" Ginny wanted to know. Ginny had found out last year all about Harry's famous Godfather and the slimy rat Wormtail.
"So what happened?" Hermoine demanded. Harry laughed and told them.
"So Sirius is free?" Ron asked after Harry had finished.
"In a sense yes. He still has to make his appearance at the ministry and answer a few questions, then yes, he will be officially free. It should be announced in the Daily Prophet tomorrow so Sirius, who is supposedly on the run and is in contact with no one, will be notified," Harry told them.
"So when does Sirius plan to make his grand entrance?" Ron asked.
Harry shrugged. "No idea, he was still discussing it with Professor Dumbledore when I left."
"Yes, but he's free!" Hermoine said, eyes shinning. "I'm so happy for the both of you."
"Thanks Hermoine," Harry told her with a smile.
The four of them then continued eating their lunch talking about what the others had done while Harry was gone (besides worrying about him). Then the talk drifted back towards Harry's time he had spent in the Elf Realm. Harry told them all about Delia and all the trouble the two of them like to cause Demin. Then he went on to tell them about Destiny and Elle, which caused Hermoine and Ginny to go into girl mode, demanding to meet them.
"Don't worry I plan on bring them back with me," Harry informed them.
"What about Demin and Delia?" Ginny asked.
"I'm guessing they'll stay in the Elf Realm, I mean that is their home," Harry said.
"Won't you miss them?" Ron asked.
"Terribly," Harry admitted, then laughed, "Ok so I won't miss Demin's brutal training and annoying voice at four o'clock in the morning. But they have became like a family to me."
"I'm sure you'll be allowed to visit." Hermoine said noticing her friend's deep sadness.
"I hope so," Harry said with a sad smile.
"So do we at least get to meet Demin before you leave?" Ron inquired of his friend.
"Yes!" Harry said smiling happily now. "He plans on picking me up when it's time to go. Speaking of which I have something to give you all before I leave."
Harry then waved his hand in front of him and three black velvet boxes appeared in front of Ron, Ginny and Hermoine.
"What are these?" Hermoine asked curiously, eyeing the box in front of her.
"Open it and find out," Harry told them. They did as they were told and lifted the lids. Inside all three of them find the same items. There were about twenty flat, square stones of a variety of different colors and what looked like a bracelet lying on top.
Hermoine drew hers out curiously and observed it. It looked like a normal muggle bracelet, until she noticed that the stones that lay in the box would fit perfectly into the empty slots on the bracelet. So with a questioning look she looked towards Harry.
"I made these when I was in the Elf Realm with Demin's help. They're called Life Bracelets," Harry told them. He then reached to his own wrist where he pulled off his own bracelet. The only difference between Harry's bracelet and theirs was, he had two brightly glowing stones in two of the slots.
"Why are your stones glowing and ours aren't?" Hermoine asked.
"Because these stones are filled with life magic, more precisely Demin and Delia's life magic," Harry told them. "And these," Harry said presenting them each with a silver stone that was glowing brightly, "Are filled with mine." The three of them took the stone Harry offered and clipped it in their own bracelet.
"You see, no matter where I am, or what I am doing. As long as that stone is glowing it means that I am alive and all right," Harry clarified for them. "Just like I'll know if Demin and Delia are all right when I have to leave them. Just like I'll know if you three stay all right when I have to return today. With these stones we will always know if the person is alive and fine."
The three of them looked at Harry in wonder, then at the magical bracelet that lied in their hands.
"Wow Harry." Hermoine said breathlessly. "These are incredible. I've never even heard of such a magical article. Are these common items in the Elf Realm?"
Harry shook his head. "No, these bracelets are very rare and very valuable even in the Elf Realm. You see one night when I was researching in the back of the library I stumbled upon an old piece of parchment that looked like it had been torn from a book. It was written in the old elfish language so I brought it to Demin and he helped me translate it. Needless to say Demin was very surprised with what the text said. It was the knowledge of how to create these Life Bracelets. Knowledge, that according to Demin had been lost for centuries. Demin then took the text to the counsel who then proceeded to tell him that since I was the one to find the text it was mine to keep."
"It was lost information and they let you keep it?" Hermoine asked looking scandalized.
"Yes. They told Demin that it had not been an accident that I had found the text. They told him that I was meant to find it and it was mine to use as I saw fit," Harry told them.
"This is unbelievable cool!" Ron said. "Can we add anyone's life magic?"
"Yes," Harry smiled. "That is what the extra stones are for, so you can add your family members. I plan on adding Sirius and Remus to mine. But first, I'll need teach you how to draw on your own life magic so you can instructed the others."
Twenty minutes later Harry was clipping three new glowing stones to his bracelet. An orange one for Ron, in honor of his favorite Quidditch team, a purple one for Hermoine and a yellow for Ginny.
"Hermoine what's wrong?" Ron asked the girl when he noticed her cast fallen face.
"It nothing." She told Ron forcing a smile.
"Nothing my broomstick. There's something wrong and I . . ," Ron trailed off eyes widening in understanding. "You won't be able to add your parents will you?"
Hermoine nodded. "They don't have magic."
"Ah Hermoine you think I'd forget something that important," Harry said with a smile. "You see those two stones in the bottom right hand corner?" Hermoine nodded and took out a gray and a white stone. "Those are enchanted stones. Through your connection with your parents you can draw upon their life force, since they don't have life magic. The stones should work just like the others."
Hermoine looked up at Harry tears shinning in her eyes. "Thank you Harry. I don't think you know how much this means to me." She then threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
"Your welcome," Harry told her.
Ginny was next to hug him, though he also got a kiss, much to Ron's disgust. "I love you Harry Potter. Don't you ever forget it."
"I wouldn't dare," Harry told her. "And I love you too."
"Thanks mate," Ron said grinning.
"Does this mean I'm forgiven?" Harry asked half-teasing, half-serious.
"Yeah," Ron said. "I guess you had a good enough reason. Besides by the sound of it you could easy pound me into a bloody pulp."
They all laughed at that before Harry informed Ron that he didn't plan on beating any one up, except Voldemort and his followers. Which is how the conversation got turned to Voldemort and what they each thought he was up to.
"I don't know," Harry finally said after an hour of talk. " I think he's up to something big. I just hope the ministry will start preparing now that there is no denying his return."
Ron snorted. "Took them long enough."
"Yeah," Harry said looking out over the field. "I just hope it's not too late."
Silence followed Harry's statement. As all of them wondered just what the future held for them. Harry was pulled out of his thoughts as he sensed three people approaching.
"It's time for me to go," Harry told his friends.
"What are you talking about?" Ron asked confused.
"Demin, Sirius, and Remus are on their way," Harry said explaining.
True to his word, the three men appeared in front of them a minute later. The next ten minutes were filled with greetings, introductions, and congratulations. Then Harry found himself saying goodbye to his friends.
"I'll see you guys on the Hogwarts Express on September 1st," Harry said as he hugged Hermoine, then Ginny, then said goodbye to Ron.
Harry waved them goodbye before Apparating with the other three men to a big meadow somewhere in Ireland.
"Isn't Dumbledore coming with us?" Harry asked, noticing his absence.
"He will join us tomorrow. He had some things he had to take care of at the ministry," Demin said while removing a crystal gem from around his neck.
"Are you ready?" Demin asked. All three of them nodded and Demin then proceeded to hold the gem out in front of him. "Lord Demin, Harry Potter, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin are seeking the Elf Realm, please show us the way."
The gem then begun to glow and a silver light descended upon them and with a bright flash all four of them disappeared.
Sirius and Remus felt their feet land on something-solid minutes later. Blinking a few times trying to clear the spots from their eyes they turned around and their jaws dropped in awe.
Demin and Harry smiled at their reaction and Demin said. "Welcome my friends, to the Realm of the Elves."
THANK YOU TO MY BETA READER NATURAL ANTHEM!