Chapter 28: End of term one
Minutes slowly turned into hours, hours into days and days into weeks as the long days at Hogwarts dragged by before the Christmas holidays began.
Harry had, had one of his busiest weeks, since he and Diggory had started working together. As of now, almost all major papers, and some smaller ones were working for them and slandering Fudge's already infamous name. People could be heard talking about the newest evidence of his incompetence wherever they looked. And what was best Fudge wasn't doing anything to prove the stories wrong Sure he had tried too stop the articles and had threatened quite a few with an Azkaban sentence but when that hadn't worked he did the next best thing, locking himself in his office and yelling at everyone who dared interrupt him.
Meanwhile the order worked frantically to prepare Diggory for elections which the public was slowly beginning demand. Harry however was also busy for other reasons. His training in magic had been going exceptionally well and everyone knew it. It was obvious in how he even carried himself now. He was still skinny but he had put on some muscle with all his running and weight training. He carried himself with grace and finesse now as magic seemed to just frizzle near him or wherever he went. His grades were the highest in school, with only his knights who, had received the same basic training as he and then a different kind all together right behind him. And the HS formerly known as the DA was there right behind them.
With his magic so advanced it was time to start his physical training. Angel had started to press that as a very important as his immensely powerful magic could become unstable if his body was not equally strong; so after the Christmas holidays he began to focus seriously on his physical and non-magical weapons training... at least with Angel.
No one really knew what went on with Harry and the rest of the elves. Over the time they had been here they had completely kept to themselves and no one ever saw them out of Harry's rooms, except for Harry and occasionally Angel. What was taught in lessons between the half elf and the elves stayed between them and not even the knights knew about it. But Harry had been told that he was fairing much better in their magic than they had originally thought and soon he would be starting in physical training with them too.
Sufi who had not lessened his dislike for Harry still tried to stay as far away from him and the other elves as he could as he had proven before that he could not win a verbal fight with Harry Potter.
Not necessarily because of Harry but because the other elves had come to respect, cherish and actually like their student and were quick to come to his defence. So Sufi just kept to himself, wrote his report and took them back to the elven realm. Sometimes he even came back with messages from the king or others to the elves or Harry, some of Harry's relatives from the elven realm that he had met in his last visit sent letters as often as they could which was something Harry appreciated immensely.
Sufi's latest return had been a surprise actually. Though Harry had laughed himself silly after he got the explanation why the bitter man was there. It had been the week earlier, and since there were only two weeks to the holidays and Harry would not be having much training over the holidays Sufi was not required to come back until after Christmas, yet he had arrived three days after his departure... with a message from the king.
Apparently there was some sort of a annual ball whatever and as the heir to the crown, and all that stuff he was required to be there.
But Harry really didn't mind. He loved the elven realm. In fact he would probably spend most of his holiday there. He would at first stay at Hogwarts, and then on 24th they would return to the headquarters to spend some quality time with their families, as the burrow had been vacated permanently, or at least until after the war, having been deemed unsafe to live in. Then on the morning and afternoon Harry had special plans with Neville, and at six, it was Christmas dinner with the Weasley's and co at the headquarters. But on Christmas day it was time for Harry to depart for the elven realm. His friends were still insisting on going with him, though Harry hadn't really said yes or no. As they were his knights, and therefore technically his bodyguards usually they were supposed to go with him everywhere, but as knew he was being protected in much more capable hands so if he ordered there was nothing they could really do but sulk, and besides... even with all the training they had gotten both with their special training and group training they had not been "graduated as knights" by Angel.
The reason Harry was so unsure about them coming with was mostly because he was trying to mend some of the elves hostility towards humans And storming in with bunch of humans who knew nothing of the elven world would probably not help. Then again they probably deserved to come, but they should also spend time with their families while they could.
But Harry would think of that later. Now was time to ask Neville about his Christmas plans.
He had spent much time mulling over this and after checking it over with Remus and Dumbledore he had come to a decision.
It was therefore that he dragged Neville away from everyone after classes Tuesday afternoon.
"What's up Harry?" He asked unsure. He looked uncomfortable around him. They were located in a narrow empty hallway near the kitchens.
Harry stayed silent for awhile not really knowing what to say, but not wanting to be too blunt as he knew this was something Neville was very fragile about. "You know that I live with the Dursley's right?" He asked finally
Neville looked momentarily surprised but he recovered quickly and said, "Yeah, your muggle relatives. You've lived there ever since your parents deaths and they were appointed your guardians" Neville said puzzled. He didn't understand where Harry was going with this but he went along with it for now
"No. Well yes because my mum and dad died but the Dursley's were never really appointed my guardians. Not until later by Dumbledore anyhow. I was supposed to grow up with my godfather"
"Sirius Black" Neville whispered faintly. He had seen him die last year. Or well he hadn't actually seen it, he had been facing another direction but he had been there and that was more then enough for him. It had been explained to him that he was innocent and that he and Harry were very close but Neville being as timid as he was still couldn't get rid of the shivers that followed the name.
"Yeah"
Neville looked at Harry who was looking very grave but still very firm and serious. He was still fidgeting a bit and seemed rather nervous about something which to Neville was not a really good sign
.
"You know why I never went living with him?" Harry asked startling Neville who had been lost in his own thoughts
"He was in Azkaban for his crimes and later on he died" Neville asked truly starting to get nervous. Harry was acting really weird and none of this made any sense, "What is your point here Harry?" He asked unsure, "Not to be rude or anything but I don't understand you at all now do I?"
Harry smiled a small apologizing smile, "Sorry, I just don't know how to say this. It's about your parents Nev" Harry said in a friendly voice
"My parents?" Neville asked barley in a whisper "What have they got to do with Sirius Black of all people"
"They knew each other at school actually. My mum and your mother were best friends. Neville my point is your mother is my godmother"
"Oh" Neville said surprised
After a bit of silence he finally asked, "Why are you telling me this all of the sudden?"
"My point in this all was actually that my parents were your godparents too Nev" Harry said softly "Frank had a roommate, someone called something, don't really remember what. He was Franks best mate, and he was supposed to be your godfather. Apperantly he said no" Harry said to break the silence
Neville's face betrayed his hurt and Harry smiled sadly and reassuringly,
"Not cause he didn't care about you, but because he was apparently quite poor, and out of work, having failed most of his NEW'T's and he was also quite traveler so he didn't think he would be a good choice. My father was the second choice"
"It seems that the first choice was uncle Wallie, he's not that poor anymore. Actually he's rather rich. Invested smartly few years back. I only meet him few times a year, because he's always around. But he always makes sure that I'm ok" He smiled sadly before asking again, "But why tell me this now? I don't believe that you'd be the person to say this to me to rub it in so why?"
"Because Nev, your mother is my godmother and even if she isn't... very fit right now I'd like to properly meet her. She is your mother and I know what she is like now, so I wanted to ask you first if you were ok with it? If I could maybe go with you and your gran this Christmas to visit her?"
"Why?" Neville asked "It won't change a thing. She'll still be... " he trailed off before regaining his strength, "Her condition is no joke. There is no hope for cure"
"I know"
"You just want to meet her?"
"Yeah. She should be my auntie Alice you know. I just... I don't know I just feel as if it something I need to do. A closure if you will"
"You can come if you want I guess" Neville said finally. "I don't know if it will help but you can come if you insist"
"Thank you so much Neville" Harry said in relief. He hesitated though and Neville got the feelng there was something more he wanted to say
"Would you believe that I've never been to my parents graves Nev?" He blurted out seemingly causing Neville to be a bit shocked so he only shook his head and waited for Harry to continue
"The Muggles never took me, and after I came here it slipped my mind, so many things happened, then when I wanted to know what happened to them after their deaths no one would ever answer. This year I got fed up. I wanted to visit their graves. Give my respects. They're buried in some private cemetery god knows where" After a moments pause he continued, "Truth is Nev, a part of me is using you, but another part thinks it is the right thing to do. I'm scared. I don't want to go alone. I need someone to go with me. I'm going right after our visit to the hospital to visit your parents. I want you to go with me if you want"
"Me?" Neville asked unsure. True he wouldn't mind visiting his godparents graves but it was still so new information and he hadn't really digested it all. And he would have thought that Harry would want some of his other mates with him so he asked, "Why?
"Because out of everyone of my friends no one understands better than you. The guys try to understand and I love them for everything they've done for me but it's not the same. And besides they were your godparents so you deserve it"
Neville only nodded shakily and said, "All right. But can I have a moment to myself for awhile? There are some things I'd like to think about"
"Sure Nev. But just remember that this doesn't change anything. It does not do well to dwell" And with that he was gone.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
The rest of the term sped away quickly, with Harry spending most of his time chatting away with his two snakes which he had very unoriginally named Trouble and Bubble. It had started as a joke really but now the snakes insited on those names.
Trouble always found it very funny when the other teens found it so creepy when Harry was talking to the sankes that she used to follow them hissing some nonsense making Harry always say she was always causing mischief. And Bubble was always talking and Harry had started calling her a little talking bubble. The two found the names funny and wanted to keep them and Harry found it amusing so now his snakes were Trouble and Bubble.
His phoenix didn't like the snakes so much. Though Harry thought it was mostly just act. The two snakes often ganged up on the poor phoenix teasing her or just pranking her. She would pretend to go sulking but a little while later the snakes could always be found in some funny situations where Ást would protest innocently that she had no idea how it happened.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&6
The day before end of term Harry was once again called upon the headmasters meeting.
There he was told that he was to hold a press confress, the one they had talked so much about, on the last day of the Christmas holidays.
To say the least Harry was not pleased, but he said nothing knowing that this was all his idea in the first place.
But the next day he woke up bright and early his earlier foul mood forgotten for now as he and his friends enjoyed the first day of the holidays together, fooling around in the common room, bothering the elves in the kitchens, stashing some stink bombs in Trelawny's tower and so on.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&6
Three days into the holiday they took a portkey to Grimmauld Place. Harry left his friends just before lunch to shower and change, as they hadn't had time before in all the rush. He arrived at the lunch table in his most comfortable robes, which had the added benefit of looking quite smart. The dark green of his robes flattered his eyes and he wore a matching shirt and dark jeans underneath.
"My Harry, you look absolutely dashing this afternoon. Trying to impress someone eh?" Mrs. Weasley asked hinting strongly to Ginny, to her and the rest of the Weasley's surprise neither one of them blushed only looked at them with an arched eyebrow,
"I actually have plans straight after lunch Mrs. Weasley" Harry replied eventually
"Now Harry dear boy, that is not possible. You know you cannot leave the house unprotected. Think about what Dumbledore would say" Mrs. Weasley said nervously her smile faltering. The situation between Harry and Dumbledore had her all wound up in a big stress ball. She loved Harry very much but she also respected Dumbledore too much.
"I don't give a flying pig's ass what he says though I already know" Harry said quite angry, "I found out quite clearly what he thinks about my plans when I told him them. He knows very well where I am going... unprotected and all" He finished in a dry voice, but feeling a bit guilty for taking out his annoyance with Dumbledore on Mrs. Weasley, "I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley for yelling at you but Dumbledore knows all about this. It is his fault he didn't let you know"
"He would never let you out of this house unprotected"
"Mrs. Weasley you are not only offending me by saying I cannot take care of myself but you are also offending my elves by implying that they can't protect me properly, the same with Angel as she will be the only adult who will be accompanying us besides the elves and my companions"
"Harry you will not be going anywhere until Dumbledore knows of this and I have his approval" Mrs. Weasley said firmly not knowing what to do
"I know of what?" Came a voice from the kitchen door and everyone turned around
"Of my trip today Headmaster" Harry said with a frown but remaining polite
The headmaster frowned, "I am quite aware of this trip. That is in fact why I am here, to try once more to make you realise how dangerous this all is"
"Look Dumbledore" Harry said changing to his hostile mood, which Dumbledore hadn't seen against him since the beginning of the year, "I don't give a rat's ass about what the hell you think. I'm going and that's that. We already had this conversation elsewhere, and I'm not repeating it. It is my right to do this and you can't stop me"
"They wouldn't want you to take this risk for them Harry. Think about that"
"They wouldn't want so many things professor... to bad they can't express it from their graves then isn't it?"
"Harry James Po-" Mrs. Weasley started scandalized. He remained usually polite if a bit vocal about his views in front of most of the order but when it came to Snape and Dumbledore out of the school he could be down right rude.
"Don't. Please just don't. I'm going and that's final" Harry said almost pleadingly to Mrs. Weasley. Silently begging her to let it go she he wouldn't lose his temper with her
Before Dumbledore could respond Angel appeared with an awed Neville and his grandmother causing everyone else to yelp and panic
"Calm down everyone" Dumbledore yelled finally, "They are here on Harry's behalf, for they will be Harry's company for the day"
"You better not try following me Dumbledore. You know where I'll be" He turned to Neville and his gran who were shocked to the core and then he turned around at the last minute, "I suppose this isn't the right time to say that I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon" And with that he disappeared leaving everyone in the kitchen stunned except the knights the furious Weasley housewife and Dumbledore's determined look.
"WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON HERE CHILDREN? I WILL NOT HAVE THIS ANYMORE. THIS IS WAR AND I WILL NOT HAVE MY CHILDREN ACTING SO IRRESPONSIBLY AN...
"Molly dear, if you would please calm down. Children I would like a word in private please" He said in a voice that meant no nonsense. "After you" He said following them to the living room
"What is it you need to talk about sir?" Draco said, as he was always the one who had the least of problem to talk to the headmaster the way he pleased, right after Harry usually did anyway.
"I think this rebellion has been going on for enough time now. This is going a bit too far. When Harry so miraculously recovered this –
"He had help sir" Hermione pointed out interrupting the headmaster, though she at least had the decency to be polite when she did it the headmaster thought privately
"Yes, yes" Dumbledore said, "But the point is when he recovered this summer you all had changed. Of course no one expected anything less after the events that had taken place. Though it was maybe a bit surprising though understandingly so that he seemed to blame me for all his troubles. After all I told him my part in Sirius's death at the end of last term"
When it seemed that the angry and a bit confused teenagers were about to interrupt he held up his hand, "Please let me finish. But as not to damage our relationship any further I tried to keep my distance while he calmed himself. Though it didn't seem to help all that much. I've stood now in the distance, watching, and helping when I must Harry venting his anger for months. But now this teenage rebellion or what it is that you are playing at must come to an stop. It is no playground, it is a war"
"We are well aware of that sir. You had more than played your part in the events that made Harry who he is to day. There is no denying it. And your relationship has come to a much better understanding then it was at the beginning of the year so I suggest that you don't blow it" Draco said
"Sir" Hermione said glaring at Dray for his apparent lack of courtesy or respect, "Didn't you listen at all to Harry over the months? He is taking the war seriously. He is fighting his own way. He has been training now for months and he has grown very adept wizard. He has a much better chance against Voldemort now than he did few months ago. So do we"
"Why you too?" Dumblediore asked genuinely curious it seemed
"Because we told Harry we wouldn't let him go through this alone so he did the next best thing. Made sure we wouldn't die standing by him. I understand that you are not only worried about Harry but also the future of the world, but you have to trust Harry about this. It is his destiny, his fate and future. There is nothing you can do but support him. Otherwise you will only drive him further away from you"
"It is not so simple" Dumbledore said sighning
"Yes it is. Just have some faith in him sir. But if that is all" Hermione said
"I need to know where Harry is going tomorrow?"
They stayed silent for awhile thinking about what they should say before they just asked Harry through their link,
#Tell him whatever you want. I don't mind, as long as you don't give hints about where the elven city is# Was the reply before he was gone
"He's going to be spending time with relatives" Was Ginny's reply
A confused look spread over Dumbledore before he understood, "The elves" He whispered understanding dawning in his eyes.
The five nodded,
"But I thought he didn't have to give a decision yet" Dumbledore said concerned. Harry had so much on his plate already, and having the pressure of a whole Kingdom would only complicate things
"He doesn't. But until he does make it public that he is not taking the crown he is the crown prince and must do stuff because of it" Ron said, "He has to do some ball stuff and decided to stay there after that bonding with his family before the times comes to do that confession thingy" Ron concluded before shrugging, "Now may we be excused?"
"You don't have to ask permission for that Weasley" Draco said annoyed, "It's your best friends house, and it's holidays, it's the headmaster that is trespassing if we go into those realms"
"Harry has agreed to let me use this house for the order" Dumbledore said camly. He had been watching Draco Malfoy closely ever since his friendship with Harry started. So far he had nothing on him but a fierce temper when it came to Harry in order to protect him. He had noted that the boy was very rude and showed disrespect to his elders. Though Dumbledore couldn't really blame him.
"Yes he has, but at the moment you are not doing any sort of order business, you are questioning his friends, and his loyalty and sanity" Draco said daring the headmaster to say something with his eyes,
The headmaster sighed and nodded, "Very well, I will not bother you any longer then children, it is apparent that this will not get any further as long as you will not cooperate"
"Sir" Hermione said as the headmaster was about to leave, "You should really think about what you are doing. If you continue on this path god knows how things will end, Harry has put aside his diffrences with you for the sake of the war but when the time comes where he will feel as if he cannot trust you anymore you truly will regret ever having crossed him"
"Why should he not be able to trust me anymore?"
"Because you are acting just like Snape, Harry knows this you don't. Harry is giving you the chance to redeem yourself, if you don't soon it will be too late"
The children all left the room to let the headmaster think who was till standing in the door thinking on the young witches word
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Authors notes:
Well then, this is it for now. I know the chapter isn't as long as the others but is is something.
As for me not having updated since... er the beginning of the summer I do apologize for that. I've been going through some... issues since I came home from Denmark... but I think I've solved it all... mostly and updates should be up and going again. Maybe not on the fastest pase because well I'm a bit out of touch after having not written anything for so long and then I have school to worry about too.
Being in high school is a tad hard :D... but I'm managing.
Oh and about the reviews, I want to thank everyone a lot for having reviewed and sticked by this story, I know I haven't been the most dedicated or the best writer so thank you all, it means a lot... but I won't be replying all reviews anymore, I had a complaint about it not too long ago cause it takes so much space... I'll answer all your questions though, or well within a reasonable amount anyhow.
Anyway I'll try to update soon again, thanks
Kitty