Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. Most of the characters are owned by JK Rowling. Then the other characters are probably are owned by CLAMP. I doubt I will actually make any original characters so the only thing that I really own is the original story I am writing. The events in the past for the characters from Tsubasa and the characters are owned by their respective authors.
Warning: I am writing this a seventh year story so there will be spoilers for all Harry Potter books. Also if you have not read Tsubasa you will be seeing spoilers for it. I am going to assume almost none of you have read Tsubasa so I will provide more of the canon back story for it than I will the Harry Potter books.
A Tarnished Memory
Chapter 2: Apparition and Birthday Surprises
Harry rode on the Knight Bus for a while chatting with Stan. It had been about thirty minutes when the bus stopped again and the driver announced. "Ministry of Magic, Knight Bus terminal."
Harry said his good-bye and stepped off the bus. The doors slammed shut and with a bang the bus disappeared.
Harry walked out of an alcove next to where the phone booth exited. He walked towards the security desk designated for visitors.
When he arrived the guard asked, "Have you ever visited the Ministry in the past?"
"Yes," replied Harry.
"Then please let me see your wand and what is your business at the Ministry?" said the guard.
Harry handed over his wand and said, "I am here to take my apparition test."
The guard placed his wand on a scale. A piece of paper came out of the base of the scale. Then the guard read out, "Harry Potter, eleven inches, Holly with Phoenix feather core; Correct?"
"Yes, sir."
The guard took a badge and tapped it, and then handed it to Harry. "Get on the lift and go to floor six. Then follow the signs and get an application. An employee of the Magical Transportation Department will take you from there. Have a good day!"
Harry took the badge and went through the gates into the actual ministry and then got in line to get on the lifts.
While Harry was riding down on the lift he got lots of stares. Either people would see his scar and then confirm their fancy by looking at his badge, or they would see his badge and look in awe at his scar. The people weren't even very subtle about it either.
When the lift reached the sixth floor the grate opened and Harry stepped off. It took Harry a little while to notice the signs saying "Apparition Test Area" and an arrow pointing down a hall.
Harry followed the arrows and eventually found the door labeled "Apparition Test Area." Harry stepped through the door and saw a little old man sitting at a reception desk.
"Ah! Mr. Potter, I've been expecting you since I sent my letter to you earlier today." The man said.
"Mr. Scoot?" Harry asked. The old man shook his head. "Well, I have come to take my apparition test."
"I figured as much. Here is your application, Mr. Potter. The first test shall be on short range apparition. If you would please stand on this mark," Stan showed Harry a yellow X on the floor. Harry stood on the mark and Stan continued his explanation, "This is a less used form of apparition, it is being able to apparate accurately to a target within eyesight. In the past it was used mostly in battle. So, I fear it may be need again. But I transgress, if you would please apparate as closely as possible to that mark on the other side of the room, we will then move on to the next part of the test."
Harry concentrated on going exactly where he needed to go and there was an almost inaudible pop and Harry disappeared and reappeared exactly on top of the other small yellow X.
"Bravo, Mr. Potter! I don't remember your instructor from last year saying anything about you being this skilled. Matter of fact, he said you couldn't even get it." Stan praised.
"Well, I just got it one when I was practicing on my own." Harry lied quickly.
"Well if that is the case, I guess it makes sense. For the next part of the exam the built-in portkey in your application will kick in and you will be sent to a random location in Britain. You will then be required to apparate to this room and if able appear on the same mark as before. This however is not required, it is just to show how much control you have in long range apparition." Stan finished as the portkey activated.
Harry felt the familiar pull at his navel and he went whirling through nothingness and landed, falling on his ass, in a grass field in the middle of no where. He figured he was proably somewhere in the north. He looked down at the application which now had only a countdown timer on it now. Harry didn't want to know what happened when it ran out.
Harry stood up and made sure we was ok from the portkey journey. Once he was ready he started concentrating and there was a pop, and he was back in the apparition testing area.
"Bravo, again, Mr. Potter! I have only seen one other person in my time that had such control. His name was something Riddle; haha, it has been so long that I can't even remember his name." Stan praised.
Harry felt uneasy. He didn't like being compared to him.
Stan continued, "Actually unless my memory serves me wrong, you look a lot like him. Your not related to him in some way are you?"
"No, sir. I don't think so." Harry was really starting to fell uncomfortable.
"Oh well. Let's see, you have passed with flying colors. I will place a license in your file and I will prepare you a license in a minute. Before that though I will explain a few decrees affecting apparition." Stan paused preparing his speech.
"Firstly, never apparate when a non-magically-aware muggle is watching. Second, never apparate into a residential home or business, unless there is a designated appearing zone. Finally, if caught using apparition to break muggle or wizard laws that pertain to the smuggling of drugs, stolen or illegal goods and stealing, you are in violation. Any of the above decrees that you violate have their own punishment, but most range from a heavy fine to time in Azkaban. Also if you ever splinch yourself, you are required to take a class in apparition safety, the first time. Any time after that results in a suspension of your license for six-months, and then you will need to take this test again. Do you have any questions over any of this, Mr. Potter?"
"No, sir. I think I have it." Harry answered.
"Then please stand over here." Stan said pointing to a place in front of a blue screen. When Harry moved over there, he took the application and held it up so he could see Harry through a hole in the top left corner that Harry didn't think was there before. Once Stan was satisfied, he tapped the paper with a special pen and the hole solidified and, the paper shrunk to the size of a normal license. "Here you go, Mr. Potter. Also you need to get a special endorsement if you want to perform side-along apparition."
"And what might I have to do to get that, Mr. Scoot?" Harry asked.
"You can't be serious, Mr. Potter. No one your age is developed enough to safely perform side-along apparition." Stan said.
"Humor me. Plus it wouldn't hurt to try." Harry said.
Alright, Mr. Potter. All you have to do is be able to take me along back here from a random location reached via portkey. Would you like to try now?" He asked nervously.
"Yes, I think I will." Harry confidently answered. Stan Scoot went and grabbed another sheet of paper on the desk. Harry grabbed the piece of paper and they were transported to a small forest clearing.
"Ok, Mr. Potter. You know how to do this right?" Stan asked.
"Yes, sir. Just come over here and I will give it a try." Harry said.
Stan came over and Harry gripped his forearm. After a moment they disappeared and reappeared in the apparition area again where the mark was.
At first Stan let out a sigh of relief and then started glowing. "Well done, Mr. Potter. Simply amazing. I have never seen someone your age actually bring along anyone especially a complete stranger. Well done indeed. Just let me see your license and I shall add the endorsement."
Harry handed the license back over and Stan tapped it. Then Stan handed it back and along with the original endorsement was a bold "S" next to it.
"Well you are now certified to perform standard apparition and side-along apparition. A note of warning don't overdue the distance. The more you practice the further you will be able to go." Stan said.
"Well it has been good, but I have to be somewhere." Harry left going back to the lift and took it back to the lobby. From there he walked back out through the huge golden gates.
Once he was through the gates he apparated to just outside the yard of the Burrow. He walked through the gate and up to the front door and knocked.
Harry heard a shuffling inside and then someone came to the door and asked, "Who's there? Are you friend or foe?" From the voice Harry could tell it was Mr. Weasley.
"Well its Harry and I like to think of me as your friend." Harry answered jokingly.
The door swung open and Mr. Weasley seized his hand and shook it vigorously. "I went to collect you at your Aunt and Uncles house and you weren't there. And to top it off every time I mentioned you, your Aunt and Uncle, a look of fear would go across their faces. We were about to contact the Order and tell them you had gone missing." Arthur paused for a moment. Evidently Harry didn't get the unsaid question, so Mr. Weasley asked it. "So where have you been, Harry? From what I could tell you had been gone for at least an hour or two, when I had arrived."
"Sorry about that. I should have told someone that I was going to the Ministry to take my apparition test." Harry said realizing he had made them all worry for nothing.
"So you did. Can I see your license?" Mr. Weasley asked as he walked Harry to the living room.
Harry took out his license and let Mr. Weasley see it.
"This is nice, Harry. Usually the pictures aren't this good. Let see you got your full license and… and you got your side-along endorsement! Wow this is amazing. You are probably the youngest wizard to ever earn that." Mr. Weasley was simply amazed.
Harry took his license back as they reached the living room.
"Harry!" Three voices shouted as he walked in. Then a bushy bunch of red hair came flying at him and hugged him followed by a bunch of busy brown hair. He noticed that they were Ginny and Hermione hugging him as Ron gave him a slap on the back.
As Ginny and Hermione let go Harry felt a soft hand squeeze his and let go leaving a small piece of paper in his hand. Thinking better to leave it till later, he slipped it into his pocket.
"Hello everyone. I'm sorry about worrying you. I just took a stop at the Ministry to get my apparition license." Harry said easing everyone's mind.
"Cool mate. Me and Hermione got ours earlier this summer, too. Let's see it." Ron said.
"It's 'Hermione and I', Ron. Yes let's see your license, Harry." Hermione put in. Ron just rolled his eyes at her corrections.
Harry handed his license over to them. They looked at it. "What is this 'S' mean under endorsements, mate?" Ron asked.
"Oh, that. Well while I was there, I took the side-along apparition test." Harry said.
"Side-along, Harry? That's not possible you are too young to take along even a family member, let alone a stranger." Hermione said.
"Well, I did it. I could prove it if you would like." Harry said.
"Well before that why don't you all come into the kitchen for lunch." Mrs. Weasley had appeared in the doorway leading to the kitchen.
Everyone got up and went to the living room. As Harry was going there, too, Mr. Weasley caught Harry's arm.
"Harry where is your stuff it wasn't at your Aunt and Uncle's?"
"I almost forgot, here it is." Harry took out his trunk and placed it on the floor and resized it to its normal size.
"Alright, Harry. You go into the kitchen and I'll just take this up to Ron's room, and then I'll be in to eat." Mr. Weasley grabbed his trunk and started lugging it up the stairs.
Harry turned and walked into the kitchen. As soon as he did there was a flash and everyone jumped up and shouted "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARRY!"
"Wow, you didn't have to do all this for me." Harry said in awe.
"Of course we did, dear. It's your seventeenth birthday; you have to have a party." Molly said.
"You all didn't have to get me anything; a cake would have been enough." Harry said embarrassed by their kindness.
"Don't be silly. We wanted to get you all of this." Ginny said kissing him on the cheek when no one was looking making him blush.
"Alright, alright, let's have some cake and then Harry can get started on his presents." Mr. Weasley said entering the kitchen.
Everyone lined up and Mrs. Weasley started cutting the cake and handing plates to everyone. She made sure Harry got an extra big place.
Harry took a bite, "Mhmm, Mhmm. This cake is delicious, Mrs. Weasley. Thank you very much for the cake."
"It's no problem, dear. I wanted you to have a proper birthday cake for once in your life. That aunt and uncle of yours didn't look like they ever gave you a proper birthday." Mrs. Weasley said affectionately.
Once everyone had had their fill of cake they started handing Harry presents.
The first present was handed to him by Fred and George. They just had a grin on their face as they watched Harry. Harry slowly opened the box and saw a large amount of joke supplies.
"Thanks, guys!" Harry said.
"Don't thank us yet." Fred said.
"There is more…"
"Under all that mess."
Harry dug deeper and felt a leathery material. He grabbed a hold of it and pulled it out and saw that it was a leather jacket with the Weasley's Wizard Wheeze's logo on the back.
"We would like to welcome to the team, Harry." George said.
"You are our new field tester. You will receive all our newest products before everyone else and test them and see how they well fare in others hands." Fred elaborated.
"I don't think that that is a good…" Harry started.
"Don't be silly. You are the perfect man for the job." George interrupted.
Harry was doubtful, but he continued on with the presents. The next box turned out to be a pair of dragon-hide boots from Charlie.
Then Harry started opening presents from Neville and his other friends from school. They all turned out to be various candies or cards wishing him a happy birthday.
Next was a rather heavy package. Harry looked at the tag and saw it was from Ron and Hermione. He knew what Hermione would give him that was so heavy, but Ron wouldn't get him a book. Curiously Harry tore the present open and saw two good size leather books. Harry looked and saw the top book was named Defending Yourself, The Way They Will Never Teach You in School. Harry lifted the top book off the second and placed it on the table. The second was bound with dark black leather. In the middle was silver writing that named the book An Advanced Study in the Dark Arts. Harry looked up at his friends confused. They nodded to him and he recalled their conversation at Dumbledore's funeral and understood. These books were to prepare him. Harry placed the second book on the table and went to reach for the next present.
"Ronald Weasley! What are you thinking getting such a book for Harry? I'm deeply disappointed in you young man!" Mrs. Weasley shouted at Ron.
"Mom, mom, calm down. I got him the book for a good reason. I'm surprised you didn't realize it. You are in the Order, you know, or should, what Harry is going to have to do. I just want him to be prepared." Ron said explaining his gift.
There was an awkward silence as those that were in the Order relized what Ron had meant.
Eventually, Harry grabbed the next present which had a note attached.
Dear Harry,
I'm sorry I can't be there personally. I have a lot of things that I have to attend to. This was your father's. I kept it in good condition and restored some of the components.
-Lupin
After reading the note Harry tore the package open and saw a crimson leather wand holster that had a golden lion on it and "James Potter" etched in gold leaf.
"Oh, Harry, it's beautiful. Who sent it to you?" Ginny, who was right next to him, asked.
"Remus sent it to me. He said this stuff use to be my father's." Harry said.
The other item in the box was a leather belt. Attached to it were several vials with a different colored liquid in each. There were also labels on each vial. At the end of the belt there was a small wad of paper in a small plastic bubble. It was labeled "E. Port." On the back of the belt there was a description of what was on the same point on the other side.
After admiring his father's dueling supplies he placed them back in the box and placed the box to the side.
Next Harry picked up a letter that was to his side. When Bill saw this he said, "That's not a present Harry. That's a letter from Gringotts."
"I'll go ahead and open it anyway." Harry said opening the envelope. Inside was an official letter:
Gringotts Bank
Estate Transfers
Mr. Potter:
We are pleased to inform you that the vaults of Mr. Sirius Black, deceased, Mr. Albus Dumbledore, deceased, and Mr. and Mrs. Potter, deceased, have been transferred to your private vault as was the wish of the fore mentioned parties. Your vault has also been upgraded to platinum investor's vault. You will find an inventory of your vault attached. Please verify this with your records.
You may obtain your new key and vault number by presenting this letter to the Estate Transfer's desk in the main lobby of the Diagon Ally branch.
Good Day,
Grook Grobblegrook
Head of Estate Transfers
Harry looked at the inventory and his jaw dropped.
"What is it, mate? You look like you were just hit with a ton of bricks." Ron asked.
Harry handed the inventory to Ron. "Holy shit!" Ron explained.
"Ronald Weasley! I will not tolerate that language in my house!" Mrs. Weasley scolded.
"Sorry, mum. But Harry owns three houses, with house elves for each, a ton of other stuff, and…and his balance is… Just look." Ron handed the inventory to his mother.
"Whoa that is a lot, Harry dear. Don't you go wasting that. You'll never have to work if you live sensibly." Molly handed the inventory back to Harry.
Harry folded the letter and inventory, and put them back in the envelope and stuffed them into his pocket.
Next, Mr. Weasley spoke, "Harry we didn't have time to get you anything, but we are willing to let you stay here as long as you like when you finish school."
"It's ok, Mr. Weasley. I think that I will be able to survive on my own." Harry said declining the offer. Harry felt kind of bad, but he didn't think he was going to be resting much in the next year, and even if he did he was not going to the Weasleys in any danger.
After a bit Harry felt a nudging in his side. Ginny was pushing a wrapped package at him. Harry opened it and it was a book with "Journal" on the cover. It had a little pad that held a strap in place, which kept the book shut.
"You place your thumb on the pad to open it, but don't open it now. Open it later." Ginny said.
"Thank you, Ginny." Harry said.
"Well, Harry, it seems that there is only one gift left." Charlie said. Charlie grabbed a small package and the note attached and tossed it to Harry.
Harry caught it and took the note and read it.
Dear Mr. Potter,
I found this in his desk. I think Professor Dumbledore was going to give it to you for your birthday. That is why I have sent it to you.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Harry opened it and saw a ring. He took it out and saw that it had twelve rubies inset in it. All of the rubies were small and clear, except on. It was larger than the rest and there was a mist swirling in its depths.
"Harry, there is a note in the tope of the box." Hermione said.
Harry looked in the lid of the ring box and saw that Hermione was right. Wedged tight in the top of the box was a folded piece of parchment. Harry pulled it out and read it.
Dear Harry,
If you are reading this, I am afraid that I am no longer with you in this world. I had this ring made especially for you. I placed in the top ruby a copy of all the memories that I believe will help you in your journey.
To activate it just place the tip of your wand on the jewel and concentrate on a memory and you will enter that memory just like a pensieve. To exit the memory either watch the memory all the way through or tap the ruby again.
Also I know that you may not want to return to Hogwarts, but please do. I won't require you to stay but at least return. I have made arrangements for you to be able to come and go from the school as you please, but please go and attend class. It won't hurt to be in classes, they will help you prepare for whatever your journey may bring.
With Great Friendship,
Albus Dumbledore
Harry folded the note back up and pressed it back into the top of the box. He then placed it back into the top of the box. He then placed the ring back in the box and put the box in his pocket.
After that they all laughed and joked till everyone was full and decided to go to bed. Harry and Ron made their way up the stairs to the top floor.
Ron fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Harry, however, still had thoughts racing through his mind. The ring from Dumbledore had opened a wound that Harry though had already healed. Then Harry remembered the note and diary from Ginny.
Curious why she didn't want Harry to open it downstairs, he got it out and opened it. Then he saw why, in her tidy scrawl she had left a note:
Dear Harry,
First off, Happy Birthday! This is my present to you. It is a journal for you to place all your thoughts in. That is not all it is good for, however. I had Hermione enchant it so, if you choose, you can send writing to my diary. This way we can talk and no one would find out.
Love,
Ginny
Harry knew what she was trying to do, but he refused to put her in any kind of danger because of him.
Then he pulled here note out of his pocket and read it.
Meet me in the grove, where we practice Quidditch, tomorrow at 10 a.m.
-Ginny
Harry had an idea what she wanted, but he wasn't going to be swayed by anything she had to say.
After that he pulled out the ring and studied it. He placed it on his right ring finger. After that he thought back to the memory of Dumbledore visiting young Tom Riddle in the orphanage, and then he tapped the top ruby with his wand.
Harry felt as if he was falling forward just like a pensieve. He landed on his feet and saw the somewhat familiar sight of Dumbledore walk up to the orphanage door and knock, but that wasn't the only sound. Harry also heard a tapping on glass that he did not remember from before.
Wanting to see if it was something outside the memory, he tapped the top ruby. He looked over at the window and sure enough there was a tawny owl at the window. Harry let the owl in. It flew over and perched on the end of Ron's bed. From its one leg, there was a small package dangling.
Harry walked over and detached the package. The owl then swooped out of the room.
Harry then sat down and opened the package. Inside was a note.
Dear Mr. Potter,
I thought Albus might want you to have this also.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Harry took out some package material and saw a crimson egg. He lifted it out of the box and saw it had a golden fire design on the bottom of the egg.
"Hmm… I wonder what it is." Harry said out loud.
After studying it a bi he placed it back in the box. Then he placed the box in his trunk. After that he was finally tired and he went to sleep.