THE BOYS WHO LIVED
Chapter 10: Christmas With Hakkai
As the Holidays came around Harry spent it at 12 Grimmauld Place with the deep snow and the ever present soundof traffic in downtown London. Cars passed by the invisible home and the occasional witch or wizard would pass on through. Harry stared out the window with Ron by his side both in deep somber having remembered the events of the past year.
It was the previous year at Hogwarts that Harry witnessed the death of his godfather Sirius Black the last of the black line. It was his fortune that Harry inherited from his godfather. Just the thought of his godfather sent tears to Harry's eyes. That was just the beginning of his problems.
TURN THE TIME TURNER THREE CRANKS
"Harry dear this is for you," Mrs. Weasley said as she handed Harry a brightly wrapped box and Harry quickly inspected the box. It was from Neville and his grandmother. There was a note thanking Harry for giving Neville some courage the previous year and teaching him how to become better. He and Ron also received presents from Dean and Seamus and surprisingly Draco. Draco sent them a broom polishing kit that was of the highest quality as well as some notes for some songs he found around the Muggle music world (he put it in his note that he had to hide it from his father.) Hermione sent them books as usual about different things including what Muggles think of magic.
Harry and Ron were doing just fine until Hedwig flew into the window bearing some papers in white. They knew immediately that these were letters from Hakkai. After landing Hedwig stretched out her leg and Harry took them from her. "Thank you girl," he said, 'Your welcome Master,' was the reply and both Ron and Harry jumped out of their seats and turned to look for the voice, 'who said that?' Harry asked, 'you can understand me?' Said the voice, "Who said that?" Harry asked, 'I did Hedwig,' was the reply and Harry looked down and sure enough Hedwig was staring at him. Her golden eyes shown brightly as she considered what her master just said, "Um Harry, Ron you both were speaking owl," said Ginny, "What?" Ron asked, "You both were speaking owl," she said pointing and they slowly get nervous.
"That is weird," Ron said as he looked at the owl, "Bloody Hell Ron look at your face!" Fred said and Ron gave him a confused look. Conjuring up a mirror he made Ron look at it and he nearly screamed in shock. The entire Weasley family along with Remus Lupin was present when they looked at both Ron and Harry for their reactions. Ron of course panicked and turned chalk white at his reflection. His red hair looked more like feathers then hair and Harry was the same. Both their faces changed a bit becoming more defined with bits of teeth showing. Harry's eyes as well as Ron's were golden with a tint of their original color. "What the fuck is happening to us?" they said and then both turned to Fred and George, "Don't look at us mate we didn't do it," said George.
Harry and Ron both stared at themselves in the reflection. Ron bore the same lightning bolt scar as Harry and it was then that they felt something burning on their left arms. Looking down they nearly gave a cry of help when they saw the dark mark burned on their left arms. Both of themturningeven whiterranfor their bedroom and locked the door.
PRESENT TIME
Both Ron and Harry were very upset by the change in events and watched as the snow fell around London. People walked this way and that all minding their own business yelling 'Marry Christmas,' but for both Harry and Ron this was not Christmas it was a nightmare.
"How could this be happening?" Ron said looking just as pale as Harry. "I don't know you showing up with myscar and worse both of us with the dark mark what is going on?" Harry asked. There was pounding on the door, "Harry, Ron open up it's me Arthur!" Arthur Weasley said as he pounded on the door. Both boys refused to open the door, "It is alright can we talk about this?" he said, "No!" shouted Ron now crouched into a ball. Harry felt like doing the same thing when someone muttered Alohamora and the door became unlocked. Arthur walked in and was surprised by the solemn look that both boys wore. He was not alone however when Molly Weasley walked in along with Remus Lupin.
Remus was the first to see the boys marks more fully and was surprised by how dark and how strong it was. "How did you get this mark?" he asked just was an owl flew in through the window. Taking the letter carefully from the owl Harry thanked it and it flew out of the window. That owl was soon followed by a few more and soon the whole room was filled with owls five in total. After taking the letters from all the owls they flew out of the window and into the dark sky. Just before the boys could read the letter a sixth owl flew in this one from Hogwarts. Taking the letter Harry slowly began to read it and then presented it to Arthur. After reading it Arthur then turned to the boys, "Well it seems Dumbledore wants to speak to the two of you," he said and they followed him down the stairs towards the fireplace. Taking a handful of floo powder he threw it into the flames, "Albus Dumbledore's office Hogwarts; password Sugar cubes," and with that he made both boys step into the fire and they were gone in a flash of green flame.
The trip to Dumbledore's office was all confusing when they emerged. All the gadgets that littered the room were still there as if they were not broken. From what the boys remember Harry told them that the room was trashed in his fifth year. Everything looked as if nothing happened; like Dumbledore cast a really powerful Repairo spell to fix his office. Harry moved like he knew all this already, which he probably has thought the other five. Hermione stood apart from the rest and like the others her eyes also are golden and her fingers ended in claws. Her bushy hair is full of feathers and her face looks sunken like the rest of them. Her skin looked dry and scaly or is that feathers? Neville looked the worse for his face looked as if he was covered in warts and his skin had a tinge of light brown in it to match his hair. He face also held some lighter shades as if it were going to be a feather pattern then decided to be full of warts.
Sitting at his desk was Professor Dumbledore and to his right sat Professor Snape and his left Professor McGonagall. Both of them had grave looks on their faces as the group moved closer.
"Now tell me fellas and ladies as to how you came across this predicament?" Dumbledore asked, "I thought you were going to send us to St. Mungos?" asked Dean and Dumbledore shook his head, "Ask Neville," he said and Neville looked shyly and even Draco had to look down. "Granger, Longbottom and I all were admitted," he said and the rest looked on in shock. "Well when they could not get rid of what ever spell they did on us they did a scan and found that we are perfectly normal if not a tad bit more powerful magically as well as physically," Draco said.
"The reason I called you here was to discuss certain marks on your body?" the headmaster asked and the boys looked at each other in confusion. "Marks?" asked Seamus, "I believe a certain scar on your foreheads as well as the dark mark are the main ones present," he asked and they looked down in shame. "I see that you have no idea how this happened?" he asked and they nodded. "Well now I don't know how you all came across Mr. Potter's scar or powers but Severus is an expert on the dark mark maybe he can shed some light on this situation," Dumbledore then indicated to the dark haired potions master.
Snape glided down from his seat to the group and slowly they lifted their arms to show him their marks. "Mr. Malfoy I am aware of your status as a death eater; yet this mark is far from the actual dark mark," he said and Draco gasped, "But he marked me himself…" he said, "I am aware of that Mr. Malfoy," Snape then swept his fingers gently across the mark, "However the mark itself has changed. The serpent here is supposed to be black yours however is patterned differently." He said and Draco looked down in surprise. "What the Fuck!" he said, "Language!" Hermione scolded and Draco shot her a glare.
"It appears that the mark has changed into something else," Snape said tracing the serpent, "There is a lot of power put into this mark I recognize it well. This mark is the dark sealing mark." He said, "The dark sealing mark?" they all asked, "A mark used by the dark lord to lock away someone's power or magic." With this Snape ran his wand up and down the mark, "Though the reason for sharing such a mark with a bunch of Gryffindors is beyond me." He said, "I don't know what happened exactly sir all we know is that we suddenly have each other's powers. We suddenly speaking to snakes, owls, and God knows what else!" Seamus said as he threw his hands into the air.
Dumbledore watched the six students looked a bit lost as he stared at each and every one of them. Their faces filled with terror and fear at the mark on them, "Severus you said that the mark seals magic can they still perform it?" Dumbledore asked, "Normally one could not but I don't see what is holding them back," Snape asked and he had each of the students perform a spell. Their spells worked out fine with no mishaps. "Something is amiss headmaster," Snape said as he tried something else. He gazed at the dark mark on Draco's arm and felt something being held back something taking shape and form. He felt the magic connect Draco to Harry, Hermione, Ron, Dean, Seamus and Neville and yet another string of magic leads into the void. Pulling out he addressed everyone.
"It seems to me that this mark as well as the others connects you all together in some shape or form. You share each others powers like they are your own. Yet you all are missing someone," he said and just as he was about to finish he noticed a faint white line on Draco's hand and another on his wrist. Eyes opened wide as he searched the hand and then grabbed Harry's and made his way down till at last he reached a nervous Neville. "Where did you get these marks and how all of you attained them?" he demanded, "What are you talking about Severus?" asked Dumbledore while everyone else remained silent. "They have been part of a blood ritual," he said calmly.
Now that sent shockwaves through the people present and the children looked down in shame. "Why would you be dumb enough to pull such dark magic!" yelled Mrs. Weasley and the boys all looked to the floor. "And Hermione I am most surprised by your actions! You knew about this and worse yet! You've gotten yourself involved too!" she screamed and they all knew the Weasley temper well enough. Cowering away they all tried to hide but luckily for them Mr. Weasley put a hand to his wife's raging shoulder, "Now Molly I think there is an explanation for this," he said calmly, "Well they better or I will make sure they will not perform such a feat again!" she snarled and they all backed away.
Remus remaining calm as always walked forward a bit, "I noticed a difference in your scent and out of curiosity I wanted to know why you all smell like dragon?" he asked.
The group all of a sudden turned to each other, "Dragon?" they asked the werewolf, "Yes a dragon and the wolf inside me is very nervous at this. This dragon is somehow different from the ones we would encounter." Remus said, "How do you know this Remus?" Professor McGonagall asked out of curiosity, "I don't know, the wolf side of me knows, but the human side doesn't. I knew Draco was a Deatheater from his scent but this is something else…Hell even Harry's scent has changed," he said and they all looked at the small group of teenagers with intense interest. "Though there should be more of you in that circle," Snape said circling them. "More?" asked Neville, "Yes Mr. Longbottom one more person for I see the magical stream that seems to disappear was there another connected to you?" he asked and they all looked at each other none willing to give the name of the person they are connected to.
"What is the name of the student who gave you that scar?" asked Professor Dumbledore and they all shied away from him. Suddenly the fire flared and Headmaster Kee-Hong stepped out of the flames, "Professor Kee-Hong what a surprise!" Professor Dumbledore said and Kee-Hong snorted, "The pleasure is mine... am I interrupting something?" he asked looking around the room and noticed the appearance of some of the students. "It appears that they did a very forbidden ritual headmaster," Dumbledore replied, "Ah yes about that; I have a student who also has some problems with that subject herself," he said, "Care to bring her here?" Dumbledore asked.
Kee-Hong nodded as he stepped up to the flames and addressed them again after throwing some floo into it. After speaking for sometime another figure stepped out this one held a snake around her neck. The snake started shaking its tail and a loud and annoying rattling noise came from it. Many backed up from the presence of the serpent but theseven already knew the serpent and kept their paces. 'Hello Quick Strike' said Hermione and the snake ceased his rattling and gave a slight bow to the witch. 'Many greetings to you charming one; tell me does that man over there behind the desk plan to grow his beard any more? If so can I sleep in it?' He asked and Hakkai shot him a glare, 'there will be no playing here,' she hissed and the adults gasped. "A Muggle speaking Parselmouth impossible!" McGonagall said and they all looked at Hakkai with curiosity. "So you are the famous Hakkai we have been hearing about," Professor Dumbledore said as he walked up to her. Hakkai looked up at him in curiosity her dark orbs seemed to unnerve the old man and so he backed away a bit.
Hakkai then turned to the group and raised an eyebrow, "It seems to me that you seven have quite a bit of trouble turning back is that correct?" she asked in a very Snape-like manner. The seven nodded, "Well then I suggest thinking like a human or thinking of yourselves as human should undo the damage. Just remember your faces before the transformation," with that said the group began to do as she said and slowly but they managed to change back into their original form.
"Tell me Miss Hunter how exactly you knew that?" McGonagall asked and Hakkai smirked before she transformed herself, "You see I have that problem myself. I had it before them," she said and just then Remus walked up to her his nose sniffing the air around him, "It is you that smells of dragon!" he said and Hakkai turned to him in confusion, "I've heard that before but that is the first time that a hum…..no wait! You smell like a wolf!" she said her eyes opening up in surprise. "I see we both have something in common," Remus said, "Remus is a werewolf," said Harry and Hakkai turned to him. "You have a gift," she said addressing Remus. Remus gave her a startled look, "You are afraid of the wolf and that is why it dominates you I also smell a potion on you is that correct?" she asked and Remus nodded.
"Hakkai tell me, the reason why you made these students take such a dangerous and unpredictable ritual as the Blood Bonds ritual?" he asked, "I do not trust people easily old man," Hakkai responded rather rudely, "These people have helped me when I needed it and when no one else will," she said, "They have risked their lives to help me and in doing so I am grateful and I asked them why? They told me that they do not care what others think they like me the way I am, for that I am grateful and honored," she said and they all nodded in acceptance.
"Young Hakkai for someone like you to perform that kind of magic tells me that you are not even a Muggle to begin with," Dumbledore said, "If you are talking about me casting spells then that is near impossible. I can change my features true enough and brew some potions from that book that Hermione loaned me but other then that I can't cast a single spell." Hakkai said truthfully.
"Yet you speak Parseltongue?" asked Dumbledore, "Snake language? True I speak it as well as various bird languages, whale, dolphin, dog, wolf, tiger and various other creatures that I can't remember." She said they all looked at her stunned. "Are you the original owner of the dark mark?" asked Remus and Hakkai undid her gloves and pulled them back to reveal the dark mark glowing deep blood red. "So you are the one with the sealing mark," Snape approached, "Very few deatheaters have this mark it is because their power exceeded that of our master," he said and Hakkai started to growl.
The seven teens watched as Kai's eyes began to glow golden and her claws started to extend and Snape stopped, "On guard I see," he said, "You are aware of the situation Headmaster. Hakkai is starting to lose control more and more, and the mark is starting to falter." Kee-Hong spoke and grabbed Hakkai's arm. Kai hissed under her breath as the mark burned where Kee-Hong grabbed her. "I see. How long was the seal on Hakkai?" Dumbledore asked, "I do not know; we discussed this remember," Kee-Hong said and Remus spoke, "Kai how long have you had this mark?" he asked. Kai looked up and spoke in low growling noises and Remus's eyes widened as she spoke to him her glowing golden eyes piercing into his own.
"I speak not with strangers' wolf! For your information only a few know this knowledge and are bound by blood to keep it that way. If I so wish it I will tell you, but to make me tell you is to risk your own life. My memories are locked in my head and will forever remain so even to myself. I will find a way to open them wolf and when I do I will personally hunt down the fucker who did this to me and I will rip him to shreds."
To emphasize this Kai let her fangs grow to a long and pointed length and she hissed the last part. Remus backed away when Kai turned to the group, "What I know is my own business." With that she turned to her headmaster, "I wish to return to my chamber now headmaster," she said, "Wait!" yelled Professor McGonagall as she stood up, "I know it is late for you Hakkai so why don't you stay here for the night or maybe for Christmas?" she asked and Hakkai turned to her, "Why would I stay here?" Kai asked, "Well it is the least we can do after all since you are part of this ritual," McGonagall said and Hakkai stared at her with cold unforgiving eyes.
Minerva began to sweat at the cold endless stare of this strange so called Muggle girl, or so she thought until her eyes returned to their normal dark color. "Very well I will remain here for the holiday I just need to get my things," she said and the headmaster threw in the floo powder and called in the destination before he and Hakkai were gone.
GRYFFINDOR TOWER
"Man I am so glad to be back!" said Dean as he passed out on the bed. Hakkai had settled in the Slytherin dungeons with Draco while the others returned to Gryffindor tower. The familiar red and gold colors filled the room and the boys had unpacked their belongings. Hermione returned to her dorm room. "Well our vacation went to hell," Ron said as he leaned back on his bed feeling his back against the familiar head post. Harry stared at his guitar while Neville fingered his base, "Well so much for slacking in our lessons," Dean said eyeing them, "You are lucky you don't have to play that much," said Seamus as he chucked a pillow at him. Grabbing his guitar Harry fingered the strings a bit. It was a little out of tune as he fingered them but when he finally tuned them the way he wanted he began to finger the strings a bit.
The sound from it was slow and casual but Harry did not care. At first he stared at his hands wondering what would have happened to him if he was not the boy who lived but someone else. He looked at Neville the only other candidate and wondered what would have happened if he was the one who had to go through what Harry has to go through now? He began to think of all those who have lost their lives fighting Voldemort his parents, Sirius, Neville's Parents, their friends and family all those who fought Voldemort.
Without thinking Harry began to play a few notes again and without thinking began to play a few more notes. His opening melody was haunting and soft as if foreboding. As he played throughout the song he was thinking of other things other lives who was lost because of the man that Harry was chosen to defeat. Suddenly his mouth began to sing a few notes without thinking.
Hey precious daddy can you hear me now
From the lost and found although your six feet underground
In the mirror, I can see your face just another trace of all the tragedy you passed down
Harry's face began to fill with tears as he continued to play on his guitar ignoring the sounds his friends made when they talked as he silently cast a silencing charm around his bed.
There are times when I can hear your voice,
it's just like my voice and it still haunts me when you come around
I feel like I wasted time when I didn't have you on my mind
Tears began to build in Harry's eyes as he stared long and hard into the wall. Each time he strummed a note is like casting a spell for all his grief went into the song. His voice faltered at some parts but he let himself play for the rest before stopping lost because he could not think of anything else. Well done master a voice said and Harry turned to Hedwig the owl looked at him with achievement in her eyes. "What do you mean?" he asked, "It means Harry that you have done something we have not accomplished yet," replied Neville as he stood over his bed with everyone else.
"Oh and what is it?" asked Harry, "Why my dear friend Mr. Potter you have just written a song," said Seamus and the boys laughed. "Well we best be off to bed now since tomorrow we will be spending Christmas holiday with Hakkai," and they all shuddered.
TBC
a/n: song is called "My Goodbye," and it is by Saliva