Chapter Twelve: More Reunions
Harry let the Marauder get into space before setting the hyperspace coordinates for Tatooine. Once the ship had disappeared into hyperspace, heading towards the desert world, Harry unfastened his harness and went back to the small common area.
James and Lily were waiting for him, along with Ginny. Anakin was sitting between Ginny and Lily, and was working on his Chemistry assignment. All four looked up when Harry entered.
Raising his eyebrows Harry commented mildly, "I was under the impression that you were supposed to have finished that already Anakin. Are you having trouble with it?"
Anakin nodded. "Yes, most of it's fine it's just this last Sith bedamned question that's giving me trouble."
Harry frowned slightly. "Language Padawan, there are ladies present" he said. As Anakin ducked his head in acknowledgement of the mild rebuke Harry came further into the room and sat down at the small table.
"Give it here, maybe I can make sense of it" he said, holding out his hand for the datapad. Anakin handed over the requested item before standing up.
"Master, while you're looking at that, can I go fly the ship?" he asked. Harry looked up, seeing a spark of mischief in Anakin's eyes. His own eyes sparkled in amusement before he replied, "Hmm, can you promise not to fly us into any more asteroid fields?"
Anakin blushed and replied, "That was unintentional and you got us out of there didn't you"
"After scraping multiple layers of paint off the ship from close encounters with several large asteroids and surviving dozens of near misses" came the retort from Harry who was paying attention to the datapad. Sensing that Anakin was getting impatient, he grinned and said, "Go sit at the controls, make sure we're not flying into any black holes. Don't take us out of hyperspace too early though. I'll see if Master Chyrr has finally set a problem that I can't solve."
Anakin nodded and disappeared up the passageway to the pilots seats. James, Lily and Ginny watched Harry concentrate on the datapad for a few minutes before hesitantly breaking the silence.
"Er Harry, what are you doing?" James asked. Harry looked up from the problem. "Hmm? Oh, I'm trying to work out this problem so I can help Anakin finish his assignment. Chemistry is one of my good subjects; Master Chyrr who's the Chemistry Instructor has occasionally challenged me to work out impossible seeming problems. I've done all of them so far."
"So what's the problem?" Lily asked. Harry ran a hand through his hair. "The problem is that there shouldn't be any problems that hard in an assignment for a class at Anakin's level. Maybe it was unintentional, or maybe Anakin's just looking at it in the wrong way."
Seeing that they were looking somewhat interested, he smirked and said, "In my room there's a datapad that I still carry round with languages downloaded on it. You can begin learning Basic if you wish. The writing is different to what it is on Earth, even if the spoken language is the same."
Ginny smiled and got up. "Where's your room Harry?"
"Down there, second on the left" was the distracted reply as Harry bent his head over the problem again. A few minutes later Ginny returned carrying a datapad in her hands.
"Ok how do we work this?" she asked. Harry briefly gave instructions and Ginny turned it on and downloaded the appropriate program. Ginny, Lily and James all crowded round the datapad, and began the process of learning the language. Finally James grew frustrated and stood up.
"Harry, would you permit us to do a knowledge transfer spell?" he asked. Harry looked up and frowned. "Knowledge transfer?" he queried.
"A spell that will allow us to gain your knowledge on the language of the Republic as well as its politics and general make up. It will allow us to fit in faster and make the transition easier."
"Does it hurt?" came a question from Anakin who was now standing in the doorway. James looked up at him and Anakin was struck by the similarities between James and Harry. "No it doesn't" James replied. "It will be disorientating for a few minutes but that's all."
"OK, so what do we do?" Harry asked. James, Lily and Ginny sat in a semi circle round him and then James started the proceedings. Placing his wand on Harry's temple he muttered an incantation. He was very surprised when it didn't work.
"Oops, I think I need to lower my shields" Harry said sheepishly when he was informed of the fact that the spell failed. After he had lowered his shields, James tried again and was rewarded with a dizzying amount of knowledge of the Republic, and the Jedi Order. He didn't get any memories, just facts. Harry was able to direct the spell inside his mind in some fashion so he could steer the spell away from the memories that his parents and Ginny didn't need.
Once James had finished and pulled his wand away, blinking in shock, Lily took his place, and then Ginny after her. Once they'd all assimilated the information properly, Harry turned the datapad with Anakin's assignment on it, round to them.
"Can you read this?" he questioned. Upon seeing three affirmative nods he nodded too. "Good it worked" he said before turning to Anakin.
"Would you mind taking them on a tour while I see if I can break this problem down?" he requested. Anakin acquiesced and soon Harry was alone in the common area frowning at the assignment.
After half an hour Harry grinned and put the datapad down. The problem wasn't that hard after all, Anakin had just gone about solving it the wrong way and had then gone round in circles with it. Smiling in satisfaction he held the datapad out to Anakin and said, "Here, I figured out what was wrong. You need to redo the second step, that's where the mistake was, all the other problems with that question stemmed from there."
Anakin took the pad and studied it for a few minutes before groaning and then smacking himself in the head. "I'm an idiot" the Padawan muttered, seeing how Harry had clearly laid out the working made him realize where he'd gone wrong himself.
Harry grinned. "No you're not Anakin, you merely took the wrong path in solving the equation that's all. Now that you know where you went wrong, correct it and then send the assignment to Master Chyrr when we get out of hyperspace.
Anakin nodded distractedly and redid the question that had been giving him trouble before saving the assignment and then tossing the datapad back in his bag with relief. Harry watched this with a smirk, thinking that while his apprentice was a good student, he didn't like assignments all that much. Raising an eyebrow he enquired, "Anakin, where are our passengers?"
Anakin's head snapped up and he went pale. "Uh, oops" he said, realizing that he'd lost them somewhere in the cargo hold. Just then their missing guests returned, and Harry stared at them in disbelief. They'd obviously found the small galley area as James was dripping from head to toe with ghava juice, and was bright blue as a result of that. Lily and Ginny had escaped being covered in juice but were highly amused at James' predicament.
Harry looked sideways at Anakin, who was struggling to hold in laughter. Harry took another look at his father before deciding, 'oh to hell with it' and breaking down in laughter himself. James glared at the whole group before drawing his wand and trying a Scourgify spell, to no visible effect.
"Uh Dad, that particular sort of juice has wonderful staining qualities, it has to wear off, it can't be cleaned off easily" Harry said through the occasional chuckle. James folded his arms and glared at Harry for a few more minutes before seeing the humor of the situation and ruefully beginning to laugh himself.
Harry stood and stretched. "Since you managed to find the kitchen by yourselves, how about some food?" Seeing the agreement on everyone's faces, Harry was just about to go and start cooking when a sudden jolt threw him to the floor.
Exchanging a glance with Anakin, Harry picked himself up and raced to the pilots seats with Anakin hot on his heels, followed by James, Lily and Ginny. They stared out the front viewports at a large ship, floating in space in front of them.
"Harry, what just happened?" Ginny asked. She was brave under ordinary circumstances but this was a highly unfamiliar situation for her and she was realizing that Harry and Anakin knew a lot more about this new world than she did. James and Lily felt similar feelings to Ginny but hid them. James found himself slipping back into Auror mode with each passing moment.
Harry answered Ginny's question with a terse, "Pirates Ginny, they want the Marauder probably."
Just then a voice crackled over the comm. system. "Surrender your ship and you won't be harmed. Prepare to receive boarders."
"Acknowledged" was all Harry said in reply. He exchanged a look with Anakin and saw the same look of anticipation that he was feeling. Harry turned off the comm. channel and said quietly, "Mum, Dad, Ginny, get back to the common area. When they board, say nothing, do nothing. Leave them to Anakin and myself OK." Getting nods of acknowledgement, the group moved back to the common area, Harry and Anakin stationing themselves at either side of the airlock hatch, where they would be out of sight of the invaders.
They didn't have to wait long, as the first invaders made it through the airlock with no time wasted. A total of 5 pirates came through, and stood in a line in front of the small group on the seat in front of them.
"Well well, look what we have here. You don't mind if we take your ship do you?" the leader said. As instructed, James, Lily and Ginny said nothing. They didn't have to as Harry spoke from behind them.
"They might not but we do."
As the pirates spun round Harry and Anakin moved from their positions, Anakin coming round to stand in front of James, Lily and Ginny, lightsaber ignited, prepared to deflect any blaster fire that might come towards them. Harry was herding the pirates towards the airlock.
"Jedi!" the leader spat. Harry smiled coldly. "Yes, I'm a Jedi, and I don't appreciate you lot trying to steal my ship. As such, you can get back over to your ship now and leave us to continue our journey in peace."
One of the younger pirates snarled out, "Never" and drew his blaster, firing two shots at Harry. With a silver flash of light Harry's lightsaber hummed to life and deflected the shots back at the pirates, before two controlled slashes took both the blaster, and then the arm of the unfortunate pirate who had fired at him. The rest of the pirates decided that leaving would ensure their life expectancy and fled, dragging the wounded one with them.
As they left, Harry raced to the Marauder's controls, and swung the ship round. Swiftly bringing his weapons to bear on the fleeing ship, he fired a couple of proton torpedoes at them; scoring hits that short circuited their electrical system and stuffed up their hyperdrive. Until they could effect the necessary repairs, the pirates were sitting ducks for any law enforcement officials that might come their way.
Resetting the coordinates for Tatooine the Marauder leapt into hyperspace again, and remained in hyperspace until they reached Tatooine a few weeks later. As Anakin piloted the ship down, Harry drew the rest of his family off to the side.
"Anakin and I will be leaving the ship here; it's a personal matter for him that we need to attend to. Stay on the ship, there are lots of scavengers around here, we don't want to draw too much attention to ourselves. Placing his Pensieve on the table he continued, "I know you know most of what my life was like but should you wish to see for yourself, feel free. You can't discuss it with anyone other than me, Mace Windu, Master Sora or Master Hikari. We're the ones that know the full story. Anakin knows bits of it, but not everything."
As he was preparing to leave Ginny called out, "Harry wait." Seeing him stop and turn to look at her she said, "What memories does it contain?"
"A selection memories of my life before Hogwarts, and what my life was like after I came here. You know about my Hogwarts years which is why I didn't put them in."
Ginny nodded and watched as Harry and Anakin walked down the landing ramp and off into the desert. Turning to James and Lily the three exchanged uneasy looks before putting their fingers into the Pensieve.
Harry and Anakin were walking towards Mos Espa when Anakin broke the comfortable silence between them.
"Master, why did you give them your Pensieve to look in?" he asked. Harry looked at him and replied, "Because I felt they needed to know what I showed them, and also the Jedi memories in there should help them understand a bit better how the Order works."
Anakin looked at the approaching city for a minute before asking quietly, "Why won't you show me?"
"Why won't I show you what?" Harry enquired. Anakin shrugged. "Your memories of the Dursleys, of Hogwarts. I felt out of place on Earth, it was a part of your past that you've never let me into, or at least only allowed me glimpses of. Don't you trust me with it?"
Harry sighed; once again the issue of trust reared its head. Stopping and turning to face Anakin he said, "I do trust you Padawan, and I'm sorry if you felt left out on Earth, that wasn't my intention. It's just that, well, when you put a memory in a Pensieve, you relive it while you're extracting it and I have so many bad memories of my relatives that I didn't want to go through it all again. How about this though, once we're finished here, I'll allow you into my mind and you can see the memories first hand, rather than in a bowl OK?"
"OK Master" Anakin replied, looking a bit happier. They stopped talking, allowing silence to once more fall between them until they entered the city.
"OK Padawan, which way to Watto's shop?" Harry asked. Anakin looked round, getting his bearings and then confidently headed off in search of his former owner. Harry followed content to let his apprentice lead the way while he kept watch for any beings that might try to harm them.
After a few minutes they arrived at Watto's shop, and the two Jedi strode inside. Watto came flying up and halted upon seeing the Jedi that had (to his mind) cheated him out of the best slave he'd ever had. It was the second Jedi that drew his attention when Anakin lowered his hood and spoke.
"I'm looking for Shmi Skywalker" he said in Huttese. Watto looked confused, why would an unknown Jedi be looking for his slave. He looked closer at the younger Jedi and suddenly had a revelation.
"Ani?" he said, shocked. Anakin nodded and Watto became more businesslike. "Why do you want to see her?" he asked. Anakin smirked and then glanced at Harry.
Master do you want to tell him or should I?
You carry on; you're doing a good job so far. I'm just the back up at the present time.
Anakin looked back at Watto and then said calmly, "I want to buy her." Inwardly he recoiled, he hated discussing his mother as if she was an object, and not a person but he had to discuss it in terms that Watto would understand.
"How much are you willing to pay?" Watto asked greedily. Anakin's eyes flashed briefly with anger but he calmed when Harry placed a hand on his arm.
Calm Anakin, remain calm. He's a greedy little twit I know but in order to free your mother we first have to get her away from him and that unfortunately entails buying her.
I know but it's so difficult Master
You're doing fine, just give him the money, and let's get your mother freed.
OK
Anakin reached into the bag that hung at his belt and withdrew a single Galleon. Holding it up he said, "Would this be enough?"
Watto examined the gold coin, he didn't quite know what it was but it was solid gold and the Hutts were always on the lookout for solid metals that they could convert to credits. He nodded and said, "Not enough, do you have more?"
Anakin withdrew another 9, making 10 Galleons. Watto shook his head. Anakin upped the price to 50. Still nothing. Finally Anakin became frustrated and put the entire bag, which contained the remainder, some 500 Galleons on the bench top. Watto examined the amount and then looked up.
"Deal" was all he said. He then gave Anakin the transmitter code, which would turn off the explosive device in the transmitter, not knowing that Harry had done that part years ago, and the necessary papers transferring ownership. With papers and transmitter code in hand Anakin led the way to his childhood home, hoping that his mother was home.
As luck would have it, she was, and she looked up when two hooded strangers walked into her home. "Yes may I help you?" she asked.
The shorter of the two pulled his hood down revealing black hair and sparkling green eyes. Shmi searched her memory for why this person seemed familiar before realizing who it was.
"Harry?" she asked. Harry nodded and then stepped aside, allowing his companion to lower his hood as well. Shmi was stunned to see Anakin, her son, who she'd thought she'd never see again. "Ani?" she queried. Anakin nodded, and then walked to his mother, embracing her tightly. After a few minutes, they separated and sat down at the table in the kitchen.
"Why are you here?" Shmi questioned. Anakin grinned. "You remember that promise I gave you when I left Mum?" Seeing Shmi's nod he held up the ownership papers, before tearing them up and then saying, "We went to Watto, we got him to give you to us. You're free Mum."
Shmi was stunned. Anakin and Harry had come back to Tatooine to free her. Her thoughts turned to Cliegg Lars who had promised to free her once he had the money to buy her from Watto. They were in love and planned to marry once she was free again.
"That's wonderful Ani but I can't come with you" she said. Seeing Anakin's face fall she explained, "I'm in love with Cliegg Lars, he's a moisture farmer near Mos Eisley. He promised to free me when he had the money. He wants to marry me."
Anakin was struggling with the concept of his mother getting married. He understood that this meant leaving her all over again but this time she was free and would hopefully have a good life. Harry remained silent knowing that this was a difficult thing for Anakin to accept.
Finally Anakin said, "Is he a good man?" Seeing his mother's happy smile he relaxed. "OK then. I wish you luck Mum, and I hope he makes you happy. I love you."
Shmi reached out to him. "I love you too Anakin, I won't stop loving you. You're a Jedi now, and I can't interfere with that. I'll be happy with Cliegg and you'll be able to come and visit us when you can." Seeing that Anakin still looked upset, Harry intervened.
"Anakin" he said quietly. When Anakin turned to look at him he continued, "You kept your promise; your mother is free now. Let her live her life as she wants to. You'll be able to visit and she'll be safe. Don't force her to leave when she doesn't want to."
Anakin nodded before saying, "I know. Stay safe Mum."
Anakin, Harry and Shmi stood up and Anakin hugged his mother fiercely, wanting to remember this for a long time. He then turned and left the house, with Harry behind him. Shmi gathered her things and then followed them, not wanting to stay longer than she had to. In the marketplace they ran into Cliegg Lars who had just come from Watto's store.
"Shmi, Watto said he'd sold you. Who to?" he asked. He hadn't noticed Harry and Anakin standing behind Shmi until Anakin spoke.
"Us, but we freed her. I'm Anakin Skywalker, and this is my Master, Harry Potter."
Cliegg looked at Shmi. "Your son?" he queried, upon hearing Anakin's name. Shmi nodded. "They're Jedi Cliegg, Harry freed Anakin when he was 9 and took him to the Jedi Order. They came back to free me.
Cliegg nodded and held out his hand first to Anakin, then to Harry. Both Jedi shook it firmly and Anakin said, "Look after my mother sir." Cliegg smiled. "I intend to Anakin, don't worry about that. She'll be safe."
After a few more minutes of small talk, Harry and Anakin began the walk back to their ship while Shmi and Cliegg took his speeder back to Mos Eisley to begin their new life together.
