Moving On

The remnants of the demons and occasional Death Eater were slowly pushed outside of the reactivated wards. The entire hospital wing and surrounding corridors was packed with injured and dead bodies. No one had the heart to move those who had died. In a separate area of the mansion the teens lay in their conjured hospital beds eavesdropping on the adults' discussion. Harry and Wyatt had explained to the other teens about the demon that had been released. Malarauko was Ash Goth's right hand man back in the Griffin Wars and he had single-handedly almost brought the three kingdoms of Dwarves and Elves to their knees. The quick thinking of Merlin and an Elven princess had saved the Light from utter destruction. Malarauko's capture changed the tides in the war and gave the first Power of Five enough of a distraction to banish Ash Goth to a different dimension.

Harry, covered in bandages and oily goop, shifted in his bed bringing about another wave of nausea. His battle with Barbas had left him covered in burns and Madam Pomfrey feared that the wounds were infected and as such refused to allow Leo to heal him. "Do you think the Elves will pull back?"

Uur shrugged. "I have not the slightest clue. My dad and the Elven race in general are extremely proud and do not accept defeat; but this is a set back that none of the strategists accounted for." He had a nasty looking black eye and his face was still covered in blood from his recently fixed nose.

Harry watched Dumbledore's worried blue eyes for any sign of how the discussion was going. In the candlelight Harry realized just how old Dumbledore was; the wrinkles in his mentor's skin cast long flickering shadows over the rest of his face. The silver beard and hair were cut short and was thinner than the last time Harry examined the headmaster. What scared Harry the most was the lack of any spark of life in the deep blue eyes. The eyes were glazed over and lacked the intensity Harry feared when it was directed at him. The savior of the wizarding world, in Harry's opinion, looked like a tired old man instead of the powerful warrior and protector he was supposed to be.

"…Harry!"

Harry snapped out of his daze. "What?"

Hermione's worried eyes met his. "What's going to happen now?"

Harry's eyes wandered around the room. He saw Wyatt still struggling to breathe without causing himself pain despite his father's best efforts to heal the almost shattered rib cage. Chris's skin had gained some color since the last dose of antidote, but he was still too pale for Harry's liking. Ash Goth's blade had been tipped with an unknown poison that according to the medic that examined Chris, destroyed red blood cells at an alarming rate. Kyle lay dead still in his bed, cringing as his nervous system came back online; Voldemort's curse had paralyzed the young Potter and the kick had ruptured Kyle's spleen. By the time medics were able to stop the bleeding, Kyle had lost over half his blood supply and his heart had shut down from the shock.

The last person his eyes met was Brendin. Brendin was bruised up but the worst of the damage was not evident to the naked eye. Voldemort had ripped the tendons in the lower part of Brendin's legs, the worst injury for a runner. Madam Pomfrey and Leo had tried to heal the damage magically, but Voldemort seemed to have thought the curse out quite thoroughly as their efforts were in vain. Eventually, Madam Pomfrey had given the distraught teen a sedative and pain medication and left. Harry watched as Brendin smiled at a joke Caleb whispered in his ear. He squeezed Leah's hand and she smiled. Harry's lips twitched.

"I think we'll get through this…somehow."

Hermione nodded, but did not answer. She seemed to disagree but Harry did not mind. He understood that the possible loss of the Elves and Dwarves was squashing any hope a person could have. He was surprised that he did not care which way the Elves decided; for the first time he felt that he was the person people believed him to be. He felt cold metal on his finger; on his ring finger sat the gold ring Cho gave him but another ring clung to his middle finger. He pulled the ring off for closer inspection.

The ring was silver and fit him perfectly. Across the band ran black Celtic knots that intertwined but never stopped. A triquetra of sorts sat on the center of one of the four larger knots. A pentagram sat in another and a heptagram sat in the third. The fourth was the most intrinsic and it popped out unlike the other three that like the Celtic knots were engraved. This knot wove around a single tiny purple amethyst that glinted in the candlelight. The knots formed a rough sketch of a tiny bird's head with the jewel set in the eye.

Harry stared at the bird and it seemed to move in the light. The jewel drew his attention and as he looked at the stone, it glowed of its own accord and a tiny ghostly form of a kingfisher flew around Harry's head before disappearing back into the stone. Harry looked up, but on one seemed to have noticed. Quietly, he replaced the ring on his finger. He glanced up again and noticed that the adults had finallycome to a decision. He waited patiently as Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Uurande-tur entered the room from behind the glass door.

"You will be pleased to hear that I have decided that the Elves are protecting their well being the most by remaining on the front lines. I do not speak for the Dwarves, but the general assures me that they will remain as well." Uurande-tur stated as if he was addressing the press rather than friends. "We will return to our kingdoms to rebuild, but Uurande will remain behind as an ambassador until such a time we can return to this plane."

Uur frowned but acquiesced, "As you wish, father."

"You disagree with my decision?"

"Of course not," Uur bowed his head submissively. "But I do disagree with my title."

"Oh!" Uurande-tur crossed his arms his eyebrows rose. "Explain!"

Uur sat up giving his father a hard look. "I am remaining behind as a friend and ally, not…"

Uurande-tur nodded. "I never said that you were not. It pains me to make this political, but that is the nature of our relationship with the wizarding world."

The three adults left soon after leaving the teens to discuss the new events in the war. The discussion did not last long, as they were all exhausted having only slept for a few hours the night before Christmas, which seemed to be an eternity ago. Soon only Harry and Kyle were awake, but Kyle was in too much pain to do much talking. Harry quietly cast a dreamless-sleeping charm he had read up on a few weeks before and smiled as Kyle's snores echoed in the room minutes later. Harry turned over slowly and stared out the window.

Five figures stood in the courtyard. They remained perfectly still and Harry knew that they were watching over the sleeping Hall. The vampires had refused to come inside using the excuse they would leave as soon as the fighting was over. They had to inform the Coven that the necromancers were joining the war. Something even Antonius seemed to be dreading: the approaching battle with his followers. Harry sighed and let his mind wander to when the vampires had found him soon after Malarauko was released.

"Harry! Wake up!" Xtoperus growled.

Harry felt his eyelids spring open but all he saw was white as his pupils were not quite as responsive. "What happened?"

Antonius stepped forward and pulled the young man up. "You need a medic."

Harry cringed as his mind started to register the pain. "What happened?"

"The Suxen was released," Mathias stated dryly. "And so was Malarauko."

Harry started to move.

"You need to stop!" Antonius stated coolly. Harry's feet became cemented to the ground. "There is nothing you can do about his release, at least not in your state."

"How…"

Xtoperus smiled. "Elder's gift."

"What?"

Antonius shook his head. "Do you remember your dream?"

Harry faltered; his eyebrows disappearing into his mop of hair. "What does that have—"

"Did you remember what I called you?" Antonius's eyes focused on Harry's not letting him lower his gaze.

"Yes," Harry whispered, "…my child."

"Do you know what that means?"

Harry shook his head; breaking the connection. "I barely understand the differences between you and the vampires begging for Voldemort's affection." Xtoperus and Mathias blanched.

Antonius led the way down the corridor keeping a firm hand on Harry's shoulder, guiding him to the hospital wing. "A necromancer never uses the word 'child' unless it is to his or her child or to the one person he turned who he considers his equal."

Harry's knees grew wobbly. "Please tell me you're my biological father."

"Relax, Harry." Antonius chuckled, "I did not turn you. I just bit you in order to help your body when you gained your powers."

"What!"

Xtoperus stepped in. "Antonius and I are good friends with the Potters and have been since they helped us all those years ago. We also are one of the few to know of a prophecy telling of the final battle between good and evil…when Voldemort began his first rise to power, he asked us to join him…we declined, but one of our kind got his blood. That blood was tested and he proved to be the heir of Slytherin spoken about in our prophecy we immediately began to search for the heir of the Five. Digging through our archives we discovered that only one family had the blood of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Merlin in its blood: the Potters. Unfortunately, Voldemort found out about the prophecy and killed off a large score of your family."

Harry stumbled. "…How?"

Christiana hissed the answer, "Voldemort killed my daughter!"

Antonius solemnlynodded. "Voldemort killed scores of necromancers in the British Isles. I called all necromancers back to America until Voldemort was dealt with. I left Xtoperus over in England to protect the last Potter, young James. Xtoperus befriended your mother and helped the two realize their love; your father was extremely stubborn. When he heard that Lily was pregnant he returned home to inform me; that information was too important to be written down. Voldemort attacked your family during that time, but Dumbledore defeated him. That was when the history you are privy to transpired. I came back to England, my homeland, to convince your parents of the threat to your life. Your mother believed me and allowed me to perform the ceremony that would protect you from your power."

"What power?"

"The one that you're wearing on your hand!" Antonius pointed at the ring. Harry glanced down and stared back up at the vampire. "You're the child prophesied to control the Protector of the Light, the Suxen!"

"So why did I have to be bitten?" Harry was getting angry now.

Xtoperus laughed. "Vampire's bodies can change and adapt to new power, something humans cannot do. Antonius's ritual gave you that protection so that when the Suxen entered your body you did not die…"

They went on to explain the intricate details but Harry did not pay attention. He was once again the subject of a prophecy that cost his family their lives. What surprised him is that he did not feel remorseful like before; instead he felt proud that his parents and family had the courage to stand up to Voldemort and give him the chance to destroy the man. Harry also heard the reason why he was not an animagus was that he was now something more rare and powerful. Its name was in the grunts and growls of the necromancer, but what he got out of it was his form: a fully-fledged Elder vampire. The form would appear when he needed it. Harry thought about the form Antonius took briefly as he drifted off to sleep.

Harry sat down next to an overly tired Caleb for breakfast a couple of days after the battle. The younger teen's head kept on coming dangerously close to landing in his bowl of cereal before Caleb jerked himself awake. Harry watched the process occur a few more times before he decided to intervene.

"What's up, Caleb?"

"Huh?" Caleb looked around before spotting Harry next to him. "Oh, it's you…nothing much." He returned his focus on his soggy bowl of Rice Krispies.

Harry smiled and raked his brain for some topics to discuss. He had a feeling that Caleb was not in the mood to talk about what was actually wrong, at least not yet. "So, have you been outside yet?"

Caleb shook his head. "I've been visiting Brendin when I'm not being forced to get some rest."

"Well, you look like you could use some." Harry jokingly stated.

Caleb vaguely nodded. "His legs still aren't healing…"

Harry placed a comforting hand on Caleb's shoulder. "I'm sure that Wyatt will heal him in a snap as soon as he feels up to it."

"Shouldn't he be healing naturally though?" Caleb's voice gained a frantic tone.

"Has Madam Pomfrey or Leo expressed any concerns?" Harry asked calmly.

The bowl of cereal started to steam. "They don't want to worry me with the details." Caleb touched the bowl and it shattered. He jumped but then just sat there as hot milk ran all over the table and down onto him.

Harry waved his hand quickly and the milk formed into a pool as if it were milky white mercury. He conjured a glass and motioned for the milk to spill itself into the glass. Harry then wiped up the remaining cereal and threw the kernels away. "You should get some sleep."

Caleb nodded. "Sorry for the mess…my powers are acting up…" His eyes started to well up with tears.

"It's ok, Caleb." Harry sat stiff as Caleb hugged him. "No one was hurt."

Caleb, shaking with suppressed sobs, finally let go and wiped away a stray tear. "I don't know what's wrong with me…"

Harry forehead wrinkled up. "There's nothing wrong with you Caleb; you just lost control. Everyone does now and again." Harry awkwardly leaned forward and hugged Caleb comfortingly. "I'm surprised that that's all you did." Harry smiled as he felt Caleb laugh slightly. He held Caleb back at arm's length. "Go get some sleep and you'll be good as new. And don't worry about Brendin; he's survived worse and come out on the other end unscathed."

Caleb nodded and headed off to the temporary sleeping quarters as the damage from the collapsed wards was repaired.

"Harry Potter, the mighty warrior and comforter…" Hermione said as she entered the kitchen, "I wondered what Cho saw in you."

Harry smiled, "And what's that supposed to mean, Miss Granger?"

Hermione stopped herself. "Err..."

Harry laughed. "Relax, Hermione."

"Sorry, I just…" Hermione's ears reddened. "This is still weird to me."

"What, the fact that we're losing the war or that you and Ron are going out?" Harry questioned.

Hermione sat down in a chair facing the window. Harry came around the table and joined her. "I guess both; I mean I would not have hesitated to say what I was going to say before but it just felt…weird I guess…saying it now, with you engaged."

"Hermione," Harry smiled. "I love you like a sister and I hope the same goes for you—"

"Of course!"

"Ron and Cho will just have to get over whatever they feel about that," Harry stomped his foot softly. "I'm not going to marry Cho if it messes with my relationship with you."

Hermione blushed and Harry's ears were glowing red as well. "Thanks, Harry."

The two friends continued to discuss topics raging from Hermione's anxiety about school to planning Harry's wedding. Harry remained adamant that he was not having anything to do with the planning; all that led to was more fights. Hermione teased him saying he just did not want to admit that he had no artistic talent. The discussion eventually wound its way to the battle.

Harry rolled his eyes. "So what if Malarauko is walking free, Hermione? We've got the spell to return him to his prison. All we have to do is wait for him to show up somewhere."

Hermione shuddered at the name; something she had not done after seeing Harry battle Voldemort. "You didn't see him, Harry. He emanated power that made Voldemort and Ash Goth feel weak…"

"And what happened?" Harry asked, "Why did they retreat?"

Hermione closed her eyes trying to recall the memory. Her eyes closed tighter as she spoke. "Malarauko had emerged from the ground killing demons and elves alike when a gold dome appeared around the Manor. It moved outwards pushing the demons and balrogs out with it. The few that resisted seemed to just disappear and empower the ward. Malarauko pushed the ward and it buckled before a purple tentacle formed into a fist and punched back. It knocked him off his feet and his fall rocked the earth for miles; no one was standing up after that fall. The ward continued to push out and Malarauko turned into a black swarm of embers and disappeared…"

Harry nodded. "That ward was the Suxen."

"How do you know that?" Hermione stared at the young man quizzically.

Harry rolled the ring inside his pocket in between his fingers. He bit his lip wondering how much to disclose. "Antonius fought in the Griffin Wars; he told me about the capture of Malarauko."

Hermione shook her head, sending her bushy hair swaying. "I don't get why you trust them. They're vampires, Harry!"

Harry clutched his fists but kempt the disgust out of his voice. "Lupin is a werewolf; doesn't make him a bad person."

"No, but vampires aren't werewolves…" Hermione floundered for a way to explain herself. "Werewolves only transform once a month. Vampires are vampires forever."

"So if I told you I was a vampire, what would you do?" Harry said angrily.

Hermione frowned and spoke reassuringly. "I wouldn't do anything. Harry…I'm not saying they're evil, just that you shouldn't be so ready to trust others…"

"Why shouldn't I trust them?" Harry's voice was harsh. "They saved my life twice, Uurande-tur trusts them, and Dumbledore is indifferent on the subject. They are extremely powerful and were friends with my parents." Harry smacked himself when the last part slipped out of his mouth.

Hermione's eyes grew huge. "How do you know that?"

Harry waved his hand and blue orbs turned into a falling apart book. "This is book told me so." Harry flipped the pages of his photo album and stopped on the page filled with wedding pictures. "Xtoperus," he pointed at the vampire trying desperately to sneak out of the frame.

Hermione gasped. "But…how?"

Harry closed the album. "That is something they wish for me to keep secret." He saw Hermione's desire to pry further. He stood up and looked down at the surprised witch. "I'm going up to see Brendin." He turned around and disappeared.

A week after the battle Phoenix Hall saw the return of a protection force of Elven Elite Guards. The effect was almost instantaneous and Harry could not help but laugh at everyone. A return of ten Elves and they were acting like Voldemort had fallen fatally ill. He was happy that they were beginning to move past the loss and shock of the battle and he privately rejoiced at the return of the Guards. He wanted to talk to some Elves about the Griffin Wars and the Suxen. Uur, as good a friend as he was, would simply ask too many questions that Harry did not want to answer. Harry split his time visiting Brendin, Kyle, and Wyatt in their separate rooms and probing the minds of the Elves. The Guards were happy to talk about the Wars, especially the lieutenant who actually fought in the Second Griffin War along side Uur's father.

According to the Elves, there were three separate Wars; Harry had learned there was only two. The Elves counted Ash Goth's first encounter with the Elves and his conquering of the fourth Kingdoms. The Second War began with the rise of Ash Goth's loyal balrog servants and ended with the Elves banishing Ash Goth and the balrogs from their kingdoms. It was during the brief pause in between wars that the Elves and numerous other magical creatures retreated into the Elven Kingdoms completely and shut down the pathways except for two. The Third War dealt with Ash Goth's conquest over the wizarding world via Morgana. The Third War came to an end with the Power of Five banishing Ash Goth and capturing Malarauko.

Harry enjoyed his time with the Elves however short it was. He felt his magic more now than ever and he could feel their magic and it just felt right to be with them. He was surprised how strong his Elven blood actually was, considering it was watered down. He also noticed the vampire form pushing to the surface and he quietly suppressed it, although his dreams were becoming mono-topical. He felt the power of the Power of Five in his veins and hidden deep in himself was the cold spec that he instinctively knew would allow him to control the Suxen when the time came.

It was Saturday before anything started to trouble Harry since the battle. Four more countries had fallen under Voldemort's control and news of Voldemort using Nihilus to kill an entire city when a tiny riot happened showed Harry just how bad things were. They were wasting time healing and re-gathering; the Resistance needed to strike out and win a battle and soon if Voldemort was going to be stopped. It was with this mindset that he entered Kyle's room.

"Hey Harry!" Kyle almost sang joyously.

Harry almost jumped in fright. Kyle was sitting on the edge of his bed perfectly happy and energetic. He was void of any bruises and cuts that had existed the last time Harry saw his cousin. Kyle finished getting dressed by shoving on a red sweater. He got off the bed and walked to the door. "I think I'll go get a snack. Want to join me?"

"Sure," Harry replied dumbly. "When did all this happen?" He eventually asked as they neared the actual kitchen.

Kyle placed his hand on the painting of Merlin and the painting enlarged itself and opened up to reveal a sparkling white kitchen with ten house elves running back and forth, picking up supplies before disappearing or preparing dinner. Kyle stepped through the doorway.

"Oh, this morning. Wyatt came into my room and read a spell before healing me." Kyle smiled as a house elf ran straight into his leg and was now apologizing profusely. "It's quite alright; it was my fault."

"Thanks you, sir," the elf bowed before walking around Kyle and reached for the packet of gray mold. The mold let out wails of complaint, which caused the house elf to swing the packet rather violently hard against the wall. "The mold are stunned." The house elf explained when she caught Kyle's look. "We house elves use them to clean the toilets; they don't likes it much."

"I can understand why," Harry commented.

"Sir!" All the house elves bowed except for two. One was simply beaming and the other was too drunk to notice.

Harry smiled. "You don't have to do that…"

"Thank you, sir," they said in unison. The beaming house elf walked up to the two Potters.

"Harry Potter, how great to see you!"

Harry smiled. "Nice to see you too, Dobby."

Dobby bounded up and down with uncontained enthusiasm, which caused a few of his fellows to laugh. "Is there anything Dobby can do for the two masters?"

Kyle nodded, "I'd like some coffee and a snack." Harry shook his head negatively.

Dobby bounded off to go fetch the coffee. "He seems to have gotten over you somewhat."

"Thank God." Harry said smiling.

Dobby returned with the coffee and snack of fruits and crackers. Kyle thanked the house elf and the two Potters left the kitchen.

"So, Wyatt healed you…"

Kyle nodded he finished chewing the grape and swallowed. "He said that Ginny wrote the spell. It seems she's been taking private lessons from Piper, much to his dismay."

Harry laughed. "Good for her. She needs to get on Piper's good side."

"Wyatt thinks they're getting too close…" Kyle went on to explain Wyatt's annoyance. It seemed Piper spent the majority of the lessons talking about Wyatt instead of actually teaching Ginny. "…I pinched myself to stop myself from laughing." The two continued down the hall and out into the courtyard. It seemed the rest of the teens had decided today would be a perfect day for a snowball fight. They were all sick of worrying about the war; they needed a break to just be kids.

"Harry, you're on our side!" yelled Caleb as he dived into the snow to avoid a snowball. "They've already got two water elementals!"

Harry saw Uur form a snowball out of a ball of water in his hand and Daelan was shoving a rather large mound of snow at Brendin who was fighting it off with a wave of fire and losing. Harry looked at Kyle.

"I guess I'll join the winning side," Kyle joked.

Harry smiled, "We'll see about that!"

The teens wandered back inside just before dinner because it had started to rain sleet. They departed into their separate rooms to change and warm up before heading down to dinner. Harry bumped into Uur on the way back from his room. They stayed together until they reached the dinning room, neither speaking. Uur took a seat on the far end of the table and Harry found his usual seat closest to the adult table. Dumbledore and Lupin were the only other occupants of the room.

"Harry, just the person we wanted to see," Dumbledore said cordially. "Uur, you won't mind if we borrow your friend for a few moments?"

Lupin and Dumbledore directed Harry out the side door into the kitchen. Lupin was frowning and kept casting Dumbledore dark looks. "Harry, how are you?"

"Fine, Remus." Harry said jovially. "And you?"

Remus shrugged. "Could be doing better, but that is out of my hands."

"Quite right," Dumbledore stated gravely. "Lupin has reported to me that Greyback has convinced a large portion of the werewolf population to join Voldemort. It seems the werewolves do not like the idea of us having the necromancers as allies."

Harry nodded. "Well at least we know where they stand now."

"They are a huge boost for Voldemort, Harry." Lupin worriedly stated. "You don't seem all that concerned."

Harry looked at Dumbledore who remained neutral. "I don't see the point in worrying, Remus. We already decided in the last Council meeting that the werewolves were leaning toward Voldemort, so this was not unexpected."

Dumbledore nodded. "Remus, I see that Harry does have a point. We simply have to take this in stride. Please inform Professor McGonagall of the situation. I will join you shortly," he opened the door. "I have something to discuss with Harry."

Harry waved goodbye. "Professor?"

Dumbledore smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. "We are in serious trouble, Harry. I do not want the others to know this, but Voldemort is moving quicker than I anticipated and I am no closer to finding the Horcruxes. I have also lost control over the Order to the point that they hardly listen to my opinions, despite Minerva's attempts to persuade them otherwise. I cannot leave here in case the Order tries to completely overthrow Minerva, but the Elves have exhausted their sources…"

"Sir," Harry said slowly, "Perhaps you should allow the Order to get on with what they think is best. We need to find the Horcruxes; otherwise, we may as well hang up the towel now."

Dumbledore smiled, "Exactly what I was thinking. I think I shall leave in a week's time or so, but first I must talk to you about your powers. We have finished discussing Voldemort at least for now." Dumbledore pushed his spectacles back up his nose. "Will tomorrow afternoon suit you?"

Harry nodded.

"Excellent, we have a Council meeting in the morning that you and Wyatt are excused from…but I'll tell you the exact time as soon as I figure it out." Dumbledore seemed to perk up. "Well, I had better go save Remus and I need to speak to Severus about last night's meeting…I shall see you tomorrow Harry." Dumbledore continued to mumble to himself as he walked out the door.

Harry snuck one last look at the old headmaster before heading back into the now noisy dining room. He slipped into his seat and dished up some of the shepherd's pie. Dumbledore worried him; the headmaster seemed to be falling apart. Too much pressure and the Order collapsing into chaos were not good for Dumbledore's health. Wyatt caught Harry's eye and Harry smiled to show nothing was wrong. Wyatt moved closer.

"Are you actually hungry?"

Harry looked down at the mash and mince and shook his head. "I'd prefer a long walk."

Wyatt finished off his mini lemon tart and walked out the door. Harry got up and followed him. Wyatt walked slowly in the general direction of the library. Harry followed submissively, not ready to talk. Wyatt stopped in front of the giant window outside of the library.

"So what's up?"

Harry shrugged. "Things aren't going well…"

"That's not it!" Wyatt snapped softly, "You were perfectly gleeful when we lost the battle."

"I wasn't happy about that, Wyatt."

"I'd hope not," Wyatt looked at Harry as the Gryffindor stared out the window into the moonlit courtyard.

Harry turned around and sat down of the stone bench. "I'm worried about everything and nothing."

"Err…ok."

Harry smiled. "It just hits me how bad our situation is, and then I feel confident that we'll pull through…I don't know how else to explain it."

Wyatt nodded. "Perhaps you should tell me what you're sometimes worried about."

Harry sighed. "Voldemort practically controls the world and he has four powerful demon at his side…the Elders…the werewolves joining Voldemort…Dumbledore…the Order…school…if I'm going to fulfill my destiny…you name it, I'm probably worrying about it."

Wyatt nodded. "You've stopped wearing that other ring."

Harry frowned for a moment before it dawned on him. "Yeah, it was just a trinket and it kept bashing into my engagement ring."

"You're hiding something." Wyatt sounded hurt. "You should be able to trust me."

Harry nodded. "That's not it Wyatt. I just don't understand it all myself yet."

"So explain what you can." Wyatt sat down. "Starting with the rash on your neck."

"What rash?" Harry stared at Wyatt questionably.

Wyatt's hand brushed softly against Harry's neck and Harry cringed in pain. "That one."

"It's probably just an insect bite."

"One with a very big mouth!"

Harry conjured up a mirror. "That is rather bad." Harry's neck was red and swollen with two prominent bumps closer to his shoulder. Harry covered it up despite the immense pain of having the fabric of his shirt rub against the skin.

Wyatt nodded in agreement. "I could try and heal it for you."

"Err, no thanks…"

Wyatt stared Harry in the eyes and the older boy held his breath. "What's going on Harry?"

Harry looked away. "I've learned something about myself that other's may not like."

"Oh, that you're even more powerful than you pretend you are?" Wyatt joked.

Harry stood up and walked up to the stair railing. "The ring you saw is part of a prophecy coming true…"

"So what're you worrying about—there's like, six prophesies concerning us."

Harry brought the ring out of his pocket and placed it on. He felt the immediate urge to transform, but he shoved it back down. "Is that rash any worse?"

Harry hardly needed to ask; he noticed Wyatt's eyes focused on his neck. "It's...it's glowing!"

Harry bit his lip. This was hardly something he wanted out in the open. "That is a bite from Antonius." Wyatt remained dead still staring at the bite. "Did you hear me?" Harry was fearful.

"But...you're not a vampire…" Wyatt spoke in an almost inaudibly questioning whisper. His eyes locked onto Harry's.

Harry's eyes lit up; perhaps Wyatt would understand. "I have a vampire as an animagus form of sorts."

"But McGonagall's test—"

Harry stopped him. "It isn't the exact same thing, but it was the easiest way to describe it. This rash is from me suppressing the form."

Wyatt wandered over to the railing as well. "Why did they bite you?"

"To protect me from my magics." Harry whispered. "This ring is the physical embodiment of the strongest magical entity known to exist."

"You mean the Suxen…" Wyatt turned around and sunk down against the railing.

Harry sat down next to the pale teen. "Yes, I'm supposedly able to control the Suxen."

"So we're going to win this war after all…" Wyatt half joked.

Harry smiled. "Looks like it."

"Have you transformed?" Wyatt's voice showed he accepted this new change in his friend.

Harry's heart soared with relief. "No, I've been too scared that I'll lose myself."

"Want to try tonight?" Wyatt asked excitedly. "I think I'd be able to wake you up if anything goes wrong."

Harry hesitated. "Uhmm…"

"Come on, Harry!"

Harry touched his neck gingerly. Nodding to himself, he decisively complied, "Ok."

"I swear, I'm going to kill that bloody man!" Harry hissed as he and Wyatt stepped out from under his father's invisibility cloak.

Wyatt motioned with his hand for Harry to lower his voice. "Do you want to get caught?" He stared around the corner. "Ok, he's gone."

Harry followed Wyatt slowly. They had been dodging Snape the entire way down from Harry's room. The man seemed to appear out of nowhere every few minutes and always came two or three steps from bumping into Harry or Wyatt. They finally made it to the dining room when Snape came prowling in and Harry barely got the cloak over himself when the man turned the lights on. Harry and Wyatt held their breaths as the Slytherin's eyes wandered over the room and turned around.

"This is it!" Harry whispered. He removed the cloak and walked up to Snape. "Excuse me Professor, but what are you looking for?"

Snape spun around and glowered. "Students," He hissed, "Particularly, students out of bed!"

"I thought Dumbledore explained to you that there is no curfew," Harry replied calmly.

"He mentioned that," Snape admitted angrily. "But thatdoes not mean you should not be in bed."

Harry sighed, "I don't have time to argue with you, sir. Give me a detention and I'll argue tomorrow."

Snape glared. "I'll take you to the headmaster right now."

Snape reached out to grab Harry's arm when the room froze. Harry stepped back and looked back at the stunned Wyatt. Harry took the look to mean that Wyatt had not frozen the room. "Who then?"

Wyatt shrugged bemusedly and looked around the room. "You?"

"Me?" Harry shook his head. "I don't have that power."

Wyatt frowned. "And you didn't borrow it from me…Snape certainly didn't do it."

Harry shrugged and moved back into his initial position as the room slowly reverted back to real time. Harry bit his lip as a wave of pain emanated from his scar giving him a massive migraine. Snape released the arm, staring at his hand.

"What did you just do?" Snape questioned. He muttered a spell and his wounded hand glowed gold. The spell stopped and Harry saw the hand was unharmed again.

Harry raised his arms in confusion. "I didn't do anything, sir."

Snape looked down at his hand and he seemed to pale if that was even possible. "It's your lucky day, Potter." He walked away not noticing a bewildered Wyatt.

Harry looked back up to Wyatt. "Well, let's go."

"What do you think happened?" Wyatt followed Harry to the front door.

Harry shrugged. "May have something to do with the Suxen? A reflex?"

Wyatt nodded and let the topic go.

The air outside was cold, but Harry and Wyatt worked together to heat the air around them with a combination of elemental powers and charms. They walked up the path and around to the backside of the Hall. The forest still stood as a patch of deep dark green in the field of icy white. Harry stopped half way to the forest. Wyatt bumped into him.

"What?"

Harry looked up at the moon and pointed at the forest. Wyatt could hear the howling of a wolf. "I think we should stay out of the forest."

"A left over werewolf from the battle?"

Harry shrugged. "It's no longer a full moon, but that doesn't mean anything…the Dark Forest is filled with werewolves all year round."

Wyatt sat down on the hard packed snow. "Well, let's begin."

Harry nodded. "You melt away the snow and I'll set up a ward."

Wyatt closed his eyes as his hands glowed an angry red and even though Harry was standing a few feet away he could still feel the heat. The snow around them started to melt and in two minutes a ten-meter circle of brown dirt interrupted the white blanket. Harry finished placing the last brazil crystal at the fifth point of the pentagram. Harry looked at the forest and the picture distorted slightly, as if he was looking through a thin film of water.

Wyatt walked up to beside Harry. "Ready?"

Harry turned and a look of determination was set on his face. "As I'll ever be."

Wyatt nodded and stepped out of the circle. The ward glowed a faint green before returning back to its transparent state. Wyatt pulled out the piece of paper with his and Harry's blood on the edge. He muttered the spell written on it and burned it with a conjured candle. He placed the ashes on the closest crystal. He touched the ward and a shock of electricity zapped his hand away.

Shaking his finger to get feeling back into it he announced, "All done. Are you sure that it's big enough?"

"Positive." Harry whispered.

Harry sat down in the center of the circle and pulled out his ring. He levitated it in front of his face so that it spun slowly on an eight-degree axis. It slowly picked up speed until it was a blur of silver. A thin tentacle of purple emerged and turned into a tiny ghostly kingfisher. The purple bird flew up and circled the warded area three times before landing on Harry's right shoulder. It bent down and pecked at Harry's rash. Harry clenched his teeth. It pecked at the wound seven times. On the seventh time it pressed harder than the other times and Harry felt a soothing heat spread though his body. The kingfisher slowly entered Harry.

The soothing feeling lasted for a split second. Harry screamed out as every nerve in his body exploded in pain. He saw Wyatt try to get into the circle before he closed his eyes in pain. When he opened his eyes again everything had a violet tint and he had a bizarre type of double vision. Objects on the edge of his vision were normal but those that both of his eyes saw were doubled. He sat up but his back was still uncomfortable so he stood up. He jumped when he saw the tip of wings out of the corner of his eyes. He smiled and felt his teeth with his tongue; his canines were longer and sharper than he remembered them being. He concentrated and heard bone reform as his fangs shrank back to normal canines.

He looked down and saw he no longer had a shirt on and his jeans were frayed like that of the Hulk's. His skin was an undead gray with the occasion blue vein or pinkish artery discoloring it. He felt every muscle movement and knew instinctively that he had much more precise control over his muscles in this form than when he was human.

His vision finally corrected itself, which he was thankful for. He looked around to find Wyatt. He spotted the teen lying on his face in the snow. Without thinking he raised his hand and the ward collapsed; he stepped out of the circle. He bent down and felt Wyatt's pulse. He sighed with relief when he felt the pulse was strong and steady. He stood up and stretched out his wings. With two powerful flaps he was hovering a number of feet above the ground. He looked down at Wyatt and decided that a lap around the Manor would not hurt.

He returned and landed softly on the ground next to Wyatt. He knelt down and turned the unconscious boy over. Wyatt's eyes slowly opened and his pupils grew huge; Harry saw himself reflected in the orbs. "Relax, Wyatt. It's me."

Wyatt relaxed for a second before, "Harry...you're friggin' scary!"

Harry smiled and allowed his fang to grow. "I know."

Wyatt stood up and looked his friend over. "Guess you need to start to charm you clothes before you transform."

"Yeah, I liked that top." Harry joked.

"How long was I out?"

Harry looked down at his watch. "An…HOUR!"

Wyatt looked down at his own watch. "It's two in the morning! We've been out here for two hours!" Wyatt went around and collected the brazil crystals. "I hope it doesn't take you an hour to transform during a battle."

Harry, back to his normal self minus the rash, nodded. "I doubt it will."

The two teens rushed back to bed despite the fact that both knew they would not be able to sleep. They had to try; it was better than explaining everything to their friends in the morning.

"Morning Harry," Kyle said through a yawn at breakfast.

Harry waved his hand over his head, too tired to lift it off the table. Wyatt elbowed him and he sat up. He glared at Wyatt. "Morning, Kyle."

"Couldn't sleep?" Kyle summoned an apple from the fruit basket and began eating. "Me either. A hissing beetle decided to make its home under my bed and kept me up all night."

Harry nodded and stifled a yawn of his own. "I had some studying to do before my meeting with Dumbledore today."

Kyle cringed at the thought. "He's not going to be happy if you fall asleep on him."

"I think he'll understand," Harry muttered to himself but outwardly agreed with a smile and a nod. Kyle frowned but did not ask any more questions.

Wyatt finished his fourth cup of coffee. "I'm going to finish getting ready."

"Why won't you tell me where you going?" Harry asked again.

Wyatt sighed and sunk back into his chair. "I don't know where I'm going; that's why. All I know is that I have to meet Uurande-tur in half an hour with enough clothes for a week. And that Uur, Ron, Hermione, and Osric are joining me." Wyatt got up and again and left the kitchen.

"I guess he didn't have much sleep either," Kyle commented before turning his attention to a rather large grapefruit.

Harry nodded and laid his head back down on the table, moaning.

"Did you finally go see Leo about that rash of yours?" Dumbledore asked when Harry entered his office that afternoon.

"No, sir," Harry replied politely, if not haltingly. "It was not a medical thing."

Dumbledore frowned, but motioned for Harry to sit down. "Tea?"

Harry nodded. "Please, sir."

Dumbledore pointed a finger at the silver teapot and it started to pour itself into two teacups. "You take it black, right?"

"Correct." Harry caught the teacup and took a sip. "Sir, what do you know about the Necromancers?"

"Nothing really," Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "I know that your grandfather was friends with them and so was you father. He, in fact, tried to convince me to hire one to teach Defense for a year. I would have if it had not been for the wards placed on the school. Vampires cannot enter the school under any circumstance unless the very foundation of the castle was changed."

"Did my father ever talk to you about them?"

Dumbledore shook his head. "I cannot say your father and I had casual talks. He disliked me while he was a student and after he graduated we were too busy fighting Voldemort to become close friends. I knew your mother better." Dumbledore paused. "I have however, heard about their prophecy."

Harry sat up. "You know about it!"

"Yes," Dumbledore nodded gravely, "I never put much trust in the art of divination and fortune telling until the Potters all died in nearly a month. The most powerful magical family was wiped out save a single member in less than a moon's cycle. I knew that the prophecy had to be true if Voldemort would risk exposure to make sure it never happened."

Harry nodded. "But what about Trelawney's prophecy?"

Dumbledore nodded. "It fits in perfectly. I'm sorry Harry, but I am not wrong about you being the one with the power to destroy Voldemort."

"Explain."

Dumbledore finished his biscuit. "Voldemort still marked you as his equal by falling into the same trap he sprang when he started killing the Potters. You see Voldemort was very superstitious even as a boy, to the point that others even dared to mock him for it. He caught wind of a prophecy about his downfall and he jumped on to stop it from occurring. In doing so, he helped the prophecy to be true. By killing the Potters, he pointed us directly to the child that would bring about his end. We did everything in our power to protect you, even…risking the lives of your parents."

Harry's eyes grew large. "What?"

"Harry, let me explain before you explode." Dumbledore commanded calmly. "James and Lily went into hiding here in this Hall originally, but I convinced them to move to Godric's Hollow because it had unique wards that protected children under the age of two…Peter never figured out where Phoenix Hall was and so he could have never led Voldemort to your parents if they had remained here."

"Oh." Harry muttered.

Dumbledore got up. "Now, what happened to your parents was dreadful, but everyone did everything to stop it. So do not go and blame yourself for their deaths."

Harry looked up at Dumbledore. "Or you…"

Dumbledore's eyes softened. "I never said that."

"So you know about my power." Harry asked.

"Yes. I also realized that your rash had something to do with it. But I cannot understand how." Dumbledore looked at Harry expectantly.

Harry sighed. "You know that the Necromancers learned about the Potters being the family spoken about in the prophecy and so they watched my father closely. When I was born, Antonius came to speak to my parents and explained the prophecy to them. Antonius performed a ritual to protect me when I gained the powers."

"He turned you into a Necromancer of sorts," Dumbledore finished Harry's story. "Well that would explain why you do not have an animagus form; your father and your mother had one."

"What was my mother?" Harry asked, completely forgetting the lesson.

Dumbledore frowned, "I thought you would have learned about that already; she is a registered Animagus. I know Miss Granger consulted those records once in her third year."

"She never said anything."

Dumbledore nodded. "Your mother was a beautiful gray wolf, much to your father's dislike." Dumbledore chuckled. "They never transformed at the same time and took turns escorting Remus when he transformed, at least until they went into hiding." Dumbledore looked at Harry, "You've transformed then?"

"Last night," Harry said softly.

Dumbledore frowned at him over his half-moon spectacles."That was dangerous, Harry."

"I know, but I wasn't sure how much longer I could suppress it." Harry defended. "Wyatt and I constructed a ward should anything have gone wrong."

"Let me guess: the ward did not stand up against your power," Dumbledore stated nonchalantly.

Harry nodded in embarrassment. "I pulled them down without even thinking."

"Well, all I can say is that you need to practice." Dumbledore said as he walked to the door. "You cannot expect this to come naturally, and we cannot afford for you to be inexperienced when we enter our next battle."

Harry nodded determinedly. "Are you going off in search of the Horcruxes?"

Dumbledore nodded. "After I help my father with something."

AN: Another chapter down. The next few chapters may be put on the website in the coming weeks. I am practically done with school so I have a lot more time to devote to this story and the story this one is leading into.

Next Chapter

Ash Goth attacks the United States and a battle brews in London