AN: Hey guys. I am so sorry for the wait. Life has been crazy, but I am working to get back into writing. So, without further ado, here is chapter one.
Chapter 1
"Aunt Helena! It's so great to see you. How was your trip?" Kurt greeted his aunt and took her bag for her at the door. He hugged her tightly as she stepped into the house.
"Hello, darling. I've missed you so much. Look at how you've grown! Such a fine young man." Helena praised, taking a step back to admire her favorite (and only) nephew. Kurt blushed at the praise and smiled at her.
"Stop it! We saw each other only two months ago, Aunt Helena. Can I get you anything? We don't have much stocked, we would have gone to the store if we had known you were coming over before." Kurt asked, hinting at his question but maintaining his manners.
"Just a glass of water will do, dear. Is your father home?" Helena asked, removing her coat and hanging it up on the coatrack as she looked around the house. Much had changed since she had last been over for a visit, but that was to be expected after hearing of Burt's new significant other and her child. Listening to Kurt's stories of his matchmaking and the shenanigans of his glee club had given her a great reprieve from her duties to the Flock. She followed him into the kitchen as he spoke.
"Dad should be home any minute, he just had some things to finish up at the garage. Finn and Carole are spending the day together, so it is just you and me right now." Kurt answered, grabbing a glass. "What brings you to Ohio, Aunt Helena? It sounded like you were here for something important when you called this morning."
"It is important, Kurt, but I would prefer to wait for your father to be here before we discuss anything. It is concerning you, and he has every right to know all the facts." Helena told him, smiling faintly at the puzzled expression on her nephew's face. "I promise you, you will hear everything when your father comes."
"Okay, then." Kurt responded, confusion coloring his voice.
"So, tell me about New Directions! Is there any new gossip?" Helena asked, trying to keep the conversation light before she would have to inform her nephew that a madman was possibly coming to kill him.
"Aunt Helena, there is always new gossip there."
Burt arrived home not long after Helena had arrived, and after greeting him, Helena had the two sit down at the kitchen table as she stood in front of them. Both looked up at her in confusion.
"Helena, is there something wrong? Are you okay?" Burt asked in concern, taking in her grave countenance. She sighed and sat in front of both the men.
"I must apologize for the abruptness of my visit, but I have received some disturbing information that I must share with you. It is concerning Kurt." A shocked and panicked inhale from Burt and a nervous gulp from Kurt greeted her words. She rushed to reassure them, "It may have nothing to do with, you, Kurt, but we cannot take chances given the severity of the situation."
"What is it, Aunt Helena?" Kurt asked, trying to quell the shaking in his voice. His father reached over and grasped his hand, giving it a firm and reassuring squeeze. His aunt smiled at him weakly.
"Voldemort is trying to do something, I cannot tell you exactly what, and it involves the sacrifice of a male Veela to accomplish." Both Burt and Kurt paled at these words. While they did not have magic, they had kept themselves informed of the magical world, partly to honor Kurt's mother, and to understand what was going on in current events, especially pertaining to Veela. They had both read of this dark wizard, but neither had thought the threat may come to their door.
"How would he even know to come here?" Burt asked, trying to find some way to distance this danger from his son.
"We do not know how he plans on achieving this or how he may try to find a male Veela to capture, but we are taking every precaution. Almost every male Veela is within their own Flock's protective wards, and those have been strengthened and all guardians are on alert. We are also accepting help from another group." Helena explained. Kurt stood and started pacing.
"So, what, am I supposed to move to New York until this is all over?" He asked, running through the situation in his head. While he did want to go to New York and live there one day, he did not want it to happen under these circumstances. But what other options did he really have if the threat was so great? He stopped pacing when his aunt shook her head.
"No, we cannot do that. With how volatile the magical government has become, we cannot risk any questions being raised about your whereabouts from no-majs and the possible breach of the Statute of Secrecy should your absence be brought up to the authorities. It could even lead Voldemort straight to you, if the wrong wizard finds out about it. Burt may even be punished by the nonmagical government for your truancy, and we all know that MACUSA is not likely to step in to assist him should the situation arise." Helena answered, looking between Burt and Kurt.
"Then what are we going to do?" Burt asked, running a hand under his baseball cap. Kurt moved over to him, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"I have met with Albus Dumbledore, and he has offered us a solution; he will be providing a guard for Kurt." Helena answered, smiling at them both. Kurt still had questions though.
"How will a guard be able to stay with me? Wouldn't it be difficult to explain to everyone in town, the school, and my friends if some grown adult just randomly showed up and followed me everywhere?" He asked, not understanding how this could be a feasible solution. Helena smiled at him.
"It would be if we were having a human adult watching you."
"Huh?" Burt and Kurt said in unison.
"Your guard will be an animagus. A canine animagus to be exact. He will be with you just about every minute of every day." Helena explained, watching as the confusion dimmed a bit on both Burt and Kurt's faces.
"How will he be going into school or other places with me though? Dogs aren't allowed in most places." Kurt asked, taking a seat.
"I know from our talks that as you've grown closer to maturity, you have been experiencing fainting spells during highly emotional situations. While that is normal for Veelas at this point in life, no-majs, obviously, have no clue of this. It could be a symptom in a number of medical conditions. We can gather records stating you have one of these conditions and require a service animal with you at all times. It is not the most ideal way of handling this, but it is what must be done in order to ensure your safety."
Kurt frowned at this, deep in thought. He had no desire to fake a medical condition, but if it was necessary for his safety, he guessed it was the only true option at this point. It wasn't like he could tell the school he had a magical condition and risking his life by having no guard was not reasonable.
"Okay, Aunt Helena. I guess I have a guard."
"I'll call the school. I'm sure it'll be a great conversation with Figgins." Burt said sarcastically,
standing up. Kurt suddenly stiffened up before glancing at his dad.
"We'll need to tell Carol and Finn about magic." Burt furrowed his brow at this, trying to think of a way not to complicate their new family dynamic, but unable to see a way out of explaining the sudden presence of Kurt's soon-to-be guard without the potential risk of being caught in a lie. He also would rather not lie to them.
"You're right. We'll have to figure out how to explain it all." Burt said slowly, still thinking. Kurt closed his eyes to think, and one hurdle came to mind. He turned to his aunt.
"Is there a way to make it so that Finn doesn't speak about magic with those that don't know about it?" He asked, hopeful. Before Helena could reply, he saw the disapproving look on his father's face. "Sorry, Dad, but you have to know it'll be too much to ask of Finn to keep this a secret. He's not very good at keeping them. He told me what he got me for my birthday four days before it was my birthday." Burt sighed and nodded reluctantly, obviously uncomfortable with magic being used to force his stepson to do something, but they didn't have much of an option. Even he had to admit Finn couldn't be trusted to keep a secret to save his life.
Helena smiled reassuringly at them both. "There is a spell that causes one to become tongue tied should they speak to someone of a secret that doesn't already know it. It's absolutely painless and just helps to keep one from saying something they may regret letting slip."
"Well, I guess that answers that. Better get started on that phone call." Burt said, leaving the kitchen, already dialing the school number. Helena refocused her attention on Kurt.
"I am so sorry that this is happening." He shrugged at her, trying not to let his fear show.
"It's not your fault there's a maniac out there who wants to kill a male Veela." She smiled at his failed bravado, reaching for one of his shaking hands.
"All the same, I am sorry you're going through this."
"Well, hopefully it will all be over soon and without that crazy dark lord crossing the Atlantic to come find me. Maybe we won't even really need a guard." Kurt tried to smile, at his own words, but it came across as more of a grimace.
"I hope so, darling. I hope so." Helena replied, her eyes watery.
"I'm going where?" Was the reply Albus received. He felt amusement bubble in his chest at the slight shock in the voice. It was rare to hear from the young man standing before him these days.
"Lima, Ohio. In America, Harry." The young man standing before him stared at him with confusion. Or, as much confusion as he allowed to show on his face. Albus winced at the thought before burying his emotions on the matter. He could delve into his errors later. He needed to focus on the young man standing at parade rest before him.
"But sir, wouldn't I be a better asset here? Shouldn't we strive to end the war as soon as possible?" Harry Potter argued, though argue would probably be too strong a word. Dumbledore leaned back and laced his fingers.
"Do you not trust my judgement, Harry?" He asked. Momentary panic registered on the young face before him for a moment.
"No sir, not at all, but..."
"Then you must understand that I do not make this decision lightly. I am doing this to further our efforts and keep valuable targets safe. Anything I do is to better ensure our success against the dark forces working against us. You must trust me, Harry, and that I only have the world's and your best interests at heart." Albus finished, knowing he had made his point clear to the young man before him when he stood up straighter and stared ahead. He decided to give Harry some consolation. "Do not worry, your skills are far too valuable to leave you on a singular assignment. I will be calling upon you for certain missions, of that you may have no doubts. But this mission shall take precedence above all others."
"Understood, Headmaster." Harry replied, a trace of a smile crossing his face.
"And, despite what I am sure is lurking in the back of your mind, this is not a punishment for the ministry incident." Harry blushed at this, looking down, much to the headmaster's amusement.
"Now, please go back to the Burrow and get packed and ready for your trip. Let your friends know that you are leaving tomorrow morning." Albus said, standing up from his desk. Harry moved forward and shook his hand before exiting the office. Fawkes, who had sat quietly on his perch throughout the meeting, cooed softly.
"I do feel terrible for having stolen most of his childhood, but what other choice did I have? You remember how he looked when I first brought him in, my old friend. He had not had a childhood to begin with." Albus said softly, looking at his familiar. Fawkes bowed his head, as if mourning the loss of innocence.
After a long stretch of silence, Albus moved to the fireplace and threw in Floo powder.
"Marguerite Bellavance." He called, watching as the flames turned emerald before stepping through. The beautiful Veela was waiting for him on the other side.
"I take it everything is moving along according to plan?" She asked, offering a cup of tea.
"As smooth as can be expected with the numerous moving parts." He answered, accepting the beverage with a nod of thanks. They both moved over to the Veela's study, where Helena sat in front of Marguerite's desk, sipping her own tea. She stood upon seeing them enter, smiling tiredly at the headmaster.
"Good evening, Albus. It is hard to believe it has been less than forty-eight hours since we last spoke, given all the activity of that time." Albus chuckled lightly at her words, nodding his head.
"Indeed, it is. Thankfully, all this activity is leading to a safer world for us all." They all sat around the desk, taking a moment to let their weary rest after a day of stressful strategizing, planning, and mobilizing. Albus was the first to break that silence. "The Order has made arrangements to mobilize to the major Flocks as needed. Those that can be spared without raising too much awareness are ready to travel at your say. Those that cannot leave without risk of exposure can be easily reached should an emergency arise."
"Excellent. Their quarters are just about ready for their arrival, so they should be able to move-in tomorrow morning. They will be staying with the Guardians." Marguerite replied, handing over pre-made portkeys. "These will take your Order members to the main entrances of the Flocks. The activation phrases for each are written here." She added, grabbing a piece of parchment and handing it to the headmaster. Helena handed him the portkeys to the New York City Flock and the activation phrases as well, watching as he pocketed them all in his robes.
"My Flock is ready to receive your people as well. We have taken the appropriate security measures to ensure their will be no muggles around." With the Flock being in the center of a major city, it had adapted to only have visible security and visitors when necessary. The less activity happening around the area, the likelihood of discovery from either wizards or muggles decreased significantly. Very few knew where Flocks such as those in New York City, Los Angeles, Paris, or Berlin were actually located, and those that knew were trusted to keep the secret. Breaching that trust had less than ideal consequences. "I have also informed my nephew of the situation. He and his father are currently making the arrangements for Mr. Potter's arrival."
"Harry is currently preparing himself as well." Dumbledore responded, taking a sip of his tea. He noticed both Veelas' hesitant glance to one another, no doubt wondering the same thing. He waited patiently for the question he knew was coming. He was not disappointed.
"About that, Albus," Marguerite started, leaning forward in her seat as she met the headmaster's eyes, "we were wondering if you could explain to us some things about Mr. Potter's situation."
"Such as?" He asked innocently, a slight twinkle in his eye as he saw a flash of frustration in the Flock Leader's countenance.
"Well, isn't he a bit young to be going on missions? Won't he be missing school? I can believe he is competent, given his performance during the Triwizard tournament, but still…" she trailed off, watching as the older wizard's previous twinkle disappeared from his eyes. He seemed to age even more.
"That is a fair question, Madam. Although I cannot go into detail on every aspect of the answer to your question, I will tell you what I can." He leaned back in his chair, placing his tea on the desk. "Although young Harry is indeed still a student of Hogwarts, he has far exceeded the standard education. He has received extensive tutelage in many areas of magic, as well as certain muggle skills we believed may be useful, such as hand-to-hand combat. Quite honestly, his reason for being in Hogwarts is, for the most part, socialization."
"How could he have learned so much in such a short period of time though? Especially while attending your school?" Helena asked, gazing intently at the headmaster. He chuckled mirthlessly.
"Because he has been training since he was six." Both women leaned back in their seats at this, eyes wide. Then those eyes narrowed.
"I know you had previously said he had been training form a young age, but I did not think it would be that young. How could you train a child so young? Shouldn't a child be just that, a child? Enjoying their youth?" Helena asked, trying to picture someone forcing a six-year-old Kurt in a bootcamp setting. It made her blood boil. Dumbledore did not back down at their ire, merely meeting their gazes with steel in his own gaze.
"Although it was not ideal, and not something I or his godfather wanted, we felt it necessary. I cannot go into detail on the circumstances around that time or about Harry's personal life as that is up to him who he decides to tell his story to. Suffice to say, we did our best to give him a decent life despite everything. Please do not question me further on this area." He said with a tone of finality. Both women merely nodded, uneasy about the implications of what those circumstances might be. What could cause someone as reasonable as Albus Dumbledore to believe that putting a child through such vigorous training was necessary? It could be nothing good.
"While Harry is young, he is a competent, intelligent, and good man. I assure you both, he can be trusted with your nephew's safety."
"Please forgive me if my question is overstepping, but during our last meeting you had said it would be beneficial for Mr. Potter to be out of the UK. How is that the case if he has all this training and seems to be an integral part in your war on Voldemort?" Helena asked.
"I am sure you have heard rumors of the Battle of the Ministry and the existence of a prophecy?" Both Marguerite and Helena nodded. The battle had been front page news across the world; a battle in the heart of a country's government was not common and important, especially when said government had tried to deny the existence of the main adversary in such a battle. The fact that the battle began in the Hall of Prophecy gave journalists a field day. Journalists all over the world were calling Harry Potter 'the Chosen One,' implying that the battle began over a prophecy about him and Voldemort, though there was no substantial proof of that. "There was indeed a prophecy. I am not liberty to say the exact contents, but the journalists are correct about one thing; it is concerning Harry Potter and Voldemort." The weight of Dumbledore's words had both women sagging into their seats, eyes clouded at the meaning of his words. There was no other interpretation of them; Harry Potter was key to the defeat of the Dark Lord.
"That still does not answer the question of why it is best for Mr. Potter to be out of your country" Marguerite said after a few moments of silence. The headmaster nodded.
"True. Although Mr. Potter is important to our efforts, he is still young. He still has much to learn before he can be ready to face Voldemort. I hope doing this, while giving your nephew the security he needs," Dumbledore nodded to Helena, "it will also delay any meeting between Harry and Voldemort before we are more prepared." Here he stood quickly, clapping his hands together and causing the two Veela to jump at the sudden change in the atmosphere of the room, much to his amusement.
"With that, I must take my leave. Helena, Mr. Potter will be at your nephew's home tomorrow afternoon. Both of you, please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns or updates." He said, taking both their hands and kissing the back of them. Marguerite and Helena smiled in slight exasperation at the man's antics, wishing him well. They watched as he disappeared in the emerald flames of the Floo.
"I hope we are being overly cautious." Helena said, almost to herself. Marguerite grabbed and squeezed her shoulder comfortingly.
"Although I share the same hopes, I do believe we are taking just the right precautions. Dark wizards such as Voldemort are unpredictable, and we cannot be too safe. I am sure that our people shall prevail, though. We have always stood on the side of the light and have always been victorious. I doubt this time will be any different." She said with confidence. With that, the two parted ways, continuing their work to secure the safety of their people.
"Why do you have to go?" Hermione asked, watching as Harry packed his trunk from Ron's bed. Ron, for his part, was trying to appear nonchalant, reading a Quidditch magazine as he reclined on the same bed, though she could see the worry etched into his brow.
Ever since the three had met (or, more accurately, ever since an incident with a troll in the girls' bathroom), they had been the best of friends. Although Harry had been a bit too serious, Ron a bit too careless, and she a bit too bossy, they had evened each other out, bringing out the best qualities of one another and learning how to deal with their own flaws. Almost six years of adventures had solidified their bond.
She and Ron knew of Harry's upbringing, though it had taken a dementor on the Hogwart's Express to get that out of him. They knew of his training, which had caused her to shed a few tears for the loss of most of his childhood once she was alone. Both her and Ron had made a pact to be there for Harry and to help him. That was why it was hard to see one third of their trio leaving.
"To protect someone that may be targeted by Voldemort." Harry answered simply, his focus still mostly on making sure he had everything he may need packed. She sighed in exasperation, though Ron had to stifle a grin.
"You've already said that. I meant why does it have to be you? Shouldn't you stay in Hogwarts?" Hermione asked more pointedly. Harry turned to face her, his packing finished.
"I don't know why. I was just told I was to pack and be prepared to leave tomorrow morning. Besides, you already know that I am finished with the material here. I just have to take the NEWTs."
"It's going to be different without you here, mate." Ron finally said, tossing his magazine onto the bedside table. Harry smiled softly.
"Sorry I can't stay. I promise to write when I can, though." Hermione jumped off Ron's bed and wrapped her arms around her friend, squeezing him tight. She smiled when she felt his arms wrap around her in turn. It had taken a while to get him to hug her back. She'd learned that he rather enjoyed being hugged. She sniffled a little, trying to mask it as she looked up and gave him a stern frown, though her watery eyes ruined the effect.
"You better write to us. Otherwise, I'll have to track you down to hex you. I don't think Professor Dumbledore would be too pleased with that." He chuckled.
"I'm sure you'll be busy enough here. Plus, Dumbledore told me that I'll be back for some missions. Maybe I'll see you guys at Headquarters." Hermione tried not to make a face at the thought of twelve Grimmauld Place. It was not her favorite place to be by a longshot. Perhaps even less favorable than the bottom of the Black Lake.
"It's too bad you won't be here when we try the animagus potion. Guess we'll just have to surprise you next time." Ron grinned as he said this, slapping Harry's shoulder.
"I almost forgot about that." Harry frowned at that. "You'll have to let me know how it goes."
"Of course we will." Hermione said, smiling at him. She glanced at the clock on Ron's bedside table and did a double take. "We should start heading to bed. You've got to be up early tomorrow." Both of the boys turned to see the clock and agreed after reading eleven PM.
After bidding them a good night, Hermione made her way to the room she and Ginny were sharing, trying to get a grip on her emotions. She took a long shower and changed into her pajamas, trying not to wake a sleeping Ginny. As she lay in her bed, she couldn't stop the worried thoughts flitting through her head. She did not want her brother, for that was how she saw Harry, to be so far away from her and Ron. She knew he was more than capable of taking care of himself, having so much training, but it didn't lessen her worry. Not for the first time, she cursed Tom Riddle and his fixation on her friend, which had cost him pretty much his entire childhood. She even felt her ire rise at Sirius and Dumbledore, who had sacrificed Harry's childhood for the sake of training him for a war. Intellectually, she understood they did what they could to ensure Harry would be prepared for a war they knew he would be a focal point of, but her heart still railed against the injustices her friend had suffered.
Maybe one day, she thought, he will finally be rewarded for everything he's done and sacrificed. With that, she drifted off to sleep.
"How you doing, pup?" Sirius asked, ruffling his godson's short hair as he walked into the living room of the Burrow. He'd already greeted the Weasleys', sharing a rather stilted smile with Molly Weasley in particular. She had never been his biggest fan.
Harry smiled at him softly, grabbing his shrunken trunk and placing it in his pocket. The term of endearment had always warmed his heart, especially after achieving his animagus transformation, where Sirius had been overjoyed at his godson's canine form.
"I'm good. Ready to hit the road." Sirius smiled at his response, a glimmer of pride in his eyes.
"Good. Well, say your goodbyes and we'll hit the dusty trail."
After a round of goodbyes, with a particularly tight hug from both Mrs. Weasley and Hermione, the two walked out the door and towards the boundaries of the Burrow's wards. Sirius slung an arm across Harry's shoulder, drawing him into his side affectionately.
"I'm sorry I haven't been able to spend much time with you this summer, Harry. But Remus and Moody have been keeping me apprised of your progress. Fantastic work, pup. Where did you learn the Earth Shaker?" Harry perked up at the praise.
"I found it referenced in the restricted section of the library last year. I finally found the incantation in the Black library in June. I only got to test it out once before that duel with Moody. First time I've been able to get him on his ass in less than fifteen minutes." A hint of laughter lined his soft tone. Sirius laughed outright and slapped him on the back.
"He's been grumbling about it the last two weeks. I'd watch yourself next time you two duel."
"I'll keep that in mind."
They reached the ward boundaries after another minute of comfortable silence, and Sirius turned to face him, holding out a piece of rope. Harry grabbed onto it and felt the familiar tug behind the navel. Unbidden, flashes of the Graveyard battle swept through his conscious mind, but he quickly suppressed the memories, unwilling to let the fear, anger, and despair crawl back into his heart.
After what seemed like an hour, the portkey finally dropped them in a quaint field, miles of land surrounding them with no human in sight. A few cows startled at their sudden arrival, quickly moving to the other side of the field, mooing in displeasure.
After a scan of their surroundings, Sirius quickly cast a compass charm. He nodded to himself as he pocketed his wand and motioned for Harry to do the same. They started walking North, heading towards a fence Harry could see off in in the distance. About halfway there, Sirius grabbed his arm.
"You should shift into Thor now. Wouldn't do for the neighbors to see someone go in and never come out." Harry nodded and shifted, dropping onto his now paws. Stretching a bit, enjoying the feel of his canine form, he looked up at his godfather and wagged his tail. Sirius smirked before conjuring a leash and collar around Harry's, now Thor's, neck. Thor gave a disgruntled growl, making Sirius chuckle deviously. "Just trying to blend in, pup." Thor knew he was full of it, but merely sniffed before continuing to walk forward.
After about a twenty-five-minute walk, they reached a muggle neighborhood, houses lining the streets. 'At least they aren't all identical' Thor thought darkly, then pushed the memories of identical houses with manicured lawns away. Sirius looked up at the street signs before taking a map out of his pocket, nodding to himself before putting it back. He gave a tug on the leash, much to his own amusement and Harry's disapproval, and turned down a street. Only a few blocks in, they saw a beautiful woman standing outside a house, and Sirius' eyes glazed over slightly as they approached. 'This must be the Veela Flock Leader Dumbledore told us about.' Thor surmised. Internally smirking, he surged forward, yanking the leash suddenly and causing Sirius to yelp as he tripped and landed on his face. He glared at Thor as he was getting back up, ignoring the soft panting laughter of his godson.
Finally, they reached the Veela, who was smiling at them slightly with some amusement.
"Good morning. You must be Sirius. And this must be…" She paused, clearly unsure how to address Harry in his canine form in a public area. Sirius quickly caught on and gave her a charming smile.
"Yes, I am Sirius, and this mutt here is Thor." He supplied helpfully, and she gave him a smile of relief.
"Well, it is good to meet you both, though I wish we could have met under different circumstances. I am Helena Finch, the New York Flock Leader. Perhaps we should take this meeting inside. My brother-in-law and nephew are waiting for us there. Please, follow me."
AN: Hope you enjoyed! Please leave a review and let me know what you think so far!