JK Rowling Owns Harry Potter

FASA Owns Earthdawn

ϡ - To prevent confusion, conversations in French will start and end with ϡ. Reminder: Harry learned French from his mother's incarnation as she wanted him to attend Beauxbatons. Not everyone speaks French, and there will be a few folks that struggle without translation charms.

Note, spells verbalized will be in Bold and in Quotations. Spells cast silently will not be Bold and will be between apostrophes.

"Protego!" = Vocalized

'Protego!' = Silent

I have had many messages and reviews stating that the first few chapters of this story were not well received. My writing style has changed quite a bit since I began and I decided to go back and clean them up a bit. I took out some of the silly elements and consolidated a few of the chapters. Overview of the Revisions:

Chapter 1 is new. It is an introduction chapter with the character bio's as they are at at the beginning of the story as well as information of the Earthdawn world setting that I borrow from.

Chapter 2 is a brand new chapter that I really like. The first section was originally something I wrote for a future chapter of the prequel 'Harry Potter and the Dance of Death', but it works here too. The second section was not designed for the prequel and is brand new. It involves a certain bushy haired witch…

Chapters 3-5 are reworks of the original. My main goal was to give Ginny more depth and make her less childish. I like to think I have improved since I wrote the first few chapters. All told, I picked up about 6000 words. If you don't want to re-read anything, then I would suggest just reading Chapter 2.

Updates will slow a bit through the holidays and I will be prioritizing the Prequel, 'Harry Potter and the Dance of Death' until that story is caught up a bit.

—CS—

Chapter 18: Playing with Fire

Ministry of Magic

Auror Office

London, England

Thursday, August 9, 2001

4 AM

Ronald Weasley was the last to enter the Auror offices. To say he was tired did not even begin to touch how he was feeling. Ron knew this happened on occasion, but he had expected a break after they rounded up the last of the Voldemort loyalists. Entering the conference room, he saw that he was not the only one summoned. Director Robards was there, a large man with a very belligerent attitude. Given the hour, he was likely in rare form. Susan was getting settled in and looked as tired as Ron. She must have arrived just slightly before him. Ron's immediate supervisor, Williamson, was also there. He was a tall and weedy middle aged man who preferred to wear his hair long and in a pony-tail. The man had been injured in their last raid but he was called in anyway. At 4 AM – this must be Serious. This could only mean one thing: France.

Robards kicked it off. "OK, the situation in France has deteriorated. Apparently, a number of witches were kidnapped right under the French ministry's noses." He then addressed Ron directly, "Your boy, Potter, went and got them back. But… there were complications. First things first. Weasley, who did you select for your team?"

"Bones and Davis, sir. Between the three of us, we cover the skill spectrum." Ron could sense Susan stiffening. She did not like Ron getting a leg up on her. She also had deep seeded resentments toward Davis from her Hogwarts years.

Williamson groaned and shaking his head spoke up, "Wait. All of these are school mates of yours, right? Same year? Battle of Hogwarts?" Turning and looking at Robards, "Sir…"

Robards acknowledged Williamson, "Weasley, I expected better. You can't just pick your friends and class mates! What about Savage? Or Proudfoot? They both have more experience. Why did you select Davis?"

Ron was ready for this, "Davis is a Slytherin half-blood. That in itself shows tenacity. She understands how dark wizards work. She is cunning and crafty. She can also hold her own in a fight." Ron wanted to say, 'that's more than I can say for most of you old timers', but he was smart enough not to. "And for what it's worth, we were NOT friends at Hogwarts. Completely different circles."

Robards looked over at Susan, "Bones. Who would you have chosen? Susan looked over at Ron. They both know she would NOT have chosen Davis. Personal animosity. They both also know Davis is a solid choice. "I'd Choose Davis as well, sir. For the same reasons." Ron knew she was showing solidarity. But he knew her heart was not really in it.

Robards shifted his eyes. He appreciated loyalty. "I see. OK, well I asked you to make a choice and you did. Now, you two," pointing at Ron and Susan, "get coffee and be back in five minutes. Williamson, hang back."

At the coffee machine, Ron approached Susan, "Thanks for supporting me, Susan. It meant a lot."

With an annoyed huff, Susan said, "You'd do it for me... Still, I don't like her. She was an arrogant, sarcastic, malicious snake in school and she has not changed one bit."

"Agree on the sarcasm. I'll conceded a bit of arrogance, but I suspect she developed that in the snake pit. Probably a bit of 'Bravado' there too. Being a half-blood with all those mini-deatheaters had to be brutal for her. But hey, she came through in the final battle…"

Susan cut Ron off before he could go further. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. You like her. I don't. I supported you, now YOU support ME. Keep her out of my hair." Ron nodded and she changed the subject. "Now, how do you feel about Williamson?"

"He's okay. Kind of a prick, but he knows his stuff. Don't expect to go outside the lines with him, though. He is a by-the-book Auror all the way. Definitely a part of the 'old guard' under Scrimgeour. He's a less belligerent version of Robards. Not as flexible as Savage, but fair. As long as you stay within the approved guidelines." Pausing and considering his gut feeling, "I wouldn't want him watching my back in a fight."

Susan nodded. She and Ron had discussed the failures of the remaining members of the 'old guard' plenty of times. "Agree. Watch each other's back?"

Ron smirked, "Always, Bones! Always." They both knew they were getting coffee for Williamson and Robards as well. It was a seniority thing. "Ready to head back?"

Re-entering the office and taking a seat around the table, coffee was distributed. Robards started the discussion, "Weasley, you have chosen your team. Unfortunately, I need someone with more experience on the team as well. Williamson, you will travel to France. While there, you are in charge and will be the primary contact with the French Aurors and DMA. Weasley, you will be the lead while deployed to the field, but reporting to Williamson."

Ron accepted the news tersely. It probably would have happened regardless. Otherwise, why would Williamson have been called in? Williamson for his part, did not look at all surprised. Ron supposed they had a chat just like he and Susan had. He wondered what they thought about the 'Young Guard'."

Robards began the briefing, "Six witches were kidnapped from Beauxbaton's. Potter managed to prevent one witch from being kidnapped, then he went in pursuit of the others. Using a captured portkey."

Susan and Ron both flinched at this, Susan spoke first, "Is he insane? Does he WANT to get killed? What the hell?"

Robards held up his hand, "He arrived at the home of an affluent French family. Once there, he managed to rescue the witches, resist the wards, and fight his way out. The death toll is somewhere between twenty and forty. Eleven kidnappers were taken alive. Apparently, it is a new terrorist movement. There appears to be a budding Dark Lord at the helm. Jury is still out, though. I'd like you three to leave within the hour and see the scene of the crime before it gets stale. The curse breaker at the scene is your brother, Weasley. He is moving slowly and carefully as the house is apparently warded up and down. Questions?"

Williamson spoke up, "Sir, you say there are between twenty and forty casualties… How can they not know how many are dead?"

Robards gritted his teeth and looked at the table for a moment. Looking back up, "Apparently, when Potter gets in a fight, he doesn't hold back. There are body parts and exploded opponents all over the entry room of the house. I'm told you should wear boots."

Ron spoke up, "Wait, he was resisting wards? They must have been feeble if he was able to do THAT."

Robards took a deep breath. "No, they were not feeble. Three ley lines, feeding very modern wards. I'm told Potter barely survived. He is getting treatment for his injuries." He then added, "Before you ask, the witches were all unharmed."

Ron suddenly realized Harry had been there when the kidnapping occurred. But why… "Sir, why was Potter even there? Did he expect the kidnapping attempt?"

Robards looked straight at Ron for a moment before answering. "He was escorting your sister in law's little sister to some kind of High-Society-Social-Extravaganza. Apparently, the Beauxbaton school does this every year. Seven pureblood witches from wealthy families are paraded around and told they are special."

Being a Pureblood from a prominent family, Susan had heard of this. Hogwarts used to do this as well, but Dumbledore ended it when it seemed to become a 'Slytherin Only' event.

Robards then addressed the team, "Williamson, prep your team and leave in the hour. I don't want those inexperienced 'Frenchies' screwing up the crime scene. If there is a Dark Lord in France, we need it contained before it hits OUR shores. Oh, and floo Davis before you leave and have her join as soon as she is able. The DOM is already engaged with Unspeakable Patil and Sr. Unspeakable Croaker on the scene."

Ron had to ask, "Sir, How is Harry? Is he all right?" Susan was watching and listening as well. Her conversation with Hannah and Neville was still weighing on her. Harry Potter was a sensitive subject to her.

Robards nodded. "He'll be fine. But for this mission, he is not 'HARRY', he is 'POTTER'. I have dozens of dead French citizens at some influential aristocrats home and the French ministry is not going to take that well. He literally ripped those people to pieces." Trying to add poor humor, "At least he's not a sexist, he ripped the witches apart just as badly as the wizards." Robards huffed a forced laugh at his own joke.

He then got serious and looked straight at Ron. Weasley, listen closely to what I am about to say. If the French ministry goes after Potter, you are to stand aside and let Kingsley handle it. DO NOT create an international incident. That goes for all of you." Ron and Susan knew he meant that goes for the TWO of you.

Ron maintained eye contact and nodded. "Right. Yes, sir." There was no freaking way he would abandon Harry. Not again. NEVER again.

Robards dismissed them and Williamson took them into his office. "Now, do either of you speak French?" Susan nodded and Ron shook his head. "OK, we'll get enchanted ear pieces with translation charms. There will be a slight lag, but it will keep you in the loop." Sipping his Coffee he added, "Now, onto business. Pack fast and light. Bring your Armor. Listen, I know both of you went to school with Harry, but don't do anything crazy. Kingsley will intercede if the French try anything funny. You have to leave your friendship at the door. This is business."

Ron addressed Williamson, "Sir, if there is a Dark Lord emerging, we will need Harry." Susan nodded, but seemed less enthusiastic.

Williamson calmly responded, "So you say. I've seen the file on people who crossed him. Are you sure he is not the emerging Dark Lord? Seriously, body parts all over place? So mutilated they can't even get an accurate count of the dead? Don't look at me like that, Weasley! Did you know he refuses to help any countries or departments unless he has a contract of immunity? Did you know he makes a point of stating he doesn't use stunners? Read the Umbridge file before you pass judgement. Look at the crime scene photos. It is not a pretty read and he was a key suspect. A suspect we were never allowed to investigate."

Ron shook his head. "Sir, he was in the Great Hall. He was there before half of us that were escaping from Umbridge and her goons. And you can't apparate at Hogwarts… No way he hung around and got in a fight. Without a wand. Beating us back to the Great Hall. The math just doesn't add up."

"Weasley, I personally interviewed the students at the scene. He definitely knew more than he let on. Don't deny it! He knows what happened. I'd bet my life on it!"

Ron just breathed deeply He was now getting pissed. "Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't. I definitely remember writing lines for hours with a blood quill. So did a lot of other people." Referencing Williamson's earlier comments, "And Harry refuses to use stunners because he saw the same Death Eaters return over and over, killing, torturing, raping and maiming. Harry doesn't play 'tag and release'." Seeing no affirmation from Williamson, he takes a cheap shot, "His own godson is an orphan whose parents were killed by Deatheaters that had been captured multiple times*. You remember Tonks, right? Do you?"

That got the Senior Auror's attention. Tonks was a personal friend of Williamson. Through gritted teeth, Williamson snarled, "Not one more word from you Weasley. This is your one and only warning. Tonks is off limits. Get the hell out of my sight."

Ron knew he had gone too far, but it felt good. He had always thought the 'old guard' of Aurors had failed miserably. Robards, Williamson, Savage, and Proudfoot were ineffective and lost every time they squared up against death eaters. Dawlish was a puppet under the imperius so long he became a joke. Runcorn was a traitor. Scrimgeour was a politician. Crouch was too aggressive and caused far too much collateral damage. Only Amelia Bones, Mad-Eye, Kingsley and Tonks were worth a damn in his book. There were probably others, but they were killed in combat and he never met them. Now, the weak have inherited the department. At least they didn't bring Dawlish back. Normally, would have held it in, but hearing the ease with which the man was willing to give Harry up… after all he had done… while they hid until the dust settled… He turned and walked away. He needed to pack.

-CS-

Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France

Place de Furstemberg

Bureau des Aurors Office

Briefing Room

Thursday, August 9 2001

6AM

Director Audric Berger was having a very rough morning. Minimal sleep and a crime scene out of a nightmare. He had been summoned by his counterpart in the DMA, Director Bellamy, when six students from very well established families had suddenly vanished. He arrived at Beauxbaton's just in time to learn that Harry Potter had rescued the young witches and was at the Lavoisier home. Within five minutes, they had a team of top Aurors, DMA personnel, DoM advisors from the British Ministry and a team of French Combat wizards ready to apparate to the site.

Once they arrived, they found Harry Potter looking like he had been through a meat grinder. Based on feedback from Mr. Potter, they waited until a curse breaker could be summoned. Apparently William Weasley was a master curse breaker and he was pulled in immediately. Upon entering the house, they found a horrific scene. Apparently, Mr. Potter was not exaggerating when he said he fought his way out. Careful not to disturb the scene, they slowly made their way through the carnage.

Many rooms held a treasure trove of clues and evidence, as well as lethal curses. Bringing the curse breaker along was an amazingly good move. The information was being tallied and reviewed and should be completed within the next twenty four hours. The basement kitchen turned out to be another nightmare scene as apparently the Lavoisier family had been murdered and devoured.

Now, Director Berger had to brief the department. There were also heads of the various departments, including his counterpart on the 'Bureau de la Justice Magique' (BJM). Director Bellamy was still at the scene, so it was just him 'enjoying' the spotlight. This was going to be a rough ride. Stepping up to the podium, Audric Berger briefed the teams on the previous night's activities. He would also be informing them that a small number of experienced British Aurors would be arriving later this morning to assist.

After a full hour of briefing, Director Berger closed with the ending he always dreaded the most… ϡ "So, what questions do you have?"ϡ

The head of the BJM opened with the first question, ϡ "Why has Harry Potter not been arrested or at least detained?"ϡ

Director Berger was prepared for this question. ϡ "Mr. Potter was asked to come to France at the request of our DMA when suspicions arose of activities requiring his unusual skill at locating and identifying dark wizards. He agreed to assist as long as we were willing to grant a limited immunity. It covers actions against dark wizards and witches. Evidence suggests that the students kidnapped were to be part of an elaborate ritual centered on cannibalism." At this statement, there was a great deal of commotion. He waited for it to end before continuing. "In short, he has not violated the terms of our agreement and the witches he rescued probably would be dead now had he not intervened."ϡ

One of the Senior Aurors dug deeper, ϡ "Why didn't he just summon us to the scene? It seems that he just took delight in butchering French citizens." ϡ Hostile question. His answer will stun a few of them.

ϡ "Mr. Potter was under the influence of malicious and very powerful wards and did not have the focus to cast a Patronus. He was able to apprehend a number of the suspects with minimal harm, but apparently used more lethal means once he was under attack. Based on 'Priori Incantatem' wand evidence from the scene, there were multiple killing curses fired at him as well as at least one cruciatus curse. It should also be noted that many of the deceased were actually foreign wizards and witches. At least two were British, one German, one Russian, and three were from the Americas. We are still identifying and reviewing the deceased, so the numbers may very well increase."ϡ

ϡ "Director, did you say he fought while under the influence of the wards? That should not be possible. Has anyone checked to verify his elaborate story?"ϡ No, it should not be possible. Director Berger would have once thought the same thing.

ϡ "Mr. Potter is a mage level wizard and was able to resist the wards. Unfortunately, the wards were powered by three ley lines and this has resulted in significant damage to Mr. Potter's nervous system. It apparently impaired him to such an extent that he was nearly killed in the escape. In addition to his nervous system damage, he suffered a concussion, a dislocated shoulder, a broken wrist, a broken leg, multiple broken ribs, injuries from a blood boiling curse, and numerous other injuries. My personal observation was that he looked like he had been through a meat grinder. Next question?"ϡ

ϡ "Where is he now? Did he return to England?" Easy question. "Also, did we confiscate his wand for the duration of the investigation? Are there plans to administer veritaserum to ensure he had cause to act as he did. At the very least he should be brought in for questioning." ϡ Not so easy a question.

ϡ "Mr. Potter is currently recovering from his injuries here in France. He will need time to recuperate. We have agreed to allow him to recover as long as he does not leave France before the investigation is completed. Once he is able, he will be asked to give a statement. His wands are currently in possession of his contact in the British Department of Mysteries and will be returned to him after he gives us a statement. Initially, we tried to confiscate them and that almost had an international incident. Apparently, the wands used to stop Voldemort are considered national treasures by the British government."ϡ

Privately, He had also been warned by Sr. Unspeakable Croaker that taking his wands would cause irreparable harm to the young man's relationship with the French Ministry. After seeing a glimpse of what Mr. Potter was capable of, Director Berger did NOT want to alienate such a powerful mage. Especially one who now had such powerful allies. They might need him one day. One day soon.

Not wanting to paint the young man as a homicidal maniac, Director Berger added, ϡ "It is worth noting that Mr. Potter kept his DMA contact informed at every point when he was able. He notified Director Bellamy when the students were kidnapped, how they were kidnapped, when he went in pursuit, and where he was located once he managed to escape. His timely feedback allowed us to apprehend suspects who we believe placed the portkeys on the pins. Please also note that both the British Ministry and the attorneys hired by the Black family to represent Mr. Potter are currently working with us to ensure he is treated fairly."ϡ

Seeing a few members of the audience looking irritated at the mention of Lawyers, he decided now was a good time to drop the citizenship bombshell. ϡ "Bear in mind, as a French citizen, Mr. Potter has the right to council and legal representation even without the immunity. Next question?" ϡ Director Berger knew he had just said four very important things:

Harry Potter is a French citizen. No doubt this would surprise many in the room. It certainly surprised him. Also, Mr. Potter was working with the DMA. It was a bit unclear if he was working as a DoM representative or as a DMA agent, but that didn't really matter now.

Harry Potter would not be leaving the country while under investigation. He was effectively under house arrest until he healed enough from his injuries to be mobile. Even then he would remain in the country until cleared. Or, at least until his Lawyers pressed for him to leave.

Harry Potter's legal team had been engaged. Everyone knew how vicious the Black Family Lawyers could be. Even here in France. Clear message – be VERY careful.

ϡ "Where in France is he staying?" ϡ Perfect timing. Director Berger was now ready to give the final warning to any 'eager beavers' looking to make a name for themselves.

ϡ "The families of the students he rescued are all established members of the French community and have all agreed to house him during his recovery. Their names are in your case packet. It was practically a bidding war, but he is currently at the Delacour family estate due to familial connections. Mr. Potter was escorting their youngest daughter to the event and he prevented her kidnapping altogether. The oldest daughter also fought beside him at the final battle in Britain that ended the reign of Voldemort." ϡ That got their attention.

Director Berger knew the name 'Delacour' held a great deal of influence. No one would intentionally cross that family if they wanted to help their careers. And the Delacour family was not even the biggest name of the bunch. The witch seen helping him when they arrived was a niece of the French Président Magique. Her parents were some of the most influential in Europe. One look at the names of the rescued students and the assembled briefing would realize that Mr. Potter had garnered very influential allies. While it does not put him above the law, it definitely garners him a high level of caution when approaching. Now, back to business. ϡ "Next question?"ϡ

ϡ "Why do we need British Aurors? We are more than capable of managing this without them." ϡ It was a good question and Director Berger could tell that not everyone in the room agreed with that statement. The mistakes made when they found 'The Feast in the Catacombs' illustrated their inexperience in dealing with monsters. He deeply regretted his own decisions on that adventure.

ϡ "The British Ministry has been kind enough to loan us a few Aurors to act in an advisory capacity. They are more used to dealing with Dark Wizards since having recently endured one of their own. Based on what I have seen, they have a wealth of experience." Seeing the looks of disdain, he added, "Consider this: We never would have thought to bring in a curse breaker to a crime scene without Mr. Potters advice. The first ward the curse breaker found and removed would have destroyed most of the house and everyone in it. Use the British Aurors, learn from them, but do not think for one moment that any of you are reporting to them. They will be here as advisors ONLY." Some did not appear convinced. Here it comes. "Questions?" ϡ

ϡ "What are their qualifications? We all know the British Aurors failed miserably with their Dark Lord and Britain relied on school age children to turn the tide."ϡ

ϡ "I know that at least two were at the final battle of Hagwarts. We specifically requested the best and most experienced. We know that two specifically have been very successful in apprehending dark wizards and witches, Ronald Weasley and Susan Bones. We have been assured that they will be part of the advisory attaché."ϡ Judging from body language, this answer was well received.

The questions became more typical after that. Crime scene questions. The kind you would expect from trained experts. All good questions. Unfortunately, very few answers at this time. This would drag on for at least another 45 minutes.

The interrogations should provide more information. Mme. Bellamy had followed Mr. Potter and Unspeakable Croaker's suggestions and had all prisoners under constant guard. Especially the witch that Mr. Potter had maimed. The one with the false tooth, the vial of poison, and the portkey. The false tooth had a counter agent to veritaserum. The poison was fast acting, and the portkey was examined and nullified. The location was determined to be the catacombs. However, when investigated, it turned out to be an empty site. Always back to the catacombs.

-CS-

Delacour Manor

Friday, August 10 2001

5:45 AM

Ever so slowly, Harry Potter opened his eyes. It was very dark. He was stiff and in pain. But he was at least warm and on a soft bed. The comfort was enchantingly wonderful. He suspected he could lay here all day and night… Wait a minute. Nope. Potions. FOCUS!

OK, he was on a bed and in a room. Harry closed his eyes and took 'inventory'. His body was oddly numb… pain killers. Battle. Yes, he had fought. Wards had taken their toll. Leg… no longer broken. Knee feels sore. Wrist… Stiff, but he could move his hand and fingers. Mended. On to the torso… Ribs… sore. Also mended. Nice work, too. Deep breath… PAIN. Lingering effect of blood boiling curse. Don't breathe deep. Head still aches, but clear of thought. No nausea. Concussion had been healed. Of course, once the potions wear off, he'd feel more of the effects.

He shifted his eyesight and adopted an owl's level of vision. This basically meant he was able to see just fine in the dark. Nice room. Smells good too. Clean. Two people asleep in chais, one on either side. Draco Malfoy and Bill Weasley. His familiar was asleep in the corner. Had she always been that large?

OK. Time to look around. First, get a lay of the land. With Draco and Bill close by, it was almost certainly safe. With concentration, an Orbital Spy was summoned. A little exerted will power and the spy cycled through the house and took in the surroundings. About three minutes later, it returned. He was in a nice Manor house on the second floor of a three story mansion. Everyone inside was asleep. Lots of movement alarms in the hallway outside the room he was in. Apparently, someone wanted to know if he tried to sneak off.

Where were his glasses? Across the room on a dresser. Reaching out his hand, he summoned them. His hand – eye coordination was off. He cast a wandless silencing charm on himself. No need to wake anyone up. He knew what he needed to do. Hmmm. These were one of his spare sets. Andromeda must have brought them from Grimauld Place.

Sitting up was a challenge. He was sore. Very sore. Nerves were raw like he'd been under the cruciatus curse. Those damn wards. Fingers were numb… either from pain killers or lingering effects of the wards he had resisted. OK. Now stand up. OOOHHH My God. Harry almost fell forward. His balance was off. His legs were unresponsive. Good thing he thought to use the silencing charm. Harry staggered over to the window and looked outside.

He saw a dark shadow about fifty yards away, created by a patio light. He could use that. First, he shifted his vision and scanned astral space, it was clean and clear. Turning to a shadow behind the bedroom door, he silently cast the shadow walk spell 'Umbræ Deambulatio!' He took his time and attached about twice as many threads as he normally would have to both identified shadows. He knew he was going to be moving slowly. One complete, the darkness of the shadows intensified.

Given the elevation differences between the shadows and his difficulty walking, perhaps a creative solution was in order. Harry shifted into his owl form and gently flew through the shadow. About ten seconds later, he emerged from the shadow outside.

Fluttering gently through the air, he heard Gabrielle before he saw her. She was softly crying on the patio. He flew over and landed on the table in front of her. She dried her eyes and looked right at him. ϡ "Bonjour, do you have a message for me?" ϡ She must have thought he was a post owl. Makes sense, actually.

Harry half-hopped, half-flew over to the chair beside her. Even flying was a stiff and painful affair. He slowly shifted back into his human form. Looking over at her, he saw she had drawn her wand. ϡ "Harry?" She said right before she crouched down and hugged him. "I was so worried about you!" ϡ She cried a bit… Always awkward. Harry patted her on the back.

ϡ "It's OK Gabby. What are you doing up so late?"ϡ

ϡ "I couldn't sleep. I was so worried. You were injured so badly and it was all my fault…"ϡ

ϡ "What? How on earth were my injuries your fault? And trust me, I have been a lot worse than a concussion and few broken bones…"ϡ

ϡ "One of your lungs, Harry. From the blood boiling curse. Lady Black says it will need special healing to regain functionality. She says your nervous system was burned as well and will need intense treatment. You may never move as fast again." ϡ She was softly crying again.

Harry just chuckled. ϡ "Do you believe everything you hear? Walk with me, I want to show you something." He rose and staggered a bit. "OK, help me walk to your family's ceremonial fire pit." Harry knew most old families had one for Samhain and a few other celebrations. Very Wiccan. He hoped the Delacour family had one… He need it to perform his next ritual. "Please tell me you have one."ϡ

Gabrielle looked at him a moment in confusion, then said, ϡ "Yes, we have one. It is on the edge of our property, though. It does not get used much." Pausing and thinking, she adds, "You got hurt protecting me. You would not have even been there if it wasn't for me." Then she hesitantly said, "When you saved me… I slapped you. I am VERY sorry."ϡ

ϡ "It's all right, Gabby. I was exactly where I needed to be. And for the record, if any guy ever rips your clothes like that, you SHOULD slap him!" Struggling with each step, Harry decided to pass the time. "At the rate I'm moving, this will be a slow journey. Would you mind telling me whatever you know about the Elements?" ϡ He had a feeling about Gabby and the elements, that she may be balanced enough to understand them. But he wanted to test his theory.

As they walked to the edge of the property, Gabrielle shared her knowledge of the elements. She started with fire and how it ties to passion and destruction, then water for healing and defense, air for thought and creativity, and finally earth for strength and perseverance. It was text book perfect. She went into much more detail, but nothing he had not read before. Her knowledge was a modern take on the elements. It was watered down. It was a Wizards view, something from a book. No mention of wood. No real depth or feeling to it.

When they got to the fire pit, Harry began drawing runes on stones and placing them around the pit in clusters. It would have been easier with his wands, but he could do it with wandless magic, just at a slower pace. He instructed Gabby on the different runes and how to arrange the rune stone clusters. She was sharp and knew her runes well. But these were elemental sequences. It reminded him of how Bill had trained him the summer before his third year…**

Suddenly, Harry remembered where he knew 'Lucius Jr.'! It was that other Novice Curse Breaker… Frank. Or was it Wilson. No, definitely Frank. Wilson was a bit of a prick, but that cannibal he took out with the 'Expulso' was Frank 'Something-or-Another'. Harry had lost touch with all of the initiates from his induction and first field work in Egypt. He would have to discuss this with Bill. Harry didn't really like Wilson, but Julia was nice. She really knew her Mayan runes. He may reach out to her and see if she could help with their pending journey to Peru for Astoria's Malediction. Assuming she wasn't with that group of cannibals…

Harry thought about the faces of the witches he had fought. He didn't remember any that looked like Julia, but he took out a bunch that he never got a great look at. He really hoped she didn't go dark. She was nice to him. Kind too. They had cooked together at the dig site. Enough of that, it would keep for now. Focus on the ritual.

Back to the present, Harry reviewed the rune stone clusters they had placed. The element of Earth cluster was on the left side from where Gabrielle was standing. The Air cluster was directly in front of her. Water was to her right and the Fire cluster was opposite the water cluster, on the direct opposite side of the fire from Gabrielle's position. All in all, it took about an hour and the sun was rising. Good, Harry preferred using his Elemental magic in the day time. And sun rise is the perfect time to perform this ritual. Normally, he could perform it in half the time, but his injuries and his desire to instruct Gabrielle extended the time. Well worth it in his opinion.

Looking over at Gabby, ϡ "Ok, this should about do it. I also set up a zone to prevent the estate wards from extinguishing the fire. So, let's get this party started. First, let's gather fallen limbs. Nothing still attached to a tree."ϡ The wood gathering was fast. There was a fallen tree and that made the collection much easier.

First, Harry used a 'Diffindo' cutting charm to split the wood it into easily burned logs, adding runes to each representing the Element of Wood. He showed Gabrielle how to carve them as well and she sped up the process considerably. When they were done, the wood was levitated into the pit and arranged to burn hot and powerfully.

Harry then took a five and a half foot branch and removed all the bark. It was solid and strong. Using wandless magic, he carved runes on it. In a spiral pattern, Harry placed each of the same runes they had used on the rune stones. After each set of elemental runes, there was a rune representing Wood. Then the next set of element runes were carved. The runic sequence was: EARTH–wood-WATER-wood-AIR-wood-FIRE-wood, then the sequence repeated itself.

Once finished, Harry turned to Gabrielle. ϡ "Gabby, I carved all the elemental runes we're using on this branch. Stand right here, about ten feet in front of the rune stone cluster for the element of Water. That will ensure the heat of the fire does not burn you." Harry proceeded to hand the branch to her. She realized it was actually a staff now. "This will help you see and, more importantly, feel the elements."ϡ

Placing the wood in the pit and, Harry silently cast an 'Incendio' and lit the wood in the fire pit. ϡ "Gabby, do not do anything to interrupt the fire. Just watch and try to 'feel' the magic. The ritual will be summoning pure elemental fire."ϡ

Gabby just nodded along. She was completely enraptured in Harry's ritual. Harry began walking around the fire. He was focusing on the rune stones, but speaking to Gabrielle. The runes were arranged in clusters at four equidistant quadrants around the fire.

ϡ "Ok, Gabby. So, almost all the books written assign and relate only one or two attributes to the elements. Some authors will quote more, but they only focus on the obvious. The problem is, the books are written by Wizards, not by Elementalists. Wizards see the elements in logical ways and patterns. They are not wrong, but their view is limited. The Elements are so much more than what can be explained rationally. To an Elementalist, the elements are spiritual and understood in the heart, not the mind. But the elements are so much more than what we see at first glance." ϡ Harry could see Gabby taking all this in. The fire was flickering in her eyes.

Moving counter-clockwise, Harry began circling the fire just outside the runes. He very slowly made three rotations around the fire and rune stones. On the fourth rotation, as he approached the rune stones in the Earth quadrant to Gabrielle's left, he began speaking. ϡ "Earth is the element that is commonly referenced with Strength and Durability. But it is also about Fertility, Orderliness, Sustenance, Wisdom and being well grounded. However it can be destructive as well. Earthquakes have leveled entire cities in their destructiveness." ϡ As Harry said this, the Earth rune stones lit up and begin glowing as Harry slowly proceeded to the next rune stone cluster.

A wave of power emanated from the stones and through the staff Gabrielle was holding. Gabrielle was startled by it. She had a glimpse of the power of Earth.

Next, Harry slowly approached the rune stones representing Water in the quadrant between Gabrielle and the fire. ϡ "Water is the element that most attribute to Healing and Purification. But it is also associated with Dreaming, Devotion, it sustains aquatic Life, and some attribute it birth. But it is also the destructive power of the Tsunami. The immense force and disaster of the flood. It can relentlessly wear away stone and eat through metal."ϡ Harry activated the next cluster of rune stones.

Gabrielle felt something similar to what she felt ten years ago, when she was under water during the tri-wizard tournament. But this was so much different. She was safe and supported. Cared for and loved. Was this what a baby feels in the womb?

Harry moved to the next quadrant, ϡ "Air is the element associated with Perception and intelligence. But it is also Communication, Imagination, and Harmony. It provides the oxygen we breathe and sustain our Lives with. But it can be deadly and destructive. Tornados and lightning are also a part of the element of Air." ϡ With this, Harry activated the Air rune stones.

The wave of power Gabrielle felt was like a sudden breeze, but coming from all directions. Icy fresh and invigorating. Clean and clear.

Finally, Harry reached the last quadrant directly across from Gabrielle on the other side of the fire. ϡ "And then there is Fire!" At this, Harry activated the last rune stones, they blaze unbelievably intensely. "Fire and Destruction! Aggressiveness! Passion, Excitement, Love, Courage, Creativity! Fire can Destroy! But it also provides warmth! The safety of the Hearth, cooking raw food, protection from the cold. Fire can fuel Rebirth! Life!"ϡ At this Harry actually steps into the fire, much to Gabrielle's surprise. She suddenly feels the warmth. The safety and energy. The Intensity and Passion of the element of Fire.

She knew Elemental flame had been summoned. Even more than ten feet away, Gabrielle felt the extreme intensity of the flames. From within the flames, Harry was still talking. She could just hear him over the sound of the roaring fire that had now reached extreme levels of heat and light. ϡ "Fire destroys but it allows for new Life. Rebirth! It can heal and purify as well as destroy and burn!"ϡ

Harry felt the fire engulf him completely. He was glowing with power and merging with the raw element of fire. It coursed through his blood, his veins, his bones and his nervous system. He inhaled the flames and felt it cleanse his lungs. His injuries burned away and were rendered as smoke. It burned and the pain was exquisite! It cannot be described. Pain, rapture, joy, all rolled into one. To merge and become ONE with the element of fire itself! Any potions or pain killers in his system were burned away instantly. Vaporized!

Holding the staff, Gabrielle also felt it to a lesser degree. Her very blood screams
ed for joy as the wave of power washed over her. Is this how men felt in the wake of her Allure? It was Amazing! The runes on the staff were glowing and pulsating. Looking at the staff, she slowly realized the runes were pulsating to Harry's heartbeat. Each elemental cluster of runes were like a quadrant of the heart. The wood runes between them were like the heart valves that direct and control the flow of blood. The flow of Power… the Elements were Life itself!

Stepping out of the fire, Harry continued speaking, ϡ "And tying them all together is Wood. Very few modern scholars even mention wood as part of the elemental wheel. But the ancients knew what the element of Wood really is. That it is the most important. It Grows in the earth and prevents Erosion, it Absorbs and Oxygenate the air, it Consumes and Filters the water, it provides Sustenance for the flame… Wood is the source of Unity for the elements and the center of the elemental wheel. Balance! Unity."ϡ

Gabrielle then felt the last and final wave of power roll over her as the runes began to dim. Bringing it all to a close. The elements. The way Wood binds and unites them. Rapture. Amazing. Her heart was beating like she had just sprinted a mile. She had felt the magic of the ritual and the magic Harry was generating. It had rolled off him and the rune stones in waves. Having Veela blood, she was already attuned to fire, but this was something else. Almost spiritual in nature. So primal! As she had realized moments earlier, it was life itself!

Gabrielle just watched Harry approach. She knew he had shared the power with her. It was something very precious. Very personal. She had been… introduced to something enormous. She wanted more.

As Harry approached her, he added, ϡ"Finally, there are the quasi-elements, where the primary elements overlap. Best not to get too distracted by these areas as they only encompass a portion of the overarching elemental spectrum. We'll cover them more in the future. If you wish to."ϡ He was smiling. His eyes were a bright luminous green. Like life itself. Leaves and grass. His scar was still smoldering and glowing as if containing a fire of its own. Gabrielle smelled wood – fir and oak! Underneath it was an intense scent of Roses. Harry's magic is Arctic fresh. How could he feel/smell so wintery when there was so much heat?

She reached out and touched Harry as the flames died away. ϡ "Harry… that was Amazing. I felt so connected. To it all. Even the Water. You… look so much stronger…" ϡ She was truly enraptured.

Harry just smiled. He had found his apprentice. The elements had called to her and she had listened. Listened and Responded! He had suspected, but he needed to be sure. She is an Elementalist now. ϡ "You heard the call of the elements. Should you choose to proceed, I will guide you. Teach you. Have you ever considered becoming an apprentice? If you want, I can…"ϡ

ϡ"Yes! I felt… it all. I was connected to the… everything… to YOU as much as the fire! Yes. I want…!" ϡ Gabrielle was so enraptured. She jumped into his arms and held him tightly, but for some reason he pulled away quickly and kept her at arm's length. She was suddenly feeling the sting of rejection. He had never recoiled from her before.

Seeing her embarrassment and disappointment, Harry quickly said, ϡ "Hey, I'm actually only wearing a Glamour… my clothes kind of burned off…" ϡ Gabrielle blushed and realized why he pulled back. She had felt his 'excitement' while in the fire… Awkward. They both started laughing.

Harry magically extinguished the flames and stretched his healed body. ϡ "I feel so much better now. I can't wait to teach you how to do that."ϡ He was eager to assume his animagus form again and fly, but it was day time now and he preferred to fly at night.

ϡ "I can't wait to learn, Harry. I felt so… ALIVE!" Then, looking a bit concerned, "I still have one more year of school…"ϡ She wondered if he would choose another apprentice.

Harry then took her hand, ϡ "I can wait. And I'll make sure you have plenty of material to prepare with. You know, Bill started training me when I was twelve. He'd send me training materials while I was in school and we'd write back and forth. Actually, he started some of the correspondence training when I was a first year, but the curse-breaker specialized instruction started the summer after my second year."ϡ

Gabrielle was shocked he was that young and training to be a curse-breaker. ϡ "That is so young! I'm impressed."ϡ Most curse-breakers only take it up after graduation, and they are only the smartest wizards and witches.

Harry just shrugged. He then looked intensely into her eyes and said. ϡ "You took the first step tonight. The elements spoke loudly and you heard them. Honestly, that is not common. You were hearing and feeling all the elements. Most would have only felt one or maybe the two elements they were most aligned with. Having Veela blood, I was concerned you would be unbalanced toward fire, but that was not the case. Affinity, yes, but there is balance. You are now, officially, an initiate Elementalist. Keep the staff to remember tonight."ϡ

Harry had tried this once with Ginny, but she was far too focused on the Fire and the Air to feel Earth or Water. Wood never sung to her as it did Gabrielle. Yes, Gabby was perfect. Fire would sing for her, but so would water. And Air. And Earth. Wood had accepted her in the wheel.

Gabrielle felt her magic sing. It fit. ϡ "Thank you Harry… I can't even describe what I am feeling now. It was all very primal. Like touching life. And… maybe something else…?" ϡ She was struggling to find the words.

Harry decided to help her, ϡq "Life is only a part of the cycle. Life, Death, Rebirth…" He saw realization dawn on her face, "It all goes together. You felt the dichotomy of it all. While holding the staff, you could feel it in me and I could feel it in you. Life is a cycle. The elements represent that cycle in many ways. Without death, there is no rebirth, life becomes stagnant."ϡ

Harry realized he was still holding her hand, looking at it he noticed the bracelet he had given her. ϡ "Still wearing the bracelet? Let me show you how to use it."ϡ Harry proceeded to show her how to activate each of the stones. It was nice. They were so relaxed together. He had found his apprentice. Of course, she would need to graduate from Beauxbaton's first… That would give him time to take care of the Greengrass malediction.

ϡ "Well, I feel mostly healed up now. WAY better than an hour ago… I would like some clothes, though."ϡ Harry added the last bit with a sheepish grin. The glamour covered him, but he still felt a bit exposed.

Gabrielle laughed and transfigured a basic robe out of leaves and foliage. Transfiguration was hard without a wand. And he was exhausted from his ritual.

Harry yawned, ϡ "You know, I've been sleeping for hours, I could use a cup of Earl Grey and a big breakfast. Hungry?"ϡ

At the mention of food, Gabrielle lit up, ϡ "Oui! I'm famished, Harry! Our house elf makes the most amazing blueberry crepes!"ϡ She looked over at the man who had inspired such passion and energy in her. Harry had his health back. He was moving like a gymnast again. A duelist. So smooth and certain.

Harry was thinking about food. He was more in the mood for an English breakfast, but he could do crepes. Fruit was good, and he loved blueberries. Then, with a shudder, he wondered how long he had been asleep. ϡ "Don't I have some kind of auction to attend? Has it happened yet?"ϡ Silently he was praying he had slept through it…

Gabrielle tried not to laugh at the thought. She knew Harry well enough to know he was hoping he had missed it. ϡ "I think that is tonight. I doubt Lady Black will approve of you going…"ϡ

Harry tilted his head to one side and took a deep breath with his newly rejuvenated lungs. ϡ "Let's hope. Honestly, she may be my only option out of it. Say, do you know where my wands are?" ϡ Harry assumed Bill had them. Maybe Andromeda.

At that, Gabrielle lost her glow… ϡ "They were confiscated, Harry. But they will be returned now that you are better! Papa can help you…"ϡ

Harry felt his emotions begin to smolder. If someone took his Holly and Elder wands… They would regret it! ϡ "I'm suddenly feeling like I might need to 'Express Myself' to someone."ϡ

Gabrielle stood beside him. He was angry and she could feel it. His eyes were like green torches. All would work out. Her father was amazing and influential. He'd get Harry his wands back. Hopefully, Harry would not do anything rash… but in the back of her mind she knew the odds of that were slim.

From the edge of the woods, Harry and Gabrielle were being watched by inhuman eyes. Orbs so black all light was lost in them. They had been observed the entire time. More accurately, Harry had been observed. Watched. Listened to. Evaluated. Appraised. All questions were answered and doubts were resolved. 'You are mine Harry Potter! You belong to me! Soon I will claim you…' it thought hungrily. Watching the pair walk back to the manor. It could be patient. But not overly patient.

—CS—

Notes

I hope you all liked this chapter. I spent quite a bit of time on the ritual of healing, but it kind of sets up Gabrielle for future interaction. It also ties Harry closer to the Delacour family. In the next chapter, Harry finds out that his absence was not missed. He also does something rash that he may or may not regret. The British Aurors are in town and Harry gets to deal with a Snake, a Badger, and a Lion. Hermione will also pay a visit soon. But that will be after the Auction…

* Bellatrix was captured when Voldemort first fell, but bribed her way out, along with the Malfoys and so many others. Then re-captured after torturing the Longbottoms. She went on to kill Nymphadora Tonks in the battle of Hogwarts. Dolohov was captured after Voldemort fell and did not have enough money to bribe his way out. He was recaptured after the battle in the DoM. He went on to kill Remus Lupin in the battle of Hogwarts.

** In the prequel, 'Harry Potter and the Dance of Death', Chapter 8 – 'The Best Summer Ever!'. This is the chapter Bill begins teaching Harry about curse-breaking. It is one of the happiest chapters I have been able to write.

New Magic:

Umbræ Deambulatio = 'Shadow Walk' aka 'Step Through Shadow'

Fire Heal = A ritual that uses the elemental power of fire to heal wounds and speed recovery.

Note that the Elements are a force of life, but also of rebirth. More than just Life, they represent the Cycle of Life. As Harry told Gabrielle, without death, there is no rebirth, life becomes stagnant. Harry as the Master of Death has learned how to balance this. Generally, he prefers to use Elemental magic in the day time and Nethermantic (Death) magic at night. Not a hard or fast rule, more of a preference. Sort of Seelie and UnSeelie… It helps him stay balanced.