Harry got dressed after a long shower. His dark hair was damp and he used his fingers to brush through the black waves before pulling the locks at his temples backwards. He tied them together with a hairband at the back of his head to keep it out of his eyes.
Harry fetched his satchel from the kitchen table. He'd decided that he wanted to have a look at Ilê de Anastasie today. The nap he took earlier had given him enough energy to keep going.
He cast a quick Tempus to check the time. It was already 5:48pm and it made him realise that the potion he took earlier in the day should have already worn off. He was surprised that he'd actually managed to brew something that was better than the standard recipe. Cadmus and Martin's help had really paid off. They'd be so proud. Snape was in for the shock of his life, Harry thought with a smirk.
He was curious to see just how long the potion would last. A normal dose was supposed to keep him aged for roughly 8 hours. It had already been nearly 10 hours since he drank it, which meant that he could change back at any moment. Thankfully it didn't matter if he changed back on the island, there shouldn't be anyone alive who had access to it other than him.
"Death?" Harry asked out loud.
"Yes Master?" The deity's voice replied from the shadows.
"Do you have time to take me to Resurrection Island?" He inquired.
"Yes, but I cannot stay. Call for me if there is an emergency or if you want to go back." Death replied.
A shadowy tendril reached out for Harry's leg, and once it got hold, the world was dissolved in black smoke. The wizard was promptly spat out onto a grassy field, feeling mildly disoriented. His eyes fell on a dilapidated old house that was bathed in the evening sun.
Harry barely had the time to blink before a loud pop announced the appearance of a hysteric house-elf. The little critter was practically ancient, with large, sunken eyes and paper-thin skin. It looked like a leaf might break its brittle bones.
His eyes were wide with shock. Gerrard Peverell had said that there were still elves when he was alive, but that was over 300 years ago! Did house elves even live that long?
"Er...hello?" Harry greeted uncertainly.
"Hastow returned?!" The poor elf cried, tears streaming down its wrinkly face. It bowed, but its back was already so crooked that its long nose nearly touched the ground.
"Hey it's alright, please take a deep breath. I can't understand you."
The elf was getting more agitated, speaking rapidly in what Harry assumed to be an older version of English since he could understand a few words here and there. Quickly he summoned Gerrard to act as a translator.
"Is that Ditty?" Gerrard asked, blinking in surprise. "Heavens, she's still alive after all these years? I would have thought they'd leave the island in search of work elsewhere… I can't believe she stayed." He exclaimed.
"I don't understand what she's saying!" Harry hissed quietly under his breath to the spirit, barely moving his lips so the elf, Ditty? Wouldn't become more upset.
"Oh that poor old thing." The dead wizard said sadly, looking from the elf to Harry.
"She says that she and her family stayed on the island, tending to the house and grounds as much as they could. They were loyal and happy, so instead of leaving as I'd told them, they stayed, hoping a new Lord would come by soon. She is begging your forgiveness for the state of the house." the man said and looked upset.
"What do I say so she'll understand?" Harry asked, feeling sorry for the old elf and her kin.
The previous Peverell Lord thought for a moment before slowly pronouncing the words Harry would have to use. By now, Harry had realised that the spirits he talked to didn't actually speak English with him, they spoke the language they were used to. But, since language wasn't a barrier in death, neither were it to Harry and those he summoned. Living beings however, was a different matter, as Ditty showed. Because of this, both the spirit and Harry would have to focus on the words if they wanted them to appear as anything other than English.
"Ditty." Harry said softly and crouched down so they'd be almost at eye level. He placed his hand gently on her shoulder, careful not to add any pressure or weight. She looked so frail that he was worried he'd hurt her.
He repeated what Gerrard told him, explaining that he was the new Peverell Lord and that she, and any other elves that were left, were welcome to bond with him. He'd happily share some of his magic. His Middle English was choppy and he stumbled over the words now and then, but Ditty seemed to understand well enough.
She cried harder at his proclamation though. Sobbing deeply as she told him how she was the last one left. There had been three elflings born after the island closed down, but since there were only the Naiads and Dryads left on the island who could bond, and they had already given what magic they could to the island itself, the younglings died early. After that the elves stopped reproducing and slowly, one by one they all died.
Ditty knew she didn't have many years left, that's what made her even more ecstatic to finally have another Peverell on the island, her years of waiting had not been in vain.
Gerrard stayed around, and Harry was immensely grateful to have someone there to translate. In addition, he added interesting anecdotes about the island and the magical creatures that inhabited it.
The house was in dire need of repair. The wood had rotted away in places, and in others Harry could see the stone crumbling from years of harsh weather. It definitely wasn't as bad as it could have been though, and Harry felt cautiously optimistic about his chance of restoring it. He hoped it was possible, because he'd rather not tear the entire thing down and start over.
Due to the state of the house he didn't bother to enter. Death by falling rubble was not a way he wanted to go.
"Ditty, you have done well." Harry said, slowly forming the unfamiliar words. He really needed to teach her modern English somehow. This was getting ridiculous.
"Can she read?" Harry asked Gerrard.
"I am not sure. She was a very young elf when I left. The others might have taught her however." The man replied.
Harry sighed. He really hoped she knew how to read. It would make things easier for him. He could maybe get her some books and dictionaries? Surely there had to be something like that existing.
"Would you like to bond with me, Ditty?" Harry asked upon Gerrard's prompting.
The poor elf was reduced to hysterical weeping again, this time from happiness. Harry awkwardly patted her shoulder.
With Gerrard instructing him, Harry went through the old form of bonding. One where Ditty was free to leave if she felt Harry wasn't treating her well enough, or any other reason she might have. Harry didn't expect her to ever leave, not when she'd waited so long for another Peverell, but he was still adamant about giving her the opportunity. No elf would be his slave. Having grown up pretty much a house-elf himself, he knew what it felt like to be under someone else's thumb, punished for the tiniest infraction, imagined or otherwise.
Once the bonding was complete, Ditty seemed to have a lot more energy. She was still an old elf, much, much older than Kreacher, but the new connection to a fresh magical source had rejuvenated her slightly. Harry didn't think she would have lasted much longer if he hadn't visited. Most likely she only had a few years left at most, even with the new bond. He decided that he had to get another elf to help her around the island so she didn't work herself to death. She could teach them how the island worked.
ΔΟΙ
Harry and Gerrard leisurely wandered around the island, seeing the sights so to speak. Most of the land consisted of a massive forest, stretching out as far as his eyes could see. Harry had known that the island was large, but now he realised just how large. He doubted he'd be able to cross it in a day just by walking.
The first thought that struck him was that he should get a broom. It was the perfect tool for getting around quickly. Plus he loved flying, and here he didn't have to worry about anyone seeing him. It would be nice to feel the wind in his hair again. Flying had always made him feel so free and happy.
"You should have a look at the barns." Gerrard said, drawing Harry's attention. "I put them under Stasis when I left, but I didn't expect that it would take this long before they were discovered again. The Stasis or Expansion charms might have failed for all I know." The man grimaced. "I really hope they haven't though." His voice was grim.
Harry didn't know what would happen if an Expansion charm failed, but he assumed from the spirits' expression that it wouldn't be pretty. Gerrard led the way to the field at the back of the house and Harry tagged along.
The sight that greeted them was eerie and yet beautiful. There were rows upon rows of small stone barns, except, they didn't look like barns at all, nor stone. The magically expanded habitats were all about twelve feet tall and rounded into domes. Green grass and wildflowers covered the mounds almost entirely, leaving only the seamless, grey granite doors visible in the front. Birds and insects seemed to thrive amongst the colourful flora. The shapes instantly made him think of hobbit-holes for some reason. 'The Hobbit' was a book he had enjoyed as a child when he'd hidden away from Dudley in the school's library.
What made the scene eerie however, was the multitude of moss-covered animal skeletons that laid scattered about. Some were more or less intact while others had been broken and split up in the surrounding, grassy field.
Two of the barns had at some point imploded, like a star going supernova, causing everything inside to be drawn to the centre before exploding outwards with massive force. The hundreds of animal remains and rubble, shed some light on the incident.
"The Expansion charms must have broken." Gerrard said with a sigh. "Looks like it was the Capricorn and Pegasi enclosures that imploded."
"Maybe Ditty can tell us more? She would have been here." Harry suggested.
"Perhaps. I doubt it matters much now though. The animals are long gone. It looks like the Expansion charms are still functional for the other barns, I just hope the Stasis is still up and running. I used a runic Stasis charm, so you will have to check that the runes are still imbued with magic."
Harry felt weary just looking at the amount of barns that needed to be checked. Did he honestly have to do it today? One day extra surely shouldn't matter, right?
"I'll have a closer look tomorrow if that's alright with you. My body is starting to feel itchy so I think the ageing potion I took is wearing off. Plus I'm exhausted."
Gerrard complied with a nod.
"Ditty?" Harry called, and the sweet old elf appeared in front of him. He asked Gerrard to supply translations and was able to ask the elf if she wanted to stay on the island for now or come home with him. He had a nice, warm bed she could sleep in.
Ditty cried and sang his praises. Unlike Dobby, Harry didn't think it was because she was used to being abused, and that any kindness was seen as extraordinary, rather, she had just been alone for too long.
The elf happily agreed to come along and Harry gently took her small hand in his and Apparated them into his bedroom.
Harry tried to explain the facilities of the house that might be strange to her, and helpfully guided her over to his aunt and uncle's bedroom. He took malicious delight in knowing that something so 'freakish' would be 'soiling' their perfectly normal bed by laying in it.
He had been right in thinking that the ageing potion would stop working soon. For merely ten minutes after arriving back at Privet Drive, his body began shrinking, the process even more uncomfortable than growing. He groaned, and once the change was done, the young boy had passed out cold on the floor in a pile of transfigured clothes.
Surprisingly enough, when he awoke bright and early the next morning, he was laying comfortably in his bed and not on the floor. It took his sputtering brain a few seconds to realise that it was probably Ditty's doing. She must have levitated him onto his bed. And once he pulled off his blanket he noticed that she'd clothed him in pyjamas as well. He should probably be embarrassed but he just couldn't be bothered. She was such a sweet being.
Harry yawned and stretched, making his back crack. Having to constantly call Gerrard to translate for him was not an ideal solution, there had to be an easier way to communicate with his new elf. He wondered if his mother might have any suggestions.
He went through his morning routines, and ended up back in the kitchen where a steaming cup of tea waited for him. He had no idea how Ditty knew where everything was, but he was grateful nonetheless. It brought a soft smile to his face.
"Thank you Ditty." The young boy said, not knowing if she was still around or if she had gone back to the island. Either way he got no reply.
Harry deeply inhaled the fumes rising from the earl grey. It was something Petunia had bought for whenever she wanted to be fancy. In all honesty there was nothing special about it. The tea was good, don't get him wrong, but it wasn't as luxurious as the horse-like woman liked to think.
"Mum?" Harry asked out loud, knowing she would heed his call.
"Good morning Harry." Lily said as she materialised in the chair opposite him. "How did your exploration go yesterday?"
"It went well. I got a house-elf actually… you know how Gerrard Peverell closed down the island in 1438? Well, apparently the house elves stayed instead of moving somewhere else. Ditty actually knew Gerrard when he was alive. I don't know how much older she can get, but I'll try to make her life comfortable for as long as I can." Harry looked at the cup in his hands and smiled fondly again. "I think you'll like her. She's very sweet."
"Poor thing. It can't have been easy for her living alone for so long. Was the house in good enough condition for her to stay there? Do you know where she sleeps?" Lily frowned.
Harry let out a sigh. "No, I didn't ask. We have a bit of a communications issue at the moment. I had her sleep in Petunias' bed last night though." Harry smirked. ''I bet aunt dearest is going to love that, don't you think?" He cocked an eyebrow.
His mother guffawed heartily and wiped away a tear. "Oh yes I'm sure she will."
"Anyway, back to the communications issue. Since Ditty is so old, she only speaks Middle English. And I'm nowhere near fluent. Actually, I only learned a few words yesterday. So, basically, what I'm trying to ask is whether you know any ways for us to communicate better? Without needing Gerrard as a constant translator." Harry queried.
"Well, you could use a translation charm. It isn't a perfect method long term, but seeing as Middle English and modern English are fairly close to each other, it should be able to ease your way into teaching her the modern form of the language. Just don't use it for long periods of time or in a crowded place with foreigners. Trust me, it will give you massive migraines." Lily explained.
The translation charm did sound much better than what he'd been doing so far.
"Can you teach me?" He asked hopefully.
"Of course." Lily pulled her wand out from a pocket and went about showing him the correct movement. The charm was a fairly easy one, but it required a constant flow of magic to keep it up. Harry managed it after a few attempts, feeling relieved that he'd be able to talk to Ditty on his own now.
"Thanks." Harry said, stomach rumbling.
"Of course, sweetheart. Go make breakfast before you pass out." His mother chuckled and made a shooing motion.
Harry rolled his eyes, but obeyed, making a quick sandwich that he nearly inhaled.
"Did you figure out how long your potion lasted?" Lily inquired curiously.
Harry's eyes widened as it dawned on him, he had forgotten to check the time when he got home. He groaned loudly and thumped his head on the table.
"I'll take that as a no then." Lily drily said.
"I forgot about it," Harry grunted. "I passed out as soon as the potion stopped working and I didn't check the time when I left the island." He sighed. "I know it lasted more than ten hours, but that timeframe is highly inaccurate. I'll have to test it again, making sure I stay inside after the ten hour mark so you or someone else can monitor when the change happens. I'm not sure if I passed out yesterday due to the potion or if it was that combined with exhaustion."
Harry rubbed his eyes, feeling annoyed with himself for not thinking to check the time before he Apparated yesterday. He sighed. There was no use crying over spilt potion.
"Ditty!" Harry called, summoning the elf from wherever she was.
When the pop sounded the old elf's arrival, Harry cast the translation charm on himself and on Ditty, feeding them both with magic. It would make them both able to understand each other.
"Lord Peverell called? What can Ditty help you with?" The elf's thin, squeaky voice asked, eyes alight with adoration.
"I wanted to speak with you if you are available?"
"Of course Lord Peverell! Ditty is always available." She replied with a nod.
Harry smiled fondly. "Where do you normally sleep, Ditty? Surely not in the house? It can't be safe anymore." Harry frowned. What if she slept outside? Sure, it wouldn't snow in the winter but it still got cold, and what if she caught pneumonia or something from a rain shower? No. He wouldn't allow it. He'd find a different solution.
Ditty squirmed, hesitant to answer. Her body language was more than enough to give her away. "I don't want you sleeping in the house until it's habitable again, what if you got injured or sick because of sleeping there? I would never forgive myself. For now you'll sleep in this house. I promise to set up a more permanent solution within the week. Is that okay with you, Ditty?" He asked softly.
"Yes, Lord Peverell." The elf replied.
"Good." Harry smiled at her. "Lastly I wanted to ask whether you are able to do a task for me. It shouldn't be too taxing. But take as many breaks as you need, and please don't rush." He waited until he got a nod in reply. "I would like you to check the runes on the remaining barns. Check if there is still magic powering them, and take note if any of them is in danger of failing. You don't have to get it all done today though."
"Ditty will get it done." She said with a firm nod.
"Thank you. That would be all for now. I'll call you if there is anything else. And don't hesitate to come back here if you need a rest or run into any kind of problem."
Ditty gave a second nod before vanishing.
ΔΟΙ
"Mum?" Harry asked hesitantly. It was a few days after he visited the island, and alongside working on his projects, he'd had a lot of time to think.
"Yes darling?" Lily replied absentmindedly, green eyes roving over the open page of yesterday's newspaper that Harry was diligently turning for her. Since she couldn't touch anything, Harry had offered to turn the pages of books and newspapers so she could still read and keep up to date.
"I've been thinking…" Harry took a deep breath before continuing. He watched his father from the corner of his eye. "I want to help Snape. Not just to survive but to be happy. He's done so much for me, saved my sorry hide countless times. Yes, he was a pretty horrible professor, and he did bully me because of dad, but I've been thinking about it a lot and... I think…I think he could really use a friend you know? Someone better than Lucius Malfoy and his ilk. He deserves better than the life he originally led."
"Snivellus?! Whatever for?" His father exclaimed in disgust, face contorting in an ugly grimace. It seemed his hatred for the potions master hadn't faded in death. It was ridiculous.
"Don't call him that!" Harry spat out. He hated that his father was like this. "And why not? Perhaps I should be a bully like you instead hm? Go around tormenting my classmates because I think I'm so rich and perfect? You'd like that wouldn't you?"
Lily sighed, she had been expecting a confrontation like this for a while. James was unfortunately a bigot, just towards a different group than the ones the Death Eaters targeted. She loved him but she could admit that he was far from perfect, they really had gotten married way too young.
"That- That's not what I meant and you know it!" James shouted back, becoming just as agitated.
"No?" Harry raised an eyebrow and gave a sneer worthy of his old professor. "Then what did you mean? That Snape isn't worthy of a friend just because of his magical core type? That he is Dark and therefore he must be evil?" The young boy was on his feet, tiny hands clenched in tight fists.
"You bloody bullied him from the start!" Harry shouted. "I've seen some of the so-called pranks you pulled on him and they were cruel and pathetic. You should be ashamed of yourself because I certainly am!" His breath was laboured with anger.
"Harry…" his mother began, trying to defuse the situation in any way she could.
"No! You were an awful friend as well! Who the bloody hell throws someone away that you've been best friends with for years, only because of one bad word?" Harry was on a roll and refused to take any shit from the married couple, it didn't matter that they were his parents. They had behaved poorly and he was going to tell them exactly how disappointed in them he was.
"And that was only because he- " Harry pointed to James. "- and his pack of sycophants, had just humiliated him in front of everyone! Snape stayed outside your dorm for fucking hours, begging you to just talk to him, but did you give him the chance to explain? No!" By this point Harry was pacing furiously, spitting the words out and gesturing sharply with his hands.
He knew they were only human, and everyone made mistakes, but he just didn't understand how they could have behaved like that. His father in particular.
"Don't talk to your mother like that!" A furious James stepped closer with a raised wand.
Harry stopped in his tracks and stared at the man with frosty eyes. "What? Going to hex me because of it? Hang me up by my ankle and pull down my trousers? How brave of you, such a noble Gryffindor." Harry sneered.
He knew that James couldn't use magic, he couldn't even touch him, but the fact that he even took such a stance in front of him, pissed the young child off. It reminded him of Vernon and all the abuse he'd had to suffer over the years.
"Get out. OUT!" Harry roared. The lights flickered and the temperature dropped, his magic seeping out into the environment. James didn't have time to answer before he was forcefully dragged back by his ankle through the veil onto the other side.
Harry panted heavily, his breath misting in front of him due to the cold. The room felt oppressive and dark, not unlike that of a Dementor being nearby, just without the soul sucking and happiness draining.
He closed his eyes and tried to get his magic back under control. He used one of the meditative techniques Ignotus had instructed him in. Deep breath in, hold it, breathe out. Let every worry wash out with your breath, focus only on the feeling of air going in and out of your lungs.
Slowly his breathing evened and heart rate stabilised. The temperature had gone up a few degrees but was still chilly.
"Harry…" His mother's hesitant voice made him open his eyes. She looked worried and he felt slightly guilty about it, but this had been a long time coming.
"Sorry for yelling at you, but I still stand by what I said. Dad was a massive bully and you were a bad friend." Harry frowned. "I didn't mean for this to turn into an argument, I just wanted to tell you that I want to help Snape."
"You don't have to apologise. I'll admit that your father wasn't perfect…still isn't, but you don't know the entire story between me and Severus." Lily said softly.
"Then explain it to me. Try to make me understand how you could just drop him like that. You knew what kind of people he was surrounded with, what kind of pressure they were putting on him…"
"Yes. And that is why I still regret what happened." Lily sighed. "It is a long story but I think you should know it if you plan to befriend Severus."
"This might be old news to you, but Severus and I were neighbours. We both lived in a small mining town called Cokeworth, and ever since he saw me displaying accidental magic we were inseparable. He taught me everything he knew about the magical world. Eileen, his mother, had been born a Prince, but was cast out of the family when she decided to run away with a muggle. She had secretly been telling Severus about his status as a wizard because she knew he would get his letter once he turned eleven." Lily took a deep breath and exhaled.
"Tobias, Severus' father… he wasn't kind to them, actually he was rather like Vernon. Just stronger and more fit. He worked at the mines, and for a time I think he and Eileen were happy. But then came Severus, and soon things got harder financially. He'd always been one to drink, but when the mine started dismissing workers he took to the bottle with vigour. He vented his frustrations out on Severus and his mother. Before he was fired, it had been a slap or two and some raised voices, but nothing overly horrible. However, when his father lost his job things got much, much worse for Severus and his mother."
"I'd bring him around home sometimes, I think mum and dad felt sorry for him. Everyone knew what was going on, but it wasn't something one spoke about. It was 'private family business' you see." she spat the three words out venomously.
"When we got to Hogwarts we were sorted into different houses, him to Slytherin and me to Gryffindor. I know he was disappointed that we didn't end up in the same house. Still, we stayed as close as ever. Then James and his friends began targeting Severus and the other Slytherins with their pranks. Whenever I was around I'd give them back as good as they gave. They thought they were so clever with their tricks" she rolled her eyes.
"During the summer before our fifth year, Severus and I had slowly begun dating. It wasn't anything big, nothing much had really changed between us. We held hands, shared some kisses now and then, you know, normal teenage stuff. It was the happiest I've ever seen him I think." Lily said, looking so sad.
"We were getting more serious and one night things escalated. We'd gone camping just the two of us in a nearby forest. We shared a tent and, well, I think you already know what happened." She said with a wry smile.
"Then school began and we had to keep our relationship quiet because of the people in his House. I also didn't want James or his friends to find out because I knew he liked me, and it would make things extra hard for Severus." Lily frowned.
"We'd been arguing a lot in the months leading up to June. I was worried about him and the friends he kept. Some of them were alright, but most of them were headed towards the new political movement led by Voldemort. Severus was enamoured with some of their beliefs at the time, obviously they didn't broadcast their darker and more disturbing ideals. I wanted him to try and distance himself from them but he wanted their approval."
"Then in June, before school let out, the incident with James and the rest of the marauders happened. You've already seen a memory of what happened. He called me a filthy little mudblood. Normally, I would have been more understanding, he was upset and humiliated, but at that point he was still my boyfriend. That wasn't something that should have even crossed his mind. Yes he wanted to apologise afterwards, but in my mind he had already broken off our relationship and chosen his friends over me." Lily sighed and tucked a strand of auburn hair behind her ear.
"That was also the summer Severus' mother died. I didn't know about it at the time. It wasn't until years later when we were out of Hogwarts that I found out. I'm not proud of how I behaved, Harry." She looked right at him.
"The two of us breaking up in addition to his mother's death might have been what pushed him into the arms of the Death Eaters. If there is something I regret, then it's that. I forgave him, of course I did, but it took time. And by then we were no longer in contact. "
"You loved him…" Harry said with dawning realisation. He'd always thought the love had been one-sided from Snape's side, but that wasn't true, no matter what everyone else seemed to think.
"Yes I did...still do. It's hard to stop caring about someone when you've known them so long." She sighed and looked distantly out the window.
"I'm sorry… I had no idea." Harry replied quietly. "Do you ever wonder what might have happened if you'd forgiven him sooner?" He asked.
"Yes, sometimes. But thinking like that wont change anything. Things happened the way they did and now we all have to live with the consequences of our actions. I'm really proud of you though. For wanting to change things and wanting to help him. But promise me you won't risk yourself by doing it. Be careful." She said solemnly.
"I promise." Harry smiled at her. "Thank you for telling me."
"Of course, sweetheart."
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
AN: Thank you for all the kind comments!
To those of you thinking this is a bashing fic, it is not. The story isn't intended to bash either James or Dumbledore. It will however show people who are flawed, which is a natural part of humanity. Nobody is perfect. James was a bully as a child and teenager. I don't see that going away only a few years out of Hogwarts. That being said, there is still time to learn and grow, who knows how the characters will develop through the story?
As for Dumbledore, he isn't evil. He is however, completely set in his ways of thinking that only he knows best. He sees people as pieces on a chessboard and will happily sacrifice one (for example Harry) for the benefit of many (Wizarding Britain).
We read the story from Harry's point of view and what he learns, therefore it is only natural for him to hold much resentment and anger towards the headmaster. I will say right away that there will be no reconciliation between the two. Harry will follow through with his plans and not let Dumbledore or anyone else manipulate him.
