BIG EDIT: So there has been heavy revisions since the previous version of my chapter 2. Though be reassured that the end result remains unchanged. I just wanted to explore and include more details— though it may not be perfect— I've taken note from one of my readers that the previous version was rushed (thank you so much for your insight!) I had fun writing out more of the family's interactions 3 If you'd like, you can reread the chapter but it isn't necessary. The flow of the story remains largely the same. Thank you for reading!
[EMERALD KEEPER]
**** 2 ****
The grip in my hand forcibly loosened—pried away. He reached for mine immediately again, but it was as if an invisible wall had strung up between us. The whirling wind pulled me further and further, his hand far too far away to reach mine anymore. Farther and farther from him, and his figure gradually growing smaller and smaller.
The bellowing of shadows suddenly pushed against my eardrums with deafening echos. And the darkness blurred with its raging winds. My senses were no longer able to make clear of my environment, only mingled colors passing me by. But the last thing I heard was…
"Harry!—" Crimson eyes seemed to utter a promise to me, but I could no longer hear him… the plundering waves overwhelming all my senses.
The suffocating darkness captured my entire being, wrapping thoroughly around me. My every thought and my very conscious itself were taken away… Pitch darkness was all that was left. And pitch darkness was all there ever seemed to be...
.
.
.
.
"..."
"Harry." A soft baritone whispers just above me— my senses clearing just enough to listen.
"Harry," another voice tested its sound, lighter in pitch and feminine. Still enthralled by the darkness, I meekly shook my head for silence.
The dark shadows covered my surface, it felt as if I were in a cocoon...
"I really like it. He'll always be our little Harry James Potter."
Instantly blinking, the shadows scattered, and soft warm eyes greeted my emeralds instead of dark solitude. And even kinder emeralds and stoic hazels orbs filled with pure happiness brimmed at me.
"What?" Utterly confused, but my words only sounded like jumbled babbles.
"That's nice, he isn't immediately crying like I've seen the Malfoy boy do all the time." The tall dark haired man snickers to himself.
"James," the kind spoken female mercilessly chops the back of his head with her hand. "What things do you think Harry is going to learn from behavior like that." She teasingly scolds as the man subtly rubs the back of his head.
"Sorry missus." He chuckles anyways, despite the fact he was in the middle of being reprimanded. His hand lovingly brushing the strands of her light brunette from her eyes. My own only further widened as I focused more on them. And the more and more I looked at them, the more and more unbelievable it was.
They're… they're alive.
The hollowing spectral tints I remembered no longer cloaking them. Warm tones was all there was. Soon, pure and unadulterated happiness flutters right through my heart. I want to burn their image forever in my memory, of them breathing and warm. I want them to last an entire lifetime.
My second chance...
Smiling brightly as best I could. The simple cooing and babbling like all the other children must have done. I wanted to be perfect for them...
"He has your beautiful emerald eyes, honey." The man smiles in return as he gently picks me up from the crib meticulously filled with pale furry blankets and soft plushies.
"Look here, Harry dear." My mother shakes a rattle playfully. Meanwhile, my father was carefully swinging me in his arms. It is kind of embarrassing since I'm not really the baby they are treating me as... but, I still wouldn't trade this for the world.
Rather than being fascinated with a mere rattle toy— thing— my gaze stayed on them. And for seconds turning into minutes I did not once look away from them. The confusion obviously flickers into their eyes, but I didn't care.
Odd… it felt as if there was something suddenly moist my face.
"Oh dear… Maybe he's hungry?!" Father's panicked instincts kicked in as he swiftly left with a tumble. The next thing we heard were the harsh clatterings of pots and pans echoing from down the stairs, and that was certainly concerning.
Then hazels poked back into the baby blue bedroom. "Brought it!" Odd that his collar seemed ruffled and dusted.
The soft huff of exasperation came from my mother's direction. "You didn't destroy my fine kitchen now, did you dear?" Her kind hand gently caressed the droplets from my eyes.
"Certainly not." His voice betrays the offense he took. "Maybe just a little…" her sharp emeralds instantly honed onto him. "But I'll clean it later honey, don't worry about it." He said as he swiftly pointed a small bottle to my lips.
"You know he can't feed from a bottle yet, right?" She swiftly huddles me under her shirt as she sat down on the twin sized bed, her confident posture exactly like those of business executives. "He needs to be breastfeed for about two to four weeks to get used to suckling. Surely you knew that?"
God… this is undignified, but I am hungry.
"Eh?" Father's voice quickly hides his surprise. "Haha, of course I did, but honey dearest you are so smart." His presence smoothly joins us on the mattress. "Grow up big strong, little buddy." The kind hand carefully patting me through the fabric.
It was pleasantly a warm feeling.
. . .1
The sense of contentment after that small bottle is gently lifted from my hungry lips. But it was quickly followed by an undignified hiccuped burp from over his shoulder, and that was extremely embarrassing.
"Good job Harry." As he cooed at me, his arms slowly lowered me down. And the very moment my feet touched the soft rainbow colored mats, I instantly sped away on palms and knees.
"Wow, it's amazing that a one month old can already crawl that fast." His gruff voice held that usual pride.
"It is a form of training." I babbled, despite knowing they wouldn't understand.
"It's astonishing that he could already crawl at all at that young age." Mother's playful tone enters the room. Meanwhile, I continued exploring the perimeter of soft blocky bars and gates that are now under my domain, but that isn't enough.
"Yeah, I bet that Malfoy boy is constantly wailing and scratching at the air." Father snickers. And instantly, a blurred after image was all I saw next.
"Ouch!"
"What did I say about behavior in front of Harry?" Mother's kind demeanor contrasted so heavily against her terrifying scoldings. Her hand was still a cool skin tone while the back of my father's head seemed to form a small lump. Even I couldn't suppress a chuckle, or babble.
"Gehh," he teasingly stuck a tongue out at me. A marvelous silent spell instantaneously mended the bump.
Really mature, father.
But there is no denying the power he is hiding from me.
Anyways, what's really important right now is how I obtain my magic potency back. I know that my enemies won't care that I am but still a child. So I need to hone as much I can currently.
Crawling, standing, and then walking are my first steps. Work on strengthening my muscles, and then in time nothing will be able to hurt the dearest things to me.
My gradually darkening thoughts quickly led to the start of embers within my mind. And soon it felt as if the fire had burned into my eyes as well. But I am glad that neither father or mother could see my expression, since my small back is still crawling away from them. If they did they would be terrified of the thought that a demon possessed their child.
Their merry chuckles continued.
But, anything and everything I do is for both my sake and for the sake of my cherished ones.
. . .2
I am now a master at art...
The art of standing! Soon I shall run free and amuck, and then truly the entire house shall be mine and no secrets shall be kept from me!
"Is that normal?" Mother's question brought me out of my daydream.
Oh.
Blushing internally.
That sounded a bit too Dark Lord-ish actually. Should tone myself down a bit.
"I don't know, but if it's not, doesn't that mean he's a genius?" Optimism just seems to be who father is.
But his comments caused a new wave. The sense of superiority could not detain themselves any longer. Puffing my chest out as big as possible, considerably so for such a small baby. I stood along the colorful bars and raised my hands up as if grasping for power, or to my parents it should look like I wanted to be carried. And then finally, a bright toothless smile at the end - the killing blow.
"Merlin, he's so cute!" Mother instantly cooed, entirely forgetting that a two month old should not be able to do such a thing, but let's just slide that under the rug shall we.
Father stepped from his seat in the living space. And once he was right next to me, he crouched low enough that we were near eye level.
"A genius." Father's hazel eyes were as big as the moon. His swift arms lifted me up onto his shoulders.
Is it truly that egotistic to think to one's self;
Of course I am.
. . .3
As far as the colorful bars could allow me to explore, which wasn't far at all— only the living room and a glimpse of the kitchen— I've run out of things to inspect.
And several times I tried calling that ancient power that has always instantly heeded me in my past life. But there was barely even a spark of life. Determination engulfed my eyes. With no other choice, I shall allow the dastard bars of rainbow to keep me in this small pen for a little while longer, but only due to the tall locks just being out of my stubby reach.
It would become increasingly clear that my only other enemy in here, may just be utter boredom.
"Honey!" Father's voice was suddenly in the hall. "I must go make my rounds of the barrier." He said as he glanced at me. "Be back soon, Harry." Blowing a kiss at me, his heavy boots disappearing behind the front door.
Barrier.
Now that was something interesting.
Must be one powerful one to be able keep even the most powerful of wizards and witches away.
Mother's gentle form steps into the living space. Her eyes filled with such familial joy.
"Your father is really amazing, isn't he?" She casually opened the high lock. Sitting down on the sofa in front of me, she spoke, "A powerful wizard protecting us so dutifully. A proud wife couldn't be more entranced by him." As if she were making the comment to herself despite me being here.
Shuffling my feet, I stumbly stepped in front of her, arms stretched out for her to carry me.
She gently hauls me up from the carpet. "Why is it that despite being only three months old, I feel like you can clearly understand what we're saying sometimes." Her hands lovingly ran circles on my stomach. But unknown to her, I was absolutely frigid at the growing possibility that she has figured it out. But if she had, she made no noticeable clues of it.
"Remember this, Harry." Her voice held this twinge of mystery as she continued, her eyes closed as if at peace. "The true mark of maturity is when somebody hurts you and you try to understand their situation instead of trying to hurt them back." Her words struck cords far too close than I am comfortable with.
You don't understand anything… and quite frankly that is a blessing.
Her soft humming began filling the quiet air. While to her it must be the usual toasted air, it is a different matter regarding me. Bone chilling like the river that brings those across in death. The air of tightening coldness, the re-emergence of red rage that I will surely quench in the coming future.
But for now... I am content.
Her eyes were still closed as her arms locked me in a warm embrace. It was slowly infecting even myself. But I refuse to infect them in return… There is no need for them to understand. This darkness is what only I will cultivate. Those I cherished don't deserve being dragged down with me.
I will make sure of it.
. . .4
The calming clatters of steel wares along posh plating and glasses. The delicious aromas whiffing from juicy items. The hearty meat I so missed and seek to devour.
How could they taunt me like this?
Mustering the best glare I could, but their coos in return signified that I must look like I'm smiling or happy to them.
My Merlin! Giving me such crap tasting… blergh.
Having enough, the boisterous banging of my hands atop the plastic table attached to my stool started. The belts buckling me in made that slightly more difficult, but still effective. The liquid formula quickly fell to the floor with a clatter as I drew their attention more. But that is my small bit of rebellion. Deal with it.
"Harry dear, what's wrong?" Mother asked worriedly. I flail my hands towards the steak that was just sitting at the center of the table, waiting to be consumed by me.
"That! That is what I want!" Excited babbles tumbling from my lips.
"Maybe he's sleepy?"
NOooo...
"No."
Yes! Father to the rescue.
"I think he knows what he wants." I did not like how father smirked at me. "Sorry little buddy," his hand playfully ruffles my hair, while the other detesfully pulls the plate a safe distance from a baby. "You're still only four months, you can't eat adult food yet."
Hmmph. Stingy old man.
"Oh, but I have been slowly getting him used to solid food." She immediately excused herself from the table. "Let me go get that."
"Blergh! No, I hate that." My nose scrunching in distaste when she quickly returned with the mush.
"Here comes the airplane." She coos while father made idiotic vroom noises. But I only gave them a deep frown and tilted my head back. "If you eat even just one spoonful we'll get you a lot of new toys."
I don't want that geez. And that is embarrassingly doting.
Again, I tilted my head away in rebellion. That mush is such a disgrace, give me steak instead and I'll reconsider.
"How about a deal." Father poked my interest. Emeralds staring into hazels to intently listen to his terms. "I'll teach you some magic, but only if you eat all of your food."
My eyes shot back towards the small cup of mush mother was holding. Though it didn't seem a lot, it was one cup too much. But that deal was certainly tantalizing.
Hopeful emerald stared back into my own. "Just one airplane or two at least?" She renegotiated.
Fine.
With a reluctant mouthful, I bite on the spoon and quickly tried to gulp the mush before my taste buds could react. But the sour and unpleasant sting still ran on my tongue. One more spoonful and that was it, I was down for the count. That mush must be entirely made out of fish guts… You could make a weapon out of it.
"Attaboy Harry."
"You're not actually gonna start teaching him magic now, are you?" Mother's concern wished to make all my endurance earlier for naught.
"No problem, I'll just teach him when he's a few more months older."
What?! Urg… fine, at least he will eventually teach me.
Mother still looked reluctant, but they both resumed eating their meal. The light banter between them had become a common custom in the house.
. . .5
It was somewhat soothing. The white flickering static buzzing from that rectangular black box. Humming white noise as the sparkling lines went up and down. If I were ordinary, my eyesight would have been damaged by now.
Turning away from the large screen, I slowly extend my legs. Two wobby feet, but regardless it is amazing that a five months old can already stand, and more so walk. Stepping slowly but surely, his figure directly in my line of sight now. He looks to be in a relaxed position of dreaming while inattentively leaving the screen on. He also still had his coat and shoes on. So it seems like he had just immediately sat down on the closest sofa and quickly shut his eyes.
Doesn't he know that leaving a child up close to this thing is neglectful?
I sighed internally.
It is understandable, since they are first time parents still learning. Ignoring his snoring, I simply began walking slowly towards the room with pots and pans… but a sudden thought whirled through my head.
Freedom.
Quickening my pace, or stumblings, the realization that only he and I were alone in the house right now. My legs running and falling as fast as I could. Shiny rooms, shiny floors—several floors. Shiny…
...It would seem that children are indeed fascinated by reflective items.
But there was a shiny door… iron nuts and bolts lined its angular shape, reinforced steel in an otherwise normal hallway of pale beige. My emeralds flicker in adventurous curiosity, the distasteful gryffindor still within me. The steel looks like it had been accidentally left open, with just the smallest slit of darkness barely peeking out. My curious legs quickly bring me to the front of it.
A cold draft whips more strongly as I attempt to pry the door open some more. The familiar gentle darkness was there... But the mere baby strength and tiny digits I currently had definitely could not move this structure of iron and steel. Cursing my fragile body, I slowly called, the ancient power that I once concealed. Even I didn't know if it would heed me in this form.
Nothing… nothing happened for far too long. The steel door is still disobeying me, and my head is beginning to feel hotter from the frustration. As I was about to relent, a wind suddenly picked up. The familiar burning first began to gradually flicker through my fingers. The hot spirals shot up my entire skeleton. Their emerald waves swirl around my lithe body as if possessed. Fiery gave way to soothing wisps coursing through the blood in my veins. Devilish darkness in satisfaction at finally being summoned again.
"Carpe Retractum." Stretching my small hand forward, the babbles still somehow casting the wandless magic.
A green rope of light flashes from the tips of my fingers and goes forward, wrapping through the small sliver opening. A pleased grin on my lips, and with a hard tug, the steel finally swings open. But just before the thunderous sound could be made; "Muffiato!"
I quickly sent the charm into my father's ears. A held breath finally released with a sigh at no sign of movement or discomfort from his relaxed figure. Though I may not be at my physical peak anymore, my magic was still as striking as ever.
A dark smirk foreign to such a young face would cause anyone to chant exorcisms.
Shadowed steps now stood before me. Wooden and metal boards descending into unlit darkness. Each was far too steep for me to hope to be able to get back up once I set foot, but the pitch cold felt as if it were calling me. The darkness that has never left my side out of loyalty... I must go.
"Harry!" A voice almost shriek-like suddenly whipped in front of my eyes. Warm arms caught me before I could even take a single step. "How did you get here?" She frantically palmed her fingers through my scalp, bobbling me up and down as if to pacify. Her scrutinizing and inspecting eyes gaze through my very soul for any noticeable scratch.
Damn it...
"Huh?" Father's sleepy voice drew closer, his disgruntled form now standing in the hallway with us. "Honey, welcome home." He quickly smiled drearily.
"James, you forgot to close the basement door." She huffed with irritation. "Harry almost fell down the stairs!" Hazel eyes instantly blinked the sleep away, wide eyed and flickering with apologetic fear.
"Oh Merlin… I'm so sorry." He rushed in, long arms stretching around both mother and I.
The gesture was comforting, but honestly it is suffocating how protective they are. From tables with styrofoam covered legs, tackily designed playmats all over then wooden and tiles floors, and these marshmallow things wrapped around my knees and elbows. It's degrading… it's too much...
Internally rolling my eyes, "Dada." I babbled to make him feel better, and a bonus smile at the end at that.
"Aww." They both cooed.
"Can you say mama?" Mother asks gently. "Mama, Ma-Ma." She smiles excitedly.
Okay.
"Ma...ma." the deliberate pause to keep up the facade.
"Awwwww." They cooed again.
"We still have to babyproof the entire house." Mother's voice sounded much calmer, but the harsh sting directed at father is still there.
You mean...they haven't done that already?
With my mouth agape, father simply hummed in response. The sense of relief washing over him in waves. "I've never heard of a baby walking and talking at five months old before." He jokes. "Must mean he is a very special boy." He beamed of happiness.
Oh, he didn't even know half of it...
The hateful blinding light; the drowning thoughts that would sometimes resurface even as I am enjoying this new warmth; the bubbling darkness within me still wishes to lash out... It is a thorough reminder of the promise of my mission. And I intend to see through until the end.
Warm emeralds and hazels suddenly whisk the shadowy scent away. Their familial light masking over my inner demons, taming my darkness. The slight breeze, soothing breeze, as kind arms lull me in her swings.
"Should we start getting him used to magic?" Father could not contain the excitement in his voice.
Yes please!
"What?" Her eyes snapped in surprise. "He's only a baby, James." Puffing my cheeks as she swung me, I lightly tapped her arm over and over. The perfect image of a tantruming child. With mother busy with attempting to calm my soured mood, father made his move.
"Heh heh," father swooped me right from mother's arms, "he's a fighter this one, I can just tell." He smirked, tossing me up slowly. "He's a Potter, he'll definitely be a powerful wizard one day." His nose nuzzling against mine.
"Merlin! That's a bit too embarrassing." The babbles unconsciously erupted from my mouth. My tiny meek hands could only manage to tap back lightly at his stubble, but he only continued to tease me more. For some reason or other, the corners of my lips also began to unconsciously lift.
"James, it doesn't change the fact that he's still a baby, a five month old at that." She reasoned with a sigh. "I've never heard of five month olds magic training."
"Then he'll be the first." He arrogantly beamed.
I can see why many people have said that father's bravery is uncontested, but so was his pride. No wonder Snape scrunched his nose whenever I mentioned him.
"You are never too young to start learning, after all." He gave her the Potter puppy eyes.
"It's actually, 'You are never too old to start learning.'"
"That's my former Head girl of Hogwarts." Casually intertwining his fingers with hers. His confident eyes match his cool posture. A soft chuckle elicits from her lips at his smooth attempts.
"Merlin, you are insufferable." Despite her sharp words, she was happily following his lead. Their playful dance was a mockery of ballrooms, filled with sarcastic banter, tapping jabs and wide steps.
"Isn't that what made you fall in love with me?" He teased back. His sharp jawline directs their steps.
"It's also what made me greatly dislike you." She gave him a toothy smirk as they spun around together, with me still snuggled between their arms.
Please don't play around with a fragile baby between you!
"Hmm," hazels lit up deviously, "funny, it was the same for me." His face oddly came closer to hers…
"Huh," she chuckles warmly in return, "funny indeed." Emeralds closed as her face also slowly came closer to his… odd, both of their faces are closer now. His hazels closing slowly, and their warm breaths ever closer now...
Oh god... errhh please don't!
Instantly ducking my head down, eyes scrunched tightly closed. But my ears didn't have plugs to block out their hums.
My innocent eyes!
No child wants to see their parents do this...
"You're still nervous at this, James." She finally spoke again with a light teasing. My eyes take caution at slightly peeking at them. And thank Merlin they seem to be done.
"Yes, well.. when you have the most b-beautiful woman right next to you, well.. You-you know." All his suave earlier seemed to have fled from him at this very moment. The tips of his ears rosily flushed, and his eyes wide with the loud thumping of his chest.
"Well dear, let's go show Harry some magic." She winked and easily led him by the hand. His rosy cheeks silencing himself. So if angels could kill, he'd be dead right now.
And that answers who wears the trousers in this household.
As they walked hand in hand, the gradually smaller frame of that steel door regretfully slipped from my grasps. I could only longingly watch from over father's broad shoulders.
The glow of yellow soon overwhelms my adjusting eyes. Serene natural scents flood my senses— the wisps of calming citrus and earthy foliage.
"What should I show him first?" Father ponders as he sets me down onto a soft mat mother had also brought outside.
"The simple things." She replies, setting down glasses of water on a table sitting on the cemented patio.
Though I could barely contain the excitement of learning magic from father, something else flickered from the corners of my eyes.
Interesting.
With a piercing gaze, I subtly focus magic into sharpening my eyesight.
So that's how we've been hidden for so long.
Genuinely impressed by the complex magical work that went into intricating such a powerful barrier. It was as if a dense fog surrounded the entire house. With impenetrable winds and reflecting lightning of magic that essentially makes us invisible. And not just anyone could pull off such capable magic that evades even the strongest dark lord in history.
My excitement could only grow from here on.
"Though we're hidden by the wards, I should still be cautious." He mumbled in thought. And with a flick of his hand, the winds suddenly picked up. "Aguamenti." Blue energy expels from his delicate wand casting. Arising from the wood were spinning ribbons of clear liquid.
As the sparkling aqua His eyes light up with another idea, I thought.
The free floating liquid waves towards me. The droplets tickled my nose as they danced around me to amuse. Not the most powerful or combative spell, but beautiful nonetheless.
But even the most beautiful oceans can be unmerciful.
The splashing of water drags me from my dark thoughts. Father's toothy smile greets me, no doubt proud of his little prank.
My hand slowly pokes out to the water streams, but instead of completely stopping, they instantly spring into petal shapes. Lightly falling crystal like petals littering my feet in harmless puddles.
"Lovely spell." Mother next to me hums in approval.
It truly is.
"Magic shouldn't be mindless tools, nor should they be the 'be all and end all.'" Father slowly walks back towards us. "Remember this, Harry." He scoops me up into his fatherly embrace. His hand gently palming through the hairs of my head as he continued. "Magic isn't might. A person is only truly strong when they seek to protect something."
Though he turned his gaze back around to mother and the house, it felt as if those hazel orbs were still chilling me. The sense of the heavy experiences simply radiating from his eyes, washing over my smaller frame. A moment when I truly felt small to him.
"Let's have lunch now."
"Of course honey." His smile returns, and so does mine.
. . ….
For two months nothing spectacular happened. Father simply continued with his teasing while showing me more quickly dulling basic magics. At least his teasing was also limited by my mother being such an ogre about enforcing restrictions. I'm sure it's due to her motherly instincts, which is certainly a blessing in disguise. But honestly, with mother severely protesting against father showing me more combative magic, I fear that I am actually becoming more childlike.
Boredom was slowly but surely creeping into my happy, daily life in hiding. It can be exaggerated that mother detesting the idea of showing me any higher level magics, despite the high talent and enthusiasm I demonstrated, is slowly killing me.
What more babbles does she want?!
This loop of indecisiveness and complacency. My time is running out, so I desperately need father to teach me stronger magic
. . .
"Avis." The frolicking green blades blew with the beautiful flutter of pale feathered friends. The flapping opaque quickly filled my whole vision. They spun and spun, happy chirpings from their small lungs. Until finally, they disappeared with the wind.
"Did you like that, Harry?" Expecting hazel eyes joyfully awaiting my response. "Huh?" My face deadpan and eyes as disappointed as I could manage to make them appear. "You know I can't show you more powerful magic." He sighed. "Your mother will kill me."
"All for a noble cause." He seemed to be intently listening to my babbles, how odd…
I flicked a small wind at him. The quick whirl spinning a small leaf into his face. And his hazels instantly widened, caught off guard by my magic usage, despite how minimal it was.
"What…?"
Sensing the opportunity, this may be the right time.
Slowly standing on two legs, I extended my small squishy hands towards father, seeming as if I wanted him to balance me as I walk. Of course he quickly shakes the question off and happily holds onto my hands. But he didn't have to push his thumbs into the folds of my palms repeatedly. It's… it's embarrassing.
"Such small hands, Harry, I worry you may be a bit small to be a Quidditch player when you grow up." He joked, retribution for sending that small wind at him earlier.
Whatever! Just feel this.
Grinning internally, I sent a spark of the most of my small fuel of magic in my disposal at our contact. The slight jerk in the bigger pair means a success.
"Ha… Harry!" Father's face lit up ecstatic. "Magic at such a level already. This is highly unheard of! Oh how I wish I could start seriously training you now..." He went from smiling to moping in the quickest five seconds of my life.
He looked at me, and I simply did what was not expected. The brightest smile I could manage, the hopeful feeling swirling through my magic.
"I-I'll negotiate with your mother," his face was determined. "Don't worry Harry, everything will all work out."
. . .8
Thin streams of emerald floated around me, harmless to all who are loving. Mother's shocked face couldn't believe it, but father's reaction was another story. Already eight months old and magic just seems to swim around me, to bathe me. And despite the interruptions from before caused by having such an underdeveloped body, the smallest tinge of it was heeding me now.
"What do you not understand in what 'No means No' huh, James?" A threatening clench in her hand. Using his name usually means she's truly angry.
"Alright honey," father's smile dropped and sounded more exasperated. "I'll wait a few more months." He begrudgingly tsked. It sounded to me like father was the one who seemed more excited to teach me more advanced magic than I, myself.
"But I bet the Malfoy boy is already getting the best tutors for everything already!" Why that father keeps citing the Malfoy boy despite the dangerous warnings, I don't know. Turning my head away from their bickering, a bonk was all I heard before father's disappointed figure slipped away from mother. A toothy grin plastered on his face as he blew a raspberry at her from down the hall. The bump most likely already healed.
"Merlin! James you are so annoying!" The insult rolls off her tongue, but her expression says otherwise.
Clearly they're having fun by themselves, so I'll do my own thing.
Their muffled laughter bounces from wall to wall as their steps brought them spinning around the house several times. I sat myself down on the mats, pretending to be asleep. As I focused more and more on the chilling tug, the worldly sounds gradually eased away from me. It was as if my spirit was entering a spiritual realm so to speak. Buzzing became thumping, and thumping became thin air. Until finally utter stillness and utter silence permeates throughout.
Though my eyes were closed, I could vividly see the seeping of green lines from a mentally closed door, not fully open, nor fully closed.
So that my own power doesn't drown me… huh.
But just barely be able to use spells and curse won't cut it. The darkness suddenly pulls me at my knocking. Combating the emptiness, my own forceful will against the instinctual protection.
Well I don't care if my body breaks.
Green lines lashed back at me as I inched closer.
I don't care if my soul breaks.
Gentle darkness attempting to pull me away from divine seals.
All I require is utter dominance.
Turbulence struck from behind me - the force of my own will. The crackling of shattering like glass, the undying will within me lashing back at ravaging power in a twisting hurricane of inner turmoil. Sparking lines of green and black shot out from the barrier. My own intense magic stabbed through my center. My magical core instantly screams back at me to relent and release, to wait until I'm ready.
No...
I pulled the sparks further and further into my body.
My enemies won't wait, so neither shall I!
The sheer agony from too powerful magic that is slowly overwhelming me from the inside. But I am not afraid of death. I welcome it.
Crimson hands now grasped at the sparking tendrils of magic. And with a sharp pull, I pierced my core. Sheer recklessness no professor or mentor would ever teach their students when learning how to control their magic.
Blankets of shadows crept into my vision, swirling around me as if a protective barrier.
My hands still grasping at the disobeying tendrils, stinging burns attacking at my palms and arms. Darkness swirling up my arms as if a mockery of dark marks, but still I forced all my magic at it. The inner battle to quell and dominate my own power. Hissing sounds echoed through my ears, bleeding shrieks. But gradually they finally grew smaller and smaller, tamer and tamer. And suddenly, the blinding wisps of both dark and light.. and now utter silence returned to my mindscape.
"Reckless Master…"
The soothed magic now breezes with a new forecast. Fidel respect for its master flowing through my magic at my domineering control over it.
My eyes slowly take in the world around me once more.
I've controlled my magic now. Thank you...
. . .9
"Alright Harry." Father stood opposite from me on the slightly mildewed grass. The sun barely shined and the skies were a dull orange. "This is a secret from your mother, but I will show you advanced magic starting today." Sheer elation fluttered through my heart.
I wondered why father woke me up this early.
The itching green running through my core wishes to be called and run amuck. Steps should be taken slowly however, baby steps.
With a silent wave of his wand, ember reds and oranges began flowing out.
Wordless magic!
With me a safe distance behind my father, he unleashed his powerful fury.
Scorching winged flames flew towards the skies. Flames breathing more flames as the animatic spell bellowed with brilliantly refined bursts. An ancient beast in the form of rubies and crimson. And with a final screech lighting the tops of greenery asunder, the beast of flames gradually dies down. Father quickly stretches his other hand out at the flaming aftermath.
Wordless and wandless!
Internally squealing in amazement at my remarkable wizard of a father. The snaking crystal water shot out from father's hand.
A sea serpent made out of water itself!
The waves of the serpent washes over the flames the flying beast started earlier. With the flames easily extinguished, father effortlessly dispels the water beast. The burst of clear fluid waters all the lovely flowers at the same time and seemingly heals the land itself.
He turned to me with a grin. "How's that, Harry?" I instantly ran up to him as fast as my stubby legs could. Breathless from his enthralling spectacle. "Whoa there," his strong hand caught me before I face planted. "I take it that you loved it a lot."
"Of course I did!" I babbled. "That was amazing!" The motions of wand movement of father's spells have been deeply engraved into my head.
Show me more!
. . .10
The calming breeze flickering through my growing bowl cut. The myriad of green, yellows and blues breezing us by. Oh how I dearly missed this.
"Harry," Strong arms had been tightly hooked around me through all the strong winds we picked up. "Having fun?" His hazel eyes were filled with joy as he glanced at me. He didn't need to use either hand to hold onto the moving item since his sense of balance was astounding to put simply.
Every other thought didn't matter right now. Every plan, every object, every enemy… none of those mattered right now. Because right now, sublime winds encased me, and the warmth at my back is something that I know will always support me. The warmth and strength combined… it felt as if the worries of the world were all erased, and all there was is the freedom to fly.
A genuine smile without a care lapsed my lips.
"Ohh, I'm glad you love this too." He chirped happily. "You're only ten months old, but I know you will definitely become a star Quidditch player in the future. The two of us will definitely be the unstoppable father and son duo, and I just can't wait!" The freedom of floating leaves were utterly left behind by us in the dust.
Me too.
Father whisked and whirled, the sturdy and sleek carbon fiber infused stick flew like a fire spitting dragon, but honestly what is he doing trying to show off to a baby who shouldn't be capable of remembering such things yet. But oh well, the sparkling aerial view was a marvelous treat. It was gravity defying freedom.
I glanced down for a brief second, weaving my own magic into the air as he breezed us through enchanting winds.
The world below could not touch us.
"One day," father's eyes beamed, "I'll teach you all about flying." The tip of the sleek carbon touched the opaque clouds. "One day, may you appreciate the freedom the skies give you."
I already do, father. But I as well can't wait for that day.
"Guys!" Mother's calling voice from below the winds. "Time for dinner." Father and I glanced down at her.
"Yes ma'am!" The colorful breeze slowed as we gently spiraled down. The fluffy droplets tickling down my skin as we came back to earth. The crunch of crisp bright green grass as he hopped off with me in his arms. The freeing winds now at a complete stop and so far away it seems. And the sparks from my own magical core taming themselves.
Although the marvelous, mouth watering scent from the kitchen awoke my stomach from slumber, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. This peacefulness I adore...
I wanted to fly with him for a little longer...
. . .11
Should I hold back?
Excited hazels stared at me from across the wide living space, which was vacant of all the sofas and neatly organized to optimize space for our practice session. His thin strands of blue swirls retract themselves back into his core. So following his lead, I let my magic flow. The burn rapidly coursing through my veins…. Hot… Mesmerizing… And with a burst, bright and powerful green lines shot from my hands. Despite the strong force from its release, my magic felt safe, gentle to me. Their dancing lights around me as the power continues to float from my hands.
"Oh my Merlin!" Father fanned. "Honey hurry! Grab the camera!"
Maybe I should show some more, so that he'll train me harder.
"I'm getting it!" The flow of beautiful brown hair instantly ran into the room. "How's the train…" her emerald eyes quickly widen. "Oh my Merlin."
"Look at our star!" Swiping the camera from her hands, father passionately took plentiful pictures. The images full of the swirls of faithful green magic that encompasses the entire room and lightly waves around my parents and I. "He's only eleven months old, but look at him, already this proficient at calling his core." Shining tears of joy dripped from father's face.
"A highly advanced technique." Mother gasped in surprise and absolute pride.
As I slowly shuffled the magic back in, demonstrating expert control already, father's large arms suddenly scooped me up. The waterworks rubbing onto my own face as he nuzzles his cheek against mine.
Yeah, I should hold off on showing more of my true strength.
Teary water slobbering my face, and the best scowl I could manage to counter it with only made it seem like I was smiling at him. Curse my still weak face muscles. It only served to encourage him to nuzzle my cheeks even more.
"Merlin, you are insufferable." The babbles again, but the shimmer of fondness trickles into my glittering emeralds.
"James, our son may be a prodigy." Mother joined in on the hug. Her arm swung around father's waist as she smiled warmly at me.
But this isn't bad...
The craving I've never got to realize in my previous life. Those hazel and emeralds looking fondly at our shared blood.
Yeah... this isn't bad at all.
"He is a Potter." Father's prideful talk broke my thoughts away, and it is honestly too blinding. Cheekily rolling my eyes at him. But it is awfully odd since the Potters never had an inch of darkness in them that I'm aware of.
Mother suddenly whipped him around by the neck, the strength surprising for such a kind demeanor. "I'm sure that my blood is also a factor." She carefully swiped me from his hands at the same time. She is ruthless on top of easily getting the best on father, which begs the question of the bloodlines on her side of the family...
"Eh?" His hazels widen from shock, and that little trickle of fear. "Of-of course honey. You know that you've always beaten me thoroughly in all our duels."
She gave him a toothy smile.
They walked hand in hand, mother's other arm carrying me over her shoulder.
Step.
Step.
Settling me down in the matted play area they designated for me, the two slinked off into the kitchen for refreshments as they bickered. The second living room seemed slightly warped from my low field of vision. And those colorful rainbow bars prevent me from following them, but that's okay. Sensing that they were nowhere in sight and far too busy talking to notice, a simple flick of my hands, and a small wind pulled up the lock for me. And with a grin, my legs effortlessly stood tall. I've already mastered the art of stealth a few months prior. My quicker steps than before, and the wobbles far diminished to completely none, the silent movement was exactly perfect.
The warm toasted air of a meticulously cared for home was slowly turning cold. That same gentle darkness was calling for me again, but it was not out of malicious intent. My little feet continue to trudge closer to the calling dark, almost as if under a trance. The sheen of it in view now; the overwhelming wish to speak to it bringing me right back in front of that dastard steel bolted door.
Opening it would certainly cause a loud noise and fuss, so maybe I should just get their attention?
The tiny specks of emeralds glowing along my fingertips once again. Blowing the thin tendrils towards the kitchen, the white glow of lights flicker from its passing presence.
"Harry?" Their distant voices perked in slight alarm, and their loud footsteps grew closer towards me.
Then finally…
"WAAAHH!" A glass shattering high-pitched wail at the top of my lungs.
"HARRY!?" Mother and father's rushing forms appear from the corner of wooden floorboards. Concerned hazel and emerald eyes carefully inspecting me.
"What's wrong dear?" He gently hauled me off the dusty floor, my small hands hitting along the steel door as he did so.
"He was in front of this door before too," mother thought aloud, staring at the silver door. "Maybe he's curious and wants to see downstairs?"
He glanced at the door briefly as I continued hitting it with my palms. "Ohh, alright buddy, there's something I wanted to show him once he was a little older, but no harm in doing so now." He tugs my hands from the door, spinning me around as he hooks his hand over the knob. The light sensors turned on immediately as we stepped past the door.
I imagined a dusty old, cobweb filled, cobblestone walled, humid cellar down here, but surprisingly the room was spacious and well vented as if we were in a sunroom. And although it was sparsely decorated, there was still a nice sofa bed, a large television and game console, a small fridge on the fluffy gray carpeting, a mahogany desk with a radio on top, and another small bedroom connected by another door.
"So this here is your father's mancave."
"Hey!" Father blushed, a shaky cough. But her eyes only sparked teasingly as she skipped ahead and tapped the console for context. "Anyways, this right here is the prize." Another shaky cough. Bringing us towards a large red box in the corner that seemed fit to store a pirate's treasures. He placed a hand on top, unhooking the buckles that prevented anyone from peeping.
The comforting darkness permeated from it, the true source.
"Here Harry," Father dipped a hand into the maroon chest, "a powerful artefact that has been passed down in my family for generations upon generations." He tucked the gray silk into my hands. "And now it belongs to you."
This is!
"Master." Its voice floated briefly through my head. Snapping back and forth from mother and father. Their oblivious and chirper banter affectionately going above my head made it all the more unlikely. Its familiar darkness that I've felt while in my mindscape, but now all the more potent.
So it would appear that only I heard it.
This is a very satisfying result however, just the simple knowledge that there is always going to be warmth supporting me, whether in the shadows or among the blinding light.
Sincere affection curled the corners of my lips, its warmth extending to my eyes.
I missed you too.
"Reckless…" It repeated quietly. Its gentle shadows curl around my soul, invisible to all but those who mastered death.
Would he be able sense it though?
That may be a wonder for another time however, for what is pressing is that if the Potters truly didn't have an ounce of darkness in their veins, then where does this deep affinity come from?
. . . ..
The Potters were gleefully encouraging my babbling fumbles at talking. They were oddly excited though...
"Happy birthday!" Ribbons and ribbons of colors whisked into the air at their joyful cries. Father's arms swinging me as he stepped us into the lavishly decorated dining table. This is the first birthday I've ever had in this new world… and it's the greatest.
Genuine smiles and babbling nonsense went uncontrolled, truly… truly this life is a blessing.
A light spark reflected off of the knifeware father was using.
Suddenly, the spark in magic erupted, alerting me first before it did them.
My parents instantly shuffled their feet, holding me close as they pointed their hidden wands at the air. The jumbled mess of cake frosting and bread coating the floor as swirling silver flicks of magic tossed it. The magic floated and floated before us, and soon a figure seemed to walk through it, long bearded and aged.
"Ah… Headmaster Dumbledore," father huffed a sigh of relief. "I didn't receive any message that you would visit today, please excuse our wands." He quickly retracts the mahogany back into the holster on the side of his belt; mother does the same.
Dumbledore!
"Good evening." His grandfatherly facade. Seething internally, I wailed and wailed higher and higher decibels at the old man's invading presence in my haven.
"Oh dear, Harry may have been a bit too frightened." Mother wrapped her arms around me, lifting me from father's arms. But even as she cradled me, I never once let the old man out of my sight for even a second.
"How were you able to apparate to our location?" Father softly raised the question. There was no doubt in his voice yet, as obvious it should have been!
"Apologies for the intrusion," Dumbledore began, "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's actions have become quite strange recently." He scratched his beard, not bothering to even answer his question. Blue eyes as deep as the marianas trench stared at me with a coldness, a calculativeness. "We needed to let you know as this may be a sign of upcoming danger." He approached slowly, offering a practiced smile. "Have you experienced anything out of place, as of late?"
"Anything out of place? Well not really anything meaningful." Father replies after a moment of thinking, the rushing magic he was about to release earlier now a quick and eerie calm.
"Hmm, I see." The wizard steps back. "Has the charm been set?" He asks while staring needles at me.
"Yes." They both answered.
Charm?
"Good."
"We love our son very much." She says as a strand of hair poking my eye was pushed behind my ear. "We would even sacrifice our own lives for his future."
"Very admirable," the smile the old wizard gave somehow seemed so wrong. "Please do so then, for the sake of the greater good."
"As both order members, and most especially as parents," father's and mother's eyes steeled themselves, "We will absolutely do so."
"Good, then I shall be taking dear Harry off your hands."
"WHAT?!"
"I will raise him to be perfectly fit and able as the prophesied child that will one day defeat the Dark Lord." He says as simply as if breathing air.
The snake!
It is obvious that he had manipulated me in my past life, but he dares try with a child barely a year old. He is as revolting as the crimson still pumping through his veins.
"But… but surely he is far too young right now..." Mother's voice cracked.
"My point exactly." The old man stood directly in front of me. Unbeknownst to my parents, his expression hid ulterior motives. "Now, hand dear Harry over to me."
"Dear." Father's eyes refused to gaze up, but mother's eyes visibly flashed with anger.
"You're willing to give our child away?! For him to become a weapon!?" Her redden face bellowing towards Dumbledore. Father's head and ears turned downward.
"Dearest Lily and James, your child is destined for greatness," Dumbledore smoothly intervenes, "We cannot change fate."
He certainly is a master manipulator!
The concealed waves of darkness itching beneath my fingers.
"I…" Father's dimmed hazels carried endless grief. "I don't want to do this as well, honey." No longer was the chipper and foolhardy tone within his voice anymore. "Believe me, Harry is our son that I love so dearly…" The murk of intense sadness, disgust and reluctance tainted my father's joyful personality. "But… but Dumbledore must know best…"
He relented!
The sting returned with a vengeance, my darkness quickly obliterating the flash of past gray stone and merciless monsters from the forefront of my breaking mind.
"But…" mother's voice was caught between opposing emotions. For the greater good or the greater of one family...
"And for that end," Dumbledore's icy eyes suddenly flashed dangerously.
"NO!" More feeble and furious babbles were all I could manage, the intended spells never manifesting.
Why can't I curse him?!
The darkness refused to launch, instead remaining around me as if protecting me from something far more dreadful.
"Harry needs the proper incentive to hate the Dark Lord, after all." An intense Avada Kedavra glow illuminates the entire room. "All for the sake of the future and freedom." Emeralds and hazel widen ever so slightly before cut short. So blindingly bright that my eyes shut on their own.
"NO!"
Finally blinking slowly, those firm but slightly more brittle arms now held me. A bit precarious hold just securing me by a single arm.
Glaring through the light and smoke, the unsettling image finally settled…
Frozen… two utterly motionless figures stare back at me. Hazel and emeralds dimmed without warmth. The warmth that I've always desired… the warmth that I've experienced… the warmth that I treasure so dearly in return…
"AAAHHH!" The soul's screeching. The electric tug beaming back in return without my noticing, for all I could focus on was the crimson...
They were torn so relentlessly from me in a single instant, a single moment, by a single man. Suddenly the wish to die exploded. My stomach churns at the building distress. The revolting sensations wishing to expel themselves from the very bowels of my throat. The remembrance of crimson… That disgusting crimson! Darkening crimson and its lifelessness that followed suit. HATEFUL crimson!
Teeth like fangs swished down, finding the intended flesh of digits in my fury and grief.
"Ouch!" The old man harshly swung me up and down, a silent cast of magic sealing my lips closed. "What a barbaric child." The hateful man holding me by the arm tsked. "He was supposed to be the one coming here, but he hasn't been moving according to my predictions at all lately…" A smooth flick of his wand in his other hand.
"Pettigrew!" Swirls of silver floated back into the air.
"Y-Yes." The ratlike man immediately shifts into the room.
You!
"Plans have slightly changed," he eyed the rat man, "You killed the Potters."
"Wha-what?! Me?!"
"You failed to get the Dark Lord here. It is only fitting that you go down with this ship." Cowardly eyes widening at the implication, but before the rat could even run, the power of silver magic struck first. "You are bound to eternal secrecy, and your life forfeit as of now as the scapegoat for the murder of the Potter parents." The hateful aged man smiled, clearly pleased with himself.
With the rat man frozen to the spot, forced to await the moment he is found here. And despite the swirling darkness that I am, a slight albeit disgusting sliver of pity does float through my head briefly, but it was only that - brief. As a traitorous rat is always a traitorous rat. For the rat that he is, I too wish to see him drown.
"The two will duel eventually in the future, I'll just have to be patient." The elder wizard hums as he quickly motions to apparate away with me in his arms. The rat's eyes wide and pleading, but went largely ignored by the elder.
The swirls of silver summoned. The pull of magic was coming soon. But suddenly, the gentle shadows encompassed the entirety of my vision...
.
.
.
.
.
.
TO BE CONTINUED. . .
ENDNOTES
W/N: Hmmm, I needed some way to get Harry's parents out of the picture sooo yeahh. (No Quidditch duo Nooooo) But it does make Dumbledore very, very, very OC, but you know, he's willing to sacrifice for the greater good… And I think I like it :)))
Hopefully I didn't tear too many hearts out after spending thousands of words for all their screen time together… Actually who am I kidding? I hope I did :D the more dreadful the better.
INFO: So Harry's parents didn't die on October 31, 1981 in this universe I'm creating, but on his birthday July 31, 1981. Just to let you know in case this information becomes useful in the future lol
And Wholly shiz! I wasn't expecting so much positive reception for my story! MY GOODNESS... It is quite intimidating to live up to your expectations Oof. BUT! Thank you so much for such lovely comments and for the many Kudos ❤❤❤ Thank you so much for reading my story, and I hope you would continue this rocky journey with me :D
- Cya next time readers o/