A/N: Thanks again for all the great reviews I received this last Chapter. I know that I leave many questions unanswered and that gets pretty annoying, but believe me that I have my reasons for that and you will very soon have the answers that you seek.
As far as this Chapter goes there's not much action taking place but I trimmed out everything that was unnecessary to the plot. Next Chapter we will have some flashbacks from the rescue mission from the Death Eater point of view and Riddle's reaction to the escape. Thanks again and keep up the reviews, it's what keeps me going. :+)
Ginnyfan99
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter or any of it's Characters, and if you would be so kind as to review I would be very happy. Thank You
Chapter 24-- Potter Power
Harry was currently sitting in a dark and narrow hallway completely alone. There was an early morning quietness lingering through out the long hallway. It has been nearly three days since the attack on Daigon Alley and the following rescue mission. Three long hard filled days. Thankfully Snake face and his little puppies were apparently re-evaluating, other wise known as licking their wounds. Harry had pondered long and hard about what he had done and how the entire rescue plan went down and he always came to the same conclusion, he was really lucky.
That's what confused Harry so much because he just wasn't ever lucky. Or was he? Looking back over the years, there were a lot of memories that were pretty bad, awful really. But somehow or someway, he would always find his way out. Maybe he truly was lucky, but Harry was a logic and reason kind of guy, there just had to be a better explanation. That is what the Potter Family journal was to Harry, it was a clue that would hopefully lead to the eventual explanation.
Harry had put things in motion before all hell broke loose and he was really looking forward to taking a little vacation from Britain and exploring what the journal seemed to be begging for him to do. Harry never took much stock into the whole Boy Who Lived nonsense but lately, from what he could read from that journal, he was beginning to think he just might be the Chosen One. Unfortunately, most of what was written in the journal, was unreadable. Written in a language Harry couldn't even guess to name. He hoped he would learn the key to reading it upon his arrival to the hidden Potter Manor.
But before Harry could think about exploring the island of Lewis, he needed his posse, his brothers, and his family by his side. Funny really, he grew up having no one and had become accustom to going at it alone, but since that fateful day when his life was forever changed by a House Elf, he had become quite fond of having someone in his corner, someone who had your back no matter what. He thought he had those things in Ron and Hermione but he was wrong. Neville on the other hand was all those things.
Looking back, Harry could see all the signs throughout the years as to Ron's true loyalties, he just never wanted to think about it because he didn't have many friends to begin with and couldn't afford to lose any, not to mention the fact that his family has been like an adopted family to him since he found out he was a wizard. Hermione would call it living in denial, Speaking of Hermione, Harry was unsure where he stood with his former bookworm friend.
Standing up from sitting in this chair for the last umpteenth hours, Harry stretched his legs a little before walking down the dimly lit hallway. As he walked, he peered into the little windows that each door had on them. Finally finding the room that had his wondering mind so fixated lately, Hermione Grangers room. As Harry looked at the peacefulness her expression was radiating, he couldn't help to wonder, how much of the Hermione Granger he knew was actually her? After all Harry had known her all his magical life. What if she was planted all those years ago on the train, planted to be a spy and to keep an eye on the famous boy who lived. It all made sense now that Harry knew that it was prophesized not only once but twice about the power that he seems to possess.
The only way Harry could be sure would be to talk to her once she awakes. The Doctor said that she has been through the best detoxification magic had to offer, whatever was in her system, controlling her, she would rise control free. What a reality shock that could be, what would be the last thing she remembered. Harry truly hoped it was something from not to long ago. Seeing as there was no change in her condition, Harry nodded to the two Goblin Guards that were stationed inside her room, and continued down the hallway.
This floor of St. Mungos, was very exclusive and private, so much so in fact, most people think it merely a myth. Harry was one of those people until Whiplock filled him in after the Rescue Mission debriefing. It made perfect sense to Harry for he had similar ideas once he received his new Trunks. This hidden floor deep below the famous wizarding Hospital, was like no other Harry had ever seen. The time functions were very similar to Harry's own trunks but to a greater extent. It was pretty amazing to see first hand. The Doctors could seem to manipulate time with their hands while operating on a patient. Harry could think of no time where there would be a greater need to stop time then when trying to heal someone.
The other advantage of this wing was the fact that not too many people even know that it exists, thus making it much easier to keep protected even though Lord Whiplock ordered there to be no less the two Goblin Guards per patient to every one of Harry's allies lying in this ward. Even the girls that were rescued from Riddle Mansion. Not all were that severe, but a few needed a lot more then just counseling. Thankfully magic could heal most physical things, it's the emotional ones it has troubles with, unless you wanted to forget the whole thing, magic could definitely do that.
Finally making his way to the last room down the hallway, Harry nodded again to the two Goblin Guards that were stationed outside the door as one of them reached for the handle and opened the door for Harry. Walking in the room, Harry was greeted with the familiar setting of Luna, sitting in a single chair, head leaning on Neville's bed, taking a nap. The Two Goblin Guards that were stationed inside the room, suddenly stood at attention upon Harry's arrival, alerting Luna that she was no longer alone.
"How is our Hero today Luna?"
"Better then yesterday…..that's something I suppose…progress is progress." smiled Luna
"Can you stay with him for a few minutes for me Harry while I freshen up?" asked Luna
"Of course, take all the time you need, I had something I wanted to discuss with Neville in private anyhow." smiled Harry
"Ooooh private huh? I suppose I will allow it….this time, remember….if your going to talk about me, make it all positive Harry." said Luna with a wicked smile as she walked out the room.
Harry simply smiled while watching Luna leave, once she was gone, he turned towards the two Goblin Guards standing guard inside the room.
"Please leave us for a few minutes, right outside the door will be fine." said Harry as the two Goblin Guards nodded once, then left the room, closing the door after them and joining the other two guards standing out front.
Harry walked over to the side and took the seat that Luna vacated. Leaning way back, Harry put his feet up onto the bed and stretched a little.
" Well my friend, where to begin? Well since we last talked yesterday, a new article was released by the Prophet , listen to this:
With so much destruction and chaos everywhere the eye turns at our once famed Wizarding shopping district, we the public are left to ask, why? As we shift through the ruble and debris, we find comfort in knowing that the actual loss of life was very minimal. "Stores and merchandise can be rebuilt and replaced but bringing back ones lost loves can not be undone." That quote was given by the savior over our wizarding world, the hero that saved countless lives that horrible day, Albus Dumbledore.
One eye witness reports seeing over fifty of the Dark Lord's followers as well as several rogue Goblins and how terrified everyone was who witnessed the mob approach. "it was the scariest thing I had ever seen, and when they shouted out that they were going to kill everyone….I …I..just froze, I thought right there and then that my life was over, but then something happened, the lead Death Eater was talking to someone near the front. It must have been someone very powerful because you could tell that the Death Eaters were scared. Then there was an explosion and suddenly all the evil people just started vanishing, one by one until they had all gone. When I realized that the danger had passed, I looked up to see Albus Dumbledore looking over the crowd before walking off towards the Wizarding bank. Thank Merlin for Lord Dumbledore!"
Yes, thank you Headmaster Dumbledore, once again you saved us from a fate that is unthinkable. I for one never doubted you, although some of my fellow colleagues were all to eager to throw the first stone, but I am Reporter, it is my job to dig deep to find the truth, and in doing so, I found a few conflicting stories. One of those came from a customer who was shopping in the now famous Joke Shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Now famous because it was one of the rare buildings that was unaffected from all the destruction. Although he chose to remain anonymous, he had some interesting information to share.
" I truly thought my life was over, not only was Daigon Alley under siege, but there was a small force focusing completely on bring down the joke shop, not just wizards either, there were huge black armored Goblins. But no matter how hard they tried, they could not breach the wards protecting the gift shop. I overheard one of the employees who said that Gringotts warded the property because the Owners are personal friends of Harry Potter. They also said that the wards were holding but they would eventually fall, especially since the number of Death Eaters who were attempting the Breach was growing. I won't lie, I was scared to death, so many things were running through my mind upon my last moments, but those kids, the ones working for that joke shop were calm and collected. They took charge and protected everyone in that store, even though some of us customers were not so willing. When we asked them why they were so calm, they said because Harry Potter would come and get them out of this jam. They said it like they knew it, truly knew it. So they prepared everything for his arrival, and just before those dark wizards took down the wards, The Chosen One did show up, along with the Owners of the Joke shop and some very menacing Goblins. Needless to say, witnessing THE Chosen One and the aura that glows around him, was something that I will never forget. I, and everyone in that alley who survived the attack, owes their lives to the Chosen One, Harry Potter!"
So there you have it folks, two sides of the coin, on the one side, Albus Dumbledore, Proven conqueror of Dark Lords. On the other side, Harry Potter, Boy Who Lived, Chosen One, and defeater of the Dark Lord when he was merely one years old. No matter how you look at it, our world is in great hands as Long as we have these two individuals. But if you ask me, personally, I would put stock in Lord Dumbledore before believing that a mere sixteen year old will save us all, but that's just one humble Reporter's opinion.
Rita Skeeter
Setting the paper down on the bed, Harry had to laugh out loud. It was even funnier the second time around, He supposed he should look at the bright side of things, at least it wasn't all negative. There were a few backhanded slaps in the story, but he couldn't believe that Rita actually reported on both sides instead of just choosing the side that she knew her readers wanted to hear, and writing that.
" The kids in that shop, you do realize he means you Neville. You're the hero that customer was talking about." said Harry out loud as his thoughts turned back to Rita.
She must be under serious pressure Harry assumed. The stories that were released the day of the attack, and for the several after that, were heavy on the Headmaster our savior front. They even went so far as to describe in detail how the Headmaster attacked the mob in the town square. Funny seeing how he never appeared until right at the very end. Harry knew that there wasn't any witnesses that could give any claim to the Headmaster entering the battle at any time. In fact it was Luna and her Father that printed several eye witness accounts of the events that happened that fateful day. In most of those stories, it was either about the heroism of the Twins and their store employees, or it was of the Chosen One leading a select battle troop from Gringotts.
Harry was a little worried about Riddle knowing about his alliance with the Goblins, but he figured Tom already knew as much from the Goblin separation and him joining forces with said Goblins. Harry knew first hand how fickle the general public's allegiance would turn. He was thankful for the Lovegood's helping his image by printing the truth, at least it minimized the number of howlers that Winky and Dobby had to intercept. They have been doing a lot of that lately. Dumbledore had been attempting to have a face to face since the will reading. But after hearing and reading all those lies in the Prophet, Harry wasn't in any mood to deal with the meddling old fool.
Harry can only imagine how frustrated the Headmaster must be. After years of having all the control over my life, to be suddenly cut off, cold turkey, without warning, must be driving him crazy. He was probably afraid of all the lies I would uncover and the webs I would unweave now that I had full access to the Potter vaults. Little did the Headmaster know that I already had access to those vaults for weeks now.
The Potter Family Journal was the key to answering so many questions, he had to figure out what language and or languages that it is written in so he could read it. He recognized the Latin, that can be translated easily, as well as the French, but there was one language Harry had never seen before. That will be harder to translate because he couldn't really show it to anyone for an example, unless he keyed them in to read it, and he was not comfortable letting just anyone even touch it. There was one phrase that he noticed was repeated at least six times in different parts of the book. Harry copied it down the best he could on a spare sheet of paper. He was determined to find out what language it was.
"Isn't that something Nev, there was a little bit of truth in the Prophet for once, who knew that was possible huh?" said Harry with a small smile.
His reply was several beeping noises coming from various machines he was hooked up to.
"Come on Neville, I need your help brother, you need to snap back to reality friend." declared Harry as Luna re-entered the room.
"Am I interrupting? I can come back in a few?" asked Luna
"No, it's fine Luna, we were done talking, I just want him back, when is he going to awake?" asked Harry a little frustrated.
" I don't know, the Doctors say his vitals are fine, but they could not determine what curse he was struck with and therefore they could not give him the remedy needed. They haven't seen to many of this type of damage before." said Luna while looking pensive as she stared at Neville's face.
"Why is that? What were his symptoms from the curse? Couldn't they just narrow it down by what it's doing to him?" asked Harry
"I said something similar to that when they brought him in. It seems that whatever the curse was, even as strong as it must have been, it didn't blast through the armor Neville was wearing."
"Wait, you mean he was wearing armor, and this curse did this to him without ever hitting him fully?" asked Harry in disbelief as Luna simply nodded.
"It was quite impressive armor, it seemed to change in density and thickness apparently on it's own, the Doctors could not even remove it with out waking Neville with forceful potions. When they got it off, it grew really big, that's it over there." said Luna as she pointed into the corner.
Harry walked over to the huge like statue in the corner. He had seen this in the room when he first visited days ago, he had no idea that this armor was Neville's, not to mention that he was actually wearing it was amazing, it was extremely huge. It looked like it was to big for even Whiplock. As Harry was inspecting it, he had a sudden image of a similar suit on a statue like this one in the Potter vault. Shaking his head of the image, he would have to check that out later, not to mention interrogate Neville as to why he never told me about that suit.
"It is the strangest suit, It didn't look like that when he was wearing it." said Luna as Harry walked away from the suit and back to Neville's side.
" It must be a family heirloom, it is steeped in Old World Magic." said Harry as he reached out and touched Neville's hand.
"You are in big trouble Mister Longbottom when you wake up, why didn't you tell me you had this amazing armor? I'll tell you what, if you wake up today, I'll call us even, what do you say?" asked Harry with a smile
Suddenly several of the machines that were hooked up to Neville, started blinking and flashing as a few small sirens started to go off. Harry took a small step back as did Luna from the other side. Then the door burst open and four huge Goblins poured in with their axes at the ready followed by several white jacketed Doctors and Nurses. Harry pulled his wand as Luna rushed over to his side and fell behind Harry as she too had her wand pulled.
"Lord Potter, please put away your wand, we are not here to harm you. We were sent by the Master Healer of this ward. He is on his way personally to explain to you." said one of the Doctors with his hands up in a gesture of peace. The other Doctors followed suit as they were inching closer to Neville and the machines that were making a fuss. About six more Goblins were at the door in no time as they sealed off all access to the room.
"Stand down everyone, Guards station yourselves in the corners of this room, no one gains access with out my say so first." declared Harry as the Goblins immediately put their weapons away and positioned themselves in the corners like he asked as the six others turned and barricaded the door as Harry turned to the lead Doctor and asked.
"Please continue to help Lord Longbottom, what's happening to him?"
"Nothing bad my Lord, it is just a theory our Master has concluded, we do not know the particulars, only that he placed these machines to go off when it happened again, please your Lordship, he will explain everything to you." said the Doctor as his team were casting diagnostic charms over Neville as the Nurses were turning off the machines
"Very well, I can wait." said Harry
"My Lord, there are five Doctors requesting permission to enter. Doctor Matheson and his team." said the Goblin Guard at the door
"That is our Master Healer Lord Potter." said the lead Doctor in the room.
"Let them enter and continue your guard." declared Harry as the five Doctors were ushered into the room.
"Lord Potter, what an absolute pleasure it is to finally meet you, I only wish it was under better circumstances." said Mister Matheson as he walked straight up to Harry and shook his hand. The Goblin Guards that were positioned in the corners stirred a little as he approached Harry.
"Yes, I would have preferred to have met you not standing over my Brother in everything but name." said Harry as he returned the mans hand shake while nodding to the Goblin Guards to be on alert.
"I hear you have come to some epiphany in regards to my friend, and have monitored him based on this. The machines went off that confirmed your suspicion, am I correct?" asked Harry as Doctor Matheson nodded that he was.
"Please explain" asked Harry
Doctor Matheson walked over to Neville and pulled his wand and ran several very complicated diagnostic charms. After several minutes, he turned towards Harry and smiled.
" Lord Potter, did you by any chance touch Neville anywhere on his skin, not just his shoulder over the sheets, actual skin to skin contact?" asked Dr. Matheson
As Harry thought about it, it was Luna who answered.
"Yes he did, he touched Neville's hand Doctor." said Luna
" Well I don't have any explanation for it your Lordship, but there has been already so many discrepancies regarding this case I am at a loss. The best I can figure, and again I don't know why, but it seems over the past few days, we have seen anomalies in the form of the weird spikes in Lord Longbottoms magical core. We narrowed down the cause of those spikes to you Lord Potter. Every time you have made skin to skin contact, his core reacts strongly, so strong in fact that it is accelerating his healing." said Dr. Matheson
Harry looked over towards Luna who was staring right back at him as suddenly a huge grin spread out across her face.
"Well…..go on then, get to it." said a beaming Luna
It took Harry a second to understand what her meaning was, but then he walked over towards Neville and took a seat at his side. He then reached out and clasped Neville's hand in his. Instantly the machines began to go off again, but the Nurses were expecting that and rushed over to shut them down. Harry closed his eyes to concentrate on the weird feeling he was getting, it was sort of similar to your legs falling asleep, except it had started from his chest area and was expanding from there.
The Doctors and Nurses were all staring at the machines in astonishment. Luna was watching Harry intently as suddenly a shimmering glow surrounded him emanating from his chest area and spreading down his arm towards Neville. Not long after, Neville was basked in the shiny glow as well. Then there was a blinding light that flashed through out the room, blinding everyone who had their eyes open temporarily. That light came from Harry, it had pushed him back and away from Neville separating the contact between them. As his chair slammed back against the wall, he opened his eyes and was amazed at what he was witnessing before him. Neville was surrounded by a golden greenish aura and everyone was turning away from him and rubbing their eyes.
As Harry stood up he began to walk back towards the glowing Neville when another flash lit up the room, this time coming from Neville and it effectively rendered only Harry sightless as everyone else was already effected from Harry's blast that he was unaware of.
After several minutes passed, it was Doctor Matheson that had recovered first, then he went around and cast a few charms restoring everyone's eyesight. He then immediately went to Neville's side and ran a few more diagnostic scans.
"Amazing, I don't know what that was, or how you achieved it Lord Potter, but he seems to be almost in perfect health, he should awaken soon." said Dr. Matheson
"I have never in all my years seen anything like that before. The power monitor was off the scale, Lord Potter, you could possibly be the most powerful wizard alive today." said the bewildered Nurse
Harry wasn't sure how to respond to that, he still wasn't sure what just happened. It was very instinctual, once contact was made, it was like Neville's body was having a conversation with my body without even having my say so. Although he did feel sort of drained, it was no more then after one of his workouts. Before Harry could say anything, they were interrupted by the Goblins Guarding the door.
"Lord Potter, a situation is occurring in Master Lupin's Suite. Apparently he has awaken, and when he spotted the Goblin Guards, he panicked a little, seeing how the last thing he remembers is being attacked by Death Eaters. He has caused little damage and we have him sealed in his room my Lord." said the Goblin Guard
"I will go, Luna you stay with Neville. That is if I am done here, do you need me any further?" asked Harry
"No, not right now, but I would love to do some tests when you have time young Lordship, you seem to possess an amazing healing quality, you could do much good here." stated Mister Matheson
"I might take you up on that offer if I have your word that what you witnessed here stays within these walls. It is very important that the powers I possess are not commonly known, if you catch my meaning. Otherwise, I can simply remove it from your memories." said Harry in a menacing tone.
"That won't be necessary my Lord, Doctor/Patient confidentiality. Were bound by law not to disclose the case particulars." said the lead Nurse as every healer was nodding that they agreed
"That is excellent, needless to say, if word ever escapes this place of what transpired here today, I will be back for some answers, and I won't be happy. Good Day to all." said Harry as he walked out of the room and hurriedly over to Remus' room.
"Blimey, he's bloody amazing and downright frightening. After reading all those Quibbler articles, then witnessing this today, I have no doubt that he was the one who saved Diagon Alley." said one of the Nurses
"No Doubt! One thing is for certain, I'm never speaking of this incident again, I can only imagine what Lord Potter would do to me if I did?" said another Doctor
Luna just laughed as most of the Doctors left the room while a few remained back, doing a few more tests on Neville as Luna grabbed his hand and took her usual seat by his side.
Harry quickly made his way down the hallway as Goblin Guards bowed as he passed by.
Finally making it to Remus' room, The number of Guards had doubled since Harry's earlier visit, and the door was gone completely, nothing but a stone wall was present. The Goblins unsealed the room and opened the door for Harry as two guards entered first with weapons at the ready followed quickly by Harry.
What Harry witnessed upon finally entering the room he was not prepared for. Remus was standing on the bed witch was pushed all the way into the back corner of the room. He had the most scared and frightened look on his face that Harry had seen several times before. The most recent was on Cedric's face right before Wormtail ended his life.
"Put away your weapons at once. I said now!" commanded Harry as the Goblin Guards were hesitant at first, but then obeyed as the stowed their weapons away and slowly fell back as Harry rushed forward.
"Remus……it's okay….it's me Harry….Remus your safe now, please relax and come down from there and let me explain everything to you." said Harry as walked closer to the bed and reached out a hand to help Remus down.
"No….this is some kind of trick……this isn't real…..Your not the real Harry! Leave me alone, you'll never break me, so just go on and kill me already because I will never tell you anything!!" shouted Remus
"Guards….please leave us alone, this may take some time." said Harry calmly
"My Lord….I do not think it wise to leave you alone Sir, especially when Mister Lupin is acting not on his own accord my Lord." said one of the Goblin Guards
Remus was watching this interaction very closely, could this be his real Godson before his very eyes. He knew no other who would speak so kindly to a Goblin, like an equal, and the Guards seemed to truly care for this individuals safety. Like anyone who actually knew the real Harry Potter does.
"Very well My Lord, Please note that I do not agree with this, and will be monitoring this room through heat signatures, this will grant you the privacy you wish and also allow us to assure that your safety will be enforced my Lord." said the lead Goblin somewhat defiantly.
"I understand. I will be sure to inform Lord Whiplock of the amazing job you do in following his commands. I truly appreciate you and your comrades helping me in my fight against evil." said Harry
"No My Lord, the Honor is Ours!" said the Goblin Guard as he and his fellow Guards bowed down briefly before exiting the room.
Harry turned to the more docile Remus and extended his hand out again for Remus to take, which he did as Harry led him to the small table in the corner as the two sat down. There was an awkward silence for a few minutes as either knew just where to begin until Remus broke the silence.
"Is it….is it really you?"
"Yes Mooney, it's really me. You really scared me there, I thought I lost you too." said Harry as Remus let out a few tears along with a few chuckles
"It's going to take a lot more then old Sankeface can throw to get rid of me. Although I will admit, I was pretty scared there, if I said that the thought that I wouldn't be seeing you again until the afterlife never crossed my mind, well I would be lying."
"What Happened Remus?" asked Harry
"Well, once word came into Gringotts that the Alley was being attacked, Several of the Aurors that were at the reading along with some Order members decided to head into the Alley to see if we could scare off some of the attackers. We figured it was some little scare tactic of Voldermort, we never imagined it would be such a full scale attack like it was." said Remus lost in thought
"Yes, I am aware of the nature of that attack, please continue." prompted Harry
Remus looked cautiously at Harry, before continuing his tale.
"Death Eaters were attacking from all angles, we got separated, the other Aurors and I. I found myself in a broken down store trying to ward off the Death Eaters as long as I could. I figured that the Headmaster would be here soon I just had to hold them off long enough. But they just kept coming, it was like I was marked somehow, no matter where I went or if I choose to fight or hide, they always found me. They finally cornered me and when I thought I was going to finally meet my maker, the Death Eater said to the other Death Eaters that the Dark Lord wanted me alive, that was the last thing I remember, that and some huge black armored Goblins were carrying me somewhere, then I woke up here." said Remus as he looked to Harry
"Well let me fill some of the gaps in your story for you, at least as much as I know. Yes it obviously was a full scale Death Eater attack, I know because I witnessed the details of the attack first hand from Riddle himself. Their objective of the attack was to capture you Remus." said Harry
"Me? Why me, I figured they were there because Voldermort knew you would be in the Alley after the Reading and was probably there to finally capture or kill you." declared Remus
" Sure that was also on the agenda, but you were the primary target. The second target was to destroy the Twins Joke Shop if you can believe it, with the final objective being to capture me." said Harry
"But why me? I was target number one when you were number three? It doesn't make sense, I mean he even had destroying the Joke Shop ahead of capturing you?" said Remus at a lost for words.
"Yes, it does seem confusing but I know the reason why and am sad to say that I am to blame." said Harry
"oh Harry, please don't feel guilty, If I became a target because of you, I couldn't care less. Please don't think that this was your fault." smiled Remus
"But it was Mooney, you see word had finally reached Riddle about a certain possible lycanthropy cure. Since no one ever thought that possible, even Snape couldn't believe it, Riddle had to find out more details immediately. If it was possible, Riddle stood to lose almost forty percent of his army, and he couldn't have that now could he. So when they started digging, whose name do you think came up repeatedly?" asked Harry
"Mine…." said Remus as it started to click together.
"So you see Remus, it was my fault. I should have realized that it would eventually make it to Riddle. I knew it would, I just thought he would be more pissed at me but I was already number one on his hit list, I mean I didn't think it could get any worse. I should have made you an alias so when they did begin to dig, it wouldn't have come back to you." said Harry
"I see, it all makes since now, that's why they didn't kill me, they wanted information out of me, but Snakeface must have known that I would never give them the information they wanted."
"He did know that, he was going to enter your mindscape and take what he needed then he was going to brake your scape, thus killing you painfully." said Harry
"Wow, now that I know this, it still isn't your fault Harry. I took that mission to test the cure on fully, knowing the dangers that it could cause. Besides, I have been on that hit list of old Voldy Shorts for over a decade now, the fact that I have moved up on his list, especially ahead of your name, well that only makes me damn proud!" said a beaming Remus
Harry smiled as Remus came closer and enveloped his new Godson in a manly hug. Harry was happy, their little conversation seemed to snap Remus back to reality, to what was really important.
"I'm glad your back Mooney, the thought of losing you was something I was not prepared for at the moment." said a bashful Harry
"Don't worry kido, I have a few good years left in me still, but just remember that if I do go before my time. I need you to know that it would never be your fault and I never want you feeling guilty or losing even one night of sleep because of me, okay pup?" said Remus as Harry nodded
"Now why don't you tell me what really is bothering you? Come on, I know you well enough to know that it's something big, come on now, out with it?" said a stern Remus
"Well, it's nothing really, it's just.." stumbled Harry
"Harry, I know that look in your eyes, what is it, there's nothing you can say that will make me think any differently of you."
"Well, that day of the Diagon Alley attack, I acted differently. I made a promise to myself that I would fight fire with fire and that….that.." Harry paused as he tried to figure out how to word what he was afraid of.
"Wait a minute…..I know what it is. Harry, did you have to…..did you kill someone? Did you have to end some evil bastards life Harry." asked Remus
Harry could only nod as Remus continued.
"I thought that's what it was." chuckled Remus as Harry looked on bewildered as Remus continued; " you are more like your Father then you would ever know. I had a very familiar conversation with him during the first war."
"You did?" asked Harry as Remus nodded
"It was early on and he and Lilly were on a mission for the Headmaster, they ran into a small Death Eater scout team and had to battle. They were outnumbered 7 to 2 and James had to think fast. He stunned and bound three right away and was battling two at a time as was Lilly. Well after James dispatched of his two foes, he helped Lilly finish of hers when the three original Death Eaters James captured got free and snuck up from behind Lilly, after blasting her down, James went ballistic and wiped the floor with every Death Eater in the vicinity. It turns out that the armor Lilly was wearing saved her life. James never could forgive himself, if he would have ended those three Death Eaters lives, they would have never got the best of Lilly. He made a similar vow that you did that night. He swore that he would have to kill or be killed, that he couldn't fight fire with water, he had to fight fire with fire, sound familiar?" asked Remus
"It does, it sounds all to familiar. I have killed many since then, on your rescue mission, I killed Death Eaters without a second thought. I never even gave them a chance, I snuck in behind them and slit their throats like some bloody horse thief." spit Harry
" Harry, do you have any idea how many people I have killed over my lifetime?" asked Remus as Harry shook his head no
"Over a hundred. All of them were followers of the Dark Lord in one way or the other. It was a very wise man that helped me see the light within the Darkness that I am going to show you, that man helped me realize what was most important." stated Remus
" You think that advice the old man gave you will work for me too?" asked a hopeful Harry
" I do, he told me that I had the right, no the Duty to protect my own family. He told me that it was written long ago in the days of old, that protecting ones family, especially in the face of an heir, that protecting that bloodline was of the utmost importance. Then he asked me about the people I killed, if I thought that any of them, even with months and months of counseling, if I felt any of them would change, if they would revert back to their old selves and fight for the light side once again. After some serious thought I realized they would never change, they would always have hate in their hearts. He also reminded me that I never went looking for a fight, they came after me. Now I am not saying that taking a life is something to take lightly, but I understand. You have to do what you must, and Harry, you are destined to become a legendary Hero, and I am sorry to disappoint you, but your path won't be an easy one kido." said Remus
Harry took everything Remus said to heart, he knew he was right in everything he said. Those Death Eaters would never change, those ones Harry killed during the rescue mission were hardcore Death Eaters, who got high on murdering and raping young girls and what not. Harry knew that by killing those bastards he was doing the general public a favor, but it still left a lingering effect on him, he supposed he should be happy that killing someone still made him feel this way, for if he didn't, his worst fear would be that closer at hand. That of course was the fear of becoming a Dark Lord like Riddle did.
It didn't go unnoticed by Harry how similar their lives were. Both orphan's, both abused by their muggle relatives, both extremely powerful wizards with no family or friends in their corner. That's what currently was separating Harry from Riddle, Harry had true friends in his corner, and that was the reason Harry cherished his friendships the way he did, it was what was keeping him sane, keeping him from taking the same path as Riddle.
Harry came to the same concussion that Remus did all those years ago, he was going to have to kill, it was inevitable. But he would fight until he eventually had the freedom that he so richly deserved.
"Thanks Remus, I needed that. What you said was right and I know that it's not going to be easy, but as long as I have you and my friends on my side, I will be okay….eventually. By the way, that was some pretty sound advice you got, do you mind if I ask who it was? He sounded pretty important to you." asked Harry
"You can pup and your right, he was important to me, very important. He was a great and powerful man and he was like a Father to me, his name was Charles Potter, your Grand Father Harry." said a prideful Remus
" My Grand Father?" said Harry amazed
"Yep, When I got bitten, well my Family did not take it very well. In fact they took it horribly. They announced my death and had a funeral in my honor, I was eight years old and I had nothing, I became an orphan much like yourself, only my parents were still alive, they just wanted nothing to do with me anymore." said Remus
Harry was shocked into silence. He had no idea how rough poor Remus had it. When he first heard the tale of poor Professor Lupin, how he had gained a friendship with his father and Sirius, the amazing animagi stories and why they learned that to help their Werewolf friend. Harry never even thought about Remus' parents or what his home life was like and how they helped him stay safe during changes.
"I'm sorry Remus." said Harry as Remus was still kind of lost in thought
"Oh don't be sorry kid, my story's not so bad, you see for the first couple of years it was pretty bad. The wizarding orphanage did take precautions during full moons, horrible precautions. But when I got my letter to Hogwarts….well ….I was saved, much like you were." said Remus with a smile
"Yeah, I know that feeling, the day Hagrid came and busted down that door and read me the letter that Dursley had prohibited me from reading. The first thought that came in my head was I was finally escaping that hell hole. Funny when you think about it, I never even knew that I was a wizard or that magic existed, and the first thing I think is not, Holy crap! I'm a what!! ….no it's woooohooo, I'm outta here!" screamed Harry with laughter as Remus laughed along
"Yes, well that was it exactly, I left that horrid place and went to Hogwarts. If it wasn't for Dumbledore arranging special circumstances for me, I would have probably never survived that Orphanage. Anyhow, I met your Dad on the train and we were close buds ever since, well along with Padfoot. Well Uncle Charles, that's what me and Sirius called your Grand Dad, took me in. He truly cared about me for me, not some bloody monster. I stayed with James every summer of my Hogwarts days, Uncle Charles was my male role model, shoot, he was my Hero!" smile Remus
" I can't believe it, how come you never told me any of this before?" asked a curious Harry
"Good question pup. I guess it's cause sometimes it's hard remembering how good we once had it. The pain of what has been forcibly taken from us. It's a sign of weakness Harry. A weakness I'm afraid most of us old geezers suffer from. But your right, I should have told you some of this long ago, but there was always a reason or another not too, but not anymore, I'll tell you everything, anything you want to know." said Remus as Harry smiled
"Thanks Uncle Mooney, I'm going to hold you to that you know." said a joyful Harry as he poked Remus in the side with his finger.
" I know you will, Harry, I know." said a proud Remus
"There is one thing, you stayed with my Dad and Grand Dad, was that at Potter Manor?" asked Harry
"Yeah it was, I can take you there now that you have been officially named Lord Potter you should have knowledge of it from the ring you wear." said Remus
At hearing those words from Remus, a sudden image of an immaculate Manor, popped into his forethought, along with portkey code information and details surrounding the wards of the Manor. Harry smiled
"I see you know where it is now, who needs me." pouted Remus teasingly
"That was amazing, I think I have to go through those documents I received regarding my inheritance. The reason I was asking is because I found the Potter Family Journal in the Potter Library and there are some pages written in a language I can't even name, and I was wondering if you knew anything about that. If you knew of any languages my Dad or Grand Dad knew that could help me figure out what language it is?" asked Harry
Remus was at a lost for words. He was just blankly staring at Harry. For several minutes Remus was frozen.
"Hello….Earth to Remus, you there buddy?" asked a bewildered Harry
"You…You found the Potter Family Journal? Was it black and gold?" asked a still shell shocked Remus
"No….it wasn't Remus, are you okay?" asked a growingly concerned Harry
"That Journal Harry, what does it look like?" asked Remus
"Why Remus, your starting to scare me." said Harry
"Just tell me what it looks like." said Remus much more calmly
"It's really old, tanish brown leather binding, the pages are lined with gold and there's a breathtaking Potter Crest in brilliant gold on the cover, it looks like it could pop off the cover it's so huge. Now why? Why is that important?" asked Harry
"Uncle Charles used to tell your Dad and I great stories about the Potter legacy and heritage. Some we could never figure out if they were just fairytales or if they were actual legend. One of the most famous is of the Potter Family Journal, the very one you described reading." said a still colorless Remus although he was excited.
"Wow….really? How does the tale go?" asked Harry
"Well actually it's more like tales, there are many of them, again I don't really know how much is real and how much is not. Uncle Charles told us of a Potter Family Journal that has been passed down through the generations. He told us that he, nor his Father had ever seen it but that his Father's Grand Dad was the last to have seen it. The Legend goes that only a True Potter who is worthy of it's knowledge is granted access, he told us that the Journal calls out to who is worthy. Uncle Charles as well as James would spend hours in that Library on the chance that the book would call out to them. Where did you say you found it? Seeing how you have never been to Potter Manor, or at least not that you remember." asked Remus
"Dobby has been transferring all the books in all the Potter vaults and what not into my personal Library in my Trunk. I was browsing my collection when a book caught my eye further down the aisle. When I grabbed it, I did feel a sense of magic crisp in the air, but then it was gone. I have been reading it ever since, the reason why I ask is because sometimes, it's weird but it's like it calls to me to read a certain passage or it compels me to look at another book that once I pick up, I can't put down until devouring it of all information within. Most of the times it compels me to read a passage in a language I have never seen before." declared Harry
"I have a theory about that, it might be because you are attempting to read the Journal outside of Potter Manor. Uncle C used to say that several Potter heirlooms only worked around the Potter Manor, the Journal might be one of those things." said Remus
"That's a good idea Remus thank you." said Harry
"You know, if that Journal is real, it makes me wonder what else Uncle C told us that was real as well?" pondered Remus
"How are you feeling Remus, are you okay?" asked Harry genuinely
"I'm fine Harry, really. They just knocked me out, no real damage." smiled Remus
"I am still going to have a healer check you before you leave this room." said Harry as the door opened and in walked two Nurses, one of whom helped with Neville.
"Please Lie down Mister Lupin, this will only take a minute." said the Nurse
"Ooooh it seams your reputation has proceeded you here Mooney." said Harry as he held in his chuckles
Both Nurses smiled bashfully as Remus grimaced at Harry.
"Har Har, keep it up Potter and I might just forget all those stories I before mentioned." teased Remus
Harry gulped loudly and quit chuckling instantly witch made Remus crack up.
"Alright Mister Lupin, you are cleared to leave, I would take it easy for a few days and call me immediately if you have any problems." said the lead Nurse, Priscilla.
"I will Thank you" said a slight blushing Remus as Harry just looked on in silence
As the two Nurses were leaving the room, Luna came bouncing in between Goblin Guards as she declared.
"Harry….Harry…..Neville has awaken!!" screamed Luna
"Great!!" cheered Harry as he made it down the hall quickly being dragged by Luna with Remus following behind them.
When Harry entered Neville's room, Neville was sitting up and his head was bandaged pretty good but he had a wicked smile on his face.
"Harry! Thanks Mate, I don't know how you did it, but you saved my life." said a beaming Neville
"I don't know what you mean Nev, but I'm just glad your back with us mate." said Harry
"No Harry, you don't understand, I was trapped in some other reality, a very strange and confusing reality. But it was bloody brilliant at the same time. I met some really amazing people, some were even ancestors of yours and mine. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find my way back to this reality, but then every once in a while, I would feel this pull back to here and it was coming from your voice, it was you Harry." said a smiling Neville
"Another Reality?" said a confused Harry
"I know it's a lot to take in right now but I will explain everything once we get out of here and somewhere safe." said Neville as he attempted to get out of the bed but Luna rushed over along with several Nurses to push him back down in the bed.
"Your not going anywhere until you've been cleared Mister Longbottom." said a stern Luna
"Ummm okay." said Neville hesitantly
"she is correct Lord Longbottom, we do need to check you out, you have been out for several days." said the Lead Nurse Priscilla
"I understand Doctors, please do so now so I can get the heck out of here." said a frustrated Neville
Harry and the others started laughing, Harry and Neville were so alike when it came to spending time in the Hospital Wing, they hated it with a passion. As the Doctors and Nurses were checking over Neville, Remus pulled Harry away a little for a side chat.
"This other reality Harry that Neville spoke of, Uncle C would talk about this too, we might need to spend a few days in your trunk, just the three of us if you know what I mean." said Remus
"That's a good idea Mooney, once we get cleared we will do that." said Harry as the both of them made their way back towards Neville's bed.
"What's the verdict Doctor's?" declared Harry
"It is remarkable, but it appears that Lord Longbottom is of perfect health and is free to go as he pleases." said Mister Matheson.
"Sweet!" said Harry and Neville at the same time
"Nice, don't tell me we have another set of the Weasley Twins on our hands now." said a chuckling Remus
Luna, Harry, and Neville all got a laugh at that.
"Ohh by the way Harry, I got a little present for you." said Neville
"Oh really, and what that might be beside finally waking up." said Harry
"Oh just the fact that I know how to get to and where Potter Castle is." said a smiling Neville
Sorry to leave you here, but this Chapter was long enough without the scene that follows, so it will continue next chapter along with more information from the Rescue Mission, including how many Death Eaters were hurt or worse and Riddle's reaction that followed Harry's departure. Thanks for reading, see ya soon.
Ginnyfan99