Hey everyone,
So instead of a summary of what is happening during the duel, will I just do a quick recap of what happened during the duel. This because – well, I already explained myself last chapter, so never mind that. Also, I was considering shortening this to just the important chapters, but – I'm not even sure what I consider important.
Yeah, never mind,
Venquine1990
Chapter 29
The Shadows Grow Strong
3rd of November 1993
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Harry's POV
The duel that took place between mum, dad, Lupin and Mr. Malfoy, Professor Snape and the arrogant Auror can only be described with one word; epic. Right from the start it was obvious that both parties are equally matched, but there was definitely one element that made the whole match a little dirty as well as incredible.
The arrogant Auror had obviously been in the belief that 12 years of having been locked up had weakened mum more than 12 years Azkaban and he had proven this by actually trying to play with mum with spells I know even Lockhart wouldn't have tried demonstrating to us in the Dueling Club that took place last year.
Yet mum had proven him very, very wrong and the man had quickly been brought to the defensive, before he tried – tried and failed – to fall in sync with Professor Snape and Mr. Malfoy. However, even these attempts had not made a difference in who would win the duel and in the end, fatigue had made it all turn into a tie.
Everyone had been awed at the battle that had taken place in the Entrance Hall with Grandpa, Professor Flitwick and Professor Vector procuring spells and enchantments to keep us safe from potential wayward spells and curses and thunderous applause had sounded from the whole hall when the duel ended.
And while I know that my friends and I could put up a show equally to just slightly less epic as what we just saw, do I also know that this is not the time and for some time now have I had the strange belief that I am better off being the one to start of this new book. And now that the duel is over, that belief is even stronger.
Because of this, do I wait until everyone has retaken their seats, still amazed that people like Professor Snape and Mr. Malfoy are seating their families at the Gryffindor table, but then I turn my focus to the far back right corner of the hall, where the books are stacked, the book describing my third year now at the bottom of the pile.
I then focus on the shadow of the Head Table that throws a small shadow over the stool on which the books are stacked and the shadow moves up from the ground, grabs the top book and then vanishes into the side of the table. Yet when I look down, do I smile as I see and feel the shadow passing over my lap, dropping the book.
"That is pretty wicked, pup." Dad says and Ron asks: "Yeah, how come you're so easy and open about it now?" At which I shrug and say: "Two reasons, really. One, that new prophesy makes me know that training my powers will be a good thing and two, I have those that have powers like mine and understand what they are like here."
At this my best and longest magical friend nods and then Irma says: "Nothing can push a heartfelt person than people who understand their hearts." And this makes her younger sibling smile at her before I take a deep breath, mostly to throw off the dark sense that the book is leaving me with before I open the book.
The Riddle House
And instantly I get why this book is giving off such a horrible deadly vibe as just the name makes me feel as if the man who is last of his line stands behind me, waiting for me to move so he can strike. But I shake my head, not letting his horrible dark magic affect either me or those around me before I start reading the chapter.
The villagers … lived there.
"Wait, does anyone named Riddle nearby the Dursleys?" Mum asks shocked, but then Irma reads: "This will be the first of two times where the story starts with my desire destroyer instead of me, sorry. It's just how Time Magic works." And this instantly makes everyone tense and makes me grimace at her before I read on.
It stood … and unoccupied.
"That sounds like nothing compared to what some of the Manors of just Ancient Families are like." Malfoy mutters and I roll my eyes as I say: "Petunia would probably prefer the Burrow over that hovel. No offense." But the Weasleys that are here and sitting close shake their heads with friendly smiles before I focus on reading.
The Little … was anymore.
At this I can't help but scoff and mutter: "Sounds like the story behind my survival of Halloween night." And the students at several parts of the four tables turn slightly red, especially the elder ones, as they seem to realize that they and their parents really did let that happen before I sigh and shake my head as I go back to the book.
Every version … dinner things!"
And this causes gasps of horror to escape the throats of practically every adult in the room and Uncle Regulus whispers: "The Killing Curse. This is a wizard or witch's work." And while I already have a hunch of who this wizard could be and can spot Grandpa having come to the same conclusion, do I keep this to myself as I read on.
The police … anything, worse.
And while I don't really have any experience to judge Mrs. Malfoy on, do I still feel as if this description fits father and son Malfoy to a T, yet due to my two friends as well as the fact that my parents are apparently friends with them, or at least mum, do I keep this opinion to myself instead and just calmly read on.
All the … been arrested.
"Is this even relevant? What's the point in this?" A Hufflepuff that seems to be a year older shocks me as he suddenly asks this question, yet then Cedric glares at him and says: "Have some patience, Smith. Last book didn't reveal everything right away either." And while the slightly older badger scowls, do I read on, still a little baffled.
"Frank!" cried … ever since.
"He's suffering from PTSD." Isaac calmly states only for Ron to ask: "Pt – what now?" And Isaac's mother answers: "PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's something that occurs to war veterans more than anyone else bar those suffering truly traumatic experiences. Most common under that are rape and domestic abuse victims."
At this my Gang, Squad and I all share uncomfortable looks as we know just fine that none of us escaped those kidnappers – or in my case, my relatives – without scars or terrors of our own, but while our parents all look at us in concerned care as they spot this, do we then all take a collective breath before I continue reading.
There was … he didn't."
"The poor fellow must have suffered horrors like concentration camps and landing in half-destroyed or totally wrecked villages. Of course, he doesn't want to socialize. No war Veteran wants to burden regular citizens with their traumas when they just return from war." Mrs. Granger snarls in fury at the book and I meep in fright.
The sound is heard and the woman looks startled before she sighs and says: "I'm sorry, Harry dear. That illness is very sensitive to me. I – I always respond this way when I hear some poor soul suffering from it and then getting ridiculed over his suffering." And while I send the woman a smile of adorated pride, do I then read on.
"Ah, now … the Riddles.
"Sounds like what happened when that little bastard framed me. Guess there really isn't a difference when it comes to these events happening, whether they be Muggle or Magical. Though, this one does sound like a mixed case, just like that Muggle murder Pettigrew caused." Dad mutters in the end and others nod as I focus on the book.
But over … invented him.
"Why would someone who doesn't even like people make up some other person?" A foreign looking boy with slightly slitted eyes asks and I roll my eyes as I say: "You'd be surprised to find out how much people would rather believe what they know than what they don't." And the boy seems to agree with this before I read on.
Then, just … to death?
"There actually is a spell that can do that, you know?" Uncle Regulus asks and this makes everyone in the hall look at him with bewildered shock and then dad asks: "Regi, do you really want to explain a spell like that in a hall full of impressionable kids?" And his younger brother turns quite a nice shade of red as I read on, snickering.
As there … Riddle House.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but – isn't that his home?" Hermione asks derisively, but the Gang, Squad and I share another look and I say: "Hermione, people who distrust you will even consider that something odd or wrong, trust me." And while this again makes those around us look at us worryingly, do I continue reading.
"As far … at them.
"Wow, those little bastards remind me of Dudley." I can't help but say and my friends from Surrey nod before Mr. Granger smiles and says: "Then it will probably please you to know that we managed to get him and his father arrested before we brought the younger ones here." And this makes me read on with a huge smile on my face.
Frank, for … punish him.
"That's not going to be the case, is it?" Mrs. Longbottom asks with fear sounding through her voice and I shake my head as my Shadow Elemental powers have been raising the hairs at the back of my neck since I read this part, which for me is a warning that we are about to read something horrible. And this makes me grimly read on.
It was … the night.
"That horrible treatment of the villagers and the police is – I just hope it will get him into a little bit of trouble, but – I shouldn't get my hopes up, should I?" Mrs. Weasley asks and I grimly answer: "My powers have my neck hairs raised. Never a good thing." And the woman cuddles with her husband for comfort as I continue reading.
The front … and stick.
At this I can't help but whistle and say: "By all accounts, this is taking place sometime next year, which would make the war he fought in be 49 years ago for him and he still has top-notch defensive skills. That's pretty incredible." And many of those around me nod in agreement and amazement as I go back to my reading.
On the … still hungry."
And instantly both my Shadow Elemental abilities set my concerns at full power and gasps of shock and fear ring through the entire Hall as a First year Ravenclaw mutters: "It's – that's Pettigrew. But – who is he with? Who – who is this Lord of his?" Yet I have less than zero doubt that Grandpa already knows who it is as I read on.
"Later," said … fire, Wormtail."
This makes all of the adults that I know are friends with my mum glare furiously and dad growls: "That filthy bastard. It's one thing that he completely altered our minds, but to use that MMB to make him part of our group." And the others, even Professor Snape, nod in agreed hatred for the filthy bastard as I read on.
Frank turned … me greatly."
"So Wormtail found this creep somewhere else, actually took pity on hi mand took him here to his Manor? Why?" Percy asks, but grandpa answers: "It wasn't out of pity, Mr. Weasley. Pettigrew, here, is playing with his Lord, playing to fear him and the reason why here is because the Lord is the owner mentioned earlier."
This shocks Percy, yet I can't help but wonder something myself and ask: "Why did he accept that? Why did he accept Pettigrew to take him there? We both know he hates that place." And grandpa answer: "The only solution I can think of is; desperation." At which I nod, feeling like I can understand that as I read on.
Brow furrowed … is over."
This causes different levels of shock to go through the hall and then Ron shouts: "YES! ENGLAND WILL BE HOUSING THE WORLD CUP!" But my Gang and Squad friends and I share a concerned look before turning as one to Madam Bones, who nods in reassurance that she will prepare for this, making me read on relieved.
Frank inserted … is over?"
"I can only imagine. Little bastard must be wanting to get revenge on Moony and I for exposing him as soon as possible. He just sees his lord as a means to get that done, so he plays along with the guy's plans instead of instigating his own. And why shouldn't he? His MMB plan is still going crazy strong in that world."
Dad growls, yet he turns both furious and sorrowful at the end and the way that he pulls mum closer against him at the end also proves exactly why he hates the fact that, in the alternative timeline, the MMB is still strong and those around me also take the other captives in their arms in concern as I read on, hating that spell just as much.
"Because, fool … My Lord."
"YOU LEAVE MY SON ALONE, YOU NO-GOOD, DEAD BASTARD!" My parents shout and by the looks on the faces of all my friends and in-married family members I can tell that they all agree with this, while those around us now all share looks with each other that clearly all convey the same message to each other:
"I pity the fool who tries and hurt Potter now." Yet while this makes me smile, do I then look at the parents of my friends who are all looking as furious as my parents and I just know that the same can be said about this happening had it been any of my friends being threatened like that. And this happy fact makes me read on contently.
Another pause … suitable person –"
"Damn these two." Madam Bones then growls and she says: "I can easily tell that they're planning something awful and that it consists of kidnap at the very least, but – they're so vague about their reasoning, I can't even imagine why they would bother with the kidnap in the first place." And while she grumbles, does Mrs. Weasley ask:
"But isn't that enough to arrest them?" But the woman shakes her head and says: "First off, I can't be 100% sure if Pettigrew is heading there even now. Second, this Lord was brought there by Pettigrew and I don't know where he was at before he was brought there, so my hands are tied." And Mrs. Weasley whimpers as I read on.
"I could … desert me?"
"This lord is smarter than I thought. He actually seems to realize that that little runt has an ulterior motive." Professor Snape mutters, but I look at Mr. Malfoy and whisper: "Diary." Making the man blanch before he says: "Severus, do me a favor. Don't underestimate the Lord." And I nod at them both before I read on.
"My Lord … milk Nagini?"
"So this Lord was once someone really powerful, but he has been reduced to something similar to an infant? Who the heck are we talking about here?" Fudge asks and while I hate myself, do I mutter: "Someone who will rage war against the Light." And the man blanches at the very thought along with some others as I read on.
"But you … thirteen years.
"Wait a second, how long has he been waiting, you say?" Madam Bones asks, white with concern and fright and I sigh as I answer: "Thirteen years, Ma'am." And the woman blanches even more as she whispers: "We know less of what happened that night than we even did before the MMB." And I nod before I hurry on reading.
A few … Voldemort's wrath –"
And while I really don't want to as the last book has really made people forget just why my Gang friends went back in time and who caused them and my future self so much pain, do I still read out the name and instantly gasps, shrieks of fright and exclamations of disbelief come from all corners of the Great Hall.
But then I stand up, grab my wand and say: "I, Harry James Potter, swear upon my magic that I fought different versions of Tom Marvolo Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort, at the end of my First and Second year. So I swear, so mote it be." And after the oath takes effect, do I levitate my plate up, to prove my words true.
"So – so – so then – he – he – he's not – dead ?" A boy who sits next to Collin asks frightfully and I shake my head before mum shocks us all as he says: "No, he's not. I remember him escape that night – even if he was nothing more than magic turned to smoke." And instantly all eyes are on the man who sighs and says:
"I promise, once we have a chapter end on a truly happy note, I will tell you what I know of what happened that night. Do know, however, I don't know everything as I was taken by Pettigrew half way through. The one who knows how Voldemort turned into that – smoke being – is Lily." And this turns all eyes on Aunt Lily.
Yet to my great concern, does the woman shudder and turn whiter than freshly fallen snow and she whispers: "Please. Please don't ask me. Please don't ask me how I managed that. I beg of you. I would rather spend eternity back in that dollhouse than ever remember – what I did that night." And instantly her family is on her side.
Uncle Remus pulls the woman straight onto his lap and lets out soft growling sounds of comfort while John and Edward sit down at their dad's feet on the floor and Jack and Eddy both take a seat on the bench on both sides of their dad. Then the four boys share looks with each other as well as nods of understanding and agreement.
Jack and John then both aim their hands for the Enchanted Ceiling, where the sun is shining brightly and to the shock of some of those around us, do they actually cause for two warm beams of sunlight to shine down at where their parents are sitting close together. And this instantly makes all eyes turn to Eddy and Edward in intrigue.
Both boys have their eyes closed and their arms spread wide and they slowly start waving their arms in a wave like pattern, yet they way they move in sync amazes many of those sitting around them and I take a deep breath of relief when I feel the calming presence of a moonlight night eclipse the area of the table we are sitting at.
Everyone looks shocked at how well the four boys control two Elements that seem to be so ethereal and to my relief do the effects of the warm sun and the cooling atmosphere, as well as the comforting sounds coming from her husband, seem to really help the woman I believed my mother for the longest time relax and forget her fear.
Yet as I look at the two and then at my own parents and finally at Professor Snape and Uncle Regulus, do I get hit with a bout of inspiration as I say: "I got an idea!" Everyone looks at me and I say: "I know something we can do when these books really take a turn for the worst." And everyone looks intrigued as I say:
"There are three married couples here of who only a select few of us still remember their weddings. We can have them renew their vows. That way, we can have something positive to look forward to and the renewing might help us recover some memories Pettigrew's MMB spell is blocking. It might speed up our recovery."
Everyone looks at this shocked and then Aunt Lily whispers: "That sounds like a great idea. Let's break when we reach a bad chapter and start preparing." And everyone nods before dad asks: "So, who will renew their vows first? I mean, we do have three chances to get past bad parts in the books that are yet to come and all."
At this all the adults share a look and then Uncle Regulus says: "I think you and Jamie should go first, Siri. Then Sev and me and then Remy and Lils." And the aforementioned people nod before Fudge says: "And all costs of these renewals will be covered by the Ministry. No objections." Which makes me read on, feeling much better.
"My Lord … I murder –"
The shock this part causes instantly causes the happy atmosphere my idea caused to vanish and Madam Bones snarls: "Auror Johnson, you are to get Bertha here as soon as we break, understand?" And the arrogant Auror looks startled before he states: "Yes, Ma'am." And many of the adults sigh in relief as I continue reading.
"If?" whispered … rejoined us – "
"There is someone else loyal to that monster still outside Azkaban?" Fudge asks and Mrs. Weasley shrieks: "We need to find him!" To which I calmly answer: "That's what the books are for. They can help us take out potential enemies before they cause us the trouble of the other timeline." And the woman sighs relieved as I read on.
"I am … neither requirement."
"If only he knew." Mrs. Longbottom moans and her husband asks: "You mean what he said when they tortured us and he took Rosemary, don't you?" And Alice nods before she notices us all looking at her and she says: "Long story short, he believes Voldemort to go about conquering us the wrong way." At which I read on, feeling concerned.
"I found … were you?"
"Considering the crazy expertise he has with Mind magic, I wouldn't be surprised if Pettigrew knew exactly why bringing Bertha to that monster was a good thing – though I also wonder why it is myself." Dad mutters and I decide to take a peek at the front cover as I never read out the title of the book and I ask:
"What's the Goblet of Fire?" And instantly every adult face in the room whitens in feared shock and Hermione mutters: "Apparently something as bad as the Chamber of Secrets." But Grandpa shakes his head and says: "It's an event we are planning for next year, though right now – I worry if we should continue with the planning at all."
But while Fudge looks contrive and concerned at the same time, do I look back at the book and ask: "Wouldn't it be better to just read the book and then use the lessons learned from it to improve what you already have planned?" And instantly the whiteness vanishes of every face and grandpa smiles at me proudly before I read on.
"I – I … to perform..."
And this last part causes for my Shadow power to play up again, making me shudder heavily enough I almost lose my grip on the book and I also notice Professor Snape and the Malfoy elders grimace in fear while dad and Uncle Regi share a dark look and then grandpa asks: "Could I ask any of you to look up rituals that require this?"
And instantly Mrs. Weasley asks: "Wait, there are actually rituals that require someone's actual right hand?" Yet grandpa says: "Not so much specifically the right hand, Molly, as more a bit of flesh. The question is, is there a chance to find this ritual's info before it's too late?" And with that question looming over us all, do I read on.
"R-really, My … quite useless.
"He didn't question her, he Legilimency mind-raped her." Professor Snape snarls and I ask: "Do you think that affected the MMB?" And the man sighs as he says: "I have very little doubt that the combination is what turned her so, as he calls it, useless." And while this makes many of the younger ones whimper, do I read on.
In any … questioned her.
"If he really is as powerful as he says, he would have broken through the MMB – or at least noticed it affecting her mind. Seriously, how is this guy not noticing that Pettigrew is playing mind-games with him?" Jeremy asks and Grandpa answers: "One of his only weaknesses, Jeremy, his ego." Making me read on, holding back a snicker.
It would … in danger –
"I wouldn't be surprised if that poor man is currently feeling as if he's back facing Hitler or something." Mr. Granger mutters and then Draco asks: "Wait, who?" Shocking the two Muggle parents greatly before I answer: "Someone who killed more people than Grindelwald and Voldemort together, Draco."
"Such a person exists?" Draco asks flabbergasted and I mutter: "And was a Muggle to boot." Making Draco look as if I just told him that Hogwarts was a school for Muggle arts or something. "How – how many people did this – this Muggle kill?" The boy asks and I answer: "His war cost over 60 million people their lives."
And this doesn't just shock Draco, but several other Purebloods who have lived their lives sheltered away from the Muggle world as well and I say: "This guy didn't just fight a war, Draco, he conquered countries and then started mass-genociding certain races such as Jews and Gipsies. He even build camps just to get that done."
"How long was he in control?" Draco asks and I answer: "The official start of the second world war, as it's known to the Muggle world, is in September 1939 and lasted until September 1945. And the worst deaths are now known as the Holocaust. Another time." And while a white Draco nods, do I sigh and continue reading.
Frank knew … the police.
"He's actually willing to put aside his distrust of the police just to go report this? That guy was – good grief, we need to find this poor soul. If this ends the way I think it will –." And with that does dad shake his head in remorse, yet he doesn't need to continue as everyone around me seems to hear his silent words before I read on.
He would … or seizure.
"No, he's speaking Parsletongue." Ron mutters, his face still dark with the knowledge that we are about to read about the first death of the upcoming war and then I lie the book down as I decide on a new course of action. Everyone looks at me and yet I ignore this as I close my eyes and raise one arm up and lie the other hand on the book.
My raised arm then allows me to feel the connection between the dark emotions caused by the book's content and the darkness that lies within the pages that have a different kind of history written within them and I squeeze my eyes closed as I start twisting my raised hand as if trying to cause a tornado to suck something up.
And while others look at me confused, do I feel the strength of their dark emotions, their pain, fear, concern, fury, regret and other forms of feelings that can cause them pain, weaken and siphon into my hand and from there straight into the book. Feeling the book swallow it all, I sigh relieved and open my eyes as I continue reading.
And then … kill him –
And without looking around do I know that my magic worked as someone behind me asks: "Wait, I've been terrified of snakes since I was four, but – I feel nothing." And I smile at him before Grandpa asks: "Harry, what did you do?" And I answer: "Shadows swallow up our darkest emotions." Before I gently continue reading.
But before … to snakes.
"Is that really such an impossible thought? It's rare in our world, but –." Mr. Malfoy asks and I answer: "Muggles usually need a certain instrument to tame snakes, though there are rumors of people who can actually be considered therapists for animals such as dogs and horses." And the man seems intrigued as I read on.
Frank didn't … we say."
And this part makes me prouder than ever before that I just used my Shadow powers to lower everyone's concern and darker emotions, yet I do notice grandpa looking at me and I say: "The softer the emotions, the lesser the blow and the smaller chance of a trauma for the younger ones." And the man nods before I read on.
Frank didn't … the war.
"Just a shame that a magical war is not something he's used to. Might have allowed him some chance of survival if he had known even a sliver of what monsters like him could do." Frank mutters softly, yet I can tell that many of those around him don't fully agree with him, even if they seem to wish they could before I read on.
"I am … don't you?"
"He was safer when Voldemort was turned away from him." Dad mumbles, but Jeremy shakes his head and says: "I disagree. With Voldemort not able to see him, he wouldn't be able to see if Pettigrew tried something. And Pettigrew is the bigger threat according to the prophesy." Which makes dad grimace as I read on.
"But I … the floor.
And while gasps of shock and fright rush through the Great Hall, does a male voice from the Hufflepuff Table then stop and ask: "Wait, why? We just – how come – that was – why aren't – thank Heavens for your powers, Potter." And I happily give the elder boy a two-fingered salute before reading the final sentence.
Two hundred … a start.
And the confusion and shock that this sentence causes instantly makes everyone forget about how shocked and scared they had been minutes ago and I sigh, hating how the book ends here, but also feeling determined to keep Frank Bryce safe. Safe from Pettigrew. Safe from Voldemort. Safe from this attempt on his life.
"I'm getting the feeling we won't be renewing any vows anytime soon." Uncle Regulus then grimaces and I sigh as I say: "I knew there was a reason this book was calling out to my Shadow Powers. There was no way I would have used my power to alleviate you all from your darker emotions had someone else been reading this chapter."
At which Madam Bones says: "Be that as it may, I believe now is a good time for a very short break. Auror Johnson, get Bertha Jorkins here, take Ludo Bagman with you if necessary." The Auror nods and Mr. Granger asks: "How high is the chance that this – that Voldemort – is there at the Manor right now?" At which grandpa answers:
"Quite minimal, though if Pettigrew has already gone to seek him out, that chance is still there for, perhaps, 30 to 40%." At this Mr. Granger nods and asks: "Then, may we make use of a guardian wizard while my wife and I fetch Frank?" And instantly grandpa says: "I will personally accompany you." Making the man smile gratefully.
Okay, that was that.
So, Harry is growing in his powers, there will be vow renewals and Dumbledore suspects that Pettigrew is doing what the books are telling them. This makes me wonder whether it's a good thing or a bad thing that he's wrong. Good, because they won't run into him. Bad, because they won't know what he's actually planning.
Oh well, next chapter will either be a combination of the two new readers being picked up and the following chapter or just the picking up of said readers. I really don't know as I'm not sure how long Frank will take. Bertha is also a bit of a mystery, but that's because I'm not entirely sure yet what her character will be like.
Wish me luck,
Venquine1990
