And here are the translations
ми малко любов is Bulgarian for My little love
Chapter 23
Bastards, truth and love
Sirius' POV
I look down at the little boy sleeping in my lap, the image of how he must have looked, dangling from his broom running through my mind yet again and think: "I do not want to know how bad it must have been for him to keep reading on with this. All these terrible memories brought up and all those terrible secrets brought to light."
I shake my head, mostly to get rid of the image and to put my focus back on where I am needed and say: "It's best if we have one last chapter and then have dinner before we divide the Great Hall in bedrooms and call it night." And as if to prove my point does the enchanted ceiling change from the rising to the setting sun.
Everyone nods but then a bright light shines and I throw myself over my son, wanting to block the light from his sleeping face, so he won't be woken from it. The lights divide and a single small light goes to McGonagall, while a larger light stays shining in the entrance of the Great Hall, just in front of the doors.
Then both lights die down and one of them – the smaller – turns out to be a letter which I can only imagine will explain the reason behind the other bright light, while the other is a brown haired woman in her mid-fifties at least with curly hair and small glasses in front of her brown eyes with dark green specks in them.
The woman wears what seems to be a denim jacket, reaching just above her belly button and under this a blue with white striped shirt and dark blue denim jeans with a very fashionable brown belt with rhinestones embedded into the belt and small rips at the end of the legs, showing off dark black heels and dark blue socks.
Everyone looks at the woman who looks as shocked at being here as we are at seeing her, except McGonagall, who reads the letter and gasps. Everyone turns to her and she says: "According to the letter, this is the famous Mss. Fiana Crenson we have heard about and she is here to be our guest and a permanent reader."
Everyone looks at the woman Harry swore not to visit anymore after November 1986 and I wonder if, from her, we can get the answers about what happened that made my baby want to kill himself back then, a thought that reminds me I almost lost my son before my actual escape. And apparently, I am not the only one as Ron says:
"So she might give us the answers to that reoccurring thing about November '86." But the woman lowers her head, obviously as hurt over the events as my little boy in the book seems to be and with quite a soft voice, does she say: "Quite the dark month that was. I take it, you mean what happened to my favorite ex-student, Harry Potter?"
Ron nods and the woman sighs as she says: "I'm afraid I don't really know what happened either. Harry was supposed to come and visit me for some geography lessons, but instead I saw him being carried off to the Hospital, covered in glass shards and so badly bleeding I didn't think he'd ever make it. After that we've never met again."
Everyone looks shocked and Hermione whispers: "One of those things Harry was thinking about when Hagrid asked him about what kind of unexplainable things he had done. Remember what was written." And she quotes: "When Dudley had thrown him out of the window he had somehow survived the fall and fallen into a coma instead of dying."
Everyone nods while I again whiten at the idea of my baby being thrown out of some window by that baby monster and Mss. Crenson says: "I always believed that bastard had something to do with it. I was heavenly glad he was no longer in my class. Ungrateful little bastard." And she shakes her head in pure, obvious anger.
She then asks: "So, can anyone talk me by?" And another letter appears in front of her. She quickly reads it through, her eyes widening at some parts and her teeth gnashing at others and then she huffs and crunches the letter up into a ball, her rage shown on her face. She then nods at us and asks: "Can I read next?"
Everyone nods, but then Umbridge stands up and says: "I would first like to know more about you. Who exactly are you and how do you know Mr. Potter?" The woman sighs and says: "My name, as earlier mentioned, is Fiana Crenson. I am 53 years old, live in the West Surrey and have been teacher for the five year olds for the last 20 years."
The woman nods and asks: "So you're a Muggle?" But the woman puts her hands in her sides and while she actually reminds me of a brown haired Lily, does she say: "No, I'm a Halfblood. My father is Jonathan Crenson, of the Noble and Ancient line of Crenson, christened in Portugal and welcomed in Spain, France and Italy.
My family just moved to England because we always try to improve our reputation elsewhere and I simply chose to become teacher in the Muggle world, so I could help and educate the Muggle-raised witches and wizards here, all to honor my mother who died while working at the Nursery of a Muggle Hospital that was attacked in 1975."
Umbridge looks taken aback, obviously having not expected to meet someone of such a wealthy line, while I feel myself already liking the powerful, feisty woman and think: "If she was a redhead, I would say she was Lily's reincarnation." Before softly whispering this to Remus, the charm not making others hear me.
The man snickers and then he says: "Mss. Crenson, it would be our pleasure if you could read the next chapter." Making the elder woman smile at him, before she walks over to the stand. Angelina quickly moves herself over to the three-sitter she shares with the other Chasers and Mss. Crenson smiles at the girl, before she starts to read.
Fiana's POV
I've already seen my favorite ex-student be encased by a thick sleeping bag and held by two strong men of at least 30 and one amazingly strong looking teenager, while three teenagers who I can only assume are his friends sit at his feet and have taken stand behind the pedestal, remarkably shaped like an owl as I start to read.
The Mirror Of Erised
This makes the red-head sitting with the other two teens on the sofa on the left of my sleeping little angel, which I recognize as a Weasley, look up and the boy seems to be the same age as Harry as he says: "Ehm, Professor. I think it's better if we wake Harry soon. Perhaps after reading about the Christmas feast."
"How do you know that will come up this chapter, Mr. Weasley?" One of the teachers, a strict looking woman with black hair tied up in a bun, asks and the boy, who looks at the book in my hands with a really worried look in his eyes says: "I know this, because I remember it to be Boxing day when Harry and I found that mirror."
The woman nods and says: "Very well, we will have dinner when the feast is described and Mr. Potter will be woken afterwards." I look at the softly sleeping boy and wonder how he had not woken from this, but then shrug, believing that there must be some kind of spell put on the sleeping bag he's resting in and read on
Christmas was … his turban
This makes the twins high-five, but the young boy looks at a bushy brown-haired girl sitting in the same couch as him, both of their faces white and the boy says: "That really is no reason to be happy." The twins look confused, while his elder brothers look worried at the scared tone in his voice and I read on.
The few … off again. Harry was glad he had no one to deliver letters to, but he still received ingredients from the apothecary and Hedwig seemed to like him too much to let Hagrid touch her. No one … hot cauldrons.
Harry perfectly understood why and had to explain to Ron, several times even, why they could not use warming charms. He even got three points taken from him for taking Dean's wand when the boy tried to cast a warming charm, just when Neville wanted to add Boomslang eggs, which Harry knew were highly inflammable.
He had not cared for the points and Dean had later realized his near mistake and thanked Harry. He had even made him a special self-made Christmas card, because he was going home for Christmas and didn't have an owl to send it with.
Harry had spend a full hour that night, just looking at the lion on the front of the card, shining red and golden and having a brown scarf around its neck with small spots on it that shined golden every few seconds before he started working on his potion for that night. That was now two weeks ago and Christmas was drawing ever closer.
Everyone smiles at the gesture and Dean says: "If I knew he had liked it so much, I would have worked even harder on that card. I would have actually done that charm myself, instead of asking Hermione." Everyone laughs at the confession and again I wonder how this is not waking the young boy next to me up.
I see the black-haired man look from Harry to me and he says: "The sleeping bag is charmed. As long as Harry's head is in it, he won't hear anything that happens outside the bag." I nod, relieved for this and smile at the man before I read on, accidentally interrupting the speech of the pink lady who had rudely asked me for my name earlier.
"I do … Quidditch match.
Said blond boy now looks down in shame and he mutters: "If I knew his home-life was that bad, I wouldn't have pestered him at all. I would have invited him over for Christmas, that's for sure." And Ron asks: "Even if he had asked if we could come too?" And to the red-head's obvious shock does the blonde nod in agreement.
The boy's parents, who I recognize as Malfoys, a family my father was never too fond of, then hug the young blonde and Hermione says: "You can't really blame yourself for not knowing, Malfoy. Even we didn't know. Harry just never talks of those Muggle-monsters and with reason." This makes me worry for the poor boy and I read on.
Disgusted that … for Christmas. the fact was that if it was up to him he'd never even set foot in that alley again – and he had no doubt that was the only thing he and Uncle Vernon agreed on. That both of them would have been much better off if Harry never set foot on Privet Drive again. Alas, it was only for the Christmas holidays.
"Not anymore, it's not." The black-haired man says happily, to cheers and shouts of joy and I look at him, as he for some reason looks quite familiar to me. He smiles at me and says: "Let me introduce myself. Sirius Black, framed Mass-murderer and official, till recently unknown blood-brother of Lily Rose Potter née Black.
Lily was adopted by the Evans family one week into our birth and thus, because of my mother's dislike for a female heir or even its possibility, I never knew she was my sister until a few days ago. I have taken official custody of Harry and my first decision was that Harry never went back to those Monsters again."
I smile at the man and say: "Glad to know Harry does have family that will take good care of him. but how exactly do you know about Harry and his treatment with those monsters?" And the man answers: "The first four chapters of this book were all about those three monsters." I nod at him, already fearing the worst and read on.
Professor McGonagall … visit Charlie.
"I sure wish you guys had come too, you know." The man named Charlie says and one of the red-head twins – probably one of his brothers – says: "Sorry Charlie, but it wasn't a matter of money this time." And the other goes on: "It was a matter of our first Christmas with our younger brothers." And they chorus: "We just couldn't miss it."
This makes me look around for more red-heads that are younger than the two and look alike, but I can only find the one named Ron and then one of them softly coughs, drawing my attention. I look at him and see him aim his finger next to me. Looking to my side, I see Harry fast asleep and smile at the twin brother, before reading on.
When they … used to."
This makes me glare at the young man's behavior and his mother even softly slaps him over the head – probably softly to keep his disgrace to a low level – before she tells him to apologize. The boy does so and even seems to have the Pureblood grace to officially make the apology to the elder red-head, that seems to be the Lord over the family.
I nod, knowing that the boy would have never made it far in life if he had been in my class. Then I shudder and think: "But I did have a boy with similar behavior in my class. And poor Harry had to suffer from living with that brat for years." I shake my head, glad I never have to deal with Dudley Dursley again and read on.
Ron dived … and smirking.
"Sure wish Filch had been there right then. Even Professor Snape would not have been able to deny that he had been littering." A young boy with blue trim on his black robe says angrily, while the man named Snape glares at said student and then he looks around and says: "Speaking of which, where is Filch anyway?"
Everyone looks around and Ron says: "He was there during the last book, but I got to say, I didn't even see him come in for this one. I guess the Time Reading spell had planned to permanently replace him all along." The students nod, while some seem shocked at his amazing logic and I read on, smiling at the young red-head.
"I'll get … and Snape."
This makes said men look down ashamed and Sirius says: "I can't believe I'm saying this, but cheer up. The kid was 11, what would he know of hatred?" Then suddenly a wave of magic hits me and I feel that I know everyone who speaks – or almost everyone. At the same time a blond-haired man I now know as Remus says:
"Sirius, I hate to say this myself, but don't forget who he grew up with. Those Muggles obviously hated our little cub, so he had a perfect example of what hatred feels like." The two men next to me and the Potions master and his student all sigh in defeat and while feeling new hatred for those monsters named Dursleys, do I read on.
"Come on …looked spectacular, enough even to make Harry's mouth drop. Festoons of … of candles.
Now everyone smiles and while I remember how Erica always made sure that Harry worked on all his talents, including for details, does a small First year say: "That sounds almost as good as this year." But then Harry mumbles something half-asleep and everyone listens as he mutters: "That – better – no – ball." Before he turns and sleeps on.
The Weasley twins, younger siblings and the two other teens sitting with Ron on the sofa next to Harry seem to understand his mumbling as they snicker and Ron says: "Allow me to translate. Harry said; that year better. It had no Yule Ball. He really was terrible at that dance." But then a girl named Padma Patil asks:
"And you were better?" The boy turns red and says: "I just don't like dancing, alright. I like Quidditch and chess, but dancing is something I will never do. At least not willingly." And while the girl pouts at him, obviously hurt that he never wanted to dance and while I get the feeling that he jinxed himself just now, do I read on.
"How many … he is."
At this I can't help but remember how Harry had at one time gotten himself in danger with his curiosity. "And that he said." One of the twins says and the other goes on: "With a bright tone." And they chorus: "Scaring the crap out of dear Hagrid." Everyone laughs and I feel sad that the spell put on me won't tell them apart.
Then that terrible Umbridge seems to have reached the end of her patience and says: "Mr. Potter really should learn how to respect proper authority. Hating a capable teacher and shocking an – an elder." I can tell she wanted to insult Hagrid and as she realizes that no one listens to her rambles, does she huff, while I read on.
"You what?" … to steal?
"Knew it was more than sheer curiosity." Hagrid grumbles, but I can tell he's smiling and Umbridge, apparently in the belief that she can speak her mind as no one seems to be paying attention to her, says: "Just goes to show how much control giants like yourself have over proper witches and wizards, doesn't it?"
But while the man next to her, who I know is the Minister for Magic, blanches at her words, does Ron snap: "This has nothing to do with control, respect or you. So MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!" The woman looks shocked and Ron asks a question I have heard being muttered all over the hall the entire time I was here:
"What is she doing here anyway?" I shake my head not knowing the answer to that or the other question I have heard ringing through the hall silently: "Who does she think she is?" Wondering the same myself, I spare a quick glance at the woman, who seems ready to attack Ron, before reading on, interrupting her yet again.
The trouble … in Wizardry.
Suddenly, while I see some older students with blue trims nod in appreciation and see others looking curious, do I see Ron and a girl I know is named Hermione look at each other and then they groan and Hermione says: "No wonder we didn't find him. We kept our search to the last century, to modern times and recent events."
"So, he's older than say – Professor Dumbledore?" One of the twins asks and Ron mutters: "Way older. And still I do believe he's much and much saner." And then, while said twin now looks shocked, do I see him whisper something to Hermione that the spell doesn't let us all know. I shrug, slightly curious, and read on.
And then … at random.
"I hate to say it, Hermione." Remus starts, his tone of voice proving he doesn't want to hurt her and he goes on: "But Ron's technique was better there. All you had was a name and that isn't something that can make you decide what subject the man could be in. You really just have to leave it to fate here and that was, in a way, what Ron was doing.
Randomly plucking a book of a shelf and hoping he'd be lucky and find the man. Although it would also then be handy if Ron made a list of what books he had already been through or he could have easily grabbed the same book twice." And by the redness of the boy's neck do I realize this indeed happened as I read on.
Harry wandered … Dark Arts. Still, Harry couldn't help but feel as if somewhere in those rows there was a book that could help his future beyond his knowledge.
"Still have that feeling." A sleepy voice mutters, startling some of the students sitting close and when I look down, I see a sleepy Harry Potter slowly blink his eyes open, Sirius gently helping him out of the sleeping bag. The boy stretches and I smile, happy to see my favorite student active again – and obviously deeply cared for.
He looks around while still happily seated on Sirius' lap and with sleep still evident in his eyes as he asks: "What did I miss?" And Sirius gently answers: "You caught the Snitch with your mouth, visited Hagrid, found out about Flamel, had a Potions lesson and saw the Great Hall the day before the Christmas holidays."
Harry nods, his green eyes still slightly dull from his last little nap and then Remus says: "And the Time Reading spell invited a very interesting – and to you probably very special – guest for the rest of the reading." Harry looks at the man confused and I leave the book behind to walk over to my favorite ex-student.
He looks at me and his eyes widen as he asks: "Mss. Crenson?" I nod and he smiles widely, before his smile disappears and with his head bowed, he says: "I'm sorry I stopped visiting you." But I lie a hand on his shoulder and say: "You had your reasons, Harry, I'm sure you did." He smiles at me and I smile back before going back to the book.
"What are … up to.
Then suddenly, while he has gone to sit between Sirius and Remus, does Harry ask: "Madame Pince, I know it's a weird question, but which teachers visited your library most that year?" The woman looks shocked and confused, but then she says: "That would have been Professor McGonagall, Snape and Quirrell, Mr. Potter."
And by the suspicious glance shared between Harry, Ron and Hermione, do I not only know they are amazingly good friends, but also that there's a link to that little piece of information and this entire strange plot. Wondering what it could be – and more importantly – which of the names this info is linked to, do I read on.
Harry waited … their necks.
"Sorry, Mr. Potter, but I sincerely doubt that will ever be possible. You know how precious my library is to me." The librarian says, slightly stern, but with a caring undertone and Harry, his eyes sparkling in the same way they would when he would try and borrow a book from me, says: "I know, Madam Pince, and I'm really sorry."
The woman looks confused, while Ron seems to have trouble holding back his snickers and Hermione hits him over the head. The woman then keeps her glance at my ex-student, but he doesn't elaborate and so, knowing Harry well enough – due to his private lessons with me – to know he'll keep quiet no matter what, do I just read on.
Five minutes … said Hermione.
"And besides that are there many witches and wizards that made great achievements magically without Muggles realizing it was magic they used." Remus says and he goes on: "Merlin is after all well known in both the Muggle and Magical world and so are Morgana Le Fay, Jeanne D'Arc and many others.
Hell, half the witches and wizards from medieval, ancient Greek and Ancient Egyptian times are known in both of our worlds." To this a boy named Blaise Zabini asks: "Even the Man that saved the Jews of Egyptian slavery?" And Hermione says: "Yes, Moses is a popular legend to the Muggles." The boy nods and I read on.
Once the … wouldn't work. Harry had rethought his earlier words and knew that, while Malfoy and Snape really reminded him of his uncle and cousin's treatment of him, he couldn't hate them – especially not enough to get either of them away from Hogwarts, the place being such an amazing home to him.
Now the two men smile and Ron says: "I knew he was screwing those plans up on purpose. He always said such crazy things at the end of our best plans and I always thought if we did that, we would be the ones expelled. But I got to admit, it was funny, what with all he could come up with." The Great Hall laughs as a whole and I happily read on.
Ron also … his grandfather.
"Not Septimus Weasley, right?" Professor McGonagall asks and while I vaguely remember my dad talking about him does Ron nods hesitantly, making her gasp and say: "No wonder you're so amazingly good. That is an official Weasley Heirloom. Only true Chess men are the ones allowed to play with it and to pass it on."
Ron looks shocked and McGonagall says: "Septimus told me that story himself when we were in school together. I came to Hogwarts in 1947 and he was a 3rd year by then. He told me how the Weasley family treasured their chess-set as it was over 300 years old and had ancient spells on it that would only let true Chess masters use it."
Ron looks shocked and the woman shakes her head: "I was never able to beat him. Not with that set. No wonder you beat my chess set down in the dungeons. Tell me, Mr. Weasley, when did Septimus give it to you?" And Ron answers: "In 1988, Professor. Three months before his death." The woman looks shocked, but nods and I read on.
However, old … at all.
This makes me hate all those times Harry convinced me not to buy him gifts all over again. "Boy, is that going to change." Sirius tells his son and everyone around the boy nods, along with almost the entire hall. Only some of the elders at the far right table seem to hold back – although this is of course no problem to the Umbridge woman.
Harry blushes and wants to open his mouth, obviously still stuck on how he was raised by those monsters, when I say: "Harry, this is not your life with those monsters. It's time you adept and realize that those that care about you want to show that. Especially on special days such as Christmas and your birthday."
And everyone in the hall nods yet again, while Harry is, obviously having trouble accepting my words, but then he gets hugged by the sturdy Bulgarian I know is named Viktor Krum and the boy whispers: "You're loved, ми малко любов. My little love." This makes Harry snuggle into the Bulgarian's chest with a smile as I read on.
When he … his bed.
"And if you wake up at home next summer you'll be buried under millions of gifts." Sirius smiles at his son and all Weasleys along with many Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and even some Slytherins nod in agreement with the man. To this Harry smiles, but I can tell he has something up his sleeve due to his smile and he says:
"As long as it's not gifts from the HP fan club. I have problems accepting gifts from others, but gifts from people that I don't know and that don't know me either I can't accept." The Great Hall nods and I can tell that everyone is going to use these books to see whether or not they want to get to know the young boy better or not.
Knowing that those that don't want to will not give Harry gifts, I smile at the possible decrease of gifts, as that will mean that Harry won't have to split himself into too many pieces just to spend time with TOO many people and, while feeling proud of the sneaky way that my little Harry took care of this problem, do I read on.
"Merry Christmas," … than Harry's.
"Really should have started seeing signs by then. I mean, the way he tried to talk sunshine onto my family and shadows on his own, the way he tried to make me feel better about my family than his and how he was actually surprised to have gifts?" Ron ends his rant with a hit on the head, before lying his head in his hands.
Neville and Hermione both embrace him and Hermione says: "Ron, you were eleven. No eleven year old could have known that their best friend was so badly abused, especially not with the vague and random hints Harry threw out." And while the other two keep muttering soft words of encouragement to the redhead, do I read on.
Harry brought his attention back to his own pile and quickly checked it for gifts that looked like they could come from his uncle – or worse from Finar. But nothing was wrapped up in Grunnings paper or in expensive green silk – a cloth Finar loved using when he send uncle Vernon a punishment package. Eagerly Harry … said Harry. He was relieved that his aunt had joined in on the gift idea; he really didn't want to know what his uncle himself would have send him and neither did he want Ron to see the mad mind that was his uncle's.
Ron was … Ron was. He was also glad to be rid of the gift, because he just didn't want to be reminded of them when he was at Hogwarts.
"Right you are, man. Good for you." Fred and George chorus and while many of the teachers nod in agreement with this statement, does Ron look at Harry with a question obvious on his mind. The black-haired boy looks at his friend confused, but then seems to understand his request and with a smile he nods.
Ron smiles back, while I'm shocked and touched by how strong and deep their friendship really is, which in turn makes me know that Harry and Ron have been through many kinds of ordeals together, and then he walks over to his dad and says: "Here dad, I saved it all this time." And he gives the man the actual fifty pence note.
Arthur looks excited and shocked and Harry, who has had wide eyes since he saw his friend pull the coin out of his pocket, asks in shock: "You actually kept that on you this entire time?" Ron nods and says: "I guess I saw it as the first gift between us as friends. Used it for luck." The two smile at each other and I read on.
"Hagrid and … Weasley sweater."
"What's so wrong with that, Ronald Weasley?" Molly Prewett asks furiously and Charlie answers: "Maybe the fact they easily tear when he does so much as raise our arms into the sky." And Bill says: "Or maybe the fact they are made of a wool so thick we even feel like we're in a sauna when we're in the middle of a cold winter."
The woman looks shocked, while I am shocked that she uses a fabric that is thick to the temperature and still easy to break and then Ron ends: "And let's not forget the fact you purposely switch our colors around. Bill gets Percy's soft purple, Charlie my baby blue and vice versa. Year in, year out, every year since Bill went to school."
The woman bristles, obviously feeling as if she's the one's who's been wronged and as if she did nothing wrong, but the furious glares of the two men and their brother is enough to make her keep her mouth shut and while I can only wonder how this woman could have come to think so highly of herself, do I read on.
Harry had … very tasty.
"See, Harry at least knows how to accept and be grateful of a hand-made gift." The woman tries to valiantly defend herself, but then Fred says: "That is because emerald green and soft black are his favorite colors." And George says: "And because he never had been given a proper gift to begin with." And they chorus:
"And don't you dare ever pull Harry into this again. SO JUST LEAVE HIM ALONE, YOU OLD-FASHIONED, MANIPULATING BITCH!" I look at the two boys with wide eyes, shocked for their language, but at the same time proud and happy with how close they too are with Harry and then Umbridge says:
"Boys! That is no way to talk to an elder, let alone your own mother." But the two glare at the smirking red-head, who seems happy to have found some back-up at last and one of them spats: "Thank goodness then." And the other goes on: "That this terrible woman." And they chorus: "Is our mother no more."
Umbridge looks shocked and Cornelius Fudgesays: "That is indeed true Dolores. Arthur Weasley divorced Molly Prewett three days ago.""Why was I not informed of this?" Umbridge spats with her nose in the air and Sirius shrugs and says: "That's easy, Umbridge. You weren't here, that's why." And with a laugh I continue to read.
His next … gleaming folds.
Now I see Remus and Sirius share a glance and Remus says: "I did wonder how he got that exactly." And Sirius goes on: "I wonder who held onto it for him." The two nod and McGonagall asks: "Am I right to presume you know what is spoken off?" The two nod and then, after some clear hesitation, Sirius says:
"It's an ancient Potter heirloom. James told me several times how it's been passed down for centuries. He even wanted to start teaching Harry how to use it when the boy would turn eight." Harry and I smile at this, but I can't help but wonder why he looked at the Ministerial members when he said this. Not knowing, I just shrug and read on.
Ron gasped … Invisibility Cloak,"
"It is WHAT?" Many Ministerial members shout, together with almost half the school and McGonagall says: "No wonder we could barely ever catch you four. This explains everything." The two shrug, Sirius still looking at the Ministerial members with wary eyes, which I now feel I understand and I read on.
said Ron … vanished completely.
This makes almost the entire school look at me shocked, which in turn reminds me of my time when I work and Harry asks: "What are you all so shocked about? You all saw me using it. When the story mentioned my first bedroom, remember?" The students nod, some of them still very much in awe while others now look embarrassed.
Then Umbridge, who Sirius had been looking at warily since the cloak being used was mentioned stands up and says: "In name of the Ministry must I conclude that such a valuable and rare item is inappropriate in the hands of a minor and thus." But then Sirius spats: "Maybe, I didn't make myself clear enough."
The woman looks at him and he spats: "The Invisibility Cloak is an ancient Potter Heirloom, having been passed down from father to son and from mother to daughter for the last 346 years. And because of that, the Ministry has no right whatsoever to confiscate the cloak from my son, as I'm sure you're aware of."
He ends his speech with a biting tone, his tone actually dark enough I remember the time my dad was angry and the woman takes a step back and says: "The Invisibility Cloak is a dangerous artifact in the hands of Mr. Potter and thus must be –." But then Sirius stands up and shouts: "SHUT UP, BITCH AND STOP RUINING HIS LIFE!"
The woman takes another few steps back, while the shouting tone had almost made me flinch and then Cornelius says: "The Ministry will not interfere with Mr. Potter or his ownership of the Invisibility Cloak, but I would like a list of ancient heirlooms, so I can know what to expect, concerning Mr. Potter and his usage of rare items."
Sirius nods and says: "I'll ask the Goblins for a few copies. Want Harry to have a list for himself either way. He deserves to know what his parents fought to preserve, not to mention the rest of his family." The two men nod at each other and I read on, absolutely hating Dolores Umbridge, who sits back down fuming.
"There's a … it well.
"What on earth was James thinking leaving that with him? Him of all people?" Sirius shouts, obviously still furious over Umbridge's terrible attempt to take Harry a precious heirloom and while I can't blame him, do I see Harry trying to shy away from the furious man. Remus then seems to notice this as well as he calmly says:
"He told me, Sirius, so calm down." The man does as told and Remus says: "He said Dumbledore wanted to have a look at it and only borrow it for a few days to examine it. It was right before he went into hiding. He told me he wanted me to have it, but feared the Ministry would take it from me, seeing my werewolf status."
This makes Umbridge smirk and while my hatred for her grows as I myself have never been biased against anyone, does she say: "The Ministry would have been in full rights, Mr. Lupin. And next to that, how do you plan to get through a full moon night from now on anyway? With a – as you think you can call him – son and all?"
But then her sickeningly sweet smile is wiped of her face as Harry, his drowsiness obviously replaced by a righteous bit of anger, spats: "At least dad is only a monster once a month, you're obviously a bitch 24/7." The woman looks shocked, while the Weasley twins, some of the Slytherins and his parents burst out laughing.
The woman then spats: "Mr. Potter, I demand respect." But Harry just looks at his fingernails and says: "Earn it." The woman glares and says: "I need not to. I am –." But Harry says: "A nobody here at Hogwarts, at least according to the treaty. So here, you do have to earn it. And in my eyes, you're doing it pretty lousy."
The woman steams in fury, but Harry just keeps looking at his fingernails and then a Slytherin blond-haired boy named Draco says: "That's my cousin. Right there." And he laughs on, slightly leaning into a man that is obviously his father, who seems to be sharing his son's amusement behind a friendly smiling mask. I smile and read on.
There was … his father? Could he really be holding a single last link to his father in his hands right then?
Everyone smiles at this last thought and Sirius says: "James, when your grandfather died, went home and to Gringotts and collected all the things his parents had left him. He then made a whole new Vault and hoped with all his heart he could one day, through those items, let his own kids know about the man that was his father."
Sirius then lies a hand on a teary Harry's shoulder and says softly: "He would have wanted you to know your grandfather, Harry, and I knew Charlus almost as well as your dad did. It would be a great honor if you would let me take you there and fulfill your dad's wish." Harry nods and whispers: "I really want that, mum."
And he hugs the man tightly while a bile of emotions clog up my throat, making me unable to read. I close the book with my thumb between the pages and use my other to wipe a few of the tears that came to my eyes when I heard of James Potter's wish away. I then wait for the two to turn their attention back to me and read on.
Before he … else yet.
"Perfectly understandable, mate." One of the twins says when Harry looked at them with slight guilt and the other goes on: "Yeah, we fully understand." And while Harry smiles relieved, do they chorus: "Can we perhaps borrow it next year?" But Harry shakes his head, making the teachers sigh relieved, while the twins pout.
I shake my head at them and read on, but then see others turning their attention away from the three and when this is fully done, do I see Harry send a quick wink at the two, making them light up in joy, before they wink back. I shake my head, already glad I teach Muggle kids and not those two pranksters and read on.
"Merry Christmas!" … and warm."
"Were they really?" Charlie asks and one of the twins sighs and says: "No, they were overwhelmingly hot. We just didn't want Harry's first Christmas to be ruined by anything and wanted him to just make his own opinion about the sweaters." The brother nods and smiles at his younger sibling, together with the rest of their brothers and I read on.
"I hate … and Forge."
"Let me guess, you were wearing the wrong ones, weren't you?" Bill asks and then Harry sighs, lying across the laps of the other three man and says: "When will you guys learn that with the twins you have to think out of the box? Don't think of what they'll do to live up to your expectations, but what they'd do to exceed your expectations."
The brothers look at each other thoughtfully and then Harry says: "They were wearing the right sweaters – because you expected them to wear the opposite sweater. The whole Gred and Forge thing was a bloody hint." The twins pout, while the other siblings look shocked and one of them asks: "How on earth does he do it?"
But everyone else shakes their heads, those in the twins year looking at the boy with quite a bit of respect and Harry says: "If by the end of the books there hasn't been a hint that shows how I can tell you guys apart, I'll tell you myself, deal?" The twins nod, looking excited and I read on, proud of the little teen.
"What's all … his sweater.
Now the twins look at their brother sheepishly, but Percy smiles and says: "Had you thrown away my sweater I would have happily sat with you. I would have even been the one to suggest it." His brothers smile at him, while I smile at the close bond the seven siblings have with each other and after sparing them a glance, I read on.
Harry had … the table.
Then, to my great shock, all tables fill themselves with the most delicious meals, some of the described foods and drinks even coming up and McGonagall quickly stands up and raises her wand to conjure a small table with white and golden covering for eight in front of the two three-seater sofas next to me.
Ron, Hermione and Neville quickly sit on the other side of the table and then Ron, Neville, Remus and Viktor head over to the other tables, coming back with some platters of food and cans of drinks. They put it down and Sirius and Remus help Harry with a healthy diet – to heal his malnourished stomach as they tell the boy.
Harry pouts, but then Viktor innocently slips some treacle tart onto the plate and slightly starts shoving with his own plate, which is filled with treacle tart pieces. He grabs another and whispers: "Eat all that and we'll share this plate, deal?" Harry's reaction is to shove down his food amazingly fast, making everyone on the table laugh.
I then sit down on a small seat at the end of the table and while Harry sends me a wide smile, obviously happy to spend time with me again, do I grab a few chicken wings, some potatoes and some peas and carrots and while dripping some gravy over my potatoes, do I charm the book to float next to me and continue to read.
These fantastic … his slice. This caused the other Weasleys to grab large pieces and cut them open in hopes of getting other treasure. Harry just happily enjoyed whatever Ron threw off his plate and onto Harry's – although he doubted the boy did it on purpose.
Everyone laughs, the twins obviously trying not to laugh too loud to embarrass him further and Ron turns red, hiding his face in his goblet of orange juice and being patted on the back by Hermione and Neville. I too smile at the boy, but then suddenly Harry gasps and I see his eyes glazing over, which greatly worries me.
Harry's POV
I laugh at my best friend's actions being read out, yet again glad that I'm not the only one feeling embarrassed by the readings of these books, but then suddenly gasp as I feel something in my mind as if a switch is turned on and for a short second I see something in the back of my eye that makes me zone out and lose focus.
I shake my head to get rid of the dizziness caused by the sudden quick experience and then, when it registers in my mind what I saw, I whisper: "He's gone." Everyone looks at me and I have to take a quick sip of my glass of water as I had gasped when I zoned out before say: "That – that was my last vision ever. I – I saw him. He's – he – he's."
I look up, my eyes slightly teary as I realize what my next words will mean and I mutter, only barely loud enough to be heard throughout the now silent hall: "He's dead." Everyone looks shocked and it only takes them a second to realize what my words mean, just like the image only appeared in my mind for a single second.
The image of Voldemort, in the same mansion as in my dream last summer, hand limply holding onto a glass of whisky with his left hand and his wand with his right, while there's an obviously poisoned knife in his chest and with his eyes wide open, the blankness in them scaring me as they mean only one thing; Voldemort is dead.
Lucius' POV
The words of my cousin are followed by a terrible pain coursing through my left lower arm and I hiss loudly, trying to hold back on as much of the pain as I can, before I slightly lift my sleeve and see my mark burning, the dark skin little by little growing into a bad burn, like I put my arm in the fireplace instead of being marked by an evil demon.
Shocked that this was what was supposed to happen when he first vanished, I can barely believe my stupidity for believing I was rid of him for all these years. I shake my head and decide to ask Madam Pomfrey if she'll heal my burned skin later as for now all I feel is the weight of that monster's dominance finally being lifted.
Happily I show Narcissa and Draco the burned skin and whisper: "See, he's right. That monster's dead." They both look at the skin shocked and then large smiles appear on their faces, while one of the Gryffindors who sits nearby and also saw my mark, stands up and is the first to let out a cheer of happiness to celebrate this amazing news.
Fiana's POV
Everyone is beyond excited and cheers, cries, tears and hugs of relief and happiness are heard and given all around the Hall, the teachers and adults being the most excited of all as they are crying and hugging each other at the same time, the walls almost bursting with the happiness they hold in the amazingly large room.
I smile as I look around, knowing just fine what Voldemort and his reign of terror in the seventies was like, not just because we kept to the Daily Prophet even after we moved to the Muggle world, but also because those were the sole reasons my father left the Magical world with me and my mother, three years before Voldemort's rise.
My father was the only Male Seer of this century, not that anyone outside our family knew of this and he saw that I and my mother would die if we stayed in the Magical world. Using the stars to help his prediction, he left the magical world and helped me get used to living in the Muggle world instead when I was 26 years old.
It took me 7 years – in which I sometimes had a slip up, which caused dad to move us again – to get used to the Muggle world, its improving uses and get the scholarships and diplomas needed to be a teacher, but after that it became easy for me to grow from kindergarten teacher to a woman that could easily teach at high school.
But Harry's appearance and his way of life convinced me not to and after the year he disappeared from his visits, I saw more and more cases of child abuse going on in my classes. This of course got me in a relationship with one of the hottest Aurors in England, who is also closely befriended with the Muggle Child Services; Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Wondering if my little Harry will meet my fiancé of 3 years I look at the boy and think: "In the books there is a war going on, so he'll probably need Auror protection. I have no doubt my fiancé will respond to that call." And with a smile I read on, effectively silencing the deafening cheers and shouts of everyone.
Harry watched … hat lopsided.
This causes boisterous laughter, obviously left over from the excitement the students must still be feeling, to fill the hall and even McGonagall laughs along, obviously still too cheerful with the amazing news to really mind her embarrassment. I shake my head at the woman and after letting the cheers die down, I read on.
When Harry … so much. Of course there was one thing about the snowball fight that made him very glad and that was that the first snowball hit him square in the face as it had been George's invitation for him to join in. This was a relief to him, because the melted snow hid his tears at being included in a family snowball-fight – it was almost as if he really was part of their amazing family already.
Now Ron slaps him on the shoulder and says: "You bet your ruddy ass you are, mate. Family forever, you are." Harry again gets tears in his eyes and thanks the red-head before snuggling his face in Sirius' chest, the man happily hugging him close as he sends Ron a grateful smile to which Ron sends him an easy one back while I read on.
After a … as air as he blinked away the tears of pain for the man that he lost and never knew – the man that had, apparently, left him this amazing heirloom.
Everyone looks sad and hurt at this fact, the happiness seeping out of the room quicker than water out of a colander. The snuggling Harry does strengthens and so does Sirius' hold on his son. Only Umbridge seems not to share in the care for my favorite ex-student and everyone noticing glares at her, actually making her whiten as I read on.
Use it … it alone.
"Perfectly understandable, mate." Ron says again and Harry smiles at his friend in relief, before Sirius says: "James did the same, he did. Only mistake he made was coming back to our dorm with that thing over his shoulder. And me, being the Pureblood-raised wizard I am, recognized it for what it was instantly. Since we've been using it valiantly."
Everyone smiles at the man, who leans back against the purple sofa with Harry tucked under his arm and with his own shoulders embraced tightly by Remus, who softly strokes his hair lovingly; Viktor doing the same, but then to Harry, who has his hand on Sirius' chest, his eyes closed and grateful smile on his face.
I smile at the picture, feeling happier than ever – except when Kingsley asked me to marry him – at seeing the happy family together and at the proof Harry has found a better family than I ever dared to dream for the boy – as I had really, secretly, tried in the year that I was teaching him after class – and I read on.
He crept … said nothing. He walked quickly down the corridor. That the Fat Lady didn't continue asking and just went back to sleep proved to him that she was used to this happening; more proof that his dad must have done the same millions of times when he went to Hogwarts.
"He sure did, kiddo. He sure did." Sirius says, softly moving Viktor's hand away to ruffle Harry's hair and while it's obvious that Harry is beyond thrilled to hear more about his birthparents, does McGonagall say: "No wonder we could never catch you for your bigger pranks until hours later when you showed up for classes."
To this one of the twins asks: "You pulled pranks too?" And the other asks: "Did you go to Hogwarts with the Marauders perhaps?" Remus and Sirius share a glance and Sirius says: "Sorry boys, no telling until the 3rd year reunion. Then all will be revealed." The two pout disappointedly, while Ron has trouble not to laugh and I read on.
Where should … Flamel was.
"Okay, there you really prove you are not just a carbon copy of your dad, you know that?" Sirius asks his son and when Harry looks at him intrigued, he says: "James was pretty cool on letting us use the Invisibility Cloak with him and all, but he was very adamant that the first few uses would be for exploring and learning Hogwarts inside out.
That you immediately used it for such a dangerous, yet educational purpose on the first use – I don't know whether James would be rolling around in his grave for his little prankster to be studying or that he'd be proud that you snuck off for noble purposes and that you used the Cloak the same way he did on his first try."
Harry smiles and asks: "And you, mum?" Sirius says: "First of all, I don't have a grave so that part doesn't count. Second, I would prefer it if the whole intention behind that name wasn't so dangerous, but in all other aspects am I really proud of your responsible use of such a valuable item." Harry happily hugs his mum and I read on.
He set … shouldn't be.
This shocks me as I had been at Hogwarts myself, but had never known about this kind of magic being on the library. "That Potter can sense the magic of the many wands stocked at Olivander's is one thing, but our defense system over the Restricted Section?" Professor Snape asks his colleagues and Madame Pomfrey says:
"Maybe I should have checked just what parts of his magic have been blocked and who blocked them. I have a feeling that was Albus' work." This shocks me as dad told me all about magical blocks and what affects they have on witches and wizards during my teens and I spare a concerned glance at my ex-student before I read on.
He had … was screaming!
Now some of the younger years squeak and get comforted by the elder years, but to my great worry, do I see the teachers look at each other whitened and Hermione asks: "Wait, that's not the protection put on the books there?" The teachers shake their heads and Harry blanches and asks: "Then what book did I grab?"
And the words, coming from a very white professor McGonagall, shock me to the core as she says: "Mr. Potter – Harry – you grabbed Torture And War; How Our Ancestors Died For Us. It's the most detailed book about the wars of our past ever written." Harry quickly hides in his mum, who hugs him tight and I read on, hating the title.
Harry snapped … above there.
"Harry, there are suits of armor all over the castle. How can you use those things to let you know where you are?" Susan Bones, a girl I know about thanks to my dad's connections asks and Harry says: "Well, I know some students use the windows, but when you're hurrying around, you don't have time to lean out a window, do you?"
The girl shakes her head and he says: "Well, during the first 2 weeks of school did it often occur that Ron and I were very nearly late for class and one day I was running past one, when I looked in it and in the reflecting armor, I saw Professor McGonagall enter her classroom. Since then I use them to see outside or what is on the other side of the armor."
The girl looks shocked and Harry says: "And they have small holes in the top of their suits, just below the helmet. Every hole stands for a floor and I counted at least four holes that Christmas day." The girl nods, while I smile at the genius of my little student that apparently shocks his current teachers and I happily read on.
"You asked … his left.
"Wait, what?" Snape suddenly asks and he goes on: "That can't be right. I was doing rounds that night and I made sure all doors on that floor were closed before Filch came to me." Everyone looks confused at this, except Ron, who seems quite thoughtful and he whispers: "He wouldn't." Making everyone look at him.
He blushes and says: "This part of the chapter will be hard enough as it is. Better wait and see. I have my suspicions, but –." The boy then sighs and Harry says: "It's okay, Ron, thanks." And the two share a smile, while Sirius, Remus and I share a worried look, wondering what dangers they could get themselves into as I read on.
It was … hidden in.
"Always be on your guard, boy. You were in that hallway and you should be then. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" And old, grizzled-looking wizard named Moody, who my dad kept in contact with during the war, growls, shouting at the end and a boy named Terry Boot whispers: "And I thought we were rid of that."
To which the young Tonks girl says: "Sorry, didn't think he'd comment this chapter. Forgot to silence him." The man looks furious and McGonagall asks: "You got silenced by your own student?" To which the man mutters: "Let's see how observant you are after 10 months being locked in a trunk, Ms. Kitty-cat." The woman glares and I read on.
It looked … the way.
"Oh no, he didn't." Filius Flitwick growls and he goes on: "Albus told me he kept that mirror safely locked away in his office until further usage." To which Professor Snape says: "Well then, that instantly explains why Albus thought it right to give Potter the cloak on that specific day. He had it all planned, again."
"I KNEW IT!" Ron then suddenly shouts and he says: "Harry had nightmares for days after he saw that mirror and that was only after the third day he visited it. And Dumbledore had also told him, and I quote: I don't need a cloak to become invisible. He was invisible that day and made sure you didn't lock that exact door."
He then turns to a very white Harry and says: "It was all a set-up, mate. All the way from Gringotts, to Fluffy, to this, to the end of the year. The whole year he has been setting you up, day after day after day." This makes tears appear in Harry's eyes and he again hides his face in the chest of a very, very furious Sirius Black.
The teachers growl and I wonder what exactly I missed. I look at the redhead and he says: "Long story short. The title of this story concerns something dangerous along with Voldemort and Dumbledore is using both factors to lure Harry into a battle against that mad-man. And the mirror he will soon face plays quite the essential role in it all."
I nod, shocked that Albus Dumbledore, defeater of Grindlewald and all-around powerful light wizard, is manipulative enough to put a wizard – well over his forties – up against an eleven year old. I shake my head and wonder if I can return to the Muggle world with Harry, but then ditch that plan and just continue to read the chapter.
It was … on wohsi.
Suddenly, while many students start whispering about the words and while Harry dries his tears, does he see my confusion and hands me a small mirror and he says: "Put that with the last words and read again. I have no doubt half the school is wondering what the hell that meant. Never really discovered it myself though."
I nod at the boy and reread the last part, reading: I show not your face, but your heart's desire. Before looking shocked at my own words and Remus says: "I don't like the sound of that." And many adults nod in agreement with the man as Harry again hides his face in Sirius' chest, obviously still hurt over the last revelation as I read on.
His panic … behind him.
"What?" Everyone asks confused, some of the students actually scared of what they're hearing and then Parvati Patil says: "But that doesn't make sense. That would mean your deepest desire is to be part of a large group or to have people behind you, like fans. But we all know you hate your fame, so what's with that?"
Harry sighs and says: "Sometimes blood runs longer and further in time than one can understand." This doesn't make me understand the situation anymore and Harry snuggles into Viktor this time, mumbling: "At least I have my deepest desire now. And in more ways than I would ever even dare to hope I could."
This makes me get a hunch on what he's talking about and I think: "Those Muggles were terrible to him, but James was a pureblood and those families last generations upon centuries. And didn't Sirius just say that the Invisibility Cloak has been in the Potter family for over 346 years?" This makes me confident of my theory and I read on.
But the … or not? Harry quickly shook his head and thought that if that was the case, he would have bumped into someone on his way to the mirror.
He looked … the mirror.
"That doesn't make sense. Who is this woman? And where does Harry know her from?" A girl named Hannah Abbott asks and then, while many students start asking each other similar questions, does she turn to me and asks: "Do you think it was you, Mss. Crenson? That Harry was seeing his past and his time with you?"
But her words only strengthened my belief in my theory, together with what I read as I have read ahead while listening to the young Abbott girl and I say: "No, that's not it. But you are right in one thing. The mirror, in Harry's case, does indeed show a part of his past." Now some teachers seem to realize what I did and I read on.
She was … whispered. "Dad?"
This makes a silence ring in the room, all of the students looking at me with open mouths while silent tears are running down the faces of the teachers and Hannah, in an almost breathless voice says: "So that's what they meant. The people behind Harry are – or were – indeed part of his past; the past he can only remember the worst parts from."
Then the girl takes a deep breath as her voice sounds quite clogged up and she goes on: "And the Potters are an Ancient family and thus their blood goes back years and years, exactly like Harry said. Harry's deepest desire isn't fame." She then takes a deep breath, holding onto Terry Boot while softly crying and whispers: "It's family."
Everyone lowers their head and Harry, his face deeply hidden in Viktor's chest, while the Bulgarian softly rubs his back, mutters: "You never know what you miss until it's gone. But while you can't miss what you never knew is knowledge something that grows and thus so can a feeling of missing that what hurts the most."
And while I can barely believe how poetic my little boy is sounding, can I only agree with his words and smile at him Sirius and Remus gently move him so that he is situated between them – his new family, his new parents, both of them crying silent tears and yet having wide smiles on their faces as they hug the boy with loving vigor.
Still the words seem to offer some closure and comfort to the softly crying hall and they all nod, while I can tell that not everyone understands what my boy is saying and while the younger years seek comfort with the elder years, the students with parents here with their parents and McGonagall with Flitwick, do I read on.
They just … his life.
"Wait, that doesn't make sense." A Seventh year Ravenclaw, who has a Fifth year Ravenclaw girl hidden under his armpit, the young girl crying tears and hiccupping, speaks up and she says: "Harry's mother was adopted by the Evans family, but was by birth a Black. So how did her adopted family come up in the mirror?"
And Harry answers: "Back then I didn't even know my new mum, Sirius, let alone the Black family. If I thought of my mum I thought of aunt Petunia and her family. I think the mirror just used whatever knowledge of my family I had." The girl nods, while I can tell they're both a little confused at all this and snicker as I read on.
The Potters … terrible sadness.
Now both men strongly hug Harry, obviously to comfort him and themselves at the same time and Sirius mutters: "James must surely be rolling in his grave of grief right now. His little boy, parentless and loveless. Longing for family so badly, his heart actually aches with the happiness of just seeing their reflections."
But then Harry whispers: "He won't." Everyone looks at the boy as his eyes are a little too distant for my liking, but then, with love filling his voice does he say: "My dad's not rolling in his grave. I know he's not. He's looking down at us from heaven – or wherever he is – and he's smiling. Smiling because his son is loved."
He then looks at his mum, his eyes tearful as he seems to finally accept his new family and says: "Loved by his best friend. His best man. His brother in all but blood. His distant cousin." He then turns to his dad and says: "And loved by his other amazing great friend. His advisor and other brother in all but blood."
The two smile at their son and they hug him close, moving so they cocoon him on both sides closely, almost encasing him so well he's as good as hidden from view completely and Sirius says: "Loved indeed, son. And nothing will ever change that." Remus then kisses his son's forehead and I happily read the rest of the chapter.
How long … and everyone."
"I really wish that was the only ability the mirror had." Sirius says, wrapping his arm around Harry even tighter and the boy snuggles into his chest, while the man whispers: "You shouldn't want to have family that loves you. No one should long for something like that." I nod in agreement with his words, together with many others and read on.
"You can … again tonight. He knew he could just go after breakfast, but he didn't want this mirror to be public knowledge. Its contents were too special for Harry for that to happen. He had … it, really?
Sirius sighs and says: "While I am glad you are no longer interested in such dangerous things, do I really wish it wasn't over something like this." Remus nods and says: "Lily was the same in that aspect. Something amazingly important was always needed to keep her from forgetting about things she put her mind to."
The two nod at each other, while many of the teachers now have soft smiles on their faces, obviously remembering the woman that was once Harry's mother and while Harry smiles at the information, something I can barely see from where he is still hidden by the arms and bodies of the two, do I smile as well as I continue the chapter.
"Are you … he said.
"Why are you seeing yourself?" Fred asks and Percy says: "I've got a feeling she has something to do with this again." And he glares at Molly, who glares right back as if insulted that he dares to accuse her of something. I wonder why he does so in the first place – and what caused this break between mother and son – and read on.
"Can you … captain, too!"
"I knew it." Percy spats, while still holding a glaring match with the woman sitting quite a few seats away from him and the other Weasleys and he goes on: "Ron sees everything that would get her attention, the one thing he has to fight for, seeing all of us. He sees himself with everything we got that got her attention and her affection.
He doesn't see himself, not really, just an image of what he has to be to win his mother's – to him – impossible to-gain affection and pride." He then glares at the woman, who smiles in pride until she sees the glare along with the disgusted looks from many of the students around her and Percy then goes on and says:
"He doesn't see himself, he sees a mindless zombie that drones on with nothing to do or think about but to appease his mistress. Because that's what you are to all of us and that's what drove Bill and Charlie to leave this country and what will drive me, the twins, Ron and Ginny away from you. And last meeting is more than proof enough."
All his brothers are shocked, but nod at his words, but then the woman bursts and shouts: "YOU ARE ALL SUCH IDIOTS! WHAT YOU'RE DOING IS DANGEROUS, RECKLESS AND PLAIN STUPID! I'VE LIVED IN FEAR MY WHOLE LIFE AND KNOW HOW TO CARE FOR YOU! YOU SHOULD JUST LISTEN TO ME!
I'M YOUR MOTHER, FOR GOD'S SAKE!" The outburst itself shocks me and many of the adults to the core, except for Sirius, Remus, Bill and Charlie and I can't believe anyone would be used to such behavior of anybody. The students sitting closest to the Weasleys are as shocked as I am and many are whispering about what they heard.
Then Percy spats: "Not to us, you're not." The woman looks shocked and Arthur says: "And neither have you been when I divorced you. You lost that right together with your right as a Weasley when our divorce was settled. So sit down and shut up." The woman does as said, while I am shocked at her arrogance and read on.
Ron tore … push me –"
Now both boys look down ashamed and McGonagall says: "I knew that mirror had a bad influence on people, but that it actually caused those two to fight over it. I cannot believe it was capable of such things." Many others nod, all agreeing with her words and shock and I smile at the proof my Harry has such close friends as I read on.
A sudden … like Hermione."
This makes the twins want to mock-gasp, but Bill and Charlie seem to believe this situation too severe and send the boys a glare. "Is that bad?" Hermione asks with mock-anger and Harry playfully spats back: "Seeing you guys disagree about almost everything and almost always argue, I can't say it's a bad thing, but it sure is a little creepy."
To this, while the twins send pouts at their older brothers, obviously asking them to let them do their thing, do Ron and Hermione spat: "We don't always argue." And Harry says: "I know you don't. I said almost always." The two turn red and softly swat him over the head, while all three laugh and I happily smile at them as I read on.
"I'm serious … meet anyone.
Now, while Sirius and Remus glare at the book, do the teachers shake their heads and Filius says: "Albus told us he would do the rounds that night. That we could just stay at our dorms while he would guard that hallway and part of Hogwarts. I should have known he was up to something. That part is barely ever used."
But then Harry grabs his wand and for some reason uses it to levitate himself into a standing position before he speaks and says: "Professors, you couldn't have known. If it wasn't for these books we would have never known of anything Dumbledore was planning, Cedric would have been killed and Voldemort would have been back."
This makes a shudder go through all of the adults and he goes on: "These books are the sole reason for our knowledge of what Dumbledore did and the loss of trust we have in that man. Yes, there were mistakes made by just about everyone in this room, but that doesn't mean we should blame ourselves for all that occured in these books.
Some things happened years ago and others might not even happen. So no hard feelings for anyone, alright?" The teachers nod, while many students are shocked at his words and the way he said them, but I smile at the boy, having always known that his ability of speech and his heart were his strongest forte and read on.
And there … again, Harry?"
"Wait, again?" A Ravenclaw asks and Snape, who obviously remembers Ron's earlier words, growls: "He must have been there the entire time all three nights. He must have planned it all ahead. Give Potter the cloak, let Filch almost catch him, get him into the room and explain him the mirror. It was all planned."
I shake my head at the amazing stupidity and terrible manipulation of the Headmaster of this school and see Ron, Harry and Hermione share a look that tells me they had suspected as much, before I sigh, wishing that my little boy can one day be released of every and all people that – one way or another – want to do him harm and read on.
Harry felt … around you.
"As if he has any right to speak of that, what with the family he pushes onto my little boy." Sirius growls, again holding Harry close to him, but then, while I can only imagine the punishment that those Dursleys will get, does Remus pull Harry away from his mother and says: "You've been holding onto our son enough for now. It's my turn."
Everyone laughs, while Harry mock-glares at his dad and Sirius pouts and then Viktor plays along and says: "I call dibs on holding Harry tomorrow morning." The younger boy hits himself on the head, while the laughter increases, the twins and many of their friends sliding off their couches and sofas and I read on when it has died down.
Ronald Weasley … be prepared.
"And there's the last piece of evidence we need. Tonks, you better write that down; it's a clear testimony he had planned to let Harry face up with the mirror again." The woman nods, her hair curly and long but dark, pitch-black to show off her anger and disgust and she writes down the words while Hermione turns to Harry and says:
"We really should have told a teacher of our suspicions." But Harry shakes his head and says: "I fought you nail and tooth to get you off that idea, you know that. And you know just fine and well why I did so." The girl nods, while I fear for his apparent distrust in confiding in adults and with a heavy heart I read on.
It does … me books."
This makes Harry growl, but while I can already tell by the look in his eyes that the anger in the growl is not aimed at Dumbledore, does everyone else look at him and he says: "Ever since I've been able to get into Hogsmeade, I've been buying pairs of socks to give that old coot for Christmas. Can't believe I actually did that."
But then Remus swats him over the head and says: "What you told the teachers goes for you as well, young man. They made mistakes concerning him and so did you, but like them, you shouldn't blame yourself either." The boy nods, the anger in his eyes being replaced with gratitude and I read on, feeling relieved over this matter.
It was … personal question.
"That's the end of the chapter." I say closing the book with my heart feeling like it just gained a ton of weight and apparently this has a magical effect as large cubicles appear in the four corners of the room. "I guess we can change in our sleeping cloths there." Sirius says, slowly walking over to one with a lion on the door.
He opens the door and sticks his head in, looking left and right while Remus helps Harry back into a wheelchair that makes me worry for his injuries all over again, before Sirius says: "There are several doors here, with numbers and a few with names. I guess they stand for the seven school years and some ex-Gryffindor students."
The students nod and the groups divide, going into the rooms in large rows and I too walk over to the Gryffindor door, walking down the left and shockingly enough, at the end of the row of doors, I find my name on a plague, while Harry's name is on the door next to it, along with a large picture of a wheelchair.
I walk in and see a very simple shower with a single small rack with my favorite shampoo, soap and washing cloth and a few sleeping cloths and a towel hidden behind a closed glass door. I happily take my shower, putting my old cloth behind the glass door on a higher rack and put the soft, suede cloths on after washing my entire body.
I leave the cubicle and see some boys and girls leaving their doors with their hair wrapped up by their own towels, while Harry's door is still with the sign showing occupied. But when we reenter the Great Hall, I see thousands of sleeping bags, in green, red, blue, yellow, silver, purple and dark black, the last three with signatures on them.
The tables are all gone and so are the chairs and sofas that were around the room and Harry, coming out and positioning his wheelchair beside me, which automatically makes me put a hand on his small shoulder, says: "I guess the spell automatically takes care of its readers once they decide to end the reading for the day."
I nod, while feeling impressed by the magical abilities of the Reading spell and then Sirius and Remus drag three purple, a single red and a black sleeping bag our way and Remus says: "We'll sleep on the side. We want to talk to you and Harry about what happened in November all those years ago, if you don't mind."
I shake my head, part of me not believing this to be the right place to talk about that and Harry blanches, obviously agreeing with me, but then Sirius pulls up one of the sleeping bags a little higher and says: "We already know you tried to kill yourself, pup. We just want to know what made you want that. We just want to help."
The boy nods and when the cubicles are empty, the rooms disappear and Remus and Sirius walk over to the right back corner of the Great Hall. There the sleeping bags are put in a circle with Harry's red bag in between 2 purple ones, obviously intent for them, mine next to Remus and the black one next to Sirius. We all lie down and Harry sighs.
Okay, that is that.
Well, I made a few changes to this chapter, mostly just a few word changes here and there, but I did have to alter one part that said Harry had actually stood up – which should still be impossible seeing he is still in his wheelchair, which is kind of stupid of me as the wheelchair was mentioned a few paragraphs later.
My bad,
Venquine1990
