Hey everyone,
I know it might not interest you very much, but we are almost at the point that I promised to get to when it comes to this Christmas present to you guys. I promised I would at least give you all a total of 12 chapters and this might just be the second to last chapter I will have edited for you guys to read early, though more might get added.
Anyway, merry Christmas,
Venquine1990
Chapter 42
Returning And Adjusting
Sora's POV
Fishing had been a real task. And not because I haven't been doing it in a while or because the fish kept swimming away from me, but because my eyes kept drifting off to Riku, who's hair shone like silver when wet, whose muscles shone with the water stuck to them and who's eyes were like pale sapphires in the light of the sun.
I had to keep drawing my focus back on the fish and often this only happened when one of them would swim right past the corner of my eye or accidentally slap against my body, shocking me out of my staring and making me move quick enough to catch it, the fish shocked by my sudden movement and me berating myself for staring.
I would then use Wind Magic to move the fish over to the side island, my pile on one side of the Papaou fruit tree and Riku's pile on the other side. Of course, we had both agreed to only catch 20 fish and to let Kairi and Leon get the rest of the fish, together with loads of bread and meats, while Wakka and Tidus would go and fetch some fruits and fresh water.
We had changed the rules of our bet from who could catch the most fish to who could catch 20 fish the first and the one who lost would have to make the fire and roast them, while the winner would only have to desalinate the fish and would get the first fish. Currently Riku and I are tied and we both only have to catch one more fish.
Not wanting to lose the match just because I'm starring at the boy again, I dive down only to use the current and – like a Dolphin – jump over Riku, before swimming to the other side of the side island, where I know a small cove where fish often lay their eggs. I swim over to that side of the island and while doing so, don't notice Riku staring.
Riku's POV
Catching fish while having that delicious young and small body close to me, following my trail and trying to catch any fish I miss was hard enough, but to actually see him jump over me, body stretching and bending elegantly and having water drops all around him, enchanting his beauty makes it plain impossible for me to focus on fishing any longer.
Instead I silently follow him, his movement graceful and widely varied, showing he has learned loads from his visits to Atlantica, the world under the Sea ruled by King Triton. Here Sora had, as he told me, been given a blue dolphin tail with dorsal fin and it's quite obvious that he has great control over using it as he now shows me.
I hide behind the side of the side island, more than willing to miss that one fish if it means I can look and openly stare at my lovely Sora, a boy who stole my heart years ago and who I longed to see again when he went to look for me and the King.
It had only been my new looks as Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, that had kept me from my Sora back then, but now nothing holds me back as the real Ansem the Wise had used a device to save us all and when the device had malfunctioned and exploded, the power of the explosion and Ansem's heart's power had changed me back.
Yes, I had changed slightly as I had been taller, my hair had been longer and my eyes had turned paler, but other than that, my features turning more defined and my length having heightened I had been completely back to my old form and only our battle against Xemnas had held me back from starting to court Sora there and then.
I shake my head and turn to Sora, only to see no Sora. I look from side to side, trying to find him, but can only find Kairi and Leon drifting back to us on Kairi's canoe and the students and guests enjoying the sand. I quickly take a deep breath and dive down, seeing Sora swim into a small alcove near the side island.
I swim a little more to the open waters, trying to see Sora and then suddenly see a whole swarm of fish swimming out, Sora quickly grabbing one and swimming back to the surface, his elegant moves and quick reflexes almost making me gape at his beauty, was it not for the fact that I'm still underwater – something my lungs quickly remind me off.
I shoot to the surface and gasp, trying to pull as much oxygen into my lungs as possible and hear Sora shout: "I win! I get the first fish – RIKU!" And the boy hurries to my side, his moves no longer elegant, but sloppy like they looked when we left the Dark Meridian and landed face first into the ocean near Destiny Island.
He quickly reaches me and, like when I was injured, pulls one of my arms over his shoulder while he swims us both to shore. There he lies me down and asks: "Are you alright, Riku?" And I say: "Yeah, I'm fine, Sora. No need to worry." While my heart bursts with happiness over the worry shown in the boy's beautiful blue eyes.
He shakes his head and asks: "What on earth were you doing that caused you to gasp like that?" And, quickly thinking of a good excuse, I say: "I was just trying to see if there were any fish near the side island when a school of fish shocked me and caused me to involuntarily take a gulp of water down my throat, nothing big."
The boy nods and says: "Well, that is kind of my fault. There's this small alcove where some fish either rest temporarily or lay their eggs and I went to check to see if I could catch my last fish there. They kind of shot out of the alcove and you must have seen them do that." I nod, glad he believes the excuse and sit up.
Sora takes a small step back and asks: "You okay, again?" I smile at him, something only Sora can easily get me to do, and say: "Yeah, Sora. I'm okay. And seeing I lost the bet, why don't you go and pick what fish you want?" The boy looks doubtful for a second, but then smiles and nods at me, leaving me on the beach.
I lean forward, wrapping my arms around my raised knees and whisper: "Oh darling Sora, if only I could tell you how I feel." And I remember how, while listening to the waves on the beach in the Dark Meridian, I told Sora that I was jealous of him for being able to live his life the way he did; just following his heart.
We then confessed how, having each other for a friend made us better than the other and made us have something the other didn't have. Back then, I know I would have confessed further into my feelings had that bottle with Kairi's letter not arrived, giving us a way out of the Dark Meridian and back to Destiny Island, to our friends.
That was now almost five years ago and still I feel stupid for opening the letter first and not trying to tell Sora right after our return how I felt. But then again, what eleven year old tells his ten year old friend he loves him, that he's in love with him. I knew we were too young and held back, but now regret not doing anything else over the years.
I see Sora check every fish he grabs, holding it and closing one eye to look at the width and size of it and laugh as Sora had always been picky when it came to food. He could eat whole banquets if he wanted to, but he always made sure he had the best – or that we all did if there was a Birthday party of someone going on.
I then go back into the Seaside Shack and grab a few logs that Wakka and Tidus cut off from trees for us a week ago and while amazed we can keep the wood for so long, I walk over to the small part of the beach under the bridge and put the logs in a perfect campfire shape, summoning my Keyblade to light a small fire.
But then a loud, beautiful and otherworld sound comes from all around and seems to fill my heart with the hope that Sora will one day love me like I love him. I look around and see a large fire appearing in midair and from it, the most beautiful Phoenix, with red plumage, black eyes and golden wing and tail feathers appears.
Then McGonagall gasps and says: "Fawkes! How did he get here?" And Amelia Bones goes on, saying: "We have to search the island. If Fawkes is here, Dumbledore can be here too. We can't let him escape justice." I look around, searching for the old coot I was told about, but then the Phoenix shocks me.
Crying loudly, it shoots at the fire I just lit and as I jump back and unceremoniously land on my ass, I see it diving into the flames, causing them to burst out high enough to reach just above my own height when I'm standing and before my eyes they seem to try and form some kind of shape. Sora quickly runs over to me and we both watch the flames take shape.
Two large flames spread out to the sides and as they do, the ends change into a circle of fire each. Then, before our eyes, the flames seem to change and both my and Sora's eyes widen – me quickly grabbing Sora's hand resting on my shoulder – as we see parts of the flames divide, some parts changing into one thing, other parts into something else.
The largest part of the flames, from the chunks of wood to just above my own height change into a long black cloak with silver zipper and chains hanging from the collar. The circles of fire change into metal Chakrams and the top of the flame changes into a head with fiery red hair and a pale skin, green upturned pyramid marks under the eyes.
I look at the man, who must have been the Phoenix that just dived into the flames in shock as he lowers his arms and opens his eyes to me and Sora, showing a pair of amazing emerald green color, yet different from the bright emerald green eyes Harry has. Wondering if I saw this man before, Sora shocks me as he asks:
"Axel?"
And the man smiles, banishing one of his weapons and moving his forefinger to his left temple, tapping it as he says: "So you got my name memorized, huh Sora?" And the boy asks: "I thought you destroyed yourself. I saw you fading away after you saved us both from all those Dusk Nobodies in Betwixt and Between."
The man nods and says: "Yeah, I remember that, but apparently I somehow got left as a Phoenix egg that flamed itself to some market or something. By the time I could focus and had a proper conscious again, I realized I was a Phoenix and was bond to some old guy you all call Dumbledore or something like that.
It didn't take me long to realize this was a world you guys had never visited before, so I just stayed bonded to the old man and tried to keep an eye out. I heard you were reading about 1992, right?" Sora nods and he says: "Well then, you'll soon see little old me in action once again. I helped Harry out of quite the tight spot, you know."
Sora and I look at each other and then Axel asks: "So, how's Roxas?" And Sora answers: "He and I fully merged together in the Altar of Naught before we took down Xemnas, but now he and I are starting to have different opinions about things and it seems he too will soon reappear. At least if things go the way they are now."
This makes the red-head smile and he says: "Good, then I won't have to make the same mistake I did last time." And Sora, with his hands on his hips asks: "What, kidnap Kairi and try to turn me into a Heartless again?" Instantly my need to kill that bastard rises, but I keep sitting and listen as they continue the conversation.
"Yeah, now that I've seen where that leads me, I don't think I'll need to go and try that again." And I mutter: "Especially not now that Kairi has a Keyblade of her own." And the man named Axel asks: "She has a Keyblade of her own?" I nod and then turn to Sora, deciding to ask the one question constantly on my mind:
"How do you know this guy? I saw him appear in Digital Traverse Town a few times, but how do you know him?" And Sora answers: "Met him a few times throughout my search for you. In fact, had it not been for him, Donald, Goofy and I would have either been stuck in Betwixt and Between or we would have been killed by Dusks."
This makes me look at the man in shock and he says: "Yeah, and how does fate reward me? It locks me in a Phoenix egg and then bonds me to a man who is more manipulative and Dark than Xemnas himself. Thanks a lot." He throws his arms up in exasperation, before crossing them over his chest, while Sora and I look on, shocked.
The man shakes his head and asks: "So, what happened to you over the years?" I shrug and Sora says: "Well, Donald, Goofy and I took down Xigbar, Kairi got her own Keyblade, we reunited with Riku, defeated Luxord, Saix and Xemnas, met the real Ansem the Wise and saw him sacrifice himself when he failed turning Kingdom Hearts into data."
The man whistles and Sora lies his hands in the back of his neck as he says: "And that was only after you gave us the passageway to the Land That Never Was." The man looks shocked and I go on: "Sora and I also had to fight Xemnas another three times before almost being destroyed by Dusks and visited the Dark Meridian."
Axel rubs the back of his head and then I notice how he must be sweating in that thick black robe, seeing how the cuffs of the arms are tightened around his wrists and how he even wears black gloves. I turn to Sora and say: "I'll get Axel some of our reserve clothes, you go tell McGonagall the situation is okay regarding Dumbledore."
Sora nods, grabs his fish and runs off, making me smile at him before I stand up and take Axel to our Seaside Shack. The space might seem a little too cramped for two people to stand in, but to make sure we wouldn't catch a cold, Wakka had build in an extra closet with reserve clothes in the wall and I knock trice on the wall to open the door.
I then take a step to the side and say: "Take your pick. Because I really think that those robes are just too thick for this weather." But Axel laughs and says: "Hello, you're talking to the Nobody of Fire. I can control the temperature these clothes let through, so you don't have to worry. Thanks anyway." I shrug and then decide to come clean.
I lean against the wall next to the closet and ask: "How good can you keep a secret?" The man sighs and says: "So well I lost a friend, because I was too stubborn to tell him the truth about himself." I nod and ask: "You mean Roxas? Was that why he was actually heading back to the castle when I fought and caught him?"
The man looks shocked and asks: "Roxas was coming back?" I nod and say: "He wanted to go and destroy Kingdom Hearts. It was – well, you probably don't remember her, I can barely remember her name myself – but it was Xion's last wish before she gave herself and her essence – his memories of Kairi – back to Sora."
Axel shakes his head and leans against the opposite wall, muttering: "Xion, yes – yes I do, I do remember. I made her a promise just before we fought. I promised I would bring her back – her and Roxas –, no matter how much they ran away. I promised myself to do whatever was needed to keep my friends close."
This makes me smile and ask: "But Roxas meant more to you, didn't he?" He nods and says: "He always made me feel as – as if I had a heart." This sets me to think, but then I focus back on the subject I wanted to discus and say: "I know you're going to hate it, but don't tell this to Sora. I want to do that myself, when I'm ready."
Axel nods and I mutter: "I love him." He tilts his head and I say: "Sora. I love Sora. I love everything about him and it's the whole bloody reason Malificent was able to turn me to the Darkness. I thought I loved Kairi, but I was jealous of her, of how she had Sora's love – and often most of his attention." I then shake my head and say:
"Whenever I think of Xion I remember how she was made out of Sora's memories of Kairi and that reminds me that, then, Kairi was the most important person to Sora, a thought that breaks my heart every time I think of it. Had – had I not been controlled by the Darkness before those thoughts would have surely done the same."
Axel sighs and I say: "Sorry, it's just." But the man shakes his head and says: "Just talk, Riku. I don't mind. I just wish Roxas and Sora hadn't merged." He then turns to me and asks: "May I ask you a question? Just out of personal curiosity?" I nod and he asks: "How do you feel? I mean, what do you think about when around Sora?"
I look shocked and then look down, closing my eyes and grasping deep within myself as I see Sora in front of my closed eyelids, the boy turning around to face me, in his beautiful black outfit that allows him so many powers and whisper: "Sora." Before I start talking, just letting every thought I ever had about him roll from my tongue:
"He makes me smile no matter how dark the situation. He even makes me laugh or smile just looking at what he does. He makes me feel as if I actually matter. He says my name as if it's the only thing he ever wants to say. He has the most amazing, gravity defying hair and his eyes – well, I can just always tell what he's thinking looking into them.
He's always so innocent, I just have to protect him. If there was to be anyone who has to lose himself to the Darkness, I wish it would be me all over again, because I know he will pull me back to the Light. Just being around him makes me want to do all kinds of things, if only to keep him busy, entertained and enjoying himself."
I can barely believe I said so much and ask: "Have you ever –." But then hold silent, remembering how Nobodies can't feel, but the man shrugs and says: "Strangely enough, I often think the exact same thing around Roxas. He was younger than me, but I still cared so deeply for our meetings at the Clock tower and to see him smile."
I nod and say: "I'd give up everything too if I could just stay with Sora at our usual spot forever. Giving up us watching the sunset together – even if it's with Kairi – is something I'd die to protect, just like him and his innocence." The man nods and asks: "I know Sora doesn't, but remember our time in Castle Oblivion?"
I nod and he says: "I let Naminé escape. It was my way to not only thwart the plans of Marluxia and Larxene, but also because I wanted to see how Sora would react to it. When she ran I spoke to myself and said how it should be interesting. Told Sora he should make it enjoyable as that was the least he could do.
The strange thing was, after that I actually laughed. When I realized that what was going on was not me remembering how it felt to be happy, but that I was actually happy right there and then – I realized you and Sora really are something else." He then looks at me, while his explanation has deeply shocked me and says:
"You're both the most amazing Keyblade wielders in all of history as you both have the power to use your hearts and the power that rests within it when you fight. And by using your heart, pouring it into your Keyblade and showing that, whether you have your Keyblade out or not, you have an amazing affect on those around you."
I look shocked and then, everything he said makes me think of something and I ask: "Wait, repeat what you just said. About hearts and Keyblades!" He looks at me confused and says: "I said that you people pour your hearts into your Keyblades and that that makes you special Keyblade wielders. Got it memorized, Riku?"
He asks, again tapping his temple with his forefinger, but I ignore this and say: "You need a heart to have a Keyblade. You –need a heart – to have a Keyblade!" I look at him and shout: "YOU NEED A HEART TO HAVE A KEYBLADE!" And he pushes himself against the shack as he says: "I heard you the first time, you know?"
But I ask: "Don't you get what this means? Sora's Nobody – Roxas! He had a Keyblade. He was able to wield it. Hell, he even let some of those powers be transferred into Xion, even if it was without him knowing it. But if you need a heart to have a Keyblade –." And Axel fills in: "Then Roxas had a heart as well!"
Now I smile and with my arms crossed, I ask: "Finally catching on, are you?" The man glares at me and I say: "Let's just keep what we spoke of, how we feel about Sora and Roxas and what we discovered about the Keyblade and one's heart a secret for now. Sora and Roxas can demerge any minute now and when that happens –."
And a smirk, worthy of a true hero, appears on my face as Axel asks: "Let me guess, you're going to kiss the lights out of a certain brown haired Keyblade Wielder?" I shrug, not feeling the least bit embarrassed and ask: "Aren't you going to do the same with his Nobody then?" And the man waves me away as he says:
"Nah, I'm going to do what we usually do. Invite him over for some ice-cream at the Clock Tower, talk about nothings and every things and –." He points his index finger at me and says: "Then I'm going to pull him towards me, admire that blonde-haired beauty and show it – by kissing his lights out." I laugh and we leave the shack.
Outside Sora is waiting for us and says: "Riku, McGonagall transfigured several grains of sand into chairs and tables. All we need is the tub with the disinfector for the fish." I nod, grab the tub and take it to Sora, allowing him to dump his fish in. Quickly undoing the fish of salt and other germs, I hand it to Sora and then take care of all other fish.
Soon we're having lunch and I can tell, by the looks Axel sends Sora, that he's eagerly awaiting Sora and Roxas' demerging. I shake my head, knowing that so far, the two are only actively sharing memories and that it will probably take a long time before Axel can follow up to his plan to steal Roxas' heart.
As soon as Lunch ends, McGonagall stands up and says: "This island is currently a perfect combination of relaxation and focus and we will use it to read as long as Sora, Kairi and Riku allow us. Please form teams with those you care about and then raise your hands so that the teachers can conjure seating for you."
But then Harry rolls his wheelchair over to her and asks: "Ma'am, could my family and I ask for, perhaps, five more minutes? There's just – something – I mean –." And the woman asks: "Did your resting make you realize something, Mr. Potter?" The boy nods and she asks: "And it can't wait till our next break?"
The boy shakes his head and says: "I – I'm sorry to be asking this now, but – but I've – I've been gathering our House's main characteristic for the last hour and a half and – and I don't think I'll ever be more ready than I am now." The woman nods and then Sirius rides Harry's wheelchair over to the shack, Remus following them.
Seaside Shack
Harry's POV
"Why? Why can I be the perfect example of Gryffindor courage and bravour when it comes to things like taking out Voldemort and fighting beasts like Dragons, but turn into an utter coward when it comes to my family and what I want out of them? Why can't I just tell them how I feel? How much the concept currently scares me?"
Goes through my head as I use the levitation function of my wheelchair to scurry back and forth through the small bit of space that we have here in the shack and then suddenly mum stops me as he says: "Harry, stop. You're making us seasick and I doubt you're doing yourself any good, worrying like this and pacing as you are."
At this I sigh and then dad asks: "What's wrong, pup?" And coming true to what I told McGonagall, do I just blurt out: "It's all going too fast." The two look at me and I say: "Mu – Sirius, I – I relied on you as much when you were still my godfather as I do now and I love that, but – but while you just keep proving that to be right –."
And the man smiling at me takes me out of the rant I had wanted to give and he says: "But calling us mum and dad is just taking it all one step too far, am I right?" I nod and Remus asks: "Then why did it look like you did it so easily before now?" And I answer: "Because I was enjoying the moment and loving the chance that I could.
It – it was a new experience, one I had wanted for years, but never felt comfortable with and – and then so many good things happened and – and because they happened thanks to me casting the Time Reading Spell – I felt calling you that was like a gift I could present myself for a job well done. But – but now time has passed and –."
"And you'd rather go back to as normal as your life can be, even with the reading and the traveling to other worlds and all other things that could possibly happen and change thanks to the reading." I nod and say: "I – I just felt one book reading would be enough time for me to congratulate me and – and then the lessons and – and Sora and Riku –."
"And the time was just never right to you and you were getting more and more trouble telling us this. You are just too much, kiddo." Sirius laughs before he hugs me close and whispers: "Azkaban makes me feel the same way, you know. And I'm sure Remy's lycantrophy makes it all the same for him as well, so no worries, pup."
And this makes me hug the man close as I say: "And this is what I mean. Godfather or mum, I always know I can count on you. Thanks – Sirius." And while the name actually feels a little strange on my tongue, do I almost feel Sirius smile against my skin as I do before Remus joins us and a few minutes later we leave the shack, feeling closer.
The Beach
Riku's POV
The three members of the most important family currently in our group seem to only need ten minutes for their conversation, yet anyone with eyes can see that the talk, while difficult, has helped them a crap ton and then McGonagall, who is smiling with the pride of a true Mother Lioness, repeats her earlier instructions once again.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Sirius, Remus and Viktor quickly form a group and Axel moves over to Sora at a speed that would have made me jealous had I not known how crazy the ex-Nobody is for Sora's ex-Nobody. I shrug instead and while Kairi and Leon join Wakka and Tidus, do I go over to sit on Sora's other side, together with Naminé.
McGonagall gets the books, which she shrunk before arriving here and returns them to their original sizes, before taking out the right book and asking: "We were at chapter 6, were we not?" A few students at the front row nod and the woman pages through the book, reads the next chapter title and snaps: "Lucius, you read!"
Lucius' POV
The anger rolling off of Minerva confuses me and I summon the book, having my son, wife and Severus, sitting next to me on a nicely-patterned, thick and lush carpet, but when I look at the chapter title, I understand both her anger and the reason why my son now has his head down in shame. I shake my head and start to read.
Mudbloods and Murmurs
Instantly anger is all around and those noticing Draco looking down glare at him in disgust, before the red-haired man that joined us here on the island asks: "Let me guess, bad words?" And Ronald spats: "Word. And personally I don't even want to think of the meaning behind the other word." Harry nods and I read on, intrigued.
Harry spent … a corridor. He truly feared what the man could do without others noticing and now shared Ron's anger at Hermione for liking the creep. Harder to … Harry's schedule.
The boy in question turns red at being caught in the act and one of his friends asks: "How were you able to remember his and your own schedule at the same time?" And the boy answers: "We had the same classes at different times. Just had to remember what was when, really." His friend shakes his head and I read on.
Nothing seemed … had struck.
"That took me a good ten minutes to find out how to remove it – and another seven to actually do so." Madam Pomfrey moans and Arthur says: "I really wish you had written home about your wand, Ron." But the boy says: "Be glad I didn't. Saved our lives, it did." And he shares a glance and nod with Harry before I read on.
So with … pink-and-gold sky.
"Mr. Wood, I appreciate your idea for Quidditch practice early on in the year and your enthusiasm for the game, but the health of a player always goes before a victory as only healthy players can gain a victory. Please remember that next time you plan to train early in the morning." Minerva reprimands the Gryffindor and I read on.
Now that … training program.
"Part of his new training program he says." One of the twins grumbles and the other goes on: "I'm still thanking Merlin that that was the only morning he went and woke us that early." The girls that play for Gryffindor nod in agreement, while the boy in question looks both affronted and embarrassed at his own actions and I read on.
Come on … his hand.
"I can get Oliver being crazy over Quidditch and being even more driven to win than he was the year before, but what were you doing out, Collin?" One of the Quidditch girls of Gryffindor asks and Collin says: "I was awake to see Harry, of course." And Harry moans humorously: "Of course." Before I read on.
"I heard … the picture. The Harry in the picture was also quite realistic as he gave the man a dirty glare to show how he felt about the whole situation, something Harry would love to do himself.
"Will you … game before!"
"Mr. Creevey, while I can understand a teenager being enthusiastic, is there still the fact that Mr. Potter was giving a very clear hint indicating he didn't want you around any longer; a hint you should have respected." Minerva reprimands the young third year and the boy nods, his head down like my son's as I read on.
Colin scrambled … talkative shadow.
"Another thing you really have to work on, Collin. Not everyone is a morning person and only a really rare few of them are hyper-active morning people. You should really –." But then the boy's brother holds up a hand and says: "Don't even bother, Professor. Trust me, I've tried." The elder Creevey brother blushes and I continue reading.
"I don't … Gryffindor Beaters."
"You could have just told him to go back to the common room, you know?" Hermione Granger asks my nephew and the boy says: "By then I didn't believe that would work anymore, Hermione." Making the young Creevey boy blush even worse and I wonder if all Gryffindor First years were like that back then as I read on.
"And what … at Harry. Harry's quick turning and stretched out arms were the only things keeping him from falling down on his face or falling hard enough to break something.
"You know I wonder something." The boy named Riku mutters as he and the boy named Sora lie on their backs and he turns to Harry as he says: "You're obviously already amazingly strong, agile and fast, but I wonder how much of that would have grown or been at a higher level by now had you had a proper Keyblade Training."
Harry seems just as interested in this and says: "I'm not sure. These books are created out of my memories, thoughts and emotions. So what would have happened in the past had I had Keyblade training is something we'll never know, but I'd love to use it in the future. Even so, we won't read it in any of the books." Riku nods and I read on.
"Well, the … the stands.
"Did you really think that mattered any to him?" Dennis asks, but then Harry sighs and says: "As annoying as your brother's enthusiastic adoration of me was, I really wish I had paid better attention to him later that year, Dennis." Ron and Hermione both lie a hand on his shoulders, while his parents look confused and I read on.
The rest … to snore. It wasn't long before everyone was actually asleep and Harry was sure the others were grateful that Wood had his back to them. He himself used a method he had devised when his uncle started going on and on about drills.
He leaned back, closed his eyes in such a way he looked to be thinking and allowed his mind to drift, drifting him back to sleep land, but keeping his senses active enough he could look awake would Wood turn back to them.
Everyone looks shocked and Harry says: "I would love to go and show you, but I really want to hear this chapter. Maybe one with more Lockhart in it." And he shudders again slightly, angering me even more, before I see him sending a concerned glance at Viktor, the Quidditch player pulling him close to kiss him softly on his temple, as if to comfort him.
Suddenly an epiphany goes through me and I think: "Of course, it's not Lockhart the boy fears, why on earth would he fear such a worthless piece of human flesh? He fears what the consequences of Lockhart's actions could be on the rest of his romantic future with Viktor." I smile at the two and then read on.
The first … that one. Harry decided he had nothing to worry about concerning Wood and sank into a stupor as Wood droned on and on.
"I really expected better of you, you know?" Wood comments, obviously angered, but then one of the twins shout: "It was half an hour before six!" And then the other shouts: "And it was almost 5 o'clock when you decided to wake us!" And together with Harry and the girls, they shout: "WHO'S AWAKE AT THAT TIME?"
The boy cringes and Minerva says: "Mr. Wood, I see the mistakes I caught you on after Christmas in your final year started a little earlier than I thought." Sirius asks: "Mistakes?" And Harry groans: "He told me, you don't want to know." This makes Sirius and me look at the teen worried, before I distract us all and read on.
"So," said … our control —"
"EXCUSE ME!" Both Sirius and Minerva thunder and the woman says: "Mr. Wood, really! Playing the guilt card? Are you really that OBSESSED?" Before Sirius shouts: "Is a simple final match really more important than my son's LIFE!" And one of the twins muttering: "Wait till next match." Do not improve our moods as I read on.
Harry shifted … hundred years.
"You saved all of our lives!""You have nothing to feel guilty for!""There might not have been any Quidditch if you didn't do what you did!" Some of the students shout at Harry, obviously angered that he felt that way and Wood whitens, although I wonder which of the sentences made him do that as I continue reading.
Wood took … team followed.
"You actually expected them to know any of your new techniques?" Cedric asks and Sirius mutters: "James, when he was captain, only tried this early morning training once and even then all he did was make us work-out. We felt better and wide awake afterwards, but he did agree we shouldn't try it anymore at that time."
"How did you work out?" Wood asks enthusiastically, but the furious glare Sirius sends him makes him reign back in shock and fear. Then Harry asks: "My dad was Team Captain?" Sirius smiles and says: "Yep, next to his Seeker Badge, the Trophy room also holds a trophy for him. Best Captain of the seventies."
Now Harry turns to Ron and asks: "Why didn't you tell me?" Ron shrugs and says: "Was a little too grumpy of that other award. Speaking of which, was that ever removed?" He asks McGonagall and the woman answers: "No, Professor Dumbledore simply vanished the current name and put yours and Mr. Potter's on it."
Ron nods and a First year asks: "Why would Weasley know of the Trophy, Potter? And what award was he so grumpy about? And – why would anyone lose an award here?" And Harry answers: "All those questions will be answered throughout the book." The First year Ravenclaw nods and I feel curious myself as I read on.
They had … and George. Halfway through the start, Ron threw each of them a sandwich and the twins actually cheered for him, turning his ears red.
"What's that … the corner, stuffing the last of the toast in his mouth.
Harry looked … training program."
"Oh please, even the Snakes during our years didn't steep that low and the rivalry between James and Snape makes that old one of Draco and Harry look like Child's play." Sirius mutters exasperated and I hear Draco mutter: "Besides, we had no need to spy anymore now, did we?" And I shake my head, already knowing what that means as I read on.
"He's in … their hands.
Now Severus crosses his arms over his chest and asks: "What were you seven doing up that early? And did I not specifically tell you to wait until the afternoon before you could use the pitch?" And Harry mutters: "They decided to take advantage of those written words." The man looks confused and read on.
"I don't … us, Wood."
"Harry, saying that Mr. Flint has the cunning of a troll would, seeing his last statement, be an insult to the trolls all around." Severus mutters and some students look absolutely flabbergasted that Severus Snape insulted one of his own students. I shake my head, knowing how much Severus despises the Flint Family and read on.
Angelina, Alicia, … new Seeker'. "
"EXCUSE ME?" Severus thunders, actually looking as menacing as a Vampire who spotted a large prey and he spats: "I specifically, in person, told you the Friday night before that day you could train in the afternoon and that I would arrange this with Professor McGonagall. I never wrote any papers stating you could have the field all day!"
The remaining Slytherin team whimpers in fear of their Head of House and he spats: "This behavior only further proves to other Houses that Slytherins are evil and cruel and should not be continued. I will not allow it and I expect all of you to respect that decision. Am I clear?" All of Slytherin nods and I read on.
"You've got … Draco Malfoy.
This causes my lips to thin in anger and I ask: "How exactly did you even make the team without you having had any time for try outs, if I may ask?" Draco cringes, turns redder than the Weasleys can sometimes turn and I shake my head, starting to hate this chapter as much as Minerva hates part of the title as I read on.
"Aren't you … morning sun.
"Why? Why is my son behaving like a teenage James Potter?" Goes through my head. "Draco, I allowed you to take those brooms to Hogwarts so you could donate them to Slytherin House once you made the team after try outs, not so that you can use them and our family money to get on the team without try outs or proper training."
I then spat at my son, knowing I want to say a lot more, but that I shouldn't as it will only embarrass Draco further – not to mention my family and its name – and so send him a glance that tells him we will talk after this chapter. I turn back to the book and while hoping someone takes my son's ego down a peg, do I read on.
"Very latest … going on.
"How is two extra people coming onto the field making it an invasion? I would think Ron and Hermione have more rights to say that." Parvati Patil asks her friend, the Muggleborn I believe is named Brown or something and the girl nods, while Draco hits himself on the head and I continue reading the dreadful chapter.
"What's happening?" … with laughter.
I lower the book and mutter: "Please tell me someone's there to take my son's ego down a large peck or two." And Hermione says: "I did, Mr. Malfoy. I believe I was just about to do that. Too bad Ron had to pay the price for me speaking my opinion." She hisses at the end, a glare send at Draco, who winces as I read on.
"At least … face flickered.
I read the next sentence and mutter: "Severus, if you don't want to murder your own Godson, I suggest you leave." The man in question sends a ferocious glare at my son, one I know he usually preserved for the Marauders and takes off, striding away with a fury that makes all students shiver before I shake my head and read on.
"No one … touch him. Harry looked from his sick friend to the Gryffindors, checking to see if they were looking at the Slytherins and when he was sure they weren't quickly cast a few nasty hexes at the banging blonde, who's hair turned as blue as his old teacher's wig, grew a clown's nose and starting balking like a mule, instantly stopping as he realized it.
With a satisfied grin, Harry hid his wand, reminding himself to cast some more harmless spells in case wizards knew how to trace wands.
Everyone looks shocked and Harry exclaims: "Okay! So I found that book that was written about during the Diagon Alley chapter in the Library and studied the spells during the holidays. It was the only thing keeping me sane with Dudley around, alright. It was just nice daydreaming about getting back at him like that and the spells helped."
Everyone looks at him shocked and Ron says: "Now I really don't ever want to get on your bad side anymore." But while many students nod in agreement, does Harry shrug and say: "Just don't hurt, endanger, threaten or kill my friends and those I really care about and I won't have to be vindictive and cunning. Simple as that."
Everyone looks shocked and Hermione asks: "Harry, you do realize those are Slytherin traits, right?" But Harry lies back and says: "I might not be happy with the idea of the Sorting hat wanting me in Slytherin as badly as it did, but I am of the belief that the true Slytherin is one who shows his talents –in other Houses." I shake my head and read on.
"We'd better … Harry angrily. He had half a mind to grab his wand again, but Collin was just eleven and misunderstanding the situation. Ron came first. He and … somewhat reluctantly. Harry didn't know what annoyed him more on that fact. That she actually wanted to see him when Ron needed help or that she still seemed to like the disgusting bastard.
"It's a … the castle.
"Wait a minute, is he?" Sirius asks and I reread the sentences that fool said years ago. Then suddenly Axel asks: "Can someone explain me what's so disgusting about this man?" Sora whispers it in his ear, he jumps up and summons weapons out of nothing but fire as he shouts: "HE – WHAT!" Scaring those around him.
Sora quickly grabs him around the waist and Ron says: "Don't worry, it was only once and he's in the Closed Ward of St. Mungo's now. He'll be healed of his memory loss and then it's a one-way-trip to Azkaban for him." The man nods, moving his hands and causing the weapons to disappear as he sits back down.
I shake my head, shocked at the sudden display and then notice that the boy Riku is actually looking between his best friend and the new guy, before said new guy gives him a raised eyebrow look and the smirk Riku sends him back makes me know they went and shared some kind of secret between them earlier before I read on.
Harry waited … front door, grumbling as he noticed how Hermione was trying to catch sight of the idiot. They knocked … back again -"
"This Lockhart person really seems to bring out the worst in people." The blonde girl named Naminé mutters, her hands in her lap and her legs crossed. Kairi wraps an arm around her and says: "That's true, but only because he really is a bad, bad man. One that has to be punished for what he did." The blonde girl nods and I read on.
Harry and … over Harry. The boarhound had grown a liking to him last year and it seemed that hadn't been diminished by the two months absence of the boy, something Harry was grateful for and rewarded Fang with by scratching right where the boy knew the boarhound liked it.
"What did … the teapot.
"Excuse me? Wizarding kids get taught such a thing when they're seven and Muggleborn kids get a lesson of that from the first chapter of their book of Fantastical Beasts and where to find them." Parvati Patil says and I comment: "Right you are, Mss. Patil." The girl sends me a tentative smile and I read on.
"Like I … in surprise. Still, the more people that disliked Lockhart the better he felt about doing the same. Hermione, however, … of course -"
"Wait, you didn't know what it meant?" Draco asks Hermione and while I glare at my son slightly, not thinking he should be talking this chapter, Hermione shrugs at him and while her tone turns slightly defensive she says: "Hey, it's not like it's a word you'd find in every regular school or theory book, you know?"
My son nods and Harry lies his hands in his neck as he says: "And besides, I didn't either, but I still cursed you – even if it was for both calling her that and laughing at Ron's predicament." The boy nods and sighs, his head down as he mutters: "I guess that's fair enough. And it's not like I didn't deserve it." I nod at this and read on.
"It's about … way up."
"Mr. Weasley, you really have to stop using Mr. Longbottom to show things are wrong. First with the Stone and now with the Pureblood issue. That is not how I want my House mates treating each other, am I clear?" The boy nods and says: "Don't worry, Professor McGonagall, I paid for it." This intrigues me and I read on.
"An' they … died out."
"The exact reason I left my family when sixteen." Sirius grumbles and everyone turns to him as Ron asks: "What do you mean?" Sirius shudders and says: "The two things that drove me over the edge and made me leave. My mum deciding I should join Voldemort and that I should marry one of his followers, who was also a cousin of mine."
Everyone looks at him and he sighs and says: "Bellatrix." Everyone looks shocked and Sirius shudders again and says: "Not only was that bitch bloody eight years older than me she also had an eye on Rodolphus and had agreed with mother dearest that if our marriage wouldn't work, she could have the bastard, no scam, nothing.
I of course highly disagreed, not wanting to marry family, being as against Voldemort as possible and being gay and in love with my lovely Remus. And when she heard that, insulted Remus and threatened to kill him would I not obey – well." The man sighs, his head low and unlike the pride I expected does he seem ashamed as he says:
"Voldemort would have been happy to have me." Everyone looks shocked, even his own mate and I feel shocked at the fact that, when it happened, he must have lied even to his friends about how he escaped that house and why he left in the first place, which reminds me of the shame he spoke with when he said this and he speaks:
"I didn't use a single Dark Curse, not any of the ones my parents raised me with, but the way I was using my spells actually made a proud smile appear on my mother's face. That was the final limit. I left her the way she was, packed my trunk and performed Black magic to get to Potter Manor. Never spoke a word of it to James, I didn't."
Everyone looks shocked and Narcissa says: "I always wondered what made her hurry the wedding between those two. Never heard Bella say a thing about a marriage with you, but I do see you doing that, Sirius. We Blacks all use our best qualities when pushed too far." Sirius smiles at my wife and I read on, barely believing what I just heard.
Axel's POV
"You know, Naminé, I'm surprised no one here has been turned into a Heartless yet. What, with all the Darkness clearly hanging in the air." I tell the blonde girl and Leon, who together with Kairi, Tidus and Wakka joined our little group, says: "Don't tell Sora this, but my Gunblade tracked down a partly-opened Keyhole."
I look at him and ask: "Where?" And he says: "I'm not sure yet. I just know it's somewhere in the world they came from and unless it's fully closed the Darkness will continue making Dark Lords. People like Harry will never get their rest and peace that way." I sigh, looking at the dark-haired boy and listen to the story.
Lucius' POV
The idea that the cousin-in-law I always saw as my greatest enemy and the greatest stain on the Black Line actually used Light magic in such a way his mother felt proud of him as if he used Dark Magic instead, even while he used it against her, is something I can't wrap my mind around and instead of that do I just focus on reading.
He retched … in trouble."
"Trust me, Hagrid, I would have bought Mr. Weasley his own wand and would have allowed him to recast the curse, seeing the hatred his Godfather and Head of House feels for that word, something he knows all too well." I tell the Half-giant, sending another short glare at my son before focusing back on the book.
Harry would … was laughing.
"Did you know his jaws were glued together?" Remus asks Hagrid and the man shakes his head and says: "I just actually wanted to change the subject. I had no idea my cooking caused so much trouble." Everyone, adult and student, shrugs at this and Hagrid turns red as he sees how many people do so before I read on.
"I'm on'y … his chin, but with a large grin on his face.
"Don' think … by then."
"But Hagrid, that was only the 1st weekend and the Halloween feast were another month and 3 weeks away. Why already have them that big then?" Neville asks and Hagrid answers: "I just wanted to make sure that if one of them was destroyed by bugs or something, I could put more attention on the others." The Herbology expert nods and I read on.
"What've you … said Harry. He so badly wanted to learn how to grow vegetables that big; it'd be awesome.
Hagrid looked … was changed.
Harry felt slightly disappointed. Yes, he too channeled his magic into the plants if he worked, but he knew he wasn't using spells. It was the intention and energy of his magic that drew the plants to him and made them grow as well as they did. To use spellwork was different in his opinion.
"Okay, it's official!" Sirius exclaims with one arm raised into the sky and then he turns to Harry and says: "No matter where we're going to live, it's going to be somewhere with the biggest garden in the world. And one third of that will be all yours to work with, kiddo, with all the magical and Muggle plants you want."
Harry shines brighter than a star as he hears that and rolls over to hug the man, asking: "And can I get someone to teach me how to fuse my energy with that of magical plants too?" Sirius kisses him and says: "Only if you agree to the rules we'll set up once we move in, alright?" Harry nods feverishly and I smile as I read on.
"An Engorgement … a signed -"
Ginny sighs and Ron asks: "Already. He –he already had you – already!" The girl nods and instantly Ron is around her, hugging her tightly and glaring at his brothers to follow his example. The other Weasley brothers seem confused, but with the support of their father, they join Ron around Ginny as I read on, feeling terrible.
"Oh, shut … Harry desperately. The last thing he wanted was to be alone with the man. It would be a total nightmare and he could already feel tremors go through him at the thought.
"Certainly not," … worse deal. Harry just didn't dare tell them why he felt so as they would surely make him go tell McGonagall. And one thing he learned from last year was that it was only school and subject business he could talk to her about. Important or secret business was something she just couldn't be trusted with.
The woman lowers her head in shame and asks: "Mr. Potter, will that subject last all school year?" And the boy answers: "It probably won't, but you'll sure hear proof that I didn't trust you enough to confide in you. I think it's near the end of the book, before the last attack." The woman nods, I feel curious and read on.
"Filch'll have … to Lockhart's office. All day he had been trying to push himself into convincing McGonagall to do the same detention as Ron, but he doubted she would allow him – let alone believe him. He gritted his teeth, wished with all his heart Lockhart wouldn't try anything and knocked.
The door … snailed by, but Harry was relieved.
Harry let … remember that." Of course he constantly kept his eyes on Lockhart, shivering when he saw those disgusting eyes glance at him before the man would talk again as if he had not been staring at Harry hungrily.
The candles … watching him. The fact there were so many of them only kept Harry from freaking out by the rational thought of them being paintings, stuck to a wall. Harry moved … ice-cold venom.
"A voice to what?" Sirius asks and Remus growls: "A voice with what?" Before Andromeda asks: "Who on earth would have such a voice and why is such a person or being even in the school?" Everyone looks shocked – everyone above second year seemingly more terrified than the rest – and I read on, feeling anxious.
"Come – come … kill you -"
Then a high hissing tone scares everyone and we all turn to Harry, who looks shocked and asks: "B-But – but how? The Parsletongue was an ability given to me by – by him. And he's dead. So – so how?" And Riku answers: "You must have somehow formed a replica of that power into your own being, Harry."
Everyone turns to him and he says: "The Organization we told you about had two castles. One in The Land that Never Was and One called Castle Oblivion. The second was where Vexen worked on Replica's. One was of me and one of Sora's leaked memories of Kairi." Everyone looks at the two and Riku goes on:
"The second, I'm afraid I forgot her name, had one purpose. She was to suck out all the powers, abilities and energy out of Sora's Nobody, copy them and keep them and his memories of Kairi to herself. That way, the Organization had a Keyblade Wielder among them and – Sora would never wake up."
Kairi, Sora, Leon, Wakka and Tidus all gasp and Sora asks: "They wanted me to sleep forever?" And Axel answers: "Not forever, just until they finished Kingdom Hearts. At least, I think so. I remember this plan being there, but it's – it's so vague." Riku nods and says: "Because her existence was based on memories, no one can remember her.
It's kind of like with Sora. No one remembered him until he was starting to wake. It was like a haze was over all of our memories. But because she was made out of memories, there were no memories others could keep of her. Not even Naminé had that ability." The Nobody nods, while I feel confused and read on.
Harry gave … Harry left.
Harry shudders and Sirius says: "I get a feeling him having been dazed was not a good thing back then." Remus nods and Kairi asks: "Naminé, can you purify Harry's memories of Lockhart later? So he won't have to think back on them and feel as bad as he does." The girl smiles and nods, making Harry smile at her as I read on.
It was … and waited. He wanted to tell Ron everything; maybe even about how he felt about Lockhart and why, but the mysterious voice was more important now. Half an … it either."
"I don't think any of us get it really." Ted says and Axel mutters: "Not quite true. Everyone who seems to have been there that year seems to understand exactly what that voice was." To this a brave Third year says: "We don't know what it was, but we do remember what it caused and stood for." Axel nods and asks:
"And are you willing to share?" But the boy shakes his head and says: "I first want to find out what that monster really was. I just hope Harry finds out." Harry nods and says: "I did. Together with Ron and Hermione. Just like the year before." And he smiles at his two best friends, making me sigh in relief at the sign.
As no matter how terrible this all will be for Harry, it's obvious he has his friends. I then turn to the blonde-haired girl and think: "If she can help him with some of his memories, wouldn't it be better to help him with all of them? Like Voldemort and Halloween night?" And while pondering over it all, do I decide it's time I punish my son.
Hey everyone,
So there we have it. This chapter didn't need all that much editing, but I am happy with what I wrote. Also, the way that Harry addressed his issue and why this issue came up so late into the story feels much better than what was part of the original last chapter as Sirius must have been able to spot this way better than Viktor.
Merry Christmas,
Venquine1990
