Hey everyone,
I have some good news to share with those that have already once read the original version. Because the third book reading took place in Beast's Castle, while it was supposed to take place in Radiant Garden, did I believe that I would have to delete and rewrite the six chapters covering Prisoner Of Azkaban.
However, I did a quick read through the next couple of chapters and in the chapter before the reading begins, Leon mentions how he wants to take Lupin's Heat into account and how he and his friends therefore decided to move to Beast's Castle. Trust me, I was very, very glad to read that little segment, it really relieved me.
However, there will be a severe decrease in the number of chapters left as I plan to cover the three day break in one long chapter, making the next chapter be the one where Harry reads of the Owl Post chapter. That and I will, as stated before, be deleting the chapter that has Remus and Sirius going into Heat entirely.
Hope you understand,
Venquine1990
PS. WARNING, THIS CHAPTER IS REALLY, REALLY LONG!
Chapter 56
The Days That Pass
30th of July 1994
Hogwarts School, Scotland
Harry's POV
It's been so long since it happened. So long since that fated night where my determination and my drive were used against me. So long since a deal I thought could lead to me getting a release from the horrible treatment actually led to something I never thought Vernon would ever sink low enough to try and do to me.
And yet my own words, heart and mind betray me, bringing me back to that faithful night and making me relive what happened – when Vernon went too far. And so the Time Reading Spell being cancelled for the next three days feels like a relief beyond words, even as the magic takes a small segment of my own health and magic.
If anything, this feeling of something penetrating me to take something important only makes me feel even more as if I am back in that room, yet then I hear it. Voices. Familiar voices of people I never want to have learn of that horrible night. And so, forgetting where I and and what is reality, do I dash off and out.
And while my body seems to recognize that I am not where I believe I am, does my mind not register this as it is focused only on how I felt that one horrible night and the few times that my body fails to respond to the environment and falls down, does a horrible wave of fear overcome me as I think: "No, he can't have me. I can't let him."
And so I dash up from where I fell and run off even more and even further. Yet finally I fall down one last time and instead of moss, bricks, grass or rubble, do I go down under, only to get up and out while sputtering. And looking around, does it take me a quick second before I realize that I have reached at the bank of the Black Lake.
And finally do I realize that I am not at Privet Drive or in the Muggle World, I'm at Hogwarts, surrounded by friends, family and people who want to see me become a better person. "And who just saw me run from them all like a scared little chicken and who will soon find out just how weak their hero actually is against stupid Muggles."
And just like so many times before no, do I again regret making the decision to let an entire school, as well as several guests, into my private life, yet I shake this thought off with the thought: "If I hadn't, Cedric would be dead and Sirius wouldn't be my mum and Dumbledore would still be controlling every aspect of my life."
Yet the word controlling is like yet another trigger as I again feel my mind trying to overtake me, but I shake it wildly and shout: "NO, I DON'T WANT TO REMEMBER! NOT ANYMORE! NOT YET!" And while I am in the water, do I move myself into a crouching position and try to hide my head between my hands and knees.
And while my heart battles my mind to keep the memories from overwhelming me with that horrible memory, do I suddenly feel the water moving around me in a way that is in opposite movement of the current. And for a second I feel terror overcome me, but then I realize that the amount of movement proves it's more than one person.
I tilt my head a bit and see Sirius, Viktor and Professor Snape standing behind me, casting shadows over me and the sun that is actually still rising from behind the castle making it impossible for me to see Snape's expression, but this doesn't count for either Sirius or Viktor. And this means I can clearly see how worried they are.
"Pup, what – what did that monster do to you?" Sirius asks, but I shake my head again, not wanting to relive that horrible night more than I absolutely need to or before I will be forced to. "Potter, I think a compromise is the best solution here. I still have some Dreamless Sleep left." Yet at this I shake my head again, only for the man to retort:
"Let me finish, Potter. It's for when this terror of your mind gets mentioned in the upcoming book. However, in return, I want you to promise me that you will spend at least three breaks in the next book speaking of this terror; one with Mss. Erica, once with Mss. Erica and Narcissa and once with one of them and Black over here."
And while I am against the last order like no other, do I think: "What will it even matter, they will hear it from the book anyway. They will have known about it when I talk about it anyway. It – it really won't matter either way." And so I mutter: "It – it's a – it's a deal." And the man nods, handing me the bottle in question.
I put it in between the two robes I am wearing, in the robe I have been using to store my most valuable potions and the man nods before he says: "I will be back later to give you your other potions. And Potter, if anything happens to your health, you better report to Madam Pomfrey right instantly, do you understand me?"
And while I hate that he and people who I know haven't been changed in their opinion of me have seen me be such a coward and learned of so many of my weaknesses, do I nod, knowing that it's better that he knows rather than that Dumbledore knows. And the man nods back to me before he turns around and returns to the castle.
"малко пламъче, this is something similar to why you feared reading about Lockhart so much, isn't it? Some Muggle bastard tried what that Lockhart did?" Viktor asks once he seems sure that Snape is out of hearing range and I turn my head away, just not wanting to see how he will respond to having guessed this horrible fact.
But while I can't see anything, do I still feel the water moving around me and so I feel it when both of them come to sit on either side of me, which makes me whimper as I really don't want to be here when they plan to shout and yell at me. Yet instead of that, do I feel Sirius wrap an arm around me, only to stop moving after that.
малко пламъче is Bulgarian for Little Flame
I look at the man and see a silent invitation show in his eyes, the same way it did when the Great Hall first found out that my primary bedroom had been a cupboard under the stairs. And this sign, this sign that the man is willing to let me take the lead, but wants to be there for me nonetheless, makes me dive into his embrace.
Sirius hugs me close and pulls me so that one of my legs is now on top of his, neither of us really caring for the fact that we are getting soaked as I can only feel the warmth of his body against me and the love, acceptance and comfort that comes from his embrace, making me shed a few tears of gratitude for how he still cares.
Like this we stay seated for quite some time, a part of me actually sensing that there is someone standing slightly closeby, but not sensing any sort of threat or danger coming from the person. But because I am so relieved and happy with Sirius' acceptance, does it take me a while to realize that I am hearing something.
"Скъпи предци на кръвта ми. Моля, позволете ми да докажа своята стойност. Използвай любовта, която е в сърцето ми, и магията в сърцето ми и дай ми с притежание, чрез което мога да докажа, че съм негов и той е мой." Viktor mutters, drawing my and Sirius' attention to him at long last.
Скъпи предци на кръвта ми. Моля, позволете ми да докажа своята стойност. Използвай любовта, която е в сърцето ми, и магията в сърцето ми и дай ми с притежание, чрез което мога да докажа, че съм негов и той е мой. Is Bulgarian for "Dearest ancestors of my blood. Please allow me to prove my worth. Use the love that is in my heart and the magic within my core and gift me with a possession through which I can prove that I am his and he is mine.
And as we do, does Viktor cup his hands together and does a light that really reminds me of the color of his eyes shine from his hands. And when the boy opens his hands, do I see a gorgeous set of braided bracelets lying in his hands, the two of them folded in such a way they form the symbol of infinity as they lie there.
The bracelet is made of dark forest green and russet brown strands and the strands are woven together in such a way they actually make a heart, one after the other, one of them green, the other brown and the one after green again. All in all the bracelets look gorgeous and I look at them with great awe and wonder in my gaze.
"Here you go, Любимата ми приятелка. A gift from the core of my magic, to prove that no man, magical or Muggle, can change what I feel about you, nor can any book reading." Viktor then softly tells me as he hands me one of the bracelets and I look shocked at him before he asks: "May I?" And I nod, feeling dumbstruck.
The elder teen softly takes my hand in his, but then Sirius says: "Stop." And we look at him as he asks: "Is this just a gift, or is this a gift with the promise for a better life?" And Viktor strongly answers: "This is a gift with the promise for a beloved life." Making my mother nod in pleased acceptance and making me blush.
Viktor then gently ties the bracelet around my wrist and does the same with his own, yet as he does, do I feel an incredible sense of magic surging through me, coming from my wrist and ending in my heart, where it feels as if something warm and comforting heats me up from the inside and gives me a strength I have never known before.
Любимата ми приятелка is Bulgarian for my beloved mate
I then feel Viktor lie a hand on my cheek and he says: "How warm and sweet your magic feels, my love." Only for Sirius to ask: "Alright, what kind of bracelets are those anyway?" And Viktor answers: "They are promise bracelets, Lord Black. Yet because they are forged out of my magic, do they tie Harry and myself closer together."
At this dad sends him an unimpressed look, which really surprises me, that is until he says: "This doesn't change anything about the courting period. You still have 27 days left, pal." At this Viktor nods and says: "I know, Lord Black and I intend to make full use of each and every day. But it won't change what I feel."
Making Sirius smirk and he says: "I never said they should. I just want to make sure you keep to the rules we set up. Now – oh hey, Moony. What's up?" And I notice my dad coming over as the man asks: "Are you three okay? Why are you sitting in the Lake? Aren't you feeling cold? Come on, get out of there."
And only then do I realize that we are getting more and more soaked sitting where we are. We all get up, yet I instantly notice Lupin's eyes focusing on Sirius' wet trousers and this makes me turn a horribly bright shade of red. "Eeeeeh, Remy, you feeling alright?" Sirius asks and the answer is an actual growl coming from the man.
"DAMNIT!" Sirius curses and he marches over to the man, actually casting a spell that causes for a blindfold to wrap itself around Lupin's eyes. "Sirius, what's going on?" I ask shocked and the man says: "I'll explain later. Viktor, stay with Harry. I know we just discussed the rules, but special circumstances have come up."
And while I wonder what could be going on, does Viktor nod and gently hug me close as he says: "I will make sure to remain within sight of those with Black Blood, Lord Black, you have my word." And my adopted mum nods before he starts dragging Lupin, who is still growling like a canine, back to the castle.
I look at the two in shocked confusion as they walk away and ask: "You got any idea what just happened? I mean, I thought my family was here to get together and then suddenly, Sirius blindfolds Lupin, takes him and drags him away. What was that about?" And while Viktor seems to hesitate, does he say:
"If I have to venture a guess, my Harry, I – I'd say that Lupin has gone into Heat." And finally it all falls into place, why Sirius felt like he had to wait with checking on the Mind Healers, why I felt as if the two of them would need their space soon and why Sirius asked me to listen to Andromeda, Viktor and Lucius in his absence.
Yet then I realize what it means that Lupin has gone into Heat and I ask: "Wait, you mean – I could be getting a baby sibling?" And Viktor laughs at me as this really shocks me and he says: "Let's go assure the others that you are alright again." And he gently leads me back to the castle, my mind still stuck on that one thought.
At the same time
In the Great Hall
Xion's POV
"Do you think he'll be okay?" I ask as the boy I am sitting next to and I watch the black-haired boy who this movie seems to be about running out of the Hall before he gets followed by someone who is slightly older than him and two adults with black hair and Draco smirks as he says: "Oh, don't you worry, he'll be fine."
"How can you be so sure about that?" I ask shocked and he says: "See that one man that followed him? He and that teen will put all the worlds we have been to so far together and make it one if it makes Harry happy. Trust me, with the two of them going after him, he'll be feeling better in no time, I'm sure about that."
This makes me sigh in relief and then I notice that the boy is looking at me and I ask: "Is there something wrong?" And the boy asks: "Did you know that Viktor, the teen with the two adults, is in a Courting period with Harry, the teen that just ran away?" This shocks, yet also confuses me and I answer: "No, what is that?"
And the boy seems to feel a little shy as he says: "A courting period is where one person asks or gets offered the chance by a guardian to court a person of their liking for a certain period of time. And where the guardian sets rules to make sure that the person getting courted will be treated to the best ability of the one who courts."
This really amazes and intrigues me and I ask: "And what exactly falls under courting?" And the boy shrugs as he says: "It could be anything, really. Though the best way to describe it is a set of actions that prove that the one who courts proves that he really knows the person he wants to court. Usually through special gifts."
This really makes me feel quite intrigued and I mutter: "I wonder if there will ever be someone who will want to do that for me." To this Draco looks away and he says: "Well, even if they would want to, they will need someone who can be considered your guardian. You know, the person who will stand up for your rights and all that."
To this I smile and say: "Oh, that one's easy. That's Axel. He, Roxas and I used to be friends. It was just so that – well." Here I hesitate and Draco asks: "What? What's wrong?" And because he has been so kind to me this entire time, do I decide to just entrust him with the darker side of my past, just before I fused with Sora.
"It's just – you know how Roxas and Axel are Nobodies, but with hearts, right?" Draco nods and I say: "Well, I'm actually not even a Nobody myself. I'm what my former associates would call a puppet. I was an empty husk build specifically to suck Sora's memories out of Roxas and to absorb his powers and abilities.
Long story, I'd – I'd rather not talk about it. Let's just say that, because all of my existence was based on someone else, Axel only has vague memories of me as I, for most of my original life, wore my hood up and only had it look like my hood was down when someone thought they saw someone in me, like Sora.
Roxas was, more or less, the one who gave me my actual looks as he was the first to start seeing someone in me. But because he was already being affected by the fact that he was Sora's Nobody at the time, did he give me looks that are quite similar to Kairi's, not that I'm complaining. Yeah, that is kind of the long story short."
This seems to shock and intrigue Draco and then he shocks me as he says: "I don't think you look like Kairi." And I look at him as he shrugs and says: "I don't. I think you have a beautiful look that is entirely your own. In fact, would you follow me, please?" And while feeling amazed, do I follow the blonde as he walks away.
And to my confusion does he walk over to Axel before the blonde gives me such a shock I almost feel myself getting shocked out of my existence. "Lord Axel, as the one chosen by Heiress Xion as her guardian and the one to protect her rights and set the rules to secure her a good and prosperous life, do I have a request.
Please accept my request to a 30 day courting period of Heiress Xion. If you accept, I swear that I will use the products and assets available in each world we will travel to throughout this reading to create a gift worthy of her beauty and that I will treat her whenever, in the books, I prove myself worthy of punishment and unworthy of her."
Yet all that Axel does is look between us and ask: "Wait, what?" But then Narcissa Malfoy, who had gone with us, smiles and says: "Just say that, in your friend's name and as her appointed guardian, you accept, dear. That is all." And Axel looks at Roxas bewildered, yet my blonde friend gives him an affirmative nod at which he says:
"Ehm okay. I – eh, Axel, appointed guardian of – eh – Heiress Xion, hereby give my acceptance to – ehm – Heir Draco of House Malfoy to a 30 day courting period with the rules set that he will present her with a gift exclusive to each world we travel to and that he will treat Heiress Xion every time the books prove his unworthiness."
And I actually feel like smiling as Draco nods his head in gratitude at my older friend before he happily guides me back to where we are sitting. And as we walk away do I feel like giggling as I hear Axel ask Roxas: "So, what's just happened?" And the blonde laughs as he says: "You got proven that Xion really trust you."
We then go back to our seats and I ask: "So, what is this going to include?" And Draco answers: "Basically? I am going to make your current life better than anything you have experienced in your past life, bar your time with your friends. Oh, and you need to pick two people who will need to be with us when we're together."
To this I think and I say: "Axel – and your mother." At this I nod and the woman in question asks: "Are you sure, dear? Wouldn't you rather have someone like Leon?" But I shake my head and say: "No, I'm good. You're someone Draco knows well and Axel is someone I know well. It just seems like the best compromise."
And the two blondes smile at me before Draco pulls his wand out of his pocket and he gently raises my left hand up before casting a spell that causes for a bit of my robe to be cut off and changed beautiful bracelet made of gold and silver gems that appear around my wrist. I gasp at the beauty and he says:
"My first gift to you, made of gems that are exclusive to House Malfoy. Now everyone will know that you are my Heiress to court. And with how I saw some of the older students gaze at you when you first arrived, that is only for the better. They too do courting periods, but – well, theirs are a little more – vulgar, to put it lightly."
This makes me wince in disgust and fright, but then I smile at Draco, glad and grateful that he is willing to prove his worth this fast. Then one of the adults that followed Harry comes back in and says: "Draco, I do believe you promised to go through a certain period of punishment." At which the blonde sighs and says:
"Sorry, sweet beauty of mine, but I gave my word and now I must follow through. Be sure to stay close to Axel and my mum and to follow their rules, okay? I'll be back once we start reading the third book, I promise." And I feel my insides warming up with shy care for him as he softly kisses the hand he holds before leaving.
"The last time I saw a Malfoy be this sweet, Lucius was vying for my attention and trying to prove my father that he was the best option to be my courting partner. You really bring out the best in him, you know that dear?" His mother then asks and this makes me smile at her, feeling warm with how happy she seems with all of this.
At the same time
Axel's POV
I really don't know what just happened, but Roxas seems happy with it and so I don't really care either. Still I can't help but follow the two that just approached us with my gaze and I feel amazed and pleased at the same time as I actually see the blonde take a bit of Xion's robe and change it into a very nice-looking bracelet.
"Looks like he's definitely planning to take this courting thing seriously. Good for Xion. I wonder if she can make him a better person than we have seen him be in the books so far." Roxas says and I wonder the same, even if I still barely remember this Xion girl. Yet even with that, can I not deny the feeling that she is someone important.
I then look over to the Great Hall doors and just in time as Snape seems to have come back to make sure Malfoy would keep to his promise to accept punishment for his actions of the last book. I then remember what he did before he came back here and think: "He went after Harry, to see if he is okay after he ran off."
And this makes me remember that the boy's parents are both male now and I mutter: "Guess Harry is going to remain a single child from now on." But to this Arthur Weasley smiles and says: "Not true. Because Remus is a Werewolf, Sirius, as his mate, can get pregnant. Most people who are or have soul mates can get pregnant, you know."
This shocks me and before I can stop myself, do I ask: "Wait, you mean Roxas too?" And the blonde exclaims: "What? AXEL?" And we both turn red as I can barely believe I just asked that. Only Arthur Weasley laughs and says: "Well, I can't say for sure, but I do think Poppy can perform the spell needed to check, if you're interested."
At this Roxas and I share a startled look and then I hear Riku ask: "What about you, Sora? You interested?" And the both of us look at the boy, my own eyes wide when the brunette looks off in the distance and says: "Well, I definitely won't deny that I've sometimes dreamed of what it would be like if I could have your kid, so –."
And the boy instantly gets rewarded as Riku presses a passionate kiss against his lips before he whispers: "Let's go find out." And the two head over to where the teachers have put the Head Table back together. I then spot Roxas looking at me again and I ask: "Ehm – well – I mean – you – eh – you want to find out too?"
And Roxas seems to hesitate in his contemplation for a second before he says: "I – guess." And I nod before I say: "Only if you're sure, Key of my Heart. I mean, I'm sure Madam Pomfrey can do it whenever we're sure. She will probably be a permanent part of the reading group, after all." At this Roxas nods, but then he says:
"Let's just go do it. Before I change my mind, that is." And while I feel amazed at his sense of courage, do I nod and we follow Riku and Sora over to where the Healer seems to have spotted us approaching. "Are you boys alright? Do you need a visit to my Wing? I was planning to head there right now anyway, you know?"
And instantly I feel like we have been given a brilliant opportunity as I say: "It's not that we really need a visit, but – I think what we need your help for is better off discussed somewhere more private." At this the woman nods, but then Naminé approaches us and says: "I just wanted to let you know I am going after Lockhart, okay?"
"Will you be okay?" Roxas asks instantly and I remember that she was trying to help but Roxas, DiZ and myself when Roxas was placed inside the fake Twilight Town and the girl nods as she says: "I will be. Madam Bones will be going with me and so will Auror Tonks and Auror Shacklebolt. They'll be with me at all times."
This makes both of us smile at the girl and then Sora asks: "Naminé, do you think there is any chance I will get my memories back? You know, of when I was in Castle Oblivion?" But the girl shakes her head and says: "Sorry Sora, but most of those memories are fabricated. They are fake and created out of your current memories.
If I were to return those, I would have to put you back to sleep, dissect your current memories and reset them the way I did back then. And I – I never want to do that again." The girl shivers at the end and Sora nods as he says: "Okay, that's alright. Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." But Naminé smiles at him and says: "I know, thank you."
The girl then turns around and joins the Head of the DMLE and her two Aurors in leaving the Great Hall before Sora, Roxas, Riku, Madam Pomfrey and I follow her example. The three of them head for the castle gates and the five of us head for the Hospital Wing. Yet upon arriving there, do we spot two intriguing other people.
"Sirius, Remus? What are you doing here?" Madam Pomfrey asks shocked and Sirius says: "Poppy, Remus has gone into Heat. I need potions before he ravages me. Moony, please, just a little more patience. We'll head for the Nest after this, I promise." The man moans as Lupin is growling at him and Pomfrey says:
"Follow me. You boys stay here. I'll call you when I'm done." And the four of us nod, Roxas looking a little relieved and Sora looking intrigued with what is going on. Lupin, in the meantime, seems to growl even louder, almost snarling as Pomfrey takes his mate away from him, yet the Matron silences him with a stern look.
And a few minutes later, does Sirius come back out of a cubicle that had its curtains drawn and the man actually seems to be gulping down a potion as Madam Pomfrey says: "Alright, that should do it. But do try and see if you can come back here tomorrow, so I can evaluate your progress. And Remus please, be gentle with him."
And while Lupin growls in anger, does Madam Pomfrey glare at him and say: "I don't care. Try your best to make sure that you put his physical state above the amount of time you have been waiting for this. Or else, you might have to wait until your last day here to ever get this chance again. You don't want to hurt him like that, do you?"
And while I feel amazingly impressed with how she is treating the wild man, does Lupin whimper and the matron nods as she says: "I thought so. Now, both of you, go have some fun, gentle fun." And Lupin takes this as his cue, shocking me as he actually pulls Sirius off his feet and carries him out of the Hospital Wing.
"Well, that's a good sign." Madam Pomfrey sighs and I ask: "What do you mean?" And she says: "The way he was holding Sirius. It was in the way a groom would hold his bride as he walks her across the threshold of their new home. If he had carried him over his shoulder, it would mean he'll be ignoring my warning."
This makes me look at the doors where the two just left through in shock and then Madam Pomfrey asks: "So, what did you need my help in?" And Sora rubs the back of his neck and he asks: "Well, you see. Ehm, a Heat is when someone has more chances of getting pregnant, right? Cause we were – well – we were wondering if – that is –."
And the way that the boy is starting to stutter makes Riku smile at him in adoration before Madam Pomfrey asks: "Surely you boys aren't thinking of getting pregnant already? You've only gotten together a day ago." But we all shake our heads and Riku says: "We just want to know if it's possible, for future reference, is all."
The Matron nods and then asks: "I am going to assume that I need to check young Sora and Roxas then?" And the two boys, now both quite red, nod in agreement before she says: "Alright boys, just come this way. I'll do a quick spell to check you guys out and see if you, by chance, need any potions to help the process."
This shocks me, but then she says: "In case you boys need help growing the necessary organs. You are of other worlds, after all." And this makes us all feel much better before I give Roxas a kiss of reassurance on the cheek and Riku does the same to Sora before the Nobody and his Somebody walk over to the same cubicle.
Inside the Cubicle
Sora's POV
"All those dreams. All those dreams of what life would be like living with Riku, being married to him, giving birth to his kids. I – I just can't believe that they might finally be coming true." I mutter at Roxas as Madam Pomfrey closes the curtains around our cubicle and the boy is still a little red as the woman smiles and says:
"Does that mean you would like to go first, Sora?" And I happily say: "Yes please, ma'am." And the woman tells me to go lie on the bed as well as tells me to show her my stomach. At this I unzip my black jacket and pull the red colored part of my shirt out of my black pants with yellow belts around the hips and knees.
I raise my shirt up and expose the skin of my stomach to the elements. Madam Pomfrey then runs her wand across my stomach and I feel like shivering as she passes over my belly button, to which the woman: "You are sensitive there, are you? That's a good sign. Most teens who are growing a womb have that sensitivity there."
And this makes me beam again, feeling excited over the idea that, even if I don't have my reproduction organs yet, I am actually growing them and then the woman runs her wand over my stomach yet again, this time chanting a single spell over and over again and at the end of this does something happen.
Just like the bottom half of my shirt is shaped like an upside down heart with a single stripe running through the center, does a circle appear on my stomach with one half being a soft light blue and the other half being a soft light pink and the woman hums in appreciation while Roxas asks: "Wait, what does that mean?"
And the woman answers: "It means that, once his womb is fully grown, he will have an equal chance of birthing either gender. His firstborn can be a girl just as much as it can be a boy and these two small lines here." And she motions with her wand for two small white lines at the very center of the circle before she says:
"Indicates that he has an increased chance of birthing twins over anything else." And this amazes me even more, but then something confuses me and I ask: "Ehm, Madam Pomfrey, how will – well, how will I go into labor? I mean, don't – don't babies usually come out of –?" And the woman giggles before she says:
"So I don't have to give you the Talk, huh? Good. As for how going in labor goes? Simple, for men kids either come out the other side or – if the couple prefers it – they can help the Healer in charge in performing a C-section on the birth-mother. Though that is only if both the mother – or carrier – and the father agree to this."
And at this I see Roxas turning white and green as I have no doubt he is thinking of Axel using his Chakrams to cut Roxas open and I laugh as I say: "Just wait and see if you can even get pregnant before you get scared like that." But to this Roxas rolls his eyes and says: "Hello, I am your Nobody, remember Sora?"
And I shrug as I say: "So, you're still your own person. Now come lie down here, it's your turn." And I jump off the bed, pulling down my shirt and zipping up my jacket once again. And while Roxas seems to hesitate in fear yet again, do I send him a reassuring smile. The blonde sighs and Madam Pomfrey says:
"I won't do this if you don't want to, dear." But the boy shakes his head and says: "I – I do want to know. I – I guess I just don't get enough of this whole getting pregnant and giving birth thing to feel my usual level of confidence.""Well, if you want I can give you the Talk." The woman says, but I wince and say:
"Thanks Madam Pomfrey, but I will do that for him." And while the woman sends me an unimpressed look, does Roxas ask: "Are you sure, Sora?" And I give him a thumbs up and a wink, knowing that it's better he hears this from a friend than that he gets the medical version with all of the facts and the excruciating details.
The blonde then goes to lie down and he unzips his black shirt before flapping both his shirt and his vest open and Madam Pomfrey does the same thing as she did with me. And instantly we get a sign that Roxas really is like me as he too shivers when the woman runs her wand down over his belly button, making us both smile.
"Guess that's a good sign, huh." Roxas says as he looks at me and I nod as I say: "Yep, Axel and Riku are going to be over the moon when they hear this." Making the blonde smile widely as Madam Pomfrey recasts her chant of a spell and yet, unlike with me, does Roxas' stomach shine a bright blue color with just a hint of pink.
"Ah, you are more like most other Ancient Heirs and Lords. Your womb is also, for some reason, in a further stage of development than Sora's and you will have a stronger chance of birthing a boy. Also you will probably only give birth to one child at a time, but my spell does say that you will heal faster after each time you go into labor."
At which I mutter: "Lucky bastard." Not even caring for the fact that my Nobody has a womb that is further developed than my own and I think: "It must be because of that year I was in that restorative sleep. My body must have been put under stasis or something." And with that does Roxas get off the bed and zip up his shirt.
"Let's go tell our men." I tell him, but then Madam Pomfrey says: "Not so fast, you two." And we look at her shocked and confused as she says: "Roxas, I'm sorry, but you are developed far enough I feel I must insist that you start taking this potion every month until you are ready to get pregnant. It's a Non-Contraception Draught."
And this makes me turn bright red as I can't believe that Roxas is already that far developed and I again think: "That lucky bastard." As Roxas asks: "What's it for?" And the woman says: "Exactly as I said, it will ensure that, even if you and Axel take your relationship to the next level, you won't be able to get pregnant of it."
And this time the boy turns red as well as the woman asks: "Are you sure you don't want me to give you the Talk?" And the boy nods feverishly as I say: "Don't worry, Ma'am, I've got it covered." And my Nobody takes the potion hurriedly before we dash out of the cubicle and hurry back over to where Riku and Axel are waiting.
"You two okay? What happened? Why are you so red?" Axel asks worriedly and I mutter: "Madam Pomfrey offered to give Roxas – the Talk." And instantly do both of them wince before Riku says: "I see. So, what were the results? Are either of you able to get pregnant?" And we both nod, making them smile as I say:
"I have a stronger chance to birth twins and my chances for birthing a boy or girl are quite equal and Roxas is more likely to birth boys and will only birth one at a time, but he will heal faster after every time." And both of our beloveds share a huge, gleeful smile before Axel says: "Come on, let's find a tower and celebrate."
And Roxas smiles in relief at the prospect of finding a tower, which I know is thanks to the time he spend together with Axel at Twilight Town's Train Station's Clocktower and the four of us head back into the castle, taking the Grand Staircase up and exploring the castle for the highest tower we can possibly find.
And after a while do we find ourselves at the top of what is known as the Astronomy Tower and while this tower has its wall divided between columns of stone and golden brackets, do Roxas and Axel take one set of brackets and do Riku and I take another a few feet away and do we happily watch the day pass by from where we are.
"Wow, you four aren't waiting for the grass to grow, are you?" A voice suddenly sounds from behind us and we turn around as we see a couple of older teens and Riku asks: "What do you mean?" And the boy says: "Right, you probably don't know this. The Astronomy Tower is known – for the privacy it offers hot couples."
And while the two leave for somewhere else to spend together, do they leave us all looking red and Roxas mutters: "I will never look at this tower the same way again." To which Axel softly kisses his cheek before he whispers: "Don't worry, we'll be in Radiant Garden soon enough. Maybe even Twilight Town soon after."
And the blonde smiles at him gratefully before I decide to change the subject and ask: "So, what do you think your kids will look like?" And Roxas cringes before Axel says: "Well, to be honest, I really hope our kids will have my physical strength, but else I want them to have Roxy's gorgeous looks, his eyes and his hair color."
This makes me smile at the two and Riku sighs as he says: "I hope our kids will have Sora's natural resistance to Darkness and, if I have any say over it, the girls will definitely have my long hair, maybe even my hair color and the boys will have Sora's. Maybe with a mix of our eye colors." And these images make me whisper:
"That sounds like heaven." But then I look up as Riku is sitting behind me with his arms wrapped around my waist and I say: "But even if our kids get my resistance, I also want them to have your incredible power. After all, you always are the stronger one of us, even if I always manage to catch up with you from time to time."
And this makes Riku laugh and the rest of the day do we laugh and exchange ideas on what we would love for our kids to look like, mixing our hair color with our hair style with our eye color with our physical form and strength and after a while does even Roxas, who had been quite red at first, happily join in on the conversation.
"Axel, you don't mind, do you? That I can only birth one child at a time and have a smaller chance to have girls instead of boys?" Roxas then suddenly asks and Axel smiles at him as he says: "Not at all, Roxy. I love just the fact that I can have kids with you. It doesn't matter to me what kids or how many, just that it's possible."
This makes Roxas smile in relief and the two share a hot, passionate kiss, making me lean closer up against Riku as I look at them and my beloved warrior of dawn wraps his arms a little tighter around my waist as he whispers: "And I don't care either. Though I would love to know more about those dreams of yours." At which I turn red.
Ten minutes ago
St. Mungos, London
Naminé's POV
The man lying in bed before me looks every bit the same as what the book described him to look like and even though his eyes are slightly vacant, while his body is lying a bit slacked off in the bed and while there is even some drool coming from his lips as he boasts his lies – which he doesn't even remember – do I sense it.
A lingering sense of darkness that comes from his actual emotions and the way that sense strengthens as he smiles winningly at me makes me shiver and feel glad that Kingsley Shacklebolt is standing at my side. Still, the fact that this man – this creep – is feeling this about me even with an Auror next to me actually worries me.
I then take a deep breath and say: "Thank you for letting us see him, Mss." And the female Healer nods, even if I know that she is strongly doubtful of my abilities and she says: "Of course. I love the fact that my lovely Gilderoy is finally getting some company. I just can't understand why more people won't come and visit him."
Yet this is something that makes me feel better as I think: "The less people that are around this creep, the better for them." And with that do I turn to Madam Bones, who nods as she says: "Now, Healer Strout, please remember to let our Mss. Naminé do her work and then Gilderoy Lockhart can get back to his true life."
And this makes me smile as I know that Madam Bones means Lockhart going to Azkaban for his acts of fraud, illegal use of the Memory charm and even the allegations that he could have raped several students at Hogwarts before wiping their memories of this. "And then they don't even know his worst crime yet." I think to myself.
I then move over to where the man is lying, trying not to shiver as I notice how his eyes follow my every move, but then Kingsley says: "Mr. Lockhart, please focus on me, you are distracting our aide to help you get your memory back." And the man sends me a smile that is meant to be apologizing, but I can easily see through that.
"Great Keyblade, he's like a male Larxene." I think to myself and then focus on the task at hand. I nod at Kingsley and he pulls a bowl and a bottle of water as well as several plates of metal out of a small bag that has an Extension charm on the inside. And while this makes the Healer hum in confusion do I take my usual course of action.
I use my special form of magic to have the plates of metal form around the man's hand and then use it to turn the metal transparent before gently letting the water seep in through a small hole in the top. "What are you –?" The Healer shrieks and I say: "Don't worry, the water will put him to sleep, so he won't drown while I work."
And while the woman frowns, does Madam Bones says: "Healer Strout, I can personally vouch for having witnessed this magic working. I saw her do this to someone who had a different kind of issues with his memories. It was done in front of a large crowd of witnesses." And the woman nods, having been reassured once again.
I then take a deep breath as the next bit requires me to get close with Lockhart so I can have better access to the metal around his head and the water within the globe. Then I feel Kingsley put his hand on my shoulder and he says: "I'm right here, Naminé. You can do this." And he whispers silently in my ear: "For Harry."
And I nod at him, his words having given me my determination back and my need to see this through and while I fight back the urge to feel horrible over the fact that I am facing a male version of a past demon of mine, do I move the man down the bed a little and then take a seat on his pillow, his head between my knees.
I lie my hands near the hole and close it off before moving my hands all over the globe, the water starting to light up more and more where my hands move and the light moving along with my hands. And slowly but surely do similar lights start to shine all over the man's face, neck and his hair which floats in the water.
Yet this isn't something I really see as my inner eye has taken over my sight and instead of that do I now have a sight that looks like a magical version of the inside of Lockhart's mind. And the mess that is his mental state makes me smirk, even though I know it's my job to reconnect all these broken chains and heal this creep.
Luckily enough did Madam Bones also give me another task to do alongside this healing task and I happily focus on that as I take hold of the first two broken chains that look like they should fit together. Yet instantly I feel like regretting that I grabbed these two as they are actually part of the other task I was given.
And so I drain myself off all my emotions, turn my heart and my conscience off and start to work the special bits of my magic, not just connecting the two horrible links and making a chain, but also making a perfect copy of the chain that I pull out of the man's mind, causing for it to be a small globe of light within the water.
And like this do I keep working, linking more and more chains together and focusing only on my task and nothing more. The chains get stronger and stronger with every second that I work and more and more chains start to get lined up together, making the amount of loose and tied up chains decrease in number more and more as I work.
Then finally, after what felt like weeks, if not months of work and make me wish I was back in Twilight Town, working on putting back Sora's memory, do I link the last small, insignificant chain – that holds one of the man's first memories as an infant – to the rest of the now endlessly long chain and think: "Done at last."
And while I had found more and more chains that needed my duplication magic and while I have no doubt that the globe around the man's head is now alight with these small bulbs of light that are his duplicated memories, do I also know that I made a different colored light out of one chain that I know holds a very vital memory.
I then pull my focus back out of my mind's eye and back into the rest of my body. And while it shocks me, does it not surprise me when I realize that my face is covered in tears of disgust. But when a smooth voice says: "No need for tears, my dear. I am here to –." Do I hiss: "Leave my virginity alone, you sick-minded bastard."
And the man looks at me shocked before I suddenly wonder how he can even speak when he is supposed to be asleep in the globe. Yet before the Healer can do more than shriek, do I look at Kingsley, who nods and uses his wand to lift the globe off of Lockhart, making sure to keep the water and the lights intact and within.
"Now what is that lovely little bit of magic, hmmmm?" The man asks as he looks at how Kingsley manages to put the globe inside his small bag and I feel a great sense of just delight as I say: "The evidence against your sick and twisted deeds, you disgusting dirtbag. Oh and Kingsley, please don't forget about this."
And I happily pull out the disturbing choker I pulled from Harry's neck while healing him, delighting greatly in how I hear Lockhart scream: "HOW DID YOU GET THAT! GIVE IT BACK!" But Kingsley, with a smirk similar to my own, says: "Sorry Lockhart, but that is evidence handed in by a specialized witness."
And he uses the summoning charm to pull the choker out of my hand, making Lockhart fumble all over his hospital robe, but then Madam Bones says: "Don't bother, Lockhart. Or did you perhaps forget how Mr. Ronald Weasley threw your wand out of the window in the office of the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?"
And instantly Lockhart turns to her with his face having turned white, allowing me the chance to finally slip away from him unnoticed and he whimpers as he asks: "How – how – how – how do you – how do you know about –?" And the woman smirks as she says: "Mr. Potter has been very helpful in assisting our search for unexpected criminals."
"You're accusing poor Lockhart of what now? Have you forgotten what he's done? How many people he's saved and helped and aided? What evidence could you possibly –?" The Healer shrieks and I coldly tell her: "I am a witch, a witch with the ability to infiltrate one's mind and work on their memory in all kinds of fashions.
I can unlink memories, link them back together, link real ones with false ones, forge false memories, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. And I recently worked on helping Harry Potter with some memory issues of his own as well as unlocking the choker you saw me hand to Auror Shacklebolt. And Lockhart's reaction? It speaks for itself."
The woman looks shocked at hearing what I have to say and then snaps: "And how do I know that you're not –." But this makes me actually angry, an emotion I barely ever feel and instantly the woman halts as I furiously hiss: "I know how it feels to make false memories. Don't ever accuse me of willingly doing so."
And the woman nods faintly before Madam Bones: "That being said. Gilderoy Lockhart, you are under arrest for fraud on other people's royalties, excessive, illegal abuse of the Memory charm, forging and selling misguided material in regards to DADA and the potential accusation of raping several students of Hogwarts school.
You have the right to remain silent, everything you say can and will be used against you in a Wizengamot trial and you will be appointed a lawyer by the DMLE within 24 hours of your trial. Until such time will you be detained in a Ministerial Holding cell, will your magical abilities be blocked and your visitation rights monitored."
And before the shocked eyes of the Healer, do Kingsley and Tonks step forward, one of them grabbing Lockhart as he tries to make a mad dash for it – and to my shock aimed at me, no less – and the other conjuring a pair of cuffs to wrap around his wrists, which she ties behind his back as she says: "Don't even think about it, freak."
And as the two escort the man out, does Madam Bones turn to the Healer and say: "I do hope that what just happened proves our case to you, Healer Strout. Instead of trying to escape, Lockhart was instead intending to use our special help here as a hostage to keep us from harming or potentially stopping his escape."
And while the Healer herself looks faint with the realization that this actually almost happened and mutters: "Why, Gilderoy, why?" Do I then get shocked as I see Neville Longbottom walk in and ask: "Madam Bones, is Naminé done with that sick bastard? I – I want to ask her if she's willing to help me with – well, something personal."
And the way that the two elder women smile at him make me feel that it will be a good idea to do whatever Neville wants me to do for him. Madam Bones then gives Neville permission to come over and the boy guides me over to another part of the ward as he says: "You see, it's – well, it's like this. Naminé, meet my parents."
And he pulls the curtain apart at one cubicle, my eyes widening as I see the state that the woman is in. "This is my mum. She's actually the one that is in the better state. Over there – is my dad. They – they've been like this for over 13 years and – and I know that's a really, really long time, but – but I was – I was hoping –."
And yet, before the boy can mumble any further, do I purposely walk over to the woman who is slowly trying to sit up in bed, but who seems to have forgotten – or at least slightly – how to do so. And while I march into the cubicle, do I say: "Madam Bones, more water and more plates of steel, if you don't mind."
And while this makes Neville send me a teary-eyed smile of gratitude, does Madam Bones look at the Healer and at something else. The Healer nods and to my shocked delight does Madam Bones dissect one of the empty beds, only to change the parts into metal plates that she sends my way. And with that do I get back to work.
And because I am so focused on putting the plates back together in the shape of a globe, filling up the globe with water, sealing the hole the water came through and lying the woman down comfortably, do I not even hear what else Madam Bones says and only hear something like a door close as if several hallways in the distance.
Twenty minutes later
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Madam Bones' POV
It felt really good to instantly solve one of the biggest unsolved issues of the book we just read and while it took a while to set up a team of Aurors to search for all those that actually committed the heroic deeds Lockhart claimed to do, do I still feel satisfied when I manage to leave the Ministry, having covered every task at hand.
Lockhart is in a holding cell only half a hallway away from the Courtrooms, meaning that the enchantments on his cell are quite severe, the Aurors that guard him are all men that have grown disgust for his actions when he was still a public hero or people who actually believe the truth and his visitation rights are indeed limited.
"Or better said, the only visitation right he has is with the Aurors guarding him and the lawyer he will get the day before the trial. Though I sure am glad that time freezes whenever we do these readings. Huh, wonder how many trials I am going to have to hold once we've finished the final book. Oh, well, onto my next job."
Goes through my mind as I enter the Great Hall, but I don't have to go far to spot my target. Arianna is sitting at the edge of Slytherin table with Xion and Narcissa Malfoy, the two younger girls listening as Narcissa apparently catches them up to speed on something. And when I approach them, do I snicker as I hear the actual topic.
"And that is just one of the things you can expect when you have someone of High Society wanting to court you into a long and happy life together. Ah, hello there, Amelia. Here to take one of my girls away?" At this I laugh again as Narcissa has always let her guard down around me, just like I always did around her.
"I am indeed. Are you still sure you want to see Albus, Arianna? You know I would love just as much to just take you to Aberforth right away." And the girl nods as she says: "I am sure, Amelia. I want to see him. I want to either see if he will regret it if I voice his actions and if not, I want to just – say goodbye to him."
And while I have a very strong doubt that the former will happen, do I still nod in understanding with why she would want to do the latter and then Narcissa asks: "Are you sure about this, sweetie? Will she be safe, Amelia?" At which I nod and say: "She will, Narcissa. Kingsley and Rufus are coming along with us.
That and Alastor will be under various invisibility charms as well as an Invisibility cloak of his own and will be standing next to the cell door at all times." At this Narcissa nods and a few minutes later I am back at the Ministry and helping Arianna feel better after her first experience with the Floo, feeling Apparation to be a step too far.
I then get the young woman registered and while her name draws quite a few looks, do I make sure to look as official as possible and everyone who spots me with her make sure to keep away, recognizing that this young female Dumbledore is here with me on official business. And with that do we head down to where the cells are.
And after a quick check-up with the Auror that registers all those who visit certain cells and prisoners or people who are being detained until their trial, do I feel slightly concerned when I hear that the man had to refuse Cedrelle Black from visiting Dumbledore and I think: "Molly must have convinced her to do so. That is not good."
But then the Auror says: "You know, for someone who is known as the Stubborn soul of the Black Family, Lady Cedrelle sure gave up quite fast, Madam Bones. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that she didn't want to be here. But if she didn't, why did she go through the effort of coming all the way down here, you think?"
And I smile as I say: "To prove her current charge a point. I have no doubt that she has a Pensive and that she will alter the end of the memory to make it look as if she fought you tooth and nail to get permission. It's to have her current charge know that trying things like that are just a waste of both of their and our time."
And while the Auror seems intrigued by this, do I say: "Also, please let it be known that this is the only visit of Mss. Arianna Dumbledore. So if someone else under that name comes in here, refuse them and report them to me immediately." And the Auror salutes to prove he recognizes my orders before we leave him be.
"This new charge, who is she?" Arianna asks me as we approach the cell that holds her brother and I say: "A woman who is as destructive to her former husband, sons and daughter as your brother has been to Harry and you. She only got to be part of the reading of the last few chapters of the 4th book, but nothing more."
At this Arianna nods and I mutter: "Prepare yourself, Arianna, his cell is the one after this one." And the young woman nods before we pass the last cell that keeps us from reaching the cell of the one man I always thought would be responsible for filling these cells with criminals and other scumbags, not inhabit one himself.
And it seems as if the man either expects one who can help him or has lost what little sanity he has left in his near-week stay here as he says: "Cedrelle, good to know that you have come. You must help me. Amelia has made a horrible mistake. Molly has probably already told you this, but I don't belong here, I belong out there.
Out there where I can guide Harry Potter to his proper place. Where I can keep wrong and hurtful influences away from him. Where I can make sure he helps make the world a better, safer place. Please Cedrelle, talk to Amelia for me. The world needs its hero and its hero needs the right kind of person to lead him as well."
This makes me want to look at the girl next to me in concerned pity, but the young woman seems to have hardened herself against how delusional and careless for his own crimes her brother has become. And instead of that does she stomp over and I look up, feeling relieved to see a small sliver of evidence that Alastor is here too.
And while I hear Kingsley and Tonks coming to join me standing here, does Arianna coldly ask: "Leading a hero? Is that what you call it, Albus? Cause what I've heard of you so far sounds like you haven't changed a bit since that horrible, horrible fight you had against Aberforth. Remember the one, Albus? The one that killed me!"
And I delight in hearing Albus gasp as he hears the young woman's voice and he reaches for the small, barred window in his cell door as he asks: "Arianna? Is that you? But – but – but how? What? Who used –?" But Arianna says: "There are worlds outside this one, Albus. And one of them – has an entrance to the Underworld.
And guess what?" She glares at her brother and he tentatively asks: "What? What is it? Why are you like this? What has the Underworld –?" But Arianna interrupts him and says: "Not the Underworld, Albus. This is thanks to you. The Mythical Fates of Past, Present and Future were there and they told me something very vital."
The young woman then sends him a look that actually reminds me of myself when I am holding a trial for someone who breaks one of our most sacred laws and she says: "I wasn't supposed to die that night, Albus. You were. The Fates had actually been the ones to create Gellert in order to destroy you before you got too bad.
They failed, found out and felt horrible enough they were willing to bring me back to life. And now I want to know only one thing. Even if you come out of here, Albus – even if – what will you do now that you know I am back to life?" And this makes everyone – Alastor included, I know – look at the man, who instantly rants:
"I would take you in, of course. You and Harry. And I would lead him to greatness and have him make sure that you would want for nothing. And we would be great together, Arianna. Great and loved and honored for all eternity. The Greatest Wizard ever, the Chosen One and the Witch brought back by the Legendary Fates. Can you see it?"
And by now I have my hand covering my eyes and am shaking my head as I think: "He sealed his fate, that's what he did. Ugh, poor Arianna." And I turn to look back at the girl, who has tears glistering in her eyes as she says: "No Albus, I can't see it. All I see is a man who has become more misguided than even the Fates predicted.
Goodbye, Albus." And while I can only imagine how hurt she is, do I not hear any of that pain through her voice, only finality and I whisper: "Tonks, get that poor young woman to her brother, pronto." And I hear the Auror behind me move her arm in a salute, before she guides the young woman away from the cells.
"Amelia please, I know you're there. You have to let me out. Arianna –." Albus then tries, but I glare at his cell door and say: "Sees you more clearly than you see yourself. And you will be let out, Albus, on the day of your trial." And with that do I turn my back on the cell, ignoring the man screaming at me to come and release him.
At the same time
At the Hogs Head
Arianna's POV
I know I told Amelia of one of my hopes, but I had more or less already given up on this even before we passed the Auror in charge of keeping an eye on who visits which prisoner. And so I barely felt anything when Albus proved that he still believed he was on some kind of sacred mission that put him above the law or something.
I had also, because I'm not sure if he was responsible for my dead or not, taken some delight out of how badly I got to startle the demented old man and had easily interrupted him the few times he thought he could convince me that I should listen to his statements and that what he believed was the only truth to exist.
And when I had asked him what he would do if he could get out of his cell knowing I was alive, was his answer exactly what I expected and I had thought: "He hasn't changed a bit from that self-centered twenty-year old who thought he could create a kingdom out of the Magicals being his army and the Muggles his slaves and servants."
And so I had only felt a few tears come up in my eyes when I heard his words and then told him what I thought about his statements before saying goodbye to him and turning my back on him. Yet I still feel very grateful when Tonks comes to walk closely beside me and when we are in hallways by ourselves, she wraps her arm around me.
And I do get why she won't do this in hallways with others around us as she does have her reputation and her job to think about, but this also makes me feel all the better when we leave the Ministry and talk a short walk over to a small side road that is covered in shadows and then Tonks asks: "Are you alright?" And I nod.
"Okay, I am going to use Apparation this time. I know that the boss only used the Floo, but I have my orders and Apparation is the fastest way of travel. Please note, though, it is also one of the most uncomfortable ones." At which I nod, grateful that she is warning me beforehand and she says: "Alright, hold onto my arm."
And a minute later I get the reason why this is considered the most uncomfortable way of traveling as I feel as if certain bits of me are still left behind near the Ministry. I breathe deeply in and out to regain myself and feel sure that I am in one piece before I look around. And instantly my eyes are drawn to a sign hanging above a door.
"So, is this Abey's source of income?" I ask, shocked to see a chopped off head of some wild beast with tusks hanging on a wooden board above the door and Tonks winces as she says: "Yep, as well as his home. He lives above this pub and, to be honest, his annoyance with his brother's fame made him develop a pretty nasty rep of his own."
And while I can definitely understand and agree with this way of living, does it also make me worry for my brother and then Tonks says: "I'll go see if anyone untrustworthy is indoors, else I will just keep an eye on the door, okay?" And I nod at her gratefully, glad that she won't try to be part of my reunion with my brother.
We then move indoors and Tonks does stop me at the doorway as she lets her eyes roam over the few people who are sitting around the pub. "They may not be to that idiot's taste, lass, but I know just fine who I let into my pub, I'll have you know." A rough voice suddenly says and I turn to it in concerned curiosity, only to gasp in shock.
While Albus looks as if he has only been in the cell for a few hours instead of almost a week, does Aberforth look as if he has spent decades at the bottom of a pit that he fell in and was forgotten about afterwards. His hair and beard are grey colored and are both long and stringy, but his blue eyes are still bright and sharp in sight.
Yet it seems as if Aberforth has forgotten what I looked like shortly before my death, or at least somewhat, as he looks at me strangely and he asks: "You look familiar, lass. Have we met before." To which I sigh and say: "We at least have one thing in common. We have a brother we both consider a pain to all of destiny and light."
At this the man snickers and he says: "You're alright, lass. What can I do for you? And why are you suddenly so cautious around here, Auror lady? I've seen you hang around this town plenty of times, much more relaxed. Something about my pub that makes you turn around like this? heh?" Yet Tonks sighs and says:
"I hate saying this, Lord Dumbldore –." But then my brother snarls: "That is that stupid lowlife –." But Tonks shakes her head and says: "Your brother was arrested on multiple charges a little under a week ago. And what I was going to say, Lord Dumbledore, is that you were tricked into hosting a possessed man in 1992."
This really shocks my brother and then he laughs and says: "That egocentric oddball has finally been given his due. About bloody damned time. And what is this of a possessed man? Possessed by who, lass?" And Tonks turns serious and professional as she says: "Tom Marvolo Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort."
And instantly tension is felt throughout the entire pub and the man mutters: "I – I – I hosted that – that – that –." And I feel horrible as it sounds just how devastated and disgusted the man sounds as Tonks goes on: "And to make matters worse, did Lord Voldemort sell a stolen Dragon Egg to Groundskeeper Hagrid – inside your pub."
At this Aberforth puts his face in his hands and causes for his beard to swipe across his filthy bar as he mutters: "Let me guess, you're here to take me in. I'm going to be sharing a cell with that disgusting filth that is my brother, aren't I?" But Tonks smiles and says: "No, I am here to reunite you with your one true sibling."
The man looks up and I happily walk over, softly running my hand through his hair the way he used to when Albus refused to care for me the way that was his responsibility and I whisper: "The fates send that killer to stop him, Abey, but that stupid mistake made everything messed up. But I'm back now, my brother. I'm back now."
"A-a-a-a-Ari-Aria-Arianna? Is – is that – is that really you?" The man stutters as he asks me and I kiss him just like how I pet his hair and I whisper: "I missed you so much, big brother. Come back to Hogwarts with me. It's being cleansed and so much good is being done there. Please, come with me." And the man hugs me as he says:
"Of course, little sister. I'm never letting you go again. And anyone of you creeps thinking you can do anything to harm her can go to hell and leave my pub right this instant. I'm closing her down for an undisclosed amount of time this very night, so do what you must and get out! And be glad I am not kicking you out right now."
And yet the patrons that are in here seem loyal to Aberforth enough to respect his wishes and while only one of them grumbles about how close he was to winning a card game, do they all leave the pub without any other fuss. Aberforth smiles at me as he sees this and I smile back as I say: "Come on, big brother, let's go."
The Next Morning
Back at Hogwarts
Auron's POV
Normally I take things as slow and patiently as possible. I stay in the back and study whoever has my interest or whatever situation needs my help. But the last twenty-four hours have made it really hard for me to do so. This because, for the first time since I have been resurrected, I have found someone to truly devote my heart to.
Someone who makes me feel things I didn't even feel with my friends or when I took guardianship over their kids after their deaths. Someone who still, like my former friends, makes me feel like I have to be at my best, but who doesn't make me feel like I should just be there as a travel companion, trainer or guardian.
And while the lad had been feeling sure that he was meant for another, do I feel as if he is meant for me and I for him the more I get to know him. And what happened the other day made me really want to be there for the lad. It had happened just before dinner and had proven the lad that his beliefs of the last year were not to be.
Harry and Viktor Krum had walked into the Great Hall, after the former lad had rushed out of the Hall in a panicked hurry earlier that morning and after the latter had apparently spend the rest of the day making the former feel better about whatever had made him feel bad. And at the same time was it plain as day to see.
The bond between them, which had already been obvious to see when I first re-entered the Olympus Coliseum and been introduced to everyone here, had obviously gotten an incredible boost over the hours and now it was almost as if an aura connected the two of them together, tighter than the way they held and linked hands.
Harry's friends and two women who have been with him ever since I met this lot had instantly come over to check on them and ask Harry if he was feeling better, but I didn't care for this. Instead, my focus had been with the lad that caught my interest earlier and I had felt quite bad for how he was hiding his pain with joy for the two.
I had studied the couple that has obviously grown closer as well as the red-haired lad that had obviously crushed after one of them and the longer I did so, the more I felt pride and other feelings grow within my heart as the second born of the family seemed to slowly but surely grow true acceptance for this couple.
Then everyone had gone to bed and I had taken my refuge in the Antechamber of the Great Hall, using my robe as my blanket and actually dreaming of myself and the ginger lad being happy together, doing crazy dangerous, but awesome and amazing things together and then healing each other of any injuries we gained from the stuff.
And then the next morning I get evidence that, what I saw a blonde do with the lad named Axel and the girl named Xion I should do myself as Charlie actually approaches me as I leave the Antechamber and he says: "Hey, thanks for what you said." And I remember that I had a talk with him about his crush on the other lad.
He then looks at the lad in question and says: "It really was quite hard, you know? Looking at those two and seeing them so happy and content with each other, while also trying to envision if I could make Harry just as happy and if we would really be just as happy in the years to come, just like you told me I should.
However, as I woke up this morning, I realized why it was so hard. It was hard, because my beliefs were wrong. Yes, I crushed after Harry, but he is the first boy I have crushed after in almost five years, so I – I guess I just forgot how it felt to crush after someone. And if nothing else, that realization came with another one."
At this I turn to the handsomely gorgeous lad as we had both been gazing at how Harry has gone to sit with Mrs. Tonks, his friends and boyfriend, and Charlie says: "I don't want to crush after someone who I will need to look after later. I want to crush after someone, who is willing to take care of me. That's why my crushes always die out."
And to hear those words are like someone opening the door to my destiny for me, giving me the green light to do what I must and want to at the same time and I say: "Come on, walk with me." And while Charlie looks at me confused, do I hide a smirk at a little thought that pops up in my head: "I am already taking care of you."
And with that do I walk over to where the lad's father is sitting with his other two eldest and the father and his eldest are laughing as they notice Charlie and I approaching and while Charlie takes one of the empty seats beside his family, do I keep standing, my back straight and my entire stance proving I am a man of power and will as I say:
"Lord Arthur Weasley, I am Auron of Spira and the Underworld. I have died in Spira and have been resurrected by Lord Hades. As such I have barely nothing other than my being, my character and my sword. However, all that will be your son's if you accept my request to join Charles Weasley in a courting period of 30 days.
As I said, I have only my strength of will, my strength of mind and body as well as my sword and the cloths on my form, but I will use all of that to not only prove myself worthy to your Second Heir, but to, one day, start helping him in getting everything he wants in life. Everything that is mine will be his, I do so swear. Do you accept?"
This actually makes Charlie look at me shocked and while I pulled out my sword, stuck it in the stone before me and bowed to prove I am submitting myself to his will and decision, do I still hear Bill whisper at my own crush: "You lucky bastard, you just had to go and get yourself a bona vide perfect loving husband to be, didn't you?"
And this makes me feel slightly better about my chances to get accepted. And then Arthur says: "You are not to be in my son's presence without me there and you are to prove your strength, both in character and in force, by having at least one conversation with each of my children every day and fighting the strongest of each world."
This makes me smile and I think: "He went easy on me, I can't believe this." At this I stand up and make a bow down the waist as I say: "Your son's brothers are my brothers. His sister is my sister. I will do what must be done to see them as happy as your Heir wants them to be. You have my word of honor, Lord Weasley."
And the man nods before Bill walks over and slaps me on the shoulder as he says: "Welcome to the family. Get ready, cause we're a crazy lot." Yet at this I smirk and say: "I once fought the Lord of the Underworld, escaped him, fought his pet Cerberus and then got freed of his Mind Control. I can handle crazy."
And the eldest of the Weasley laughs at my words, yet I don't pay attention to it. This because the greatest reward I could ever ask for is right in front of me. Charlie had been shocked at everything that happened, but now he is actually looking at me with a spark of how he gazed at Harry and I feel ready to ensure those emotions will grow.
You go, Auron.
Also, I want to make a little something clear. Harry and what he goes through with Viktor and Sirius takes place early morning, Draco asking Axel for Xion's hand takes place just before lunch, the testing for a womb takes place during lunch, Amelia and her Ministry visits between lunch and dinner and Aberforth meets Arianna at dinner.
Meaning that every time I write "At the same time" I mean at the same time that the previous segment ends. I felt a little bad for creating that potential bit of confusion as most of it sounds to take place during the morning of the same day and then suddenly we are almost 24 hours later. Still I hope that cleared things up.
And WOW, nineteen pages. I will be honest, part of me felt like dividing everything up, yet while I could have made this either three different chapters or even two, did the story just flow too flawlessly for me to want to stop writing. That and I promised that this would be a compilation of several deleted chapters.
Hope you enjoyed,
Venquine1990
