Hey everyone,
So this is it. The final chapter that was up on this site when the Copyright Infringement law came into existence. There is still one chapter after this, but that was only halfway done by the time this story was taken down. And personally, I really love ending the year 2017 on a chapter that has such an iconic history to it.
Happy new year,
Venquine1990
Chapter 60
Effects of the Spell and Heat
Beast's POV
I hate myself for allowing this as I didn't even accept Belle to see my rose when she first came here and now I'm letting people I've only known for less than a day enter what I once concerned my sanctuary. Still, the woman really knows her plants, that much is obvious, and if anyone can be trusted with my rose, it's Harry.
I look behind me as I lead the group to my rooms, trying to ignore the small door leading to his parents and my parental quarters and take them up the last small staircase. Harry looks around in amazement, obviously not frightened one bit by the disgusting looking gargoyles or the broken pieces of furniture lying around.
I smile at the kid as he seems truly amazed and intrigued and he asks: "And all this will change if we break the spell?" I nod and say: "Those Gargoyles used to be angels and statues of Ancient Greece goddesses and there used to be engravings of small cupids and roses all over the frames and at the top and bottom of the walls.
It all changed on Christmas." The group looks shocked and I smirk as I say: "Don't worry, Belle set me straight, right the first year she was there. She made me remember what it was like to celebrate Christmas with the ones you love and how wonderful it was to have hope – and she did all that through this one book."
And I show them the paper-covered book with a perfect picture of my own castle at the front and a rose with the word fin at the end. I then quickly put it back in my cloak and whisper: "Don't tell Belle I keep it there, she thinks I keep it in my nightstand." The two boys snicker and Harry says: "Our lips are sealed."
Harry's POV
I don't know what amazes me more; the amazing castle, the changes that will occur to it when we break the curse, the amazing persona behind the Beast's outlooks or the fact that Professor Sprout thinks me one of the two best for this job of identifying the rose and helping professor Babbling break the curse on it.
Then suddenly I stop in shock and everyone turns to me as Neville asks: "Harry, is something wrong?" I gulp and say: "Promise not to tell anyone and just let Professor Babbling do her work?" The three nod and Beast says: "As you said, our lips are sealed." I smile at him, take a deep breath and say: "I'm a Runerall."
The three look at me, Neville and Professor Sprout in shock and I say: "Yeah, I know. It was shocking to me too, but I discovered it this year, when I decided to do for Hermione what she did for Ron and me. It's just that when I decided that, I chose her Ancient Runes homework and discovered I could easily read the stuff.
I studied it every time she did, telling her I would do an Independent Study course if I ever got the chance and whispered, in an altered voice that I practiced on, some answers to her if I saw her struggle. It's how I discovered that I can read, write and decipher runes that are commonly used for the third and fourth years."
I then take a deep breath and say: "It might not be so for the runes on the Rose, if they're present, in comparison to the ones I studied when helping Hermione, but I'm willing to give it a good shot in return that this is kept quiet until we read about it, is that acceptable?" I ask, now feeling less than 1 foot tall.
But then Beast smiles and walks over as he says: "I would be honored if my Rose and the breaking of the Curse could help you in this talent." I smile at him, amazed yet again and cursing myself for it, because he's no different from my dad Remus and then suddenly a new idea rises up in me and I hit myself on the head.
Everyone looks shocked and I say: "Beast, your condition, while a little more permanent, is what we, in our world, call Lycanthropy and you obviously handle it amazingly, not at all hiding your amazing character behind those, no offence, terrifying looks. You can help my dad finally get peace with his own werewolf illness."
"It's an illness?" Beast asks and I shake my head and say: "Not to me or anyone who cares about him, but he himself does see it that way and he also sees it as something that makes him push those he cares about away. He stayed away from me for twelve years and kept himself from his true love, his mate, for almost 2 decades."
The Beast looks at the door that I know leads to where my parents are staying at and he says: "He doesn't seem against it." To which I ask: "Would you be able to hold down your Heat with Belle around?" And the Beast answers: "Have been doing it for four years now." Shocking me senseless before I shake my head and mutter:
"Stupid question." The beast looks at me and I say: "Don't take this the wrong way, but your curse is more present in every day to day life than Remus' is. His is once a month for a few days, yours – sorry." The Beast nods and says: "I have more experience, because I live it every day." And I mutter awkwardly: "Exactly."
Beast's POV
We have reached the doors to my room and I see how uncomfortable Harry feels at having to bring up the extended period of my problem. I sigh and smirk as I say: "I'd be happy to help your dad realize the benefits of his illness." Making Harry smile before I say: "If –." The boy whitens and I try to hold back my smirk as I say:
"You can hold back on breaking the curse if you do recognize the runes used on my Rose." The boy looks shocked and Neville says: "So if Harry recognizes the Runes, but doesn't undo them, you'll help Lupin accept what he becomes once a month? Why? That might take another four days." And I smirk as I say:
"Good test on the lad's endurance and patience, don't you think?" And finally does it seem to sink in with Harry that I was jesting and he laughs his head off, the other two looking at him weirdly. I personally love how open and carefree Harry now looks and vow that I will have everyone in our world help Harry laugh.
I then cough and say: "We're here. Let's not waste any more time here, less we make Harry's father aware of our position." And I open the doors to the terrible, messed up room with only the small table holding my rose looking as if it fits in a nicely, normal and cleaned up room, the petals on the rose and on the table still the same.
Harry, Neville and Professor Sprout head over and the woman asks: "And you're sure it can live inside that glass case?" I nod and say: "It has been for the last fourteen years." The woman nods and Harry mutters: "I can see a preservation rune written at the tip of the stem and at the end, it must resonate its energy through the flower."
The other two nod and then Harry cautiously looks my way and asks: "Would you mind if we pull off the case? I don't have to touch the rose to touch the runes, but touching them would allow me to grow them, so I can read them better." I feel at a two-battle and sigh, nodding and trusting Harry as he seems so unsure of his actions.
Harry nods back and I can tell by the look in his eyes that he feels very grateful as he turns back and gently, letting Neville and the woman cast levitation spells on the case to help him, he lifts the case and puts it on the ground, where the other two start putting protective enchantments on it, while Harry focuses back on the rose.
Harry's POV
Runes like these are unlike any I have ever seen and while I have been able to slowly start seeing the runes engraved in just about every stone brick of Hogwarts, were they always too vague for me to properly read. But these Runes are much more clear and I almost feel as if I can read them, even if I had still needed glasses.
I walk around the table very carefully, casting a sticking spell on the legs to make sure I don't accidentally touch and disturb it and then say: "I think I can see something here, but I'm – I'm not sure." The Beast nods, sitting on what appears to be some remnants of his old bed and says: "Take your time, I trust you."
I look at him shocked and then shake my head and focus back on the rose. I gently, ever so carefully, touch the edge of the table where the Rose has tilted to and bend my back to look closer into the core of the flower itself, seeing something that shocks me deeply and makes me feel embarrassed as I realize what I'm seeing.
I cough and say: "Ehem, eeeh Beast?" The Beast grumbles and I ask: "Have you ever noticed anything about the core of this flower?" And Beast answers: "Just that is started to sparkle more after I tried to get Belle to leave because Xaldin had my flower and she stole it back for me before accepting to stay on my request."
I nod and say: "Ahaa." Everyone now looks at me and I try not to cringe as I say: "Well, if I have to go by this little rune that I found in the core, it seems that that acceptation has changed the spellwork a little." Beast stands up and asks: "Changed it, how?" And I gulp, turning away from the rune as I feel embarrassed and ask:
"Belle and you love each other and that has been vocally proclaimed a few times by now, right?" Beast nods and I say: "Well, probably because it hadn't been done on these grounds or in the vicinity of the Rose, did those proclamations change the spellwork, making it a little more complex – relation wise, so to say."
Everyone looks at me and I take a deep breath as I say: "You have to let Belle accept to marry you." Everyone looks shocked and I say: "It's a Wedding Night Rune. It's attached to the changing and breaking runes that are slightly active and non-active each, and means that you'll change back on your wedding night."
Beast collapses on his bed and asks: "A – a wedding night? I – I always thought I'd – I'd be human by the time I'd marry Belle. I can't marry looking like this." To this I feel a shudder in the Runes and I look at them as I say: "And that must be why you're still a Beast and why the Rose hasn't undone the transformation spell yet."
Beast looks at me and I say: "You can accept that Belle loves you and you accept that you love Belle, but you've yet to accept that your current looks are part of why she fell for you. You're still disgusted by your own looks and that – that lack of personal love – is what's causing for the Rose to keep you in this state."
Beast looks shocked and I say: "I don't like it either, but it's the way the cookie crumbles as they say in my world. The Rose has runes at just about every petal and every inch of the stem and they're all linked together this way. Marry Belle and the spell will be broken." Beast looks at me and I shrug as he sighs, his head low.
Belle's POV
I can already guess that the three have failed in finding an immediate cure as Beast comes back into the Hall, still with his amazing wild fur and deep blue eyes, hidden inside deep cheekbones and under thick furry eyebrows, the fur slightly ruffled, making me know he's worried about whatever they discovered about the curse.
Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Chip all hop over to the Beast and he softly converses with them, apparently shocking them with the news, before large smiles appear on all their faces and I wonder what could be so good for them and bad for the Beast at the same time. Then I see the Beast talk again and read his lips as he mutters:
"Don't let Belle know about this." And I feel angry, until I see Lumiere winking at his master, making me know the surprise won't be a bad one. I smile as the Beast approaches me and ask: "Did you find a cure?" And Beast gulps before he mumbles: "You – ehm – you can say that." This confuses me and I wonder why he sounds so agitated.
Then Harry and Neville walk in with Professor Sprout and Neville says: "You really have to sign in for Ancient Runes next year, Harry. Heck, if you do some Independent studies this summer you might even be able to teach those that have trouble with the class, if you'd like." And Harry turns red at the compliments, making me smile.
He then says: "I would like that second idea, Neville. The class –." He cringes and says: "More of a personal matter." Neville sighs and asks: "Dursleys?" And Harry nods and answers: "It's the toughest class of all, next to Potions and Care of Magical Creatures, that is. It's just something I haven't fully pushed out of my system, so to say."
Neville nods and Harry asks: "Did you read on?" But we all shake our heads and I say: "I showed some of the more fashion and history fanatic students some of my evening gowns." Harry nods as I twirl, holding the skirt of my new pink dress with dark pink bodice and soft pink ribbon going down the front of my skirt.
Harry smiles and sits back down on his sleeping bag, Viktor quickly taking a seat behind him and asking: "Your parents?" And Harry turns red as he turns his eyes skyward and says: "Still busy as far as we could hear." Then Ron says: "Let's read." And everyone laughs at his red face as he keeps his face turned away from the couple.
Arthur's POV
I laugh along with the rest as my son seems to be feeling a little awkward hearing that stuff and I wonder if he'll ever get a relationship as both Harry and Hermione are now dating. Hoping for the best for my son, I take the book and say: "I'll read." Already knowing I'll play a huge part at the end of this chapter as I start.
The Leaky … he fancied. Only at Hogwarts as last year Mrs. Weasley had been mostly shoving food on his plate instead of letting him dish things for himself – something that often made him puke his stomach empty an hour later.
"I really hate that woman, no offence Weasleys." Blaise says, but then Fred says: "Get in line." And George ends: "It's a long one." To which Belle asks: "It – it can't be –." But Ron interrupts her and says: "Wait for the start of the next chapter. You'll have your evidence." Our host looks shocked and I continue the reading.
He could … Muggle world, this need to keep his promise fueled by the fear of meeting the Dursleys somewhere down Charing Cross Road.
"HEY, we forgot something!" Ron suddenly shouts and he goes on: "We were supposed to go to the movies!" And McGonagall says: "We haven't forgotten, Mr. Weasley, the teachers are simply trying to find out how to best get everyone here to the movies without drawing the Muggles' attention." Ron nods and Belle asks: "Movies?"
And Ron says: "Ask Harry." Shocking Hermione temporarily as Harry shows Belle his picture book and then says: "Just imagine all kinds of things happening on this little screen, the screen the size of that glassed wall and someone's imagination having gone wild on it. That's pretty much what a movie is all about."
Belle nods and says: "That's incredible. And they really move?" Harry nods and says: "It's just people performing certain acts that are part of the written script – just imagine it like one of your books shown on a screen." The girl now looks amazed and asks: "That's possible?" Harry nods and I happily read on.
Harry ate … Transfiguration Today – a paper Harry liked to read in too if the wizards were to accidentally leave it; wild-looking warlocks … woolen balaclava.
"Your world sounds like so many of the books I used to read when still in the village. It's amazing." Belle says, eyes wide as she looks at me while I'm reading and I smile while Sora whispers: "We should invite our friends to their world once all this is over." And Riku nods, while pulling Sora closer to him as I read on.
After breakfast … in Azkaban.")
This makes Harry once again look at the doors in worry and Viktor hugs him close as he says: "Don't worry, your parents will never leave you again, they know you need them." This makes me smile in pride as Harry's worried frown is changed into a grateful smile and he kisses Viktor on the cheek softly before I read on.
Harry didn't … half hour.
"He really did that?" Ron asks shocked and Harry nods and says: "And he even helped me with that little ten minutes time incident.""HE DID?" The teachers ask in shock and Harry nods as he says: "Opened the back room of his store half an hour after closing time every night to give me some private grieving time."
He then looks down and says: "I really needed that. It hardened me and made sure I still believed that someone out there could show up to, one day, show me the love I so badly wanted." Now Belle looks worried and the Beast looks furious as he must be hating those Muggles for doing that to poor Harry, just like the rest of us.
Viktor then pulls Harry closer and whispers: "There are more people in this room that care for you than there can ever be people that don't, Harry. You just make people like you, even if they don't want to. They respect you and from that respect always grows a caring heart." Harry smiles at his sweet words and softly says:
"I can't bless the Gods enough that you were chosen as my Potter Mate. You were exactly what I needed." Viktor cuddles with him and whispers: "You shouldn't need it, Harry, but you definitely deserve it." And everyone around them nods in agreement, Beast now looking calm again and smiling as he listens to my reading.
Once Harry … at once. He also had the weird feeling that it wasn't a coincidence that Griphook had, yet again, been the one to take him to his vault, but decided that that was a problem he would solve at a later date.
"Am I the only one who thinks that this will play a major role in future books?" Ron asks and all his brothers shake their heads as Bill says: "There is no chance that Griphook would be mentioned if he didn't have a more important role to play than just that one paragraph." And with lead in my heart do I agree with my son and do I read on.
He had … Astronomy lesson.
"Which would have been sincerely too bad, Mr. Potter, seeing as how you've got your mother, Sirius', talent in the subject. Of course, if I were to go by the talents of your parents, you would have a talent all of your own, which is most important." Aurora Sinistra, the Astronomy teacher says and Harry smiles at her as I read on.
But the … would cost.
"I can assure you, Mr. Potter, that the Firebolt would have barely made a dent in your full monetary assets." McGonagall says and Harry asks: "Are – are you sure?" And Narcissa answers: "Harry dear, you would have been able to provide for all Houses and still have enough money to last another century or two."
The young lad looks at his aunt through Sirius in shock and asks: "I – I have – I have that – that much money?" Narcissa nods and smiles at him as she says: "Next three day break, I'll make sure to take you to have a look at your assets. Merlin knows it's a highly overdue visit." The boy keeps looking at her in shock and I read on.
He had … broom already?
"You'll make a fine holder of your assets, Harry dear. You'll definitely do your parents proud." Narcissa tells the young man and I nod as I know that my ancestor – who lost us all our money – didn't have half the amazing endurance Harry has, let alone the personal strength to hold back and with a proud smile do I read on.
Harry didn't … Potions' ingredients along with having a quick talk with the owner to thank him in person for all the business they had been sharing for the last two years as Harry hadn't been able to pluck up the courage to do so last time, and his … new ones, along with allowing himself one amazing t-shirt with a beautiful white deer on the shoulder.
"You always wear that shirt. You love that shirt." Hermione tells Harry happily and Harry pulls open his thin sweater and says: "I'm even wearing it now." And we all see the forest green shirt with white deer on the right shoulder under the sweater. This makes Hermione and Ron look at each other and they burst out laughing.
Sora, who has come to sit next to Harry together with Riku, Roxas and Axel, leans to the left and leans on his lower arms as he examines the shirt and says: "Amazing how that fabric still looks so thick and strong after more than a year." And Harry says: "Long live the House elves." Making Hermione cringe a little as I read on.
Most important … Divination. Harry, who was still wishing he could have taken Ancient Runes, got a … snapping aggressively.
"Eeeeeeeeehhhh." Roxas and Sora say together and Riku says: "No offense, but wouldn't it have been better to put those books in smaller cages and set those cages up on one another?" To which Harry says: "Tell that to the owner, although I don't think he will thank you for it, two years late." The three boys laugh at this and I read on.
Harry pulled … new pet.
"I'm guessing you still had nightmares of Aragog?" Hagrid asks with his head down, while I suddenly notice how close Madam Maxine is sitting to him and Ron says: "I sure did. Dad tried to get me to see a Mind Healer several times that summer." To which Hermione asks: "Why didn't you?" And Ron growls furiously:
"Three times a guess." This shocks Hermione and she says: "No way – she wouldn't. You're her son." But then Ron says: "Hermione, you know most of my insecurity comes from everything that woman has done to belittle me. Are you really that surprised?" The girl shakes her head and I curse Molly No-Name once again as I read on.
As Harry … this morning –"
"And two of them were of students not even telling him they already had those books before he was bitten." Harry growls and Hermione asks: "How do you know that?" And Harry spats: "I heard them laugh about it, while working on my homework at Florean's." Shocking the girl and I shake my head at that behavior before reading on.
A loud … it apart. Harry saw a pair of what appeared to be Sixth years watching it and laughing behind their hands and wondered about that, but got his focus pulled back to the cage a moment later.
"Stop it … his booklist, while ignoring the boys outside that apparently heard the man through the open door and were laughing even harder now. "I need … Turn Foul.
"And we wonder why Trelawney is such a doomsday Seer, with those books available to her? It's no wonder she started that first lesson so gloomy." Ron tells Hermione and Harry, only to be hit on the head by Parvati, who sits behind the group with Padma and Lavender and she angrily asks: "How can you say that?"
And Ron turns an upraised eyebrow at her and says: "Maybe because she predicts Harry's death just about every lesson. You know, after the four or fifteenth time of hearing such a thing, that class loses its credibility in my eyes." The two girls – Lavender and Parvati – huff, while Padma rolls her eyes at her sister and I read on.
"Here you … wasn't listening.
"Oh no, what caught his attention this time?" McGonagall asks, but then Harry snickers and says: "My mum." And a young second year asks: "Sirius Black was there?" And Harry smiles at her as she had seemed terrified and says: "Not in person, no." Confusing the girl so much she forgets her fear and I shake my head before reading on.
His eyes … gleaming eyes.
Now everyone who has seen Sirius' transformation and remembers it from back when we were reading the fourth book looks shocked and then the girl says: "Oh so that's what you meant." And Harry has a large grin on his face as he nods at the girl, making her blush softly before she turns her head the other way.
Then Sora says: "I don't get it. What does that dog have to do with Sirius?" And Harry answers: "Sirius is a Dog Animagus that is often referred to as the Grim. He looks just like the dog on that cover so." The Keyblade Wielder nods in understanding and Axel says: "That's pretty neat. Are there others too?"
And McGonagall changes into a cat and back, to the wide eyes of Sora and Roxas and the intrigued eyes of Riku and Axel. The two then suddenly share a glance and Axel says: "Hey Riku, am I the only one feeling as if something's missing?" And while everyone looks at them confused, does Riku shake his head and say:
"No, I feel it too. Must be something related to the Polyjuice Potion chapter." The two smirk at each other and then suddenly Sora and Roxas shout as they are lifted off their seats on the rug and put on their boyfriend's laps, Riku and Axel holding them ever so close and saying in chorus: "Yes, this is much, much better."
Everyone looks at the two couples in shock and then my twin boys are the first to start snickering, Lee following them and when Collin takes a picture, first of Sora and then of Roxas, does everyone burst out laughing and do Axel and Riku kiss Sora and Roxas, probably to take the younger boys' minds off their embarrassment.
Axel's POV
"This was so overdue." I think as my lips hungrily lick and peck at those of my beloved Roxas, the amazing blonde giving as much as he takes and the heart I have known I have beats in my chest like a drum, making me long for more and more of that delicious blonde on my lap, even while I know we only just got together.
This is definitely not helped by the fact that Roxas has a firm hand tied in the back of my hair or that his position brings the fire of passion up within me worse than when he and I are fighting a powerful Heartless together and I have to work my hardest not to make a sound that can indicate what I actually want to do with him.
Still the idea of having to mind the young and innocent minds of the many eleven, twelve and thirteen year olds around me drives me crazy and I finally pull my lips from those divine, ever so tempting lips and ask the group around me: "Does anyone object to a break after this chapter?" To which everyone shakes their heads and I smile.
Then Roxas cuddles closer and says: "You're right, Axel, we all need a quick break. Especially those in love." I smile at my beautiful boyfriend, the love of my life smiling back at me before burying his sweet, blonde haired face in my chest and I try ever so hard to forget what I can do with him while we're in this position together.
Roxas' POV
To have Axel kiss me so out of the blue after confusing me with that little act he and Riku played up makes me fall in love with the exuberant Flurry of Dancing Flames all over again, something that often happened during our one on one time at the Clocktower and I can't help but cuddle deeper into his warm embrace.
To be held by those powerful, muscular, divine arms is something I know I have been wanting since I first fell for the Fiery Nobody and to know that he actually loves me back is something I still – after 3 days – can't get my head around, even with all the signs of love Axel showed me – especially after our return to the Great Hall.
I try to see if he's looking at me and feel stupid, because I should have known that Axel only has eyes for me after that amazing make-out session. I lock eye-contact with him and while feeling as if I'm being caught and held by a gigantic emerald surrounded by fire and trying not to drown in it, do I softly lie a hand on my stomach.
The idea that – if Axel and I ever make love – I can actually be capable of carrying his child has seemed impossible to me until I met Harry and now the knowledge won't disappear out of my head and neither will the image of me lying on a large bed with Axel lying closely next to me and our baby held in my arms.
I shake my head and try not to let it be too obvious that the idea of Axel inside me turns me on, let alone the idea of the possible consequences and then, realizing that I'm losing sight of where we are, I softly reward Axel for his sweet and amazing gesture of love and romance and peck him on the lips ever so shortly.
Sora's POV
I just know that Roxas and I are sharing a mind right now, just like Riku and Axel were when they overwhelmed us with that sudden kiss. How I know is that I am sitting in mirror stance to the boy and while Riku has his head on top of mine and is softly carding through my hair, am I looking at the blonde sitting next to me.
Roxas has his eyes firmly locked with Axel's, but I can tell that it's just to distract the redhead as Roxas slowly lies a hand on his stomach, the same place we found out that we can carry children three days ago. The funny thing is that Roxas' attempt to distract Axel is failing as the redhead sees the gesture and smiles.
Then Roxas quickly and shortly pecks Axel on the lips and I smile at this as I whisper: "How many times did I wish I could do that with you." And Riku asks: "How many?" I sigh and say: "Pretty much every day after we reunited at the Organization's Stronghold, along with the self-blaming on that I didn't act out then."
Riku laughs and says: "Sora, if I had even slightly responded to how I felt, you wouldn't have just caught a Paopu fruit that day when we decided to build a raft and journey off our islands." I look at him shocked and he says: "As I said, I was jealous of the fact Kairi had your heart – or so I've been thinking these last two years."
He then kisses me again and whispers against my lips: "And I have been thanking Kingdom Hearts every day for the last four that I was wrong. I love you so much, Sora, you are the Light I fight for." I smile and say: "Remember that woman we met when I was four and we did that race from the docks to the beach?"
Riku nods and I lie my head down on his chest as I say: "I made you and her a promise that day, remember? That if you were to get lost or wander down a dark path alone, I would be there to protect you and keep you safe, remember? I never really said it, I know that, but I know she could see in my eyes that I would do it."
Riku smiles down at me and while I can't see it, do I feel it with my whole body as I say: "I will always protect you, Riku, just like you always protected me. Like – when I was asleep for that entire year." The soft petting of my hair is indication that Riku is listening and I feel calm and loved, burying myself deeper in his embrace.
Riku's POV
"That Sora still remembers that woman. We never even got to know her name." I think silently, again amazed at the person that is my Sora. Then I remember the other person we met during those days and ask: "Remember that man I wouldn't tell you about, because he and I shared a secret and he swore me not to tell?"
Sora nods, his head moving softly against my chest and warming me from the inside as I say: "He's the one who made me a Keyblade Wielder." Sora looks at me in pure shock and I nod as I say: "Yeah, he let me hold his Keyblade after this weird chant he made and when I held it, it almost felt as if it was my Keyblade."
Sora looks on in pure shock and then he looks down and asks: "Remember what Braig said in my dream? About the Keyblade having only chosen me because of how meeting other people makes me strong? I – I don't think that was the only reason it chose me." This makes me smile at my beautiful love and I turn his face to mine.
His azure blue eyes are actually dark with a hidden pain and I feel for him as I say: "You're right, it's also because you make us strong. You are the Light of the entire world, Sora, by just being who you are. And because that Light makes others feel strong, did the Keyblade know for sure you were the right one for its use."
The brown haired boy smiles at me and he says: "And because of that heart I keep stored within my own." I look shocked and he asks: "Remember that –." But then I notice how people are looking at us and I whisper in his ear: "We'll talk later." Sora shivering at the tone, but nodding and I give Arthur the Good to go sign.
Arthur's POV
The act Axel and Riku put up is definitely humorous, but I can't help feel envious of how easily they have found their true loves as it seems that the two have always known who they belong with. I then shake my head, not wanting to think of that horrid woman and how terribly she treated my children and quickly read on.
It looked … several people.
"I remember that. I was shopping with my mum because she was out of Potions ingredients and we saw you. I tried calling you, but mum said that you looked as if you just saw the Grim. Apparently, in a way, she was right." Seamus says and Harry laughs at this, which makes Vicktor, myself and many others smile before I read on.
He tramped … wheezy voice.
Harry shook his head and looked at the books, only to remember that there was still small list he had made of books he had read in the Hogwarts library that he really wanted to buy and he shook his head, he wasn't going to go back – yet.
"Never really did go back. Don't know why I didn't, but – wait, I do remember thinking that, but the next day it felt as if that decision had been made by Hermione and I had heard her talking about it." Harry says shocked and Viktor growls as I mutter: "Dumbles must have been keeping an eye on you during your stay."
This makes Harry shiver and he looks down and whimpers: "Why won't that man just leave me alone? Why is he so determined to ruin my life? Ruin who I am?" No one has an answer and Viktor cuddles him close, but I know who the boy really needs right now and look out through the closed doors to the hall while thinking:
"I know you've only been together for so long, Remus, but please. Control your Heat and come here quick. Your son needs you." I then look at my own and whisper: "And mine need a mother." Sparring a very short glance at Amelia, before looking back at my sons, only to see Bill look at me with a look that says he heard me.
He then looks at Amelia herself and after a few minutes of looking, in which I pretend to reread what I read before, does he look back and over the top of the book, do I see my son smile at me supportively. Tears appear in my eyes at the fact that my son accepts a new mother so quickly and I smile back at him before reading on.
As the … or Hermione if only to forget about the dog he saw and to remind Hermione of her wish to buy some books she had read about in the Hogwarts library.
Plenty of … Blotts. Harry, who had considered Neville his older brother since an incident in first year, didn't stop … formidable-looking grandmother.
Yet as he wanted to try and ignore it, did he remember what had happened as he had been picked up by the Knight Bus and sighed, turned around and, as he passed the two, he whisper-muttered: "Got to remember to head for the Owl Emporium before I leave." And while he hid himself by merging with a small group of shoppers, did he see Neville look up before he turned and actually fled into said Emporium. And the look on his grandmother's face proved she understood why, making him feel better as he thought: "That ought to calm the woman down."
And with that did he start walking the other way, cringing as he remembered the way Lady Longbottom had been publicly talking down on her grandson and vouching he would help Neville's confidence back up once the school year had started.
This makes the round-faced boy smile at the young lad and he says: "So that's why you constantly sat with me during meals. I thought it was because you wanted to show the school about our friendship. Do like this reason better." Harry smiles, but then shakes his head and Viktor whispers something to which Harry shakes his head again.
The elder boy sighs and stands up, lifting a startled Harry into his arms and he asks the Beast: "Where is the nearest bedroom? My mate needs some sleep." Beast tilts his head and Harry says: "Dreamless Sleep makes it easier for me to be exhausted unless I drink it during the night. Strange allergic reaction or something."
The Beast nods and stands up, running a loving hand over Belle's back and Belle smiles as Beast leads the two out of the room. I personally worry for Harry as he seems more and more sleepy the longer we read and suddenly a terrible thought enters my mind and I whisper: "Great Merlin's beard, please let me be wrong."
Everyone looks at me and Charlie asks: "What's wrong, dad?" And I ask: "Has anyone else noticed how Harry seems to get more and more tired the more we read?" The rest of the entire group looks at each other and Filius says: "Well, now that you mention it, he really does, doesn't he?" And everyone else nods and I ask:
"Does anyone know how old the last person was who used this Time Reading Spell?" And a young Seventh year Ravenclaw says: "I read about that after the first book. The last person to use this spell was 37 and –." Then the girl whitens and gasps, confirming my worst fears as I ask: "He died at the end of the reading, didn't he?"
The rest of the school along with the Beauxbattons and Durmstrang students look shocked and the girl shakes her head and says: "No, but he didn't have seven books. He had three and he slept for a month at the end of the third." This does not console the students around us and Ginny asks: "Is there – is there anything we can do?"
I nod and say: "We have to put up a bedtime for Harry. If he can catch up with the many hours of sleep he must have missed while practicing for the Tournament, then he can easily sleep enough hours to stay awake and healthy during the few hours we will spend reading." This makes everyone nod in agreement and Axel says:
"I can help." Everyone looks at him and he says: "If your bed feels nice and warm, you sleep better. I can use my Fire Powers to make sure the bed is exactly the right temperature for Harry to sleep many, many hours." Everyone smiles at this idea and Roxas kisses his cheek in pride, making the redhead smile widely.
Then Minerva says: "So it's decided. We will lessen the amount of time we read the books during the day, make sure we have at least three hours a day to ourselves – meals not included – and Mr. Potter will make long hours of rest during the night to make sure he stays healthy no matter how much the spell can affect him."
Everyone nods and I just know that Sirius and Remus are going to flip if they hear what the spell does to their son. Really hoping they will come back soon, as their son is starting to need them more and more, do I spare yet another glance at the door, just when Beast walks through them and after Belle tells him of our decision, do I read on.
Harry hoped … of Magic, even if that encounter gave him a chance to help his friend escape her wrath later on.
With only three days left before the school started again, did Harry again visit Quidditch Quality Supplies and suddenly he saw something new on the Seeker department of the store; a book called Healthy And Small; The Fittest Way For Every Seeker To Shine by Gwendolyn Morgan, who Harry knew had been a famous Team Captain for the Hollyhead Harpies in the 1950's and a trainer for other players after her retirement of the team.
Instantly Harry reached deep into his money pouch, but to his shock the book only costed 3 Sickles and so he quickly bought an entire set, deciding to keep the rest of the set at Hogwarts for after his graduation.
"So that's how that crazy set arrived in my library. I've been wondering about that for almost two years now." Irma Pince says, actually smiling humorously and Minerva asks: "What do you mean, Irma? Didn't you do a check on them to see who bought them?" The strict-looking woman shakes her head and says:
"I had already bought myself a copy and wondered who else had done so. I just thought that one of the Hogwarts Quidditch teams had done it for if they ever got a Reserve team, but I always wondered who would get their entire team to do that. I did ask the Captains, but they told me they had no idea." Minerva nods and I read on.
Harry woke … up, dressed, did some of the exercises his new book recommended, went for … he turned.
"He really did those exercises every morning. We even went along with him a few times, but then I decided I wanted to be Keeper, so I stopped." Ron tells the rest of us smiling and Dean says: "Those group exercises sure were fun." And the other two dorm mates nod, while everyone smiles at them and I happily read on.
"Harry! HARRY!" … Aunt Marge. Harry could only hope he hadn't heard of what happened the night before, but knew that Uncle Vernon wasn't stupid enough to prance around about that in front of people he considered freaky and wrong.
"I hate the fact that Harry's right. We really didn't hear a thing about why Potter did it, the Dursleys were very adamant on that." Arthur growls and Amelia says: "Don't worry, Arthur, after questioning Albus like I did, did I make sure to have a quick and very thorough visit around the Dursley residence, with them under custody, naturally."
This makes me smile at the woman and Cornelius says: "But wait, you didn't even know about this yet." And Amelia says: "That's true, but locking a teenage wizard in his room, the sex toy Mr. Potter showed us and the starvation were plenty enough for my Department to have a valiant reason for arresting all of them."
The man nods and says: "Good job, Amelia. And where are they?" And Amelia makes my day as she says: "Still at their home, but they are under constant surveillance. And if they commit any more sins, an Unspeakable will set them straight, while my Auror will write down the crime in a report." Cornelius nods and I read on.
"Did you … lost control." And instantly after this, Harry ordered a big sundae, just to forget about the reasons as to why he did lose control as it still made him shudder.
"It's not … be arrested." 'Something he wouldn't have minded, had it meant he could be arrested together with Uncle Vernon and Aunt Marge' Harry thought but didn't say. He then shook his head and looked at … killed me.
"Unless it was Aunt Muriel, then even that woman would have praised you for doing it." The twins chorus and Ron looks at them as he asks: "You really think that? With dad working at the Ministry and her putting so much pressure on that all the time." The twins cringe and mutter: "Good point." While I growl and think:
"That woman! She must have somehow forced me into that job, just to make sure she could hang it over the heads of my poor kids. I really need to make sure that whoever I end up with –." I spare a short glance at Amelia and think: "She and I agree to work together on how to raise my kids." And with that decision do I read on.
Anyway, you … unicorn tail-hair.
"Wait, unicorn tail hair?" Charlie suddenly asks shocked and Ron nods and asks: "Yeah, why?" And Charlie says: "Because my old wand had a unicorn hair too. That must have been the thing that actually made sure you could still use it. Had it been something else, it would have been broken long before your second."
Ron looks shocked and Minerva says: "That does make sense. And Mr. Longbottom has a lot more trouble with his wand, so I'm guessing it's just the wood that's the same as a identical set of cores must have a different effect on magic than an identical set of wood." Everyone nods and the woman asks:
"Mr. Longbottom, have you written your grandmother about this yet?" Neville shakes his head and says: "Gran is always abroad the last few days before school ends. She says it's to make sure she is focused enough for the both of us." This makes me growl and I mutter: "And she wonders how you have no self-confidence."
The boy lowers his head in shame and I go on: "It is not your fault, Neville. Your gran sees someone in you that isn't there and she tries pushing that person out of you instead of letting you be yourself. She's no better than all those Boy-Who-Lived fans and needs to realize that." Neville smiles at me shyly and I read on, smiling.
And we've … Hermione earnestly.
"It would have been, if the Board of Governors allowed me a little more leisure, like field trips and an excursion to Muggle Museums, like my predecessors have been asking to do for the last thirty years." Charity growls angrily and Lucius shocks me as he asks: "What are you talking about? We never got any of those requests."
The woman looks at him shocked and then shouts: "DAMN YOU, DUMBLEDORE!" Everyone looks at her shocked and she says: "My predecessor always told me to take these requests to Dumbledore, because he loved Muggles so much. I did, but he never forwarded it to the Board. He deliberately kept our class outdated."
Everyone looks shocked and Minerva asks: "Why are we still surprised? That monster has been ruining the life of one of our own for almost fifteen years now and even ruined the life of a student fifty years ago and still we are surprised when something new about that bastard comes to the light. Why is that?"
We all look at each other and then Sora says: "Perhaps because you have been loyal to him for so long, it takes you more time than you had expected to really – with your hearts – accept that he was not the Light Hero you thought he was." This makes us all look at each other and then Hermione shrugs and says:
"He did carry the title of being our leader and hero since he defeated Grindelwald. And that was exactly 50 years ago now, so – well – he did have an amazing amount of time to let that reputation grow and all." Everyone nods at the girl, all of us looking slightly uncomfortable with this and I sigh before reading on.
"Are you planning to eat or sleep at all this year, Hermione?" asked Harry, taking a last bite from his sundae, Florean having recognized him and having added extra chocolate, just the way he liked it, while Ron sniggered. Hermione ignored them.
Yet many of the adults smirk at each other and Minerva asks: "Was that boy living up to his future as Remus' son or something there?" Yet Poppy seems not to share the joke as she says: "Chocolate helps with many a mental or emotional trauma. This was no different." And her colleague grimaces before she nods as I read on.
"I've still … with him."
"Ohoooh, something didn't agree with him, but it wasn't Egypt." Ron growls and Percy asks: "So now we'll finally find out what happened to Scabbers?" But then Ginny asks: "What do you mean, what happened? Crookshanks ate him, didn't he?" But Percy shakes his head and says: "Hagrid told me he found him.
He said he had given him back to Ron on the day Sirius escaped captivity, but I never saw Ron come back to the common room with him, so." The girl nods and I look at my youngest son, who seems to get angrier the longer we talk about his old, lost pet. Wondering what could be behind that anger, do I quickly read on.
Scabbers was … her owl." He knew he should have reminded her of the books she wanted to buy, but decided to just take her to Flourish and Blotts later as she would surely remember as soon as she went to the bookstore.
"So why didn't we see those books in Hermione's trunk, other than that it was actually Harry who wanted to buy them and not Hermione?" Lavender asks in confusion and Hermione says: "Something – or better said someone – conveniently came into our path. A convenient someone, indeed." And she smiles very widely as she says this.
The girl looks confused and asks: "Who?" And Ron says: "Someone who got my irritation without deserving it all year. And that –." He says with a raised hand as Lavender tries opening her mouth again and he says: "Is all the hints you will get." The girl pouts while the twins snicker at the entire situation and I read on.
So they paid for their ice-creams, Ron and Hermione patiently waiting as Harry gulped down the molten chocolate sauce that was in the bowl, and crossed … or hissing. Harry secretly felt slightly awkward, but as he hadn't seen the inside of his cupboard in over two years could he happily conclude that the claustrophobia Erica had diagnosed him with was definitely becoming a part of his – as he called it – dark Muggle past. This in itself made him smile in fascination as he was able to have another good look around.
"When did you diagnose him with that?" Poppy asks shocked and Erica says: "Soon after he came into my class, when he was just a little, sick toddler of five years old." This shocks everyone in the room and Belle asks: "And it has since then been disappearing?" But Erica shakes her head and says: "Only the last two years."
"What happened before that?" The small cup named Chip asks and Erica cringes as she says: "Before that something about his homelife only worsened it and I could never have him in my classroom when the desk was near a cupboard or closet of any kind." This makes the cup cringe as well and the tea pot cuddles him softly as I read on.
The witch … bald tails.
Harry even heard some snakes at the far back of the store talk to each other, but kept his focus and therefore only caught parts of the conversation – but what he caught confused him, 'Four humans, four delicious humans. One of them easy to eat even, how delightful.' Harry didn't understand, but then something made him decide he didn't want to understand.
"The snakes actually knew that – no way, that is just too crazy." Ron says, strangely enough halting halfway through his sentence and Percy asks: "So you know what those snakes were talking about?" Ron nods and says: "It's a big part of the plot. Gets revealed at the end of the book." My third eldest nods and I read on, feeling curious.
The double-ended … her pocket.
"I really should have." Ron sighs with a shocking empathy and Hermione kids: "Listen to those with working experience, Ron, they always know best." To which the lad nods, while even Hermione's boyfriend, Blaise, looks at the two of them shocked and I feel myself wanting this book to end even quicker as I read on.
Ron lifted … especially woebegone.
"Amazing description. I'm sorry, but I can't stop saying it." Minerva says and she goes on: "How on earth is it possible for a child with such a talent for detail to write mediocre essays with normal grammar and a terrible sense of paragraphs?" To this everyone nods, understanding the woman's point and Mss. Crenson says:
"As I said, Harry had been taken from my class before he could learn proper grammar and I never really got to teach him everything he needs to write proper essays, because of that terrible deed Dudley performed when Harry was a little older." Everyone nods and the teachers shudder in remembered fear as I read on, feeling queasy.
"Hm," said … interesting powers.
"No wonder, the dirty." Ron tries to mumble, but then Hermione says: "Ron, they have already witnessed how terrible that rat can really be. They read about it at the start of this all. Don't make it worse by ruining the plot." This makes my son nod, even though I don't understand any more of what they're talking about and read on.
The witch's … of these..."
"Okay, she might not look it, but that woman really knows how to be a salesman. Trying to console a customer by letting him buy a new rat, that's business talk." Lucius says and Hermione says: "I wonder if Harry would ever be able to do that." To this Ron snorts and says: "No way, he carries his heart on his sleeve too much."
"But that's not essentially a bad thing, though." Narcissa says and she goes on: "Madam Mallekin is the most honest saleswoman in Diagon Alley and she has been so honest, she often insults her customers. Yet, she has been in the top rank of best salesmen in Diagon Alley for the last twelve years, or so I was told."
Ron looks at the woman interested and says: "I do remember Madam Mallekin insulting Percy when she said his school robes wouldn't match his hair color because he would probably be in Ravenclaw with his intelligence and that he should tone that down, but – yeah, I guess I see your point." The woman smiles and I read on.
She indicated … much – OUCH!"
"And there the brightest cat of England just entered the scene. No offence, Professor McGonagall." Ron says happily, but hastily at the end and the woman purses her lips and asks: "And how is this common cat smarter than I am?" And Ron answers: "He saw the truth with one glance, you didn't." Minerva feels confused and I read on.
Ron buckled … said Harry.
This makes just about everyone laugh and my sons moan: "Why? Why do we always miss it?" To which the Gryffindor Chasers, who sit near the two, shake their heads unknowingly, Angelina having her hands over her stomach and Katie and Alicia leaning over each other laughing. I look around and Beast asks:
"Is it really that funny?" To which I say: "We've had a few very rough chapters and last book almost didn't end well so I'm guessing that the students are easily tensed up lately and that their curiosity is so high from wanting to know about Scabbers that it suddenly snapped at that comment." The Beast nods and I read on.
"Where's Hermione … Hermione, glowing.
Then I suddenly cringe and say: "Hermione, you are not going to like this next part." And the girl sighs as she asks: "Will Harry ever give a flattering description to anyone?" But I shrug as the twins say: "Your descriptions this chapter weren't half bad." The bushy haired girl nods in agreement and I smile before reading on.
That was … brick wall.
"That – wasn't half-bad either. It started off nicely. It just ended with an insult." Hermione sighs and then Collin cringes and says: "Actually, that was my first opinion as well." The girl looks at him shocked and he says: "That's why I took the picture of him. I thought him cool for surviving such a run." Hermione groans and I read on.
Now that … wanted him."
"I think, Hermione, that Ron's problem was that girls could get into boys Dorms and you had already done that. He was probably expecting you to do it again and feared the consequences." Percy says and Ron mutters: "And I was right too." Making Hermione cringe, to which Blaise wraps an arm around her and I quickly read on.
"I wonder … their shopping. Harry had always cared more for Mr. Weasley than for Mrs. Weasley and that was mostly because Harry could see the hidden anger that boiled under the skin of the Weasley kids every time Mrs. Weasley came down on them – which was a lot of times and for the worst reasons. And to make matters worse, had Harry discovered that Mrs. Weasley also complained about her kids in her own bedroom, after midnight.
"I'm going to assume that this intro means we will be getting a lot to hear about that woman?" Amelia asks with a snarl and Susan looks at her shocked as she sighs and says: "I'm sorry, Arthur, but Susan already lost her parents and I hate anyone who hurts their family. I'm vehemently against it, but I should let it out on Molly."
But I shake my head and say: "Other than the fact that a thirteen year old sees more of the secrets of my family than I did and that it took me these books to see my wife for who she really is, do I not blame anyone for insulting that woman as she no longer carries any name for me." The woman nods and I turn to my sons.
Again deciding that they need a mother who is just and strict, I decide to just take a small step for now and ask: "Perhaps you can have some coffee with me before her trial so that you can prepare me for what I will be hearing about her?" The woman nods and says: "Of course, I'd be honored." Making me smile before I read on.
Mr. Weasley … at him. The dark black eyes – making Harry strangely enough think they're actually silver colored or something – were strangely smiling with small wrinkles around the edges and yet, Harry couldn't help but feel for the pain hidden behind – what he could only call – was a fake smiling face.
This makes Amelia and I share a shocked glance and then I ask: "Dobby, the paper with Sirius' picture, please." And the eager elf, that has been helping us from time to time, appears, showing me the picture. I quickly look at it, my shoulder warming up and making me know that Amelia is looking over my shoulder.
Looking at the man's picture, I can't help but feel stupid as I now see what Harry saw all those years ago. Then Amelia says: "Unbelievable that a thirteen year old sees something no one in the Ministry has been able to see for almost two years." To this the twins chorus: "THAT'S HARRY!" And I laugh before lying the paper down.
But then, when I look back up, I look straight in Amelia's eyes and I suddenly feel my magic shooting out of my core, hurting me as it seems to rip through my skull, at the same time that Amelia hisses and I see her magic erupting from her as well. The two beams, mine brownish red and hers navy blue, collide right above us.
Expecting a shock and an explosion and already reaching my hand into my robe for my wand, I am shocked when two creatures, a Silver Weasel and a Silver Eagle appear out of the beams and fly around each other, causing for two waves of light to create one intertwined beam of light to appear between us the higher they fly.
I look at the woman I am growing a crush on and see her looking back at me and when I see the same determination I am sure can be seen in my own eyes, do we nod in sync and do we both raise our wands at our ever rising Patroni as we chorus: "Houses Inter-Union – UNITE!" Two beams of light shoot from our wands and I say:
"I, Arthur William Weasley bind myself, my sons, my daughter and the future of my House to the House of Bones, the future of Amelia Susan Bones and the future of her niece, Susan Bones." And while everyone, including my four youngest look at me in shock, do I see pride and acceptance in the eyes of Bill, Charlie and Percy.
I smile at them and then Amelia says: "I, Amelia Susan Bones, bind myself, my niece and the future of my House to the House of Weasley, the future of Arthur William Weasley, the future of his sons and the future of his daughter, Ginerva Molly Weasley." And with that we chorus: "In name of Weasley and Bones. So we swear, so mote it be."
And two lights come from our wands and instantly connect themselves to the intermingled lights above us, blending with them and brightening their colors the higher our own beams rise. Finally they reach the Patroni and the two of them let out loud, happy screams before disappearing with one last sound wave.
Then the Beast stands up and with his hand on the left side of his chest does he says: "In name of my Castle and all its inhabitants, do I acknowledge the new Weasley-Bones House and do I welcome it to my Sanctuary and all its conveniences." Amelia and I bow to him in gratefulness and I whisper: "I'll explain later." To my four youngest.
They nod and Amelia does the same to Susan, the girl smiling with a nod and coming to sit with us together with Hannah, Justin, Ernie and all my sons, Ron, Fred, George and Ginny still looking slightly awkward. But Amelia gives them all a loving hug and they all smile at her afterwards, before I focus back on the reading.
"They still … so far."
"Ehem, isn't that extremely dangerous?" Fiana asks and she goes on: "I mean, if even those that are supposed to keep magic from being detected are pulled off their jobs, won't that endanger the Stature of Secrecy and all." Amelia and I share a shocked glance at hearing the woman speak such sense and I mutter worriedly:
"Thank goodness that madness only lasted a month." But then Cornelius says: "Actually, it lasted longer for other Departments, I just put up a certain time limit depending on how long incoming assignments and everything could wait with being handled." This makes my new bonded groan in frustration and I read on.
"Would we … more money –"
"I don't ever want to make money on that. Arresting an innocent man, what was I thinking?" Ron shouts in disgust and Hermione says: "Ron, there was no way you could have known Sirius was innocent at the time, or that he would do all the amazing things he did for Harry over the years. Don't blame yourself."
My son nods at her, but I can tell that he doesn't fully believe it and I think: "The number of people for which Sirius and Remus need to come back is steadily growing, it seems." And I sigh as it's quite obvious that this whole reading has become barely possible without its most prominent members and with that revelation do I read on.
"Don't be … girl, Ginny. Harry had to work hard, like last year, to keep his face from turning into a scowl as the woman was again harassing her daughter on not wearing a skirt or dress. Harry wondered if she would ever understand that you can't have one princess as your daughter if she has six sturdy male brothers to look up to.
"And don't you forget it." Ginny says with a wide smile and then Amelia asks: "How about a simple skirt during lunch, dinner or breakfast once a week. You can then wear real army clothes during the rest of that day. How's that sound?" And instantly my daughter looks like she just got appointed by the Holyhead Harpies.
"That's the same agreement she made with me when I left for Hogwarts." Susan says with a laugh and Hannah asks: "Why is that?" And Susan laughs: "Because I considered the skirts we girls have included into our uniforms enough for me to wear during the week." The two girls and my daughter snicker at this and I smile.
Looking from Amelia to my daughter, I can already tell that Amelia will bring Ginny to be the woman she is meant to be, the woman she would have definitely grown to be thanks to the many brothers she was raised with. Glad that that woman can no longer wrongly influence my baby girl's future, I smile at Amelia and read on.
Ginny, who … at him. Harry saw Mrs. Weasley shoot a glance between him and Ginny and could only barely hold himself back from rolling his eyes; her daughter was only twelve and already the woman seemed to be ready to marry her off. Harry silently shook his head; he would have none of it, he wouldn't bow to the woman's demands. Instead of that, did he kindly greet the girl back, making sure to keep things formal and friendly as to give a secret message to Mrs. Weasley; "Back off!"
This makes everyone laughs and Percy says: "Oops, misread that one." Everyone looks at him and he says: "It's probably next. I kind of behaved that way during the greeting, because I thought Harry was greeting Ginny like a Lord greets a Lady or an Heiress." Those looking at him nod in understanding and I smile at my son as I read.
Percy, however … the mayor.
"Okay, that was not my intention." Percy says blushing and then a wheezy voice says: "At least it helps Harry learn how to greet someone of high society." We all look at the double doors and see Sirius and Remus walk in, both with mangled clothes and their hair complete messes as they sit down near us.
We look at them shocked and Remus says: "When in Heat, werewolves usually hide out in forests, where there is fresh meet and lots to hunt, so they can provide for their starving mates. Here – we're kind of unable to do so, so we decided to have some meat and beef here while the reading goes on." We all nod and Beast says:
"I will have my staff prepare their finest meat and outside of our castle is still a large forest separating this castle from the small village Belle grew up in. It's the territory of many wolves, but if you stay close, Belle and my staff can tend to you, would you get injured. She did so with me during our first day of her stay here."
Belle shakes her head at this and says: "That, together with Christmas, was the only time we ever really fought, remember? I was still too curious for my own good and you were so full of hating yourself you easily got angry, only to regret it later." Beast smiles at her and moves over, sitting behind her as she says:
"I do regret shouting at you like I did, but I don't regret that fight. It brought us together and was the start of everything that brought us here today." Belle smiles at him as he softly lies a clawed hand on her cheek and she says: "So do I. And let's not forget that one time when Xaldin almost made us fight about me staying here."
This strangely enough makes Sora laugh and he says: "I sure won't forget that anytime soon." The two look at him in confusion and he says: "That right hook you gave Xaldin when he tried forcing Beast to choose between you and the Rose. I'll never forget the look on his face when you did that." And he laughs again.
Roxas, in the meantime, looks at Belle with wide eyes and so does Axel and the redhead asks: "You – you right-hooked Xaldin?" Belle nods in pride and I hear Axel whisper: "And they say that redheads have a temper." Which makes my twin sons chorus: "We do, and proud of it." Making everyone laugh before I read on.
"Very well … Percy scowled and Harry couldn't help but feel as if he just missed some important lesson, making him tilt his head Percy's way.
"That's enough, now," said Mrs. Weasley, causing for small scowls to appear on the faces of all Weasley sons and Harry, who was – thankfully – a master at hiding them, but he was still sad to see how good the twins were at hiding their scowls as well as they turned to face the demeaning woman.
"Mum!" said … with pride.
Harry looked at Percy and could see him trying not to shake his head in disgust. He gave the lad a small, almost invisible nod and was surprised to see tears appear behind the rimmed glasses of the elder boy, who turned his head away later, faking to clean his glasses.
"And last … his breath, making a confused Harry turn back to the conversation at hand.
"I don't … Ginny giggled, while Harry felt new anger for Mrs. Weasley as he knew it was impossible for McGonagall to name even one of the two twins Prefect as the woman knew perfectly well how amazingly brilliant the twins did everything together. Making even one of the two Prefect would break the two forever; as if forcing one of them to live in a castle like Hogwarts and the other the garden shed of his Uncle.
"Good description and very true." The twins chorus and Ron asks: "Why didn't that woman ever think of it that way?" And I answer angrily: "Because she only cared for power and how to best grab hold of it – with an iron fist of demeaning leadership, that is." My sons and daughter nod in agreement and I sigh before saying:
"Boys – I – I'm just –." But all of them shake their heads and Bill says: "You have nothing to apologize for, father. We should have confided our problems into you, you were our Head of House after all. We just didn't want to overload your workload, seeing all that woman and the Ministry already made you do."
My other children nod and I smile at them all in pride as Riku whispers: "A whole family of Keyblade Wielders if you ask me." And from the corner of my eye do I see Sora nod in agreement, together with Roxas and Axel. I smile at the four and then hug each of my sons one by one before sitting back with Amelia and reading on.
"You want … spotted us."
Harry had the strange urge that he had to follow Percy and ask him about that lesson he thought he had missed, but he had missed his friends so much, he decided to ask Percy later after he heard from Ron that he and Percy were sharing a room next to his.
"Okay, first of all, what I said came out totally wrong and was only meant to please that woman for as long as she was around as I was totally comfortable with Ginny looking up to you guys. Second of all, there is so much I had wanted to teach Harry that night, I just didn't want to ruin his night because I could see he had missed the others."
Percy explains us and Ron says: "So that's why you insisted on sitting close to him, you wanted to make sure he could learn from your actions." My son shrugs with a sheepish smile and then Sirius asks: "Speaking of which, where is Harry?" I cringe and Remus asks: "Did something happen?" Growling furiously.
I shake my head and say: "I just think that all those naps over the last few days and the fact that Harry is only fourteen makes the Time Reading Spell take a lot out of him, so he needs an upgrade on his energy and nutrition potions and needs to make sure he sleeps long hours during the night. Oh, and we need to cut down our reading time."
The two look at me worried and Sirius asks: "What – what happened?" And Beast says: "Harry just fell asleep only two chapters after having taken one of his own sleeping potions for that one chapter he dreaded so much." The two nod, Sirius still looking worried and Remus – obviously influenced by the werewolf – glares at the book.
I gulp and Sirius sees this, making him go and sit in Remus' lap, just when a living food cart rides through the double doors and with the teapot at the front, apparently in charge of riding the cart, does it stop in front of the two canines, many kinds of meat and beef laid out on precious china and still looking raw.
The two growl in appreciation and then my eyes widen as the plates jump off the food cart, only to land on the stone floor without even a scratch and they hop over to the two men as the teapot also jumps down and while the two start eating does the teapot say: "Back to the kitchen with you, off you go." And the cart leaves.
"I really think it will take a while before I can get used to this world." I mumble softly and mutter a quick apology to the Beast and Belle, who nod in understanding and then Sora says: "Yeah, I guess we kind of took you to a few of the most random worlds possible, didn't we? We'll try a little more comfortable world for you next time."
I smile at the lad, feeling like he could have easily been my son, he's grown that close to us in such a short time and then Riku mutters at me: "Amazing, isn't it? How quickly he nestles his way into your heart?" Sora looks at him affronted and Riku says: "Don't look like that, Sora. You know it's one of the things I love about you."
This causes for the frown on the lad's face to turn upside down and I shake my head at how easily Riku can cheer Sora up, how easily anything can cheer Sora up. Blaming his upraising at the islands, I feel relieved that all the adventures the lad has gone through hasn't changed that about him and with that thought, do I read on.
Dinner that … chocolate pudding. Tom had been serving Harry treacle tart the entire holiday, but he really enjoyed this as well – even if Tom had been persistent enough to put a small slice of the Tart on his plate together with the chocolate pudding.
"The Ministry's … said Fred.
This makes my son cringe and I feel for my third eldest as I say: "Fred, George, just because you don't like the titles of Prefect and Head Boy, doesn't mean that you don't hurt your brother's feelings when you make fun of the things he worked so hard to achieve. Don't let your differences cause for arguments between you three, alright?"
The two look shocked and then lower their heads as one of them mumbles: "Never saw it that way." And the other mumbles: "We just wanted our brother back." They then turn to their older brother and chorus: "We're sorry Percy. And we're sorry for what happens later on." Percy smiles at them and nods and I happily read on.
Everyone except … under pressure.
"That observations skill of his is going to be the death of him someday." Bill mutters worriedly and Fleur nods in agreement as I suddenly notice how close the Beauxbattons students are sitting to my family. Knowing it has nothing to do with the Champions being together as Harry's asleep, I smile at Bill and read on.
"Good job … my bed."
"I only did that because I wanted you to make some time for me. I thought if you didn't have a place to lie down and read, you'd turn to me and we'd be able to spend some time together. I didn't expect of you to tell on me." Ron mutters with a sulk and Percy cringes as he says: "I thought you did it to pester me, sorry Ron."
My two sons smile at each other and then Hermione asks: "Just one second, Percy, there is one thing I don't understand. If you hate that woman so much, even then, why did you tell on Ron to her?" But then I read on and say: "He didn't, I just didn't read the whole paragraph." The girl looks intrigued and I read on with a smile.
"You'd better … at Percy, but Percy was looking at Mr. Weasley and Harry realized that the comment was never meant as Percy telling on Ron to Mrs. Weasley, it was a way for Percy to converse with his father about family business.
Hermione smiles and Bill says: "I take it back, long live that observation skill." And all my sons laugh. I too smile at the group and then suddenly notice something. The twins have gone to sit with Angelina and Katie, Percy is sitting closer to Ron, who is sitting with Susan Bones, Bill is sitting with Fleur and Ginny is sitting next to Seamus.
Looking at my family and most of my kids having someone that could very well be their partners for life if the closeness is anything to go by, I look at Charlie and see that he seems obvious to it, yet I can easily see that's because Aaron has noticed it and decided to take action on it. At this I smile at the two and then start reading on.
After dinner … on Harry, who tried not to take a step back in sudden shock.
"So's Scabbers's … went downstairs. He could still feel Percy and Ron glaring at each other in the hallway and it caused silent shivers to run down his back. He shook his head to suppress it and left for the bar.
Now my two sons look at each other in shame and lower their heads together and I sigh and say: "Harry needs more personal help as a child than I thought." This makes his actual parents look at each other worried and I know that – each for their own reasons – they both doubt whether they themselves are up to the job.
I smile at the two and say: "And if anyone can help that little guy it's the one teacher that stimulates his talents and the one man that loves him more than anyone in the world." The two men smile at me and Amelia says: "And you'll have our families to help you." And all my sons and two daughters nod in agreement.
The two smile even wider and then Beast says: "I'll lead you to where I left Harry to rest. He should wake any minute now." Sirius and Remus smile at him and Remus says: "Thanks, but we have to finish what is left of my Heat or we might lose control in front of him." Which in turn makes us all whiten in fear.
Sirius looks around confused and asks: "What? What's wrong?" I sigh and mark my page before paging back to where we read about the night before Marge was blown up. Finding the page, I give it to Sirius and the two read it, Remus reading along over Sirius' shoulder and Sirius' grip tightening the more he reads.
Finally he roars in anger and Remus lets out a howl that almost makes me wonder how he hasn't transformed yet, but then another roar is heard and everyone turns to Beast, who glares at the two with determination and he says: "I know how it feels to hate, but you can't let that control you. It will make you think yourself a monster."
Sora nods and says: "We saw it firsthand ourselves. Xaldin was feeding the hatred and anger Beast had in his heart and it almost made him turn down his true love. Belle was almost kidnapped and lost to Xaldin, because he played on the dark emotions inside Beast's heart. You can't let that happen to you as well."
Then Riku says: "Harry needs you. If you go out there and go looking for revenge on that woman, you will only lose more time with Harry and with that more of your chances to help him heal, chances he needs and chances only you can give him. Trust me, if anyone knows how painful the emotion of Hatred can feel – it's me."
The two nod, both seeming to have calmed down from the speeches of the three residents and the three of them smile at the two canines. Riku seems the most relieved of the three and I fear for the lad as his words make me wonder what he could have gone through. Looking at him, I suddenly see something that shocks me.
Around the crystal blue that is Riku's iris, there is an ever flickering ring of orange and I wonder what this could mean, but then the boy shakes his head with a groan and mutters: "You are part of my Light now, not the Darkness." And Sora quickly hugs him tightly, somehow understanding what his boyfriend is talking about.
Worried for Riku as he and Sora have done a major lot for us, I wait in trepidation for Riku to lower his hand, which he had placed on his temple and Sora softly kisses him, whispering: "Ansem or no Ansem, you're my Darkness and I am your Light." And Riku smiles at the boy in loving gratefulness before I read on.
Harry was … Mrs. Weasley's.
This makes me smile as I had wondered about when exactly Harry had started overhearing our conversation and reading a little further, I feel even more relief as Harry didn't come in at the time where the woman had really been talking about him as if he was five years old, which had initially started the angry argument.
Hating the woman for thinking what she did and having done what she did – not just to Harry, but to my sons and daughter – I can only wish and hope that Cedrella is making the woman as miserable as she has made my family for all these years. I then look at Amelia and bless her for our bonding before calmly reading on.
He hesitated … Weasley shrilly. Harry's lips thinned and he wondered what Mrs. Weasley thought of him, seeing he had saved her kids only three months ago. How weak did she really think him?
"Do you … not knowing!" "Apparently, very." Harry thought with a silent snarl, his anger almost making him miss what Mr. Weasley said.
"I don't … the point –"
Now Harry's eyebrows rose and he thought, "What is that woman thinking? That just because I don't know the truth, it won't come to hurt me? How delusional is that woman?" And as he listened on, he again wondered why Mr. Weasley was still with Mrs. Weasley.
"Molly, they … at Hogwarts."
Harry quickly put a hand in front of his mouth to silence a snort of disbelief. Only two months ago, her two youngest kids had been at Hogwarts and in the greatest of danger and that woman still thought Hogwarts was safe? Apparently Mr. Weasley shared Harry's disbelief as he spat.
"We thought … at Hogwarts.'
"Wait, how does that prove that Sirius was after Harry? It could have meant anyone. And how did Sirius even know Harry was old enough to go to Hogwarts?" Leon suddenly asks and all of my Ministerial colleagues share a look as Auron asks scathingly: "You didn't think of any of those questions, did you?"
We all shake our heads and Cornelius says: "Black was – in a certain way – responsible for Halloween, or so we thought and seeing what Halloween cost the Death Eaters – You-Know-Who's followers – did we believe that Black was one of them and therefore out for the one that lost him his master, which is Harry."
Auron and Leon nod their heads in understanding and Auron says: "Reasonable deduction, but you would have been better off asking him about why he mumbled that before he escaped, don't you think?" Cornelius cringes and says: "It was a three day event. One day I do my yearly visit, the next he escapes, the one after I investigate."
Leon nods and asks: "And did anything –." But then Hermione says: "I hate saying this as I hate the very memory of that day, but Harry was there when Minister Fudge explained all of this to the teachers before his meeting with Dumbles. Just wait a little longer with your questions." Leon nods and I read on.
Black is … about this?"
Harry silenced another snort, this time by turning around and biting on his hand. Dumbledore had been absent both times Harry's life was at stake and even idiots like Quirrell had been capable of leading Dumbledore around the corner, while monsters like Lockhart had fooled Dumbledore for a year.
Black was obviously smarter and Mrs. Weasley was obviously forgetting that. That or she just didn't want to know about it, like she seemed to do with so many things concerning Harry and her own family. Harry turned back, feeling his anger calmed as he heard the tiring voice of Mr. Weasley arguing with his wife.
"Of course … catch Black?"
Harry could hear the fear in the woman's voice and wondered if she really was as stupid as she was blind to the brilliance of her sons. If even she feared those Guardians so much, how could she think it wise to put them so close to defenseless – or mostly defenseless – students?
"She's just stupid that way." The twins chorus and Percy says: "No, she just dances to Dumbles' heels and sees truth in whatever he says, no matter what it could mean to others. His word and that of those in power are fact to her, she will never change her mind about that." This makes me sigh and then I see Amelia cringing.
She sighs and says: "Sirius, this came for you after the Second book. It's from Cedrella, but I feared for Ron – and through him Arthur – as I feared you would show the letter to Harry's closest friend and I knew who was residing with her. I just didn't get a chance to give it to you, because my Department has only just called it safe to read."
Sirius nods and says: "You're a wise woman, Amelia." And I whisper at her: "Thanks." The woman nods, knowing I mean to thank her for protecting my son as I too believe Sirius would have done that. Sirius then takes the envelope and with Remus pulling him on his lap and feeding him pieces of meat, does he read the letter.
Sirius' POV
Dear Lord Black,
I thank you for sending my family back to me. After Lucentia died, her Will went missing and because that of her husband had already been burned during a rally between the Malfoy House and the Prewett House, was there nothing for me to do, but to leave Molly Anne on her own, believing her sixteen year old person to be old enough for this job.
I now see that this was a grave mistake and have seized all of Molly Anne's vaults, possessions, clothes, stakes and everything else she holds, except for the wand she owns and the clothes on her person. I wish for a meeting between us to discuss where all of this is to go at earliest convenience, no matter what Ministerial Law states.
I also wish to inform you that – from one Black to another – I will personally vouch for all your actions before your incarceration and will use them – and our hold on the Daily Prophet and the Galleon Today – to get you your freedom; preferably before our meeting. Please refrain from informing anyone else of this.
Tojours Pur,
Cedrella Black
To say that I'm shocked would be an understatement, but I can't help but admit that the lack of Wills when Molly was still young and lost her parents explains a whole lot concerning her unsupervised, undeserving behavior and I quickly pass the letter on to Arthur, telling him to read only the first paragraph as I do so.
Arthur's POV
Respecting the request from one Head of House to another, I read only the first paragraph of the letter Cedrella wrote Sirius and feel shock as it seems that even Cedrella is now against Molly, something that No-Name definitely deserves, not to mention having everything she ever held truly dear be taken away from her.
Hoping to get a few family Heirlooms back as my father made sure to give a few to Molly as a dowry, I decide to discuss this with Sirius once his Heat is over – preferably before his meeting with Cedrella – and smile at him, the man smiling back as he takes the letter and stores it in his inner robe pocket before I read on.
"Dumbledore isn't … of sight. Having lived in a cupboard now came in handy – something he had been cursing since moving to the Wizarding World – as it allowed him to make himself so small only animals of the same height would be able to see him, thus making Mr. and Mrs. Weasley pass him quite unknowingly. The parlor … the stairs.
"That is definitely something I hope all those potions will fix." Severus then says and Remus and Sirius growl: "We all do, Severus, let's just hope Harry's many hours of sleeping can help the potions heal his form as much as they do." The Potions Master nods, his hands itching and I know he wants to start brewing as I read on.
The bottle … the bed.
"We kind of noticed how he didn't seem to find it funny, you know." One of my sons says and suddenly I feel as if this is Fred, just before the other says: "It made us think and we realized we were doing the wrong thing, so we snuck it back while Percy was at Ron's side of the room." This makes me smile and then Amelia says:
"I am proud that you felt regret, but I need you to make me a promise." The two cringe and nod slightly and I know they fear that Amelia will be like No-Name. Hoping for my new wife to fix this issue with my sons, I smile in pure pride as she softly lies a warning hand on each of their shoulders and says:
"Promise me that – whenever you start a prank – you first think how will my target feel about this? It is an important lesson and I know the Marauders had to learn that one the hard way." The twins nod, their eyes wide and Amelia smiles as she says: "Do understand that I have consequences for when I believe you are breaking this promise."
The two cringe again, now looking really scared and she says: "If you prove to me that you broke this promise, you will be without your tools for pranks, in your room – on opposite sides, so to speak – for 24 hours and you will each write me a single essay of four-hundred lines on why your prank hurt your target, is that clear?"
The twins nod, their eyes wide again and Sirius asks: "May I induce some rules?" Amelia looks at him and he says: "They were three rules James, Remus and I had to keep ourselves to while under Charles' roof. They really turned us into the men we are today and I intend to have the same rules put up with Harry soon."
The woman nods and Sirius says: "Never knowingly hurt someone. Never knowingly endanger yourself or others. And never, ever lie. That last one Charles Potter hated the most. He also had punishments for all three." This makes my sons look at him expectantly while Remus, Amelia and I smile and he says:
"The hurting and endangering rule was always punished with a grounding, the endangering also included a spanking – yes, even when I ran at age 16 to live with them – and the lying always forced us to have a small piece of soap on our tongues for an extended period of time, the limit decided by the magnitude of the lie itself."
My sons had all cringed at the idea of being spanked and Ron had even grabbed his own bottom, but Amelia and I had smiled even wider at hearing the punishments and the rules and Amelia says: "I do believe it can benefit this family if we too induce these rules into our household." And after seeing my family nod, do I read on.
So Sirius … the train.
"Seriously, give that kid a small set of hints and he uncovers your entire plan. Just incredible." Lumiere says and Belle smiles as she says: "That's what I always loved about reading mystery books. To find the hints between the lines and discover the secret behind the mystery like the main-character always did."
Beast smiles and gently lies a clawed hand on her shoulder and says: "And that made me know it was a good idea to give you that library. When Lumiere and Cogsworth saw how you were nearly distracted from the West Wing by your love for books, they instantly told me – or at least after you patched me up again."
Belle smiles and Colin asks: "Patched you up? What on earth could hurt someone like you, no offence, of course." Beast smiles at the inquisitive young third year and says: "Believe it or not, but a large pack of wolves out on the hunt can most definitely hurt me badly if they attack together for a long period of time."
The third year cringes, but I see Remus cringe as well and Beast says: "Do not hate yourself for actions of one you cannot control. You did not know what those wolves did and they are not your pack. Your pack is beside you and your pack is the boy sleeping a few doors away. They are your pack, not the wolves in the forest."
And to my shock, can I almost see that Remus actually believes it, the man nodding in sheer gratitude before he moves to sit a little closer with Sirius, the Dog Animagus happily leaning his upper body against Remus' side. Smiling at the chance that Remus might finally stop hating what he is deep inside, do I read on.
Harry lay … to be – as long as the man stayed there, that is.
Didn't people … of him? Then again, the ways Voldemort had led Dumbledore out of Hogwarts spoke for themselves as well, but Harry had the strange feeling Black wouldn't approach his master until he had Harry down and out.
And then … very remote.
"And still I got it done twice, more even if you count the number of times I prowled the Hogwarts grounds at night." Sirius smirks in pride and then a Seventh year asks: "How did you get in?" And Sirius laughs as he says: "Wouldn't you like to know?" The Seventh year, a Ravenclaw, pouts, and I quickly read on.
No, all … had passed.
"To such extends that it, at one point, almost drove him to run out of the castle screaming in frustration, I'd like to add." Oliver then says and everyone looks at him as he says: "What? He told me I had to pitch up the training schedule or he wouldn't have enough chances to vent, so I did, because I wanted my star seeker in top shape."
The rest of the team nods and McGonagall asks: "Mr. Wood, when was this exactly?" And Oliver seems to contemplate as he says: "He came to me – about three weeks after Halloween." This shocks the teachers and then Remus hits himself on the head and says: "I told you lot you were overdoing it, didn't I?"
The teachers blush and Nella asks: "Do I want to know?" And Remus says: "Let's just say that I sat in on the Potter Guard Meetings to – at some points – remind my colleagues there is such a thing called privacy. The reason I reminded them was because I had a frustrated and thus distracted Harry in my class quite a few times.
And I know I wasn't the only one around that time of year." And the teachers that had apparently been on Potter Guard all either turn red or lower their heads in shame and then I hear Ron whisper: "He was right, though, they really didn't give him any rights to privacy. Almost even walked him to the dorm." And with that note, do I read on.
He scowled … after himself? Did they think they could just ignore all the ways he saved their lives whenever they felt like it, whenever it benefitted them? He'd escaped Lord Voldemort three times and had survived ten years with Muggles that just got worse every year, he wasn't completely useless nor was he powerless...
Unbidden, the … out loud turning on his side to go to sleep.
"That's the spirit, dear," said his mirror sleepily.
"And that's the end of the chapter." I say, marking the page and closing the book, before a sleepy voice asks: "I missed the whole chapter?" And we see Harry, rubbing one of his eyes and having Viktor's hands on his shoulders, walk into the hall. Harry then sees his parents and instantly all traces of fatigue disappear.
He runs over and asks: "I thought you still had a few days of Heat, what happened?" And Remus says: "Our need to hunt and my need to provide for my mate happened. We didn't know there was a forest outside this castle, so we came here to have a quick meal and then – you get the point." He ends and Harry quickly nods.
I smile at this and feel glad that Harry no longer looks tired or is even yawning as it's obvious that the Time Reading Spell is draining his energy. I then look around and see that quite a few students are looking at Harry worriedly and smile wider, knowing that with support like that, Harry will get everything he ever wanted.
And he will indeed.
And so will this story. Yes, I am planning to give all future chapters, both the next that is already half written and those still to be written a lot of love and care. Personally, I am very glad that I decided on that huge Christmas Gift of last year as else this iconic chapter wouldn't have been able to be posted tonight.
Now I can only wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that you have many nice and wonderful plans for 2018. I also hope you will look forward to whatever else I can do for the now twelve stories that I will be updating monthly and that you will enjoy all the content and effort I plan to put into said chapters as they come.
See you next year,
Venquine1990
