Hey everyone,
This chapter is going to S-U-C-K! Because of this I was going to start on what I said I would do for OotP, HBP and DH, I was going to start making a lot of changes to the chapter and add a lot of content that will show who Harry really is as well as why he hides certain parts of himself. Why? To make his chapter suck less.
Or so I planned, but then I came up with an idea that might just work better. I ran it by my co-author for The Moving Of The Light, Nathaniel Wolf, and he thought it would be a lot of fun. It does play into what I have planned for this chapter, but it is mostly going to focus on those that plan to read this retched chapter.
Let's do this,
Venquine1990
PS. Thanks as always, Nathaniel.
Chapter 68
A Hidden Relief
3rd of July 1995
Ballroom, Beast's Castle
Filius Flitwick's POV
The whole ballroom is silent in horror over the revelation that just got shown to us, something we really should have wondered about when it happened, but that I know we didn't because of the person gave us some kind of weak explanation or excuse. "And we fell for it tip, wand and handle." I think, hating myself for this fact.
"You know, I wonder something." A whimsical voice suddenly pulls us all from our own, horrified thoughts and we turn to it as one. I notice that the speaker is one of my own Ravens. "What would that be, Luna?" I ask, hoping the girl's offhanded kind of thinking will help us out of the flunk created by our latest discovery.
"Well, I've actually been wondering about this since she was discovered, but – how much of Dumbledore's actions of the last fourteen years were of his own doing and how much was he manipulated and helped by Nemesis. I mean, I don't think he is entirely blameless, but she was a Goddess and all that."
This makes a lot of those around us share looks and I do indeed notice that many of their minds are being pulled away from the horror and fear that they began to feel after Harry made his revelation. This makes me smile at the Third year blonde in silent pride and Amelia turns to Kingsley before she turns to the girl and says:
"Well thought, Mss. Lovegood. I'll be sure to have the Unspeakables check on Albus and question him when I get the chance after we are done with this book." And this, of course, sets off the one person who I really wish wasn't here at all. "YOU FILTHY VILE WITCH! ALBUS IS PERFECTLY FINE! YOU ARE THE ONE IN IN THE WRONG!
YOU SHOULD RELEASE HIM! RELEASE HIM AND APOLOGIZE! ALL OF YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!" Molly No-Name shouts at us, to which William asks: "Does that mean you'd rather have us dead than admit Dumbledore is in the wrong?" And the woman actually proves she is just as vile as she shouts: "YES!"
Yet the Weasleys seem not shocked or horrified or hurt or anything of the like as Ronald snaps: "Good, then we finally see eye to eye on something." And the woman reels back, shocked to realize that her former kids would rather see her dead than to admit that they could be wrong about their former Headmaster, even if only slightly.
But seeing everything that we have discovered about her, especially how she tried to curse Harry only a few chapters ago, do I really not blame them for how they have grown to hate and despise the woman. And once again, I can only commend Arthur for making sure that he burned every bridge that ties him to this woman.
"We should read on. Perhaps the upcoming chapter will make us feel better than the end of the last one did." Kingsley says and many agree with him. Many, I notice, bar young Misters Weasley and Potter and Miss Granger. All three are sharing a concerned and pained look and I wonder what could be on their minds right now.
They then turn to Ronald's older brothers and the two seem to instantly get why as they, shockingly enough, chorus: "We'll read next." And while I notice that some people wonder how they will accomplish this, does Amos just shrug before he levitates the book over to the two. The twins share one more look and then start to read.
Or so they want to, but then they share another look and suddenly one of them says: "Hey uh, which text should we read exactly?" Which confuses me and McGonagall answers: "The book, of course. The next chapter." And the reply of the other twin astounds me. "We get that, but there are two different kinds of text in here."
To this my colleagues and I all share a look and we move over to them as one of them says: "See? This bit –." And he motions for the first paragraph as he says: "Is written inbold italics kind of writing.""But this bit –." His twin says, motioning for the two paragraphs below it as he says: "Is written in just Italics, see?"
To this my colleagues and I share another look and then we look back at the book. And to my shock, after reading over the mentioned bits of text a few times, do I actually see it. I actually see the second and third paragraph becoming thinner and more slated, proving that it is indeed in written in a different font from the first.
"How – how is that possible? Why would there be different parts of text?" Snape asks and the twins seem to read through this bit again as they say: "Well, the Italic part seems to go a little more into detail on how Harry felt about his stay in the Hospital Wing and the help he received from Madam Pomfrey while he was there."
"So maybe the added bits are the ones where Harry shows how smart and observant he really is. You know, the bits that describe the Harry that Harry himself doesn't want us to know about or that Dumbledore wants him to be." At this I want to think back to parts I read and Minerva seems to think the same as she says:
"Misters Weasley, please go back to last chapter and check the bits about the portrait guard as well as Mr. Potter's personal guard at that point. Tell me, are the bits about the conversation between Dumbledore and Nick or what your brother wanted to teach Harry in Italics too?" The two do as said, read and then nod at her.
"So the bits that describe who Harry really is and that reveal Dumbledore, his hidden agenda and his actual manipulations are in Italics? Why?" Professor Sprout and Remus says: "They must be another part of the spell. After all, Dumbledore had Harry under all kinds of spells and enchantments, but the magic of the Time spell must have overpowered those.
But because it happened at Hogwarts when Dumbledore was still at full strength, the spell must not have been able to fully work, so it wasn't able to implement the full truth as part of the book series, thus the extra bits of text. We probably would have only read the story Dumbledore wanted us to know if the spell didn't fight back."
And as he says this, does something incredible happen. The book in the twins' hands as well as the books that are next to the doors light up and the same light show that happens every time we start a new reading period shoot out of both, the ones at the door going up to the ceiling and the one at the book heading for the walls.
There the lights on the floor all shoot for Harry, while the ones coming from the other books head for the chandelier and then actually fall down from there, right onto the boy as well. Everyone looks at this, not doing anything, because they have seen this happen before, yet at the same time shocked that it is happening now.
Harry gasps when the lights hit him and they seem to go through his entire form, lighting up his body with various colors, both the ones that usually appear when the reading starts and new ones that look like the colors of various elemental spells when cast. They go from the boy's toes up to his hair and eyes and then down to his heart.
Here they shoot out of him again, yet there seems to be something else stuck to each small light that is shot to emit from the boy's body and the gasp that escapes him sounds just like someone who was about to drown, but breached the surface and managed breath in oxygen just in time. His whole body also stretches out widely as this happens.
The boy falls back down, having risen into the air when the lights left him and he sits up, his right hand instantly at his heart and his eyes glazed, proving he is sensing within himself. "Wow." He whispers and Krum asks: "Are you alright, little one?" Harry nods and says: "I – I've never felt like this, ever.
It – it feels like – like I did every time we – we won something; the House Cup, the Quidditch Finals, me casting my First Patronus at the Lake, the way it felt when we had our ritual. It's all those sensations – at the same time. As if all of the happiness I felt at all those events are now coming together within my heart.
I – I've never felt like this before. As if I'm – I'm more than elated, overjoyed, exuberant. It's – I mean – I feel – relieved? Does that even make sense?" And it's Naminé that answers: "Of course it does, Harry. When the revelation of the text came about, the truth about Dumbledore reached its climax and you were truly freed of his manipulations.
So it's only natural you feel that same freedom within you. Being free of Dumbledore means you can truly be yourself, truly be the person you so long felt you had to hide from the world. It's only natural that makes you happy." At which all of us smile and nod, both at her and at the boy, who smiles at her, grateful for her answer.
"So, I know we agreed to read half of the book today and half the book tomorrow –." One twin says and the other goes on: "But maybe we should stop after this one and celebrate Harry being free from that creep and his controlling ways.""Let's decide that after you've started reading." Remus smirks and the twins happily comply.
The Marauder's … best friends.
The woman also spent the better part of Saturday morning trying to get him to talk about what happened, but Harry had spotted Dumbledore passing his cubicle and he was sure it was on the madman's orders. He was not going to give Dumbledore any information Harry himself wasn't willing to share or Dumbledore wasn't willing to come ask for himself.
And Madam Pomfrey seemed to accept this in a matter of hours, yet the rest of the weekend, she did prove that she had some skill when it came to Mind Healing as she spent a few hours every now and then over the weekend telling Harry about how she had others come in from over-exposure to the Dementors during the war. It was a bit horrifying to hear, but it also made Harry feel better, knowing he was just one of many who responded to these monsters in this way.
He had … any better entirely, because they … troubling him and even Madam Pomfrey hadn't told him any stories of anyone who heard loved ones dying when they were exposed to Dementors. Other horrors, yes, but she apparently never encountered someone who remembered a loved one murdered when face to face with the Dementors.
He hadn't … the beast?
Sirius looks down at this, but Harry is instantly in his lap, hugging the man close and whispering: "This is in the past. We were all being manipulated. Dumbledore brought in the Dementors to weaken me, you were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. He's the one at fault, not you." Sirius smiles at him in gratitude, do the twins read on.
And then … near one...
"All because Dumbledore decided to protect us all from their effects, but leave you to fend for yourself. I still don't get why he thought that was a good idea, though." Lupin growls in protective anger and Lucius answers: "To build his reputation. Being seen saving the hero from such monsters helps him with that."
This makes a lot of those around me look at the man confused and the man shrugs as he says: "Let's face it. Over the last decade or two, Dumbledore's had to rely on his defeat of Grindelwald to keep his reputation strong. The fact that the war was won by an infant and not him, didn't help matters, and neither did the Chamber event.
If anything, that probably is what made that man decide on doing this. Harry, at that point in time, wasn't just growing as a hero to the Wizarding World, he was being seen as the Hero of Hogwarts, a title Dumbledore had during the war because the Dark Lord feared him. I guess he just hated that fact a little too much."
This makes Harry look at the man in shock and Lucius shrugs as he says: "The bastard may be a Half-Blood, but he definitely has the determination and ambition of most Purebloods – and even shares in some of their agendas. Surprising, really, seeing his persona and all." And as the Malfoy Lord ponders this, do the twins read on.
No one … his broom.
Yet just like with the time when Harry caught the Snitch in his mouth, did this help Malfoy nothing. No one cared for the fact that his arm was better and no one, other than those who constantly lapped up to him, even so much as showed the smallest of smiles. In fact, more often than not, Malfoy's acting would make students turn to Harry and speak with him out of concern and comradery, to Malfoy's infuriation, which made him turn the act even crazier and more over the top.
"So you don't know how to be original or how to make your enemies feel bad about themselves. Good grief, this is just ridiculous. Tell me, Harry, why are you still getting worked up over him?" Lord Hades asks and Harry answers: "You'll find, Lord Hades, that the following bit answers your question." And the twins instantly read on.
Malfoy spent … from Gryffindor.
At this Riku looks between Draco, Ron and Harry and asks: "Okay, tell me honestly. Is this really a feud between Harry and Malfoy or a feud between Ron and Malfoy? I mean, he seems to respond to Malfoy a lot more often than Harry." And others seem to agree with this, while Harry and Ron just shrug at each other as the twins read on.
"If Snape's … finished it!"
"And so did three-quarter of every other class that was set this essay. Which makes me wonder something, Snape? Why did you even bother being open about ousting Lupin? Surely you realized that your essay had already done the job." Bathsheda asks our fellow colleague, yet the man only crosses his arms and says:
"I guess I should come out with it now. It wasn't me who told the students that. I don't know who did, but it felt like payback for that wretched escape from Black, so I kept my mouth shut. Right now, it really wouldn't surprise me if it had been Dumbledore, seeing he has loyalty only to himself." At this Remus frowns and says:
"I – I hate to admit it, but Severus is probably right. After all, I was the first in two years who actually taught the students anything and when I managed to help Harry learn his advanced set of magic – Dumbledore must have seen it as a threat to what else I can teach cub. He didn't want Harry to overpower him again, so – I had to go."
The man sighs and says: "And like so many others, I thought myself indebted to the bastard and didn't feel like causing him troubles he rightfully deserved, so I left before I could find out what the students – or even their parents – really thought of the revelation. I never considered the chance that it came much sooner. He really tricked me."
"To be honest, that is another thing I just don't get." Harry says and his father turns to him as Harry asks: "Why didn't you realize that the revelation had happened months before? I mean, our class can't have been the only one who complained?" Remus smiles and says: "No one ever told me the essay title." But Harry retorts:
"But that doesn't make sense. In the Shack, it was you who mentioned Snape's essay. So how come you didn't make the same connection later?" At this Remus turns to the student body as a whole and says: "Don't take this the wrong way, but – I just thought Hermione the only one smart enough to make the connection."
The girl turns beat-red at hearing this, while Blaise and some of the others smile at her in pride. And while some students do seem ready to object, does one of the twins say: "The girl that solved the Chamber of Secrets considered the smartest of us all.""Yeah, I can see that." His brother finishes for him and then reads on.
They had … to bits." Though Harry had gotten a chance to speak with Dean, who promised he would find a way to make sure Harry could commemorate his first broom forever. The Football fan already had a few ideas, but he needed some time. Harry had thanked him and said he would consider it an early Christmas present.
"What exactly did you do to it, Mr. Thomas?" Bathsheda asks and Dean happily answers: "I managed to find this spell in the library that allowed for two bits of wood to fuse together. I cast it on the broom while certain bits of it were at certain parts all over his trunk. So now he carries his first broom with him at all times."
The woman looks intrigued and says: "That – is an incredibly clever idea. Though I also find myself amazed that you were able to find a spell that advanced. What with seeing how Albus wants us all to be and remain beneath his power-level and whatnot." This intrigues me, yet for some reason her words concern me as the twins read on.
Lupin sighed … young face.
Sirius looks at his mate in concern over this and Remus says: "Werewolves – get physically affected when they are not with pack. If they are, they can truly be the strongest Magical Beasts in the Magical world. No offense, Mss. Delacour." The Veela shrugs and says: "A matter of opinion, really." And she looks away as the twins read on.
"Dementors are … ashamed of."
Remus turns to the students at this and says: "Please understand that I was not down-talking or degrading your experience with the Chamber of Secrets there. I had simply not been told by anyone that the Chamber had been reopened. As far as I knew, I came back to the Hogwarts I knew, safe, strong and well-protected by Dumbledore."
The students nod, but I share a look with Severus and Poppy and the latter says: "Anyone who wishes for a medical examination, we can do so at the end of today's reading. Professor Snape, Flitwick and I would like to get to the bottom of why the Dementors didn't get attracted to anyone traumatized by the Chamber as soon as possible."
Yet at this Bathsheda says: "Poppy please, you know you have other matters to think of, after all. Potter, for instance. I get that we want to cut the book in half over two days, but is that really safe, seeing what we discovered back during the reading of the Leaky Cauldron." Yet at this Poppy huffs and glares at her as she says:
"I can do both at the same time just fine, thank you Bathsheda. Not to mention that caring for young Mr. Potter isn't just my duty, it's that of his family as well. And as has been proven these past few days, they are quite well-adapt at that." Bathsheda seems to have a desire to argue some more, yet the twins stop her as one of them says:
"And besides, don't you remember what happened?""Yeah, when Harry was freed from Dumbledore, the lights that freed him looked eerily similar to the ones that always show up when we start a new book." And the two of them chorus: "So who's to say he's not freed from that dark side of the magical spell as well, huh?"
Everyone turns to Harry at this and the boy frowns as he says: "I – I'm not sure. I mean, after I made my revelation, I did feel a drainage, but – the whole light show did give me a boost that made me feel energized again. I – I have a theory and – I think if we read on to the end of the chapter, that might prove or disapprove it." The twins nod and read on.
"When they … a feast."
Cornelius turns grim at this and mutters: "I really should've realized that before I sent those monsters. If I did, I never would have done it.""And you probably would have taken them away if someone told you of this. Am I right to assume that this event never reached the Ministry's ears?" I can't help but ask and the man mutters:
"This sure is the first I've heard of it." And Lucius turns angry as he says: "Same here. And seeing as how Draco loved mocking Harry over this, I find that very surprising – and highly concerning." Draco looks at this shocked and asks: "Wait, you – you never received my letter, father?" The man turns to his son and shakes his head.
"Dumbledore. This must be more of his doing. He must have known that, as much as Lucius was against him, he wouldn't dare risk his son's health. If Lucius heard the Dementors got that close to Draco, he would instantly speak with Cornelius and the Dementors would have been gone not even an hour later, if that."
Amelia growls and yet again I notice Bathsheda grimacing, as if she wants to object to this, but is holding herself back from doing so or something. Wondering what could be going on with the woman who has never been really close to Albus – at least not like Minerva, Severus and myself – do I listen as the twins read on.
"Azkaban must … determined face Harry himself wondering if he should tell Lupin his real reason, hesitated, then … fall ill."
"What was your real reason, cub?" Remus asks his son and Harry answers: "One I wasn't even sure of myself. I – I was in two-battle about it the entire time. On one hand, I felt it the perfect motivation to keep the Dementors away. On the other, it was something I wasn't willing to lose at the time." Remus looks concerned and the twins read on.
What with … death again even if he did pine after hearing her voice and learning more about her whenever possible, which he hoped to gain through the upcoming lessons, and the … definite upturn.
And when the twins read of Harry pining after his mother, does the boy turn even more grim than he did when he spoke and instantly I make the link. I look at him with concern and think: "Of course. I'm as much of a fool as I was in his First. What orphan wouldn't pine for his parents?" And while Harry gets comforted, do the twins read on.
Gryffindor were … very grateful.
The two smile at their best friend, but then Sirius says: "No chances for that come next year, pup. You are coming home for Christmas, even if I have to go and buy a room as big as this ballroom and invite anyone and everyone you want. And no, there will be no objections or discussions on this." The twins laugh, Harry goes quiet and the twins read on.
To everyone's … his own.
"I don't think I will ever understand how you managed that one, my love." Remus quips at Sirius, who smiles and says: "Don't worry, love, I explain it to Harry in a letter that, I do believe, reached him before he reached the Muggles." The boy nods, yet I feel shocked that the broom did come from Sirius as the twins read on.
On the … at it.
Yet Harry himself is now smiling really widely, yet I also notice a hint of a smirk added to his smile as he turns to the twins and says: "Did I ever tell you that I found a secret function of that little thing? Something it never deemed you two worthy of knowing?" The two look at the boy in shock and then hurriedly continue their reading.
"What's that … been innocent.
"Sorry, boys, but you are too much like your uncles for any of us to believe that." Arthur laughs and Bill goes on: "Though you sure bring them pride with your desire for jokes and fun and all." But the twins obviously aren't listening, just keeping quiet out of respect and waiting until they can read further. And to this amusing sight, do I listen on.
"– well, more … ragged parchment. Though as he said this, he was actually lying through his teeth as he could sense Hogwarts and she seemed really excited about him being so close to this parchment, as if she wanted nothing more than to let him have it. It actually made him curious about what secrets its exterior could contain within.
"Oh, are … completely blocked.
Riku frowns at this and says: "That's – quite unsafe. Seeing as how Hogwarts has been the place where dangerous events took place, not once but twice now, you'd think that keeping potential escape routes open and accessible – wait, I forgot, Dumbledore cares nothing for casualties." Yet I share a look with the others and say:
"Dumbledore might not, but we sure do. Mr. Potter, would you be willing to show us these passageways?" To which Harry actually shocks us all as he says: "As long as Bill gets to go along too. If he does, he can put an Intend ward on both sides of the entrances. That will keep the passageways secret and safe."
"Harry, you can't be serious! That would –." The twins chorus, but Harry says: "Mean that those who want to use them for nefarious needs will be blocked. So if some prankster with a bullying sense of humor – not yours, obviously – would want to get Zonko products in secret, they wouldn't be able to use the passageways for that.
And if Dumbledore ever escaped his prison, he'd never be able to use anything but the main entrance, where he'd be in full sight of everyone and be able to be caught again much faster. It keeps the school safe and keeps the teachers from wanting to permanently close them." The twins contemplate this, but then nod and read on.
And we … them happening...
And as he thought this, did he notice that something had started to happen after the twins had left, as if the magic of the map felt that only Harry was worthy of seeing this. He bent over a little more and noticed that there were actually four new dots that were all together at the center of the Grand Staircase.
To his shock, their names were actually "Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs" respectively, but there was something off, both about them and the area they were in. The four walls and the many staircases that were surrounding them, had an extra line going through them as if someone wanted to draw attention to the four of them. "No, not draw attention. Draw the actual map. I am watching the map as if it is being created this very day. I am actually getting to see how these four made this very map." Harry thought, amazed and exhilarated, yet he turned away, remembering why Fred and George gave him this. He would watch these four geniuses at work another time.
The twins read this breathlessly, shocked and awed at what they are reading and they turn to Harry, who smirks and says: "Sorry, I am not going to explain this one. I'll be getting the explanation at the end of the year. Just be patient and you will be greatly rewarded, trust me." The twins nod, proving that they do, and they read on.
Harry traced … and silently and cursing himself for not fetching his cloak before he left, Harry dodged … at Harry. This was a relief to Harry, but he wasn't sure that there wouldn't be teachers around, so he went to the Toffee section of the store. He looked around and grabbed a bit of toffee that he rubbed between his hands, making both his hands slick and brown with the goo. He put the toffee back and then moved his hand through his hair, causing for it to lie a little more flat and for him to have a few brown highlights in his black hair.
Everyone looks at this shocked and Sirius moans as he says: "I hide myself in my dog form and rely on people to think me an adorable stray for a solid year – and my own son comes up with a much better, more humane disguise in only five minutes." Making the boy in question shine in pride at the praise as the twins read on.
He edged amongst them, feeling proud of thinking of such a simple disguise so quickly, even if the sticky feeling of his hair made him want to take a shower, looking around … was now.
And the whole hall proves that the memory of what happened to young Harry that past summer is still very fresh and that they have grown to hate the Muggles on the same level as Harry himself as no one disagrees on this or objects. Molly, of course, tries, but she gets glared at by Fiana and this shuts her up, allowing the twins to read on.
There were … did you –? What happened to your hair?"
"Wow!" said … Marauder's Map and the toffee he used to disguise himself.
"How come … to know!"
"Hermione, the teachers shouldn't need that map to know about the passageways. They, if not at the very least Dumbledore, should know of it by experience and should have had them sealed off or had them enchanted the way Harry suggested." Blaise gently tells his girlfriend, but then I suddenly notice Harry frowning in thought.
"Dumbledore … the Marauders … favorite … observant … hiding his knowledge … lie about it, anyway …." The boy mutters and Sirius asks: "Would you mind being a little more clear in your vocabulary there, pup?" Yet the boy doesn't seem to hear him as he does something he hasn't done since we read the Fourth book.
He jumps up and starts to mumble the same words over and over, but then adding the words enchantment, who's to sayandpassageways. This doesn't make anymore sense than his other words and then Harry sighs as he seems to ask himself: "Why does this make so much sense?" To which all of his friends ask: "What?"
Harry looks at them and I feel shocked to realize that, in his pacing, he might have forgotten where he was or who he was with. The boy then restarts his pacing and says: "Humor me here. Dumbledore is an incredibly secretive, manipulative person who is also crazily observant and who often notices things about others without them knowing.
He spies on them and gathers info that he can use against them, either as blackmail or as a way to make them feel indebted to him. Everyone, especially the Snakes, believe that he favors Lions, especially popular Lions like the Marauders used to be in their days. So it stands to reason that he knew their secrets, without them knowing."
This makes his parents grimace the worst, even if the twins are actually oblivious to this and Harry goes on: "There is no doubt in my mind that he knew of Moony's problem or the solution the other Marauders came up with that for it. Yes, even before Padfoot himself came out with it. I doubt that was when Dumbledore learned of it."
This makes me wonder when Sirius told Dumbledore about his secret Animagus form and Minerva seems to agree with her younger Lion. The boy then goes on: "Anyway, if Dumbledore knew of the solution, it's safe to say that he knew of the Map. Heck, I wouldn't even put it past the realm of possibility that the following happened.
Again, humor me here. The Marauders lose their Map, yes? Filch finds it, realizes that it belonged to the biggest pain in his backsides at the time, the Marauders, yes? Naturally, he would go to the one person who he feels can use this to get those pains out of his hair. Dumbledore gets shown the Map, realizes what it is – and Obliviates Filch."
This shocks the entire hall and yet Harry seems only half done and yet I also notice something. As Harry paces and as he talks, do I spot Naminé looking between him and his mother with a thoughtful look on her face. The girl is also nodding along with the slightly younger lad as he talks and I wonder what's on her mind as Harry says:
"He then studies it and finds out how to work it, making him able to know all about every single passageway in the school, both the known one and the secret ones. He then puts a quick Compulsion charm on either it or Filch to make the caretaker think he just confiscated it and kept it to himself and here is where it gets ugly."
Harry then looks around, locking eye-contact with his loved ones and friends and letting his eyes roam in concern over everyone else before he asks: "Who's to say Dumbledore didn't use this knowledge – to timely enchant secret passageways when he knows someone he wants to manipulate is about to use said passageways?"
Everyone now shares shocked, astounded, fearful and disgusted looks with each other and Harry sighs as he says: "Like I said, why does this make so much bloody sense?""Because of your mother." Naminé says and we all turn to her as she says: "That's how the spell was put on him. The one that made him attack the Fat Lady."
Here she turns to Sirius and the man sighs as he growls: "I used the Willow one and then another one that was quite close-by to it, that leads from one of the castle walls to the bottom of Gryffindor Tower. No wonder that spell was so easily able to control me, he got double the chance to enchant me." The twins grimace at this and read on.
"He can't … was there?
"It's not you I should have been afraid of." Harry growls, still standing and having his arms crossed in a way that proves that the boy is feeling really scared and is fearing for himself. At this many of his loved ones share a look and then Riku asks: "Harry, would you like to learn how to use the Keyblade to lock and open magical locks?"
A lot of us look at the boy in confusion, but Harry nods and Riku smiles: "Good, we'll teach you starting tomorrow. By the time we stop reading, you should have it under control and be able to apply your own Keyblade Magic to the lock holding Dumbledore captive." This makes Harry smile gratefully and the twins happily read on.
Ron, however … the shop!"
"I hate to break this to you, Ron, but in the Muggle world, there is a rise in the amount of silent break-ins where burglars manage to open the lock of doors and windows not unlike Fred and George did when they broke Harry out in the summer before your Second." Dean tells the boy, shocking his year mate as the twins read on.
"Yes, but … swirling snow. "Especially with Harry's great disguise. Seriously mate, that was genius."
"Come on … blizzard outside.
Yet before they left, Harry pulled them away from the door and whispered: "Just to play it one level safer, call me Henry, okay? It's close to Harry, but not it, so it will confuse people. If they ask who I am, we'll come up with a cover story, don't worry." The two nodded and Hermione looked a little more confident as the three of them left.
"Clever thought. Were you spotted?" Sirius asks, Harry now having gone back to sit between him and Remus and his son shakes his head as he says: "No, though I did have a cover story in mind by the time we went for a drink. I'll tell you another time. Just enjoy the chapter." The Lord of Black nods and the twins read on.
Hogsmeade looked … Broomsticks?" Harry, who had been ignoring his friends pointing the stores out for the sake of coming up with the cover story he was talking about, was more … for Magic.
This shocks everyone bar the ones mentioned and myself as I had slowly started to remember what had been discussed in that pub on that afternoon and I now feel a strong sense of dread as I just cannot believe that, in this roundabout, uncaring way, the boy is going to be forced to hear this farce of a story regarding his mother.
"Wait a second." Axel suddenly mutters and we all look at how he is glaring in angry thought as he says: "Didn't the book just mention how the table was set between a Christmas tree and a window? Surely those four looked through that window before they came in. Are you telling me they didn't even spot Harry?"
Here my colleagues and I share a look and Hagrid says: "Well, like the book said, I was deep in conversation with Fudge as I was hoping to make him, sorry Minister, a little more willing not to completely side with Malfoy when it came to Beaky." Axel nods and Minerva says: "I know I spotted Mss. Granger, but –."
And Axel says: "But you didn't see the other two and thought she was just waiting for Ron to come back with her and his own drink." But Minerva shakes her head and says: "No, you don't get it. It was me seeing Ms. Granger that made me want to go in. I heard Hagrid's conversation and was planning to help him, using her side of the story.
But when I spotted her, I was still outside and I saw not one, but two empty seats." This shocks everyone and Hermione is the first to recover as she says: "But – but that doesn't make sense. You didn't approach me at all that day and Ron and I only hid Harry after we spotted you." The woman shakes her head and says:
"I – I don't know what happened. I saw you, heard Hagrid's tale, knew you were close to Hagrid and could be of aid to him and took the three of them in. But when I went to sit down, it suddenly felt as if I should focus back on protecting you and your friends, not letting you help mine. I – I didn't even remember having seen you until now."
This makes everyone share concerned looks and Axel asks: "How high is the chance that Dumbledore cursed either the entrance or the chairs of that pub?" But Minerva shakes her head and says: "No chance. There are too many, both students and tourists, that pass through those doors and that spend time in the Three Broomsticks daily.
Even when it's not a Hogsmeade Weekend, the Three Broomsticks sees a customer service of 1000 to 1500 per day. Dumbledore would be taking too big a risk enchanting something so public. It's not out of the realm of possibility that he enchanted the secret passageways, those aren't used as often, but not an open pub like that."
"Then he must have enchanted something that isn't used very often, but was there at that time. Can you think of anything –?" Roxas wants to ask, but Hermione gasping proves she already knows. And she turns to the woman in apology, but Minerva says: "Misters Weasley, read on. We need to get to the bottom of this." And the twins comply.
In an … sat down though McGonagall, going by her shoes, seemed to remain standing a little longer and Harry noticed bits of pine falling off the side of her chair before she sat down.
"That sounds about right." Roxas nods and Hermione lowers her head, but Minerva says: "This is not your fault, Mss. Granger. You were an innocent bystander and were completely unaware of what Dumbledore had done. This is his fault and his fault only." Her student smiles at her, grateful that she isn't blamed for this and the twins read on.
Next he … teachers, too?
"To be honest, we are just as guilty of that, Mr. Potter. Considering what we are about to discuss, we really were in the wrong here ourselves. We should not have addressed a topic such as this in a place like this, where there were so many outside sources you could get a twisted version of the story from." I mutter at the boy who says:
"I'm just glad that I got this version, Professor, though I doubt if I hadn't, the only version I would have believed would be the one coming from Ron and Hermione. Maybe the Chasers or Lee, but not one coming from, say, Malfoy or one of the other Slytherins, at least not at the time." I nod at him in relief and the twins read on.
And how … McGonagall exasperatedly.
Hagrid grunted in shock and Harry knew at once that it hadn't been him who had been gossiping. This made sense to Harry as he was sure the only thing really on Hagrid's mind at the time must be Buckbeak and the trouble Malfoy was causing.
"Do you … capable of..."
This in and of itself makes Black smirk and he actually crosses his arms as he asks: "All those who spent time in the war with me. Who here remembers my actions when James got hurt by my cousin on the 14th of May in 1980, just a few months before Harry was born?" I raise my own arm at this along with a lot of the other adults.
Sirius' smirk widens and I have never seen him look more like a True Lord of the Most Noble and Most Ancient (and most feared) House of Black than I do now as he says: "I trained that skill even further – to protect Harry when I found out Voldemort was after him. I can now do that faster, harder, stronger and with consequences that last much longer."
This astounds me and the man turns to the Minister as he says: "So sorry to say this, Fudge, but – no. When it comes to my son, you don't know what I'm capable of. And people like those that still follow Voldemort or listen to his ideals, they don't want to know." And while he's not looked at, does Lucius still nod as the twins read on.
"Do you … be worse?"
Yet here Harry stands up and says: "I'm really sorry, but I heard this bullcrap once before and I have no desire to hear it again. I just realized that you all ignored 11 years of character based on the events of one night and to be honest, that sickens me more than this tale. Call me when the tale has been told." And with that does he leave.
At this the twins close the book and then turn to Sirius and the others as they say: "Go with him.""You don't need to hear this bull either.""You deserve to be with your son, be with the truth.""You don't need to be reminded of this so directly." The two smile at the boys in gratitude and when they have left, do the twins reopen the book.
"You say … Secret-Keeper himself."
"That doesn't make sense." Sora says and we all turn to him as he says: "He wants Harry, doesn't he? So he'd want James and Lily dead. So why would he offer to be Secret Keeper, if he knew that their deaths would be blamed on him if he did get chosen?" And Riku turns dark as he says: "Because he was being his usual bastard-self."
His boyfriend looks at him and says: "Reverse psychology and alibi-construction, Sora. By being seen offering himself as Secret Keeper and being seen as being denied for someone else, he can use that other person as scapegoat and can lead the Potters to their death – without the act being traced back to him, ever. Or so he thought."
Yet at this I notice Ron and Hermione share a look and Ron whispers: "Could that be it? Could that be why he betrayed them? Because he knew what Dumbledore was actually like and it scared him? Because he'd rather serve a master who was openly dark than one who was secretly dark?" Hermione shrugs and the twins read on.
"He suspected … to You-Know-Who."
"Or better said, he scared them into serving another master." Ron mutters and the twins look up as they ask: "What do you know that you're not telling us?" And Ron sighs as he says: "Something that will be discovered in some of the final chapters of the book, sorry." The twins grimace, but nod and return to the book.
"But James … he fled.
Here Amelia looks up shocked and asks: "Wait, what was that?" The twins repeat their last sentence and Amelia turns to Cornelius as she says: "We have to get you checked up, Cornelius. Because at some point between then and now – you got cursed. Cursed to believe Voldemort dead, instead of just simply defeated."
The man looks shocked and Poppy says: "You are welcome in my wing as soon as it's been set up, Cornelius. I will happily check you over, seeing what we read of your behavior in the Fourth book." And while Cornelius whimpers: "When? When did he manage to curse me like this?" Do the twins read on, grimacing.
And this … an' James?
"It wasn't." A dead voice actually shocks us and we turn to Naminé as she says: "I checked his memory of that night when I found the spell that affected him the night he attacked the Fat Lady. The only thing on his mind when he arrived there – was Harry. He thought of nothing, but Harry." Hagrid winces at this and the twins read on.
It was … an' uncle's.
At this Hagrid groans and looks down, but Pomona smiles at him and says: "Go talk with Remus, Hagrid. Let him know why I send you, what we just read about. He'll understand." And I already realize what she is on about, making me smile at her. The Half-giant then walks out and after the doors close, do the twins read on.
Black argued … friend's son!
"He doesn't know half of it." Naminé says and she goes on: "I saw it all. As I healed Sirius of that spell, I focused on that night and the day after again. Sirius was constantly thinking of what he would do – once he was done doing what he felt he had to. He hardly even thought of what he was doing, only what he was going to do.
By the time he confronted the real traitor, he wasn't even thinking of the here and now anymore. That's why the traitor was able to frame him so easily. Because Sirius wasn't even there, not mentally. He was on auto-pilot, letting his magic guide his body to get the job done." This astounds me greatly and the twins read on, impressed.
But when … head cold.
Minerva herself now looks as if she regrets feeling bad about it, but then Ronald walks over and whispers something in her ear. The woman's eyes widen and he mutters at her: "I'll inform Madam Bones later. See if she can catch and interrogate him on this." His Head of House nods at him and the boy retakes his seat as his brothers read on.
"There, now … few fragments –"
Here Naminé turns dark and she mutters: "That explosion brought Sirius back to his senses. When he saw that he had failed his task, his mind took a turn for the worst. It was still focused on Harry, but then filled with only a single thought that repeated itself over and over. I failed him. I failed my godson. I failed him."
The girl looks up and says: "I – I don't know why and – and it actually scares me but – for some reason Harry really is Sirius' entire world. I saw it when I checked his mind and memory more recently and while Remus now seems a big part of it, Krum too, is Harry still front and center. He himself isn't even part of his own mind.
He doesn't care about himself, he only cares about Harry. Almost every thought the man's had the last two years has been about Harry. Either that or the traitor, but whenever he thinks about the traitor, his mind seemed to go on auto-pilot again, until he forces his thoughts back on Harry. It's – it's unhealthy how much Harry means to him, really."
This makes a lot of us look uncomfortable ourselves and Minerva asks: "Naminé, if Sirius agrees – and unless he is willing to tell us ourselves – would you be able to tell us when this mindset started? What caused Harry to become such a vital part of Sirius' life?""Only with his consent." Naminé says, Minerva nods and the twins read on.
Fudge's voice … long sigh.
Ron looks around and Minerva nods as she says: "You can go fetch them, Mr. Weasley. I don't believe we will be going on about that night anymore after this." The boy nods and while the three look like they'd rather be anywhere else, do they rejoin their friends and do they take a carpet for themselves as the twins read on.
"Is it … a while.
This obviously doesn't make the trio feel any better, but then Naminé asks: "Sirius, would – would you be – be opposed to – another session?""Do you have a reason?" Sirius asks and Naminé nods as she says: "I spotted something that, at first, didn't concern me that much. Can I heal it?" Sirius thinks on this and then asks:
"Can you do it when I am already asleep? It's just, I think I know what the next chapter is going to be about and I want to be conscious for that. Not to mention that I want to know if the spell that has been hurting and tiring my son out has been fixed or not." Naminé nods and says: "I'll work on it tonight." The two smile and the twins read on.
The murder … rise again..."
"Within a year, it would seem." Cornelius groans, shuddering in fright alongside most of the hall, but then Amelia lies a hand on his shoulder and says: "He is no more, Cornelius. Remember that. This time, he truly is no more." And the fright that was in the hall gets replaced with heartfelt relief as the twins read on, sounding a little happier.
There was … Professor McGonagall.
"Could that have been it? Could that have been the moment when he cursed me to stop believing that Vol – that he was weakened and make me believe he was dead?" Cornelius asks and Minerva sighs as she says: "Wouldn't surprise me. The right kind of time-based spell would sure cause such effects." Cornelius groans and the twins read on.
One by … for words. Harry himself was in turmoil, his heart and his mind and even, for reasons he just couldn't understand, magic deep within his heart fighting each other, as if different parts of him wanted or didn't want to believe the horrible tale he had just heard.
By now everyone is looking down, glum and a lot of faces are even looking at Sirius in guilt for having ever believed this story. Yet Sirius only has eyes for Harry, who seems to have been lost in thought for a while. A small smile slowly grows into a larger one on the boy's face and he sighs, showing clear signs of relief.
"I was right, thank lady Magic." The boy whispers and Sora asks: "Right about what?" Harry looks at the room at large and says: "The spell that was draining me was based on the emotional power of the readers. The heavier their emotions, the more it drained me and the more I needed to take rest and lots of naps and all.
But this was a really, really emotional chapter – and I feel just as energized as I did when the lights left me with that energizing boost at the start of the chapter." The boy turns to his friends and says: "The twins were right. I've been freed from the darker effects of the Time Reading Spell." Yet then he looks down and says:
"Though I – I don't want to celebrate – yet.""What? Why not?" Ron asks flabbergasted and Harry answers: "I don't want to risk it yet. I want to cover my bases before I celebrate. The effects might have only dispersed for as long as we read this book, but I can't say for sure if the same will count for the next or the ones of the future."
His best friend grimaces at this and says: "Harry, mate, you're as much of a party pooper as this bloody chapter." Yet Harry doesn't seem to care as he is obviously too concerned with the chance of the spell affecting him again. And his parents pull him close, their faces proving they are just as concerned for him.
That poor lot.
So yeah, Harry has been released from the spell – for now – and won't be needing anymore naps. He'll be a part of the reading for the rest of the book and this will help him big time, seeing how many times Dumbledore actually used Mind tricks and played Mind games, both with our black-haired hero and his friends.
But what is up with Romilda Hooch? Why is she suddenly talking like this? Why does she seem to be behaving like those bullies? Is this the spell at work? Does it need someone to antagonize the readers? Or is there something more? Is there a link between Romilda and Dumbledore that no one even knows about?
Let's find out,
Venquine1990
