Hey everyone!
HERE IT IS! The start of the CR part of this story. Now some of you might wonder; how can one part be CR, yet not? That is because the Kingdom Hearts franchise will be described as MOVIES! Just like how 385/2 Days in the first Remix and Re-Coded is a movie in the Second remix, all games will be MOVIES!
This does make things a little hard and it will probably make me write multiple chapters about the movie, each part probably divided over the worlds that are being visited, but I know I can do it – because this part of the AN was written after the release of KH III and after I wrote about several worlds visited in KH I.
Also, I know Harry and his world play out in the 90's and that Harry was born in 1980, but when it comes to the Disney franchise, I'm just going to retcon that whole thing. As of this moment, every movie released before February 2019 will be canon to this story, as that is the only way I can make sense of Harry knowing about movies like Monsters Inc and Frozen.
Just deal with it,
Venquine1990
Chapter 06
Which To Do First
27th of January 1996
Destiny's Haven
Harry's POV
Just the fact that we didn't all disappear after my brother bonded to Riku makes me both relieved and worried at the same time. Relieved because it means I will have some more time with my brother and some more time to figure out a way to keep him with me and worried as it means we're not done in this strange set of rooms just yet.
I look at my dad, who seems to know why we were sent here, but the man seems so happy at seeing my older brother together with this strange new partner of his, someone who was apparently sent to the same Islands as my brother, only then earlier because he – as a Veela Mate – was born at least a year before my brother was.
I then decide to address my relieved worries and ask: "Siri – dad?" And when the man looks at me does the happiness that is in his eyes at being called dad almost take my breath away before he asks: "What's wrong, kiddo?" And I smile at him, amazed at how easy it is for him to take on his role as my actual father as I ask:
"Sora and Riku are together now, but we're still here. There's more than their need to get together that we were brought here for, isn't there?" And dad sighs as he seems a little hesitant to admit this as he says: "I was told by Destiny's help that there would be several acceptable reasons for us being sent here and – well."
"Several not so acceptable?" Riku asks and dad nods as he says: "I was told not all of you would like our final reason for being here. I was told we would find out once you guys are together." And then Sora says: "That might explain how our bedroom doors are now gone and how there's a new door that just appeared over there."
And we all look at the right wall, the one Sora aims for, only to see that there is indeed now a very amazing door stationed there, while the wall had been blank bar for some ornaments standing against it and a few pillars standing quite close to it, two of which Riku had used to gain height and grab onto my brother during their fight.
Sora and Riku come to stand in front of us, Riku still having his arm around Sora and even pulling him closer against his side, causing for Sora to smile at him before the two of them, Riku's hold proving his need to protect Sora, lead us over to the door, Riku opening it carefully and then, after a minute of gazing in, walking in with a shocked look.
Taking the fact that they walked in without drawing their weapons as a good sign, do I share a quick look with dad, who seems at ease as well before we too enter the room, only to walk into one that I have heard Dudley talk about so many times since we were little, but that Uncle Vernon never, ever let me go to myself; a movie theater.
"Take that, Big D." Goes through my mind really quick before I focus my thoughts elsewhere as I look around at the gigantic TV-screen that covers the entire left wall, while there are four very plush and comfortable chairs in front of the screen at a reasonable distance to make sure the four of us can watch the entire screen without hurting ourselves.
Riku lets his hand run over one of the chairs and when he touches the arm rests between two chairs, does this apparently activate a special kind of magic as the two chairs jump together to form a single couch, something I can only imagine is for whenever the movies we're supposed to watch here get a little frightening or something.
"What exactly is this?" Dad then asks and I realize that as a wizard he must have never known about how Muggle technology has brought forth things like this and while Sora and Riku look at him shocked, do I quickly say: "Wizards live like in Medieval times, because electricity and magic never really worked together."
The two nod in understanding and then I decide to try out a little theory I have been thinking about for a few years now. I turn to dad, hoping that this will work and say: "Dad, imagine a Pensive connected to an empty picture frame and that someone puts a whole story they imagined inside that pensive, only for that story to come out on the frame."
Sirius rubs his chin in thought and asks: "I think I get what you're saying, but what does that have to do with this room?" And Sora smiles at me as he says: "Imaginary stories are often turned into moving pictures that people can view on screens like this. Just imagine this screen to be that empty picture frame Harry told you about."
And when dad nods in understanding, do I smile widely, feeling exhilarated that my theory of explaining Muggle things the Magical way has been proven successful. Then suddenly Riku says: "Just one problem, guys." We all turn to him and he says: "The movies I see lying here – are all but the work of someone's imagination."
We all hurry over and he hands a few of the eight thin square boxes that have the word DVD in a really small writing in the top left corner to Sora, who looks at the titles one at a time and then says: "This is of our first adventure. And what's this one even about? I don't remember this! And this – this is ROXAS!"
Wondering who Roxas is, do I see Riku nod and he says: "You don't remember the second because Naminé had to put you to that year long sleep to fix your memory. The movie will explain." Sora nods and I ask: "So these DVD's, right? They – they actually show your years of adventures, Sora?" And my brother nods.
Then dad lies a worried hand on Sora's shoulder and asks: "Were you hurt?" And Sora shrugs as he gives the DVD's back to Riku and takes a few others, looking at the front and back as he says: "Sometimes. Like I said, I don't remember that second movie, but I do remember the others and I always had help."
He then smiles at Riku and says: "Sometimes even very special and very welcome help." Making the silver-haired boy smile back at him before he says: "Looks like the movies depict everything we've been through the last two and a half years, Sora. And one even depicts the lives of those two people we met when we were young."
This makes Sora look at one of the DVD's in his hand and he says: "The first time Master Xehanort started to work out that crazy plan of his. Heh, I know that they're trying to make us believe that being back in their world and being united again makes them be all right and all, but I know they're lying. I just wish they wouldn't lie to themselves, especially Terra and Aqua."
Riku nods and then smiles as he says: "Who knows. Maybe they'll get a chance like ours later down the line. I personally would like that, especially for Terra. Though that is slightly because he was the one who made me a Keyblade Wielder in the first place. Though Aqua deserves it more, seeing where she was trapped for all those years."
This shocks me and Sora though, though he seems shocked for different reasons as he asks: "No way, Terra was the one who made you a Keyblade Wielder?" And when Riku nods, does dad ask: "How did he do that? Like how you two just fought?" And while I quickly hide a silent shudder that runs down my spine at remembering that intense fight, does Riku shake his head and say:
"No, just a ritual of words. Some kind of ceremony where he spoke a bunch of words I don't really remember and then had me hold the Keyblade for a few minutes before it vanished again. He then made me promise not to tell anyone and left again. Haven't really thought of it since, not until our Mark of Mastery Exams went wild."
And while he looks at the one to last DVD box that is still lying near what I can only assume is the actual player, do I look at the chairs, wondering how such a machine can work when magic is active at such a close range, but then see something when I look over the top of the back rest and say: "Hey, there's another door over there."
The others look at it as well and dad says: "That must lead to the other part of all this. Let's go have a look. And remember to be careful." All three of us nod and I allow dad to be one step ahead of me as we walk over to the door, yet when we open it, all we see is a room that is an exact replica of the one on the other side of the room we're in.
Looking shocked, I ask: "What's the use of having two similar rooms?" But then dad walks over and says: "They're not similar when their uses are meant to differ." And when I see where he is, do I see that he has a book in his hand while standing over at the coffee table. Walking over with my brother in tow, do I ask:
"What do you mean?" And dad looks at me in worry as he says: "Sora's not the only one who's past we are supposed to learn about here." And instantly I blanch as all the puzzle pieces fall into place, including the warning dad had been given by Destiny's help and I softly, fearfully ask: "That's about my first year, isn't is?"
And when dad nods, do I cave in on one of the couches and think: "Sora's the lucky one. Why does he get the movies when I get the books that will describe my every secret and my every thought and belief and whatnot? And if that book describes my First, then the other six –." But then my mind catches up and asks:
"Wait, how are there seven books already? I'm only halfway through my Fifth as it is." And dad answers: "Destiny's help told me we need to uncover the past and future, yet even he had not been given the reason as to why. I think those last two and a half stories describe how the war we're about to walk into will turn out."
And while I nod, my stomach turning into a knot again at the thought of the impending war, does Sora look at me shocked and asks: "You're at war?" But I shake my head and say: "Not yet. It's just that there's a real maniac currently out there that wants to take over our Magical World and when he makes his first move –."
I end my explanation there and everyone looks at the last two books in worry, my mind whirling over everyone who I love and who Voldemort will no doubt try to use against me, maybe even kill just to hurt and break me and then I look at dad, knowing that even without my knowledge of him being my father, I couldn't stand to lose him.
Apparently are my thoughts written onto my face as dad lies the book in his hand down and then goes to sit with me, his arms warm and comforting as he pulls me close against his side and softly pulls some of my hair away to kiss my temple before he whispers: "If it happens, we'll know. We'll read about it and be prepared."
And while the thought that he too expects himself to die in one of the books makes my stomach feel like a Glacius spell has just been cast upon it, do I nod, taking comfort in the warm arms of my father, who seems to be pushing his own fear of death to the side to comfort me, something that allows me to smile ever so faintly.
For a few minutes do we sit like this, Sora and Riku keeping quiet for our sake as Riku wraps his arms around Sora from the back and watches us from atop of Sora's shoulder, Sora himself putting one hand on the spot where Riku's arms are linked around his waist, while the other is fisted at his side, even if he stays quiet about his inner turmoil.
Then I take a deep breath, grateful not just for my dad to keep his own feelings to the side to help me with mine, but also for my brother and his new partner for respecting our need to be together for a short while and while I hate myself for asking this, do I steel myself and firmly ask the three of them: "So, which to do first?"
Sora's POV
I might have only met the man this morning, but just the way he held me and the way he has been looking at me since then makes me know that Sirius Black – my father – has won a strong place within my heart and that, like my little brother, I will probably be devastated were my dad to die somewhere in the next three years.
Still, the warm, strong arms of my beloved mate, Riku, makes it so that I feel strong and assured myself and the way his hands are on my sides with strength makes me know what the other boy is thinking: "I won't let you lose your father." Which makes me put one of my hands on his arms with a soft smile on my face.
Then Harry proves just how strong he can be himself and firmly asks us: "So, which to do first?" And I look at Riku shortly, knowing that whatever my brother has gone through can't have been any more dangerous than traveling to eleven different worlds and fighting all kinds of bad guys and Heartless and Riku seems to agree as he says:
"I think it will be better for all of us, especially Sirius as he's never seen a movie yet, to start with something we're all a little familiar with." And while Harry cringes, does he still nod and Riku guides me to the other couch, dad keeping a close hold on Harry as he opens the book, but then he sees the title, cringes and asks:
"Sora, would you mind starting the story?" And while I wonder what could be so bad about the first chapter of a story, does Harry glance over dad's shoulder at the title and groans, muttering under his breath: "When does it not?" Making me know they have experience with the title. Feeling curious, do I accept the book, but then I decide that this whole thing needs a bit of cheering up.
"Dad, Harry, don't worry. Not only will we have these books to help us end the war before it can begin, but Riku and I? We have war experience of our own. We were two of the ten people who made sure a war in our world didn't plunge the whole universe into Darkness. And we have been preparing for that for years. We can help you guys, no problem."
Yet these words of reassurance don't seem to reach Harry as he locks his gaze with mine and asks: "Did your war include a spell that can take a life the minute it touches you?" I whiten and Riku mutters: "No, but that doesn't mean we didn't learn multiple ways of avoiding that kind of dangers." I nod, Harry seems to feel reassured and I decide to just start reading.
Chapter 01
The Boy Who Lived
This makes Riku and me share a confused look and Harry catches our attention as he says: "Let's just say I have a good reason to absolutely despise that title." And Riku asks: "That's you?" And when Harry nods silently, do I ask: "How did you get it?" And Harry confuses me even further as he angrily growls: "Unfairly, that's how."
Riku and I share another glance while dad hugs Harry tightly and whispers: "Wear the title with pride, Harry, if only for the pride you feel in your heart for what your mum and Lily did. Prove that their actions make you proud." And while these words make me understand why the two wanted me to start, do I shudder as I read on.
Mr. and … very much.
"Who are they?" I ask confused, while part of me is already getting a bad feeling off of them just by that one sentence and Harry answers: "They're Lily's family. My family, because I believed Lily to be my mum and because no one else thinks different – well, let's just say I got closer to them than I would have liked."
This worries all of us and Sirius asks: "Harry, I know you ran away when thirteen and all –." But then he stops as Harry's lips become thin lines and he says: "Dad, just thinking about those Muggles now that I know the truth angers me, so please don't bring up any memories of them." Dad nods, looking really concerned and I read on.
They were … made drills.
"Which made what?" Dad then asks confused and I look at Harry, knowing he's closer to dad and the Magical world and the boy raises his head back in thought before he says: "Just imagine a really, really large needle, with pointy edges all around the sides that turns with the speed of a Firebolt and is used for construction."
Dad nods and I look at Riku in amazement as I could actually see the needle change in my mind and turn into a drill as Harry spoke and Riku whispers: "He's obviously been part of both worlds for a long time." And I nod, really curious as to how my little brother became so creative with words, something that inspires me to read on.
He was … boy anywhere.
"All parents think that of their kids – until they become teenagers, that is." Dad then laughs at the end and Harry rolls his eyes as he says: "Not really, aunt Pet – I mean – Petunia still thinks Dudley is some kind of five year old little angel of hers. She even still calls him by ridiculous nicknames like Duddiekins and whatnot."
This makes dad, Riku and me share shocked looks and Riku says: "My adopted mum stopped that after I learned how to canoe from the main island to the play island and I was seven when I did that." And while I nod to confirm that I learned the same, does dad turn worried and ask: "How far was the distance between the islands?"
And I smile at him as I say: "Not far enough that animals like whales or sharks could get through and the water was only just deep enough that – were I about ten inches longer – I could walk my way from one island to the next on my toes, I think." Dad looks comforted at this and smiles as he nods at me before I read on.
The Dursleys … the Potters.
"You mean mum? What's wrong with knowing our mum?" I ask in confusion and while dad now turns angry, obviously not liking the idea of someone insulting his partner, does Harry say: "Trust me, I try to forget I'm related to them all the time as well. Most people at Hogwarts don't even know what family I live with."
This makes me look at my brother in shocked confusion and Harry says: "They know I live with Muggles, but only a select few of them know the name of the Muggles I live with. The rest just knows I don't like talking about them and most of the time nobody really talks to me either, expect my friends that is."
This still worries me as Hogwarts does sound like a school that has tons of students walking around and while I wonder how Harry couldn't have made tons of friends when there are obviously so many students going there, do I now slightly doubt my earlier thoughts of Harry having lived a safer life than I have and read on.
Mrs. Potter … the street.
"That's funny, I shudder whenever I see someone I know meet with you guys." Harry then snaps, obviously angered as he seems to take the story very personally and dad pulls him closer as he whispers: "You're not really related to them, remember? You're my kid. Don't worry about people that aren't worth your anger."
And while I can't help but wonder what would make my dad decide that these people aren't worth my brother's darker emotions, does Harry indeed calm down from his anger at the reminder that he's dad's son and when he again smiles at dad, do I feel relieved, happily leaning into Riku's warm embrace myself as I read on.
The Dursleys … like that.
"Tell me, kiddo, who would really be a bad influence on who?" Dad asks in concerned curiosity and Harry hums as he says: "Let's put it this way. Dudley is actually the perfect candidate for parents who want to scare their teenage kids out of becoming hooligans, simply because he loves being a hooligan himself so much."
This shocks me and Harry shrugs as he says: "I guess that's the only positive thing about that – that guy. His behavior made me determined never to be like him so I guess that made me turn out the way I am today." And dad smiles as he hugs my little brother and whispers: "A boy I'm very proud of." Making Harry shine with pride as I read on.
When Mr. … high chair.
"A high chair? Harry, how much age difference is there between you two?" Riku asks confused, but then I see how this one sentence made both dad and my little brother whiten and Dad almost pulls Harry onto his lap as he whispers: "That day. It's – it's about – about that dreadful day." And Harry shudders as a response.
This makes me look at Riku, but the boy seems already aware of what my family means as he says: "This must be the day your mother was murdered, Sora." And I whiten myself, hating how I have the book in my hands. Then Riku proves he can read my mind yet again as he takes the book and wraps his other arm around me tightly.
Cuddling into his side, do I look at the book with tears getting stuck between my eyelids as I can't help but grief over the mother I never met, the mother that was taken from my father and little brother and that saved my little brother's life. Feeling pained pride grow in my heart at the thought of the man, do I listen as Riku reads.
None of … the window.
At this a strange sound is heard from the doorway and the most beautiful owl I have ever met flies into the room, landing on the backrest of my family's couch and softly plucking at a few of my brother's hairs, actually rearranging them and straightening out the mess his hairstyle makes, while also making Harry smile at the creature.
"You here too, Hedwig?" And the owl croons shortly before continuing her work, obviously intend on comforting my little brother the only way she knows how and while I feel touched at the fact that this amazing creature seems to believe Harry to be her young, do I smile at the picture she and Harry make before Riku reads on.
At half … the house.
"That guy is a downright lunatic, allowing his son to do that." Sirius growls and Hedwig ruffles her feathers, obviously disliking the fact she has to hear about these people and I realize that, as Harry's pet, she must have lived alongside them for a while as well. Feeling it not to be a good omen if even animals dislike them, do I listen on.
He got … a map.
This makes Riku and me share a shocked glance and while I can't help but think: "Did the Cheshire cat perhaps travel to my little brother's world?" Does hearing about this particular cat actually cheer up my angry little brother and hurt dad as they smile at the book, actually looking as if they know some kind of inside joke.
"Guess this is the day after it happened. I did hear from Mi – from her that she watched those Muggles before you were brought there. Never really heard her say anything positive about that, if I recall correctly." Dad then says and I ask: "You know the Cheshire cat?" Only to be looked at with raised eyebrows from my family.
Then Riku says: "Sora, it's not the Cheshire cat from Wonderland." And I look at him, seeing his face still in the book. "Who's the Cheshire cat?" Harry asks and dad asks: "And what's Wonderland?" But while Harry looks contemplative, as if he recognizes the title, do I answer: "First movie." And dad nods before Riku reads on.
For a … or signs.
By now my family has trouble holding back their amusement and Harry snickers: "Only better for her to mess with his head. He sure deserves it." But this takes the amusement out of dad and he turns worried as he asks: "How bad did that man treat you?" Making Harry turn grim as well, before Riku distracts them both and reads on.
Mr. Dursley … in cloaks.
This makes me look at dad and Harry, who also both have a cloak on and I ask: "Is that a magical sense of fashion?" And Harry answers: "More like the only sense of magical fashion. Like I said, the Magical world doesn't really evolve alongside the Muggle one. In all honesty, the Muggle world is far more advanced in evolution."
This makes dad look at him shocked and Harry answers: "The movie theatre." Making dad give in with an agreeing nod as Harry goes on: "Has become a worldwide form of entertainment over the last century or so." Shocking the man as he asks: "There have been things like that for over a century?" And Harry nods as he answers:
"The first was in 1923 in America. Learned about in History when I was still a kid." And while I wonder when films were first developed back in the universe Riku and I grew up in, do I still feel pride at how easily Harry explains Muggle things to dad and how amazingly intelligent my little brother is as Riku reads on.
Mr. Dursley … of him!
"I'm starting to get why you don't like this guy, Harry. He actually makes it sound as if those people know him and are doing it just to annoy him." Riku growls, obviously having grown angry as he read the paragraph and I cuddle my face into his chest, calming the anger of my mate and making him smile at me before he reads on.
But then … be it.
"What would we be collecting for?" Dad asks and Harry says: "Some organizations in the Muggle world collect money so they can buy all kinds of stuff for people in need, like when there's been a flood somewhere or when a large building has become too old to stand and has crashed, with people stuck under the rubble."
Dad nods, but shudders nonetheless at the descriptions and then I ask: "Remember that fire that happened on the other side of the main Island, Riku? The one that actually burned down the Mayor's office?" And Riku nods as he says: "The villagers really collected all kinds of stuff for the rebuild back then, I remember that."
And while dad turns worried for a second, does he smile at hearing about the Collection and I say: "Don't worry, dad, the Mayor's office is in the North of the Main Island, Riku and I grew up in the South-East where most families with kids live, because it gives the parents a good view on the Play Island." Dad nods and Riku reads on.
The traffic … sped overhead.
"Is that really so strange to them?" Dad asks and I cringe, looking at the snowy owl still seated at the back rest of his couch as I say: "To be honest I never saw an owl awake at day either. They usually come out at night and I watch some of them hunt in the parks surrounding the main island before going to bed."
The owl twists her head sideways as she listens to me and Harry says: "You know how Charlie works at the Dragon Reserve, right?" And while I wonder what this could have to do with our current topic, do Riku and I share a shocked glance at Dragons actually existing on our homeworld and when dad nods, does Harry answer:
"Muggles also have reserves for other animals, some for the really endangered creatures, like tigers and whales, others just to make sure they can show wildlife to Muggle families and other people. These reserves are called Zoos and that's pretty much the only place where Muggles can see owls awake during the day."
Dad nods and I ask: "Ever been to the zoo?" And Harry cringes before he lies his hand behind his head and says: "Once, I think it'll come up in the story." This excites me while I can't help but wonder why Harry cringed at the memory and I ask: "Did something happen?" And when Harry answers: "You can say that." Do I feel excited as Riku reads on.
Most of … bit more.
"Is that really all he does? Shouting at whoever he thinks he can shout at? What's with this guy? Why does he think himself so important he thinks he can just go and shout at people?" Goes through my mind in confusion, while I notice how Harry rolls his eyes, apparently used to this behavior and while this worries me, does Riku read on.
He was … him uneasy.
"Seriously what's with this guy? Why can't he just ignore people he passes on the street? It's not as if he's the boss and needs to know everyone in town, is it?" I finally give into my angered curiosity and Harry says: "He would beg to differ there, dear brother." And while happy that he calls me brother, do his words worry me as Riku reads on.
This bunch … son, Harry –"
This makes me look at my little brother in worry, my concern growing as I see that their sadness from before has returned and he and dad are again hugging each other closely, tears shining like diamonds in dad's eyes as he lies his head against the side of my little brother's and uses one hand to caress Harry's hair.
The owl also seems to want to comfort Harry as she softly flutters over to land on his shoulder and hoots in his ear with such a soft tone, I am amazed to actually hear a tone of comfort coming from her voice. Riku then pulls me closer and whispers: "Your mother, remember?" And while new pain enters my heart, do I nod and listen as he reads.
Mr. Dursley … unusual name.
"Of course it is, the Potter name has been legalized to just one family since 1555 when Areolus Potter was angered at a French family that was befouling their name by using Polyjuice Potion and raping new brides of other Ancient Families. It took him 20 years to catch that French family and another 5 to get them convicted."
Dad says angrily and while I am shocked that people would do such a thing – and curious as to what the difference is between our family and this French family, does Harry say: "Dad, that was after the Magical world became a secret hidden from the Muggle world, remember? Vernon means that there are lots of Potter families in the Muggle world."
Dad calms down and Riku seems to read my mind again as he asks: "What exactly is the difference in this French family of yours?" And Harry answers: "Our world's divided in several parts that we call continents and all those continents are again divided into what we call countries. The French are people that live in the country of France."
"And we live?" I ask, while shocked that our world sounds like how all the worlds were before the Great Keyblade War of so many years ago and Harry lies a hand on his chest as he says: "In the powerful – and sometimes a little stupid – country called Great Britain." And while I wonder about that little stupid comment, does Riku read on.
He was … Or Harold.
But dad shakes his head with a smile and says: "James was adamant that I picked the name. He knew I couldn't really be as much a part of your life as we both wanted to, so he wanted the assurance that part of me grew up alongside you. He made me think all throughout the time you were growing inside him of a proper name."
He then turns to my little brother and says: "I actually named you Harold, but when you started talking at only ten months, did James change it to Harry to make it easier for you. I don't know what happened after that, but I haven't really heard anyone call you Harold since and I just call you Harry to remember how James taught you to speak."
This makes Harry smile at dad with a wide smile and he asks: "Did you chose Harold for any particular reason?" And dad nods as he says: "Harold was one of the first Potters that made your Line an Ancient one. His birth made your family have such a long lineage the others chose to accept them into the Society of Ancient Lines."
Harry smiles widely and I ask: "So there are social circles?" And dad nods as he says: "The Lineage starts at Noble, then Ancient, then comes Most Ancient, then Noble and Most Ancient and then Most Noble and Most Ancient. The way of how it works is a little twisted, but it mostly comes down to how many ancestors a family lineage has."
"Our family must be old then." I whisper in awe and dad nods as he says: "I think we can trace the lineage back at least a millennium. Who knows, if we search hard enough we might even find Potter roots in Ancient Greece or Egypt." I look shocked and confused and Harry answers: "More than 2000 years ago." Before Riku reads on.
There was … like that…
"EXCUSE ME!" I shout in fury and stand up as I ask: "Did that man just insult the woman that not only died for my little brother, but pretended to be my mum's wife just to protect his bond from my dad's family and with that my little brother and me? WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS WRONG WITH HIM?"
But then Riku throws the book down and hugs me tightly, his arms around me like comforting steel cages and his voice crooning and purring as he helps me calm from my raging fury before he whispers: "He's not worth our anger. Not yet, Sora, not yet." And I nod, agreeing that I'll get back at him later before we both sit down.
I then look at my family and it seems as if my show of anger actually cooled down theirs as both of them look at me with happy pride instead of anger and dad nods at me, the nod a silent promise that we will get back at that disgusting man and while I hate how my little brother had to grow up with this monster, do I nod back as Riku reads.
but all … almost fell.
"He actually knows that word?" Harry asks, his owl looking just as shocked and while I worry yet again as a man that can't even apologize for his mistakes just can't be a good guardian for any kind of kid, do I try to get some humor out of the fact that his owl seems to share his shock, the owl's wide eyes making me smile lightly as Riku reads.
It was … happy day!"
"Someone we're supposed to know has vanished? Who is this You-Know-Who?" Riku asks in confusion and Harry answers: "Voldemort, a magical terrorist who plunged our world into years of war and who is on the brink of doing so once again." His voice dark, upset and filled with terrorized anger and pain.
Wondering what my little brother could have to do this terrible man, do I again ask the question that Riku asked before: "How much age difference is there between you and Dudley, Harry?" And Harry answers: "Five weeks, this happened when I was one year and three months old." Yet the tone with which he speaks scares me.
The tone is almost dead and looking at him, do I see that the emerald green color of his eyes has turned dull and void, as if he's being haunted by something terrible. Then suddenly Hedwig pecks him on the ear harshly and this makes Harry scream in pain as he seems to be brought out of his stupor quite roughly.
However, instead of getting angry at the owl, does Harry smile at his pet and whispers a soft: "Thank you, Hedwig." The tone of his voice sounding grateful, yet the way that he does it making me know that this has happened before and I share a worried glance with my dad, who pulls Harry up closer against his side as Riku reads on.
And the … of imagination.
"He doesn't approve? Does that mean he has never seen a movie theater either?" Dad asks shocked and Harry answers: "I don't think he ever went until Dudley started wanting to go. And even then, if I recall correctly, he always stays in the car and lets Petunia take Dudley to see whatever movie he wants to at the time."
Dad nods and asks: "And when you wanted to?" But when Harry laughs, does the sound send chills running down my spine as his voice sounds scarily crazy, as if dad asked him to change the weather from sunny to snowing. Then, when done laughing, does Harry shake his head and say: "Movies aren't for people like me."
And just by his tone, do I know that – not only is he hiding something – he is repeating something he has been told a hundred, if not a thousand times, something that makes me feel infuriated as my adopted mum always took me whenever I didn't want to go to the Play Island or whenever there was a good movie coming to the premieres.
Looking from my little brother to the door on the left behind him, do I feel grateful for the interior of the other room as – while it's not the same as the movies they show on the Island – it will give my brother a real chance to experience what it's like to see a movie. Then Riku, who seems to read my mind, whispers in my ear:
"That movie theater is exactly the chance Harry needed – and with his real family too." And I smile even wider, thrilled and excited for the chance to see how my little brother will react to his first ever movie. Then I quickly kid: "Wonder how dad will react to seeing one." And Riku snickers behind the book before he reads on.
As he … its eyes.
"I forgot how patient that woman can be if she wanted to." Dad says as he shakes his head good-heartedly, but then Harry turns angry and says: "Yeah, if she wants to." Making dad and I look at him before he sighs and with his head down, does he say: "Later on, somewhere near the end of the book." We both nod and Riku reads on.
"Shoo!" said … word ("Won't!").
"Wait, who's problems did she say?" Riku asks shocked and Harry rolls his eyes as he says: "And that's the beauty of Privet Drive. Everyone knows about each other's problems, mostly thanks to Petunia thinking she does everyone a favor by sharing these problems, yet they only know the names of those they themselves live with."
This makes Riku and I share a shocked look and I say: "But on the Island I would even be able to tell you who lives on what part, in what house and for how long they have lived there." And Riku nods before he says: "And he's been able to do so since he was about eight years old." To this Harry sighs in dreaminess and says:
"Then you, my dearest brother, live in what I would call a paradise." And I look at my little brother in concern as his tone is a little too desperate with want for my liking and Riku whispers: "Once we're done with the books and movies, let's see if we can decide whether to all return to the Islands or to our home world." I nod at this and listen on.
Mr. Dursley … week, folks!
"What's Bonfire night?" I ask curiously as I wonder if the Islands have any holidays in common with our home world and Harry says: "Well, like the magicals can be divided, so can the Muggles and certain, I guess you can call them cults, have their own little holidays or celebrations once a year, including Bonfire night.
Never really experienced one myself, though." He then ends thoughtfully and while we all look hurt at the fact that my little brother had to miss so many things that could have made his youth more enjoyable, does my need to make that so-called Muggle pay rise every time I hear something bad about him and then dad asks:
"So what do Muggles do on Bonfire night?" And Harry looks thoughtful as he says: "I did learn about it when still in Primary school. If I remember correctly, it's a night that celebrates how an attack on the parliament – involving fireworks – failed and how our King of back in the early 1700's survived the attack."
At this dad slaps his fist into his open palm and says: "You don't mean an attack caused by Guy Fawkes now, do you?" And when Harry looks shocked, do I know that he indeed does as Dad says: "Harry, that attack was thwarted by a Potter, it's a day even the Potters celebrate every year since. I was part of that a few times even."
My brother and I look shocked at the fact that it was a member of our mum's family that stopped that attack and Dad smiles as he wraps an arm around Harry's shoulder and says: "Let me guess, we build some kind of puppet of Guy Fawkes, along with some bonfires and lit them all up together, don't we?" And Harry nods before Riku reads on.
But I … to her.
"They really aren't meant for each other." Dad then suddenly comments and we all look at him as Harry asks: "How can you say that?" And dad answers: "I may not have been able to be as close to your mum as I wanted to, but I sure always told him anything that had happened between the times where we got to see each other.
This guy doesn't even dare to speak about his day with his wife, just because of a few unusual things and that just proves it in my book." The man shakes his head at the end of his explanation and Harry hums as he says: "I guess it's just their mutual belief that they're the only ones normal then that keep them together."
This makes me look at Riku in worry, especially because the tone in Harry's voice when he spoke of the Dursleys believing themselves normal sounded bored and indifferent, as if the boy had been told about this belief a 1000 times, yet had seen something that made him belief different and while wondering what, do I listen on.
He cleared … her crowd."
This instantly makes Riku halt and dad turns to Harry as he asks: "What does he mean, her crowd?" And Harry rolls his eyes before he says: "Let's just say I often – since my eleventh birthday – compared the Dursleys to the Malfoys." This seems to worry dad even more and while I wonder who the Malfoys could be, does Riku read on.
Mrs. Dursley … wouldn't he?"
"We only differ five weeks, you oaf." Harry hisses, obviously not happy about having to listen about these people and Riku asks: "You really don't like them, do you?" And Harry curtly answers: "Every trip somewhere else – is an escape from them that I take whenever possible. Just like I pretend they don't exist whenever possible.
So hearing about them this much during the one time I really don't have to think about them, which usually transpires between the second of September and the end of June – not my favorite past time." He ends with a fake smile and while dad hugs Harry in concern over hearing how little love Harry has for these people, does Riku reads on
"I suppose … ask me."
"She only thinks it common because she never read the little baby-birth card we send her on Lily's request. Something we did because we wanted to fortify the belief that Harry was Lily's so sending her family a card about his birth would do just that, something James had to be convinced to do for over three months."
Dad growls angrily and Riku softly says: "You sure went through great lengths to keep your secret." And dad sighs, making me look at him in concern as he must be feeling the pain of losing mum all over again before he says: "Yeah, and in the end – it was all for nothing. Mum died no more than three months after James did."
This makes Harry hug dad tightly and dad pulls him onto his lap, the fact that Harry fits there without any effort making me a little worried over my brother's health, yet the picture they make together takes away my worries as they look like the picture-perfect father-son duo, one I can't help but feel jealous about as Riku reads on.
"Oh, yes," … bear it.
At this Harry swiftly stands up, his anger proven in his entire stance, but mostly in the tight fists that are by his sides and almost pressing into his upper legs as he says: "Be right back." Moving into the movie theatre and – I somehow just know by instinct – even beyond that into the room behind it, his pace swift but tense with anger.
Dad and I share a glance and I say: "Riku, mark the page." And my boyfriend instantly does as said before the three of us rush into the movie theater room and beyond it, shocked for only a second to see that it has somehow changed into a stone square room with air vents on the floor made of metal bars and mirrors for walls.
The door behind us even changes into a wall as we pass it and then I see several training dummies, all of them wearing long black cloaks and silver or wooden masks and a few of them looking quite obese. The obese ones are also the ones that seem most damaged and are – every now and then – hit with very violent spellwork.
Looking around the room, do I see a blur of something speeding around the room, going from one side to the other and constantly moving, only stopping for a few short seconds to apparently cast another spell at one of the dummies before it moves again, yet these seconds being just long enough for me to recognize my little brother.
Shocked at how swift he can be on his feet and how direct his aim is, do I hear Riku whisper: "That kid had some real-life practice, no doubt about it." And just the way dad's lips turn thin proves my mate's point before I rush over to where I see my little brother trying to roll over to and when he gets there, do I throw my arms around him.
Harry struggles and snarls at me, shouting all kinds of things of which – in my need to comfort him – I just let the words wash over me and then I again hear that one voice that I heard constantly during our fight that comes from within and it says: "Open your throat. Allow your voice to speak." And while wondering what it means, do I comply.
I open my mouth, focusing the sound of my voice to come through my throat and instead of any words, does a soft sound, that sounds like the many musical birds that Riku and I often hear singing when we watch the Sunsets come out of my throat, the many sounds of the different birds mixing with the strength of the eagle within me.
I allow for this sound to come from my throat, moving my lips when I feel the melody changing and the more I sing, the more I feel my little brother relax in my arms, his wand falling from his grasp and almost disappearing into the metal air vent, were it not for one of my feet quickly stepping onto the center to keep it balanced.
However, Harry seems blind to this as he turns from me to dad and then asks the one question I wasn't expecting: "What's happening to me?" I look at my brother in shock, but dad smiles in comfort at him and says: "I think you unconsciously got in contact with your mate, son, as it seems as if your inner Kitsune is already trying to develop."
This makes all of us look at him and I ask: "So whoever helped Destiny bring us here is Harry's destined mate?" And dad nods before he turns to Harry again and says: "Most Kitsune are like the Foxes of our Magical world, however some Potters are exceptions to this. They represent the feline part of our world and often grow many of the feline's most powerful characteristics.
One of these, especially for the Submissives under the Potter-Kitsune, is an indescribable need to defend the honor of the pride – as a Potter-Kitsune would call it. Because of this, Submissive or Female Potter-Kitsune have a really hard time keeping their emotions together when – directly or not – they believe their pride to be hurt or otherwise insulted.
The words and behavior of those Muggles – even while only read about and even when it happened years ago – is something your Inner Kitsune just can't accept and all Submissive Kitsune have to go to great lengths to control their anger and other strong emotions in the last year before their Magical Inheritance at age sixteen."
"Which is why I didn't realize that I was shouting at the wrong people until it was too late." Harry whispers with pain in his voice and dad smiles with pride in his eyes and smile as he walks over and takes Harry from my grasp, his hold apparently as comforting to Harry as my song and he whispers: "Exactly, son, exactly."
Then Riku asks: "So how did Sora get to calm him down like that?" Before he turns to me and asks: "And how did you know how to do that anyway?" And while I turn red at having to confess this little thing, does dad answer: "All Veela get this little voice in their hearts that tells them how to grow into their Veela abilities after turning sixteen.
As to how Harry got to calm down so easily? Well, it's not really a pretty explanation, but the sound of birds can actually turn the angry thoughts of a Kitsune into natural instincts and that usually settles the nerves of newborn or newly developing Kitsune. There is just one downside, but we'll get to that when Harry realizes it himself."
And while we all look curious, does dad look around and asks: "How did you manage to make this room look like this anyway?" And Harry hums as he says: "I think it works like the Come and Go Room back at Hogwarts. It was actually already like this when I came in, but it was the one thing I was thinking about when walking here."
This makes me wonder why my little brother would think of a room like this and dad says: "Well, as long as you make sure to not hurt yourself when you try and get in here, okay? Now, if you're okay with it, let's get back to the reading." And while Harry lowers his head, does he nod either way and we all walk back.
While walking do I approach my little brother and ask: "Do you really want this?" And Harry whispers back: "I just want those chapters over with." And I nod, understanding that Harry's isn't so much against the reading itself, just against the chapters concerning the Dursleys and we all take our seats again before Riku reads on.
The Dursleys … at all.
This makes dad frown and he whispers: "That's strange. Why would it take him that long? That's almost 24 hours since the actual attack took place and I remember that it was only 30 minutes after the attack ended that – well." He ends and Harry is quick to hug him and whisper: "That you made the choice to protect me."
Making dad smile at him, while I can tell by a single look in his eyes that he doesn't fully believe this and I look at Riku, who shakes his head, his eyes showing he is just as curious and while I give into my needs – that have been growing quite strongly over the last year – do I lie my head on his shoulder as he quickly reads on.
A man … Albus Dumbledore.
This makes a small, playful smile appear on dad's face and he says: "If this story can't even be kind about the description of one of the most well-respected men in our world, then I fear to hear what you thought of me when we first met." And Harry laughs hard as he says: "I thought you to be a stray, that's what."
This makes dad pull Harry back on his lap, but not to hug him as he says: "Why you." And with the one hand not holding my brother to his side, does he actually move over my brother's body, obviously searching for the spots where my brother could be ticklish and finding it just above the right side of my brother's hip.
Harry laughs and hiccups and begs dad to stop, laughing himself until he cries as dad twists his hand from the left to the right and in all kinds of angles as he makes sure that Harry's own hands can't stop him before he finally – after ten minutes – stops and hugs a panting Harry close to this chest, a wide grin on his face as he listens to Riku's reading.
Albus Dumbledore … have known."
At this dad shakes his head and says: "I can't believe he was actually surprised. He knows just fine how much James and Lily meant to her. She even told them how she always walked away with them at Teacher's meetings during the reception for their so-called wedding." This shocks me and I can't help but say:
"Wow, they went far to make people believe they were married." And while it obviously doesn't make dad any happier, does he nod and do I nonetheless detect a strong hint of pride shining in the man's eyes, pride I know the man feels for his departed mate and sister by adoption. Hoping I can comfort him later, do I listen as Riku reads.
He found … little pop.
This makes everyone look up shocked and then dad shakes his head and says: "Go figure he would take some of his own little trinkets along on this mission of his. I just still don't understand how going from Godric's Hollow to Privet Drive could have taken a whole day." And he seems to contemplate this as Riku reads on.
He clicked … Professor McGonagall."
"Wait, what?" I ask in shock, not really sure I heard my mate right and Harry asks: "Did you expect any less? We've been mentioning that that cat has human traits many times now. You should have been expecting something like this then, shouldn't you?" And while Riku and I shortly share a look of feeling stupid, does he quickly read on.
He turned … so stiffly."
"I'm more surprised that she expected him not to recognize her. Sitting in front of her class in that form was a standard procedure for her to do while we were in school and heavens knows Dumbledore walked in on her classes with her like that plenty of times during our school years." Dad ends, his tone grave at the end and I ask:
"Why did he visit so often?" And dad lowers his head as he says: "Because it would mean someone in our class had their family attacked by Voldemort and his men. Every time we would see the Headmaster come in to a class, we would all be terrified that someone we loved had been lost. Well, everyone but me that is.
I knew my family wouldn't be attacked all that easily. The only ones in my family who could have been targets were my cousins Andromeda and Ted and they went down under with the Fidelius charm only four years into the war. They just let me in on the secret when their daughter was born. I do love little Dora."
He ends, now a large smile on her face and Harry asks: "So their Fidelius charm actually worked?" And dad nods as he says: "They had a Goblin keeping their location. You know how those creatures are. When something's a secret, it stays a secret." Harry nods while I wonder what a Goblin could look like and Riku reads on.
"You'd be … way here."
"Wait a second, care to repeat that?" Dad asks angrily and Harry says: "It was probably to find people that knew mum and Aunt Lily, dad. To comfort them and whatnot and tell them that I had survived so they wouldn't feel too bad." Dad nods, the anger gone from his eyes and he relaxes against the couch with his arm around Harry as Riku reads on.
Professor McGonagall … eleven years."
"That war lasted eleven years?" I ask in shock and dad nods as he says: "At first it hadn't been so bad. Voldemort just tried gathering people, made some fake promises here and there and even tried threatening people into making him Minister. When that came out and he was banned from electing himself – that's when it really started."
The man shakes his head and says: "In all truth, the real war started in 1972 when Voldemort actually caused an attack of several magical creatures under his command on the Ministry. Before that the Aurors and Dumbledore and some people loyal to him were able to keep him from really harming others. They just – didn't see that coming."
"Was it that bad?" Riku asks shocked and intrigued and dad lowers his head as he says: "The Ministry counted 25.684 workers that day; 12.444 lost their lives. A total of 6.000 due to Dementor attacks, another 3.124 due to Vampires attacking from the shadows and werewolves and whatnot attacking the last 3.420 to Voldemort's own followers."
This shocks all of us and Harry asks: "Voldemort got that many people killed with one attack?" And dad nods before he says: "One attack – that Voldemort was able to make last for an entire fortnight as he had the entire Ministry locked up from the inside. When he left and the opposition was able to get in – all those people were dead."
This makes all of us shudder and Harry asks: "Is that why the Order is so adamant on warning people before Voldemort really attacks? Because they fear another attack like that?" And dad answers: "Dumbledore doesn't think Voldemort will repeat himself, but we do want to make sure people are prepared if he does."
Harry nods and then dad turns to him and says: "If anyone of the Order asks, you didn't hear it from me, understand? I'm not supposed to tell you any Order information, but seeing that we have a book of your fifth, I have no doubt that sooner or later we still will, so might as well get a head start." Harry nods and Riku reads on.
"I know … said Dumbledore.
"It certainly seems so? He's had 24 hours to ascertain this fact and he says it certainly seems so? I even made sure Hagrid brought you straight – oh, so that's why it took 24 hours before he did this." Dad suddenly says, interrupting his own rant and calming down straight afterwards before I ask: "What's why, dad?"
And dad happily answers: "When the house collapsed and Hagrid and I found Harry, did we fight over who should get Harry as Dumbledore had ordered Hagrid to take him to his relatives. I, of course, couldn't well admit that I was his father as my own mother was still alive, so I accepted Hagrid's orders on a certain condition.
That Dumbledore were to see Harry at Hogwarts before he was sent to the Muggles. Hagrid must have run into madam Pomfrey halfway through his journey and she must have taken him under his wing. Not even Dumbledore can easily convince her to give up on her patients." The man ends with a proud smile and Riku reads on
We have … Voldemort's name."
"Why are people afraid anyway? What – other than that attack and probably many others – did Voldemort do that makes people fear saying his name even now? I just don't get that." Harry then asks dad, obviously frustrated with the confusion he must be feeling about all this and dad sighs, obviously not happy about having to explain this.
"What you have to understand, Harry, is that at the last few years of Voldemort's reign – the last two, I believe, maybe three – there was only a select few witches and wizards that the general community still looked up to because they were daring enough to say his name regardless of all the death, torture and all out terror he caused.
Voldemort saw this as a threat to his need to reign supreme, so he cursed his own name. We call such a thing a Taboo spell, it makes it so that whoever is linked to the Taboo word can make sure it isn't spoken at all costs. Now imagine those security people to be witches and wizards like Crouch Junior and Pettigrew and my cousin, Bella."
At this Harry shudders and says: "No wonder they're traumatized. But why do kids of my age do it? I mean, they'd be way too young to remember such stuff." And dad answers: "But they wouldn't be too young for their parents to start teaching them this only a few years later. I just think the reasons behind it have stopped being explained, really."
Harry nods, while I share a shocked look with Riku and the boy seems to read my mind as he whispers: "And that's the kind of war your brother is walking into in just a few months." And we both look at the lowest two books of the bunch, my heart constricting at the thought of my brother having to experience that as Riku reads on.
"I know … new earmuffs."
At this I raise my eyebrow and ask: "Earmuffs, really?" And Riku continues: "He obviously isn't telling us the entire story here." And Harry shudders as dad says: "And I sincerely thank him for that." Making Riku and me remember who we are reading about, causing the both of us to shudder like Harry did before Riku reads on.
Professor McGonagall … stopped him?"
At this I see dad pulling Harry back onto his lap, the both of them whiter than their eyeballs and a shudder of something other than the disgust they felt earlier running down their spines, clear enough to actually make them vocally shiver and I hear Harry's voice stammering as he shudders, the way he clings to dad worrying me.
Then Riku whispers to my ear: "This must have to do with the attack on your mother." And I realize that my mate just has to be right. I look at Riku, wanting to be with him but wanting to be with my family as well and the warm, understanding look that the silver-haired god shows me makes me fall for him even harder.
I then kiss his cheek gratefully before I stand up and quickly join my dad on the other side from where Harry sat, the grip dad puts on my person as he hugs me close almost enough to bruise me and makes me actually lose my breath quite suddenly, but I still lie my head on his shoulder and softly grab Harry's fists that lie on his knees.
Then I see something happening from where Riku was seated and see that he too has stood up. The silver-haired god stands up and I smile widely as he again takes the position he was in when we all sat together at the other room, before I notice that dad is also smiling at him. Realizing that dad silently called him over, do I smile as Riku reads on.
It seemed … the Potters.
At this I can't help but lean closer into my father, Riku's amazing voice making it really sound as if the events are taking place right now, as if in that world this conversation is taking place as he reads and while I feel amazed at the brilliant talent of my mate, do I wish he weren't so talented at the same time as it hurts to think of his words.
The words that will prove that my mother is dead. The words that will prove that the man that gave birth to me was lost to me years before I could return to his world and his side. The words that will prove that my little brother was almost killed in the same attack. At this last one, do I almost merge with dad as Riku reads on.
The rumor … they're – dead."
At this I hear my dad whimpering, but then I notice how the whimpering doesn't really sound human and I can't help but look at him oddly as the sounds he makes are resembling the sounds of a hurt and badly wounded dog quite amazingly and when Harry says: "McGonagall." Do I nod at my brother and his hurt tone before Riku reads on.
Dumbledore bowed … son, Harry.
Instantly, upon hearing this, do I summon my Keyblade to the hand that is on my little brother's back, my anger fueling my need to protect him, only to feel the warm, comforting hand of my beloved on my tight fist as Riku softly says: "Only in the book, love. This happened long ago." And while keeping my weapon, do I still listen as he reads on.
But he … he's gone."
At this I look at my little brother, trying silently to see if I can find anything about him that can relate to some kind of power that could do what is being said, yet not finding anything other than my own knowledge of how easy he is to be loved and cared for and I think: "I wonder if that could have anything to do with it." As Riku reads.
Dumbledore nodded … never know."
"I sure hope the books will help us find out." Riku then whispers, this part obviously not read and then I suddenly notice how Harry has his head down while being tucked into dad's embrace and he says: "Dumbledore told me his theory at the end of my first. We'll probably read about it at the end of the story." This intrigues me as Riku reads on.
Professor McGonagall … left now."
"So even this old-timer didn't know about the bond?" Riku then asks in shock and dad shakes his head as he says: "The only one who – outside of Harry's family – actually knew was Remus. I'm just surprised that Albus didn't include more distant relatives of James' side into the equation when he made this decision."
"My mum still had relatives?" Harry asks in shock and dad nods as he says: "Remember how I said that all old families are related? Your grandmother was a Black when she was born, so why Albus didn't even consider Andromeda, who visited James a ton of times when Dorea was still alive, I just don't understand."
"What happened to her?" Harry asks worried and Dad sighs as he says: "That is another something barely anyone in the Magical World really knows. As far as the community knows, Dorea and Charlus died when their house came under a surprise attack that the Death Eaters aimed at exactly that – the house structure itself.
The truth is that they died defending it. Their bodies were just moved and the destruction worsened after they were ambushed." This shocks me and Harry asks: "How do you know this?" And the look on dad's face tells the entire story, making us gasp as dad whispers: "They gave us very clear orders; stay under the cloak at all times.
I only followed those orders, because I know Charlus was relying on me to take over from him. To – as your mum's Dominant mate – take the role of caring for him over from his parents. So I kept James under the cloak no matter how hard he cursed me or threatened or cried for me to release him or to help and save them.
In the end, I had his face pushed against my chest, my Veela wings wrapped around his entire frame and saw it all happen. Dorea and Charlus, believing themselves in need of conquering Voldemort one last time as he again attempted to take their house, only for them to be ambushed as they tried pushing him past the first wards.
The – the spells I witnessed being used on them –." Dad shudders and Harry and I instantly hug him, wanting to be there for him like he was there for mum all those years ago and dad has his head bowed as he softly whispers: "All they got to do before he murdered them – was reach out to touch each other's hands one last time."
And with that a tear falls down dad's face, Harry beating my need to comfort dad and wiping it away gently before we both bury our heads under his, proving to dad he still has family left and the man clings to us, silent hiccups of pain and grief tearing through his body as he sobs for the loss of his actual in-laws.
Harry and I keep ourselves clinging to our dad, our hearts – I know – weeping for the grandparents we never got to know, yet both of us knowing that we can rely on each other later to grieve for this and that – right now – our dad needs us. We hold onto him and both let one arm draw circles on his back as he cries.
After a few minutes, where his tears have actually made my hair turn wet enough my fringe is now stuck to my forehead, does the man take a deep breath to calm himself and does he kiss us both on the forehead, grateful love shining in his eyes as he – without words – thanks us and we both nod at him happily before Riku reads on.
"You don't … live here!"
"Sure wonder where that vehement defending of my safety has gone off to the last few years." Harry then suddenly snorts, obviously not really in control of how he feels or thinks and dad looks at him in confusion as Harry says: "Let's just say I trust that woman as far as I can throw her in human form – and she caused it herself."
The man nods and I share another glance with Riku, my beliefs that Harry has had a safer life than mine for the last two and a half years lowering even further as worries over what this woman could have caused my little brother beats another hit into that belief and Riku sends me a silent look of confidence before he quickly reads on.
"It's the … a letter."
"Wow, time out. Did I hear that right?" Dad then asks, while I personally feel too shocked to even comment on what I just heard and Riku sighs as he says: "Believe it or not, it's really there. And in my personal opinion of world leaders – that one is off his rocker." And Harry comments: "Then it's a good thing he's not our leader."
This makes Riku and me look at him shocked as so far, McGonagall's behavior to him had certainly made me believe so and Harry says: "He's the leader of our school and of a strong society that fights Voldemort, but we just have a Minister for Magic, you know. Not that he really is all that much better." And dad nods before Riku reads on.
"A letter?" … his name!"
"First of all, that famous part is sadly enough indeed true. That Harry Potter Day – glad that's not true, but I'm not happy with the behavior on that day either. And lastly – how can there even be books if I don't even know what bloody well happened?" He then turns to dad and says: "Remind me to let the Goblins look into that."
The man nods and I share another look with Riku at – again – hearing the title Goblin. Harry then sees the look as he and I pull a little distance from dad as our close body-contact causes sweat to break out with the three of us and he says: "A few more chapters, you'll see." And while I wish I could get a straight answer for once, does Riku read on.
"Exactly." said … even remember!
"How is it he says that then and not now WHEN I NEED IT MOST! WHERE WAS HE WITH THAT COMMENT ALL THESE YEARS! DOES HE NOT REALIZE HOW NOBODY ELSE EVEN THINKS ABOUT THAT ANYMORE?" Harry rants, again shouting as he seems to lose control of his emotions again and dad says:
"Other room." And Harry rushes for it, my instincts for once not telling me to follow and dad seems to understand this as he says: "I don't think Harry will go for another shot at that dueling stuff we saw him do earlier." And I nod, realizing that dad must know about any other methods Harry must have in order to lose his anger.
And the man is proven correct as only 20 minutes later Harry opens the door to the Movie Theater room yet again, apparently sets something long and thin against the wall next to the door frame on the other side of the door and then walks in, his hair looking strangely windswept and his robe no longer on his person.
Dad smiles as he sees my little brother and asks: "Better?" And Harry nods, sitting down next to Riku, who quickly shuffles over to make room against dad's legs and when Harry is seated there, does he look up and says: "Remind Dumbledore of this if we get the chance." And dad nods with a large smile on his face before Riku reads on.
Can you … take it?"
At this dad shakes his head and calmly says: "The idea certainly has merit, but with how you're behaving regarding your fame, did he seem to have made some kind of fatal flaw in his plans. You might have grown up away from the fame, but it's not like you have had any training to deal with it either, did you?"
And Harry asks: "Is there any other way than just ignoring it, then?" And dad laughs as he says: "To be honest, yes. And I know how, because your fame has pretty much grown to resemble the hassle and bustle that comes with being a member of a High-ranked family. So if you know how to be a part of that, you know how to handle fame."
"Can you teach me?" Harry asks, a desperate tone in his voice and dad sighs as he says: "Aw, what the heck, I need to teach Sora about politics and all that anyway." This shocks me and I ask: "Why me?" And Riku continues: "Yeah, why Sora?" And dad answers: "Because he is the firstborn and thus first in line for his rightful inheritance."
"You mean, other than the Veela stuff?" I ask in shock and dad blows my world apart as he says: "I mean like thousands of galleons, a couple of mansions and other valuables like that. The Blacks are pretty darn rich and the Potters are no different. As first Heir, you pretty much represent our entire Family, son."
He then turns to Harry and says: "Of course, if I were to do the ritual James and I intended to do once we had two sons, the Potter heritage will befall Harry, as is his right as Heir to the Secondary family, but as I am James' Dominant Mate, that makes the Blacks the primary line to represent, something done by the Lord and First Heir."
He then snickers as, finally, he turns to Riku and while my mate raises an eyebrow does he say: "And because Riku is Sora's Dominant mate, will he be tasked to help me make sure Sora holds up the family name, keeps up with our Political Schedule and plans and that he is taken care of as he grows to take care of the Family line."
This makes Riku's eyes widen and Harry asks: "So the Potter line befalls me, the Black line befalls Sora and if I were to be a Submissive Kitsune, it will be up to my mate to make sure I hold pride to our Family name, just like Riku will have to do once all of us come back to England?" And dad nods before he says:
"Exactly, that is, if we decide – or better said, get to decide – to go back to England in the first place." This relieves me, while it shocks Harry and he asks: "What do you mean with that? Of course, we're going back! Our friends are there! Are you really planning to leave Lupin to himself? I can't do that! Not to Hermione and Ron!"
And while dad cringes at Harry raising his voice the more he shouts, does he reply: "I just said it because Sora and Riku seem to have lived a much better life than we did and because I want to make sure you don't get harmed by people who don't even know you anymore." Harry calms down at this and sighs before he says:
"I can't leave Ron and Hermione behind. They're – they're my closest friends. I can't leave them for another world. Not while they can be killed for Voldemort to try and get to me. I – I just can't lose the first friends I ever got." And while dad lies a strong hand on his shoulder and I wonder how long those 3 have been friends, does Riku read on.
Professor McGonagall … as this?"
This seems to shock dad and he says: "Wow, I never noticed, but McGonagall can be pretty darn judgmental." At this Harry shakes his head and says: "Yeah, I've been the lucky person to notice that quite a few times over the last few years." And while his dark, hurtful tone worries me about how he found that out, does Riku read on.
"I would … of them.
"How did that thing get so big anyway?" Harry suddenly asks and dad retorts: "How do you remember that thing?" And Harry answers: "I dreamed of it on Dudley's eleventh birthday." Shocking dad before he hums and says: "I can only imagine that when Hagrid brought you to Dumbledore that one of the teachers enlarged it for his next journey."
We all nod and Harry asks: "So I was at Hogwarts even before I got my registration letter?" And dad laughs as he says: "You first saw Hogwarts when you were only two months old. James was adamant about you going there so he decided to try and get you to agree on it long before you would even be able to remember."
This makes all of us laugh, me personally glad that – even with all the dangerous and life-threatening things that dad went through in his war-filled youth, he still had some chances to laugh and still had people that made sure he wouldn't give up. This makes me decide I will take my mum's place in this part of dad's life and I listen on.
If the … of blankets.
"Wow, anticlimactic much?" Riku asks, reading the last part with a hint of shock in his voice and dad laughs: "That's Hagrid and the blanket pretty much resembles his character to a T." But then I hear Harry whisper: "Sometimes a little too much, really." And while dad and I look at him, does Riku apparently ignore him as he reads on.
"Hagrid," said … that motorcycle?"
This shocks Riku into a pause and Sirius asks: "Dumbledore wasn't even at Hogwarts when Hagrid arrived? Then where the hell was he? He couldn't have needed –." But then Harry interrupts and says: "Dad, I think I know. I became famous that night, remember?" And while Riku and I share a confused look, does dad say:
"Oh, of course." And Riku asks: "Of course what?" And Harry answers: "Dumbledore must have been at the Ministry all day, trying to make sure he could convince the Minister and any other High Magical People working there that he knew best where to send me. After all, an infant hero? Anyone would want to be that baby's guardian."
And I nod, while I can't help but let a shudder run down my spine at the idea of thousands of families fighting over my little brother's custody rights, rights that – in all truth – only befall the hands of my father. Then I look at the man, knowing he wouldn't be able to prove this without revealing the truth and grumble as Riku reads on.
"Borrowed it, … over Bristol."
This makes dad smile at my little brother and he says: "You always were a softie for that motorcycle. A kiddie broom, you made the entire house feel unsafe, but that old motorcycle of mine, you always fell asleep in it within ten to fifteen minutes, sometimes even before I got to really lift off." This makes me smile wide as Harry blushes.
Then suddenly dad seems to roam deep inside the pocket of his robe and he says: "I charmed this thing to appear in any robe or cloak that I'm wearing that day. It's something I shot when you were about six months old and it was a few days before Christmas. I took it because I couldn't be with you that time for Christmas. Had order business."
And with that he shows us a beautiful golden pendant shaped like the mane of a lion and when he opens it, do I see my little brother in the arms of a man that almost resembles him to the T, bar a pair of hazel brown eyes and a flawless forehead, the man holding my little brother as he gazes over a beautiful snow-covered town.
We all look at the picture in shocked awe and dad says: "That was one of the only times where your mum went with us. He didn't really like that motorcycle, preferred other ways of flying, really, but because I couldn't be there for Christmas and because I told him my Christmas wish, did he guide me to just out of town and did I snap this picture."
He then smiles with tears in his eyes and says: "It was the only thing they never got to take from me. In Azkaban, I was often found with it, but when they would try to take it, it would vanish from their grasp and return to my pocket. After four attempts the Minister told me I could keep it." At this dad smiles and he snaps the pendant closed.
By now all of us are smiling and dad puts the pendant back into his pocket, his eyes closed, but his eyelashes still gleaming with unshed tears and Riku snuggles a little closer up against his legs as Harry again takes his place on dad's other side and the man smiles at us all, his eyes proving how much he loves us as Riku reads on.
Dumbledore and … scar forever."
This makes me look at my little brother, who rubs a pair of fingers over his scar in irritation before I look at Riku, who nods at me, obviously again thinking the same thing as I am. The boy then lies the book on the floor beside him and the both of us stand up and draw our Keyblades once again, shocking my dad and little brother.
Then Riku says: "Let's see if we can prove that old man wrong." And Harry smiles widely, obviously getting what Riku is hinting at, just before Riku and I chorus: "Curaga." And two beautiful green beams of energy shoot at Harry, our Keyblade's aimed at his face and the beams hitting his forehead straight on.
Focusing my strength on getting the skin of his forehead healed, do I suddenly feel something incredibly powerful fighting us from within the scar itself and I quickly grab onto my Keyblade with my other hand as Riku grunts and asks: "What? What is this?" And I see that he too is struggling to keep his Keyblade in hand.
Rearranging my focus, do I turn to the power behind the scar and think: "Curaga, expel the painful presence inside my brother's scar." And the magic of my spell doubles in strength, yet it seems as if it's just not enough and then I notice something else, something that makes my blood freeze over as I hear it.
Cries. Cries of pain, anguish and tortured nerves being set aflame. Cries and shouts and begging pleas to stop that come from my little brother's throat as tears fall down his eyes and his nails dig into the skin around his scar, actually causing for blood to stream down his face and I instantly respond to this turn of events.
Aiming my focus on my little brother instead of the presence inside his scar, do I heal my little brother's skin and do I stop the bleeding, sealing the wounds as I do so and nudging at Riku to stop his assault on the presence as well as its resistance seems to cause nothing but torture to my little brother, something Riku notices quick enough.
Healing the rest of my little brother's skin, do we both stop our spell and Riku turns grave as he says: "There is something inside that scar. Something alive and really powerful. We – we tried to get rid of it, but –." And dad, who holds Harry as he cries in pain, nods at us in understanding as he says: "But it resisted you and that hurt my little boy."
I nod, feeling terrible at the sight of my little brother, so young and looking just so fragile, as if the touch of a single feather can break him as he clings to dad's robe, his body quivering and shaking with his last heaving sobs and Riku says: "I'll be right back." Before heading – strangely enough – for the movie theater.
Wondering what he could be up to, does the boy return to us shortly afterwards with a bottle of fresh water in his hand and a small basket of mangoes dangling from his arm. Wondering how he could have gotten that, do I see him hand the items to dad before he turns to me and says: "The meeting room changed to my will."
And this makes me realize he must have envisioned our own Island when he left as the fruit and water look to have come straight from one of the trees at the Main Island and the water looks to have come from the little spring that is located close to our race course. Smiling in pride at my mate, do I watch as dad helps Harry to the food and drinks.
The taste of the mango seems to awaken the lively spirit within Harry as he perks up a little as he eats and dad rips a part of his robe and wets it with the water before he softly scrubs Harry's face clean of the last tear tracks. Then the man moves a little more over to my seat and looks at me, to which I nod and sit down next to Harry.
Riku then also takes his seat against Harry's legs and like this we stay seated for a long while, all three of us waiting until Harry feels ready to read on yet again. The boy takes a few last heaving breaths after finishing his mango and while nodding at Riku, who nods back and takes the book again, does he go for another mango as Riku reads.
"Couldn't you … other two.
At this I can't help but shake my head, angered that the man just laid my brother out to be found by whoever would get to that doorstep first and even more, for that woman to just let him while she should have been able to hear from the news that it would be a cloudy night with chances of rain and I can't help but think:
"That woman really should have just forced him to ring the bell or something, knowing what she did about the weather." And Riku nods, while dad looks down at Harry, who is eating his second mango and seems completely obvious to the world outside his current activity, something that worries me as Riku reads on.
For a … the celebrations."
This seems to shock dad and then he seems to get angrier than Harry was a few minutes ago and he turns Harry around to face me instead of him before he stands up and says: "Take care of your little brother." The anger that sounds through his voice strong enough to make a shiver run down all our spines as he leaves the room.
Riku and I share a confused look, but then the boy takes my dad's seat and with the book open on the arm rest behind him, does Riku pull Harry closely into his embrace, me following his example and hugging them both in my need to keep Harry warm and comforted, mostly because that vague look is still present in his eyes.
"He's angry at me, isn't he?" Harry then suddenly asks, shocking me as I had not expected my little brother to be talking at all and Riku says: "No, more at Dumbledore and the others. I can't really understand why, but it seems as if he heard something in my readings that really upset him." Yet I can tell Harry doesn't believe this.
The boy's eyes are still vague and distant, as if he's under the control of some kind of magic spell, but there's a strong hint of guilt and pain shining through the dull emerald green colors of my little brother's eyes and I hug him close, wanting to prove my little brother is loved and take away those emotions I see in his eyes.
For minutes on end do we all stay seated like this, Harry the only one really moving as he again finished his mango and grabs for another and while I feel proud of my little brother for eating so healthily, do I still worry for how automatic his moves are starting to become, just when my dad comes back into the room.
I rush for him, knowing he is the only one that can really fix Harry and say: "Dad, you better come, Harry seems to have pulled in on himself." And the man rushes over to the couch where Riku and Harry are still seated, bending down on his knees in front of Harry and silently asking: "Harry, can you hear me, little man?"
And Harry's nod relieves us all before Harry asks: "Are you mad at me?" And while I just can't phantom why the boy even believes that so strongly, does dad hug him and whisper: "No son, not at you. I'm mad at Albus as he apparently doesn't know the first thing about Blood Magic, no matter how much he rants about it."
This, while it confuses Riku and me and makes us look at each other, seems to comfort Harry enough that the vague look disappears from his eyes and he asks: "So – you're not mad about – about how I – how I couldn't help Riku and Sora vanquish whatever's inside my scar?" And while I feel shocked at his words, does dad shake his head.
"Harry, Sora and Riku are obviously very powerful with their weapons, but you got your scar from Voldemort, someone who is also very, very powerful. I wasn't at all expecting any of you to be able to destroy what is inside your scar so easily, especially not because none of us really know what's inside there anyway."
The man ends and while I know that my mate will take this as a personal challenge and while I personally feel very angry at something – whatever it is – of Voldemort's being inside my little brother, does Harry smile lightly and we all, once more take our seats around the little man before Riku again reads on.
"Yeah," said … who lived!"
At this, while I had wanted to comment a few times over the last few paragraphs, did I keep silent for the sake of my little brother and Riku closes the book, a worried look on his face and he says: "If we are to stay here for all of these books, then seeing how long this chapter alone took – do I think – we'll be here for a while."
And my father and I nod, while Harry asks: "What about the others? What about Voldemort and the war? How – how can the others protect themselves if Voldemort goes on a rampage to try and find me?" And while I worry for how certain my little brother sounds over the fact that Voldemort wants him found, does something else shock me.
A voice, female and powerful enough to sound as if its echo surrounds us, comes from almost every corner and aspect of the room as it says: "No need to worry, little one. The one who helped your father understand will send his men and friends to protect yours. Just know that the end of the fifth book is not as valid as the words may sound."
This confuses me and I look at the book, somehow feeling as if with the term words, the voice didn't mean the text written about my little brother's future and Harry asks: "Why would she mention something we haven't even come close to reaching?" But none of us know the answer to this and we all shrug our shoulders at him.
Okay, really intense chapter!
But what else were you expecting? You have Harry, Sirius, Sora and Riku in the same room reading a book ABOUT HARRY'S LIFE! That is bound to become an intense reading and while I hadn't expected so many interruptions when I started, do I feel this to be a good and proper start of the CR chapter.
Now there were a few changes that I made to this chapter, though most of them were around the start of the chapter, before the actual reading commenced. And to be honest, when it comes to the CR parts, I'm not even sure I will be making any tremendous changes. I like them just the way they are, so don't expect them too much, unless they are in Sora or Riku's POV.
Just a head's up,
Venquine1990
PS. Read Kiri Kaitou Clover's Consume the Darkness, Return it To Light – IT'S A BLOODY AMAZING CROSSOVER BETWEEN KH AND HP!
