Hey everyone,
Okay, so I have another 42 chapters to check out, but this is actually one that was already edited and reposted earlier on. I mostly just added a few characters that came up in KH III, but kept the one where Donald and Goofy made sure Sora kept to the whole "World Order" rule out of the equation as they are still oblivious to the fact that there are worlds outside their own.
That all clear? Good,
Venquine1990
Chapter 07
Doing Mate Math
27th of January 1996
Destiny's Haven
Harry's POV
I can't help but feel my stomach twist into an uncomfortable knot at the memory of what that voice – which I can only assume belongs to Destiny herself – has said about something that hasn't even happened outside this room, let alone be part of the book we are currently reading and I just can't help but think:
"There must be some link between what Destiny said and her reason for sending us here. She wouldn't let us read about my past and future if she didn't already know for herself what it would entail. She wants us to change the future, but why do I feel as if this part of the upcoming future is part of my past at the same time?"
And I just can't get to the answer, mainly because I just can't figure out what words Destiny could be talking about and so decide to mull over it later, once we have passed our current time frame. Still, thinking of time makes me worry for my friends all over and I think: "I certainly hope someone out there can protect them."
And with the silent hope that – like Destiny has made sure we would arrive here – Destiny will make sure someone will indeed come to protect my friends once Voldemort realizes that I am no longer on English soil – something he will no doubt realize soon enough due to the connection of minds – do I focus on our current task at hand.
Riku is still holding the book in his hands, his thumbs on the pages he just read and his eyes apparently stuck on the page upon which he ended, while Sora is softly clinging to his side, warm love and comfort being given to the silver-haired boy through the embrace and the strength of their bond clear from their silent care for each other.
Knowing that Hermione, Ron and I share an almost equal bond of understanding and silent emotional communication, can I not help but wonder why Destiny has not allowed for my friends to partake in this reading, yet decide that it doesn't matter in the end as the group we have between the four of us can be hectic enough already.
Then, as I take another glance at my brother and his mate, do I wonder if Destiny will allow for my mate to attend this reading as well once I myself have turned sixteen – something I can't help but feel might just happen during our time here – and while I again wonder who brought us here, do I focus on why we're here instead.
"Can I read?" I ask silently, keeping my voice even to make sure others don't detect my concern over Destiny's worries or any of my other thoughts – as currently only those in my head are still private to me – and Sora and dad share a look, dad giving Sora the confirming nod before Sora gives it to me and I instantly start reading.
The Vanishing Glass
This title alone, while it makes a small excited smile appear on dad's face, worries me as I had been silently hoping not to hear from the Dursleys anymore than necessary, yet then realize that because I have been separated from my dad for so long, it is indeed necessary for him to learn of my past guardians and with that I read on.
Nearly ten … the owls.
This makes dad shake his head with slight sorrow and he says: "James and I had so many plans. So many plans which we wanted to use to decorate the house and make sure we could adapt it to you boys growing up. It's – just so strange to hear that other people don't share that same passion as we ourselves got the idea from London."
This shocks me and while I wonder how dad could try and adapt the house to two boys who even differ a whole year in age, does Sora ask: "How did a whole city give you such an idea, dad?" And Dad shakes his head as he says: "It's code language, son, you'll see in the fifth book." Sora nods while looking intrigued and I read on.
Only the … his mother.
"I didn't get half those things!" Dad then exclaims, his confused look shocking us all into a sudden fit of laughter and I say: "Allow me to try and explain, okay dad?" The man nods, his face excited, even if the hints of confusion are still there and I quickly reread the things I believe confused my father before I say:
"The Bicycle is like a Wizard's broom. It's that thing you see people using when they travel over the pink and red colored paths on the road." Dad nods, while Sora and Riku share a wide-eyed look at how little dad actually knew and I personally refrain from rolling my eyes as I just know this won't be the first time, before I say:
"The Carrousel is a big attraction that kids can play on. Just imagine two large plates that spin in slow motion on their axe, one above people's heads and the other under their feet and that all kinds of stone or plastic made statues that kids can sit and ride on are the ones that keep the two platforms connected while they spin."
At this point dad has a thoughtful look on his face and then he grabs his wand and asks: "You mean like this?" And the man draws two circles in the air before drawing a dragon, hippogriff, Thestrall, boat, car and train on it and I pinch my nose while Sora and Riku look at the creatures in shock and then quickly say:
"Yeah, sort of, bar the magical creatures, that is." I then grab my own wand and say: "Another few things that keep the two platforms together are poles that are pierced through the statues and that move up and down as the platforms turn, making it almost as if the animals are actually moving, along with a big pole in the middle."
I draw all the things onto the carousel and then give the whole construction a tap, willing it with my core to move the way a carousel does and dad looks amazed, while Sora mutters: "His magic sure is different from ours. You think we can learn magic like that while here?" And while excited for the chance to teach my brother, do I say:
"Lastly, the computer. Eeeeehhhh." I end, feeling a little stumped as to how to explain something so complicated to someone who has never seen a bicycle before Riku suddenly says: "Just imagine the movie theatre to be a little more pocket size and that it has special forms of magic that allow much more than just watching movies."
I look at the elder boy in shock and he shrugs, while dad has his arms crossed and asks: "Like what?" And I quickly answer: "Like writing letters, or checking out certain recipes for something or even drawing pretty pictures. So far, the computer has not really let anything be impossible to do and the thing is still being developed further."
Riku and Sora nod at this and while I wonder how many computers can be located on a tropical island, does dad say: "I – think I get it now." Making me smile as it's obvious that the man will need a recap on Muggle stuff once we get to other items that Muggles use in day-to-day life, but that magic has made irrelevant, before I read on.
The room … house, too.
And instantly the happy atmosphere of accomplishment that had been going around the room because of Riku and my success in explaining all these things to my dad disappears as dad tightens the hold he has on his crossed arms and he asks: "Why is that, exactly?" But I don't answer the man, making him glare at me as I stubbornly read on.
Yet Harry … up! Now!"
This alone causes for a shiver to run down my spine as I clearly remember that voice and how it always rang and echoed through the small confinements of my old room. I then vividly shake my head and think: "NO! No, I won't think of that period of my life anymore. I am done with that." And I read on before anyone can speak or ask.
Harry woke … dream before.
This shocks my dad out of his attempt to glare me into an answer and he asks: "You actually remember that?" And I nod, the memory of the picture dad showed us still very fresh inside my mind, which makes me smile at the man, who slowly develops tears in his eyes before he hugs me close to his person as I read on.
His aunt … Duddy's birthday."
"Wait, this was ten years after you were dropped there, right?" Dad asks, his tone hiding a hint of anger that I just know is but the tip of the iceberg concerning what he must be feeling inside and I nod as dad makes me cringe with the next question: "Then why does it sound as if it's routine for you to cook their breakfast?"
I close my eyes, trying not to remember the many times I actually did burn the bacon – or the punishments Uncle Vernon would come up with if I did and just the thought of that name makes me do something I swore I wouldn't do, something I actually wanted to fight by reading this chapter, I flee the room.
I run from my dad's embrace and ignore his shocked shout of my name as I run through the movie theatre room, barreling over and past the four seats actually located there and while running for the door that I know is enchanted like the Room of Requirements, do I hastily think: "I want to feel loved in a different way. I want comfort."
And when I run through the door and into the room, do I feel something I hadn't expected. The room feels as if it has shrunk to the size of another person, someone strong, muscular and with an amazing upper body, whose arms surround me the minute I pass through the door, one hand on my left shoulder blade, the other around my waist.
Feeling warm, comforted and welcome like only dad can make me feel, do I wonder who this man is as dad just doesn't have this upper-body build, yet the way the man holds me makes me forget about my worries, about the memories that again came up at thinking of my so-called uncle and even of what is going on in the other room.
Sirius' POV
I knew Harry hated it at the Muggles that Dumbledore constantly sent him to, but for him to flee in pure fear after I asked him about Breakfast was something I had never expected of my son and I feel kind of stupid as the boy is only a few more months away from his own sixteenth birthday, meaning he must be growing into his inheritance.
I stand up, shouting at him as I can't help but fear what the room on the other end of the movie theatre can become with Harry's fear clouding his mind, but then Destiny sounds through and says: "This is necessary, Sirius Black. Not only is Harry not ready to read this, he and his mate must get closer before his mate can arrive here."
At this, while I hate how, again, someone is telling me what to do regarding my own son, does Sora suddenly ask: "Just a question about that mate of my little brother. Is he – is he someone we know?" And Destiny answers: "How else would he know where you live, young Sora?" And Sora and Riku share a shocked look.
I then look at them worried and ask: "How many people know where you live, son?" And Sora asks: "Out of all the friends I made from all the different worlds I traveled to in the two and a half years I was journeying?" And while the idea of my son traveling between worlds does scare me, do I nod and Sora timidly answers:
"Not – not that many, really. Everyone on the islands know it, of course, and some of the people that I worked together with during my journeys on their worlds, but else. Well, let – let me think." I nod and the boy raises his head to the ceiling, his eyes turning a little greener like James' would turn a little darker brown when he thought hard.
"There's Aladdin and Peter and Ariel and Leon and Aerith and Yuffie and Beast and Mulan and Hercules and Simba and Will – oh, and Lea, Donald and Goofy. Along with Aqua, Terra, Ventus, Isa, Roxas, Xion and Axel." This makes me cringe and Riku laughs softly as he asks: "You do realize you just named 20 people, right?" And Sora makes me cringe even worse as he asks:
"Out of everyone I know?" And Riku shakes his head with his head bent down a little as he waves one hand over the side of his head and says: "Never mind, I never asked." Making Sora laugh, before he wraps a single arm around Riku and gives him a loving kiss on his cheek, shocking the boy and making me smile in relief.
I then turn to the door leading to the movie theatre and ask: "So whoever is Harry's mate, he's in there with Harry now?" But then Destiny says: "No, the room has adapted itself to be the presence of Harry's mate, as that is what he now needs the most." At this I nod, feeling relieved that my son is in good hands before I read on myself.
Harry groaned. … "Nothing, nothing…"
This makes me snicker softly and I say: "I was just like that at his age." Now Sora and Riku look at me intrigued and I say: "Even at age ten, I had a few cousins that I just couldn't stand and my family would always throw these huge, extravagant parties for each of their birthdays and I would complain my ass off during them.
It was a lot of fun, mostly because as a teen, I was a real rebel and while I had my common sense and my sense of decency on straight, my methods of proving this were rebellious, stubborn and totally immature. It made for a fun youth, even if mum – well, she wasn't always the kindest when it came to handing out punishments."
This makes the two of them cringe and I sigh, hoping against better judgment that my son didn't experience the same kind of tyranny with his so-called relatives, relatives he is only distantly related to because Lily became a Potter when we started bringing in the big shots of our act and before I get stuck down memory lane, do I read on.
Dudley's birthday … them on.
This alone worries me and makes me look behind my couch to the movie theatre yet again. Sora, in the mean time, seems more drawn to drawing comfort from Riku, Riku only shocked for a second, before he tightens the hold he has on my son with his comforting arm and while confident both my boys are alright, do I read on.
Harry was … he slept.
At this, while my voice had started to crack at the word Cupboard do I fall silent completely, my eyes wide and my worst fears being proven to be a reality after all, this fact being proven to me through the words that are almost screaming at me as they almost magically come out of the book to attach themselves to my retina.
I then throw the book away and want to run for the door, but Riku suddenly shouts: "NO!" And I look at the boy, glaring at him as I will not even let my new son-in-law tell me how to take care of my son, but then Riku says: "Harry can't handle this. It wouldn't be right of us to take him the comfort his mate is offering him.
He is in that room right now, because facts like these are things that bring back memories he currently just cannot handle and we would just worsen that trauma if we force ourselves onto him and break the magical enchantment of the room just to get close to him. We have to let him make the first move. We have to let him – come to us."
At this I turn my face away from the boy, not just hating how experienced Riku sounds about this as it proves that the young man has experienced others making this mistake, but hating it even more that – because of that experience – the boy is indeed right and I look at the door again, wishing with all my heart that my son would walk through it.
Then Sora comes up from behind me and hugs me tightly, making that same sound as he did before when he comforted Harry and I chuckle softly as his voice sounds young and new, like a newborn chick and I hug my son, whispering: "You really need to practice letting that true song out, son, but thanks anyway."
And Sora nods, pulling me back to my couch softly and slowly before, as we both take our seat there, he suddenly asks: "What is a true song, dad?" And I smile widely, the memory of having found my own true song when James was pregnant of Sora and I say: "It's the song that is unique to each and every Veela, son.
It's a song that, when heard by people that don't know the Veela, sounds horrible, disgusting and can even be used to chase them away. The same counts for enemies. A Veela can use this song when he wants to protect his family, home or even his young and while it will encourage those he cares for, will it hurt the ones he hates.
But the one thing that sets a true song out from all other Veela sounds – as they are called – is that a Veela song actually sounds like some kind of love-song to the Mate of the Veela. It's a song that – once found by the Veela himself – will constantly utter words that will prove just what the Veela thinks of his mate and bond."
This excites and intrigues Sora and Riku asks: "Has such a song ever – hurt a Veela's mate?" And while I wonder why the boy would ask, do I decide to take this chance not to read on for a little longer and I cross my arms, taking almost the same pose as my son did earlier when he was thinking and softly say:
"There have been cases where the Song changed that have popped up over the last few hundred years, but – not that many, really. The chance of a Veela's True Song hurting a mate has to mean the song has changed and because Veela's are truly loyal to those they care for, has it barely ever happened that a song changes."
The boy nods, his face still showing a strong concern for something and Sora sighs before he moves over to Riku's couch and pulls the boy's face towards his own as he asks: "When are you going to realize that I love you, you thick-headed prat? I've loved you for the last three years and even your ignorance of that hasn't changed it.
I will find my True Song and you will see that it proves just how much you mean to me and how I want only you in my life and by my side. Now stop doubting yourself." Sora ends as he now has his head lying on Riku's chest with his arms wrapped tightly around the boy's mid waist and I shake my head at the elder lad.
The boy sends me a guilty smile and a small shrug before he focuses his loving eyes on my eldest son and softly says: "And that is why you are the Light I need to keep me pure, Sora. Because no matter what we go through – or what we read – you still believe in me, even when I don't believe in myself." Sora smiles and I read on.
When he … very fast.
At this I can't help but stop and I silently think: "Fast as in agile or fast as in rapid?" And when Sora looks at me questioningly, do I voice my thought and Riku asks: "Is there a difference then?" And I nod at my son's mate, remembering something James told me when he was four months pregnant with our youngest little man.
"We both come from such amazingly powerful lines, Paddy, and we've both lived such hectic, unpredictable lives so far. Who's to say our little boy won't surprise us with a Magical Creature Inheritance we can never expect? Who's to say he'll really be a Kitsune and who's to say he won't be a Veela or perhaps even an Elf?"
I then voice the memory before Sora shrugs and asks: "Is it really that important that he's a Kitsune?" And I answer: "Sora, a Kitsune very much differs in their preference for a mate's character traits from a Veela and vice versa. Riku is perfect for you, but if you had been a Kitsune, that could have turned out completely different."
This shocks my son and Riku asks: "Sora – Sora could not have been meant for me if he hadn't been Veela?" And I nod, knowing the man is still insecure about this bond for Merlin knows what reasons and then Sora proves that this self-doubt is unnecessary yet again as he turns Riku's face to his own and strongly says:
"Riku, I fell for you years before I turned sixteen. I fell for you years before I found out I was a Veela. I fell for you years before all of this happened. My Veela heritage might play a role in us getting together, but it doesn't play a role in how I feel. I love you and no heritage or Magical Creature characteristic can change that."
At this Riku seems to have had enough of his own insecurities as he grabs Sora's face with both hands and silences my son to a shocked moan as he almost crashes their faces together in his amazing need to kiss my little boy's lights out, Sora responding after that one shocked moan by clinging to Riku as if he's about to fall off a cliff.
Looking at my son and his mate as they cling to each other, Riku wrapping his fingers around my son's ears to bury the tips of his fingers into the wild manes of my son's hair and Sora grabbing onto the ends of his short-sleeved vest just to give more strength to the hold he has on Riku's neck as the two of them prove their love.
Sighing softly as I lean back against my couch, do I know with my heart – just by a single glance at these two – that my son is indeed right. His Veela heritage only played a role in how they got together, not in the emotions that grew between them and the same will count for my other son – and might be going on right now as well.
I then look at the door to the movie theatre for the umpteenth time this chapter and while worried for my son – seeing all he has gone through still rings through my head every single day – do I know that he is now exactly where he is meant to be, with the presence of the one he is destined to fall in love with – and not because of his heritage.
Then, just like during my dream, do I actually feel a warm loving hand softly caress my cheek and I whisper: "Prongsie." And while knowing that my mate is somewhere far away, somewhere far away from this very room, can I still feel his presence strong enough to know that my mate is smiling at me as I call out to him.
Then finally does Riku end the kiss and Sora instantly cuddles himself in Riku's hold, Riku using one arm to pull Sora sideways over his lap and my son happily grabbing part of Riku's own vest with his fist as he tickles the downside of Riku's chin with his messy hair, rubbing it under the boy's face and humming contently as I read on.
Perhaps it … he was.
This makes me get thin lips and I mentally ask: "Is there a way for me to get my son the clothes he deserves?" And again I get comforted by the power Destiny actually holds over all of us as she asks: "Why should it be you – when it can be gifts of romance from his mate?" And with that exciting prospect in sight, do I read on.
Harry had … green eyes.
"All parts of his glamour." I then mutter softly, feeling terrible over the idea that my son might get broken in his self-confidence yet again when he finds out that nothing of his current looks are what he would have grown up to look had James and I been able to raise him together without the help of spellwork and Sora asks:
"What do you mean, dad?" And I softly, with guilt ridding my tone, say: "Harry's looks are double charmed. He is to have enough resemblance to Lily that no one would even think of me as the father and is, in all other forms, to have an increased resemblance to James thanks to a spell making his mother's gene stronger within him."
This shocks the two and I lower my head and say: "James and I actually did it as a prank, to see how long it would take for anyone to realize that Harry looks too much like James for it to be normal. When no one started flapping about it, did I just decide to go along with it as it helped in my need to keep the secret of his parentage."
The two boys nod and Riku asks: "Wasn't it – hard? Being around your son when he so resembled the one you lost so long ago?" And while I try not to reveal yet again that James is still alive, do I proudly say: "Not really, Harry may look like James, but he definitely developed a personality that is his and his alone."
This makes the elder boy smile and then a soft voice whispers from behind me: "Thanks dad." And I look around my couch, shocked to see Harry actually standing in the doorway to the movie theatre, the strength in his shoulders and how loosely his hands hang by his side proving to me that his time with his mate definitely did him good.
I smile at my son and motion him to come over with my head, the boy quickly sitting down next to me and cuddling his face in my chest, my arm instantly finding its way around my little boy as he asks: "Can we take it off before the reading ends?" And I nod, curious and yet proud of my little man at the same time before I read on.
He wore … had said.
This alone is enough to make me stop reading with a gasp of shock, while part of me wonders why it is that I am shocked by this as I should – after the last few chapters – be used to such terrible behavior, but then Sora asks: "Do you think it would be wrong if we ask some of our friends to visit their place sometime in the future?"
And while I wonder why my son would even suggest that, does Riku smirk and says: "Depends on what friends you're talking about, Sora." To this my son smirks in such a James-kind of fashion it takes my breath away and then he says: "I was talking about friends like Stitch, Simba and perhaps Tarzan or Beast?"
At this Riku laughs hard and he says: "When you want to get revenge, you seriously go all out, Sora." This shocks, intrigues and confuses me at the same time and Sora says: "Simba is a talking lion, Stitch is a small dog-like creature on steroids and Beast looks exactly as his name describes, like an actual beast or monster."
This makes me smirk, not at all worried as to why my son would have friends like that as his voice proves that he has learned to trust these people and then Harry proves that he truly will be a Kitsune as he worriedly asks: "And you're sure they'll be okay? Around the Dursleys, I mean?" And Sora smiles as he says:
"Don't worry, those guys have survived Heartless, Nobodies and traveling to other worlds. A bunch of no-class morons like those so-called relatives of ours would be like a walk in the park. Besides, I know Beast and he is very protective of those he cares for. When he hears about this, there will be hell to pay." To which I happily read on.
"And don't … morning greeting.
"Grow a heart." Sora then angrily replies and we all burst out laughing, Riku ending his laughter with another kiss in Sora's hair while Harry and I look at the couple happily and then Sora suddenly asks: "Hey Harry, can you give any description to your actual mate? Seeing the room adapted to his presence and all?"
And while Harry seems shocked that his brother knows this, do I quietly answer: "Destiny told me when I wanted to come after you. Told me you were better off that way because you were too hurt by past fears to really be here when you were there." At this Harry turns red, but I hug him and whisper: "There is no shame in that, son."
To which he smiles and then he says: "I – I can't exactly give a proper description, but – from what I could feel and from what the room made me feel, was it definitely a man, one who I think is – maybe – a few years older than me, who definitely works out a lot as he had a really nice upper body and – that's all, really."
Sora nods and asks: "No voice or anything?" But Harry shakes his head and says: "Just – just the sense of him hugging me and holding me as he – as if he could sense that I needed someone to hold me. I didn't even want to open my eyes, the hug felt just that good." This makes all of us smile and then Riku says:
"So now that we know this, let's go over that list of yours again, Sora." Sora nods and Harry asks: "List?" And I answer: "We're trying to find out who your mate is and Destiny has already confirmed that it's someone Sora is friends with." Harry nods and then Sora leans back, leaning against Riku's chest as he says:
"So we know it's someone a few years older than me and someone who trains out a lot. Combine that with all the people that know where I live and you bring the number of people down from 20 to – down to eight people." This shocks me and he says: "Aladdin, Peter, Leon, Will, Lea, Isa and Terra and Hercules are all a few years older than me."
To this Riku nods and says: "Yeah, but Peter, Aladdin and Will don't really have upper body strength. Peter can fly, Aladdin is good with jumping and Will is more in the arms than in the chest department because of all the swords he forged." At this Sora nods and says: "So that leaves Isa, Terra, Leon, Hercules and Lea – well, Isa, Lea and Leon, really."
At this we all look at him and he rolls his eyes as he says: "Hercules is head over heels with Meg, he would never be Harry's destined mate. I'm even willing to bet that – back in his world – Aphrodite caused for that matchup." And Riku nods, his smile proving that he agrees with my son's words and he says:
"So we're down to three people, Isa, Leon and Lea." But then Sora says: "It's Lea." And we all look at him wide-eyed, the confident easy tone of his voice shocking us and he says: "Lea has the Corridor of Darkness ability. How else do you think he got us all here?" And while I wonder about this ability's name, does Riku mutter:
"Good point, Sora." He then looks at me and my son and asks: "So Harry and Lea?" And both of them look at my little boy, before Sora nods and says: "Yeah, I can see that happening." And Riku looks from a now fidgeting Harry to his own mate and he says: "Remember all that Axel did for Roxas? Lea's no different, he'll be perfect."
And while I wonder what this Axel and Roxas people have to do with my son's destined mate, does Riku apparently read my mind as he says: "The first few movies will explain about that. Not that you'll like it when you find out." He then ends with an uncomfortable, guilty edge to his tone and Sora hugs him as I read on.
About once … a wig.
This makes all of us laugh and I can't help but think: "He's definitely the son of two Marauders." Before I suddenly laugh even harder as I can already imagine all Harry might just do back at Hogwarts once he himself realizes this and while my sons and future-son-in-law look at me in shock, do I shake my head, snicker softly and read on.
Harry put … last year."
"Excuse me?" I then ask in raging fury over how spoiled this little brat actually is and Sora says: "Riku and I can consider ourselves lucky if the two of us and Kairi get that amount of presents in a year. And we never even asked for so many, we're perfectly happy with what we get." Making me smile before Harry says:
"And that makes you the better people, Sora, but who's Kairi?" And Sora happily answers: "She's our best friend. She's actually from Radiant Garden where Lea and Isa live, but she's been living with us at the Islands since she was five years old, because Malificent took over her world." This worries and intrigues me and I read on.
"Darling, you … table over.
"Did that happen often?" Sora then asks and Harry cringes before Sora says: "You don't have to answer." But Harry shakes his head and says: "It's not the memories of the Dursleys that are hurting, it's – the ones of Vernon. Those scare me and – well, if the third, fourth and fifth book won't tell you, I will."
To this we all nod, me worried as those ages can be very vital to my son, both as a young wizard and as a growing Kitsune and I ask: "Did – did getting your Hogwarts letter?" And Harry nods, relieving some of my worries as he says: "Yeah, it made him back off." To this we all sigh in relief and then I smile as I read on.
Aunt Petunia … thirty… thirty…"
"Are you serious?" Sora then asks in pure shock, only for Harry to confuse me as he says: "He has Dyslexia." Shocking Riku and Sora as Riku asks: "Are you sure?" And Harry nods before he says: "The problem is that we've known this since Dudley was five years old as that was when the school nurse found out.
The only problem with this matter is that the Dursleys are adamant on their belief that everything is picture perfect with them, so they delude themselves with the idea that Dudley is a perfect, intelligent little angel and have never done anything to help him deal or learn to live with this, so his schooling became harder and harder each year."
"And he punished you for that because his parents told him to, am I correct?" I then ask as I had heard the pain come through in Harry's voice the more he spoke and Harry hangs his head as he nods and says: "That's pretty much where – you'll see next chapter." And while my son's words worry me, do I nod and read on.
"Thirty-nine, sweetums," … Dudley's hair.
At this Harry shakes his head and says: "See what I mean? They could see he was struggling and instead of giving him the chance to learn and work around his Dyslexia, did they just give him the answer and then praise him for being spoiled. That's exactly what I mean." And we all nod, none of us happy at this as I read on.
At that … a VCR.
This makes me tilt my head as I just can't understand any of the things just described and Harry says: "I'll just ask the other room to show these things later, okay dad?" And while I can understand that my son must be getting a little tired of all these Muggle chapters, do I smile at him in gratitude and hug him tightly to my side as I read on.
He was … take him."
This makes me frown at what I just read and I ask: "Mrs. Figg? Why does that name sound familiar?" And Harry answers: "She's the one that looked out for me last summer, remember?" To this I roll my eyes as the attack that happened last summer is still fresh enough in my memory and I growl: "Yeah, I remember." Before I read on.
She jerked … streets away.
This makes Sora smile at Riku as he says: "I sure am glad there is now peace in our Worlds. The agreement we all made to invite everyone who knows each other over for birthday parties, no matter what world they live in, will really come in handy once we get back home." And I smile at this idea, before reading on.
Harry hated … Tufty again.
This makes everyone roll their eyes and Sora says: "Originality really isn't that woman's forte." Before Riku looks at me and asks: "How did you and my parents decide on Sora and my name's anyway?" And I smile as I remember the day my little boy was born, lying my head back on the couch as I say:
"James and I agreed on Sora, because we were young and we both loved being wild and free like we did whenever we were in the air, so we felt our love for flying should be converted into our kids, thus Sora, the Japanese word for Sky." This makes my son shine with pride, his smile the largest I have seen yet and he asks:
"And Riku?" To which I cringe as Riku has a humiliating side to his story and I say: "His name has two reasons, but I think I'm better off if I only name one. I'll explain another time." My boys nod and I say: "Riku was named after the land first and foremost – because Alice was top of her class in Herbology for 7 years straight."
This makes everyone smile widely and I shake my head as I say: "She was just so talented with it, had it not been war when she was pregnant, do I know for certain she would have taken over from Madame Hershia when she passed on. Instead Pomona Sprout did and I think she's still there to this day." At this Harry nods and I read on.
"We could … the boy."
"And that feeling's returned, I can assure you." Harry then growls, but while he does so, do I feel him suppress a shudder under my embracing arm and while I wonder what this woman could have done that makes my little boy both hate her and fear for her, do I look at him worriedly for a few seconds before I continue reading.
The Dursleys … the car…"
"I sure hope that's illegal in your world?" Sora then angrily asks, making me know it is in his and Harry rolls his eyes as he mutters: "As if they care for that." Which does nothing to help the fear I had felt earlier about just what those monsters could have done to my little boy and while I again suppress that fear for later, do I read on.
"That car's … he wanted.
"That's just damned wrong." Sora then growls and Riku nods before he says: "What's even worse is that he's using it to make Harry's life miserable, most likely, while he could just as well use it to let them get him help with his Dyslexia or something." But then Harry says: "That's not Dudley's style." Which angers me as I read on.
"Dinky Duddydums … mother's arms.
"I know he's family – well, sort of." Sora starts, his tone of voice proving he's had enough of Dudley's behavior and then he goes on and asks: "But can we perhaps use him as a practice target for our Keyblade Training?" And while Riku and Harry look at the young man in shock over his suggestion, do I laugh and say:
"No Sora, but don't worry. I already have a better revenge plan in mind. We just need to wait with it until we get out of here, that's all." To this my son nods and I look up, a large smile appearing on my face as I think of the plan I had been cooking up while reading about this fat pig that I am – sadly enough – related to before I read on.
Just then … hit them.
At this Harry winces, proving me instantly that my little boy has experience with this little brat doing that to him and I growl, mentally adding the little brat to my list of people to get back at, before Harry hums and says: "I only just realized it." We all look at him and he says: "Pettigrew and Piers have the same first letters."
This shocks me and I read the last paragraph again and my eyes widening as I realize that my son is indeed right before Sora asks: "Who's Pettigrew?" And while Harry shudders for a second time, obviously in memory of that terrible event last June, does he darkly mutter: "A Murderer." Before I read on hurriedly.
Dudley stopped … Harry, "honestly…"
This makes me lower the book with pain and I whisper: "You didn't even protest to him calling it your cupboard. It – it should have never been so. No – no kid should ever grow up so – so wrong." But to this Harry hugs me tightly and whispers: "It made me who I am, dad, that's all that matters." And I smile at my son before reading on.
But Uncle … so quickly.
This alone, while the punishment, angers me and I whisper: "A clear Black trait. All kids of the Black line perform some kind of Metamorphmagus magic before they turn eleven. It proves your heritage." And this makes Harry shine at me with a childlike innocence I haven't seen since he was just a toddler before I read on.
Another time … school kitchens.
"On the WHERE NOW?" I ask in pure shock and Harry shrugs as he says: "I still don't get how I got up there and I've been living in the magical world for the last four and a half years now." I look at my son in shock and think: "Could it – no, unless he really is meant to be a Veela, I – I just don't get how he – how he did that."
Then suddenly Harry asks: "Are you okay, dad?" And I shake my head, realizing I must have been lost in my own thoughts and I say: "It's just – I'm kind of wondering whether you will really be a Kitsune, son. This – this chapter has made me wonder it more than once, after all." This shocks my little boy and I ask:
"Harry, when they say that you're fast, do they mean fast as in fast or agile?" This makes Harry look down in wonder and he says: "I – I personally believe it's – it's a combo. I mean, I learned to be really fast as in quick over the years, but – yeah, I've always been agile of my own strength." This makes me sigh in relief and I say:
"Kitsune then. Feline are after all better capable of being agile than birds, who have their wings to make them fast." At this Harry smiles, but then Sora shrugs and says: "Kitsune or Veela, I don't really think Lea would have cared." And Riku nods, his happy smile proving that he speaks from experience and I read on.
Dudley's gang … was flying."
This, while it makes Sora and Riku cringe as they must realize that it wasn't in Harry's best interest for him to say this, makes me smile with relief as it proves that there must have still been some innocence left in my little boy even then and while I strongly hope that Lea can help me get some of that innocence back, do I read on.
Uncle Vernon … dangerous ideas.
"Not that this ever really stopped me." Harry then laughs and I smile at him as Sora asks: "Did you sneak in to watch?" But Harry shakes his head and says: "Didn't need to. Primary school made it mandatory for one movie to be watched at least once a year, so I still got the chance to see several cartoons over the years."
This makes the two in front of me laugh and Riku asks: "And those Dursleys didn't complain about that?" And Harry laughs: "Of course not. It was mandatory and they'd rather be caught dead than be suspected about behaving out of proper order to their family – even if I never saw them as such." Sora nods and I read on.
It was … wasn't blond.
"Don't let Tarzan hear you say that, Harry." Sora then laughs and he goes on: "He would think you're insulting the poor thing." And we all laugh as Harry says: "I didn't even think about that. The poor mammal, having me compare him to a wild animal – oh wait, I mean Dudley." And we all laugh even harder before I read on.
Harry had … to last.
This makes me sigh in pain as I had really been enjoying the book so far, mostly because of how much fun my son seemed to be having at this so-called zoo and while I hate how destiny – or perhaps some other deity – seems out to make my son's life miserable, do I pull Harry closer, if only for his presence to calm my nerves as I read on.
After lunch … didn't budge.
This makes me laugh and I say: "Finally, a snake that has the right mind set." But then Harry snickers and says: "No, Malfoy wouldn't have moved either if his Animagus form was a snake. Then again, his motives would have been different, but still." And I nod, snickering under my breath while I give my son right and I read on.
"Do it … It winked.
This shocks me, even though it also makes me remember the few things I read in the article about Harry that got posted the morning of the Third task and apparently does this happen with my little boy as well as he starts to tremble in pained fear again, making me hug him close against my form and whisper in his hair:
"It's not here, Harry. It happened months ago. It's not today, kiddo." And Harry seems to relax at this, while Sora and Riku share a worried glance with each other over hearing my words, but then Harry asks: "So – so you're – you're not mad at me?" And instantly I realize that I misread my son's shivers and hug him tight as I whisper:
"No son, I read about this talent of yours the morning of the Third Task and while I didn't believe it then, do I not feel any different about you now that I know that it's actually true after all." This makes Harry look at me with feared hope shining in his eyes and he asks: "Really?" To which I kiss his forehead before I read on.
Harry stared … them jump.
"Did the snake really jump?" Sora asks shocked and Harry shrugs as he says: "It at least raised its head real fast, only – it was asleep in a small open dent in one of the rocks build into his habitat." This makes all of us cringe, me actually feeling for the snake if for no other reason than because he was kind to my son and I read on.
"DUDLEY! MR. … had vanished.
This shocks me as such magic is amazingly powerful and can barely ever really be done by fully trained wizards and I think: "There's no way someone could have been training my son to do magic like that and he didn't even know he had done it either, so then – how – how could my son be this powerful in Accidental magic?"
Then suddenly Sora asks: "Harry, can I ask you something?" Harry nods and Sora asks: "Was the glass also the door to the habitat?" And while I wonder where my eldest is going with this, does Harry nod and Sora nods back as he says: "Then I guess you reached into your inner core as a Keyblade Wielder, little brother."
This shocks us all and Sora says: "Keyblades can be used for two things. To open locks and doors that are locked intricately and to fight against Heartless and Nobodies. I'm guessing Harry must be a destined Keyblade Wielder and must have reached within his own abilities when he got shocked by that push."
This makes Harry and I share a shocked look and I can't help but think: "That – that does explain how he can be so amazingly powerful at his age, even if he never received any real training." And while I again hate how Albus keeps refusing to even so much as look at my son for the last six months, do I read on.
The great … glass go?"
"Apparently it got hit with the powers of an inexperienced Keyblade Wielder." Sora happily comments as a playful answer and Riku hums as he says: "Perhaps we can use the other room to see if we can find Harry's own Keyblade once the chapter's over." And while my son shines in excitement over this, do I read on.
The zoo … you, Harry?"
"Did he do that on purpose by any chance?" I then ask my son and Harry shakes his head as he says: "Uncle Vernon had already been onto me. When Pierce started screaming, he noticed that I was there with the snake. I would have been punished either way." This angers me, mostly because of how down trodden my son sounds and I read on.
Uncle Vernon … large brandy.
"The guy's a drunk? Drunk Muggles are illegal around Magical kids! What is Albus thinking?" I then shout in anger and Harry asks: "Why are drunk Muggles illegal?" And I sigh as I answer: "Magic allows for us wizards to have a better immunity system, so we don't get drunk as easily as our Muggle Counterparts, see?"
Harry nods and I say: "Because of that, is it also easier for us to let our emotions go when we start drinking, because our magic protects us from getting drunk and keeps our conscience strong instead of it getting induced and weakened by the alcohol. Because Muggles don't have that, are they considered dangerous around kids."
At this Harry nods and I say: "However, because of the growing increase of Muggleborns, has the Department of Child Care declared it illegal to have magical kids around Muggles, because – as you well know – Muggles shouldn't know about Magic and a drunk Muggle doesn't always respond well to what he doesn't understand."
Harry sighs and nods and asks: "So the Child Care Department made the law to make Drunk Muggles illegal around Magical kids. Then why did they never come check on me or arrest Uncle Vernon?" And while hating myself for this answer, do I say: "Because they, even now, have their trust and loyalty with Albus."
Making Harry hit himself on the head and he says: "That man needs to start realizing that he's the only one that wants me there." But at this I shake my head and say: "It won't matter once we get out of this room, Harry, because then, I will claim you as my own and we will live our lives our way." Which makes Harry smile as I read on.
Harry lay … his forehead.
This shocks all of us and Riku asks: "You remember things from when you were one?" But this seems to be the wrong thing to ask as Harry starts to shudder violently and he whispers: "More than I care to like." And while Riku and Sora look at their little brother and brother-in-law in worry, do I hug my son close to my side and read on.
This, he … the house.
This makes me sigh, both in defeat and in anger and I whisper: "All those pictures of your son and you couldn't even spare a single one of the sister who saved your miserable family's lives? For shame, Petunia, seriously for shame." And while my family nods in agreement with me, do I push the thought away and read on.
When he … were, too.
This shocks and worries me and I think: "That can't be right. Albus constantly assured me that no one but he, Minerva and –." But then I realize the train of my own thoughts and I moan: "Hagrid, why?" Already knowing that the man must have spilled the beans, most likely having been fed drunk by some BWL fans or something.
"How do you know it was him, dad?" Harry then asks, a hint of accusation ringing through his tone and I answer: "Because Hagrid is known nationwide for spilling the right kind of secrets if you get him drunk and he, Albus and Minerva were the only ones' present when you were left there that faithful night."
At this Harry cringes in agreement and Sora asks: "Weren't wizards drunk-protected?" And I answer: "We are. However, there are some beverages in our world where you need to have a strong magical resistance to not get wasted on it and Hagrid never trained that – and he loves those drinks the most." Sora cringes and I read on
A tiny … a word.
At this I stop in shock and reread the description of the man before Harry gasps and says: "It was Kingsley. Kingsley was the man that I met that day. I can't believe I didn't recognize him when he picked me up in August." And while I personally wonder if the tanned Auror ever told Albus about this event, do I read on.
The weirdest … Dudley's gang.
This makes me shake my head with despair and Harry lies a hand on my upper arm as he says: "Only a few more, dad. There's only my letter, the trip to Diagon and the days before September 1st left. Then it's Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts." And I smile at my son gratefully, before Riku asks: "So, what first?"
We all look at him and he asks: "Should we undo the glamour first, see if we can invite Lea over, see if we can find Harry's Keyblade or just start on the next chapter?" And we all look at each other before Destiny's voice sounds again and says: "Lea cannot come yet. However, congratulations on your well-thought out guess."
And while I feel for my little boy and the fact that he just can't be with the one he's meant for yet, do I ask: "Destiny, is it possible for you to send the last paragraphs of this chapter to old Dumbles? I want him to realize how wrong he was, thinking he can continue to send my son back there." And magic flows from the page as my answer.
Hey everyone!
Wow the chapter flows amazingly! And the way they found out who Harry's mate was? I had so much fun with that! Lea won't make an appearance yet, though, at least not in the room. I have other plans for him, but he will be showing up somewhere during the first – maybe the second – book being read.
Anyway, I planned to have Dumbledore read the page send to him, but while writing this part did I realize that the whole thing had a lot of content, even if it was only a small part of the page that the man was send, so I decided to elaborate that a little and make it into a chapter of itself. So you get to read that – later.
See yah,
Venquine1990
