Hey everyone,
I just want to let you all know that, because the last chapter had no changes whatsoever, I am going to try and add some here and there in this one. I know it's mostly Lea that draws out the added stuff, but Sora and Riku will probably play quite the role in this chapter, so I will try to add some content that honors the brilliance that is Kingdom Hearts 3.
Okay, enjoy,
Venquine1990
Chapter 12
Friends, Enemies And Magical Differences
27th of January 1996
Destiny's Haven
Sirius' POV
I don't know why Destiny didn't allow for Lea to stay with us as the chance for Harry to be with his Soul Mate is one I definitely wish for my youngest son, yet at the same time do I feel guilty as part of me feels glad that the redhead hasn't been allowed to stay as I want my mate back to me as much as I want Harry to be with his.
Hoping that Destiny will soon allow me to be reunited with James, do I sigh softly as I know that, before this happens, I have to tell Harry and Sora that their mother is actually still alive, yet I fear for the time where I will have to as I just don't want to think of how Harry will respond to this; whether or not he will feel betrayed.
Then I decide that we have spend enough time in this ever-changing room and say: "Let's get back to reading, I want those dumb Muggle chapters over with." And while Harry cringes, obviously not looking forward to me hearing about more of his previous home life, do he and his brother still nod in agreement with me.
Riku then wraps an arm around his boyfriend's waist, Sora's face starting to glow with the smile that he sends Riku for this and while happily doing the same with Harry to make him feel loved now that his mate is back wherever Lea has been living, do I smile at my son and then ask: "So, what did that ginger leave you with, kiddo?"
And while he walks does Harry open his bag, his and my eyes widening when we see a very pretty blue turtleneck that has a silver chain with crown pendant attached to the shoulders with a leather black jacket and auburn brown pants under it, while there is a leather brown belt with oval-shaped clasp lying on top of it all.
"Wow, your mate has style, kiddo. Good for you." I smile happily, loving the fact that, once Harry and Lea get together my little one will nevermore have to wear the hand-me-downs that I saw him come into London in, a fact that I hope the boy will also realize as I really feel that he deserves to be spoiled by his mate like this.
Then we all go sit down again, but Harry instantly sits back up and says: "I'll be right back." His eyes still on the cloths in the bag, making me smile as he hurries back into the Video room and a few minutes later, when he comes back out, do Sora and Riku actually gasp as their brother and mate's brother looks really good.
The blue shirt really brings out the blue in Harry's eyes while also making the silver of his irises look sharper, while the brown leather jacket really defines Harry's form without making him look malnourished or tiny. And finally do the pants really make his hips and thighs stand out before flaring out, making his legs look endless.
"You – look – amazing." I happily say and Harry turns a little red at this before Sora laughs and says: "Oh, I can't wait for when Lea gets back, he will go crazy, no doubt about it." And while Riku nods in agreement, does Harry smile, obviously excited for showing his new looks and outfit to his Kitsune mate as he sits back down.
Riku then takes the book back from the table we put it on before leaving for the Multi-Room and asks: "Can I read next chapter?" And we all nod, Riku paging through the book back to the last page of the previous chapter and while Sora happily lies his head on the silver-white haired teen's shoulder, does Alice's son start to read.
Chapter 03 … her crutches.
"How much time passed between all of that?" Sora asks shocked and Harry rolls his eyes as he says: "Two weeks. I still don't get how he broke that camera – or how he got off scot free for knocking down Mrs. Figg like that." And while I actually slightly feel for the poor Squib woman, does Riku sigh and continue reading.
Harry was … the leader.
"That sounds like Maleficent following Pete. It makes absolutely no sense." Sora says shocked, but then something happens that none of us expected as a green fire appears next to our chairs, black tendrils of flames showing through the fire and actually making both Sora and Riku summon their Keyblades with rage on their faces.
"You'll take no such tone when speaking of me." And a woman with fair-green skin, yellow eyes, a black-horned headdress and a long tattered, black robe that has a purple trim and maroon flare edges appears from the fire, holding a large staff that is her length in size and has a glowing green orb that shines with power at the tip.
The woman glares at my son and his mate, angering me enough to move my hand from my legs to where my wand is hidden, yet the woman seems too fascinated by her surroundings as she looks around and asks: "What's this? Have you decided to finally abandon that miserable little sandpit you fools call an island?"
But before either Riku or Sora can retort, does the entire room light up and does a voice more powerful than I have ever heard Albus speak resonate around us as it says: "You have no business here, evil witch. Be gone!" And before the woman can do more than sputter does she vanish like Lea and the others did.
The light then vanishes, but not before making us feel a sense of guilt that I can tell is not my own and while wondering why Destiny feels sorry for letting this queen-like woman in, do Sora and Riku sit back down, their Keyblades gone as Harry turns to them and asks: "Who was that devil woman? And why – why does she look – familiar?" And Riku answers:
"Maleficent. She's a right mean piece of work and she's managed several terrible deeds against the Light for as long as we've known her. She even managed to revive herself just a few years ago. We know that she was after some kind of Black Box, but we hadn't even heard anything about her anymore after we vanquished Master Xehanort."
This makes Harry and I share a worried glance, pain also shining in Harry's eyes as he must be remembering how Voldemort pulled the same trick as this witch, but then Sora says: "Let's just wait till Lea comes back so we can tell him. Until then, let's just go ahead and read on." We all nod at this and Riku continues to read.
Yet as he reads on, do I realize that one thing is still unsolved; Harry's question as to why Maleficent looked familiar. I look between my youngest and eldest son as well as my eldest mate and wonder – and also hope – that Lea's return might shed some light to this mystery. Yet the fact that this evil witch can't harm my kids while in here makes me relieved as I listen.
The rest … Harry Hunting.
"Harry Hunting? What's that?" Sora asks and Harry shrugs as he says: "Depends on how you look at it. You can call it a mean form of bullying or a good way to exercise. I've learned to do the 2nd, but – heh." This worries me as it proves that, while Harry cares for Dudley's Dyslexia, he doesn't really care for Dudley as Riku reads on.
This was … very funny.
"I actually thought him stupid for thinking that, but then again, I did some research into the end results of the two schools and the number of students who got arrested during or after their time at Smeltings was 60% higher than Stonewall, while at the same time the number of students becoming executives was 55% higher at Stonewall."
Harry then explains us all and I can't help but ask: "How high was the arrest rate at Stonewall?" And Harry answering: "Seventeen percent of the student body over the five years before I was supposed to go." Makes me worry all the more for Harry as the fact that his uncle went there does nothing to ease my worries for him as I read on.
"They stuff … he'd said.
"I don't think he did until he went to Smeltings, really, but then again, when he went – well, I heard Aunt Petunia complain about this in the summer before my second, but – well, apparently Dudley got the schools mixed up when he heard about that and he almost had it happen to him two months into the school year."
This shocks us, Sora's face proving me he feels just a bit for the chubby boy, but then Riku asks: "Wait, he had it happen to him in the 2nd month and she complained about it 8 months later?" Harry nods and says: "That and everything else she believed wrong with the school." To which Riku reads on, shaking his head.
One day … several years.
"What did you watch?" Sora asks and Harry smiles largely, obviously excited as he says: "It was my favorite movie from back when I was in Primary school. Mrs. Figg said she had saved it especially because of that. It was about a young stag that lost his mother to hunters, but then got taken in by his father, grew up, found love and became Prince of the Forest he lived in."
This makes me smile at the young lad, perfectly understanding why he would love a movie like that, but then Sora stands up, summons his Keyblade and with a smile on his face, does he ask: "Did it look something like this?" And with that does he touch the floor with the tip of his Keyblade and draws a circle as he says: "Courage."
The light that grew on his Keyblade as he drew the circle then gets shot at another part of the room, where it changes into a dome of pink light, petals flying from the dome before a young little stag with brown fur and white spots on his back along with a black stripe running down his spine appears, the little thing happily bouncing over.
Amazed that my son can do such a thing, do I then look at Harry, who has eyes wider than saucers as he whispers: "Bambi?" And this apparently is indeed the little stag's name as he turns to Harry and happily prattles over, moving his head under my shocked son's hand and rubbing his fur under it, pulling my son from his shock.
Harry smiles and happily starts to pet the lithe little creature as Sora says: "Yeah, I can summon him and several other of my friends at a moment's notice. Bambi helped me a lot during my first adventure as he made sure that the magic spells I used didn't drain me, providing me with the equipment I needed to keep my magic up."
"Wait, using magic drains you?" I ask in shock and Sora nods as he says: "I can actually only use a certain number of spells at a time and when I use the Curaga spell, I need some time to get my magic back on full power. It's one of the downsides of using the Keyblade." This makes Harry and I look at each other and Riku asks:
"Doesn't the same happen when you use your magic?" But I shake my head and say: "The only thing that happens when we cast spells is that our bodies can get drained in energy, but as long as you're strong and have good stamina you should be able to cast spells for days on end." To which Riku hums and says:
"So there's actually a difference between using wizarding magic and using Keyblade magic. I wonder if that's what makes Master Yen Sid so powerful. He must have learned the difference and taught himself how to use magic without the Keyblade." To this Sora nods and says: "Makes sense. He was a former Keyblade Master, after all. And that spell he used to keep the Heartless and Nobodies at bay so we could move on was wicked powerful."
Riku nods while I get the sense that this Yen Sid might be like Albus, but then, to my and Harry's shock does Bambi suddenly vanish in a pink light and Sora smiles as he says: "Yeah, summons only last for so long and they do drain me a little, so I won't be able to use spells for a while now." This worries me and I say: "Let's just get back to the reading." To which Riku instantly complies.
That evening, … later life.
"Which is exactly why a good 25 to 50% of the boys of Smeltings usually have to sit in prison for at least a day or two somewhere around the third year of their education." Harry mutters, his face proving he would have loved some more time with the little stag and while this makes me feel happy for my son's innocence, does Riku read on.
As he … to laugh.
"And that was more because I could actually see that Dudley really didn't like the knickerbockers or the colors of his uniform than because of how he looked in it. I felt it ridiculous that two parents who constantly praised their son so much were just so blind to how much he actually hated living up to their expectations.
Though I definitely learned what that feels like since." He then growls, his face now a mask of disgust and irritation and to this, do I pull the boy close and whisper: "Once the reading is over will I work my hardest to make sure the Potter name gets back in power so that, when you live up to expectations, it's up to your family's expectations."
This makes Harry's frown of irritation turn into a smile of gratitude and then he tentatively asks: "And – and you think that – that I can do that? That I can really live up to the expectations of the Potter name?" To which I nod and silently think: "With James to help you, you surely will." But I keep quiet about this as Riku reads on.
There was … I've finished."
"That's it, I've heard enough." I then spat and I turn to Sora as I ask: "Sora, you think there is anyone on your Island who would take in Dudley, because this kind of double-sided care-treatment is terrible for both Harry and Dudley and while I can't stand that little brat for hurting your brother, do I still want to help him with his Dyslexia.
Yet I just don't care enough for him to take him in myself, so I'm asking you. Do you know anyone – in any world – that could take that little brat in and –." But then Harry shocks me and says: "Don't bother, dad. That dirty fat pig doesn't deserve our help." And while shocked at the dark tone of the boy's voice, does Riku read on.
Harry seriously … for Harry.
"Oh never mind, let the sister take the brat in." I then mutter softly and Harry huffs as he says: "Talk about a certified way for the bastard to get arrested. Hope they both do." And while I fear for whatever it could be that makes my son so vengeful to these two Muggles, do Sora and Riku share a worried look as well before Riku reads on.
Harry picked … to him.
This confuses me and I ask: "Really? Not even Remus or Andy or anyone else James and Lily knew before Halloween?" But Harry shakes his head and mutters: "I didn't meet Remus until my third and didn't find out he knew my dad until January that same year. I don't even know who this Andy is, never heard of them."
This makes me wonder what on earth Albus did to keep my ever-caring cousin from the boy she babysat so many times before Lily and James went down under – or better said how James and Lily had hidden themselves at Campbrina while pretending to go down under – not to mention why our wolfy friend would keep from his cub.
Yet the fact that Remus had been Harry's teacher for at least five months before he even admitted to have known Harry's mother makes me wonder what could have happened to Remus in the years he and Harry had been kept apart and, more importantly, what made the werewolf agree to this separation in the first place.
Hoping that Destiny will allow me a chance to find answers to these questions, do I decide to put the whole matter to the back of my mind, if only to stem down the rage I feel at my best friend abandoning one of his Pack Cubs for several years and while pulling Harry closer against my person, do I listen as Riku reads.
Who would? … Whinging Surrey
"Wait, it was addressed to the cupboard? Why did it come alone then? Why didn't someone come investigate?" Sora asks and I hate myself as I answer: "The letters get send in blanc envelopes. It's the wards of Hogwarts, which are connected to all newborn wizarding cores, that address them and only when they pass the wards."
This shocks the three boys and Riku asks: "So, if Destiny Island had been an Island back in your world –?" And I nod as I say: "Then it wouldn't have been put down on the envelope until the delivery owl passed the wards, exactly. Plus, had that been the case, then Alice, James, Frank and I would have followed that owl the same day."
This makes the elder boy smile and I lean forward, pinning both boys with my gaze as I solemnly tell them: "Trust me, boys, had we not known that the magic that took you both was one not found in our world, we would have used every means possible, both light and dark magic, to get you back the first chance we got.
We all love you very, very much and we have been worrying and fretting over you both ever since you disappeared. However, that does not mean that the two boys I see sitting before me do not make me very, very proud, because I am. You have grown into young adults that the four of us could only dream of you turning into."
By now Harry is nodding in sheer agreement, his face alight with happy pride, while Sora has turned red with one of his hands rubbing the back of his neck and Riku having a slight pink tinge covering his cheekbones as he gazes away from us both, yet there is no denying the happiness that shines from both of their faces as they do so.
"We love you too, dad, and we're really happy that we all got this chance. Besides, it's like I once told Riku a few years ago. Our hearts connected when Riku and I were born and that makes sure they're never alone. They've found a place with each other and that makes it so that, as long as we think of each other, our hearts are always one.
Our hearts are our power." The boy ends with a fist in front of him and his eyes alight with strong determination, making Riku shake his head with his eyes closed and a large grin on his face as he says: "You really proved yourself a true Keyblade Wielder that day. Man, I was a real idiot when you said that, calling your heart weak."
And while I can barely believe that, only a few years ago, something happened that apparently turned these two against each other in such a way Riku thought Sora weak, do I slightly worry over Sora as him saying something like that meant he had to have been on quite the adventure. Yet before I can ponder what, does Riku read on.
The envelope … own joke.
To this Sora shakes his head and says: "Jack would really be rolling in his bed if he heard that joke." This makes Harry and I share a confused glance and I ask: "Don't you mean, his grave?" But Sora shakes his head and says: "No, I mean bed. Jack is the Pumpkin King, he lives in Halloween town and his bed is a coffin."
This shocks me and I ask: "Wait, you know the King of Halloween?" Sora nods and I ask: "Who else do you know?" To which Riku actually snorts and says: "You'll be better of asking who Sora doesn't know. He and I have been traveling between so many worlds, his contact list is longer than Santa's list of good and naughty kids."
But while Harry and I share astonished glances, does Riku suddenly yelp and when we look at him, do we see him rubbing the back of his head and asking: "What was that for?""For convincing me that there is no such thing as Santa. You have no idea how humiliated I felt when I actually met the guy. Thanks a lot, Riku."
And while the silver-haired boy rubs the back of his head and grumbles under his breath, do Harry and I again share an astonished look over the fact that my son and his older brother actually met Santa Claus in person. Riku then shakes his head and sends a quick, half-hearted glare at his brown-haired boyfriend before he reads on.
"Wait! That's it! That's why Maleficent looked so familiar. She's a movie character!" Harry suddenly yells, shocking us all. "Okay, hear me out here. About seventy years ago, this Muggle took the world by storm by creating movies based around hundreds of characters. And he named them after his own last name, which was Disney. They're called Disney characters."
All three of us share looks of intrigue over this and Harry slams his fist into his hand as he says: "That's where I recognized Maleficent from. She's the antagonist of the movie called Sleeping Beauty. I grew some suspicion when I saw Bambi, but only made the link when I compared the Maleficent we just met to the one I saw in the movie.
The movie is definitely not anything that does her justice, but then again, it's animated and the animation and visual quality in such movies sure has come a long way since the late fifties. Heck, they're even able to combine animation with live-action movies these days." And while this last bit confuses me, do I just shrug it off and listen to Riku's reading.
Harry went … old porridge.
This makes us cringe in disgust, but then Harry makes us feel better as he says: "It was actually kind of funny to see, though at the time I didn't really get it because I was still astounded that someone had actually written me. Plus I was more curious about the letter's contents than his mood." And while we laugh, does Riku read on.
"P-P-Petunia!" he … Smelting stick.
"He actually thought he could use violence against his own father?" Riku asks in shock and Harry says: "You have to understand. Dudley has always had whatever he wanted, except for the help he needed in his education. He wasn't used to his parents ignoring his wishes, so he did what he did with most of his victims."
This makes the two of them cringe and then I turn to him worriedly and ask: "Has he ever used it against you?" But Harry shakes his head and says: "He never tried. Piers did, though, but I outsmarted him.""How can you outsmart someone trying to hit you with a walking stick?" Sora asks and Harry snickers as he says:
"By taking a running leap over their heads just when they try to. It helps when they first try to lift the stick from the floor in front of them, gives you just that extra bit of height to help you jump over them." And while I imagine my son jumping over someone who is Pettigrew's height, do Sora and Riku laugh.
Harry nods at their laughter and says: "Yeah, you'd think he'd just turn around before he would try and hit me, but no, he thought he could hit me even when I was behind him. Problem for him was, that stick was a little heavier than he anticipated so it hit him on the back of the head instead of hitting me. Not that I minded, you know."
By now even I am laughing as that sounds like something not even Fletcher or Filch would try to do and while Harry seems content with seeing us laughing about one of his problems of the past, does it take Sora the longest to stop laughing and does the room actually provide us all with a glass of water before Riku continues reading.
"I want … he shouted.
This makes the most of us cringe and then I say: "Yep, definitely a Potter-Kitsune. Injustice usually does make them roar like felines, especially when it concerns either them or someone of their pride or pack." To this Harry nods, his eyes proving that he has yet to forgive Albus for leaving him in the dark last summer, before Riku reads on.
"Let me … Vernon wildly.
"I sure wish we had." I then grumble, having yet to have forgotten anything we have read today and then Sora looks at Riku shortly before he asks: "How about we read this chapter and then go to bed. It sure feels like we've been busy for several hours." At this I look at the watch I had found on my nightstand and my eyes widen.
"It's dinner time already. How on earth did three chapters of reading take up that much time?" But then Harry says: "Three chapters of reading, a lot of commentary, several guests appearing, a long break and the whole thing you told us this morning. I'm not really surprised." And while I find myself agreeing with him, does Riku read on.
"But what … dangerous nonsense?"
"Excuse me?" I then shout, having stood up the minute the words left my future son-in-law's lips, yet while I barely notice how Riku has tightened his hold on the book itself or how Sora's arm around him is now more like squeezing him a little too close against the brown-haired boy; instead of that, do I only see red.
Red in anger for what that fat Muggle has said so many years ago and red in anger for what these words could mean for the rest of my son's past, but then Harry says: "Dad stop it! Remember what the book said; I may not look it, but I am really, really fast. They haven't been able to catch me or try and hurt me for years.
I mean, honestly, do you really think I will let them put me in a cupboard, call me all kinds of things and hit me as well? I am a Gryffindor, remember, I draw the line somewhere and I do know how to pick my fights." Yet while his words calm me down, do I still hate how responsible and mature my 15 year old son sounds.
I sigh, the anger completely drained from my system and sit back down, my body instantly reaching for Harry and the boy practically melting his form with mine as he presses his entire side and left leg against my own and my right and while taking all the comfort my sweet youngest child is willing to give me, do I listen to Riku's reading.
That evening … this room.
This just makes me shake my head, my heart heavy with the fact that my son had been given so little he didn't even need to make any effort in switching rooms, let alone the fact that he had been treated as if he was part of the Dursley's property instead of giving him a proper room and while mulling over these facts, do I listen as Riku reads.
He sat … on it.
By now Riku's voice is thick with disbelief as he reads about these – to me – strange entities and what the boy has done with them and then Sora asks: "How old was he when he got that rifle anyway?" And Harry answers: "Eight and he had been forced to sit on it as he refused to hand it over when caught with it."
"He was forced to sit on it?" Sora asks in shock and Harry nods as he says: "It was either make it unable to function or hand it over to the teacher who caught him making the trade. He refused to do the latter, so the teacher said he would help him make it unusable by lying it on a chair and then forced him to go and sit on it.
Uncle Vernon actually tried making a case against the teacher, but then discovered that the kid who had traded Dudley the rifle had actually stolen it from his father and because he didn't want the actual father to make a case against him, did he keep quiet." And while I am shocked at hearing this crazy tale, does Riku then read on.
Other shelves … get out…"
This makes me shake my head and I say: "That day must have been a real life-changer for the little brat." But Harry shrugs and says: "Actually, his life has been changing a lot since he went to Smelting and I to Hogwarts.""How did going to the same school as his idiot of a father change his life for the pig in a wig?"
Sora asks and while I love how my eldest is using my youngest nickname for my supposed nephew, does Harry shrug and smile as he says: "The teachers don't believe that Dudley's growing fat and weight is prove that he is – like Petunia says – a healthy growing boy. They've put him on diet ever since my Third."
This makes the two boys in front of me laugh and Harry goes on: "A lot of people in Privet Drive think it's about time too, yet most of them think it's way too late and that Dudley will be getting Diabetes alongside his Dyslexia. There's even a bet going around whether or not Dudley will be going to work for Grunnings or not.
That and how quick he'll be fired if he does." This makes us all laugh, but when I notice how Harry's not laughing with us, do I look at him, shocked and confused to see the boy blushing and I ask: "Harry?" The boy wiggles a little at this, obviously uncomfortable and Riku asks: "Are you – betting too, Harry?"
Harry nods, shocking me, but then the boy says: "I wanted to pull out of the pool last summer, but the rules for the betters go; we don't exist unless our creators call for you to bet. I couldn't find hide or hair of them, so – my bet's still going." And while it's obvious that the boy hates this fact, do I hug him close as Riku reads on.
Harry sighed … room back.
"The first time where Dudley Dursley discovers that the world doesn't revolve around him. Come and see, come and see." Sora then cheers and while we all laugh, can I not help but again compare the fat little brat with what I have been able to see of my cousin's son, Draco, who was spoiled enough he tried to get a Hippogriff killed.
"I guess sometimes it's good that people become arrogant and spoiled. Had foolish little Draco been raised different, Harry might not have had a Hippogriff he could use to rescue me – even though Beaky deserves to be locked up as much as Harry and I do, not at all." And with that depressing thought do I listen to Riku's reading.
Harry was … his hand.
"Man, if you had had the Keyblade, you could have just frozen them both and then taken the letter." Sora grumbles and Harry asks: "You can freeze someone with the Keyblade?" Sora nods and Riku says: "The Keyblade allows you to use the Elements of Ice, Fire, Thunder, Time, Gravity, Wind and even Healing.
Gravity and Time do take more magic – or Mana as we sometimes call it – than the others and Healing takes all of our Magic power for a certain period of Time, yet while most of the Elements can be used against Enemies, Wind can be used to either send our foes flying or wrap around us and lessen the damage enemies can inflict upon us."
This makes Harry and I look at the elder boy in shock and then Harry asks: "When we get back, could you try and freeze or use Time on Umbridge. It would be awesome if she would just disappear and you could then take over. You're ten times better a teacher than she ever is – though that's not all that hard to accomplish."
And while Riku seems shocked that he has been complimented like that, does Sora laugh, yet I don't feel like joining him as the dark, hateful tone that Harry used when he said the woman's name worries me and then I notice something even more worrying; Harry is worrying his lower lip with his teeth, something I know he does when he tries to hide something.
Harry notices me looking and mumbles: "Let me fight my battles, dad. One at a time." I nod at him, understanding that he feels he already lost the fight against the Dursleys with these books – which I know from personal experience is stupidly ridiculous – and yet I can't help but ask: "Does anyone know? About this battle of yours?"
Harry nods, making me feel relieved. Yet this relief is short-lived as he says: "Ron and Hermione found out in the first week of classes. I'm sure others know too, but they have been trying to convince me to go to Dumbledore with this for months now. I just constantly told them Dumbledore was too busy with the Order to be bothered. Not to mention part of me, when I feel really down and alone, believes that he might already know. That it's just another test in his eyes."
This makes me want to bring Albus here and hit him on the head for how he made my son feel, but instead of that, do I groan and ask: "Lady Destiny, permission to get Albus to come over tomorrow morning, once we have been rested and had time to take in everything that's happened here?" And the warm feeling that I get from somewhere within me calms me down.
"Are – are you sure, dad?" Harry asks and I nod as I say: "I am, Harry, because I know how you think, knowing what you do. Your own words just proved it and they worry me, because they are similar to what I once said long ago. You think that it can be – that is has to be – you and you alone that suffers from what others are causing and I want to make sure Albus realizes that, just – not yet.
Because I know myself and I know that if I try to rely that message to him now, I will only curse, hex and scream his beard right off his face and that won't make him take my case seriously. No, I need time to calm down, think this through and then come up with exactly the right strategy to get through that idiot's thick skull and pride. To finally achieve where I failed all these months; make Albus listen and realize he's not always right and that I'm not always wrong."
This last part I say with a vindictive smirk on my face that makes the same kind of smirk grow on Riku's, proving me the boy has had a taste of Darkness in the past for himself and while I wonder if I could use that to make Dumbledore suffer – if only a little – do I just sit back down and hug Harry close as the elder boy reads on.
"Go to … four first.
"That actually sounds like a pretty good idea, though I would have loved to have seen your face when you actually saw that it was an owl to deliver the letter and not this postman guy." I admit to the boy, who turns an angry face my way, while his brother and brother's boyfriend laugh at the image suggested before Riku reads on.
His heart … his eyes.
"Bonus points!" I suddenly shout, determined to keep the mood around me happy and gleeful instead of angry and downtrodden and when the others look at me, do I say: "Bonus points as Marauder's Son for actually trying to stand up for yourself and Bonus Points as Dirtbag of the Year for him waiting with that tearing until you came back."
And while Harry's mock-glare from before now changes into a proud, happy grin, do the two teens in front of us laugh yet again, Sora wrapping an arm around Riku to keep himself from falling off their couch and Riku obviously enjoying the close contact with his boyfriend as he kisses Sora's temple after they laughed before he reads on.
Uncle Vernon … brought him.
"Did that actually work?" Sora asks and Harry answers: "It did. It had been baked 3 months before. Vernon had decided to raid the kitchen before he would get to work and when he found it, did he tell Petunia to cut up a piece because he didn't feel like looking for a hammer." And with that does Riku read on, shaking his head.
On Friday, … small noises.
"He even jumped when he would hit the nail harder than usual, which even made him throw the hammer up one time. The problem? The backside of the hammer got stuck on the lamp of the living room and Vernon made the whole house shake because he tried jumping to retrieve it. Dudley even fell from his bed because of it."
Harry then explains to us and I shake my head, part of me feeling that the man would do well in Azkaban, but then I think: "Forget Azkaban, the man already did to himself what the Dementors do to most of the inmates." And while trying strongly to suppress a shudder in the memory of those beings do I listen as Riku reads on.
On Saturday, … in amazement.
This makes me snicker and then I say: "You know what we should do? We should have Gringotts send you all the mail that your fans and the friends of James and me have send you over the years and then hide ourselves under your cloak. Would love to see their faces when their house gets flooded with that amount of mail."
This makes Harry laugh, but then he astounds me as he says: "Sorry dad, been there, done that.""Wait, you already had Gringotts do so?" But Harry shakes his head and says: "Hogwarts did something similar. Just keep reading, Riku, it'll probably come up in a couple of paragraphs." To which we all look intrigued as Riku reads on.
On Sunday … letters today –"
Why? Don't postmen work on Sundays?" But Harry shakes his head and says: "It has to do with religion. The biggest one in the Muggle world declared that Sunday is a day to rest and praise their god, so a lot of companies work like that, though the number is decreasing because of how the economy keeps increasing."
To this I nod, understanding where the boy is coming from, yet the religion he speaks of rings a familiar bell with me and Harry seems to realize this as he nods and says: "It's the Christians. They believe magic to be work of either God or the Devil, so if they ever find out about us – Voldemort would be the least of our issues."
And while the name of the religion instantly reminds me of all the witch hunt lessons that we learned in our own History of Magic class – until our Fourth when Professor Binns came to take over – do I still agree with the lad and silently feel like moving to Destiny Island the minute this might come to be before I listen to Riku's reading.
AN: LET IT BE VERY CLEAR THAT I AM NOT CRITICIZING OR INSULTING CHRISTIANITY, I AM BASING THIS PART ON HISTORICAL WITCH HUNTS OF THE PAST! THIS IS NOT MEANT AS SLANDERING OR ANY SUCH STUFF! Sorry, just wanted to make sure people got the message, in case I have any readers who are Christians themselves.
Something came … did this.
"And I thought the fact that this guy's a Drunk makes him dangerous. He's practically crazier than my demented cousin Bella. Oh, before I forget, both you and Harry will be grounded for a month if I ever catch wind of either of you willingly trying to go after that crazy witch and that grounding will include complete and utter mate separation, do I make myself clear?" Sora and Harry nod and Riku reads on.
They didn't … his computer.
"Sheesh, he complains about that? While at the same time his cousin sleeps in a cupboard, gets all kinds of insults thrown at him on a daily basis and doesn't even get to have any cloths that are actually his own? Is this kid for real?" Sora asks, obviously furious that anyone can be that spoiled while living with his brother.
But then Harry sighs and says: "You're forgetting something." His tone astounding Sora as he looks at the boy and Harry says: "What you just described is how Dudley and I grew up. No one at Privet Drive interfered with how another parent raised their kids, so Dudley and I didn't know any better. You can't really be angry, not at him."
"I can't be angry?" But Harry shakes his head at his brother's astounded tone and says: "I'm not saying you shouldn't be, I'm saying you should focus your anger elsewhere. Aim it at the people actually responsible for all of this; Vernon and Petunia." And while Sora calms down and nods in agreement at this, does Riku read on.
"Still." Harry then growls, interrupting the reading and his tone instantly worries me as it reminds me of the time he attacked me in the Shrieking Shack. "That doesn't excuse all of his actions. And for the record, if I ever meet Dudley again, he's mine first, just for those. After that, he's free-game." I nod, feeling worried over the anger I hear in his voice and Riku reads.
Uncle Vernon … front desk."
"A hundred of them? Wow, they're getting desperate. Kind of makes me wonder why they haven't just send someone to come fetch you yet." Sora says, his anger obviously finally at peace, but Harry smiles and says: "It has to do with the date of the day they send it." But when he further keeps his quiet, does Riku read on.
She held … dining room.
"Did she actually accept that?" Riku asks in shock and Harry nods as he says: "She looked to be one of those people who still lived by the old ways. It must be pretty normal for her to have the head of a family inspect letters meant for one of their house." And while I smile in pride for how the boy speaks of this, does Riku read on.
"Wouldn't it … parking garage.
"He actually caused a traffic jam at the one before last. We even had a police officer follow us for a few moments, but Vernon shook them off with some lame excuses I couldn't hear. Never really knew what he spoke about anyway." Harry murmurs, a far away look in his eyes as he says this and while I smile at my son, does Riku read on.
"Daddy's gone … eleventh birthday.
This shocks me as well as make the faces of Riku and Sora light up with realization and Sora says: "So that's what you meant. They were hoping you would just answer their letters, but because of the date they send the hundred letters being the day before your birthday, did they decide not to send anyone until it was actually your birthday."
To this Harry nods, the smile on his face proving he really enjoyed that birthday and I ask: "Who did they send?" But the only answer Harry gives me is: "The same person I worried about at the start of the year." And while Sora and Riku get confused and curious at this, do I wonder why Albus sent Hagrid before Riku reads on.
Of course, … was smiling.
"Like when he visited your cupboard?" Sora asks, but Harry shakes his head and says: "Like when you and Riku ended your fight and Riku won you over and knew it." This makes the boy turn awkward, while Harry sends Riku an apologizing glance for using him in the explanation, but the silver-haired boy smiles and reads on.
He was … below them.
"That's it, the minute Albus gets send back he needs to arrest that Muggle and, if so needed, I will copy the pages of this chapter to provide him the evidence needed to see it done. That guy's not just a danger to my son, he's become a danger to his actual wife and own kid as well. I didn't think he'd ever get that far off, but he has."
"Wait, you think it worse that Dursley's willing to endanger Petunia and Dudley than when he endangers Harry?" And while the others are shocked at my nod, do I say: "It means he has lost all care in his heart. He cares less for Harry than he does for the others, so him willingly endangering the ones he does care for worries me."
At this the others nod, their shock now gone from their faces and I pull Harry even closer as I say: "I don't want to see you endangered either, kiddo, but this man's willingness to endanger those he actually cares about makes me real concerned for that shack." Harry nods, love and appreciation now on his face as Riku reads on.
"I've already … two rooms.
"Holy Merlin, that sounds even worse than London." I gasp in shock and then Harry hums and says: "Actually, with everything that's happened since, I kind of forgot how bad it was." And while this makes my heart sting with pain and regret over everything my little boy has been through, does Riku continue reading.
Uncle Vernon's … ragged blanket.
This alone is enough to anger me, but Harry lies a hand on my upper arm and says: "Don't fret over it, dad. Vernon and I got proven wrong and it'll probably happen somewhere in the next paragraph or so." And while my anger gets replaced with excitement over the trouble Hagrid will give to the Dursleys, does Riku read on.
The storm … was now.
"The writer herself still at Hogwarts, but someone working for her is underway." I mutter happily and then Harry makes it even better as he says: "Actually, he was even almost there. I think he arrived a few minutes after that." And while the excitement in the room starts to grow, does Riku attempt to keep his cool as he reads on.
Five minutes … come in.
"Someone with impeccable timing, apparently." Sora happily says and then suddenly does something brilliant happen. A large cake, obviously meant as a birthday cake, appears on the table in the middle of the room, together with several dishes with dinner showing around them and while all of our eyes widen, does Riku hum and say:
"Good timing. That was the end of the chapter.""What? You mean we won't find out who wants to come in until tomorrow? Come on!" Sora whines, but I smile widely at him and ask: "Why wonder about that when we celebrate you and your brother's birthdays – or did you forget that you turned 17 yesterday, Sora?" And the boy's blush says it all.
OH YEAH!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SORA! And yes, this ending was written like this cause I kind of forgot about that myself when writing past chapter 01. I just felt that, because Sora had opened his birthday by getting together with his mate, they should end it with a celebratory dinner party – even if all of it happened a day late.
Also, I AM going to remember that Harry discovered about the whole Disney universe in this chapter when writing future ones, so expect some major changes to come out later as I will edit and change those bits. I also edited the bit about Sirius discovering about the scars on Harry's hand as those are supposed to be kept hidden until a chapter way later into the story.
Personally, I quite like making these changes. They both give me the chance to go over the one story I love most – right now, at least – and allow me to make sure that this story gets the clean-up it deserves. Expect something similar for the other stories sometime later. I'm not entirely sure which one I will do after this, but my guess is lying with To Read Into The Universe.
We'll see, I guess,
Venquine1990
