Hey everyone,
I just want to say that I am very glad I have my poll up as I actually feel like I wasted some good potential between the three couples by going back to the CR parts in this chapter. Still, I plan to edit and rewrite the start of this chapter a little, to create more interactions between the six of them before James and Lea leave, so hopefully that makes up for it.
Let's do this,
Venquine1990
Chapter 18
A Journey Full Of Trouble
28th of January 1996
Destiny's Haven
Harry's POV
The dance had been amazing and it had made me all the happier with the fact that I will soon be changing my gender as I can only imagine how much better it will feel in my new form. The fact that there had actually not been any music during the entire dance hadn't mattered to any of us, nor had the fact that we were all, obviously dancing to different tunes that only we could hear.
Yet we hadn't danced throughout the entire 30 minute time mark we had left, but had instead used the latter half of the time left to discuss how I might come to look after my change. Mum had also adviced me to not take the potion until before bed as the change was best left for when my subconscious ruled over my actual consciousness. "Trust me, some of the changes will hurt."
Mum had told me and when asked how he knew by Sora, he explained how he had actually looked into the whole thing whenever his desires became almost too much to handle for him during the war. Sora had nodded and dad had lovingly told mum that he would have loved him either way, whether as his male or female mate, making mum beam at him.
And the look Lea gave me told me he very much believed the same thing. In the last few minutes had we just changed the table and chairs into three loveseats and shared the space between us, both dad and me grimacing as mum and Lea left us and Sora and Riku coming to offer us each some reassurance before we decided to just continue.
We had moved back through the Theater room and into the reading room, yet while I am quite well aware that the chapter probably won't have a very positive start, do I still really look forward to reading this chapter and so I grab the book before Sora can and while my brother pouts, do I happily start to read.
The Journey … a while.
"I really can't imagine how mum felt each year, knowing I was going to school, but not Campbrina." I then whisper and the others look just as concerned before Riku says: "We should consider Campbrina before we make our decision. You know, in regard to where we will go after the reading." At which I nod before reading on.
Harry kept … she pleased.
"You did get enough sleep, right?" Dad then suddenly asks and I smile at the man before I say: "If the Dursleys hadn't decided to just leave me be, I wouldn't have, but yeah dad, I did. Don't worry." The man nods but then proves me he has good reason to actually be worried as the man pulls me close and softly says:
"I do worry, kiddo. I am your dad and as such it is in my nature to worry. And the fact that I couldn't even tell you of our bond out of fear that – through indirect or direct means – others would find out and use it against either of us just makes me feel distanced from you and that just increases my paternal sense of concern."
This alone makes me lie as much of my body against his, hoping with all that I am that mum is back at Headquarters and taking care of anything that could force us back into that setting and lifestyle and while I don't like it, do I feel as if Mrs. Weasley might just be mum's biggest hurdle, making me read on feeling conflicted.
It was … the first.
"You know, I more or less did the same." Sora then says happily and Riku asks: "You did? When? For our exams?" But Sora shakes his head and says: "No, I did it during my second journey, only I used it as a reminder of how long my search took me." This confuses me, yet seems to shock Riku and he looks at Sora as he asks:
"Wait, you don't mean?" But Sora nods and I can't help but ask: "Who were you searching for? Riku?" To which Sora cringes and says: "Yeah, but I won't tell you why. Sorry, it's a big part of the second journey." And while I worry for my brother and brother in law, do I still nod at the brunette before I read on.
On the … the room.
"Why did you wait that long?" Dad asks in concern and I turn red as I whisper: "Kind of didn't think of it until then. I – I was just – you know – drifting on the clouds of amazement that I felt whenever I read my books." The man laughs at this and says: "That sure does make sense." Making me smile at him guiltily before reading on.
"Er – Uncle … "Thank you."
By now the others have all turned furious and dad snaps: "Can't even say something as simple as sure, yes or no. He must be feeling really great with himself –." But then I say: "There was one of his favorite shows on TV. Vernon is never really vocal when watching that one." And while dad grumbles, do I read on.
He was … actually spoke.
This makes dad look at me with a raised eyebrow, yet I roll my eyes and say: "I said that he is never really vocal, I didn't say he never spoke. Also, there was a commercial break that started just after I came in, so he lost his distraction." The man snickers at this and says: "He sounds like a teen with an obsessed hobby."
To which I roll my eyes and says: "To be honest, sometimes I wonder who in that house is the adult. In fact, over the last few years, I've been wondering who does my chores when I'm at Hogwarts cause Petunia is too much of a snob to even touch a broom when she is buying one and Uncle Vernon – well, enough said."
This makes my three room mates look at me worried, yet I shrug at them and say: "Hey, I said I wonder about it. I never said I actually cared about it." Yet this doesn't seem to make them feel better, making me roll my eyes before I say: "Stop worrying, they're not worth it." And before they can comment, do I read on.
"Funny way … have they?"
"Is he seriously complaining about us proving that we can use Muggle stuff and can blend in with his world?" Dad asks and I roll my eyes as I say: "I think that's exactly the problem. Vernon doesn't want to admit that our kind can be like his, because it would give him a reason to feel guilty over mistreating others like him.
By pretending that our magic takes our humanity – or something like that – Vernon can just continue hating our kind in peace." This makes dad roll his eyes again as he says: "Like he said, he has the mentality of a teenager." And while my brother and his mate nod in agreement with the man shaking his head, do I read on.
Harry didn't … "Platform what?"
"Why is she staring?" Sora asks and I answer: "Chapter one, remember?" To which the boy rolls his eyes as he asks: "Did I mention yet how glad I am that mum is mum? No offense meant to Aunt Lily of course, but I'd pick her over her sister any day." And while Riku and I nod in agreement to that, do I continue reading.
"Nine and … wouldn't bother."
"If they hadn't bothered, how would you have gotten there? I doubt London and Surrey are very close to each other." Sora says and I shrug as I say: "Yeah, you're kind of right. You just forgot a little something. I already had help ready to go." And while my brother looks confused, do I smile at the door we came through.
And just as I do does Hedwig fly in, me loving the sight of seeing her freely flying above our heads before she lands on my shoulder as I say: "Hedwig was already at my bedroom window when I went down to ask for the permission and she had already coerced me into writing a note." To which my brother smiles as Riku says:
"If I didn't know better, I would say that that owl is actually a Dream Eater." Shocking Sora, yet confusing me before dad asks: "Dream Eater?" And Sora answers: "One of the different kinds of beings we learn about throughout our journeys. I think we can try calling them later." And while Riku nods, do I read on.
"Why are … to Smeltings."
"Didn't they have an entire month to do that? Why did they procrastinate?" Dad asks and I answer: "Remember how Vernon took all those days off? He was forced to work several hours over for weeks before he was back in the clear in regard to keeping his job and Petunia refused to go alone." Dad nods at this and I read on.
Harry woke … set off.
"What did he get?" Riku instantly asks, yet I shrug and say: "Actually, he only asked for them to leave the station for the surgery practice as quickly as possible. I just realized a little late that he wasn't looking at Petunia while saying that. No, not at me either, don't worry." The others nod, now relaxed and I continue reading.
They reached … do they?"
"He was looking at his dad." Sora grumbles and I roll my eyes as I say: "Two things. One, Dudley is practically the definition of the saying the apple never falls far from the tree. Two, we're only another paragraph or two away from being rid of them for several chapters. Can I?" My brother nods, while slightly red and I read on.
He was … ask someone.
Here I stop myself and then I take a deep breath before I sigh and say: "I really don't like admitting this, but – well, that year kind of made me push down on the desire to ask for help from there on. No, not right from that day, just – as the year went by." The others look just as gloomy about this as I feel and I read on with a sigh.
He stopped … large owl.
"Wait, why didn't Hagrid make sure you had some Muggle pocket change as well?" Sora asks and I shrug: "I'm guessing it's because those carts made him feel as sick as he did. Although I will admit, this is a reoccurring problem of my own work several times after as well." Which makes my brother groan as I read on.
Hagrid must … of course –"
"I really hate saying this, but – why do I get the feeling I know who is the one saying that?" Dad asks with concern mixed with anger and I roll my eyes before I say: "Because you do and because that person needs to look into the mirror more often." And while my brother shares a worried glance with his mate, do I read on.
Harry swung … I go... "
"Please tell me that you don't find this sounding like a set-up." Dad almost whines and I sigh as I say: "To be honest, it comes up – more or less – at the end of the book. Also, I think Dumbledore just wanted to be sure I came across the right kind of family." Yet dad doesn't seem convinced and angrily mutters to himself:
"If he wanted to be assured of that, he should have sent someone other than Hagrid. Hagrid's nice, but he doesn't have the social skills needed to help others make friends and he definitely doesn't visit anyone he knows or is close to. No, this has a deeper meaning and I think I know what." And just the way he says that alerts me.
"The weapon." I mutter at him, feeling a bit stupid for having forgotten about it for a second time since hearing about it and dad sighs as he says: "Yes. And had this happened before the dream, I would have elaborated. Now – I just can't. I'm sorry, son." To which I nod in grudging understanding before I read on.
"You're not … go first."
Yet this line alone is enough to infuriate me, even though I have been keeping most of my boiling rage to myself ever since hearing about how the third eldest shunned his family for cash and fame and while the same sentence again rings through my mind – He is no friend, no brother, not worthy – do I continue reading with anger.
What looked … I'm George?"
Here I roll my eyes and then dad says: "Oh come on, they always pull this trick. It's almost impossible to keep them apart, especially when they pull that trick." Yet I shake my head and say: "It's their voices. Fred's gruffer and with more of an edge, while George fakes the gruff tone to hide how his voice as a melodious timbre to it.
If you can catch the effort in faking – which I will admit, is sometimes hard – keeping them apart is much easier. Plus George is usually more easily amused when pulling a prank and that makes him lose control over his tone of voice." And while dad seems amazed that I picked up on something so subtle, do I continue reading.
"Sorry, George, … plump woman.
"You know, I think I would have done that differently." Sora says and Riku grins as he asks: "What? Would you have distracted them elsewhere and then followed those three?" To which Sora grins back: "Yeah, actually." Making his boyfriend groan before he pulls my brother closer as my dad and I laugh at the display and I read on.
"Hello, dear," … very solid.
"Heh, I've done crazier things." Sora says carelessly and while this instantly sets dad to worry, do I suddenly remember something and ask: "Hey, are you still going to give me Keyblade lessons?" And Sora instantly turns highly enthusiastic as he says: "Heck yeah I will. When do you want to start, little bro?"
And while the term little bro sounds brilliantly endearing, do I shrug and ask: "Whenever we cross something magical in the book that can be done differently through the Keyblade?" And Sora answers: "Awesome. Does that start soon?" To which I read ahead and say: "A few more pages." And while Sora aaaw's, do I read on.
He started … done it.
This causes for all of us to smile widely and then Sora says: "Man, this sounds like when I arrived at Traverse Town; the world where I was first introduced to everything I have been through ever since." And while this again causes dad to worry, do I indeed nod in agreement with my older brother with a smile before I read on.
Smoke from … over seats.
To my shock does this seem to take away the happiness dad had felt earlier and makes him look sad and I ask: "Dad, what's – what's wrong?" To which the man mutters: "I just hate how I can't give you an experience like that, is all." This makes me feel bad for the man, but then I smile and pull him close as I ask:
"Dad, honestly, do you really think that mum isn't going to fight for your freedom? You finally have the chance to be together after more than a decade. Do you really think mum is going to allow for anything to get in the way for that?" And while Sora nods in agreement, does dad smile at me gratefully as I read on.
Harry pushed … woman sigh.
Here I snicker and say: "Neville and I have made it a bit of a game to find Trevor whenever he goes missing. Sometimes Hedwig would join in and she always wins when she does." The others look at me shocked and I ask: "What? It's fun and it takes my mind off of things." Making my family smile and nod as I read on.
A boy … hairy leg.
"I remember that. Lavender actually tried to make a petition to get it removed, yet because Lee had signed several documents proving he would take good care of it, did Professor McGonagall instead make the two of them meet and discuss a contract of agreements between them. Sure wish Ron and Hermione had done the same."
I grumble at the end, yet even dad seems unknown about my reason why and I say: "Crookshanks hunting Scabbers made them constantly argue – I mean more than they usually did." The man cringes at this and Sora asks: "Sorry, who?" To which I smile and say: "Most of them will be mentioned this chapter." Before I read on.
Harry pressed … the compartment.
Here I sigh and when the others look at me, do I shake my head and say: "I just hate the fact that they do things like this practically all the time and Mrs. Weasley never sees it. She's just too stuck in her beliefs of them – and in the summer before fourth, I found out that those beliefs aren't the most positive, to put it lightly."
Here Sirius sighs as well and says: "I won't deny that – every now and then – those two seem to go out of their way to feed her belief of them being uncaring and free, but I do agree with you. I heard some of the rants she shoots their way and – yeah, I'm kind of surprised they haven't pulled a Percy yet. I sure know I would have."
And while the name of that traitorous Weasley angers me, can I still understand where the man is coming from as he must really see his own mum and him in the twins and Mrs. Weasley and while I wonder why the woman is – subconsciously – pushing all those close to her away like she is, do I just continue reading.
"Thanks," said … open door.
"That was actually the only time those two looked at me like that. Heck, in second my fame and certain events caused for the students to turn against me and they were actually using the rumors and my fame to prove how stupid they believed the whole situation to be." And while I smile back at the memory, do I read on.
"Fred? George? … his nose.
Here Riku hits himself on the head while Sora is looking at me wide-eyed and asks: "She did not just do that." Yet I nod at my brother and say: "She did.""Great Keyblades, does she do that with all her kids?" To this I lie the book down and rub my chin as I try to remember other events like this and then softly mutter:
"I – I think Ginny may have experienced it once or twice, but – no. To be honest, Ron usually has it worst when it comes to her. Heck, he even had it worse than the twins this one time. To the point where I wonder if the woman really is his mother." The others look shocked and I sigh before I motion for them to follow.
We move through the Movie room and once we enter the Special room is Sora the first to respond as he asks: "What the heck is that?" And while this makes me close my eyes closed in pain, do I mutter: "Ron's Dress Robes for the Yule Ball we had to attend in the Christmas of '94." Shocking my brother before dad says:
"Okay, I can see what you meant with Ron having it worse than the twins." Yet while I sigh, do I say: "That wasn't so much what I meant. I meant the summer of that year when Ron argued with Mrs. Weasley about him not wanting to wear such a thing.""Of course he wouldn't want to, that thing's bloody atrocious."
Sora exclaims and while Riku sends him an annoyed glance, telling him to calm down, do I sigh and say: "Ron had more or less the same reaction and even told Mrs. Weasley he would sooner go naked than in that robe. Yet she responded, told him to do so – and then told me to take a picture as she wanted to have a good laugh."
"Wait. She what?" Riku asks in shock and I sigh before I say: "Yeah, it really shocked me and it was kind of hard for Ron and me to share his room for the rest of the night as we were both trying to pretend that that hadn't happened." Riku nods in understanding and Dad mutters: "I might have to try and get Arthur here sometime later."
"Is that her husband?" Sora asks and dad nods and while we walk back does he say: "He usually just lets Molly take care of the kids as he is always busy at the Ministry, yet I know how much he loves his kids and I doubt he will accept of Molly to have said such a thing." Sora nods at this and then we all sit back down and I read on.
"Mom – geroff" … coming now."
Here I again turn angry as I never really expressed to the Weasleys how much it angered me what Percy did or how he dared to betray both his family as well as the bond I thought we had been growing since I came to Hogwarts and then suddenly dad takes the book and says: "I'll read this part." Making me smile as he reads.
The oldest … "All summer –"
"He actually spoke of it that much?" Sora asks shocked and I growl: "I can't say, but I do know that, despite him being a Weasley and making tons of comments about his roll over the years, he never really did a whole lot to prove he deserved the badge. And no dad, I'm not saying that out of anger." Dad nods at me and reads on.
"Oh, shut … toilet or –"
"Wow, talk about a complete change of conversation. From showing pride to one kid to reprimanding two others even before they could have done anything. What is her problem?" Riku asks shocked and I roll my eyes as I say: "Exactly what I told you about when the twins helped me earlier." The boy looks conflicted about this as dad reads on.
"Blown up … rubbed it.
Here I sigh and say: "They actually really do look after him, they just hide it by showering him with petty insults and small jokes whenever they meet him, yet I know for a fact that over thirty students of different Houses got sent to the Hospital Wing by them because they tried hurting him while on the way to class or something."
This seems to shock dad and he asks: "They protect him, but don't tell him? Why?" Here I sigh and say: "I think it's because it's the same as with Mrs. Weasley. The both of them just expect the twins to be this lazy set of uncaring teenagers who have talent but don't use it right. I'm not saying it's right, it's just how I see it."
"But doesn't that hurt them? Knowing that their mother and brother think so low of them, yet at the same time keeping up appearances that further establish those kind of thoughts and beliefs?" Sora asks and I sigh as I say: "It does and I can tell that the twins hate it, yet they seem determined to keep it up just for another year or so."
Here my brother tilts his head, but then Sirius says: "Oh, I get it. They want to keep up that kind of belief, so that Ron and Molly will be all the more amazed when the Joke Shop they're planning on becomes a huge success and it will make the those two have something to be proud of the twins about, right?" To this I shrug and say:
"Either that or they want to use it as proof that Ron and Mrs. Weasley were wrong, but I don't think so. I know the twins and while some of their comments to their family sometimes cross the line – I know they're not that vindictive." To this dad nods and Sora whispers: "A Joke shop. How awesome." Making dad read on with a smile.
"Hey, Mom, … eh please..."
Here dad looks conflicted and then shocks me as he asks: "Lady Destiny, can I have a look at any and all contracts set around my son since he became famous?" And while Sora and Riku look confused at this, do I feel my hands starting to tremble as I instantly get where dad is coming from and sincerely hope that he's wrong.
Yet to both of our shock do over 2 maybe even 300 scrolls and rolls of parchment fall down from the ceiling, completely burying the coffee table that the other books are lying on under them and while all of our eyes wide, do I let all of my eyes roam over them, hoping against hope not to spot any kind of familiar handwriting.
Then dad pulls out his wand and mutters a few spells under his breath as he waves it over the gigantic pile of parchment and as he does so, do the scrolls and rolls lift themselves up and move over to the large empty section of the room where Simba had laid earlier on before they start dividing themselves into four piles.
Finally once the last roll has moved itself to the third pile, do I turn to dad and the man says: "Marriage contracts, contracts between your family companies and that of others, contracts of companies your mum used to have control over and – especially seeing last year – contracts that could be magically binding."
This makes me looking at the last pile in great concern and then I see Sora and Riku share a glance before Sora says: "Hey Harry, would you mind picking out a contract you really don't want to be part of? We might have an idea." And while I wonder what this idea might entail, do I still do as they ask after seeing dad nod.
I walk over to the pile of wedding contracts and check a few of the names up top and when I find one binding me to Lisa Turpin – who I know is like a darker, more vengeful version of Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown when it comes to gossip – do I shudder in utter revulsion and then hand the contract to my brother.
Sora looks at me with confused concern and then rolls the scroll open before lying it on the table and – strangely enough – summoning his Keyblade. He then moves to stand on the couch to, apparently, get a better aim and then aims the Keyblade at the parchment as he seems to focus on yet another one of its mystic abilities.
And to my shock, do I see stars and lights swirl around the tip before a beam of pure white connects it to the contract and as it does, do I suddenly hear a strange noise – like a lock getting unlocked – from somewhere in the distance before the signatures that are at the bottom of the contract fades from the parchment as the beam of light dissipates.
"Great, it does work." Sora says and dad asks: "How – how did you do that?" And Riku answers: "The main power of the Keyblade is to unlock any kind of lock known to existence and a contract is like locking someone with something or someone else, so the Keyblade recognizes it as something it needs to undo and thus connects to it."
This seems to shock dad, yet I find it highly exciting and then turn to the huge piles as I summon my own blade, but then dad lies his hand on it and says: "Harry, not so fast. Yes, the wedding contracts can all be made undone and unlocked, simply because of your bond with Lea, but the others need serious research, okay?"
At this I nod, feeling glad that dad is allowing me to at least free myself of all those blasted wedding contracts and while part of me wonders if the undoing of the contracts will be noticeable by the other parties involved, do I then aim my Keyblade at the pile of contracts yet again, only to remember my earlier concerns.
I sigh at this, focus on banishing my blade and then pull out my own wand as I decide to make this at least a little easier on myself and mutter: "Accio contracts with House Weasley." And to my absolute horror do four different scrolls of parchment fly from the first pile along with several contracts from two other piles.
I wave my wand to banish them to a separate pile and then wave my wand again, casting the charm a second time, but then with the name Longbottom, feeling glad when there are only contracts flying from the middle two piles. I do the same with them as I did with Weasley and then just repeat my earlier actions.
And as I do this, do I change the name from Longbottom to Spinnet, to Jordan, to Wood, to Bell, to Johnson, to Diggory, to Chang, to Lupin, to Black, to the names of the teachers and Dumbledore and to a few names of students that I know by name even if I barely ever socialize with them. And all names have results.
Some of them do indeed have contracts flying from the first pile and a few of them – like Longbottom, Black, Lupin and Diggory – even have a contract flying from the fourth pile, yet the rest all have contracts flying only from the middle two and with each name do I make separate piles, ready to be read through and sorted later.
Then finally do I look at the left over pile of wedding contracts, which is still much bigger than I would like and with renewed vigor do I resummon my Keyblade and aim it for the pile, my desire to have nothing to do with any of these people making for a strong power to rise within me and connect to the weapon in my hand.
The weapon itself seems to recognize my desire as well as the goal of the task at hand and I feel a strangely familiar power growing within the blade as the same kind of stars and lights shine from the tip of the blade before a light that is almost moon-colored white shoots from the blade and hits the pile dead center.
The whole pile shudders, proving that the power of the contracts is pretty strong and that some seriously strong witches and wizards set these contracts up, yet this only angers me and makes me think: "No, I belong to Lea and to Lea only." And that thought seems exactly enough to strengthen the Keyblade's Power.
The sound of a hundred locks being unlocked rings through the entire room, causing for the floor to tremble a little and for dad to quickly wave his wand at all the piles to make sure they don't accidentally mix together as the power of the contracts gives in to the power of my heart and the weapon in my hand.
The whole pile collapses, some scrolls unrolling themselves and as they do, do I smile as I see the signatures written upon their bottoms fading before a serene voice says: "Allow me." And to my utter delight do all of the wedding contracts get surrounded by rocks and twigs. Yet before the twigs can ignite, does dad shock me as he says:
"Not quite yet, milady. I will take them, look them over and then send the worst of the worst to my mate, so he may deal with them and their perpetrators. Let this be the first sign that the Potters and the Blacks are not going to let anyone – other than yourself, of course – dominate or dictate their lives." And the twigs and rocks vanish from sight again.
Then I feel a hand on my shoulder and I look up, smiling as I see dad sending me a very proud smile, followed by a nod of sheer approval and then he says: "Don't worry, now that your mum and I are back together and everything and we have Lady Destiny on our side, do I feel sure that we share one common goal together, little one.
To do everything we dreamed and desired to do when we were younger and to help Destiny and have her help us in making your futures as picture perfect as life can make it. Besides, there might be some good contracts amongst those. None that are valid in the marriage department, of course, but they're all still worth checking over, at the least."
I sigh at this and Sora says: "Dad's right, Harry. Who knows? Maybe half those piles were contracts of people who were willing to share their fortune with yours or who had acts set up to make your life better. Never hurts to check and be sure first, right?" I smile at the two of them, glad for their reassurance and then return to my seat and my reading.
"You've already … hair on."
Here dad shakes his head and says: "I can actually see what you're saying about those two. That comment alone sounds like something the twins wouldn't have said if they didn't believe that someone would expect them to. I really need to write Arthur as soon as possible." And while I nod at the man, do I continue reading.
A whistle … leaving behind.
And just this last part is enough to make the entire room feel tense with dark emotions as my dad turns heavily depressed, whereas Sora and Riku both turn furious and I personally feel like hitting my past self for thinking something like that, but then Riku shocks me as his fury turns to self-hate and he says: "I recognize that."
This makes us all look at the elder teen and he growls as he says: "I – I was like that once." But then Sora hugs him tightly and whispers: "But you don't anymore and you're not the you that you were when all that happened. Nor did the you of back then change my feelings for you now." This makes us all smile once more as I read on.
The door … is full."
"Impossible." Dad says and we all look at him as he says: "The mechanics between the carriages are charmed with unending expansion charms combined with multiplying runes. Whenever one carriage gets full, another one gets added to at least one side. The only way he could properly say that was if he only checked that carriage."
And while I have no doubt that we can all guess as to why Ron would do something like that, making me get a painful reminder of last year and the time where Ron had believed his own jealousy and the Prophet over me, do I then ask: "Does it really matter?" And with a sigh does dad shake his head before I continue reading.
Harry shook … down there."
"Hmm, that one might have pushed things. Dad, I think it'd be best if we write a list of things Mr. Weasley might want to discuss with his family. Cause either they never realized it or they were just trying a little too hard to meet Ron's expectations of them there." This makes dad look at me strangely and I ask:
"Remember how during our cleaning session, Ron took a little long to return when we cleaned the ground floor dining room? Ron has a terrible case of arachnophobia and it only got worse during second, yet it began long before first." Dad nods at this and while we both clearly wonder if the twins knew this or not, do I read on.
"Right," mumbled … Harry's forehead.
"Now that's just rude." Sora then exclaims, yet I roll my eyes and say: "After the last four and a half years, I consider that tame, really." Yet this worries both my brother and dad and while feeling slightly bad, do I tell dad: "Skeeter." The man groaning in understanding, even if Sora tilts his head in confusion before I read on.
Harry pulled … nothing else."
"That sure changed over the years, though I would rather have more memories of before Halloween than during." I then mutter softly and darkly, yet then dad pulls me close and says: "Forget about that, you have a perfect chance for brilliant new family memories, remember?" And while I smile at the man, do I then continue reading.
"Wow," said … about him."
"I hate to say it, but I really think it's highly significant if even the one family that is known to have a great fondness for Muggles doesn't interact with those in the family that live in the Muggle world." I mutter to myself, yet dad hears me and frowns at the words as well before he mutters: "Good point." As I read on.
"So you … talked about.
"Well, they are old and they definitely have a longer English-based history than the Malfoys do, but I would bet my freedom on it that little Draco wasn't talking about them." Dad says and I sigh: "I agree, but please – never bet on your freedom. It's just not worth it." And while the man looks at me in apology, do I continue reading.
"I heard … wizard brothers."
"Wait, you grew up with a bunch of terrible guardians, in a community full of posers – and you still believe that not all Muggles are like that?" Sora asks shocked and I say: "My primary teachers. Each of them always tried helping me and some of them managed in such ways the Dursleys never noticed it happening."
Sora looks at me shocked and then dad laughs and says: "I actually feel bad about leaving Magical England now. You would be such a breath of fresh air for that bunch living there." To which I can't help but mumble: "If they ever listened." Making dad stop his laughter quite effectively as I sigh and continue reading.
"Five," said … it first.
"Wow, that is definitely something Arthur needs to address with Ron, post-haste if possible." Dad says and he quickly summons some parchment before he starts writing as I say: "Remember, Percy's loyalty, Mrs. Weasley's blindness to her own behavior, the twins and their role in the family and Ron's arachnophobia."
Dad writes this down while nodding at me and when he's done, does Sora whistle, while Riku whispers: "I'm kind of surprised none of them have turned into Heartless or Nobodies yet." And while part of me wonders – and slightly – dreams of that being the reason for Percy's behavior, do I just shrug at them before I read on.
You never … old rat."
"Wait, he's got someone else's wand? Doesn't Molly know how dangerous that is? Not just for Ron's clearly low amount of self-esteem, but also for his surroundings. Surely the teachers noticed this." Dad then turns to me as he asks this last part, yet I send him a look that asks you're joking, right, making the man groan as I read on.
Ron reached … Scabbers instead."
"Wait, wasn't it mentioned earlier that Percy got new robes for that role? Why give new robes and an owl? That's not awarding an accomplishment; that's stroking your kid's ego." Dad then says and I hate myself as I whisper: "Something Mrs. Weasley is quite good at with Percy." Before I continue reading, grumbling slightly.
Ron's ears … Ron up.
"Wait, what?" Dad asks shocked, yet I glare at the book and say: "My birthday didn't even come up. This book is just using simple examples to summarize my conversation. I talked about some of the meals I ate on a weekly basis and how long it took me before Petunia got me my glasses." At this dad sighs in relief, yet I glare and mutter:
"Why did the book change what I talked about? Yes, the cloths and the glasses thing are more or less one and the same – or at least fall under the same category – but I never dared to mention my birthday. I thought that would be pushing it and would make it sound too unbelievable for Ron to actually believe me.
Yeah, it came to mind, but I never voiced it, I feared Ron would think I was taking the mickey out of him if I did." And this makes me silently read through all of the last few pages concerning the Weasleys once more, before I realize what just happened and while feeling concerned for this change of development, do I read on.
"... and until … the class."
This alone makes a small bright light appear in front of dad and a set of papers appear in front of him. Dad looks through the papers and mutters: "Test score results and results of how high you scored compared to others. Hmm, you actually scored between 4th and 9th place overall for the last four years. Not bad, not bad at all."
This shocks me and I ask: "I came in 4th?" Dad nods and says: "Yeah, in your third. And 9th in your first, yet there aren't any test results for either 2nd or 4th, strangely enough." To this I say: "You'll see and Tournament." Dad cringes at this, yet still nods in understanding and after giving me a proud hug, does he let me read on.
"You won't … Mars Bars.
"You know what you should try? Sea-salt ice-cream." Sora then suddenly tells me, yet I look at him strangely as he says: "I know, I know, but I'm serious. It's a delicious treat, really. It's – well, I'll let you find out for yourself. I did." And while this makes me feel intrigued as well as excited, do I just shrug and read on.
What she did … his life.
"Just those names sound magical." Riku mutters and then I look up shocked and feel like hitting myself on the head as I say: "Our deal. We completely forgot it." To this Sora shrugs and says: "I haven't really heard any magic being used yet." And while this makes me excited for what will soon come up, do I then read on.
Not wanting … corned beef."
"Molly and who likes what." Dad then says before suddenly Destiny says: "I will personally send someone to speak with Arthur Weasley about all of this when the day ends for them. Just keep reporting all the faults you believe to find." And while I can only hope that the interference of Lady Destiny will have positive results, do I read on.
"Swap you … surprise him.
"I've learned I was wrong in believing that before the first week of term was over." I then mutter to myself and dad laughs as he says: "Lily said the same thing. We got to talking one day, did a little more comparing of how we experienced our first week as firsties and she said the exact same words back then."
This, while I now know that Lily Evans is not my mother, still makes me feel quite warm inside as it was still the Potion and Charms created double of the woman that saved my life that night and while part of me wishes that she had come with mum when we met, do I still feel grateful for the hour we got granted before I read on.
"No," said … or Ptolemy."
"I actually got his entire doubles collection for my twelfth birthday. We've been in agreement ever since that, unless we can trade a double elsewhere, the other one gets it." I smile as I tell my family this and then dad makes me laugh as he says: "I had more or less the same deal with Remus – but then over chocolate, not cards."
"How can you have a deal over chocolate?" Riku asks and dad answers: "Remus is a real sweetheart when it comes to receiving gifts, yet he hates most of the chocolate with a filling and I can't stand the simple ones like milk and pure, so we trade them whenever we get them." My brother in law nods and I read on, still snickering.
Harry unwrapped … Agrippa – thanks."
"I'd actually be surprised if Ron ever heard of Adolf Hitler or even Martin Luther King." I mutter to myself and when I see dad's blank face, do I say: "Muggle Voldemort against Jews and other people and the leader of the fight for equality amongst races." The man looks quite shocked at hearing this and then asks:
"How old are they? History wise I mean." And after some thought, do I answer: "Hitler died in April of 1945 and King died somewhere in the 1960's or 1970's , I believe." The man seems shocked at how recent the two were and I say: "Trust me, black people did not have it easy in the better countries. At least not until recently." And while dad nods, do I read on.
"What do you mean, better countries?" Riku asks and I shrug, lying the book down on my lap as I say: "You know how you guys have worlds that you travel to? Well, all of our people might be on one planet, but there are still a lot of things that divide us. Borders, oceans, races, cultures, religions and the Statute of Secrecy, of course.
There are also certain countries in certain continents that just do better than others. America, which in the west from our country, is one of the best when it comes to – well, everything. Business, living, economy, the whole stuff. It's what we call a first-world country. But there are also countries we call third-world and those are – pretty bad to live in.
People starve and die young, there are a lot of wars and oppression, religions are extremely biased towards certain groups, the land makes growing certain forms of food really hard to impossible. Stuff like that. To be honest, such countries are one of the main reasons people do their collecting, to make those lives better and saver." I read on, the others shocked at what I just told them.
Harry turned … be unwrapped.
This makes my family look at me strangely and I say: "I bought one or two of most stuff, yet bought half the cart of chocolate. I couldn't help it, Dudley always paraded around me whenever he got it and I wanted to know why he liked it so much." This seems to sour the mood a little, yet I do not let it detain me and continue reading.
"Help yourself," … warned Harry.
"Boy, ain't that the truth." Dad mumbles and when I look at him, does he say: "I'm just hoping you didn't inherit your mum or my luck with those things. The best I ever got was one that tasted like fresh fish and the best your mum ever got – was parchment." This makes me shudder and then Sora says: "Yours doesn't sound bad."
To which dad smiles and says: "For an islander, maybe not, but you got to understand. In our world we don't have to hunt for our fish or do the cleaning process. The companies that sell fish for food do this before putting them for sale. This one tasted like it was halfway through the process." My brother shudders at this and I read on.
"When they … one once."
"How does he even know what that tastes like?" Sora asks and I shrug as I say: "Maybe he liked eating his own boogers when he was young or maybe he once lost a bet which had to do with boogers. Though knowing George, I'd say he would admit to the latter, while it being the former." At this my brother nods and I read on.
Ron picked … be pepper.
"Thank goodness, it sounds like they cut out on some of the bad ones." Dad says, only for a small box to appear in front of him. Dad seems hesitant and I read: "Year of production: 1994." This makes dad shrug as he grabs one, yet he doesn't even keep it in his mouth for more than half a minute before he spits it out and says:
"Eugh, gross. Squid slime." Making all of us look at the man shocked and dad rolls his eyes as he says: "Dumb bet that we took before our bonding day while we were drunk and playing Truth or Dare. I regretted that until the end of the ceremony, let me tell you." And while we all shudder in revulsion, do I then read on.
The countryside … out. Anyway –."
Here dad looks even more concerned, yet I smile at the man and say: "Don't worry, dad, it may look bad, but that wand saved my life. I know Ron prefers his new wand, but that doesn't mean I'm not grateful." And this does indeed take away the man's worries, making him smile at me before I continue reading.
He had … front teeth.
"I'm going to pull a limb here and say you didn't hit it off with Hermione as quickly as you did with Ron?" Dad asks and only then does Sora ask: "Wait, are we reading about your friends?" To which I smile and say: "My two closest, yes. And also yes to you dad, you're right in that guess." The man nods and I read on.
"We've already … taken aback.
"Wow, even I would never do such a thing without being invited in first. And I can get pretty compulsive." Sora mutters to himself and I sigh as I shake my head as this isn't the first time Hermione does something she might find okay, but that outsiders might find offensive before I continue reading.
"Er – all right." … rat yellow."
"Okay, I know that our magic is quite based on speaking words that are connected to the elements, but please tell me that's not a real spell in your world." Riku says astonished and I shake my head as I say: "It was another one of the twins' pranks." Making the elder teen let out a sigh of relief before I suddenly hear parchment scratching.
I look besides me and see dad writing on his scroll before the man says: "I get that the twins want to keep up appearances, but the more we read, the more I feel they are using the wrong sibling to do so. Ron may expect these things out of them, but they just aren't good for his self-esteem." And I nod in agreement before I read on.
He waved … for me.
"How did she do that? I thought magic wasn't allowed around Muggles." Sora asks and Sirius sighs as he says: "Another benefit to the Heads escorting Muggleborns. The law has a loophole that states that the Head can give permission for a maximum amount of spells practiced around – and only around – Muggles in the know."
This shocks me, but then I sigh and say: "Then it's a good thing Hagrid was the one to guide me. Whether it had been Flitwick, Sprout, Snape or McGonagall, it would have surely ended in a battlefield if they tried convincing those Muggles of accepting that loophole." And while others agree disheartedly, do I read on, ignoring the part of me that is envisioning how I would take advantage.
Nobody in … I've heard –
"Not entirely true. It is definitely the best school in England, but even Hogwarts has never been able to compete with Evermorance or Illgwash." Dad then says and Sora asks: "What are those?" And dad answers: "The top-tier schools of Denmark and Spain." Before Riku asks: "Do all countries have a magic school?"
Dad shakes his head and says: "Luxemburg and Belgium don't, but they send their kids to the school in Holland. Same with Switzerland, Austria and Italy, but most other European countries do. Also, Europe is one of the six continents of the world." This seems to shock my brother and his mate before I continue reading.
I've learned … very fast.
"That's one of her only downsides, really." I then say softly and I go on when seeing the others look at me as I say: "She's so eager and driven to prove that she belongs there that it's sometimes beyond overwhelming. Especially in class as – right now – she is the only one still raising her hand when wanting to answer a question."
"What, really? Why?" Sora asks and while I hate having to admit it, especially in front of dad, do I softly mutter: "The rest of us just gave up, really. We actually think why bother when she knows the answer anyway. I doubt she even realizes this and Ron and I care too much to tell her." Sora cringes at this and then I hear it again.
Dad is again scribbling away, but then he says: "I wrote James' name first. Hopefully Lady Destiny will send this part his way. I'm not entirely sure, but I think Hermione will appreciate hearing this from a – more or less – outside source." And while I smile at how the man phrased his explanation, do I also nod at him before I read on.
Harry looked … Twentieth Century."
Here I hear scratching again, but when I look to the side, do I see that dad is using the back of the scroll and he says: "I scratched out James' part from just now and added that to this. I know the Potters aren't very well liked right now, but that doesn't mean that something like this should continue to go unnoticed."
"What do you mean, dad?" Sora asks and dad answers: "We belong to two powerful Ancient Houses, which gives us the right to control what is being written about us, yet this control can only be administered and upheld by the Heads of the Family." And while this information intrigues Sora and shocks me, do I read on.
"Am I?" … finished school.
"What do you boys do anyway?" Dad suddenly asks and instantly I look up intrigued, making Sora blush a little as Riku says: "We mostly keep an eye out for trouble with our friends from other worlds and meet up with our trainer every now and then, but when we're not, we train the other islanders in sword fighting classes."
This story, while the first part seems to worry dad a little, intrigues me to no end and I ask: "Could you give me a few lessons? Between Elemental Keyblade training and reading, I mean.""Sure, we'd love to. Right Riku?" Sora asks and Riku answers: "As long as we can have time together as well, sure." Making me read on with a smile.
"Charlie's in … said Ron.
"Does Ron favor Charlie over Bill or something?" Sora asks and I answer: "No, I heard the actual tale and I can get where Ron's coming from. Apparently Bill had promised Ron a special tour through Hogwarts on his birthday, yet two days before Bill got apprenticed as Curse Breaker and had been forced to leave the same day."
My brother cringes at this and says: "I can get why Ron would then just dismiss whatever his brother did for a job. I guess – at that age – I would do the same." But I shake my head and say: "Ron didn't know that Bill had gotten apprenticeship for the highest position in Curse Breaking. He only heard that around Christmas that year.
Bill definitely made up for it, though. When he came to visit over the summer before fourth, I almost had no time with Ron whatsoever he was so busy with him." This makes my brother smile and Sirius says: "That sure sounds like the Bill I see coming to London every day." Making me nod at my dad before I focus back on the reading.
"Did you … security vault."
"Someone what?" Riku asks and Sora goes on: "Why do I get the feeling this has to do with your visit to Gringotts last chapter?" Yet while this suddenly reminds me of that newspaper article clipping I found only a week later and while dad turns heavily worried as he realizes that Sora might be right, do I ignore them both and read on.
Harry stared … the world –"
"Heh, I think I know a Muggleborn or two that would heavily disagree with him." I then smirk and dad asks: "Really, why is that?" To which I shrug and say: "The Muggle world just has more variation in their sports and hold matches and tournaments more often. This creates the chance for a bigger fanbase and thus more fanatics."
The man nods and Sora asks: "What kind of sports do they play?" To which I shrug and say: "The biggest currently are soccer – or as the Americans call it, football – and basketball, though rugby, which is also a ball sport, is also pretty famous in the states." And while my brother seems highly intrigued, do I read on.
And he … Diagon Alley.
"Dad, can I ask you something?" I suddenly ask, a whim of inspiration hitting me as I read this and when dad nods, do I ask: "Is Mrs. Malfoy as Purebloods are Supreme and Muggleborns are Scum based as Mr. Malfoy? Like, have you ever heard her use – well – the M-word?" To which dad looks startled and says:
"No, I haven't. Granted, Narcissa doesn't really have a higher opinion about Muggles and their offspring than her husband, but she definitely has more grace and honor than he does. Heck, this one time, I actually heard her admit that Lily's talent in Charms was equal to that of a Pureblood, so I guess that says it all."
I nod at this and then summon another roll of parchment before I say: "Then you better compose another list, cause I'm not entirely sure if Lady Malfoy will approve of some of her son's actions." And while my dad looks amused and confused at the same time, does he still accept the roll and quill before I continue reading.
"Is it … can afford."
"Only because the feud between Houses Malfoy and Weasley keep the Weasleys from receiving proper income from their many investments and other forms of income. Something that has been upheld by both Lucius and Abraxas, but that I will happily nullify." Dad mutters and while this shocks me, do I read on.
He turned … you there."
Here dad instantly starts writing on the new list and he says: "Narcissa would have definitely disapproved of how he worded that. Not so much as the offer itself as more the hidden meaning and the fact that his words could give him long-term privileges that he definitely wouldn't have deserved. She definitely will want to hear of this."
"What do you mean long-term privileges?" Sora asks and dad answers: "It sounds as if Draco is trying to do more than just educate Harry into how the social ladder runs. He sounds as if he is trying to pick Harry's friends and comrades – which are very important to Primal Heirs – for him, which he definitely doesn't have a right to."
Sora looks shocked and then I roll my eyes and say: "That was actually the whole reason I refused his hand in the first place." Only for dad to cringe and ask: "Please tell me you handled that politely. That you at least looked him in the eye when you did so." Yet I look at him in heartfelt guilt before reading on as he moans softly.
He held … on you."
"Refusing a hand of friendship is one thing, but no Heir – especially not one who is several tiers lower than another – has a right to disgrace the deceased lords of another House. Oh-ho-ho, Narcissa is not going to be a happy camper when she reads this list." And while I am grateful for the man defending me, do I read on.
Both Harry … Malfoy sneered.
"Ron should have stayed out of this. Yes, his family got slighted, but even without the feud, does his family not even come close to the tiers of the Malfoy or the Potter line. This was a matter between Ancient Houses and only if you had given permission, would he have been allowed to speak up or come to your aid."
Dad says and I sigh as I say: "This Pureblood stuff sure sounds like a lot of crap. I can be friends with Ron, but I can't have him stand up for me unless I ask him?" To which dad shrugs and says: "Only if you set up a contract between you and him giving him such permission." Making me groan feeling resigned as I read on.
"Unless you … have some."
Here dad shakes his head and says: "Lucius spoiled that kid way too much. He believes himself not to be one of the Purebloods, but to stand at the top of the food chain, which had only been true for the Malfoys back in the 1600's and then only if we were in France, not England." And while he again starts writing, do I read on.
Goyle reached … at once.
Here dad shakes his head before he says: "That little runt definitely got what he deserved, but I can't help but wish he had made better choices of when to show that kind of bravery." And while I have no doubt that Sora and Riku believe him to be talking about Malfoy or his goons, do I still agree with the man as I continue reading.
Perhaps they … get there!"
"No offense meant, but is she always so intrusive about other people's actions?" Sora asks and I shrug as I say: "She has her stronger points and her weaker ones. At the current moment, she was showing the latter more than the former." My brother seems uncomfortable hearing this, but does nod his head before I continue reading.
"Scabbers has … you know?"
"Did she really say that about a train carrying 11 to 17 year olds?" Riku asks astonished and I say: "That, back then, was her weakness. She believed Hogwarts to be like a high elite facility where only the most sophisticated and privileged could attend. She didn't really mean it bad, she just had a few bad illusions about the place."
The boy nods and then Sora sighs and says: "Sounds like us and the outside world before our first adventure. We were so sure the outside world was everything our island wasn't and while we were proven right, did it also really make us desire to go back home at earliest convenience." Riku nods at this and I continue reading.
Ron glared … loud "Oooooh!"
And only then do I realize that I have Sora and Riku sitting at the edge of their seat, Riku trying to hide his excitement behind a mask of sheer interest, while Sora is almost bouncing in his seat with excited interest and while I want to snicker at how my brother and his mate are behaving, do I then suddenly get a brilliant idea.
I smirk at the two, close the book with a snap and stand up, both my dad and my fellow teens looking at me as if I have suddenly turned into their worst enemy and while I try to keep my amusement at their reaction hidden under my devilish smirk, do I then pass into the Movie Room and through there into the Special room.
The other three follow me at a hurried pace and when they do, do the mouths of Sora and Riku drop in shock as they see an amazing room-sized scale model of the entire castle, complete with the grounds, the walls around the castle, the forest, the lake, the pitch, the owlery, the greenhouses and even Hagrid's Hut and vegetable field.
"Now that is a sight for the sore eye." Sirius smiles and Sora asks: "Wait, you go to school – there?" And I nod before Riku whistles and Sora exclaims: "That is so awesome!" Making me turn from my brother to my first home with a warm smile on my face before we all return to the reading room and I continue reading.
"No more'n … and Hermione.
Here I lower my head in slight shame and then ask: "Dad, I know we are contemplating all these ideas to leave England and whatnot, but – can you help remind me to, at least, try and get as close with Neville as I am with Ron and Hermione. He has always played a supportive role in my life and I never really acknowledged him for it."
Dad smiles at me and says: "Don't worry, son, I think your mum will make sure of that. He and Frank were pretty close when we were in school and some people even rumored that they were dating every now and then so I'm sure James will want for a strong bond between you and Neville." Which makes me read on while smiling.
"Everyone in?" … his hands.
"How did that toad get there?" Riku asks shocked and I answer: "I heard from Hermione that Lisa Turpin stole him from Lavender who had found Trevor only minutes after she had been questioned by Hermione about him. Heard from her that Turpin actually wanted to release it in the Great Hall, but she got awed by the castle."
"Wow, that girl sounds like bad news." Here I roll my eyes and say: "She's like the darker half of Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil. Those two never really know where to drop the line when it comes to their rumors, but they would never deliberately join in on something that can – in any way or form – hurt another student."
The two nod and Riku asks: "You're not great with Patil or Brown either?" I shrug and say: "With Parvati, no, not really. I asked her for the Yule Ball, but that was more because I was forced to attend – some other time – and Lavender; I just never know where I stand with her." The two other teens nod and I continue reading.
Then they … castle door.
Here I again close the book and Sora asks: "You got to be kidding. It's over?" To which I shrug and say: "Yeah, the chapter is." And only a second later does the book escape my grasp and land in Sora's hand, the boy looking as stunned as I feel and dad softly comments: "Seems like your core is finally fully waking up."
This seems to shock Sora even more, yet I feel myself recovering from my shock and with a grin the size of Hagrid's trench coat growing on my face, do I ask: "Keyblade lessons for Magic Lessons?" And instantly Sora shouts: "You've got it!" Making all four of smile as Sora still has the book clutched in his hand.
Hey everyone,
Editing and changing this chapter was a lot of fun. I loved the reactions to most of the things that happened this chapter and, surprise, surprise, editing it was a lot easier than actually writing it. Still, the one thing I loved above all wasn't even the start, it was Harry expanding his brother's knowledge on what earth is like.
I know that this editing was inspired by Kingdom Hearts 3 and that most of the editing and added content will be on that side of the crossover, but this little group does plan to stay on Earth for the first while – not sure how the KH Universe will play out once the Haven is left behind – so I felt expanding Sora and Riku's knowledge of their homeworld was a severe necessity.
So yeah,
Venquine1990
