Hey everyone,
So, some of you might be expecting me to add content to the start of this chapter, but I would just be bashing Molly for the sake of bashing instead of doing it for the sake of furthering her character and I want to do the latter, not the former. However, I promise you, there were bits of added content and I really liked them when they showed up.
So enjoy,
Venquine1990
Chapter 22
A Pride Is Forming
28th of January 1996
Grimmauld Place, London
Molly's POV
I know neither Remus nor I expected for our spirits to take a trip to the realm where Harry and the others are residing, yet I am very glad as it allowed me to check up on my baby boy. And to my surprised belief, the boy looked healthier than I expected he would under the care of his supposed father, if James is to be believed.
And while I am without a doubt that the courageous, powerful man wouldn't lie about his son's heritage and while his explanation as to why it took so long before we found out about all this is legit, do I not blame the man for the fact that his son has gone on this long without knowing. No, that fault lies solely with his Veela mate.
And now Sirius is fully in charge of the boy I have unofficially adopted as well as two others, yet I managed to get a glimpse of them as well and the eldest of the three makes me feel confident that Harry is in good hands as the silver-haired boy who is Alice's son doesn't look like someone who will let Sirius walk all over him.
What did shock me however was Harry's new looks, looks that took away not just all the brilliant things that made him stand out as a Potter, but that also took away his gorgeous aunt's green eyes, eyes I just know that my little girl is absolutely crazy about, even though there is the chance that Harry might not be meant for her.
Yet there was one part of my ultra-short visit that had really confused me and that was Harry's strange anger at me; something I have no doubt Sirius brought out in him and, now that I have the boy's mother at my convenience, I decide to try yet again to prove my point to him of how incompetent Sirius is as a father.
"James honey, can I talk with you for a moment?" I ask as Remus leaves on a journey he was apparently set on by Harry and Sirius – which I can only assume was just Sirius trying miserably to prove himself as something he's not – and James says: "Sure Molly, what's on your mind?" And I smile at his kindness as I say:
"You know how Remus and I just got our spirits send to Harry and the others right?""Yeah, lucky bastards." The man laughs and I sigh as I say: "It – it seems Sirius is – festering Harry with – with feelings he has never shown to anyone before. I mean, just before I was send back, Harry seemed – angry with me for no reason."
This seems to shock the man and Lily asks: "Really, what happened?" And I sigh as I say: "Apparently, Ron made a bit of a mistake a few years ago and Sirius didn't seem to take kindly to it so he summoned me. He then insinuated that I wasn't a proper parent and then Harry seemed to want to try and copy the man.
He actually glared at me and said something that just made no sense whatsoever." The two look shocked and confused and James asks: "So, what was the mistake?" Yet this shocks me as I had expected him to be angry at his mate for being such a bad parent, yet I decide to let that rest for now and scoff as I say:
"Oh, apparently that Draco Malfoy boy challenged Harry to a duel and Ron accepted for him or something." Yet this seems to actually anger James and he says: "Molly, unless the laws have changed since I left, the only kind of duel where another can give the acceptance – is a Wizard's duel. Was that it? Was that what Malfoy challenged Harry to?"
"Apparently, but they –.""But nothing. Ron was highly in the wrong. Harry may have been considered a Half-blood, but his status as my son – as you well know – outranks Ron by a landslide, making him utterly inacceptable to accept such a thing on my son's behalf. And lest you forget, Molly, Malfoy Manor has untraceable wards."
This shocks me and then Lily comes to stand with James with her arms crossed and says: "So the fact that you took such a hefty offense in name of House Potter so lightly – makes us wonder if you saying that Harry got angry over no reason is really true – or if it's possible that you once did something you don't find offensive, but he did.
Tell me, Molly, did Harry say anything about why he was angry?" And while I can barely believe that these two are questioning me instead of understanding how bad of a parent Sirius is, do I sigh and say: "Just the most nonsensical thing, really. Something about how his father is neither a liar or a prisoner or something like that."
Yet while I had spoken of it lightly, do I then take a step back in fear as both of the two before me are glaring and James asks: "Molly Anne Weasley, am I to deduce out of this that you think Sirius having spent twelve years in Azkaban – a place worldwide known as Hell on Earth – was not a big deal? Is that what you're insinuating?"
The man almost snarls at me and I snap back: "No, of course not! I just don't think a man who spent a decade in there could be proper parent material!""Which you brought up in the crudest ways possible and which Harry then took offense to." A new voice suddenly says and when I look behind me, I see Alastor standing in the doorway.
"I never did no such thing!" I snarl at him, but the man scoffs and asks: "Tell me, Molly Weasley, does this statement ring any bells: Yes, the thing is, it's been rather difficult for you to look after him while you've been locked up in Azkaban, hasn't it? That sure rings familiar bells to me, you know." And with that the man leaves.
"What does that have to do with anything?" I mutter to myself, but then shriek in fear as James and Lily's voices shout at me in perfect sync as they shout: "YOU SAID WHAT?" And while I silently await to hear the screams of Walburga Black and feel ready to reprimand them for their loud voices, do I then remember her destruction.
Instead of that do I focus at the two furious looking people in front of me, wondering how my attempt to prove Sirius' inability as a parent has changed to something that looks like a lynch party for myself, does James growl: "Molly, did you actually – actually – insinuate that Sirius willingly entered and stayed in Azkaban? Did you?"
This shocks me, the fact that the man would think so low of me making me take a step back in shock as Lily says: "No one would willingly enter a place like that, Molly. They are send there by others and if their arrival there was unjust, then that is the fault of the ones who send them there, not their own. You do realize that, no?"
"The Ministry was in full-rights of sending that incompetent man to where he belongs." Goes through my mind, yet I don't voice it as I feel it won't do me any good right now and then my savior arrives as Albus comes to stand in the doorway and asks: "My oh my, what on earth is going on here? James, Lily, why the sudden anger?"
And while I feel both relieved and furious that the two dare to turn their glares to the man, does James seem to try and calm down as he asks: "Albus, did you know? Did you know that Molly once insinuated that Sirius willingly entered Azkaban? Did anyone ever tell you about this?" And the man sighs as he says:
"Yes, Remus informed me of it the day after it happened. It was the first night Harry spend here during last summer and Sirius and Molly had a – heated disagreement – on what Harry should and should not be told in regard to safety and the situation at hand." The man seems to calm down at this and asks:
"Could you verify a little, please?" The man sighs and says: "I'm sure you understand where it comes from, but Harry is the most curious lad I have ever met and – with the situation at hand – I feared that, if he knew too much of what was going on, it would lead him to searching out danger." Yet this seems to amuse James and he smiles as he says:
"Oh, I have no doubt my little boy is as curious as a newborn foal, but I'm afraid that you got the situation all mixed up, Albus. Harry doesn't seek out danger out of curiosity; he seeks it out, out of loyalty. Plus, there is something else you should know about him – something that proves he really is my son."
Albus looks curious and James sighs as he says: "I know he's back, Albus. The Goblins informed me of it and I know what that means for this world. It means a war is about to start yet again and – well, it was the Potter War Curse that made me leave, but – that's because external circumstances made me unable to fully rely on my bond.
And if I have to go by what I have seen and heard of my son so far, I am sure he has many similar bonds with many others, you, Molly here and Sirius included. And, when it comes to bonds, Albus, there is one thing Potters rely on the most; the trust others show they have in us." This seems to shock the man and Lily says:
"Albus, because James couldn't fully rely on the bond he had with Sirius and because others proved that they didn't trust his bond with others, he left. And if you keep things from Harry, that to him will be a similar sign that you don't trust him. And that, Albus, might make him flee just the same." And this terrifies me.
Sirius' POV
I know it's only a matter of time before I have to start taking care of the things I found wrong in the chapters so far as well as take care of the four kinds of contracts that we found out others have tried to put my son through and while some of them worry me, do I worry even more about how Harry described the upcoming chapter.
I know the boy feels bad about his Third year Halloween because he was the only one who couldn't go on the very first Hogsmeade weekend of the year and about his Fourth because his name came out of the Goblet of Fire, setting the scene for all of the things that more or less ruined my son's fourth year for him and several others.
Yet the fact that the boy feels as if Halloween had been a horrid event even in his first year really worries me and makes me really hate how, thanks to several external circumstances, neither James nor I could be there to support him with the trouble that I can only assume happened that year, yet then I shake my head and say:
"I'll read next." And while Harry seems very, very reluctant to do so, does he give me the book and say: "Just to let you both know, Sora, Riku, in this chapter one of my friendships will make sense and you will again question the other." And this makes me start the chapter with the silent thought: "Ron, what on earth did you do?"
Halloween Malfoy … perfectly cheerful.
"Please tell me that was because you had survived something that could have potentially killed you?" I ask and Harry looks thoughtful before he says: "To be honest, the book's lying. Ron was looking perfectly cheerful, I was constantly looking at the Great Hall doors in trepidation." Making me nod before I read on, feeling proud.
Indeed, by … another one.
"That's not true either. Ron was trying to convince me that the whole thing was adventurous and that he had actually saved me from the dog, even though Neville had been between us the entire time. It actually made me just utterly ignore him for most of the rest of the day." And this makes me really worry about the lad as I read on.
In the … heavy protection.
"I didn't do that until the next morning and only because Ron had apologized. Though to be honest – ugh, I don't like admitting this, but –." Here we all look at him and he sighs as he says: "He only apologized – when he thought I was asleep." And this makes Sora and Riku look quite cross and adds to my concerns as I read on.
"It's either … dog again.
"At least that kid has his head in the right place." I can't help but mutter and Harry rolls his eyes as he asks: "So you're saying you wouldn't have wanted to be near that thing when you were our age?" To which I retort: "I would, but I wouldn't want you copying me when it comes to my teenage stupidity." Yet to this Riku says:
"That's just impossible and you know it. It's called teenage stupidity for a reason." To which I groan and say: "True. I would just prefer if that stupidity landed him with a bad breakup between friends, a future girlfriend with a bad breakup or that he picks a class that becomes useless later in life." The three kids nod and I read on.
Hermione was … added bonus.
"Okay, now I am starting to wonder who's point of view this is even written in. I didn't think Hermione was a bossy know-it-all, I just had a lot of trouble understanding why she was trying to behave so much older and responsible than she needed and why she tried replacing the teachers when they weren't present.
It annoyed me, but not so much that I thought she was any of what was just written. Seriously, why is this book making it look as if I shared Ron's opinion on all this?" Harry asks in utter anger and confusion and I mutter: "I don't know, but I am glad that you're not his twin." Making my son smile at me before I read on.
All they … week later.
"Actually, I was angrier at Peeves, mostly because I didn't know he had tried saving our skins back then, but I was also definitely pissed at Malfoy for bailing out on a challenge he made himself." Harry growls and I remember the letter I wrote my cousin about all this. And as I read on, do I wonder whether or not her husband will stop her from acting, which I only partially doubt.
As the … the floor.
"Wait, I wasn't the first to buy you a broom?" I ask, a hint of disappointment sounding through my voice, but then Harry rolls his eyes and says: "They bought me nothing, they took my money without my permission and then bought the broom. I found out the summer after." Yet this instantly angers me and I snarl:
"That will definitely been something I will make sure reaches the other side." Yet then I get shocked as suddenly a bright light appears before us all and when we blink the spots away, do my eyes widen as Lea is standing before us, the ginger as shocked and confused as I feel before he sees Harry and this instantly makes him smile.
"He cannot stay, but he can make sure your plans for getting even and fixing the past get done at earliest convenience. He deserves to see the bad of that world, so he can learn to appreciate the good." Lady Destiny tells us and the young red-haired man looks confused before he laughs to himself and then asks us:
"So I'm supposed to be you guys' delivery boy? I can do that.""You sure?" Harry asks and his mate smiles at him lovingly as he says: "Getting a chance to see you from time to time and make sure there is a proper communication between you and the parent you haven't seen? Sure, I'm game." Making Harry smile before I ask:
"Please let James know that, in Harry's first year, he managed to become Seeker, yet after he got the position, one of the teachers went into his vaults without his permission, took his money and used that to buy him a broom. Also, I don't mind the buying, I mind the going behind my son's back part." To which Lea nods and says:
"Son got chosen special position for some sport, got a broom for it, yet the broom was bought by his own money without his permission. Okay, I got this memorized." And with that does another bright light take the ginger away, yet not before he can let his hand caress my son's cheek at least once, causing the boy to blush.
This makes me smile and Harry lies himself back against the back of the couch as he sighs in delight and only then do I notice something, something I kind of started to just ignore after Lea and James and I happily smirk as I ask: "You really like wearing that dress, don't you?" To which the boy happily hums before I continue reading.
They had … want one.
"Of course you don't, just like you apparently didn't want Harry to know that he had bought himself a broom instead of using your own or a school fund. Seriously, why didn't they just assign him detention and then take him to Diagon Alley during the detention?" Riku asks and Harry rolls his eyes as he says: "If you ask me, the staff has a twisted view on loyalty."
To which Sora and Riku share a look and then Sora asks the one question I had been kind of hoping for since we read of the first Flying lesson: "Could you teach us how to fly?" And Harry smiles widely, obviously beyond excited at the idea and he says: "Just let dad read a little further." And my son nods before I read on.
Oliver Wood … Professor McGonagall
"Once we pass the lesson part of Quidditch, I'll let you guys fly on my broom a bit. A bit of what was read in the flying class lesson and then some free flying, cool?" Harry asks and instantly Sora shouts: "AWESOME!" Making all of us laugh loudly, me laughing even louder as he says: "Dad, hurry up!" And I quickly comply with the order.
Harry had … to read.
Yet this seems to take away Harry's happy glee as he says: "Seriously, this book just seems resolute to have things wrong this chapter. Is it that Halloween curse of mine or something?" And this worries me before Sora asks: "So what did happen?" And Harry grumbles: "My hands had slackened in shock and he just took it."
Here I groan and I say: "You know what I think? I think Ron was feeling a little entitled with being your only friend and the book is trying to make you realize that such a thing was never really necessary and that it had consequences." Here Harry sighs and he again lies his head back, but then in defeat and he says:
"Trust me, Ron was never intended to be my only friend. When I first went to Hogwarts, I was determined to be friends with as many people as possible. There just – there just always seemed to be something that kept getting in the way whenever I wanted to make new friends and after third – I just went and gave up, really."
This makes me sit back to pull the boy close against my side and then I hear Riku whisper: "Sora, summon another friend of yours. Looks like your sister-to-be can use one." And Sora nods while the new title makes a small smile show on Harry's face as my elder son gets up from his seat and conjures his Keyblade yet again.
Yet this time it seems my son only needs to focus on who he wants to summon as only a second after raising his Keyblade in a manner of calling the being forth, a small blue ball of fur actually attacks him and makes him land on his back, the ball of fur having large round black eyes and two huge ears with pink on the inside.
Sora then tries to get up and give the dog-like little being a pet, only he gets pushed back on his back again as the canine like creature licks the boy's face, yet to my shock the dog's slobber is actually green-colored and looks more like something blubber like instead of saliva and Sora pushes the beast at arm level.
"Stitch, I discovered I have a brother and he needs you right now, not to defend him, but to comfort him as he is going through the reading of a very bad time in his past, okay?" And while I am amazed that Sora seems to trust this blue-colored little canine, do I then get shocked and confused as the blue-colored beast blabbers and says:
"Igachikwa." Making Sora smile widely and Harry asks: "You can understand him?" And Sora shrugs as he says: "Stitch doesn't really speak a lot and he often uses the same word." To which the little beast actually nods in agreement before he suddenly makes Harry yelp and laugh as he jumps from my eldest to my youngest.
This shocks me and Sora laughs as he says: "Trust me, Stitch may not look it, but he definitely is a brilliant asset to any battle you might ever get into." And while this makes me worried for my son's past and what kind of battles he had been in during his youth, do I then smile at how Stitch cuddles in Harry's lap as I continue reading.
"A Nimbus … felt it.
"That kid needs a serious lesson in respect, honestly." Riku growls and then Stitch growls and mutters: "Chaliba, Choota." And this seems to shock Sora before Harry asks: "He insulted him?" And Sora shrugs as he says: "I'm not sure. I never heard him say something like that, but I do believe so." And Harry snickers as I read on.
"That's a … the Nimbus."
Here I can't help but groan before I turn to my son and ask: "Tell me something, kiddo. How many of your arguments and fights with Malfoy get started by Ron?" Which shocks Harry before he turns thoughtful and I smile as I say: "Just think about it." Making the boy nod, still deep in thought, before I worriedly keep on reading.
"What would … he added.
Here even Stitch starts to laugh, which seems to shock Harry out of his thoughtful stupor before I say: "Well, no matter how many fights Ron may have started, it definitely sounds like you ended them and ended them just right." To which both Sora and Riku nod in agreement and to which Harry smiles at me as I continue reading.
Harry and … Harry's hand.
"What is that girl's problem, seriously?" Riku asks with a groan, but then Harry smiles as he goes back to softly petting Stitch's back and he says: "I can only imagine that she wanted to show me she had adopted me as her little brother in her own – uncomfortable – way." And the Longbottom Heir nods thoughtfully as I read on.
"I thought … much good."
"Hey, that was uncalled for." Sora snaps, but then I think back to the last summer and winter break and I can't help but turn to my son questioningly and ask: "How are you still able to be friends with both of them?" And Harry sighs as he says: "Through good memories and a lot of patience, really." Making me read on worriedly.
Hermione marched … the top.
"That does sound like a pretty wicked broom." Riku nods in appreciation, but then I share a smile with Harry before he turns down to the little critter in his lap and he asks: "Stitch, would you mind fetching my broom for me? Just pass the room through those doors and then head up the first staircase on the left of the room behind that, okay?" And instantly the little blue ball jumps out of my son's lap and across the floor to the Video room.
A little while later he returns and in his mouth is one of the first things that made me feel like I had a real connection with my boy. The handle is made of polished ebony and the twigs are made of hazel with the metal parts, such as the accelerator and the brakes made of goblin-made ironwork and the name written in gold. The broom is dropped in my son's lap and while I don't like the fact that there are still signs to prove that it had been shackled up a wall, do I still love the sight of it.
"Wait, that's not the same as the description, is it?" Sora asks and Harry shakes his head as he says: "I lost the Nimbus in an accident in my Third and dad gave me this one for Christmas the same year. Won three matches and an actual international event with this beauty." And while Sora looks at it in amazement and Stitch lets out a similar sound, do I happily read on.
As seven … lightest touch.
"And this one's actually even better than that?" Riku asks astonished and Harry instantly says: "Oh, definitely. It's almost as if – as if there is a form of magic inside it that – that reads the flyer's mind and responds to their decisions the minute that decision is made in regard to flying." This amazes Riku and I read on, feeling proud.
"Hey, Potter, … a week."
"Sounds like a fair amount of practice." I can't help but mutter and Harry laughs as he says: "Back then, yes definitely. The years after that, however. Well, I had my reasons for missing that year's final match and – well, Wood didn't take that too kindly.""He didn't take it out on you, did he?" Sora asks, but Harry shrugs and says:
"It's more that missing that chance for missing the finals awakened a fire of determination in him that sometimes made him – well –.""Overexcited?" Sora asks and Harry cringes and snickers at the same time before he says: "You could call it that, I guess." And this makes me worried for the elder boy's treatment of my son as I read on.
He opened … called Chasers."
And instantly a smile grows on my son's face that warms my heart like a warm fire in a fireplace and he sighs as he says: "Angelina, Katie and Alicia, the three girls that I actually considered my family before anyone else. Even the Weasleys didn't make me feel like I was part of their family as quickly as those three did."
"A triplet?" Riku asks, but Harry shakes his head and says: "Just three girls that work closer than the Weasley twins do, even though they are from different families and are even in different years. They're just – they're my sisters." And this makes all four of us smile at the youngest of us with great contentment before I read on.
"Three Chasers," … Harry quickly.
"I actually explained the sport and a few others to him after that first training. Heck, we sometimes just play a game or two of Basketball, soccer and other ball sports at the end of a training session every now and then, though we barely did so back in my third or this year, really. Kind of miss it." At which Sora seems curious and asks him:
"What about last year?" And a shudder runs through Harry, causing Stitch to look at him in great worry as well as the rest of us and Harry mutters: "The international event was considered more important than Quidditch by the organizers. It just – it ended badly, really, really bad." And Sora nods in concern as I continue reading.
"Now, there's … the box.
"Are those things even safe?" Riku suddenly asks and Harry laughs as he asks: "Remember how wild Stitch was when Sora summoned him? Bludgers are kind of like that." Yet this makes Riku cringe and I say: "Don't worry, the teams are always well trained against them." And while this calms the boy down do I continue reading.
"Stand back," … the ground.
"Note to self, make sure I make the team as defender against those Bludgers first time I get the chance." Riku then mutters, yet while Sora seems excited with the idea of seeing Riku on the team, does Harry smile and say: "Trust me, Bludgers are no match for our Beaters." And Riku looks focused as I continue the chapter.
"See?" Wood … than that.
"Feeling better?" Harry now asks Riku, but the boy shakes his head and says: "Not until I see for myself that these things aren't metal bits of Stitch in the air." To which I shrug, put the book down and say: "Alright then, follow me." And while this confuses the boy, do they all follow me, Stitch now on Harry's shoulder as he walks.
I then move into the Special room and look at Harry, who smiles as he throws me his Firebolt before I ask the room: "A Bludger and Beater's bat, please." And both items appear, the bat in my open hand and the Bludger on the other side of the room. The Bludger then starts to fly around rapidly and I quickly mount the broom.
Lifting myself off the ground actually makes me feel as if I am seventeen once again, going through my final year as one of the two Beaters on the Gryffindor Quidditch team and when I see the Bludger heading my way, it actually makes me capable of forgetting about everything around me, except for my role in the air.
Because of this do I let out an elated yell of delight as I happily dash for the crazy ball of black metal and with a great shout of laughter do I happily knock it out of the air, away from me and out of its initial pathway before, with the simplest of moves, I turn the Firebolt around and again dash after my biggest point of focus.
And with great glee and happy excitement do I repeat this action several more times, before I actually get shocked as it suddenly gets stopped in midair and then I remember where I am and what I was doing as I hear the laughing voice of my son as he says: "Okay dad, I think you convinced Riku that nothing's wrong by now."
And when I look down do I see him and Sora practically beaming with happiness over seeing me enjoying myself so much, while Sora seems to be jumping with his own desire to try and fly like I got to over the last few minutes or so and I cringe in guilt as I had actually forgotten that the three of them were even down there.
I then turn back to the Bludger and whisper: "That'll do." Causing for it and the bat in my hand to vanish yet again before I sigh and slowly, with the slightest hint of reluctance, lower myself back on the ground before Harry laughs as he says: "Don't worry, dad, I'm sure the room can make us all have Firebolts to fly on later."
And this makes me cringe and smile at him in renewed guilt before the boy hugs me close and says: "Trust me, I know how it feels. The freedom, the sense that everything that could be wrong with your life, the sensation of all that just leaving your whole sense of being. I know how amazing that feeling can be, dad, I really do."
And this makes me smile warmly, the fact that I share this incredible feeling in the air with my son and then Riku asks: "Do you feel like that too? When you release those wings of yours?" And Sora looks thoughtful before he says: "I didn't really focus on it last time. I was a little preoccupied, if you know what I mean."
And this actually makes me burst out laughing while Riku sends the boy a playful glare before I give Harry his broom back and while Stitch is now leaning over the boy's shoulder and looking at the incredible piece of wood with great appreciation, do we all move back to the Reading room and do I pick up where I left off.
Now, the … Bludgers themselves."
"That, together with the talent I saw Sirius have, definitely makes me feel way better. However, will Harry be playing in their team until graduation?" To which Harry shakes his head and says: "The twins are graduating this year." Which instantly seems to make Riku worried again and as I read on, loving his sense of concern.
Wood reached … always win.
"Wait, why have one part of the game be that vital? And why such a high amount of points? Wouldn't that just make players like the Beaters want to knock the other team's Seekers out of the air or something? Doesn't that, like, inspire violence in these games?" Riku asks, sounding a clear mix of shocked, bewildered and confused.
"That's pretty much what Bludgers are for, really. They not just make it harder for Chasers to actually score as they can be used to knock Quaffles out of Chasers' hands, they also distract the Beaters in such a way they don't really have time to turn violent on the other team's Seeker." And Riku seems slightly mollified as I read on.
That's why … problem.
"That does not sound reassuring." Riku seems to growl, but then Harry looks at me with a slight sense of guilt before he says: "I don't mean this as arrogance or anything, but – well, dad didn't fly my Firebolt with the same skill I often find myself flying with and flying really is my greatest talent. Trust me, Bludgers rarely ever catch me."
"Have they ever?" Riku asks and Harry sighs as he says: "Only twice. Once was when someone who had his heart in the right place, but his mind – not so much – wanted to keep me safe and the other was when the opposing team didn't like the fact that I had beat them." Harry says this while gripping the Firebolt a little tighter and I realize it must have been on the same day as that Umbridge tried to get him banned and take his broom. I shake my head at this and then I read on.
"We won't … ever had.
"Wow, that's quite the time jump." Sora says amazed, but then Harry smirks at them both as he says: "Yes, and I do believe I promised a bit of flying for both of you once we passed the Quidditch part of the chapter." And instantly Sora is out of his seat as well as the room, a bit of dust being left behind his running form.
"Hey, he stole my Firebolt!" Harry then says in shock and instantly Riku shouts: "SORA! NO!" And he dashes after the brunette, to which Harry stands up and asks: "He sure seems to be overprotective, don't you think?" Yet I smile at my son as I had noticed this happening on and off before now and happily say:
"Yeah, and you're probably responsible." This shocks Harry and then I say: "Harry, you're a newborn Potter-Kitsune, yet you already have a chosen mate. It often happens that, if the mate gets chosen before the Kitsune turns sixteen, certain – aromas start to come off of said Kitsune that drive those around them to form a pack or pride.
And Riku, right now, is slowly forming himself as the Alpha of the pride, not because he is the oldest or the strongest – that never works like that in such prides – but because there is something in his level of experience that, in the sense of the pride, makes him stand out." Harry nods and then he asks: "And where does that put Sora and me?"
At which I tilt my head thoughtfully and say: "I think Sora will be a mix between the Omega and just another member of the pride, mostly because he is Riku's mate, but I also believe there is a high chance that you will share the Omega position with him; either you or Lea. James, though, will definitely be an Omega/Beta."
"Why both?" Harry asks and I open the door to the Special room as I say: "I am like the sub-Alpha of the pride – or I will be once either you, Riku, Sora or Lea fully solidify your position in the pack – and James will be Omega, because he is my mate and Beta because – well, he – you don't want to know." And instantly Harry cringes.
Then we look and instantly I can see a form of magic settling around my youngest son as I see Riku practically smothering Sora, taking him every chance to breath and who seems to have the sole intend to make the boy faint or something he is kissing my older son that passionately and this makes me laugh and say: "Yes, Alpha indeed."
And the two break apart, Sora practically seeing double with his glazed eyes and when Riku locks gazes with me, do I instantly feel as if just the gaze welcomes me into the same pride under his shared title, which makes me smile as I cannot express my happiness over the fact that my youngest is uniting us in the firmest of ways.
"Ways Remus was always too afraid and hesitant to go through with." I can't help but think before I say: "I think we should skip this flying class until after the rest of the pride has been settled." And while the two boys seem slightly confused, do they still nod and Riku guides Sora back into the other room as I get back to reading.
His lessons, … the classroom.
"Was that even done with Neville's consent?" I can't help but ask, but then Harry groans and says: "Dad, if you want to complain about all the things the teachers did wrong, we'll be here much longer than the books actually require." Which instantly makes me know I need to send Lea to Hogwarts for a firm talk before I read on.
Professor Flitwick … his eye).
"That's probably because of the Potter-Longbottom alliance." I mutter and Harry asks: "Wait, our lines share an alliance?" At which I sigh and say: "Yeah, the Potters are practically aligned with 80% of the Light faction of the Wizengamot and at least 40 to 50% of the Neutral faction." Yet this seems to confuse Harry and he asks:
"Then why didn't they stand up for me when I had my hearing changed into a Wizengamot trial?" And I sigh again as I mutter: "Because, with James still being recognized as alive by Wizengamot magic, you were just considered the Primary Heir and thus the responsibility of the Head of House Potter and not their own Houses."
"How is that even fair? I mean, mum is considered dead, but because of the magic of some organization –.""One that was founded in 1544 and that represents the pride Ancient Houses have in their ancient reputations." This interruption of mine seems to shock Sora senseless and I smile at him knowingly before I turn to smirk at my son.
"And now that Sora and Riku are meant for each other and bonding with one another, the Alliance has reached a form of unison that it hasn't seen since it was first founded in 1622. And I am going to be honest with you boys, every year, on Sora's birthday, I wished and hoped that you were both taken – because you were meant for each other. That you were together."
Sora turns red at this and Riku smiles back as he says: "We were, Sirius. Maybe only as friends, but trust me when I say this. Whether I would have continued my act of being Sora's friend or not, I would not have been able to imagine my life without him. I'd rather sink back into Darkness than live one day without him." Sora nods in agreement to this and I read on, smiling widely.
Ron, however, … Hermione Granger.
And instantly I have to stop reading as Riku, Sora and I let out horrible groans before Riku says: "Putting those two together for a practical class is similar to what happened at the Flying class." Yet then Harry smiles and says: "Yeah, it started horridly and ended brilliantly." And while this intrigues all three of us, do I read on.
It was … had arrived.
"Seriously, is this chapter cursed to print false facts or something? She didn't talk to Ron at all those two months, but that's because he kept glaring at her. She talked to me plenty enough when I decided to study in the library or something or when I came back from practice." Harry grumbles in contempt and I read on, feeling for the kid.
"Now, don't … his hat.
"He really has a thing for pyrotechnics. One time he was even banned from Herbology for a week because he almost put the project for that year on fire." Harry snickers at the end and then Riku says: "Sounds like you when you see a friend with trouble, Sora." Yet before Sora can retort, does my son get kissed as I read on.
Ron, at … and long."
"Going by that explanation, she would have been better off just calling on the teacher. She sounds like she wants to be Flitwick herself and – well, not everyone can easily accept that." Sora mutters worriedly and I hear Harry mutter: "Yeah, don't I know it." Which makes me look at the boy before I read on with great concern.
"You do … the class.
"Wait, why didn't she just say something like see, it's like that. Now you try or something like that?" Sora asks shocked and Harry sighs as he says: "One of Hermione's greatest flaws. Once she does a spell right, she focuses on perfecting her skill more than anything else.""Heh, I can get that." Sora mutters and I read on.
"It's no … no friends."
"Okay, that goes way too far." I can't help but grumble and I go on as I say: "I may have never been good at breaking up with my many girlfriends and may have been a prankster on the same level as Dudley, but even I had enough morals not to ever make a girl cry." Yet then I get shocked as Lea suddenly reappears before us.
"Heh, I had already let James know about the whole thing with the broom and the money, you know. So, new message?" The man asks and while Harry seems to look guilty, do I say: "Yeah, on Halloween in their first year, Ron challenged Hermione, she proved her skill, he got annoyed and then insulted her to the point of tears.
And when he realized it, he went one step further and threw out another insult without even feeling guilty. And Molly may not think high of me, but even I had my morals when I was his age. Let her and James know that, will you?" Here Lea nods, but then Harry shocks us as he rushes out of his seat and desperately says:
"Lady Destiny please, I don't want my mate as just some delivery boy. Please give him a reward for his work." And while Lea smiles at my sweet little boy, does the entire room stay quiet for 5 minutes before Lady Destiny says: "For every message he successfully delivers, he will have 5 minutes with you at the end of a chapter."
At which Harry pumps his fist with a hissed yes before he gets shocked as Lea pulls his gorgeously dressed form close against his own and huskily whispers: "Make good use of your prize, sweet little Firefly." Before he seems to engulf himself in a swirling mix of darkness and vanishes from sight, Harry blushing as I read on.
Hermione didn't … their minds.
"Ugh, I hate this chapter. This isn't even true. We heard the girls talk, I tried telling Ron we should go there, but then he saw the feast and I could tell just by looking at him that I could be talking to a brick wall and have the same results.""Then why not go yourself or report this to a teacher?" Sora asks and Harry sighs as he says:
"I felt Ron owed it to Hermione to apologize and Ron was, at that time, indeed my only friend. And if there was one thing I was, by that time, afraid of it was losing my friend because Ron thought me a Snitch or something." And Sora seems to understand this, but then I ask: "How could Ron have been your only friend even then?"
Harry shrugs and says: "Like I said, Ron was the only one who ever actually approached me. Oh, there were plenty others at the start – mostly older years – but the looks in their eyes always reminded me of Vernon when he thought he could get in a good deal for his company. They didn't want my friendship, they wanted my money."
Here I sigh as I really don't want my son growing up believing he only has two friends when the Potter line has always sustained and maintained brilliant bonds of loyalty and friendship with at least 70% of all its known alliances and I think: "Note to self, check contracts for alliance names." Before I continue with the chapter.
A thousand … his face.
And here Harry again groans in utter defeat and annoyance as he says: "And the Halloween curse begins." Yet here Sora and Riku share a confused look and Sora asks: "What do you mean? That guy is practically afraid of his own shadow." Yet Harry keeps his eyes closed as he says: "You'll see." Making me read on in concern.
Everyone stared … to know."
And instantly I stop reading in utter shock before Sora, who's eyes are as wide as my own, mutters: "Okay, I take that back; that's pretty bad." Yet I had already thought ahead and turn to my son in stern anger as I say: "No! No, you won't do that." But Harry groans: "Already happened." And I read on, cursing fate mentally all the while.
He then … dormitories immediately!"
"HAS HE LOST IT?" Riku shouts in utter shock and he goes on: "Are all the common rooms in the towers? And even if they're not, isn't it safer to just keep all the students together in one place and keep a few teachers there for extra protection? Why separate when he should listen to the term safety in numbers?"
And Harry sighs as he says: "Trust me, if Dumbledore had followed your advice, I may not have had Hermione for my friend and then – dad would be gone." This shocks the boys and Sora asks: "Is dad coming up in this book?" But Harry shakes his head and says: "Saved him at the end of our third." Before I read on, feeling worried.
Percy was … a prefect!"
"That doesn't even make sense. Just because he's Prefect doesn't mean he can instantly install fear in something like a Troll, does it?" Sora asks and I shake my head as I say: "No, it doesn't, but Percy sounds like he puts way more prestige behind a title than he should." And both my sons and Riku nod in agreement as I read on.
"How could … Halloween joke."
"Okay, no offense Harry, but how is a boy that has had five brothers go to Hogwarts before him this clueless when it comes to Hogwarts as a whole?" I ask my son and the boy sighs as he says: "I hate saying it, but Ron's really easy-minded. He pays attention to things he likes, but everything else –." At which I nod and read on.
They passed … see us."
"Okay, two things. One, that was seriously irresponsible of him as he should have done the opposite of what he said. Either that or try and find a teacher. And two, why are you two realizing this and not the girls you just earlier heard talking about where the girl was in the first place?" Yet this seems to shock Harry and he says:
"You know, I never thought of it that way." Making me sigh as I ask: "Harry, have you ever heard or seen someone give any indication to desire to do things like you did? Like going to warn Hermione with a troll on the loose or things like that?" And Harry seems to again fall back in deep thought, making me sigh and read on.
Ducking down, … stone griffin.
Here I turn my eyes skyward and Harry sees this as he says: "Hey, he was making up for a mistake he made." To which I sigh and say: "I can get and appreciate that, but I would just feel better if you have someone older watching your back in case that troll appears." At which my son sighs in understanding as I read on.
Peering around … his hand.
"Is he after something?" Sora asks and I feel slightly sick as I say: "Probably more like wanting to protect something." This shocks Harry and he asks: "How are you so sure of that?" And I sigh as I say: "Cause I know Albus wouldn't keep him hired if he had tried endangering the students." And Harry nods before I continue reading.
"Can you … of moonlight.
"That blasted thing actually escaped the dungeons? Bloody Hell, I was just making an example. How did he even escape in the first place?" Yet then Riku turns angry and he mutters: "To be honest, I don't think that troll was ever in the dungeons." This shocks us all and Harry asks: "What makes you think that, Riku?"
And the boy answers: "Cause it sounds like the dungeons are more or less in the center of the castle and is also – I'm sure – where at least one common room is at. So I have two questions regarding that. One, how did that thing get transported there and two, how did someone like Snape never notice it being there?"
And as much as I hate that the boy seems to have so much trust in that double-crosser – as I don't think I will ever really believe Snape to be playing for either side, especially with how he always mixes relevant news from Voldemort's side with irrelevant stuff – do I have to admit that he definitely makes some fair points as I read on.
It was … the room.
Instantly I feel my stomach dropping through my body and down the floor as I ask: "He heard Hermione, didn't he?" And Harry cringes with guilt as he says: "He did, I just wish Ron and I realized that the same way you did. Our attention was just elsewhere." And this makes me hug the boy as he sounds really guilty before I read on.
"The keys … they have?
"Well, I could say that one of you could try and run to find a teacher while the other would try and keep the troll distracted or, at least, get Hermione out of there, but I'd be a hypocrite seeing what I just said about safety in numbers so – yeah, your choices were crazy slim." Riku mutters with a grumbling voice as I read on in concern.
Wheeling around, … with terror.
"Poor thing, I can only assume that she really believed what Hagrid said about Hogwarts being safe. Either that or she read about Trolls and underestimated the description her books gave her. Still, I think I'd rather face another Demon Tower or something than a creature like that." This confuses me and I look up as I ask him:
"Demon Tower?" Sora nods and says: "A tower made of Shadow Heartless. They're the lowest form of Heartless, beings created out of the Darkness in people's hearts. It's the way that Dark and Light magic works in our Universe. And the best way to defeat them is through the Keyblade." Yet this last part worries me and I continue reading, worrying for my son's past trials.
The shouting … from behind.
At this the boy cringes, yet I sigh and say: "I would have been furious with you for doing that – and it still definitely worries me more than words can describe – but I can also understand why you did that and not use any spellwork seeing as how you were raised in the Muggle world. I just hope Ron does better." Before I continue reading.
The troll … room tremble.
"Thank bloody Merlin for Adrenaline magic." I can't help but cheer and Harry asks: "Adrenaline magic?" And I smile as I say: "Magic exclusive to teens as it is actually fueled by their hormones and their still developing emotional strength. It gives them a boost when their emotions spell out that they're in a sense of danger."
This shocks Harry senseless, but then the boy suddenly turns deeply sad and he says: "Then – then I really don't have any skills after all. The only reason I've survived this long is because I get powered up by Adrenaline magic all the time. I knew it. I – I guess I knew it all along." Yet while this makes me hug him close, does Sora say:
"That's not true." And we look at the boy as he says: "Trust me, little brother. If there was ever a bit of evidence that you're special it's the weapon we helped you to unleash within yourself. The Keyblade doesn't just choose every random kid, you know. It only chooses those truly special; those with true talent hidden in their hearts."
This makes Harry smile at the boy in gratitude and me in utter pride and then Sora shrugs as he lies his hands in the back of his neck and asks: "And besides, who says it was Adrenaline magic? It could have just as easily been the magic of the Keyblade unleashing itself within you bit by bit, right?" And we all nod before I read on.
Harry got … the rear.
This seems to confuse Sora and he asks: "Wait, hadn't Snape left the other teachers to head for the Third floor? How did he get back to them before getting to the bathroom? Did they just meet at the same time or something?" And while I grumble to myself: "For his sake, I hope so." In furious anger, do I then read on.
Quirrell took … her voice.
"Well Minerva, Albus made the mistake of sending students out on their own, Harry wanted his friend to right a mistake he made that none of you seemed to notice the after-effects of and then his friend started making the stupid mistake of not trusting adults before Adrenaline magic saved all of their lives. How's that sound?"
I snarl, suddenly noticing just how scared I had felt when reading about the troll and how relieved I am that my son came out of that event unlike what he was like at the end of his fourth or after the Dementor event last summer and Riku mutters: "That sure sounds like a perfect summary to me." And I read on, smiling slightly.
Harry looked … your dormitory?"
"Because two students noticed what none of you teachers did, even with there having been multiple classes that Hermione apparently missed. Seriously, how did they not notice that at all?" Sora asks and Harry grumbles: "Trust me, that is something that happens more times than you may like." And this makes me read on, feeling troubled.
Snape gave … about them."
"Wait, why did she lie? I mean, I can get why in regard to you, but – but Ron is the whole reason the both of you were there in the first place so – why?" Sora asks and Harry sighs as he says: "The one thing all bully victims are afraid of; that their bullies turn worse if they tell on them." And Sora grumbles at this as I read on.
Ron dropped … out sweets.
"And the reason an eleven year old is realizing this and not her own Head of House?" Riku asks and I growl: "Is because Minerva seems to be proving to be the exact opposite of the term with age comes experience. For Merlin's sake." And while I make a mental note to have this discussed with James the first chance I get or send Lea off with a message, do I continue reading.
"Miss Granger, … Gryffindor tower.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?" I rage in utter fury before I shout: "LEA!" And instantly the guy appears, a shocked look on his face before he says: "Wow, you look as angry as that redhead did just now, seriously." And while I hate the idea that I am being compared to Molly Weasley, do I ignore it and focus on my priorities as I snarl:
"In Harry's first, Ron insulted Hermione, a Troll entered the castle, Harry got Ron to go look for Hermione to warn her, but instead he and Ron had to protect her against it and when the teachers discovered this, Minerva only took House points – and I want to know why." The man looks shocked, but then he nods and vanishes.
"You think it should have been worse?" Harry asks shocked and with fear clearly sounding through his voice before I sigh and sit back as I say: "Yes, if only to prove that the teachers care and that they worry for the students, especially seeing the fact that McGonagall now thinks that Hermione has no sense of self-preservation.
If she had done anything more, even just a single night of detention or something, it would have brought the message that Hermione needs to work on that sense home much better." But when I finish saying this, do I suddenly notice that Harry is rubbing the back of his head with an uncomfortable look on his face and I quickly read on.
Students are … may go."
"LEA, GET THAT BLASTED WOMAN HERE RIGHT NOW!" I shout, furious beyond words and instantly the man appears, a hand on the woman in question's arm as he says: "You know, I was just laying into her myself, really. Did it get worse?" And instantly he looks at me and just by my face, he says: "Yep, it got worse."
The woman looks shocked between the two of us and I growl: "Five points? You – awarded – five points? You only awarded points?" The woman looks shocked and I hear Harry mutter: "Halloween, first year." Which seems to catch the woman up to speed before she turns stern and turns to me, yet I snarl: "Don't even try."
Shocking her and I say: "I won't say that either Harry or Ron was in the wrong as Harry was too focused on making sure Ron would make up for his mistakes and Ron had no proper reason not to trust those older than him, but you, Minerva, you were beyond in the wrong for only appointing points for them endangering themselves.
They were eleven, they were – sorry – immature and Harry had lived his entire life never believing he meant anything thanks to those monsters known as the Dursleys. Therefore, it was up to you to make sure they knew they had to develop their sense of self-worth and not appointing them anything other than points doesn't do that.
And next to that, how did none of you notice that Hermione hadn't been seen since the Charms class that day and – more importantly – why in the name of all that is sacred to that blasted school did you believe that Hermione Jeanne Granger would break school rules just because she believed her book knowledge could protect her?"
Here the woman cringes and I cross my arms in front of her in utter anger as I say: "You were responsible for protecting them and teaching them to protect themselves and to, as teenagers love to do, not dash into a dangerous event or anything that could hurt or kill them – and you failed, Minerva, worse than I ever thought you could.
I just hope that staying in these rooms can help me catch up where you should have left off, but instead it feels like I am doing your job. I can only hope that the Grangers and the Weasleys can actually count on you from now on. Can they?" And the woman nods with guilt in her eyes before she vanishes and I sigh as I read on.
They hurried … Ron grumbled.
"RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY!" I shout and then Lea asks: "Want me to pick him up?" But I shake my head before using my wand to copy the pages of this event and say: "Just give this bit to Molly and let her and Minerva take care of him." The man nods, shares a loving smile with my youngest son and then leaves as I read the last bit.
"Five, you … reminded him.
"Thank you, common sense." I groan in utter relief and Harry smiles at me as he says: "That was the whole reason I went with him in the first place. Plus, I had been trying to make him realize that all day." At which I sigh and say: "I know that, son, and I appreciate that. It's just –." And Harry nods in understanding as I continue reading.
They had … of them."
And this makes me mark the page before lying the book down, trying my hardest to keep down on the emotions that have been raging within me ever since I read about them not having any other choice than to confront the troll and then Riku asks: "Harry, you realize that it was wrong leaving this all to Ron instead of teachers, right?"
And Harry nods, his face looking slightly pale with fear and Riku says: "Good, now summon your Keyblade." Harry looks shocked and confused, but then Riku says: "Go on." And when the boy follows his instruction, does Riku say: "Follow me." And while I wonder what he's planning, does Riku move into the empty space.
Harry then follows him, but then Riku says: "Sora, leave this to me." And Sora, who had summoned his own Keyblade and moved to stand up, looks shocked before he sits down and we both look at how the elder boy moves into the empty center of the room before he turns to my youngest son and takes a deep breath and says:
"Prepare yourself. A battle between blades will be your punishment for making such a foolish decision. Can you accept that? Are you ready?" And while Harry had slowly started to tremble in his legs, does he then seem to calm down and he takes a deep breath before he says: "Give me a minute." And Riku nods calmly.
Harry then actually leaves the room, yet five minutes later he returns, once again wearing simple Hogwarts robes and he says: "I – I don't want to duel in those amazing cloths or that dress. They – they were the best cloths anyone ever bought me." At which Riku smiles in understanding before asking: "You ready now?"
Harry nods, which is instantly followed by the boy yelping as Riku actually vanishes from where he stands and appears in front of my son only a second later. This shocks me and Sora cringes as he whispers: "I guess Riku really is mad at him. Seems like he's willing to go all out to punish him." Which makes me cringe as well.
Yet to my relief does Harry seem more or less fine half an hour later as he is on all fours, his Keyblade on the floor and sustaining his upper body weight and small burns showing here and there on his skin, while his robes are more or less in tatters and he is shivering and twitching from the few times Riku hit him with small bolts of thunder.
The boy's left side is covered in a small sheen of ice and his hair is singed by fire, yet otherwise he seems absolutely exhausted but fine and then Riku sighs and asks: "Harry, next time you know a friend did something wrong and he should make it right in a time of peril, what will you do to make that happen?"
And the boy whispers: "Take said friend to a teacher and make him confess." And Riku smiles as he reaches an arm out to help the boy up and after using Curaga to heal the boy up, making his burns heal up, his singed hair fix itself, the ice vanish and stop him from twitching he softly says: "Exactly." Making all of us smile at the silver-haired boy.
And that ended that.
So Lea is now a messenger boy and the connection between the Haven and Magical England, though like I said, I have plans to slightly alter and change that which will come up in chapter 49 and onward. I know that Lady Destiny wants the four of them to learn to rely on each other, but she also wants them to rely on Lea to fix all of the issues in the world.
And speaking of issues, that's what the coming couple of chapters are about and I might just edit those a bit here and there. Personally, I'm not expecting myself to make any major edits, I kind of like what I wrote down so far, but I do want to add on here and there. But like I said, if I do and it concerns bashing, the bashing will be for the betterment of the character, not just bashing.
You have been warned,
Venquine1990
