Hey everyone,
So in the original, I tried to promise you all things that – as the chapter progressed – I proved I couldn't keep to even if my life depended on it. I wanted to make this chapter all about Sora, Riku, Sirius and Jessica, but there were just certain situations that happened in the CR content that made that, sort of, kind of – impossible.
Go figure right,
Venquine1990
Chapter 29
Gender Differences
29th of January 1996
Destiny's Haven
Jessica's POV
Reading of the Quidditch match had not been easy as Sora had really taken offense to Malfoy insulting Draco and my team and me, yet Riku had been even more furious at the insult Malfoy threw at his brother, only to radiate great pride at hearing Neville's comeback as well as the fact that he took on Crabbe and Goyle later. The two had then gone to the wider, open section of the room and gone into a sparring match to release their anger for a bit.
Dad had also voiced his concern for me for going into the forest and I had reluctantly admitted that it wasn't the only time that year, though I did hurriedly add to that that the second time wasn't of my own volition. Yet the reminder of that detention, as well as a lot of what happened between the Quidditch Match and that detention – my very first at Hogwarts – also reminded me of the events that happened just shortly before it.
And against my better judgment, did a single thought come up in my mind: "How would they have treated me if I had been Jessica at the time?" And I shudder as, during one of the final days of justice, as the older students called it, I had been moving from Charms to Potions class and had heard a few of the oldest lions mutter how disappointed they were that I was male.
I had been too young at the time as to wonder why and too grateful that the students finally seemed to believe I had been punished enough, yet the tone of voice and the experiences from before hearing that had still made me grateful that my gender had foiled whatever plans they had for me. Yet this thought had been followed with a new thought: "Are there still students like that? How will they treat me when they find out?"
And this thought makes me feel absolutely horrible with fright at which I feel a warm arm wrapping itself around me and Dad asks: "Jess, little ember of mine, what's wrong?" And while I feel a twinge of humor try to push away the fear at the notion that he is trying to compliment me in Lea's style, does it still fail as I mutter:
"I – I'll explain later. I – I think the – the reason will come up in either this chapter or next." And as I say this, do I feel another unbidden thought enter my mind: "I won't meet any of those bastards until Lea is truly mine." Only to get shocked when Lady Destiny speaks in my mind and her soft voice says: "You said it, my dear girl. And trust me, he won't let any of them anywhere near you. He is more protective of you than Riku ever was of Sora."
And while the nickname would normally remind me of Dumbledore, do I not feel that happening this time, probably because Lady Destiny has a different tone of voice and because of the other things she tells me and I take a look at the next chapter before I say: "Sora, you better read this one." As I already know both dad and Riku will probably freak out just by reading the title, something I want to avoid at all costs if I can.
Sora smiles at this and takes the book, yet even his own eyes widen when he reads the title and I quickly say: "It was not mine, I did not want it there, I was too loyal to a friend of mine and I didn't want to be a Snitch." And this makes Riku want to read the title as well, but Sora moves the book out of his sight and then just reads.
Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback
And just that title is enough to do exactly what I had hoped to avoid by not letting either Riku or dad read and the dad shouts: "NORBERT THE WHAT?" While Riku goes on and asks: "WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND KEEPS A DRAGON AROUND KIDS!" Yet to this Sora sends him a raised eyebrow look and asks:
"Ehm, the Heartless on the Islands, the Guard and Reverse Armor … Ansem?" He ends with emphasis at the end and Riku growls: "Harry isn't fourteen and hasn't been trained in kid-style combat. He didn't have fellow islanders constantly encouraging him into toy sword fights." Yet at this Sora rolls his eyes and says:
"No, he went to a magic school where he learned that you can use a Levitation charm to take out a Troll.""Do you want your little brother to be in danger?" Riku suddenly asks and Sora answers: "No, but I know he's my brother and I remember what he said when I read the title." At which Riku grumbles as Sora reads on.
Quirrell, however, … they'd thought.
"He reminds me of Clayton. Tarzan and Jane thought he was on their side, but in the end he chose the side of the Heartless and none of us saw it coming until he and the Stealth Sneak almost shot Kala and threatened the other Gorillas." Sora mutters and I feel shocked that Sora got to meet Tarzan before I focus on his reading.
In the … cracked yet.
"Actually, he reminds me – of me." Riku mumbles at the end and Sora looks at him worriedly as he says: "At first I believed Ansem really wanted what was best for me, but – the longer our journey took and the more complicated my tasks from Maleficent became, the more he made me rely on him and – the weaker I got to his convictions. In the end, when he was done with me, I was too weak to do anything when he just –."
By now Riku has his hands fisted in his lap and has his head down in a strong sense of shame, yet then Sora lies the book down and pulls the older boy close, hugging him and muttering words of love and comfort, which make Riku tilt his head up slightly with a grateful smile and while I feel myself missing Lea, do I also really worry for the other boy as he sounds worse than dad did when he blamed himself for Pettigrew's actions as Sora reads on.
Every time … Quirrell's stutter.
"I just hope that – Quirrell's benefactor doesn't remember who these students who laughed like that are. If he does, Dumbledore better give them the same guard detail he gave me over summer – if it's not too late already." I think to myself, working my hardest to suppress a shudder as I don't want to worry dad or Riku and wondering if Dumbledore himself ever thought about this as Sora reads on.
Hermione, however, … her notes.
"How many notes did she have?" Sora asks curiously and I say: "She was busy on that for a whole weekend as well the mealtimes of both the two days before the weekend and the Monday after." This shocks Sora and I sigh as I have no doubt that my annoyance at Hermione's study methods will cause quite some issues, especially now that my new gender means that I will change from sharing a dorm with Ron to sharing one with Hermione.
This is something that greatly concerns me as I remember how I responded to Mrs. Weasley a few chapters ago and I think: "I've always been able to hide my pain easier than my anger, not wanting to worry those who already have their own stuff to deal with. If I can't even hide that anymore thanks to my raging hormones having increased in strength, then my other emotions are just going to coming out like floodgates that have been opened."
And already I feel a strong sense of concern overwhelm me as I always believed this to be a fact, even when I was still Harry and while I feel quite amazed that I am already considering myself as me and Harry as another person, does it do nothing for the concern that I feel coursing through me, causing for my breath to become heavier, for sweat to start running down my form at several places and making me deaf to my surroundings.
"Jess! Jessica! JESS!" I suddenly hear and yelp, jumping up and, to my utter horror, landing with my skirt folded up against my waist, causing for everyone to get an actual look at my upper legs and the one thing I have been hiding this entire time; the fact that, even though Lady Destiny was able to provide me with a new bra, I am still wearing a pair of Harry's boxers that I only managed to shrink a little bit instead of regular panties.
"Wow, did not need to see that!" Sora says, making things even worse as he tries valiantly to hide his face behind the book and I snarl: "Well, you go and try to explain to your dad that you don't know how to change your old cloths into undergarments meant for your new current gender." At which my brother squeals: "Hell no!"
Making me smirk at him, loving the fact that we are really bantering in the same way I often see the Weasleys fight with each other before dad lies a warm hand on my shoulder and says: "Just take your trunk to the Video room and I will cast a gender change spell. That will instantly change all your male-wear into female. Just take out the cloths Lea gave you beforehand just in case." And I instantly feel a lot calmer and happily do as told.
Yet when I reach my bedroom, I realize two new problems as I remember what dad and I realized a few chapters ago and that Lady Destiny has already moved my entire wardrobe into the new walk-in closet. "New gender which probably means I need a new wand. How the heck am I going to get all of these cloths downstairs?" And I sigh in defeat before trotting back downstairs and back to the Reading Room where I turn to dad and say:
"I can't. Lady Destiny already moved all of my cloths to a walk-in closet that is also in my room and all of the cloths, even just by themselves, are too heavy to lift. And I'm too afraid to use my wand as I know just fine what happens when you try to use another person's wand." Yet this shocks dad and he asks: "A-another person's?" Yet at this I shrug and say: "Yes, in my past I was Harry Potter, but – it's like Tonks said a few chapters ago.
I feel right as me and to think of Harry as me – it's starting to feel wrong. I – I don't think I would have felt that way if I had been a Metamorphmagus like her, but – it's just part of what happened when I started feeling jealous of girls and how lucky they were with the gender they had and the benefits it carried."
"Even though I am definitely starting to notice a few disadvantages as well." I think to myself, feeling stupid over the fact that Harry never thought of the hardships that are wearing heels, putting on a bra or moving with severe height and weight differences, yet I keep this to myself as dad seems to recover from his shock.
The man smiles at me and says: "Alright then, I'll just separate the two myself and cast the spell, okay? Be right back." And I nod at him as he leaves before Sora asks: "But doesn't that make this reading a lot harder?" At which I shrug and say: "It's more that I find myself worrying about other stuff more than the reading."
And when Sora tilts his head at this, do I wait until dad comes back and then ask: "Hey dad, doesn't this whole thing with the wand probably no longer obeying me mean it would be better for me to make an appearance in Diagon Alley and visit Ollivander? And don't Sora and Riku deserve to get wands of their own?" But instead of dad does the powerful voice of Lady Destiny fill the room as she speaks: "No, your friend can help you."
At which I share a confused look with those in the room with me, but then dad says: "I can kind of get where she's coming from, sweetheart. The Wizarding World is already roasting you for the whole thing with Voldemort. They would eat you alive if they saw you like this. And without your wand, you'd just be more vulnerable than I would like, even with the Keyblade training." At which I sigh in resignation before Sora reads on.
Harry and … Nicolas Flamel."
"I personally would have started two weeks later, done some revising so I made sure not to have forgotten the stuff at the start of the year and then done some last minute cramming in the last week or so. Your mum on the other hand had this schedule where he read the whole book of one particular subject every night for the same time."
Dad tells us all and I say: "I personally would prefer a bit of mum's technique, but then with one of my friends testing me the next morning and only doing it for all subjects twice. Once at the start of the eight week thing and once just before each exam." At this dad nods and says: "That's a good way too. I like it." Before Sora reads on. Yet as he does, do I think: "Yeah, but is Hermione going to allow it once I start sharing a dorm with her?"
"But we're … into me..."
At this I groan as I just know Hermione would have actually done that had she not been Petrified the year following and I remember how much of that vigor she actually put in all of her classes in the year that followed. Sora actually stops in shock as he hears this before he asks: "I thought you and Ron got her to calm down." To which I groan: "Not that effectively – yet." And my brother smirks at me before he goes back to the book.
Unfortunately, the … wand movements.
"She does realize that different personalities means different ways of studying, right? And that she is falling back into the behavior that made Ron insult her in the first place?" Sora asks and I groan as I say: "It was one of the things Lea pointed out to her, I'm sure, though I also don't think Hermione will ever realize that when it comes to exams. They stress her out too much." And my brother winces before he goes back to reading.
Moaning and … library window.
"Well, of course you won't. You're not an extensive student like Hermione is. You need your breaks between studying much more than she seems to realize. Seriously, why aren't the teachers keeping an eye out for all this? What is with this crazy level of independence needed to be achieved by eleven year old kids?"
Riku asks exasperated and I snarl: "It got created by the reputation that Hogwarts has had since the war; the safest place on earth. Not even Voldemort dares tread here. It gave the teachers an ego and made them forget about the most important aspect of being a teacher; the students." And my family groans as Sora says: "So glad we're going to Campbrina instead of this place." And while I hate myself for agreeing with him, does he read on.
It was … in months.
"And let me guess, you, Ron and Hermione were the only ones who were studying indoors." Sora asks with a worried frown and I answer: "No, there were a few others – but they were all studying for their OWLs and NEWTs, which are Wizarding tests that can help further one's career, so I don't think they really count." And dad laughs at this as he says: "No, fifth and seventh years never count." At which Sora reads on while laughing.
The sky … the library?"
"What, is it illegal for teachers to be seen in the library?" Riku asks confused and I ask: "Remember what I said about that reputation? Even Hagrid was rarely seen anywhere other than the Head Table, the grounds and his own Hut. And the teachers weren't much better.""I agree with you, Sora. So glad that she's transferring." Riku mutters as Sora says: "We all are, remember?" Riku nods at him and dad smiles as Sora reads on.
Hagrid shuffled … a Philosopher's St –"
"You know, had you made that mistake this year, I would have been utterly furious with you. But considering that this is your first crazy adventure, I can't. You're just a bunch of kids and this is just a sign of how innocent you still were at that time." Dad sighs with a reminiscent smile on his face and this makes Sora read on happily.
"Shhhh!" Hagrid … of working.
"How long had you been working?" Sora asks and I groan as I say: "Five and a half hours. Madam Pince actually allowed us to have lunch there because Hermione believed that we would just slack off if we went to the Great Hall first." Yet this makes Riku glare and he asks: "I'm sorry, but why is that up to her to decide?"
At which I groan and say: "It isn't, but at the time I was really afraid of doing anything that could cost me my friendship and Ron couldn't distract her with an argument, so we didn't have much choice. And dad, you know how I feel about McGonagall as well as adults in general at the time." The man nods with a sigh and Sora reads on.
He came … Keeper's Guide."
And instantly Riku looks at me with great worry and I hurriedly say: "It never got to full-size. We managed to send it off before it could get to full size. Oh, and dad, I know you won't like this, but the teachers and their blindness to anything not part of the reputation is going to come up again." At which they all groan as Sora mutters: "Guess Lea's going to have to make a return trip sometime soon." Before he reads on.
"Hagrid's always … in Romania."
"Wait, Ron never said that. Well, he did, but not in that way. He said I can't even imagine the burns Charlie must have gotten from those in the Reserve. He never called them wild and he couldn't have seen them himself, Charlie only started the summer before our first." I say in shocked confusion and Riku says:
"Why change this? That doesn't even make any sense." But then I shake my head and say: "I didn't say it at first, but a few things have been missing from the last few pages. Most importantly that it was constantly other, older students who got Hermione to give us a break from all the studying." And the boy scowls as I mutter:
"I just wish they hadn't turned on me only a few weeks later.""What's that mean?" Dad and Riku ask, but I shake my head, not just in answer but also to, again, get rid of the memories and the realization that came with them and say: "I won't tell you. Not just because turning into – well me – has made the hurt feel new and fresh all over again, but because I'm sure it will be in either this chapter or the next." And Sora hurries with reading on.
"But there … said Hermione.
"Something that shouldn't be possible, considering how there should still be wards around Hogwarts that, if nothing else – ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE, YOU DIDN'T!" Dad shouts in utter rage and this terrifies me and before I can fully realize it, do I dive behind the couch and cower in fear.
"Jess. Jessica, I – I'm so sorry. I – I didn't –." Dad falters as he realizes what happened and I whimper softly, wanting to come out of my hiding place but feeling my body to have been petrified with the fear his shout caused me to feel and instead of that does dad gently move to my side of the couch and sit near me.
And while it had been his shout that had put me where I am now, do I instantly hide myself in his form, dad hugging me close against him and whispering words of both comfort and apology as he runs a hand through my hair and helps me calm down. And when my fear has receded, do I instantly feel it being replaced with shame.
"Dad, I – I'm so – I'm so so –." But dad shakes his head and says: "This was my fault, little one. I was just so furious at Dumbledore. He purposely took down or at least lowered the power of the Ward that keeps highly dangerous artefacts out of Hogwarts, just so he could keep that blasted Stone of his safe. Or so he tried."
He growls at the end and my eyes widen before I remember what Umbridge has been causing me the last few months and I wonder: "Dad, could – could it be that – that Dumbledore – that he forgot to put it back up at the – at the end of the year?" Yet before dad can answer do I see something that makes me feel even better.
A corridor of black smoke appears for a brief second before Lea appears from it vanishing and the fiery man seems startled for only a second before he asks: "Need another message send?" Yet before dad can say anything, do I feel my need for him overwhelm me and I switch my position, instead hiding within Lea's embrace.
The warmth of his form and the strength of his muscle mass feel incredible and I instantly feel the last dregs of fear, shame and concern leave me completely, the sensations replaced with comfort and relief at being back in one of the few places where I feel I truly belong, making the Kitsune within me feel like purring in delight.
"Did I miss something?" Lea asks and I mutter: "Just happy to see you." Not feeling like telling him what just happened between my dad and me and the elder teen smiles at me, using his head to raise my head a little before kissing me on the forehead, his lips leaving behind a warm glow of love as he says: "Good to see you too, Firefly."
He then looks further and says: "And wow, you look killer in a uniform like that. I mean, I know I saw your fellow students in it when I went to deliver the messages meant for your friends and teachers, but on you – it looks so much better. Like a completely different and more beautiful outfit." At which I giggle in embarrassed delight.
Lea then gently moves us over to the couch I share with dad and sits down, me happily cuddling into his form as I snuggle into his lap and he asks: "Not that I don't love this cute little kitten cuddling with me like this, can someone tell me why I was brought here?" And dad sighs as he takes a seat next to us and starts to explain.
"Hagrid, we just know even though we haven't read of it yet, managed to acquire himself a dragon – or at least a dragon egg – but that's not the problem. The problem lies with Albus. Just – just tell him to check up on the wards that are supposed to keep dangerous to highly dangerous artefacts out and to reactivate the ones he weakened."
And yet the more dad talks, the stronger the hold Lea has on me gets, until I whimper as I actually feel his fingers digging into my flesh, which is a lot weaker and easier to break than when I was Harry, yet Lea seems lost in his fury over all this as he instead asks: "So, why exactly would a Headmaster weaken wards like that?"
But before dad can reply, does Sora ask: "Are both of you trying to hurt her? Lea, for Keyblade's sake, loosen that damned grip, will you?" And Lea looks shocked before he seems to finally hear my whimpering as his nails have dug deep enough through my robe and shirt to cut into my delicate flesh and draw blood.
Instantly Lea pulls his hand back and Sora rushes over, but I stop him and say: "Let – let me try." And Sora grimaces, but nods and I summon my own Keyblade. Yet I do this with the arm that is bleeding and the weight added to my hand and arm cause a painful twitch to the skin of my shoulder, eliciting another painful whimper.
At this Lea uses his other arm to pull me closer and he whispers an apology into my hair as I swish the blade so that the tip is aimed at my shoulder and I mutter softly: "Cure." And feel sweet relief when my spell places leafs with healing properties onto my wound, the leafs merging with my skin and knitting it back together.
At this I sigh in relief and Lea smiles at me before he mutters another apology, yet I can tell by the look in his green eyes how regretful he feels and I softly peck him on the lips as I whisper: "It's okay. Go deliver the message. I'll be fine." And Lea mutters back: "I'll be back." Making me smile at him as I say: "Oh, you can be sure of that. We've been collecting a whole new set of problems these last few chapters." Making him smile before he vanishes in his usual shadowy portal.
I feel his body disappearing from under me and land on the couch we were sitting on, my inner Kitsune mewling in disappointment and loss of the one she loves most and dad sighs, pulling me close against him as he says: "Well, that could have gone better." At which I wince as I just know that either the end of this chapter or the start of next is probably going to entice the exact same if not worse of a reaction and I silently urge Sora to read on.
When they … from you."
"Hold on a second, that entire section is wrong. We told Hagrid how we found out and that's what made him decide to tell us, while he also voiced his confusion as to how Hermione's spell could have opened the door. Why did they add such a thing? Why such a strange change?" I ask, feeling utterly confused and then we hear it.
"My dear, forgive me. I added this chapter so you could see what it was like when a lady uses her natural skills to get what she wants. It was a skill I felt you might like to learn about for future endeavors with Lea. In this case, Hermione doing so would not have any negative effects on either you or Hagrid, so I decided to edit it. Please, forgive me." Yet I shake my head, only partially confused as to why the voice sounds so guilt-ridden and ask:
"But what about the other stuff? Like making it sound as if Ron and I both thought meeting Fluffy was a grand adventure, me believing Hermione to be an insufferable know-it-all or the fact that my dorm mates and others also got me presents for Christmas? Why did you leave that out?" And the lady shocks me as she doesn't answer. Instead of that does a powerful magical light appear below me and do I feel myself getting seated in a new lap.
And the sensation of being in Lady Destiny's lap actually makes me gasp as it brings forth a very familiar sensation, one I haven't felt in the longest time; the feeling of Aunt Lily holding me when I was but an infant and she pretended to be my mother. This sensation feels so wonderful and warm, I feel like crying in bliss. I cuddle close against her form, loving the way that she actually embraces me the same way mum does as she says:
"My dearest of child. One of the faults I believed was part of your life was that, as this and the years to come continued, you suffered more and more because your hormones were suppressed by all the horrid events that are yet to come and your righteous anger at your own fate was replaced by acceptance over the inevitable.
I merely wished to use the books of the past to prepare you for the harsh truth of the future. You accept too much without argument in the future, my sweet little one, and it puts responsibility on your shoulder that – even if you were to be my age – is not to be shouldered alone. However, barely anyone allows you to do otherwise.
I could not bear to have you face that future and while there is such a thing as a multiverse and while there is a dimension where the secrets of your parentage does not exist and while the future you will read of comes from that dimension, did I feel blessed with the fact that I had those secrets to toy with as I desired.
And all I desired – was to do whatever I could to see you smile – the way you did when you were given that very special offer." And with that does Lady Destiny smile at dad and I remember the offer he made me in my third, to offer me a home even before he was officially freed and I smile at him before Lady Destiny asks:
"Little Jessica, can you truly tell me that you have ever smiled in the same way you did that night since?" And while I feel horrible, guilty and downtrodden at first as I already know that Lady Destiny knows the answer, do I then remember the last few days I have spent here and I answer: "I have, Milady, ever since I came here."
And Lady Destiny smiles at me, pride at her own accomplishments shining in her ever changing eyes and she says: "Then I will happily work hard to ensure you keep getting chances at doing that, my dear girl. And yes, I did know of your desired wish; it was one you shared with many other versions of you from the other worlds in the multiverse and also one of my motivators to do this." At which I smile as she vanishes again.
"Little sis, no offense, but I don't want to know how horrible that other dimension future must have been for Lady Destiny to take this much of a liking of you and worry for you this much." Sora then says and for the first time in a long while do I not see a hint of his usual happy-go-lucky attitude I have grown to know and love these last few days as he really looks scared.
And while I don't want to admit it, do I agree with him, especially the part of Lady Destiny telling me that my so-called fate of the next couple of years shouldn't be shouldered alone even by someone like her, something that makes me feel as if all the fears I've had about the wars will come true and I turn a fearful glance at dad, who says: "I'll make sure Albus hears of this at earliest convenience. In the meantime." And he pulls out his wand.
"Sora, Riku, come over here, please." And my brother and his mate comply with the request before dad uses his wand to first levitate their couch over to ours and then uses it to merge the two together, creating one that is about a quarter the size of the benches that are usually on either side of the House Tables at Hogwarts. The man then motions for the two of them to join him and me on the couch and wraps his arms around all of us.
"I know what we're about to read isn't, probably, even half as bad as what we will read in the second half of your Fifth and after, but knowing that Lady Destiny fears for one of us – we better just stick a bit closer together for the rest of this book; just for each other's sense of comfort." And we all nod, me cuddling close against the man's form and shedding a few of the tears of fear that were trying to break free before Sora reads on.
Hagrid's chest … steal it."
"Why is Hagrid so willing to defend Snape like this? Isn't he friends with more Lions than Snakes?" Sora asks and dad sighs as he says: "It's because Dumbledore says that he trusts Snape. Words like that are like sacred to Hagrid; he just doesn't question them." And Sora and Riku share a concerned look before Sora reads on.
Harry knew … I'm boiling."
"Hate to say this, pup, but you will probably start to feel boiling for completely different reasons quite soon." Dad says with a grimace of discomfort and I look at the man in confusion, but he turns red and whispers: "It's better your aunt or one of your female friends explains this one to you." At this I shrug, not really caring as I remember Harry often wondering about the ways that women act and think. Then suddenly Sora asks:
"I just thought of something. Isn't something called a heat part of being a magical creature?" To which Riku asks: "How do you know that?" Sora shrugs and shakes his head, proving he has no idea as Sirius groans as he says: "Yes, but only after you have completed your bonding with Riku and Lea respectively – and I really don't want to think of either of you doing that just yet, thank you." At which we both cringe as Sora reads on.
"Can't, Harry, … be honest."
This shocks and startles Riku and then he starts to glare before shooting out of his seat and moving over to the Video room. My family and I share a shocked and worried look before we rush after him and yet when we reach the Video room, do we see the door to the Special Room closing behind him and we quickly proceed.
And when we pass through this door, do I feel like wincing when I see that Riku has asked Lady Destiny to get Hagrid here and the man looks as horrible as he did the first time we saw that he had returned after my last Quidditch match this year, yet Riku seems not to care for the bleeding injuries as he glares and with a dark, protective tone to his voice, does he snarl:
"Four years ago I trusted a man in a hood. It gave me the chance to leave my Islands and explore tons and tons of worlds, but it also gave the same man the chance to manipulate me up to the point that I became nothing more than his puppet and later, my body a host for his actual spirit. You are much older than me and have experienced the darkest sides of your world and still you never learned this? Never trust people whose faces you can't see."
Yet Hagrid just looks shocked and confused and asks: "What in the name of Merlin are you talking about? Who are you anyway? And where am I? How did you bring me here?" And I decide to help him out as I walk over, yet Riku keeps me behind him. I sigh and nod at him as I say: "Hagrid, this is Riku, my brother by bond through Sora. We're reading of my past, present and future and – well, we just reached the chapter about Norbert."
And yet the man looks even more confused when he sees me, that is until I speak of Norbert and he asks: "Wait a sec, Harry?" Which makes me sigh and say: "I'm going to assume Dumbledore hasn't told you of my gender change yet?" And the man shakes his head before he spots Sirius and he seems to decide something.
"Sirius, can I talk with you – private?" He asks, but dad crosses his arms across his chest and says: "No Hagrid, you can't. Jessica got this chance thanks to the approval of both myself and James – I'm sure Albus has told you about that already – and I am not going to let anything – anything – force me into hurting my only daughter.
And I know I will do worse than hurt my child, that I will betray her and all of the trust she has in me, if I let my decisions be controlled by anything other than my own experience, conscience and the help of my mate by Veela bond. And I also know that if I can't count on that, Jess will always have her brother Sora and his mate Riku. You, Albus and Minerva have had your chances this last decade and I can't say you made good use of it, so now it's my turn."
This shocks Hagrid and Sirius glares at him as he says: "You will always pick Albus if you were to pick between him and someone like Minerva. I do the same, but then my kids. And yes, Hagrid, I do pick my kids over the Order. I am a father and any father worth his salt would give his life for his kids and chose only what's best for them. And considering the fact that my kids are protected by Lady Destiny, I feel that's the best option available."
Yet as I look at Hagrid, do I feel my heart tear up as Hagrid seems unable to understand this and Riku growls: "Leave Jessica alone until you can realize how much your stubbornness will hurt her. Stay out of her life until you realize just how blind you are to the treasure that is her pure heart and loyalty to you." And before Hagrid can say anything does the light of Lady Destiny shine around him and make him vanish from the room once more.
I turn my face and sigh, pain etched onto my face as I can't believe that my first friend can't understand why family is so important to either my dad or me as Hagrid was always someone I voiced my feelings in regard to losing my parents to and I feel Riku hugging me close as he says: "He'll be alright. He'll understand."
And while I really want to believe him, do I feel disbelief fighting that need and I ask: "Did you really lose your body to someone else?" And Riku, who seems to disagree with me changing the subject, sighs as he says: "You'll see it in the first movie; it wasn't a pretty sight." Before Sora says: "That depends on how you see it. Did give you that incredible outfit, after all." And we both smile at him before we all return to the couch and Sora reads on.
"But what … rare, them."
"Those are rare because they were used by Grindelwald in the last war and the ICW decided to partially exterminate them and then transfer the leftovers to Reserves that were supposed to have better protections around them than Hogwarts. How the heck did Hagrid get an egg like that when there haven't been such in 4 decades?"
Dad growls, his face dark with the fury he must be feeling and I ask: "Is it a bad thing that it's hatched form is now in the Romanian Reserve?" But this, luckily enough seems to calm dad down and he says: "No, Romania is a pretty decent Reserve; not one of the chosen Reserves, but pretty close." And Sora reads on with a relieved sigh.
He looked … she said.
"Good Merlin, even I forgot about that!" Dad then moans and I wince at the fact that this just added extra stress to my already very worried father, but then I see Sora and Riku share a glance and Sora asks: "How do you think they'll respond to meeting our Merlin?" And this makes me hum in intrigue before Sora reads on.
But Hagrid … them nuts.
"Too much studying with breaks that were just too short?" Sora asks, but I shake my head and say: "More like that she tried to have us study more and more and more and more, the closer we got to exams. By the time this thing with Norbert ended, she even tried to force us into studying while we were eating in the Great Hall."
This shocks Sora greatly and dad shakes his head with his eyes closed and his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose as he says: "Part of me can get why she would try that as she must be driving herself crazy with her concerns for not passing onto Second year like she said, but still, this was something Minerva should have helped her with."
Yet the more we read this chapter, the more vivid the memory of the end result of this all becomes and the emotions I suppressed over McGonagall and how easily she turned her back on me at the end of that year as well as how off-handed and, sometimes even, outright useless she has been over the years come back full force as I mutter: "Trust me, McGonagall will do a lot in the years to come, but helping is often not one of them. Honestly."
Yet dad picks up on how affronted I sound and Sora asks: "Is this like when she awarded points instead of giving you detention to prove that your safety mattered?" But I growl: "No, it's both the opposite and it's worse." And while I start grumbling under my breath about stupid cats, does my brother read on, highly worried.
Then, one … It's hatching
"Why in Merlin – I mean, Gryffindor's name is he reporting that to you and your friends? He should be telling Dumbledore about that, not a bunch of kids he can endanger with such a dangerous beast." Dad snarls and I sneer: "Surprise, surprise, this is the one time Hagrid picks something over his undying loyalty to Dumbledore. The need to see if Ron and I can be like what he remembers of Ron's brother and my own mother respectively."
"Wait, he's willing to pick an illegally obtained egg over the loyalty to his boss, but not the health of an infant child left on a doorstep in the middle of mid-autumn? Are you for real?" Sora asks, but I look at him shocked and ask: "How the heck do you remember that?" At which my brother snickers and shrugs before he reads on.
Ron wanted … at all.
"So I'm guessing this is where Malfoy will head for Snape and report you, so that Snape can bully you into confessing about the note?" Dad asks and I hate to break the hope I can hear coming through his tone and I say: "No, I don't believe we will be reading of Snape for another 2 chapters or so." At which Sora sighs and reads on.
Ron and … and excited.
"Did you check to make sure Malfoy wasn't following you?" Riku asks and I nod as I say: "I was actually keeping Ron in tome until I saw Malfoy pass through the Suspension bridge. Just stupid of me that I didn't check to see if he went any further than the entrance or not." And the Veela mate winces at hearing this as his Veela reads on.
"It's nearly … the dragon.
"And he doesn't report this to the one teacher he knows loves making my child's life miserable for what reason?" Dad asks and I answer: "I can only assume it's because he loved the notion of having something to hold over our heads too much to think of that." At which both dad and Riku grumble before Sora reads on.
Something about … with him.
"Ehm, that's not entirely true either. Hermione was still too adamant on us passing our exams for that, so we only spent an hour each day trying to do that." I mutter and dad shrugs as he says: "I don't mind this change; shows that your loyalty to Hagrid is seriously incredible." Making the man smile at me proudly as Riku growls: "Not that he deserves it, considering he can't even properly return it." Before my brother reads on.
"Just let … Harry's ear.
"To be honest, I'm surprised the book is omitting something now." This worries dad and I say: "I could actually understand Ingleora perfectly. I was just so aggravated with Hagrid's cuddling and Hermione's constant nagging that I never told anyone. Must be why it's not mentioned." At this my dad frowns and asks:
"Does Albus know of this?" At which I shrug and say: "Probably. He's known I'm a Parsletongue for years. Though I will admit, the whole Dark Wizard thing is the whole reason I didn't use it in the First Task. I had enough of Rita Skeeter with just one article at the time, thank you." At which dad nods while grimacing as Sora reads on, while I try to, yet again, not let the memories of all those slandering statements get to me.
"Hagrid," said … the wild!"
"I know I've said it before, but are you trying to make me into a parrot? You just keep on proving that you are Sora's sibling, you know that. I mean, you were just surprised that Sora was able to remember how Hagrid had left you on a doorstep at the start of the book, but who else would have thought of something like that. Great X-Blade!" Riku exclaims in the end and Sora and I share a red-faced look of pride and joy before I see my dad scowl.
"What's wrong, dad?" I ask and everyone turns to the man as he says: "It shouldn't have been Harry who came up with that. Charlie is Ron's brother and Hagrid's favorite Weasley. Hagrid should have come up with the idea himself." And this makes me lower my head as I mutter: "It's because of what I said. He didn't want to contact Charlie, because he tried to see if Ron would love crazy dangerous creatures the same way Charlie did."
Yet then dad pulls me close against his side and whispers: "I understand, Jess. And I'm not saying I'm not proud of you for doing what others should have. My anger's not aimed at your brilliance, my little one, more at their lack of your brilliance." Which is enough to make me lower my head even more if only to hide my blushing face as Sora reads on.
"Brilliant!" said … the note.
"Thank goodness, that means the chapter's almost over, right?" Riku asks in utter relief and Sora quickly checks the book before he smiles and says: "Don't worry, Riku. Only four and a half pages left." At which the eldest brother of my friend Neville, who I suddenly realize hasn't had a chance to meet his older brother yet, lets out a sigh of relief, yet I know I don't agree with him or my own older brother as Sora reads on.
Dear Ron … and Malfoy.
"How did you plan to do that? Trick him into sharing whatever mode of transport you were planning to use for Nor – I mean, Ingleora?" But I shake my head and say: "I just wanted to stop him from having blackmail material, nothing more. His smirks were just too annoying." At which Riku nods and dad smiles at me as he says: "And that makes you the better person, Jess. Better than either your mum or me." Before Sora reads on.
There was … dragon bite?
"No. I don't believe she's allowed on the sites of the English Reserves and she never has to deal with such bites either, not even during the war. As long as you have a valiant excuse, nothing should – I'm asking for the impossible, aren't I?" At which I groan and ask: "Am I me or not?" Making the others tense up with renewed concern as Sora reads on.
By the … doing this."
"I don't mean to sell you short, Ron, but people like Malfoy – they don't need events like that as an excuse to be nasty like this. They just are, period." Dad growls and while I know that he gained plenty of experience with that in his youth, do I also look at Riku, whose face proves the same before Sora hugs him tightly as he reads on.
Harry and … of Norbert."
"No offense meant, but why did Ron have that letter anyway? Because it was his brother's?" Riku asks, but I shake my head and say: "It was more a case of my usual bad luck. We thought we were smart by having the letter switch bags on a daily basis. Malfoy just had to prove us wrong." Here Riku cringes and dad shrugs as he says: "Even the best laid out plans can go wrong when luck is in the way." Sora nods at this and then reads on.
Harry and … after all."
"He did not want to know what that baby was saying." I groan, utterly glad that I can finally reveal that I have always been able to understand dragons and dad asks: "Do I want to know?" And I quickly answer: "Let's just say I was glad it was getting warmer as it gave me an excuse to my red cheeks." At which Sora laughs and reads on.
The baby … to do.
"And if it weren't for the fact that that crazy dragon had actually learned a few new curse words in the process. I can only assume that, the way I could understand Ingleora, Ingleora could understand Fang and that Fang wasn't too happy with the bite in his tail." I mumble to myself and dad groans, making Sora laugh again as he reads on.
It was … torn off.
"Did Hagrid have an auto-repairing charm on that teddy?" Dad asks and I mutter: "I doubt it, though we did receive a letter from Charlie saying that Ingleora had a really weird bedding in her crate when they arrived. I can only assume there was more than one teddy in there." Which makes my family laugh before Sora reads on.
"Bye-bye, Norbert!" … much easier.
"It also really didn't help that a few staircases decided to change at the last minute and that Ingleora was rattling and making the crate dangle whenever she ripped another teddy apart. Though I was glad for the extra strain, gave me yet another excuse.""I don't want to know!" Dad yelps at this one and I giggle as Sora reads on.
"Nearly there!" … the ear.
"That Sorting Hat made one giant mistake putting that kid in Slytherin. Seriously, it should have waited with Sorting him as fast as it did. How is that cunning? How is that sneaky? And why am I complaining about this?" Riku grumbles in the end, making me try hard to hold back another giggle before Sora continues to read.
"Detention!" she … advised her.
"Hermione actually can get quite loud sometimes with her vocals when she sings. It was a bit of a tradition we started back then where Hermione would sing for Ron and me in the common room when she noticed we had trouble with our homework. Usually helped until she would get too loud." I cringe in the end as Sora returns to reading.
Chuckling about … going... gone.
"This went too easy." Dad suddenly growls and I turn to him as he says: "Maybe I'm reading into this too much, but considering how it became easier for me to get to you the further the year progressed, this event went off too easy for my taste." And while I hate to agree with the man, do I grimace at him as Sora reads the last bit.
They slipped … the tower.
At which Riku slaps a hand over his eyes and Sora groans as dad moans: "Called it." To which I turn red and hide my face as well as I can between my hunched shoulders, yet then dad hugs me close and says: "Don't worry, little one. You still beat your dear sweet mum. He lost the cloak even before Christmas the first time around."
At which I look at the man in utter shock and dad nods as he says: "Damned thing was in Moony's possession for the rest of the year. Your grandpa even punished your mum one time more by telling Moony to also give him lectures on Ancient Artefacts and responsibility, which he did once a week, every week until our First year exams took him the same way they took Hermione." At which I cringe before we all gasp in shock.
This because, out of nowhere, the door to the Video Room opens and a huge pile of gifts and wrapped up items flows through it. We look at the floating pile of at least three to four hundred items with slack jaws and then spot Lupin on the very end of the pile, using his wand to levitate the whole thing into the room with us.
"Found a little more than I expected. Found both the gifts I have been sending you, Jess. As well as a whole slew of other stuff. And before any of you say anything, I've already run all this by both Alastor and Lady Destiny. This is actually the pile of everything given to you by people who loved you for who you are, not your title.
It does contain a huge amount of gifts from people who are grateful to you for Halloween, but they are only really genuine gifts; like gifts from those who actually feared for their lives and believed that Halloween would be their end or that they would die sometime that year. The rest is gifts from people who knew your mum and Aunt Lily."
Yet while the man explains all this, using his wand to separate the huge ball into two groups as he talks and then using it to indicate each group respectively, can I still not believe how huge the now two piles of stuff are and Sora asks: "Do I want to know how much bigger the pile was that you originally found?" And Remus answers: "Six and a half times as big, but that was mostly because of how long people have been sending these over the years, both people who who took their gratitude a little too far and people who had hurtful intentions."
And this makes me lie slack against the couch as I can barely even comprehend the idea of over 1800 to 2400 gifts having been hidden somewhere, making me wonder if someone might have intercepted them and then hid them in a vault at Gringotts or something before dad asks: "Where did you find all this anyway?" And Lupin shocks me as he says: "You're not going to believe it; Godric's Hollow." And we both look at him shocked.
Hey everyone,
Editing and changing this chapter went absolutely GREAT! I got to add a wonderful couple of things such as Harry's well-known obliviousness to girls and continue onto the fact that Jessica is, unfortunately, unable to cast magic due to her not recognizing herself as Harry anymore. I also feel as if I managed to expand on the bonds she has with Sora, Sirius, Riku and Lea and I LOVED those bits the most.
Also, I MIGHT add a bit to a later chapter of Riku and Neville spending time together – probably sometime around chapter 44 or so and at some point between chapter 49 and 52, Lea will be called back to deal with all of the problems Sirius and the others wrote down in regards to the teachers. I'd do it sooner, but – it just feels like it fits better.
What do you think,
Venquine1990
